"Two rooms please," The man working behind the bar moves his gaze to Visenya, an oily grin snaking its way onto his face. He's a short, chubby man with beady brown eyes that focus on her too intently, lingering on her chest area.. His mousy brown hair is greasy and slicked back, an unsuccessful attempt to hide his bald patches, it would seem. The longer he looks at her, his grin creeps wider and wider until Visenya can see his teeth, the ones still in his mouth at least. Majority are blackened while the whitest of them are yellow and the stench of something rotting hits her nose.
He pulls out a heavy book from behind the counter, slamming it on the bar, faintly humming as he thumbs through the pages. With each page turn, he makes a show of licking his fingers, eye raking up and down Visenya as he does before moving his eyes down to the page.
"Looks like we only got one," he says. His eyes peer up at Visenya, a grin sleazier than the last, if possible. "However, I'm sure I could arrange for somewhere else...like my room perhaps. Free of charge of course," Visenya's jaw tightens as she rolls her eyes, slamming a few pieces of gold on the counter with more force than necessary. The rat of a man jumps a bit in surprise, sliding the coins towards him with shaky hands.
Men are the same no matter where you go.
"I'll just take the room, along with some drinks for me and my friend," Visenya says, nodding her head towards Jaskier, who's sitting at a table nervously fumbling with his lute. The man grumbles under his breath while putting away the room ledger, replacing it with an old rusty key. She grabs it and moves towards Jaskier, taking a seat across from him.
"Oh, there you are! Any luck?" Jaskier says upon noticing her. In response she throws the rusty key on the table, untrapping the sheath of her blade and resting it beside her. "Just one?"
"It was all they had," she says. A barmaid approaches their table, two drinks in hand. She sets them on the table and quickly scurries away before either of them could so much as glance at her. As soon as the drinks touch the table, Visenya grabs one of the cups and takes a large gulp, the ale leaving behind a slight numbing sensation as it flows down her throat. It's not the smoothest ale she's had, but also not piss poor swill.
"Well, I'm sure we can make it work," Jaskier says.
Visenya just grunts in response, throwing her ale back and finishing it off. She holds a hand up to gain the attention of a barmaid that is currently bustling around the tavern like a rat. A moment later she swings back to their table, wiping her hands onto her dingy and stained apron.
"Another ale for me," Visenya says. The woman nods and rushes off, yelling Visenya's order at the man behind the bar, returning a moment later with a full mug of ale. She places it in front of Visenya and turns to leave, however before she can, Visenya slips a gold coin in one of her deep pockets.
"Ah, I knew you had a heart somewhere in there, Jane," Jaskier says. His tone is light and teasing as he places his lute in the chair beside him. He takes a drink from his ale and promptly begins to sputter and cough, putting it down as quickly as he picked it up.
"I don't know what you mean." She hides her smirk behind her mug as she slowly sips her drink. Amusement dances in her amber eyes as Jaskier continues to cough for the next few seconds.
"Don- don't think, I didn't see you slip that coin into her pocket," Jaskier says, smacking his hand against his chest a few times before his breathing returned to normal. He sighs in relief and pulls out his water skin, taking a large gulp from it.
"So? It wasn't like it was mine," she says, raising a single eyebrow at Jaskier. His brows furrow and he purses his lips, before suddenly his eyes widen and he frantically begins to pat his pockets.
"You took my coin pouch!" he yells, pointing his finger accusingly at her. "I can't believe you would do that to me, what if we were to get separated and I needed to get food so I don't starve to death? What would you do then, Jane? Hmm. Bet you didn't think about that!"
Visenya turns her attention away from Jaskier's ranting, scanning the current occupants in the bar. There's the usual hunters and rangers, people traveling from one place to another, and then the workers. Her attention is captured however, when someone new enters the inn. Long snow-white hair, a bulky stature that could intimidate a giant, and two swords strapped to his back.
Geralt.
He approaches the bar, giving his order to the rat behind the counter, and she imagines him using a harsh tone, his words clipped and cold. He sits down on a bar stool, folding on himself as he lowers his elbows onto the counter. His position is the perfect spot, allowing everyone in the room to be visible to him, while staying hidden in the shadows himself.
Visenya's eyes lock onto him and as his eyes move through the room, their gazes meet. The bartender timidly places Geralt's drink in front of him before scurrying off to the other end. She offers him a sly smirk, raising a single eyebrow at him, daring him to come over.
