IMPORTANT: This is NOT Netflix TV show Eskel, this is videogame Eskel. Please look him up if you have to, the Netflix show did a huge disservice to his character :C
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Ward of Kaer Morhen – Chapter 9
"My apologies, but who are you?" Said the man in the doorway, just before the door beside Nym's was thrown open. Geralt growled and flew at the man, wrenching him out of the room and slamming her door shut. A surprised shout issued from behind the closed door, followed by the sounds of a scuffle. Nym launched out of the bed and put on her trousers and belt, heart hammering at the intrusion.
"Who the hell is that? Argh, get off! I didn't know! Geralt!" The man's shouts began dwindling as he was presumably dragged away from the bedroom. She paused a moment to consider her actions. The man had eyes like a Witcher - was this one of Geralt's brothers? Another wolf? If so, he was here much earlier than Vesemir had predicted. Were all the Witchers set to arrive? It was silent outside her door. She took a swig of water and began pacing around the small bedroom.
Geralt hauled Eskel towards the stairs, which was no mean feat as the Witcher was about as tall and wide as Geralt himself. Eskel grunted in protest as Geralt held him by the collar.
"Downstairs, now!" He pushed him towards the staircase.
"I should have known, the room didn't reek of horse dung like yours did!" Eskel jabbed, dusting himself off.
"Quite an entrance, Eskel. Good to see you, nonetheless." Said Vesemir from the top of the stairs.
"Vesemir, please- it was a mistake!"
"...Let's discuss this in the kitchen, go on." Vesemir waved his arms, ushering them forward.
Nym's patience finally lapsed after several moments of silence. She opened her door cautiously and descended down the spiral staircase to the dining hall, where Vesemir and the man sat seated at the table. Geralt stood by the stained glass window, his arms crossed behind my back.
"Ah, there she is. Eskel, meet Nymeia Salskin. Nym is in our care for the time being."
"My apologies, Miss." Eskel stood and faced her as she entered the room, bowing his head. "I wasn't aware that we had a guest staying in that room. My name is Eskel."
Nym bowed awkwardly in return at the intruder, Eskel. His eyes bore into hers as the two of them surveyed each other.
He did have the same amber eyes, but his hair was dark and cut shorter than Geralt's. She winced internally at the sight of the scar that ran the length of his face, the cut had narrowly missed his eye and must have hurt, badly.
"Please, Nym, have a seat," Vesemir gestured to a chair. Geralt turned to join them at the table, casting a watchful glance at Nym.
"Uh.. How.. did you find the roads.. on your way here?" Asked Eskel. Nym nodded, then shrugged.
"I'm glad to hear that. Geralt?" He turned to face Geralt.
"They were fine," Geralt said, his words clipped. "What are you doing here so early?"
Vesemir raised an eyebrow at Geralt. Eskel leaned into his chair and took a big sip of water.
"Well, aren't we touchy? I can come and go as I please. ..Remind me not to give you your gift." He crossed his arms, a hint of a smile playing on his scarred lips.
"Gifts?" Vesemir asked, leaning forward. "Did you bring me some of that wine from Toussaint?"
"Perhaps." He said, smiling wolfishly at his mentor. "..As to why I'm early - I was in Ban Gleán when I heard some whispers at an inn. Something about, a white-haired Witcher kidnapping a young woman in Ard Carraigh and holding her for ransom." He looked at Nym, then Geralt. "Good at causing stirs, aren't you?"
"Ah, fuck," Geralt muttered. "We had to leave Ard Carraigh in a hurry. Her brothers sent people looking-" He left off, waving dismissively.
"I hope he apologized for the kidnapping, at least," Eskel said to Nym, offering her a smile.
She returned it cautiously. The dark-haired Witcher seemed polite, yet confident. His voice was deep and clear, unlike Geralt's gravelly pitch. Nym observed as they began to make easy but lively conversation about their travels while Vesemir fetched the group some bread and cheese. If the two had grown up together here, they would have made a curious pair. She ate quietly as Eskel described his most recent contracts, hearing names she didn't recognize such as Foglet and Rotfiend. The world seemed to have a neverending supply of monsters, she thought, looking around the room at the people who fought them. Eskel's glances landed on her now and then, as if appraising her reaction to their stories and jokes. She found herself relaxing into her chair after their meal, set at ease by the considerably lightened mood.
