Chapter 3: A Plea to Stay
After two more days cooped up inside the house, Yennefer and Triss finally take a trip out into the city. The cobbled streets are mostly empty, though footfalls in the snow hint that people were around. Triss slips into her fur coat, while Yennefer clasps a heavy cloak just under her chin. They didn't plan to stay out long. Just long enough to stretch their legs and to resupply the shelves in Yennefer's pantry.
"I should get some supplies too," Triss says. Yennefer closes the front door and turns to face her friend. "If the weather continues to clear, I can leave in about two days."
A bubble fills Yennefer's throat. She's been dreading this moment. She wished another storm would sweep in overnight, burying them in more snow that wouldn't melt for weeks.
She and Triss had settled into a routine, starting their days off with a shared breakfast before heading to different parts of the house. Normally, she hated being interrupted while she worked, but she looked forward to seeing a shock of red hair peeking into the study and hearing Triss' melodious voice as she asked if she needed anything. Sometimes Triss would linger, starting a conversation that went nowhere, but pleased Yennefer all the same. They lunched together in the middle of the day and Yennefer would go to the library to sit by the fire. At some point, Triss would start dinner and after their meal, they'd open a bottle of wine and enjoy the shared company.
Then night would come. Yennefer was forced to sleep in a spare bedroom until she could purchase a replacement for the bed she teleported earlier in the week. She slept further away from Triss' room and felt safer being a bit more vocal as she pleasured herself. She no longer fought against Triss' presence in her sexual fantasies. There was an image in particular that always sent her over the edge: Triss hovering over her, her hands snaked between Yennefer's legs, her fingers twisting in and out of her as she cooed at Yennefer to come for her. When she was spent, she'd collapse on the bed, trying to catch her breath. Her fantasies were so vivid, she sometimes thought she'd see Triss lying next to her. But the space was always empty.
Yennefer considered saying something. Taking a chance, at the risk of embarrassment and vulnerability. But she struggled to read Triss. There were times she felt those blue eyes on her, tracking her movement, tracing the outlines of her body, focusing on her curves. Triss would brush her hands against her body, sending shocks through Yennefer.
But just as soon as she was certain Triss was testing the waters, the younger sorceress would mention returning to Novigrad, the city she now claimed as her own, even if it was still dangerous for mages. And she seemed eager to get back there. To leave Yennefer behind.
"Yes, there are some shops you can visit," Yennefer says now, trying to keep the emotion out her voice. Triss starts to say something, but the older sorceress takes the lead, putting about a foot between them, ending the conversation. She knows she's retreating to her old, bad habits, failing to communicate when she desperately needs to. She and Geralt were plagued with many, many problems, but underlaying it all was their inability to properly communicate with one another. To openly express their feelings. To be vulnerable with each other. It's the one thing she regrets about their history. Maybe things would have been better, less hurtful if they had only spoken to each other.
Yennefer didn't want to repeat that mistake. She slowed until she and Triss were shoulder to shoulder.
"I've enjoyed having you in my home," she says slowly. She fidgets with the end of her belt, pretending to tighten it around her waist.
"I enjoy staying with you," Triss says. "Wish I visited more often."
She has to look Triss in the eyes, to let her know she's serious. "What if you stayed longer? Rest for a few more days?"
"To fight off the loneliness?" Triss offers.
Yennefer remembers their conversation from that first night. The loneliness they both experienced now that they weren't called on by friends or royal officials. That's not entirely why she wants Triss to stay, but she knew her friend was kind-hearted and would stay if it would help Yennefer.
"Yes."
Triss smiles. "Vengerberg is a lovely place. I'd love to stay a bit longer."
Relief washes over Yennefer and she smiles so hard that her cheeks start to hurt. Triss knocks shoulders with her and it feels like their old friendship. But there's something more underneath and Yennefer wants to fully latch onto it.
They stop at a grocer and purchase food to restock the stores they already consumed. Triss purchases two cases of wine to be delivered later in the day. Then they walk aimlessly through the streets. Yennefer points out building of interest. They stand in front of the Vengerburg Castle, marveling at the tall stone towers, topped with ornately decorated golden spires. When they're finished, Yennefer takes them to the gardens just off from the castle.
