Chapter 4

* the contents of this chapter have been edited. Enjoy *

(Beorn) Past

It had waisted away most of his chaos, the life within his youthful hands had been sacrificed their flesh warped and aging against brittle bones. Fire was a forbidden magic; it could only destroy and consume those who channel from it, it requires from its used great sacrifice. Beorn had sacrificed enough, his blood, life, even his own chaos; Beorn was fixated and had long since lost himself in the enduring turmoil of finding their child of prophecy. The story foretold of a child, a powerful mage, and an unceremonious death. The child was pathetic, weak, Beorn scoffed. No man, woman or demon of this world could defeat him, nor would he allow a pathetic dryad to overcome him and his king. There would be no way.

Beorn had found the in a small town called Spruce Grove, the entirety of it was made up of only a few small homes consisting mostly of vast farmlands in which the quiet residents tilled the earth and kept mostly to themselves. Beorn had no morality within his heart and did not spare even a soul from his fiery vengeance. As he walked down the dirt path to the final house atop a hill, he left a blaze of burning land and buildings in his wake. Crackling beneath the nights sky, families could be heard for miles crying and begging for their lives. Beorn ignored their calls; his black eyes were wild as his chaos reigned over him. If he could not, simply find the child they would all die in her place! Just one more home. His rage was powerful, but his magic was nearly spent.

The house was bright against the flames that surrounded it, there was no means of escape. Beorn approached the home and heard through the wooden doors as a babe cried out for the warmth of its mother. Beorn eagerly pushed open the door, the room was alighted as the fire glinted in through the windows, it was the dancing shadows of the flame and smoke that caused her restlessness. "You." Beorn outstretched his hand, "I found you." He could feel her magic, feel its intensity, feel her destiny. The infants' eyes shimmered blue like little flashes of lightening; she was helpless. Beorn let a smile creep across his aged face as he began raised his sickly arms over her to recite an incantation. Startled by a glaring presence against his back he turned only to reveal an empty nursery, nothing more. Beorn paused unable to conceal his doubt. The room remained still, quiet yet Beorn waited in his suspicions. The baby continued to cry, tears streaming down her soft cheeks until there was a sound, like a flash and silence there after. Beorn turned back to the infant and saw nothing.

The old mage slammed his fist against the empty crib, his charge of chaos collapsing the wood beneath his hands. The cabin shook with rage as Beorn screamed.

(Carissa the Nymph) Past

All Nymphs are physically fit and perfectly adjusted to their environments. Carissa was pale and looked almost human, a rare case in which many nymphs were not blessed. Carissa came out of the dark shadows of the room and wrapped her slender arms around the infant, teleporting out of the burning city and into the nearby forest safe from danger. It was rare a nymph was able to use magic, but Carissa was a powerful exception. "My child." She breathed a sigh of relief. "You will not be safe unless…" Her eyes began to draw heavy of tears, "Take this." Placing a familiar medallion into the child's coat Carissa shrouded her magic. "Now," Her hand traced the baby's cheek as she chirped happily up at her mother, "He will not be able to find you." Carissa smiled down at the baby her heart tearing into pieces knowing she would not be able to remain with her daughter. "Lucky for me you can pass as human. But I will always be here to protect you, Kai-lynn." Carissa pulled the infant close and squeezed her gently as she strengthened her reserve. The moment did not last them long as horses could be heard at the distant edges of the forest, they were coming. Carissa's breath hastened and her magic flickered again. The two were gone.

(Kailynn)

Kai clasped her hands together and pushed out away from her body wading forward and deeper into the water. There was a splash around her as she glided into the depths of the lake letting her body relax and bathe. Lake water was dirty, cold, and grimy. Kai much preferred the clean hot bath of an inn and was happy she had taken the opportunity to bath herself at Oxenfurt. The blood had long since dried and dissipated within the water. Kai was nude, her body consumed by the lake, dripping and carefree. Spinning onto her back and relaxing into the water she felt her body become weightless and just let herself float against the serene scape. Kai took a breath, her legs and arms relaxing as they hovered in place. The medallion was long gone, but it still called out to her. Trying to ignore the whisper of chaos Kai closed her eyes. Her body submerge deeper into the water, she let the cold water distract her from her surroundings a moment before breaching the surface again and inhaling desperately. Her head was dizzy and she headed back towards the waters edge.

