Run out of town again in some backwater in Metinna, I am safe, the Alderman paid me well and warned me. Eskel's voice whispered across Jaskier's mind mid-performance, stilling him for a beat before he was supposed to, and it took a lot for him to not scowl. Not at the disruption of Jaskier performing his new song based on Eskel but because of the news.
When his set was finally done, he had moved towards his table where Essi and Pris were waiting with raised brows and slammed the small green notebook down, his hand going to the necklace and Eskel's name across his mind.
Where?
Ramshorn. Eskel replied amused.
He was smart, he had stopped asking after the third time this happened. My thanks Eskel, be safe.
Essi and Pris watched with amused smiles as Jaskier scowled down at the green notebook, flipped to certain pages and scribbled down a town name. They were surprised the first time it happened, laughed as Jaskier nearly fell off the stage but grew concerned as fear rippled across his face, hand grasping the pendant at his neck.
Once righted he scowled down the floor like he would Valdo Marx and hastily scribbled in the new notebook he acquired the first day back. He explained that he had met one of Geralt's brothers after the Bardic Competition in Novigrad the previous year and gave him a way to communicate so what happened there wouldn't happen again.
Well, mainly so that Jaskier knew Eskel was not starving from pushing himself because of asshole towns, but he began to keep track and he passed those town names along to both of them and all their friends. They were blacklisted by Jaskier the Bard and many of his friends and students went along with it.
It did begin to spread that if you were harsh to a Witcher then the music won't reach your doors, funnily but it seems it still had not reached the south.
"Your Witcher good?" Pris asked after a beat, nudging the ale closer.
Jaskier sighed and took a deep drink. "He's not my Witcher."
"Oh, we know that Jask, we know your heart beats for a wolf of white." Essi laughed. "But you call him a friend and you care for him like a mother goose."
"Watch it Little Eye, I'll turn that on you in a moment if you desire, don't think I didn't see you popping out of Mattis's window in the wee hours of dawn." Jaskier drawled, a smirk pulling at his lips as Essi held up her hands in surrender. "But he is fine, just run out of another town. At least the Alderman didn't stiff him and gave warning."
"Well, that's good then!" Pris exclaimed with a cheery smile and ruddy cheeks.
"Jask, promise me you won't be mad." Essi urged low; her eyes locked on a spot over her friend's shoulder. "Promise you won't be rash."
"Now why would I be rash?" Jaskier laughed before tensing as a familiar-sounding voice cleared their throat behind him, sending up a spark of irritation. "Fuck."
"Now Julien I know you lower yourself at this time of year, but do you really need to be so crass in the presence of ladies?" Valdo Marx sneered ignoring the scoffs from Essi and Priscilla and kept his eyes on Julien.
Jaskier swallowed his rage as he closed his book and placed it back in his breast pocket, turning to Valdo with agitation. "What do you want Valdo, I'm here minding my business celebrating Essi's birthday."
"You've been requested by the Chancellor of the Academy," Valdo explained simply.
"You say requested but I know you mean summoned." Jaskier sneered back while standing and gathering his things, turning to Essi with an apologetic look.
Essi waved off the apologies, she knew that this was not Jaskier's fault and by the looks of pleasured glee on Valdo's face for disrupting Jaskier's night she knew who to blame. The Chancellor would only summon one of them for something dire if it was suggested and knowing how far up the chancellor's ass Valdo is then well…
"I'll tell Shani the news," She replied watching as a wince flickered across Jaskier's face.
"Give her my apologies, tell her I'll try and see her before I leave," Jaskier replied before turning on his foot and striding out of the tavern with haste, completely ignoring Valdo's angry huffs and puffs from behind him. Though he did take pleasure in the fact that Valdo struggled to keep up.
They made it to the Chancellor's office quickly and when Jaskier threw the door open with sheer annoyance he paused, his eyes gliding over the Chancellor's face to the Witcher that stood off to the side. He was tall, with dirty red hair hung around his face and casting it in shadow, brown leather armour, bombs and a snarling wolf pendant.
A deep sigh escaped his lips. "What has he done?"
"I've done nothing!" The Witcher snarled with a snap of his teeth.
Jaskier frowned at him. "I know that I'm asking what he, has done to you?"
"Julien! That is not why you were summoned." The Chancellor exclaimed displeased, but Jaskier took the sweet pleasure in seeing the snarl of the wolf drop into one of confusion, oh it always made him giddy with amusement.
"Then why am I here Chancellor? Valdo only told me that I was summoned and considering who I am and that you have a Witcher here looking displeased, do excuse me for jumping to conclusions." Jaskier explained dryly, his eyes taking in the Witcher once more.
There were no wounds on him, his cheeks didn't look hollow like Eskel's did when they first met, armour clean and undamaged. But he was tense, even with his arms crossed Jaskier could see the knuckle white grip he had on a small dagger.