And he does not disappoint.
With an ale in one hand, he stands from the bar and starts to walk towards Visenya and Jaskier's table. The crowds part for him, granting the intimidating Witcher a wide berth. And for a second, the thought of traveling with Geralt and never having to deal with people's bullshit crosses Visenya's mind. But then her eyes rest on Jaskier - who is still ranting about his coin pouch - and in that moment she knows she couldn't leave him. This idiot wouldn't last a day without her.
"Geralt!" Visenya says. Jaskier stops mid rant, moving his gaze to the approaching Witcher.
"Oh yes! This is perfect, brilliant even." Jaskier says, his tone bursting with excitement. "Whatever grand quest Geralt is about to complete is going to make a fantastic song!" "Jaskier, do me a favor." Visenya says, eyes not moving an inch from Geralt.
"Of course, anything My Lady."
"Shut up," Visenya says just in time for Geralt to reach their table. "If I didn't know any better, Geralt of Rivia, I'd think you were following me," she says, granting him a sly smile, a stark contrast to the frosty glare she wore moments ago. Geralt grunts in response, a hint of a smile hidden under his stony facade, and pulls out the chair beside Visenya.
"Jaskier." Geralt says, nodding his head towards the bard. Something glinting in the light gains Visenya's attention, her eyes drawn to one of Geralt's swords. Resting on the hilt of it is a familiar broach, with a sword cutting through the middle of it, surrounded in gems.
Renfri's broach.
Her smile dims a touch, the mischievous expression turning bleak and hollow. She hasn't thought of Renfri since Blaviken, unwilling to think about any of it. Visenya managed to tuck thoughts of Renfri in the same box she kept all of her memories of Westeros, locked deep enough away to continue on with her life. But seeing the broach that belonged to her - something so intricately tied with Renfri and her history - is like the box being thrown open and it's contents spilling to the ground.
"You kept it," Visenya says, voice barely above a whisper. Geralt looks at the broach then back at Visenya. Neither of them say anything, not that Visenya trusts herself to form a coherent sentence.
"The broach? Should I know about this broach, it seems like a big deal. Jane I didn't know you liked jewelry?" Jaskier interrupts, pulling Visenya from her reverie, firing off his questions like a hyperactive rabbit.
And just like that the box is locked again, it's contents neatly folded inside.
"It's nothing." Visenya quickly answers with a stiff tone, turning back to her drink and taking an even larger swig than before.
"Well, it doesn't seem like nothing." Jaskier rebuttals and Visenya glowers at him, not
ready to deal with anything that happened in Blaviken.
"Leave it, Jaskier." Geralt says, leveling a firm glare at him, eyes demanding for him to drop it.
"Fine, Fine I know a touchy subject when I see it. But how did you two meet anyway? Back during the whole Filavandrel situation you two seemed well acquainted." Jaskier asks, taking a small drink of his ale, and it brings a twinge of amusement to Visenya to see him struggling to swallow it.
"You'd think by now this one -" he points over at Visenya, "would tell me but no, I'm not worthy of her tales. Haven't even gotten her last name."
"Blaviken," Visenya answers, managing to make her voice even and strong, laced with her usual ice. "And I do have a last name, you're just not privy to that information,"
"Truly, Blaviken? Wasn't half the town burnt to a crisp? Were you present when it happened? Do you know what caused the explosion? How could you leave the details of this riveting tragedy from me!?" He exclaims, enthralled by the story he already weaved in his mind.
"No, I wasn't there,"
Her eyes glaze over, grip tightening on the mug in her hand. Images of people burning in a building flash before her eyes, their screams echoing in her head. The smell of burning flesh - the stench still lingering in the depths of her mind - causes her stomach to turn. And she swears that her mug starts to heat up, the ale coming to a vicious boil the longer and longer her mind wanders. Physically she is there, but mentally she's miles away, until Geralt snaps her back to her body.
"I see you took your own advice about hair oils." Geralt says, noticing the tight grip on her cup and the haunted look in her eyes. He knows it well, he's seen it painted on other people's faces many times. His eyes are locked on Visenya's hair, braided in an intricate fashion, serculy out of her face. It's still that same disgusting brown, but not nearly as much of a state as before, the ends much more manageable. A playful smile appears on Visenya's face, the ghosts of Blaviken disappearing from her mind, and she lightly smacks him on his broad shoulder, not worried about actually hurting the giant of a man.