"You couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a crossbow if you tried," Eskel needled.
"Want to put that theory to the test?" Geralt asked, leaning in.
"I'll be in the library if you need me," Vesemir huffed, leaving Nym and the two Witchers at the kitchen table. Nym pushed her chair back in an attempt to leave them to their sparring.
"Come upstairs with us," Eskel said before she could get up. Geralt nodded.
"A chance to start your training again." He said.
She followed them to the armory, scanning the room in wonder. She hadn't had a chance to properly explore this room since she'd arrived. Eskel rummaged through a trunk, picking up a quiver of crossbow bolts. Geralt unlatched a cabinet and retrieved a wood and iron crossbow. A set of three targets stood at the far side of the room. Eskel snatched the crossbow from Geralt's hands and brought it towards Nym
"This is how it works. You pull back this string here," He demonstrated, pointing out the mechanism. "Now I'll take a bolt and load it between the string and this sight. Make sure it rests against the string, or it'll corkscrew as it flies.." Nym nodded, watching him keenly as he loaded the weapon.
"Now, be careful of the trigger underneath the bow, but now I can aim and…" He lifted the bow up, aiming at the target several metres away. "Fire."
The bolt landed just off of dead center. "Hah!" He whooped, turning to hand the crossbow off to Geralt, who grunted and deftly re-loaded the weapon. He took aim and fired at another target, the bolt leaving the crossbow with a satisfying whoosh.
"So much for your theory, Eskel." He said self-satisfactorily, his bolt had landed in about the same position as Eskel's, almost centred.
"Hm, probably just beginner's luck," Eskel said, winking at Nym. She grinned in surprise. "Your turn."
He handed her the crossbow and a fresh bolt. Nym felt heat rising to her face, but accepted the heavy crossbow nonetheless. If she wanted to learn how to use weapons properly, she'd have to put aside the discomfort of being watched.
"We're about to be thoroughly embarrassed," Geralt muttered to Eskel, backing up to give her room.
"What?" Eskel whispered back. "What do you mean?"
"Didn't get around to telling you about this. Listen closely."
Nym fumbled with the string for a moment until she finally found the strength to pull it back behind the clip. She loaded the bolt carefully, making sure it was tense against the string the way Eskel had shown her. She steadied the weapon, trying to ignore the keen attention of both Witchers behind her, and willed herself to focus. The third target was some distance away, she noted, lowering the crossbow so the bolt didn't fire too high. This was entirely different from using a bow and arrow but the concept was mostly the same, she thought in an attempt to reassure herself. The familiar rush of heat flooded her head and body as she began to focus on the target. She held in her breath, her heart thudding away at a steady pace in her ears. Her awareness of the Witchers and the room around her faded into the background. She pulled the trigger, then finally drew a breath.
"..That's not right." Said Eskel. Geralt pinched the bridge of his nose and stifled a laugh.
"What did I say?"
Nym lowered the crossbow, she had hit the centre of the third target. It had taken much more concentration, and she had wavered for a few seconds, but she had done it.
"And you've never used a crossbow?" Eskel asked in disbelief. She shook her head, trying not to wither away from the remark. Eskel frowned deeply, then crossed his arms.
"Do it again." He said finally. She nodded and began to load another bolt.
A few hours later, Nym excused herself from the armory to tend to the horses and privately nurse her sore wrist. She had been introduced to a very heavy axe, and had failed miserably in using it against a training dummy. Even Vesemir had come to watch and instruct them briefly before going back to his books. Although she was quick and had a talent with bows, she wasn't strong enough yet to wield anything heavier than a regular sword. She fed and watered each of the horses, making sure that they all got a piece of carrot. She stroked Eskel's horse's nose, then turned her attention to Blue.
"You hear her heartbeat?" Asked Geralt, placing the spears back into place in the tall wooden cabinet.
"Mhm, something strange going on, that's for sure." Eskel replied, leaning on a pillar.
"Don't think she even realizes it's happening," Geralt replied.
"Vesemir have any ideas?"
"No, not yet. I.. Invited Triss to visit. Hoping she comes up with something" Geralt shrugged.