"I was hired to clear out the Zeugls in the sewers while I was here." The Witcher replied gruffly, talking over the odious man he was trying to deal with in irritation. "Am not pleased my plans were put on 'old but coin is coin."
Jaskier nodded in understanding, it was only once a year or so where Oxenfurt would hire a Witcher to cull the Zeugls in the sewers down to a manageable level, they did indeed keep the waters down there clean. Though he can't recall the last time that happened. "And why was I summoned?"
"Well, we need someone to show him, Valdo recommended you, Julien, as you are acquainted with Witchers." The word was politely spat as an insult causing the anger in Jaskier to rise once more, his hands clenching behind his back.
Turning his eyes to the Witcher he hummed. "How much were you offered, Lambert?" He asked, taking a guess of the name. As he had already met Eskel then Jaskier took a guess that this was the Prickly brother Lambert and from the widening eyes and slack jaw he guessed correctly.
"400 crowns," Lambert replied through gritted teeth once he snapped his jaw shut. How, how the fuck did this human know his name?
Jaskier spluttered in outrage. "400 crowns? To clear the infestation? The normal price for that is 1000 crowns."
"Julien this is all that the…" The Chancellor started and spluttered as Julien stormed forward with rage in his eyes. He had heard rumours of course of Julien's temper when it came to how Witchers were treated but he had always assumed it was an exaggeration, how could a man so happy inspire fear in others but as he stared at the burning blue eyes of the man before him well… "Alright 1000 crowns."
A sharp smile pulled at Jaskier's lips as he stepped back and nodded. "We will take half now and half when the Job is done. Thank you, Chancellor, for your generosity, come Lambert I'll take you to the entrance."
Lambert followed the strange human out of the room, his frown deepening as the fear grew in the other pathetic human when the strange one walked past. Huh, what the fuck on earth was this man to inspire more fear than a Witcher?
Once they were out of the academy and view of people Lamber struck, pushing the man into the closest dark alley and held a dagger to his throat in a blink of an eye, yet the human still didn't smell of fear. "Who the fuck even are you?"
"Well Geralt did say you'd stab first and ask questions later, also said you were a prick." Jaskier chuckled out in a gasp as the Witcher's arm on his throat pressed more. It was a beat after he spoke was he able to breathe deeply as Lambert let him go like he was burned.
"Fuck! FUCK of fucken' course you're Geralt's little boy toy." Lambert spat in fury, masking the confusion that still ran rampant in his chest since the peacock bard strode in through the door.
Confusion swept through Jaskier at that, boy toy? "I think you're mistaken; Geralt has no interest in me, but we are friends. Now, how about we go get this job done so you can get paid and be on your way to where you need to go."
Lambert's hackles raised as he turned to snarl at the human once more, pausing as he saw the smirk on the human's face. "I don't mean to make it seem I want you gone, it's the exact opposite but I know you're pissed about your plans being delayed."
"You're a fuckin' strange human, but I can see how you got under Geralt's skin." He muttered after a moment and began to follow the bard once more.
Everything within him screamed that he could trust the man, oddly enough. Geralt trusted him, trusted him enough to allow him to walk their Path. It was even odder that the human-Julien kept his back to him in a silent show of trust, even after having a dagger held at his neck. He had even threatened the head of the Academy to get the correct price.
Fuck, it had been a long time since a human had treated him kindly. He was used to that from Aiden but this, this was different. Lambert didn't know if it was a good or bad different, just that it made him feel like he had gas.
"I'm supposed to meet a friend, that's why I'm angry but this will keep my purse full for a while and I couldn't pass it up," Lambert explained in a rush, stilling Julien's steps. Blue eyes peered back at him softly and Lambert felt very uncomfortable with the stare. "What?"
With a slight shake of his head, Jaskier began to lead once more. "I take it that this was an arranged meeting and if you miss it then they will think you're dead?"
"In a way, we don't see each other when Winter sets, he's from a different school and is banned from Kaer Morhen. This is the only time I can see him." Lambert admitted and scowled as he realised that he said more than he intended.
"I take it he's more than a friend," Jaskier asked softly, hesitantly as he heard the emotion in Lambert's voice.
A growl left his lips followed by a sigh, for some reason it was easy to speak with the Bard than with his brothers, perhaps because he knows that this human wouldn't judge him. "Yes, he's… He's my… Aiden."
My Aiden… the words came out mangled, but they sounded so right saying.
Jaskier laughed and pushed down the jealousy and heartbreak. The reason he was able to make it back to Oxenfurt for Essi's birthday was because Geralt had left him in an inn several towns over when Yennefer showed up. This wasn't the first time, and it wouldn't be the last, nevertheless, it still hurt just as much if not more. Worse now when he heard Lambert's voice dripping in awe.