"Shut up and drink your ale," she says, gesturing towards the drink the barmaid slipped him earlier. "Why are you here anyway?" she asks as he drinks his ale.
"A Nightwraith," he answers, "There's been one lurking nearby."
"Well, I doubt it's in this inn, so why are you here?" Visenya asks.
"Nightwraiths only come out at night, so I'm getting a drink." Geralt says, gesturing to his mug.
"And that you might've possibly heard we were here," Jaskier said, forcing himself into the conversation. "A few men in the town were getting too comfortable and Jane set them straight," Visenya levels a glare at Jaskier, not liking the implications in his eyes, the accusing words dripping from his smiling lips. He instantly flushes, beginning to nervously play with his sleeves, the confidence there only moments ago nowhere to be seen.
"What are you implying, Jaskier," Visenya asks, a thinly veiled threat laced in her words, promises of reintroducing him to her fist if he isn't careful.
"I'm just saying, this is what… the third time you've run into each other and the two of you seem very familiar with each other" he mutters.
"Jaskier…" Geralt says, utilizing the same tone as Visenya. And she doesn't doubt that Geralt's probably already hit the bard too.
"I didn't say a word," His expression is similar to a cat that got the cream, smug with a satisfied glint in his eyes. His eyes slowly move from Geralt to Visenya, back to Geralt then Visenya, before landing on his lute. He picks up the instrument and begins mindlessly strumming it, humming different lyrics quietly as he does.
Geralt rolls his eyes, while Visenya fidgets with one of her daggers.
Stupid bard.
They idly sit there for a few more minutes and once Geralt finishes his drink, he stands up to leave.
"Wait Geralt," Visenya said, grabbing onto his arm, causing him to look down at her. "Let me help you fight the wraith."
"No," he said, his tone flat, not even allowing a second to consider the offer.
"Why not?" Visenya presses, refusing to accept no without a reason, her pride rearing its ugly head. Does he think she's incapable of holding her own in battle, like she's some damsel in distress?
"It's too dangerous," he simply says, pulling his arm free from her grasp and leaving the inn. Visenya huffs in frustration, reaching across the table and swiping Jaskier's full mug of ale.
When was the last time she got to hit something that could give her a real fight?
"Hey! That's mine," Jaskier exclaims, but makes no move to try and take it back.
"Well I need a drink and I got tired of you sipping on it like it's some high class wine," she grumbles, rolling her eyes. Jaskier huffs, but says nothing else. He leans back in his chair and Visenya finishes off his mug. There's silence surrounding them for a moment, blocking out the intruding tavern ambience
"You really are something else, Jane," Jaskier says, bringing Visenya's attention back to him. His eyes are intently watching her, lacking the lightheartedness he usually possesses. Her smile slowly vanishes, meeting Jaskier's gaze, and not for the first time, Jaskier proves himself more perceptive than most people give him credit for.
"I don't know what you mean," she says, averting her eyes to her hands, tracing the details of the small ring on her finger.
"Don't think I've forgotten about what you said to Filavandrel," he says. Visenya's eyes snap towards Jaskier. She opens her mouth to reply, but Jaskier cuts her off. "But, I won't push it. You'll tell me when you're ready."
Visenya's mouth opens and closes a few times as she tries to form a proper sentence.
" I- Thank you," she finally says. Finishing off the rest of her ale, she grabs the key from the table and stands up, Jaskier mirroring her actions.
Silently, they move across the room towards the stairs to get to the second level.
"So who's getting the bed?" Jaskier asks, a hair too close.
"Me,".
"Or we could share…?" Jaskier suggests.
"Or you can sleep outside in the cold."
o0o0o0o
The soft grass gives out underneath the weight of Visenya's footsteps, leaving behind a trail of her tracks as she quietly moves through the meadow. There's no sun to guide her, the darkness only allowing for faint shadows and delusions of monsters at every corner. There's a chill in the air, an ominous feeling creeping up her spine that nearly makes her heave up her dinner. She's not sure what possessed her to do something this stupid; it could be pride or the need to prove a point. Either way, it'll probably get her killed one day.
