Geralt woke to see Samaire staring again. He asked her what she was doing and she stated, "Who's Vessamir?" Geralt stared at her a little hard and asked how she knew that name and she replied, "You talk in your sweep. You said a couple of things that didn't make sense, but that name was one that was said the most." Geralt sighed and explained how Vessamir was someone who raised him, and that made Samaire nod her head in understanding.
After that… they had another day with him recovering and her working down in the inn to get more payment, which seemed odd to Geralt. He didn't understand… until she bought clothing at the market. She bought enough to survive and none of them were gowns. They were mainly dresses that end at her calves and then she bought trousers to go underneath. She also made sure to check on her cauldrons, which Geralt watched as she did, and she stared down at the evaporating water to see what was being left behind. She ALSO made a priority to go to Roach. She gave him food and water and took him on a light stroll, so that he wouldn't be too stiff to go riding again when she and Geralt continued their journey. Geralt spent his time relaxing, until EVENTUALLY he went out… and went to ANOTHER inn and spent his time at the service of a whorehouse. Samaire seemed to have been able to survive without him, so… he was fine with leaving her to get some relief.
They continued this pattern for two days and that was when Geralt was ready to leave. Samaire was completely fine with leaving whenever he was, so they left without worries. LUCKILY Samaire's little projects finished just as they were packing to leave, so she wrapped them up within little cloths. When the time to mount Roach came, that was when Geralt was… iffy. He has VERY RARELY rode with anyone in his centuries of hunting, and NEVER had he rode with a child. He mounted first and then sat her on his lap and then they rode off.
Geralt asked where she thought they should go and she replied, "Well… The White Orchard in Temawia has a pwoblem with some pwague affecting their fields. Pwus, it'll be spwing soon. The fwowers will be in bwoom." Geralt sighed at the child. That was her way to asking to go… so Geralt obliged. He took her to the White Orchard and the flowers were INDEED in bloom and they… fell as the two road into the city and Geralt watched at Samaire smiled at all the flowers falling around her. That was one thing that changed. She felt… comfortable enough around him to relax and genuinely smile. She smiled at people whenever they stopped, but he watched as she fidgeted due to her back buzzing, at least that was what she explained to him. AND THAT THING SHE MADE WAS SOMETHING THAT ACTUALLY GOT HIM CLEAN! Oils, apparently according to her, only add a layer of uncleanliness to the dirt and grime throughout the day, while WHAT SHE MADE was able to remove the dirt from him and his skin… felt… weird, but SO CLEAN! And it made him SMELL like cedarwood. His prostitutes GREATLY appreciated it and LOVED the way he smelt. Samaire's… was so… sweet and soft. Geralt actually LOVED hers and it fit her so well. He would smell her whenever they rode and he just… enjoyed her scent.
She was also someone who he was beginning to confide in. He began to tell her things that he… didn't actually remember about his OWN childhood. For example, when they stopped at a river, she saw a pod of minions in the stream and jumped on rocks to watch them while she yelled out in happiness and glee at him to join her. It was weird for him to remember his childhood, but… she brought that out. He didn't really HAVE a childhood, but… those little moments made him smile for her. The thing that he didn't understand was her fascination with thunderstorms. She LOVED them and would constant look for lightning and when she saw one, her eyes would widen and she would wait eagerly for the next one. One thing he had to get used to was that she WAS A CUDDLER! She like to hold his hand, sleep close to him, and even sleep ON him for warmth. Even when they would walk around town, she would hold his pinkie in her tiny hand since his were so big. She wasn't… afraid of him. Because she saw into his soul through his eyes.