"You're joking, right?" Eskel snorted. "That sounds like a terrible idea. Inviting Triss here to meet another woman you're tumbling?"
"We're not… tumbling." Geralt glared at Eskel.
"Ah, ball's in her court then?" Eskel raised his eyebrow. Geralt's frown deepened.
"Can't wait to see how this plays out," Eskel continued, letting out a laugh at his dour expression. "Don't worry, I don't mind keeping Nym occupied while you're busy with Triss."
"Eskel…" Geralt growled in warning as his fellow Witcher exited the room with a little wave.
Vesemir hoisted the quartered sides of venison over to the kitchen where they had laid out a large slab of wood. On a piece of paper beside her, Nym had written down all the ways in which she'd be using the meat. Vesemir inspected the list and nodded in approval. She picked up a sharp boning knife and began carving out the hindquarters for ham. After the meat was portioned out into different vessels, she rummaged around the cold larder for curing salt, vinegar, and dried herbs.
"I'd ask if I could help, but I'd probably slow you down." Said Geralt, strolling into the room behind her. Nym turned to meet his eyes and smiled. She stood awkwardly to face him, a large bucket of salt in one hand and a jar of vinegar in the other. "Here," he said, taking both the bucket and jar from her. Nym had rolled up her sleeves and tied her hair up, he noted, appreciating the few strands of loose hair that fell around her ears. She dusted her hands and turned to pick some dried sage and rosemary which hung from the rafters of the larder. He brought the salt and vinegar to the kitchen table, where Vesemir was reading the instructions she had written.
"Salted loin, pickled deer heart, venison bacon.. jarred stewing meat… All this with one animal?" Vesemir muttered in confusion at the list. Nym nodded, and began to work, starting with the salted loin.
Hours later, they had achieved a sizeable horde of salted, jarred, and pickled venison. A rich stew of meat and root vegetables bubbled away over the large range, tended to by Vesemir.
"It's never smelled so good in here. It's never smelled good at all, actually." Eskel said, uncorking a bottle of liquor and pouring two cups. "Here. Redanian." He said, sliding a glass over to Geralt. Geralt took a sip absentmindedly, sliding his finger around the rim of the vessel. He glanced up at Nym, who was tasting a spoonful of the stew with Vesemir. Her hair was dangerously close to coming undone, and her cheeks showed a hint of colour from being so close to the fire. She had worked tirelessly all day, but he could see the signs of exhaustion as she took more opportunities to lean against the wall or sip water.
"Go on, sit down." He heard Vesemir say. Geralt poured another cup of liquor for her as she joined them.
"I don't think you'll like this very much, but you'll sleep well at least." He said, passing her the glass. He silently hoped it'd help him sleep too, his dreams last night had been torturous. Vesemir joined them a few moments later, handing each one of them a helping of the stew. The four of them ate eagerly, helping themselves to seconds.
"This is very good, thank you" Said Eskel sincerely to Nym and Vesemir between mouthfuls, eliciting a smile from Nym. Geralt glanced up to meet her eyes, reassured by what he saw there. She was comfortable, and she was safe. She returned his glance with her typical steady gaze, her face lit dimly by the candles across from him. Perhaps it was the liquor or his full belly, but Geralt couldn't help but twitch his lips into a sly smirk as he held her eyes. She tilted her head slightly, refusing to break first. He wiped his bottom lip with his thumb, catching her eyes in their downward flicker. Vesemir cleared his throat loudly, interrupting their exchange. Damn it, he thought. It was too easy to do this dance with her, even when they weren't alone. Eskel shook his head, stifling his smile with a spoonful of stew.
Eskel and Geralt cleared off the table after dinner, Vesemir ambling away from the group for the night.
"Either of you interested in a game?" Eskel asked, pulling out a Gwent deck. Nym smiled and shook her head, knowing how much Geralt enjoyed playing cards.
"I'll bite," Geralt replied. "Want to bet on it?"
"You lost an entire contract's worth of crowns the last time, but sure." Eskel ribbed, topping off all of their cups.