The townsfolk were more than willing to tell her everything they knew about the wraith plaguing their home, even giving a general location. It's a few hours past sundown and approximately ten minutes after she saw Geralt exit the town. Armed with a sword and donning her leather armor, the sinking feeling that she's in over her head sets in, a pit forming in the depths of her stomach.
But it's too late to turn back now.
It's silent, so much so that Visenya can hear her breathing, the deep inhale and exhale seemingly as loud as a Dothraki screamer. The air is ice cold, so cold it could make Winterfell feel like Dorne. Each breath is clearly visible in the air, the condensation nearly freezing it into small icicles on sight. Her heart speeds up, the ominous feeling that previously felt more like a nagging sensation in the back of her mind is at full power. There's a tickle in her left ear, the feeling of someone a breath away from her skin. She whirls to the left, and there's nothing but empty air, and just as she turns away-.
A screech rings in the still air, so piercing Visneya has to cover her ears in fear of losing that ability to hear. She whips her head to the left, keen eyes trying to see through the inky darkness surrounding her, and then she sees it- a glint of silver in the distance, flashing so quickly, it could only be the dangerous dance of one person, Geralt.
Without allowing a moment of hesitation, Visenya draws her blade and charges. There's a sliver of fear in the back of her mind that she forces away. She's never fought a wraith - or any monster of any kind, but there's no turning back now.
The closer she gets, the clearer the noises becomes. She hears the sound of metal clanging together, heavy breathing similar to a snarling wolf, and another scream - this one not as loud as the first one. About 20 feet away, a spectral figure comes into sight, wearing a torn up nightgown, the once pristine white fabric stained red and black. A blackened tongue oozing with dark ichor hangs from its mouth, nearly reaching its spectral feet. A shimmering purple barrier surrounds it as Geralt hacks away at it, moving as if he's made to fight.
She grabs one of her silver daggers - the first weapon she bought here, still charging at full speed. It leaves her hand, cutting through the air, landing where its heart would be. A clean shot, just like Jon taught her all those years ago, hidden in the Godswood.
Geralt's head whips towards Visenya, the distraction allowing for the wraith to drag it's razor sharp claws across his chest, the leather armor taking the brunt of the damage. He staggers backward, but tosses a vial at the wraith. It explodes on contact and leaves behind a luminous glow in the area. The creature screeches in pain as it flies towards Geralt.
"What the fuck are you doing here, Jane?" Geralt yells, anger evident in his tone as he dodges an incoming attack.
"Helping you!" she replies. She brings her blade up and slices into the creature. The sword passes through it, leaving the wraith unharmed.
"Your sword won't do anything!" he yells, hitting the wraith with his sword, a line of flames following the swing. "It's steel, only silver kills monsters."
"Well fuck me then!" Visenya tosses the sword away, pulling out a second dagger, this one also forged from silver. It leaves her hand and lands in the center of the creature's forehead, falling to the ground as the shimmering circle around them disappears. The wraith becomes incorporeal again and swipes one of its hands towards Visenya, scratching along her chest.
A howl of pain echoes from her mouth, a burning sensation lights her body on fire, but not the type of fire she's familiar with. This one is darker and twisted, making her toes curl inwards as it feels like her life essence is being drained. Visenya staggers backward and attempts to gain her footing. However, before she has a chance to recover, it swipes at her again with its other hand, scratching across her chest again, creating an X. With another cry of pain, Visenya falls backward.
The wraith glides towards her, its scream making her ears bleed. She attempts to stand but doesn't have the strength, it feels like her body weighs a ton. The closer the wraith gets to her, the faster her heart speeds up, the feeling of impending doom growing stronger. And as it draws closer, on instinct she throws her arm up, an attempt to shield her body from the creature. And as she screams, pain flaring in her body from the simple action, a flash of fire follows her movements. It smacks against the wraith, burning away the rags it wears and the black ichor dripping from it. The creature recoils and shrieks once again, however, before it continues its advance, a sword pierces it from behind. With a final scream, the wraith disappears, leaving a sticky substance behind in its place, that too dissipates after a moment, only leaving behind burning injuries in its wake.
Silently, Geralt steps in front of Visenya with a hand outstretched towards her. She takes it, his hand is surprisingly cool to touch, a startling contrast to her burning skin. He slings her arm over his shoulder and the two of them begin the trek back to town. On their way past it, Geralt bends down to grab her sword from the ground.