"Tell me what he is like?" Jaskier asked through the lump in his throat and begged every deity he knew that the Witcher wouldn't pick up his emotions.
A boisterous laugh escaped Lambert's lips as he lifted the sewer grate Jaskier gestured to him. "He's crazy as a bag of cats, fitting since he is one; but he's more than that. Loyal, charming, puts me in my place and fucks like a bull."
"That last part I didn't need to know Lambert." Jaskier laughed before eyeing the darkened hole before him, his nose scrunching at the smell. "Look, when you finish this come to my chambers, I'll have a bath ready and some food for you. Rest at mine till you've recovered and then I'll go back to the Chancellor with you to make sure that he gives you what is owed."
Lambert cocked his head to the side and took in a lungful of air. Under the stench of the sewer was the smell of sunshine, honeysuckle and chamomile, a lingering bitter taste of anger and ale but there was no deceit there. A hum escaped his lips giving the bard a sharp nod before dropping down into the sewers.
"Wait I didn't even tell you where I live!" Jaskier called down into the darkness earning a deep laugh in return.
"I'm a Witcher, Julien, if I couldn't find you after this then I would be a poor one." Lambert's voice carried back to him as he moved further away and if Jaskier's hearing was any less than what it was then he wouldn't have heard it in the first place.
A huff escaped his lips at the antics and bemoaned his luck when it came to Witchers. Though his exasperation didn't last long Jaskier made his way back to the small apartment given to him by the Academy in exchange for teaching over winter and prepared what was promised. He'd feel bad tomorrow about missing Essi's birthday, but she would understand.
The night grew late and Jaskier covered his mouth as another yawn escaped, his eyes drooping as he prepped the table with Swallow and bandages just in case before flopping down on the chaise. He'll just rest his eyes for a moment.
It seemed like just a blink later when the loud bang of the door jolted Jaskier up out of a deep sleep, his heart racing and dagger drawn as he looked into the darkness for the source of the noise. A flicker of light had Jaskier jolting but then the hearth roared ablaze, finally revealing Lamber leaning heavily on the door, coated with viscera and blood.
"Are you hurt?" Jaskier demanded as he pulled Lambert into the room, his fingers going to all the buckles of the armour with deft movements, letting them drop to the floor.
Lambert hissed as nimble fingers found the jagged teeth marks one of them left on his side, grunting as he was shoved towards the bath and into the water. It was cold but with another burst of Igni, it was warm once again.
"There were more of them than expected," Lambert grunted, snarling as Julien poked and prodded at the aching wound on his back.
"Oh, enough of that, you have legitimately got a broken tooth in your shoulder blade," Jaskier replied firmly, his fingers curling around the spindly thing and yanking. "Here drink this."
On reflex, Lambert popped the cork on the vial and downed the… "Fuck Bard, some warnin'." He snarled as he felt the familiar effect of Kiss sear through the wounds.
"Don't be a baby," Jaskier replied as he began to stitch the wound. "This looks like an unusually large tooth, obviously by the fact that it pierced to the bone."
Lambert shrugged with his good shoulder; he wasn't wrong. The thing was twice the size it should have been and just as cantankerous as a viper. The nest was larger than expected, the massive beast just giving birth to the bastards. "It was old, they tend to grow large. Hard to strike with a sword but bastards not immune to bombs."
Jaskier's hand stilled, and he stared intently down at the back of Lambert's head. "You didn't."
Chucking a grin over his shoulder at the bard Lambert snorted at the incredulous look, though he did feel his hackles rise as the look turned a bit too familiar for his tastes, one that Vesemir gave often. "Now don't you go lecturin' me bard, bomb didn't destroy any of ye' precious sewers, just the beasts."
"Well, the wound is stitched, wash up and there's food on the table," Jaskier stated with a yawn and staggered away, his exhausted brain already forming lines of prose and music to a song. "I've only got the one bed but I'm used to sharing with Geralt, so you won't disturb me."
Lambert watched the human stagger towards the bed and fall face first into the bedding, the sheer amount of trust this Bard of Geralt's was giving him was staggering. Honestly, Lambert didn't know if Julien was mad as a Cat or just genuinely friendly. It didn't take long for Lambert to finish washing and pulling back on his small clothes and just stared uncertainly at the bard.
He could meditate, could even go to an inn to find a room considering his shit was still with Horse in the stables where he was accosted by that fear-reeking human… but something stilled him. Julien offered him food, a bed with no cost… a deep sigh escaped his lips as he slid under the covers, stiffening when Julien rolled over and cuddled into him.
Warmth flooded through Lambert and he found himself reluctantly settling into the bed, his hand curling around the human in his arms carefully, pulling him closer and letting the smell of honeysuckle and chamomile wash over him… and if his brothers ever found out about this then well, he'll blame the bard.