Another thing that was huge was that… she was great at finding leads. It was due to her always working at pubs whenever they stopped somewhere. The pub owners were all… skeptical about a child working for them, but SINCE they didn't have to pay her with the exception of food for her and Geralt, they let it pass since she was good at it. She would talk to whoever came to the pubs, she would talk to them about situations happening and find Geralt work. She was also a big help when it came to handing him his weapons. She knew EXACTLY what he wanted when he wanted them without him having to say a word. IT was… odd. The BIGGEST issue between Geralt and Samaire was when they got to White Orchard… when Geralt TRIED to find her a home in the White Orchard. It got SO bad that she held his leg and screamed while she began to weep and sob about him being alone and HER not being safe. It took Geralt yelling and AGREEING to let her stay with him to make her stop screaming and attracting unnecessary attention. She held onto his leg and stared up at him and ask if he promised, and he said that he gave his word as a Witcher. She smiled at him and hugged his leg tighter while she thanked him. That… was how she officially became his squire and how she started on their journey officially.
They traveled together for the next three years, and she was SUCH A GOOD TRAVEL COMPANION FOR HIM! She was the most perfect squire. She knew how to help him, what weapons to give him, she EVEN COOKED THEIR FOOD PROPERLY FOR HIM, she always made their soap, she washed, fed, and cleaned up after Roach, she would always find leads and jobs, she talked to him hours on end about things that he didn't talk to anyone about, and she even knew how to make medicine and ointments for his wounds. Samaire grew older and became more versed in mastering weaponry usage such as archery, knife throwing, and sword-play. She was best at archery and knife throwing and never missed a target. Short distance she struggled in fighting, but long distance, she was practically a pro at six years old. People always stared at them oddly, but… no one dared approach. He was a monster afterall… and his hostage was a little child who had diamond eyes. Her back was STILL an issue, but… he never saw it. He asked to, but she stated that she was fine. Her speech got better too. Finally got rid of all the 'w's in her speech pattern too. THAT made Geralt happy. One problem that Geralt couldn't get rid of was Samaire's clinginess. She ALWAYS wanted to be by him and hold his hand or something else just to be close to him. The only time she wasn't allowed was when he was fighting monsters and she was to stay with Roach.
One day, they were stationed in Posada where Samaire was working in a pub, again, trying to find a good lead. She heard about a 'devil' and knew that was false. One thing that Geralt taught her since she was little that there were no such things as angels, demons, devil, or any other celestial being. There were only humans, animals, and monsters. No more. He taught her that things like destiny, fate, religion, or anything else of the sort were mindsets that came from humans trying to make sense of all the shit that came from life. Samaire was working for Geralt's drinks too. That man hated to spend her coins that she earned from tips. That was something that they fought about constantly. She was starting to have too much coin bags… BUT Geralt wouldn't TAKE ANY OF IT! She even tried to pay for his whores herself, but NO~, the man wouldn't allow it.
While she served, she gave Geralt ANOTHER cup of ale while the bard performed his song and Samaire sat down next to Geralt to sit and watch. Geralt learned that Samaire LOVED music. Ever since he met her, she was an odd child, but she always hummed different tunes and she made up songs all the time. There was ONE PROMINENT lullaby that she hummed, but she didn't ever sing the words. It was the ONE TUNE she never sung aloud to him. When people began to throw food, Samaire felt bad for the bard. It wasn't bad… just his songs weren't true. The bard picked up the abandoned bread and he locked eyes with her staring at him while Geralt brooded… again. He approached the two and Geralt DID noticed how Samaire tensed up and squirmed with her back fuzzing again. The bard approached them while Geralt TRIED to make him leave, but the bard sat across from them and asked for their opinion since they didn't give them. He asked for three words and Geralt just told him that the monsters in his song don't exist. The bard asked how they would know and Samaire raised an eyebrow questioningly as if she was asking if the bard was serious, and then the bard assumed which made Geralt want to leave.