The fire was easy to light, she had done it a million times before. Today her mind felt weary, tired, and she was desperate to rest. As the fire flickered to life Kai stoked it and stirred the embers making sure it was bright and warm for the night. Kai-lynn wanted to forget the days events but felt herself gleaming toward her pouch, she grasped it and smiled successfully as she fingered through the last of the coin she had stolen. There was not much left over but she felt successful in her endeavours. Geralt could have taken everything from her.

Kai dressed herself in layers due to the brisk nights air, her blonde hair was tied up and pinned into a clump of freshly wet knots that dripped down onto her injured shoulder. The cut on her neck was barely a scratch now, but the Witcher had pushed her into the tree with vigor causing her shoulder to dislocate. Kai was able to sinch it back into place, but a bruise was already beginning to form. Kai was sure it would be tender for the next few days. The White Wolf did not seem to want to hurt her… Kai thought to herself as she recalled the days events. What did he want? The medallion. Kai dug into the depths of her leather pouch and made sure it was gone. In some ways she felt more at peace without it, but her curiosity could not be so easily quenched. Kai's thoughts quickly raced back to the vision of a cloaked figure and an overwhelming sensation of fear overtook her. The maiden tried to calm racing mind and wrapped her warm cloak over her shoulders in comfort. Kai held her arms together and rubbed her forearms in a soothing motion, blinking away all thoughts of the vision and rolling her neck as it began to cramp with fatigue. It was nothing. She told herself, over and over. The cold water of the empty lake had soothed her aching body and Kai was ready to make camp for the night.

(Geralt/Jaskier)

They travelled into the early morning despite Jaskier's protests. The woods seemed quiet, empty. Geralt would have been at peace, had he been alone on his journey. Jaskier insisted on joining him, his muse. Jaskier watched, waited intently for anything to happen. The walk was long and Jaskier was on foot. Roach would not allow a second mount, and neither would Geralt if he could help it. "How much further?" Jaskier questioned, "Have you seen these boots they aren't meant for-"

"Another days walk up the hillside." Geralt interrupted. Hopeful Jaskier would shut up.

"And we don't plan to rest? My feet are-"

Geralt interrupted Jaskier again, "We already waisted enough time on your lapse in judgement." Geralt side eyed his companion with a smirk.

Jaskier held his mouth agape in frustration, "Wh - My lapse in judgement?" A deafening pause let Geralt know that Jaskier completely agreed with him. In his hesitation Jaskier was reminded of Kira's piercing eyes and the passion that emanated from them. How he swooned as her soft hands caressed his body, and how decadent her supple lips tasted. For a second, Jaskier forgot he hated her. "I was enchanted." He said pointedly, not really wanting to discuss it further. Jaskier strummed his lute gently as his mind wandered to the night before, recalling how the beautiful thief looked in the fire light as she bathed her fair skin with hot steaming water. Jaskier, her voice called out to him, and his eyes glossed over for a time. Geralt noticed but let Jaskier's mind wander as they continued forward. The silence was pleasant.

The story is this

She will destroy with her sweet kiss…

"I still can't believe you just gave her the coin." Jaskier held his hand against the lute to stop the melody. "She could have killed me."

"She didn't." Geralt commented.

"And if she had? Would you avenge my death?" Jaskier smiled up at his friend charmingly.

"I would." Geralt glanced at Jaskier only for a moment. It was as close to telling Jaskier that he was his friend that Geralt would get.

"You do like me." Jaskier joked.