Nym took another sip of the liquor, which had begun to grow on her. She watched as the game unfolded, the two men casting aside their banter after a few rounds for more serious gameplay. Her heavy lids prompted her to excuse herself eventually, heading upstairs to the bedroom. She lingered at the top of the spiral staircase, then continued up to the suite on the third floor. Everything was as it was the day she had arrived, except the fire hadn't been lit. She padded quietly through the darkness towards the heavy balcony door and pulled hard.
Nym inhaled as the wide expanse of mountain range opened up before her as she stepped into the cool night air. The alcohol had distorted her vision, but the scene was almost better because of it. The skies had cleared up, revealing a dark, cloudless night speckled with stars. She leaned against the cold stone edge of the balcony, angling her head up to find the moon, a crescent sliver high above her. She smiled brightly at it, glad to see it again after several days. She undid her messy hair, combing it through with her fingers and letting it fan out around her shoulders. She shook off her fatigue yet again, her head heavy with the weight of her other thoughts.
Had Teruin and Ryffon given up? Was their plan to ruin Geralt's reputation, or the reputation of the Witchers that worked within the Northern Kingdoms? Geralt didn't seem bothered by the name-calling, but if people had started spreading rumours about kidnappings and ransoms… Nym fidgeted with her hands as the feelings of helplessness and guilt reared their ugly heads again. She clenched her fists as anger began to bubble inside of her. Anger at herself, her family, and anger at the thought that she might be a burden here. She had almost no possessions of value, except her horse. No skills to guide her through the world with any measure of independence - not even speech. She shook her head and looked up once again at the moon as tears of frustration began to prickle in her eyes.
"Sorry if we bored you earlier…" Came Geralt's low voice from behind her. She turned, then spun back around, swabbing at her eyes with the back of her hands.
"What's the matter?" He asked, nearing her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, turning her around to face him.
She laughed through her tears and shook her head, wishing she could explain.
"Hmm, this is the second time." Geralt said, tilting her chin up. She caught a glimpse of the crescent moon behind his head, light glinting in his silvery hair. He followed her gaze.
"It's a good moon, isn't it?" He asked, his golden eyes focusing sharply back on hers - the crescent reflected in them. She smiled as he spoke in hushed tones. He was trying to soothe her.
"Write and tell me what's wrong," He murmured, sweeping away the wetness on her cheek. "I want to know."
He wanted to know, she repeated in her head. He wanted to know. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been asked so often to explain how she felt, to anyone. She ran her hand through her hair to neaten it.
"You're hurt." He said, catching her hand and holding it in his own, examining the swelling on her sore wrist.
"I'll be fine" She mouthed.
Anger sparked in Geralt momentarily. Nym was used to being hurt. She had hidden her wound from them quite well and had somehow managed to work the entire day. She was used to that too, he realized. Heat crept up his fingertips as he held her hand. …What was he doing here? Even worse - what if she had wanted her privacy and he had intruded? He had tried and failed to retire for the night after discovering that she was upstairs. He had had too much to drink and ignored his better judgment, as well as Vesemir's words. It would be best for him to let go of her this instant, turn around and go to bed.
Nym looked down at her hand within his, electricity beginning to coil within her as a response to his nearness. She took a moment to register how much larger Geralt seemed when he was near her. This was the first time she'd been this close to a man comfortably, one that had been drinking at that. He stepped in slightly, causing her to lean back against the stone banister of the balcony. His powerful chest and shoulders shadowed her, the moon disappearing behind his head. Even in the darkness, his eyes glowed like embers. This wasn't like the last time or the time before that. There was something palpable between them, like a rope being pulled taut.
"Shall I leave you to rest?" Geralt asked, letting go of her hand. She shook her head - no, she didn't want him to leave. He paused for a moment, as though he was puzzling something out.
"Alright, I'll stay. But come inside, it's getting cold." He said, guiding her back into the room. They stood in darkness as Geralt closed the balcony door. Nym found his hand, a current running through her as she did. What was she doing, touching him so freely? And in a dark bedroom, no less? Perhaps the third cup of liquor hadn't been a good choice tonight. She let her hand slip from his, using it to rub her cold arms instead. Geralt brought the fireplace to life, light, and warmth finally emitting from the centre of the room.
"You'll need a cold compress for the sprain," He began.
"Tomorrow," she mouthed. It could wait.