He took his coin out of his purse, and went to leave while Samaire scolded, "GERALT, NO! I already paid for your drinks! Don't abandon your last coin! And… wa-WAIT FOR ME!" Samaire struggled to grab the coin and the swords while she tried to get out of the booth to follow Geralt who was trying to walk out while Jaskier revealed Geralt's identity before Samaire could. Samaire caught up to see a man asking for Geralt's services and offered him 150 ducat to slay a devil stealing their grain. Samaire took the coin and put the purse on his side of Roach, and got on top while she waited for Geralt to take them. Geralt came forward and began to pull them along. The bard struggled, but he came up to him as they got to the hill towards the fields. He began to talk to Geralt about joining them to make his song/stories real and authentic. Geralt tried ignoring him and told him to go away. He didn't NEED anymore company. Samaire was enough. He stated that he was only going to be silent back-up, and Geralt stated that he already had his squire and that was all that he needed.
Samaire smiled at that statement as she sat a little straighter while Jaskier tried to convince Geralt and when he mentioned his scent, Samaire smirked and teased, "Sounds like you need more bath bars, Geralt. Either that, or you need to bathe properly instead of spending leisurely time with the ladies." Geralt did a side-glare at Samaire while she giggled. Geralt continued walking until Jaskier talked about being his barking and mentioning… Blaviken. As SOON as the word 'butcher' left his mouth, Samaire QUICKLY stated, "Oh no. You don't want to mention that. Geralt. Ger-GERALT NO! HE DIDN'T KNOW! No, don't-… really? Did you have to hit the poor bard? I'm sorry. Blaviken is a… tough spot for him. You might want to stay away from him for a second. Geralt… DON'T WALK AWAY! You should apologize… Ge-GERALT!" Geralt scolded Samaire to shush as he kept walking. Samaire kept scolding Geralt about needing to apologize to the bard for hitting him and how it wasn't necessary. Geralt sighed, but hopped on the horse behind her and they began to ride to the fields together while the bard ran towards them.
Jaskier kept trying to plead his case and trying to get Geralt a better rep, and Samaire asked, "Maybe… it would be better for you, Geralt. This way… you won't get those looks anymore. Because… you're not a monster. You're a really good person, Geralt." Samaire turned back to look at Geralt who had incredulous eyes on her, and she asked, "What? You are. You raised me when I was an orphan who no one wanted. I trust you. I know you're a good person, everyone else should too." Geralt sighed at Samaire's dreamy picture of him. She saw him as a white knight, her protector, but… he was a butcher.
She needed to learn that. Jaskier stared at her and asked, "And might I ask, who exactly are you? I've heard of a child with the great Witcher, but… never-"
Jaskier went to shake the girl's hand, but Geralt wrapped his arm around her torso, pulled her in close, and stated, "Don't touch Samaire." Samaire blinked in confusion, but then melted in Geralt's hold happily.
Jaskier stared a little more until Samaire responded, "I'm Geralt's squire. My name is Samaire. Pleasure to make your acquaintance." Jaskier blinked at the… blinding child before him. She was… like… a white angel around a dark knight. Her diamond eyes pled their case of happiness and joy while the arm around her small torso showed the threat. Why… was this tiny goddess with a brute like Geralt? Samaire leaned against Geralt more as she enjoyed his warmth to her heart's content. The man NEVER openly cuddled with her. THIS was a VERY welcome change. Jaskier kept trying to plead his case, but Samaire was just cuddled in Geralt and his protectiveness that she enjoyed. When she heard Geralt call himself a butcher, she nuzzled herself against his bicep in sympathy AND to remind him that THAT was where they met and where he saved her from. Geralt raised his eyebrow at the… animalistic gesture, but accepted it from the girl. Jaskier tried to get on Roach with them, and as soon as she heard Geralt tell the bard not to get on Roach, she felt her heart squeeze a smidge as disappointment filled her soul slightly.
Geralt stopped Roach, got off, tied him up, and ordered, "Stay here and keep watch of Roach. If I'm not back by sunset, ride back to Posada and wait for me at an inn. I will find you afterwards. If I don't find you in a week… you know what to do."