(later)

They had been travelling for a while now, stopping only to take short breaks as the woods thickened. Geralt did not mention where they were headed but seemed keen on getting there quickly. Jaskier was his usual self, enjoying the company of the Witcher and had seemed to put the unpleasantness of Oxenfurt behind them. The mountains began to encroach the forest, causing an earie darkness amidst the trees. The sounds of the wilderness had almost ceased to exist as they approached what looked like ancient old ruins. "Careful." Geralt commented as his eyes scanned the landscape. "Nymphs protect this place."

"Nymphs?" Jaskier questioned with intrigue and delight. As they approached the debri it was obvious that most of the overgrowth had absorbed the ancient structures here. A large flourishing oak tree sat amidst the ruins surrounded by a pond rich with lily pads and moss. The stillness in the air seemed absorbed by the oak tree which looked as though it had slowly consumed the life from all its surroundings. Butterflies danced in the thick canopy amidst the leaves and suddenly the sounds of life seemed to return to the forest. Jaskier stood in awe of the magnificent sight as Geralt unmounted from his horse. The Witcher opened Roach's satchel and dug out the medallion which vibrated with energy as they approached the pond. Jaskier held his breath as Geralt bent down to place it within the still waters. There was silence save for distant crickets. A moment passed and Geralt sat back on his legs in meditation, Jaskier watched in awe his eyes lighting up as he waited for something to happen. Anything…

Seconds passed, then minutes.

"Well, that was anticlimactic." Jaskier said impatiently. Geralt cocked his head to glare at Jaskier as he sat in quiet anticipation.

And then… "Shit." Geralt gave up and reached back into the pond to retrieve the medallion. It was glowing, vibrating, but why wasn't anything happened?

"Didn't you say it was going to unlock a door," Jaskier used quotations and shook his head, looking around for anything that might resemble a passageway.

"I don't understand." Geralt got up off his knees and did the same. The pair stood stumped in the lush scenery, unsure of their next move.

"Before we came all this way, did you ever consider that you might need more than one key?" Jaskier raised his hands in defeat and placed them on his hips with a shrug. Geralt gave him a look, when you had someone around that talked as much as the bard, they were bound to stumble across a good idea every now and then.

(Kailynn)

Kai had woken early that morning; it was usually the sound of the birds calling out to their families that lulled her from her sleep. The stillness of the lake had become a bustle with morning creatures rising from their protective slumber. Kailynn was eagerly cooking breakfast excited for the decadent meal; she had barely eaten this month and was not much of a hunter. Kai loved nature and respected it, it was not often in her to trap and kill small animals even for a meal. Her prey was larger, more competent, sinister even. It was humans that she hated. A blite on this land and capable of dark unbearable things. Kai could admit that the loneliness sometimes overtook her, but it was far better than the alternative.

Reaching forward Kai pulled a thin branch out of the fire and brought it closer to her lips, cooked vegetables, and beef adorned the stick she had wrestled from the woods. With eagerness she tore into the beef, her body almost anemic for red meat. Kai's eyes rolled into the back of her head as the savoury pleasure engulfed her senses. "Mmmm." When she was finished breakfast, she would pick up camp and move on to the next town. The troubadours coin would not last her long. This was Kailynn's path, never staying in one town long, never giving out her identity and never hitting the same mark more than once. Thieving was an art form and Kai was very, very talented.

As she finished engorging herself Kai felt her stomach ache in its fullness. A welcome feeling in comparison to the persistent ache of hunger. Kai kicked out the fire and used a nearby pot to pour water onto it, ensuring it was completely out. The fire hissed and smoked as Kai gathered her things, wrapping her food tightly in dry fabric so it would not stale on her journey. It would be weeks walk to the next town and Kai would be passing by the mountains edge, a place where Reavers often made camp. Kai-lynn would be careful not to alert the bandits of her presence, and often trudged through the trees to avoid the path where they stalked lonesome travellers. The Reavers were not quite as forgiving as the Witcher and his companion.

(Geralt/Jaskier)

"What a waste of time." Jaskier complained holding himself up against a rock as he took off his worn boots one at a time to knock the rocks out of the soles.