She stood by the desk, inspecting the hand mirror that sat on it. Geralt suppressed a smile as she toyed with the mirror, ignoring her reflection. Her head had begun to spin slightly, and it was difficult to ignore that they were alone again.
"Thank you for everything you did today. Vesemir seems to enjoy your company, Eskel too." He said, eliciting a sheepish smile from her.
"..Ever get tired of always having to listen to people talk?" He asked. She faced him, her keen gray-green eyes focusing on his.
"Sometimes." She mouthed.
"Myself included?" He asked, lips quirking into a smile.
"No," She shook her head.
"Is that so?" He asked. "Why do you say that?"
"I like your voice," She shrugged.
Geralt the words sink in. It was the most Nym had ever said in regards to her feelings for him. Why did her opinion matter at all? He had met thousands of people and had been in the company of plenty of women. He searched her eyes, still fixed on him inquisitively in spite of her addled state. Was there any harm in reaching out and touching her? As if she'd read his mind, Nym outstretched her hand and straightened his collar, no doubt pulled to one side by Eskel hanging off him while laughing. Bastard had won the game, and wouldn't stop gloating.
Geralt grasped her forearm gently as she did so, pulling him towards her.
"What else did you like about me?" He asked softly as she neared him. Nym blinked, then replied quite honestly.
"Everything, I think," She mouthed.
Geralt read her lips as the words passed through them, feeling his self-control waver again. It would take nothing for him to cup her face and bring her lips to his.
"Thank you," he murmured, "the feeling is mutual."
"It is?" She asked, frowning.
"Isn't it obvious?" He asked. Nym didn't reply, holding his gaze. It was neither a challenge, nor was it a look of apprehension.
"I see," He stated simply, then in one swift stride, pulled her into his body and kissed her.
Nym closed her eyes upon impact, expecting all the old feelings of fear and shame. None came. Instead, desire flared within her as Geralt circled his arms around her hips and back, pulling her into him as he kissed her in hunger. One of his hands found its way into her hair, rousing goosebumps on her arms and neck. She began to return his kisses with the same amount of pressure, her hands on his muscular chest. Geralt lifted her by the small of her back onto the writing desk, eliciting a surprised gasp from her. She opened her eyes to meet his amber irises, aflame with need. As if the spell had broken, Geralt shook his head slightly and took a step backward.
"Nym.. I'm sorry." He said, hands clenched at his side. She looked back at him, lips parted and cheeks flushed. She had always been beautiful, but it was almost painful to look at her now. Even though his face and lips burned through the entire thing, he had gotten carried away like an idiot.
"That wasn't fair to you, I shouldn't have.." He continued, trying to find the right words. Nym nodded, and slipped off the writing desk.
"It's alright," she mouthed.
Of course she thought it was alright. He had coerced her, just like every other man in her past. But.. she had kissed him back - that had to count for something. Vesemir's warning replayed briefly in his mind.
"We should retire for the night," he rubbed his head, which had started to thud dully. Nym nodded curtly, then lifted up a finger.
"What's wrong?' He asked.
"Food. Really hungry." She mouthed, then broke out into a grin.
"...Well, we can't have that." Geralt replied, dumbfounded.
In the kitchen, Geralt watched as Nym put together some sort of cured ham and cheese sandwich in minutes on a frying pan, then began eating it while hot, burning the roof of her mouth. She fanned at her face, frowning, then passed the sandwich to him. He bit into the cheesy monstrosity and nodded in approval.
"Hmm, ghood fandwich," He said between mouthfuls, passing it back to her. Nym smiled, taking another massive bite of it.
"Thought you might see fit to leave me some, but carry on..." He said, eliciting a laugh from her.
"Someone said sandwich?" Eskel said, peeking his head into the kitchen.
"Thought you were asleep." Geralt raised a brow as Eskel drew himself a chair beside Nym.
"Smelled food, came running. Simple." He said as Nym passed him the plate. "Something wrong with your wrist? Looks swollen." He asked, reaching over to inspect her arm as she slid the plate over to him.
The food clattered to the floor as Eskel stood up abruptly, knocking his chair backwards. Geralt leaped up to come between them. Eskel looked down at his hands then back up at Nym, tucked behind Geralt.
"Ouch. Well, why didn't you say she had magic?"