"I may never leave," Triss jokes as they walk down a path.
"I wouldn't mind."
The corner of Triss lips turn up in a smile. At the end of the path is a tall, strong oak that stands out against the white snow. Both women feel the magic radiating from it, begging to be used. Yennefer walks forward, her boots crunching against untouched snow. Triss trails her. They walk to the trunk and Yennefer holds out a hand to touch the rough bark. Triss leans against it and watches her friend.
"This is my favorite place," Yennefer says. "For no particular reason. I just love this tree. It's stood for centuries and will stand for centuries more."
"It's beautiful," Triss says.
"You're not even looking at it."
Triss glances at it from the corner of her eye and stares at Yennefer again. The other woman snorts and laughs. "We can head back if you're bored."
"I'm not bored," Triss says. "I'm enjoying this."
Yennefer is enjoying it too. The proximity of Triss is intoxicating. It takes great restraint to not lean in and kiss her on the lips, pin her against the tree and give into those fantasies that consumed Yennefer's mind for the past week. She licks her lips and swears Triss scoots closer.
They both turn at the sound of movement behind them. A castle guard rounds the corner, squints in their direction and adjusts the sword on his hip. The gardens are open to the public, but chances are the sorceresses are the first visitors to arrive in days. Triss looks at Yennefer, who jerks her head in the direction of the exit. The guard continues his rounds, glancing over his shoulder to look at them one final time.
There's an alehouse close by and Yennefer asks if Triss would like to pop in for a drink. It's virtually empty and the women grab a table close to the back where they won't be disturbed. It makes them look conspiratorial, but they don't care. They order a platter of sliced meats, cheese and olives and whiskey mixed with warm tea.
"Do you visit here often?" Triss asks, glancing around.
"They have good pies."
Triss scratches her knee and her fingers brush against Yennefer's. It's a mistake, something the younger sorceress didn't intend to do. But it sends a shock through Yennefer and she grips the underside of the bench she's seated on. If an accident could get a reaction like that, what would an intentional touch do to her?
"We've had a slow day," Triss says. "I never imagined I could actually experience something like this."
"I know what you mean."
"I was always on the go. Teleporting to meetings. Rushing to meet a monarch. Kissing asses of wizards more powerful than me. And at some point, finding time to eat and sleep."
"It was exhausting. We deserve better."
"Yes, we do," Triss says. She's staring at her and Yennefer doesn't let her gaze waver. She folds her hands on the table to hide their tremble. There's a challenge in those blue eyes and Yennefer struggles to uncover what the challenge is.
They finish their drinks and food and leave for Yennefer's home. The crates of wine would be delivered soon and they need to be there when it arrived.
That evening, after the wine is delivered and stored, after they eat a hearty dinner and another bottle of wine is open, the pair go to the library and settle on the sofa. Triss' legs swing over one of the arms, while her head rest inches from Yennefer's legs. Her eyes are shut as Yennefer runs her hands through that fiery hair, using her nails to scratch the scalp. The older sorceress senses her friend wants to say something.
"You can ask your question Triss."
The red-headed woman chuckles. "I was just going to ask if you're seeing anyone. I mean, if you feel lonely, why not find someone to share a bed with?"
Yennefer takes a sip from her glass before answering. "It would only be a temporary relief. Besides after Geralt, I don't know if I could handle another relationship." She says this last word slow, unsure if that's what she could call it. At times it felt that way. She was fond of the witcher, cared for him deeply over the twenty or so years they knew each other. She still felt an affection towards Geralt. They worked together to bring Ciri up into a beautiful, wonderful woman and when they were on good terms, everything was great.
But there were times where Yennefer felt like a placeholder. A warm body for the witcher to cling to in the night. And there was the influence of the djinn forcing them to always find their way back to each other. Now that the magic was lifted, Yennefer had time to think about things, to accept some hard truths about she and Geralt.
"I'm sorry Yen," Triss says. She opens her eyes slightly and one of her hands falls over the edge of the sofa, hanging in the air near her empty wine glass. "I was selfish and envious. And confused. I…Geralt was kind to me. I misinterpreted what that meant."