"You'll have to write a song about yourself for a change." Geralt hummed with amusement as he adjusted Roach's saddle.

"Not even a Nymph in sight." Jaskier ignored Geralt and slid his boots back on his feet. His legs were sore, well travelled and he was tired. He sat himself on the edge of the pond and flicked the shimmering water up into his face.

"Those are magic waters." Geralt warned. "You might see a Nymph yet. Nymphs like to use males and to procreate, they are known to seduce and kidnap young men for their own pleasure." Geralt smirked when Jaskier looked wide eyed back at him. The bard was in shock as the possibilities ran through his mind. Jaskier jumped up from his seat and away from the water ungracefully as a crow took flight from the tree behind him.

"Wh-what, uh?" Jaskier choked out pulling at his collar awkwardly, "What happens after they've had their… pleasures." He wasn't sure if he was excited or frightened, but he was definitely intrigued.

"They kill them." The Witcher mounted Roach and clicked in his heels heading back in the direction they came.

Jaskier's jaw gaped as he looked behind him again with fright. "Okay..." He nodded in understanding as he whipped the water away from his hands and held them up defensively to the oak tree. Jaskier bowed his head in apology and with a weak smile stumbled backward trailing after his friend. Jaskier looked around him into the woods desperately clutching his lute strap into his chest for fear he might encounter a cock-hungry Nymph. Surely Geralt would protect him, he thought to himself as he caught up with the Witcher. Geralt simply smiled knowingly to himself as Jaskier's footsteps drew closer. Nymphs very rarely approached humans, and completely avoided Witchers.

(Kailynn) Warning; attempted rape

It had been three days of travel when Kai began to approach the mountains edge. There was an entrance ahead in the thick of the trees that she often avoided, it led to what she could only imagine was ruins of an ancient civilization, albeit beautiful. Kailynn allowed her steps to slow as she listened intently into the forest for any sign of bandits or horses, there was nothing. Confidently she carried on down the main path along the cliff. Kailynn's legs were starting to grow stiff from her journey, but she was wise enough to take a break early that morning, knowing she could not stop here. A night's fire was like a beacon for bandits in the hillside and Kai was no fool.

Kailynn found a path that led off the road and followed a flowing creek along a man-made path, here she filled a canteen of fresh water and gathered herself. Cupping a hand of water against her neck Kai stood, taking in a drink as well as her surroundings. All that could be heard was the trickling water of the stream, and then the snapping of a twig. Kai froze and dropped the canteen from her mouth, training her ears to listen again. There was a rustle of leaves behind her like footsteps, and she turned to see a man standing in the trees watching her.

"Well, hello there miss." He walked toward Kai stepping out of the bush and cocked his head to the side as though he were taking her all in. "Out here all alone?" He was tall, over six feet and weathered. His eyes were dark and empty, gazing through her like she wasn't even there.

Kai breathed in an air of confidence before responding, placing a lid on her canteen as though she were unbothered by his presence. "I just stopped to fill a few of our canteens, my caravan went up ahead."

"Hm." The man leant his elbow up against a tree curiously. "I didn't see any tracks."

Kai smiled and shrugged innocently, "Perhaps you're not a tracker?"

He smiled at her comment, but it didn't seem genuine. "Perhaps I'm not." His eyes stared at her intently and Kai's confidence was begging to waver.

"I shouldn't keep them waiting." The path she had taken down to the creek was now blocked, but she could follow it up stream and go through the woods… Kai glanced around trying to plan her next move carefully.

"We're in no hurry." The man dropped his arm and pulled a hunting knife out of its sheath on his hip, he stepped toward her menacingly and Kai took a step back. Idiot, she scolded herself for even flinching.

"Who are you?" Maybe she could talk her way out of this one.

"You're a polite little girl, aren't you?" He was staring her up and down like a piece of wild meat, and he looked hungry. "Why don't you stick around and get to know me and my friends?" As if on cue two men stepped out from the treeline and called to their friend.