The walk back to the inn is completely silent, Geralt saying nothing and Visenya wanting to speak, but not knowing what to say. It isn't until they're in Geralt's room, the door firmly shut behind them, that he says anything, or even looks at her.
"You shouldn't have come." Geralt says, his voice holding the usual coldness, keeping everyone at arm's length, but contained under his words is a burning anger. He grabs a medicine kit from his pack and walks over to Visenya, a poultice in one hand and bandages in the other. "Take off your shirt."
"But I did come," she says as she took off her leather tunic, leaving on her breast band. Her vision is slightly fuzzy around the edges, but much clearer than it had been in the field. The burning sensation isn't nearly as intense, but that doesn't mean it's healing, in fact the wound looks worse. It's like when you cut your finger on parchment, the pain doesn't go away, instead it lingers in the back of your mind, until it finally leaves entirely.
"Yeah and you almost got killed!" he says, aggressively cleaning the deep claw marks that mar her skin, adding to the collection of scars covering her body. She hisses in pain at the contact but does nothing to stop him. She watches his eyes, a storm brewing in them. His mouth is pulled in a tight line with his jaw tightly clenched. His hands held the rag so tightly she could see his veins popping out on his arm.
"Like that's the worst thing that could happen! Not that it matters, because I didn't die but the wraith did. End of story." She shouldn't have said that, and she knows it. The second the words fly from her mouth she regrets them, but it's too late. Her pride is wounded, hurting as much as the claw marks on her chest.
"Like hell that's the end of the story. Do you not realize how stupid what you did was?" he snarls, throwing the rag in his hand to the ground, pure unbridled rage in his eyes.
"Who cares, I clearly don't! Can't you say thank you and move one," Visenya exclaims, over this argument the moment it started, but unable to concede and admit fault. She's too stubborn for that.
And he laughs.
Not a full belly laugh that makes your stomach twist into knots, or the type of laugh that is like the first spring air touching your skin after a year of winter. No, this one is cold and sarcastic and cruel.
"You want me to thank you? Is that it?" he asks, his eyes wild and crazy, his mouth twisting into a mocking grin.
"Would that be so bad?" She stands from the bed, pain immediately rearing its hateful head at her, but the anger coursing through her bones overpowers it, blocking out her senses and common sense.
"Enlighten me then Jane. Why should I thank you, hmm? What did you do in that fight other than distract me," he asks, raising his eyebrows at her, his eyes egging her on, demanding a response.
"I helped you, you fucking idiot!" she replies, shoving him with all the strength she could muster. He staggers back just a hair, quickly gaining his footing back.
"And if you died? Would that be helping me? When they had to bury-"
Smack.
She brings her hand up, cracking it across his face with a clean smack, the noise reverberating around them. And it's silent, beyond their heavy breathing and the crackling fire. From the force of the blow, Geralt's head turned left and stays that way for a moment, his left cheek bright red. The shock on his face disappears, like fire melting ice, while Visenya stares at him, unsure of what to do next. Her hand thrums with pain, his face harder than she'd anticipated.
"It wouldn't be the first time," she mutters after a moment of silence. Flashes of Walder Frey and his soldiers, Robb falling dead to the ground, and Visenya's knees meeting the dirt, only able to cry as bolts pierced her skin.
They maintain eye contact for a moment, Visenya lost in her thoughts and Geralt trying to digest what she said. And then like the first snow of winter, the broken dam that lets the river flow freely, Geralt breaks the silence.
"Sit down, I still need to wrap your wound."
In a daze, Visenya sits down as Geralt starts spreading a foul smelling poultice on her wounds, yet she can't even bring herself to grimace at the smell, too lost in her head. Visenya stares at the wall ahead of her, lost in her own thoughts. A sigh escapes her mouth.
"I'm sorry," Visenya says nervously, biting her bottom lip. "I shouldn't have come, I don't know anything about monsters and charged headfirst into a fight without a proper weapon." A chuckle escapes her throat, the tone self-deprecating and sardonic.
"I've noticed you don't think too much before acting," he said, his tone lighter than the anger in it only seconds ago, her apology calming his rage. Visenya snorts, remembering all the times she'd been scolded for her hot-headedness by the Starks - mainly Catelyn and on occasion Jon too.
"So I've been told," she says. Geralt begins applying the bandages over her wounds to protect them from getting infected. He doesn't say anything else, but Visenya can hear the questions swirling in his mind.