Samaire did a tiny glare at Geralt and stated, "I wish you'd stop talking like that. You know how much that talk upsets me. I'll wait here until you come back." He glared back at her stubbornness and sighed heavily. Even IF she threatened him… she would follow his orders… she always did. Jaskier began to give his exposition as the two bickered a little more about HER FOLLOWING ORDERS, and then Geralt left to fight… DEEP DOWN happy that she cared as much as she did.
Geralt fought the Sylvain and managed to pin him down easily and was planning to let him go, when Filivandral knocked him out for trespassing. Samaire, who was sitting on Roach felt… a VERY disturbing presence. That… Geralt was out. She knew and could hear his heartbeat… no matter how slow it was, SOMEHOW she always could hear and feel it, so… when it slowed… she KNEW. Samaire sliced Roach's reins and made the horse run forward and when she saw… someone standing over Geralt, she grabbed one of Geralt's swords that were with Roach at all times, that he got SPECIFICALLY FOR HER, and rode Roach forward. She sliced at the two adult elves that scattered and then… Samaire covered Geralt's body with her own as she glared at the opponents. They began to approach, but she glared more as she felt… her back was starting to spasm and feel like it was in such pain. She had to get her and Geralt out of there. She had to protect him, to save him. She needed… more power. She whimpered at the elves to get away, but as they got closer… her back was spasming more and she felt her blood turning to fire.
She kept telling them to get away from her and Geralt, but as they got closer, her blood got hotter until she screamed, "GET AWAY!" Then… she felt… all that heat escape her and lash out every which way. The elves watched as the child released light blue winds that had lightning laced within them. The elves were pushed back as they felt the electricity hit them both and the Slyvain saw… how her eyes… weren't that diamond as when she jumped on the Witcher. Now… they shown a bright red with no irises. The child froze as she sat on the Geralt and they all watched… as her GOLDEN blood fell from her eyes came from her mouth, and then… she went in a coughing fit as she spat out blood on top of the Witcher, lighting his black armor with her golden blood. That was… until she lost consciousness and fell on top of Geralt. The elves all stared at one another as they saw… whatever that child was. She wasn't human, she wasn't a witcher… she was… a monster that looked human for the most part. Torque stared and he knew the story of those with golden blood, but… she had NO OTHER traits to signify that she was of that race. Torque went forward and picked up the child and told them that they should take all of the unconscious.
Filivandral had the elves take them all to their castle and tied them all up with the child away from the other two. While she was out, Filivandral used his abilities to check her chaos levels, and he noticed she was limited. For SOME REASON, she used so much of her chaos in her body, but there was more, much more, and it was sealed within her back. He went to check her back to see what it was, but he heard the grunting of the Witcher across the room. He groaned a tad bit in annoyance, but told the child to relax and he would help her, thinking that someone sealed up her powers… probably humans who were afraid. Filivandral went to Geralt, who glared at him and Geralt… noticed the blood on his hands. Golden blood… Samaire! Filivandral noticed how Geralt's glare went from anger to the most pure and bitter hatred.
Geralt growled and asked, "Where is she? Where is Samaire?" Filivandral blinked as he noticed how protective the Witcher was. That child, he heard the rumors of how Witchers lose all their emotions, but clearly this Witcher had some type of connection. And with a child no less.
Filivandral stared at him and stated, "The child is fine. She is resting. Blood came from her mouth and eyes and her chaos levels are extremely low, so she is resting. We plan to take her after we kill you both and take her to one of the other eleven tribes so we can use her." Geralt struggled against his restraints as soon as the words, 'use her' came from his lips. She was in pain and in trouble. Jaskier struggled to get his lute, but Geralt was treated like a punching bag when it came to the female elf, until he headbutted her to get her to back off and shut up. Geralt told the elves to let Jaskier and Samaire, who Geralt told Jaskier to take to the White Orchard afterwards, go.