"Woo! Kasey we got three rabbits!" They only barely noticed Kai before they stopped dead in their tracks excitedly. "Well, look-ie here. Caught yourself something a little bigger than a rabbit, eh?" They laughed like wild hyena as they approached. Kai felt her back stiffened, and her breath caught in her throat. Fuck. Kailynn could fair against one bandit, but three was unlikely.

"Prettier than a rabbit." Kasey commented, stepping right in front of Kai. He was dominant and intrusive; he knew he had the upper hand now. "She said she wanted to get to know us a little better." His hand still holding the knife raised to the side of Kai's head where he gently brushed a strand of hair out of her face.

"I think you misunderstood me." Kai blinked up at him, her lips tightening with discomfort.

"No." Kasey stepped even closer to her now, sliding his arm around her waist and pulling her into his hip, "I think you misunderstood, me." Kai dropped the canteen and pressed her hands against his chest pushing him with all the force she could muster. Kasey stumbled back only a step or two before he lunged forward to grab her. Kai turning away from the bandit had barely made it a foot before he was pulling her back into him and wrestling her body into the ground. Kasey sat on her waist and wrapped a dirty hand around her neck, holding her in place. His hands were rough, calloused and he smelt like alcohol and sweat, his hair was greasy like it hadn't seen a bath in over a month and his breath almost put her to sleep. "Where do you think you're going?" Kasey bared his yellow teeth down at her and showed her the knife again, as if she hadn't seen it the first time.

"They'll come for me! I told them I wouldn't be long." Kai choked, trying to maintain her composure.

Kasey shook his head, "No one is coming for you, little rabbit." He knew there was no caravan, they would have seen it. There would have been carriage and horse tracks, she was alone.

Kai let her mouth fill with saliva and spat it up into the bandit's face. His eyes closed for a moment, inconvenienced. Kasey released her neck only to wipe his eyes dry so he could see. Kai took this opportunity to hit up at the bandit's chest, pounding her fists against him and pushing with all her strength, trying anything to force him off her. His friends gathered around them and began cheering him on like he was their ringleader. They knew that Kai-lynn would not be able to break free of his grip. He was over 6ft and 200 lbs of pure muscle, the girl wasn't going anywhere. Kasey raised his arm in the air brought it down with force across her face. Kai cried out in pain. "I like them when there's a little fight in them, don't I boys?" They cheered and laughed again, getting closer, eager. Kasey looked back down at Kai and placed the knife to her neck, "We'll take turns and when we're done with you… we'll cut you neck," He slid the knife down her chest, "to anus," the knife was cold against her skin, "and hang you up to dry." Kai felt her eyes well with tears as she screamed for help.

"There's no one out here that will help you, little rabbit." One of the men chimed in, grabbing his groin as the blood rushed from his head to his dick.

"Please." Kai kicked her legs behind Kasey. If she could reach her boot, she might stand a chance.

"That's a good start." Kasey placed his hand around her neck again as he adjusted himself overtop of her. His grip tight. "Say please, little rabbit." His eyes were cold and piercing, "Please, what?" Kai struggled to reach her boot but eventually her fingertips slid over the hidden dagger. It was obvious as she grasped for it, but Kasey was… distracted. The bandit was attempting to untie his trousers when Kai stabbed the blade into his cheek and out the other side through his jaw, retrieving it in the opposite direction. Kasey screamed in agony and fell back off of her as blood quickly oozed from his face down his chest. His mates were quick to react and before Kai could get up to run, they had her by the back, neck, and hair. The dagger fell to the ground as their grip tightened around her wrist. Kai took this moment and smiled down at Kasey who was writhing in agony. "You BITCH! You FUCKING BITCH! Look what you did…" Kasey spat blood into the dirt as he choked it up from the back of his throat. The pain was unimaginable.

The maiden could not help but laugh as she felt mildly vindicated, "Still like them with a little fight in them?" The bandit with his fingers tangled into her hair pulled and she hissed in pain. This wasn't going to end well.