X
Jaskier woke to being unceremoniously shoved from the bed, his body hitting the floor with an undignified yelp. He peered up at the boisterously laughing Witcher with a glare as he rubbed the sore spot on his hip.
"You really are an asshole." He grunted as he stood, stretching his arms up high till his back popped.
"Couldn't resist," Lambert replied with a chuckle as he strapped his swords on his back once more. "I need to be off, you said you'd come to make sure they gave me what's owed. Don't trust the smarmy bastards after the whole 400 crowns for a usual 1000 crown job."
A scowl pulled at Jaskier's brows. "Don't remind me, it was bad enough I had that insufferable Valdo Marx come drag me away from my friend's birthday celebrations but the fact they tried to short-change you, well, it infuriates me."
"It really does, doesn't it?" Lambert asked with a slight tilt to his head, reminding Jaskier of a puppy. "It isn't just a ruse to you, not some way to keep fame, ye' truly do care for us."
"Of course, I do!" Jaskier replied ferociously. "I have my reasons, but the bullshit people think of you all, how they treat Witchers just… there is no words in any language to accurately tell you how that infuriates me."
"Hmm."
Taking a few deep breaths Jaskier gathered himself and began to get ready for the day, forgoing all the beauty routines he keeps in place here for something quick, he didn't want to push Lambert's patience more than it already was. All the while he ignored the stare on his back like a brand.
"Alright, let's go." Jaskier gestured for the Witcher to exit first as he gathered his lute case and his coin purse. "I really hope Valdo isn't there, the man's insufferable."
The walk from his rooms to the Academy was quick considering they were rooms for the teachers, but it was filled with Lambert giving details over a hunt with Aiden, ironically, they weren't supposed to meet for another month but were hired for the same job by two different towns. What they thought was a simple nest of Arachnomorphs turned out to be a nest of Venomous Arachas.
Honestly, Jaskier was glad that another Witcher wasn't like his own when it came to details. In fact, Lambert went into depth of certain things when Jaskier asked. His next ballad would be certainly interesting, he already had a song for Eskel, Lambert's might take a bit to get right though.
Thankfully Valdo Marx was not present when they reached the Chancellors' chambers and they made it out before the first chime of the morning bells.
"My thanks," Lambert grunted once they reached the stables where his horse was kept, his eyes down as he saddled him. "For helpin', wasn't needed but appreciated."
Jaskier could see that it took a lot for Lambert to say those words and he hid his smirk as he ducked down to pull out a charm, again it was intended for Geralt but it seems his brothers need the more. "Here, I know you don't really need it but if you ever need help, no matter how small just hold it and think of me and I'll come."
"Pass."
"Look, I know you're a big bad Witcher and nothing can hurt you, but really, it'll make me feel better to know that if you truly needed help then I could do so. Geralt gets hurt in enough places where I can't go get him because I'm too far away and I only know about it when we meet again but..."
Lambert scowled at the little pendant the bard held up, he could feel the magic radiating off it from here, his medallion vibrating once before stilling. Odd. Yet, Lambert hesitated; eyeing the charm. He also really wanted the bard to stop talking. "Does it work both ways?"
"What do you mean?" Jaskier asked with a confused frown.
"If you need me, can you do the same?" He asked.
Understanding dawned on Jaskier's face and he nodded. "Yes, but I wouldn't dare, I don't want to accidentally distract you on a hunt."
A grunt escaped Lambert once more as he made a show of reluctantly taking the pendant and dropping it over his head. Something oddly settled within him, his hand pressing it against his medallion. It had been the first gift he had received from someone who wasn't Aiden or his brothers.
Fuck, this human just barged through all his defences in a night, how the fuck did that happen?
"If you need me, really need me then do so. Can't have Geralt's Bard die on the Path when separated, he's already a moody fuck." Lambert grunted out gruff, masking his pleasure with it.
Yet the damn peacock smiled at him like he saw through it.
"May the Path be easy for you Lambert," Jaskier chuckled out as Lambert hoisted himself up his horse.
A disgruntled snort left Lambert. "The Path is never fuckin' easy, you should know that. I'd say it's been fun but…" He ended with a shrug.
Smirking at the grumpy Witcher, Jaskier grinned. "Don't be a stranger, Sweet LambLamb. Don't make me hunt you down, keep in touch."
Lambert reared back at the nickname and snarled down at the smirking bard, still admiring the way the fucker doesn't even flinch at his rage. Grumbling Lambert lets out the laugh that had been bubbling and leans down to shove the bard gently as he begins to move forward. "Fuck off you lil' shit, I'll keep in touch."
With that he was pushing Horse off, giving a last look at the strange human waving at him. Fuck, he's got so much shit to tell Aiden and hell to give Geralt come Winter. For once, he can't wait.
Author Note: Man, Lambert is hard to write D: I was planning on posting this yesterday but after working for 12hrs and a chest infection the body said no, so here you go! Next is Aiden!