When Filivandral went to slice Geralt's neck, they heard the whimper of the child on the bed. "Ge… Ger… Geralt? Where… no… it hurts… it hurts… please Geralt… make it stop. Make it stop." Geralt froze as he presented his neck to Filivandral. Right, Samaire and her back. Any time she ever was in pain, it ALWAYS came from her back. It happened whenever she was too stressed out or too worried about him and his safety. No one knew how to make her feel better. How they had to massage along her spine to provide the proper relief. Geralt struggled against his restraints once again, but then he saw her leaning against the wall with her golden tears streaming down her face. Her face screamed that she was in pain. She saw Filivandral's blade pressed to Geralt's neck and her crying got worse as she began to cry and whimper for him not hurt Geralt.
She tried to step forward but Geralt watched as she tensed up from her back and the fell to the ground from all of the pain. She cried and whimpered but mainly for him to be let go and for them to take her instead of him. THAT made him glare at her form and she TRIED to crawl towards him, but she barely got an inch when the Slyvain came forward to assist her. When he touched her back, she yelped in pain and the Slyvain backed off, not understanding how QUITE to help her.
Samaire stared up and begged, "Please. I have money so that you all won't starve. Enough to last you and several others for months. Please… let my Geralt go. Please." Geralt wanted to yell at her to look out for herself, but she wouldn't. Filivandral was conflicted but seeing that child on her stomach and begging for another's life like his people did during the Great Cleansing. He knew her pain and he wouldn't continue it. Filivandral ordered for the release of the Witcher and the bard, and as SOON as his restraints were cut off, Geralt rushed to Samaire's side and IMMEDIATELY began to massage up and down her spine to relax her back. Geralt watched at how even through her dress, he could see how painful and tense her muscles were. She whimpered and whine until she began to settle as she squirmed under his hands. After she began to almost purr, Geralt reached down and scooped her up in his arms and held her close and INSTANTLY she nuzzled herself into him and snuggled her face in his shirt. He sighed at her and rubbed her softly to get her to relax. Samaire just relaxed more and more until she began to fall asleep in his arms. Geralt felt better at how she was faring. She was in pain over him again and he needed to teach her to stop doing that. Filivandral walked Geralt to Roach, and TRIED to take his money that the boy gave him for his services, but Samaire woke up and reached for HER LARGE COIN BAG and gave it to them. He had 150 ducat she had years upon YEARS worth of tips. She had probably over five-thousand worth in hers. Geralt sighed, but let her do as she wished. She was too weak to argue, so he wouldn't. After that, Filivandral stared at the child and thought if he should ask the Witcher to remove the seal on her, but decided against it since she was so small and frail due to expelling her energy.
Filivandral kissed the girl's head and exclaimed, "Come see us when you're ready, Young One. We will be waiting for you." Samaire whimpered, but expelled a VERY TINY okay to him, indicating her fatigue. She relaxed more until she started to drift again, and Geralt hopped on Roach with her in his arms. Geralt made sure to keep her close while she drifted off. Geralt let her sleep, and then began to ride Roach out of their and to the next town instead of going back to Posada. He didn't kill the pest. He handled it, but it still remained, and he wasn't about to be found out and have Samaire have a lessened recovery time. She needed at least two days. That was what he remembered from the last time her back spasmed so badly, but this was worse than anything that he had ever seen it from her. The Bard followed them until they began to part ways and Samaire decided to wake up at the sound of music being played.
She listened to Jaskier sing and she whispered so softly that Geralt could barely hear, "But it's a lie." Geralt told her to shush and go to sleep. She whimpered an okay, snuggled into him more, allowed herself to relax, and drift back to sleep. Geralt held her closer as her sleepy form while he too listed to Jaskier's rendition of the story. Geralt rode them through to the next town and when they got to the own, he settled Samaire in the bed and laid next to her as he rubbed her spine more and he swore, he saw her shoulderblades move in an odd way. He sighed, but decided not to ask. She needed sleep and he would let her sleep. It took her a week this time, but when she woke up, she was all sunshine and hearts. She and Geralt rode out that day and they went on their journey once more. But this time, Geralt knew he had to be more careful about Samaire.