Yennefer knew of what happened. She heard it from Ciri. How Triss fell gravely ill while traveling with Geralt and Ciri. Ciri tried to help as much as she could, but Geralt assumed most of the responsibility of caring for the sorceress, going so far as to bathe her, hold her while she relieved her bladder, tuck her in to protect her against the cold.
"My heart was weak and yearned for something I couldn't have," Triss adds.
The older sorceress was unsure of what to say. She was finally getting the apology she thought she needed to move on. But she healed from her past with Geralt. He wasn't perfect. Neither was she. They both had reason to blame the other for what happened. There break wasn't clean, especially since he decided to try his luck with both Yennefer and Triss at the same time. But it had happened, and she didn't want to return to it.
"You shouldn't feel too guilty," Yennefer says. "We all acted in ways that was unbecoming. Besides, witchers and sorceresses seem to have strange effects on each other."
Triss chuckles. "Kiera and Lambert certainly prove that true."
"They're still a thing?"
"Yes, surprisingly."
Yennefer hums and takes another sip from her glass. Triss scoots up on the sofa until her head rests against her friend's thigh. Yennefer likes the contact, though it means she can't run her hand through those red strands.
"They're in love," Triss says.
"Wonder what it took?"
"Well, what would it take for you?"
She glances down, smiling at Triss' slightly tilted head. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, what would it take for you to fall in love?"
"Why? Plan on falling in love with me?" she teases.
Triss blushes and says, "Maybe."
Yennefer is shocked but recovers quickly. "I know you're joking," she says with a laugh. Triss chuckles too but doesn't respond. She sits up and leans against the arm rest, facing Yennefer. Her blue eyes are serious, but a smile ghosts across her face. The older sorceress swallows and ruffles her hair.
"Tell me Yen. Pretend a potential paramour waltzed in here and announced he was going to convince you to fall in love with him. What would he need to do? What's the quickest way to your heart?"
"Make me laugh," she finally admits. "They would need to say something that would cause me to laugh. Which given this chaotic world we live in is not an easy feat." Geralt made her laugh. Not often, but enough times to keep her interested. Other lovers found different ways to please her in and out of the bedroom.
Triss sits with her ankles crossed and grips them, leaning forward. "Huh. I never would have guessed." She nods to herself.
"And you?"
Triss rocks back. Her smile is sad and she looks out the window. "Show me kindness," she says in a small voice. She thinks of something new and wiggles her brows. "And be an excellent kisser."
Yennefer thinks about the Kingfisher and their brief kiss. Was that excellent? Yennefer thought so. But what about Triss? Was that why she alluded to it now? Yennefer looks down at her hands, trying to come to a decision. Triss shifts on the sofa until they're next to each other. She leans forward, trying to catch a glimpse of those lilac eyes. And when they lock eyes, Yennefer feels the breath in her lungs leave her.
She's moving automatically, without thinking, leaning closer to her friend, tilting her head. Triss moves closer too, her blue eyes never leaving Yennefer's face. They're sharing the same air now. Their lips hover inches from each other. Triss waits for the other woman to move.
Yennefer's heart pounds against her chest as she leans forward, brushing her lips against Triss'. Then they're kissing, pulling each other close. Yennefer cups Triss' cheek, her fingers wrapping around the back of her neck. The younger sorceress grasps her friend's waist, opens her mouth and licks Yennefer's lips, smiling as the kiss is deepened. Like their first kiss, Yennefer moans into Triss' mouth.
It's electrifying and Yennefer wants more. She wants to pull Triss upstairs to a bedroom and make love for the rest of the night. She wants to feel these soft lips on other parts of her body, kissing, sucking, licking whatever skin it came in contact with. She wants to know what it feels like to have Triss' fingers inside her bringing her to orgasm. She tries to convey this through the kiss because she doesn't want when they pull apart. She wants more and she wants Triss to know it.
They break for air and Triss brings their foreheads together, smiling. "Yeah, a kiss like that."
AN: Things get sexy next chapter and I can't wait to share it! I adore this pairing so much and I can't wait to start the sequel!