"Go on. Ask away all the questions I know you have." Visenya says. Geralt pauses his actions but continues nonetheless.
"I do have questions, but I know if you wanted me to know the answers, you'd tell me." Geralt replies. He finishes dressing her wounds and steps away from her. He begins gathering the remaining supplies and places them back into his pack.
"Do you miss her?" Visenya asks, watching Geralt intently. He doesn't pause his actions, but he does throw her a quick glance. "I mean, you still have her broach. She must've meant something." Visenya ponders aloud. Geralt throws his pack across the room onto a chair. He quickly removes his leather jerkin, expertly undoing on the ties and clasps that keep it in place. He's left wearing a simple tunic and his sturdy leather pants. He then sits beside Visenya on the bed.
"I will admit, she had an impact on me." Geralt says, handing her a water skin. She takes a large drink from it, the cool water refreshing against her dry throat, then Visenya passes the water back to him, wiping at her mouth.
"I feel like every time I close my eyes to sleep, she's there. A faint whisper in my dreams that never leaves." Visenya says, her voice barely above a whisper. Geralt doesn't reply but continues to watch her, his expression is unreadable.
"I was gonna leave with her, did ya know?" Visenya says, softly laughing after, tracing the grain in the floorboards. "We were going to take the world by storm, no one safe from our chaos."
"I'm sorry." Geralt mutters.
"Don't be, she was determined to burn down the world. Nothing we could've done," Visenya replies, trying to convince herself more than anything. Her need to destroy those who've wronged her led to her downfall, a moral point of no return. It reminds Visenya how fickle someone's state of sanity is. One wrong move and everything snaps.
That could've been Visenya if not for the Starks.
It could still be her.
And that thought terrifies her.
"How long did you know her?" Geralt asks.
"Not much longer than you," Visenya says, snorting obnoxiously. "It seems stupid, being so torn up about the death of someone you've only known for three days."
"People have done crazier." Geralt replies. Apprehensively he puts a hand on Visenya's shoulder as an attempt to comfort her. She accepts it and leans against his touch. Forming a small smile on her face, she looks up at him.
"Like charge into a fight against a wraith unprepared." she quips.
"Some might say that," he says. He moves his hand so his arm is wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her closer to his side.
"Would it surprise you to know I've done far stupider?" Visenya asks, her eyes shifting to his wolf medallion, tracing and retracing it.
"Would you be offended if I say I'm not." Geralt says. She can feel his gaze on her, so intense it might burn a hole through her.
"I can't be offended about anything after the stunt I just pulled," Visenya says. She pulls a centimeter away from Geralt, sitting up to be eye level with him.
Easier said than done, considering how tall he is.
She rests her hands on top of his shoulders, attempting to balance herself. His eyes follow her every move but he does nothing to stop her. Her eyes trace his face, taking the moment to memorize each curve and scar. His face is angular and sharp, faint white lines dancing across his face. His lips - soft and full, an intoxicating contrast to the sharpness on the rest of his face. From the moment she saw him, Visenya knew that Geralt was attractive. But being this close to him, with his eyes looking at her like they are, now she knows how attractive he is.
"Everyone always told me I was too impulsive," Visenya says, leaning her weight against Geralt as she swings one of her legs around him, straddling his lap.
"Hmm. And where would they get that idea?" Geralt replies, moving his arms to coil around her waist like a snake tightening around its prey.
"I have no idea," Visenya says, moving her face closer to Geralt's. He doesn't move towards her, but he doesn't move away either. His grip around her does tighten, however. She continues until their faces are barely a centimeter apart. They're so close she can feel his breath fanning on her face as her eyelashes delicately tickle against his skin. The two of them continue to stare at each other, daring the other person to make a move. Her eyes search his - unsure of what she's looking for, but searching nonetheless.
There's a little distance between them.
Until there isn't.
Geralt closes the gap between them, pressing his lips against her, like a starving beast that finally found a meal after days of searching. It's all teeth and tongue, desperation clawing at both of them. His lips are slightly chapped from the biting wind outside, but still so soft. It's like the first time Visenya wore a dress from silks, drowning in the soft fabric that felt like a million gentle caresses.
Gods, his lips are softer than they have the right to be.
Her hands move from his shoulders and weave themselves into his hair, lightly tugging as she does. He pulls her closer to his body, the heat radiating from Visenya hotter than any fire. The adrenaline from the fight with wraith returns tenfold, a roaring fire burning away the pain lingering in her chest until there's nothing but a dull ache left. Visenya can feel herself getting addicted to the sensation of his lips, desperately craving more and chasing his mouth during those few seconds they pull away for air.
On pure instinct, she begins to grind against him in the same rhythm of her ragged breathing, desperate for some sort of friction. His hands that were previously around her waist slide down until he's gripping both sides of her hips. He starts to guide her movements, clearly well practiced in this department. The sensation elicits soft moans from Visenya that Geralt swallows.
Geralt breaks the kiss, moving his mouth to her neck, leaving marks wherever his teeth touch. Visenya gasps at the feeling, tugging on his hair harder than before. Geralt growls and continues his assault. A warm feeling inside her continues to grow the longer they stay like this until it's nearly unbearable. One of her hands untangles itself from his hair, moving to grip his chin.
She forces his head away from her neck to face her head-on. A predatory grin forms on Visenya's face, the control she holds over him in the moment exhilarating. Usually, Geralt maintains control of a situation, both in combat and in conversation, he's holding the reins. But in this moment, with his eyes practically begging for her to do something - anything as he tightens his grip on her hips, he's as helpless as the damsels in Sansa's stories. His amber eyes appear nearly feral, wild and blown out. His hair is a tangled mess from where Visenya brushed her hands through it, his lips are bruised and swollen, evidence of what just happened between them.
She continues to grind against him while maintaining her grip on his chin. A series of low grunts escapes his mouth, the sound spurring Visenya on. She quickens her pace and with her hand still in Geralt's hair, she pulls harder and forces his head upwards to expose his neck. His jaw is clenched, veins in his neck popping out. She leans her face forward, burying her face in his pulse point, leaving trails of phantom kisses leading up to his jawline. She begins to nibble at his jaw, slowly moving towards his lips. She moves her hands onto the tops of his shoulders, leaning most of her weight against him. Geralt leans forward, attempting to connect their lips, but Visenya pulls back. Far enough that he doesn't reach her, but still close enough that her breath tickles his lips. A low grunt of annoyance leaves his mouth, but he does nothing else.
"Nuh uh uh. Not yet," she tells him, giving him a grin that shows all her teeth. "You've gotta earn it." His grip on her hips is so tight, Visenya's sure it's gonna leave marks. His movements become jerkier and rougher as he guides her hips against his crotch. A pit grows in Visenya's stomach as she grinds harder against him. A slew of curses leave Geralt's mouth, but he maintains eye contact with Visenya like he's entranced.
"Fuck, Geralt. There you go, that's right." Visenya moans, closing her eyes and fully enjoying the sensations. "If it's this good when you've got your clothes on, I can only imagine when you're not." she says, fluidly moving with the pace he set.
"Why don't you find out," he grunts, his breathing unsteady. Visenya simply laughs at him, opening her eyes and leaning into him.
"Not yet, this is only the third time we've met. A girl has to maintain some propriety," She presses her lips against his, slipping her tongue in his mouth, but pulls away before he gets a chance to react.
"You're a fucking tease," Geralt says, attempting to chase her mouth.
"The door's over there, I'm sure there's a nearby brothel that could help you out," Visenya says. However, before Geralt gets a chance to respond, she digs her fingers into his shoulders. She rubs against him with rigid backward and forward motions, chasing the high that she instinctively knows is so close. She clenches her legs tighter against him as a tingle fills her body, starting from her head down to her toes. Almost simultaneously, a throaty groan leaves Geralt's mouth and he presses his face into the crook of her neck. The two of them slow their movements until neither of them are moving.
They stay like that for a while, neither of them saying a word. Visenya eventually manages to catch her breath and steady her heart. The adrenaline previously pumping through her diminishes as she gains control of her brain.
"Stay." Geralt asks - no demands. His eyes meet hers with the same intensity his gaze always holds, but something softer is mingled with it.
"Jaskier will know if I don't come back to the room." Visenya reminds him. "And I really don't want to deal with that."
"To hell with the bard." Geralt argues, tightening his grip around Visenya and pulling her closer.
"You said it, not me." Visenya quips, leaning forward to meet Geralt's lips again.