I AM SOOOOOO SORRY THAT IT TOOK ME A FEW MONTHS TO UPDATE AGAIN.
I had some kind of writers block and then I didn't even knew if anyone was still reading this story.
Well… here is a new chapter and I hope you have as much fun reading it as I had writing it (especially the last part of the chapter)
It is longer than usual (around 4600 words) and I think a good way to exit 2018.
pLEASE ENJOY READING :)
Milli had started to train in the evenings again. Even though it only contained simple stances and blocks using her daggers or a short blade, and not complicated figures like the men were doing. It was just so she would be able to defend herself and the kids should anything get past the men.
"Will you teach me to fight with a real sword sometime?", she asked Lambert one evening. "You promised, remember?"
"Yeah I do. But for now this must be enough. But we could try if you are able to use the signs- if you want. Swords take time.", he hummed, not really wanting for her to learn how to use them. The risk of injuries was big, and he didn't want her to accidentally lose a finger or something more precious. Especially not in the middle of the woods.
The time in the woods was good for the furry pet. Fili grew in muscles and height; now reaching the woman´s head with his shoulders.
His fur had changed into a more golden colour during the early months of spring and his increased height and strength caused him to eat more and more, and so he would run ahead from time to time, hunting his own food and sometimes even bring something back to the camp. At night he would either sleep alongside his human siblings and mother, or he would wander off, only to return in the early hours of the morning.
Kili and Lili had become active children, that had figured out not only to walk, but to run one evening while they were on the road, causing everyone to have an even sharper eye on them. Their hair had become long enough to be braided, and so Milli tried any type she could think of, turning her twins into little braided warriors, that loved to sit on the adult laps.
A month into the travel did Eskel leave the group, to visit a village he knew and which might have some contracts for him.
"Make sure this oaf behaves, Milli. See you all on Skellige.", had been his farewell before galloping away.
"Yeah, ok. So what about the potions and oils? I could help you guy with them if you teach me how to make them."
"I can teach you, Milli, no problem. You need to know the special abilities of the plants if you are going through with your plans of that farm.", Vesemir had offered, and so the young mother learned everything she needed to know during the day from the eldest Witcher.
"Tell me, Milli. Have you ever travelled by boat? The waters can be rough crossing to the islands.", he asked her one day during the second month.
"Yes. I love the sea and water in general. I don't mind a few waves. Though I don't know what will be with Fili and the Twins.", Milli answered with a smile, remembering her holidays at the sea and visits of water parks back home, "Why do you ask now?"
"Tomorrow we should reach the harbour. I can already smell the sea and taste the salt in the air.", Vesemir answered her, taking in a deep breath.
"Really? Awesome. What will happen, once we reach the town?"
"We will find a ship to take us to the islands and depending on when it leaves, we will stay at the inn. That town isn't hostile towards us, since we helped them with a huge drowner plaque a few years back.", he grinned, and her face lit up upon hearing those words.
"Yes you can take a hot bath then.", Lambert laughed, looking down at her from where he sat on his horse, before she could even ask her question, "We all could need one."
"Aye. Nothing better than a warm bath after two months on the road. I hate to wash in a cold stream.", the older Witcher stated with a huff.
"Am I that easy to read?", Milli sighted.
"No. But I learned a lot about you when we first travelled to Kaer Morhen.", the younger of the two Witchers answered with a wink.
"Good. Now take your kids. I need to disappear behind a tree."
"Yes Ma´m.", he grinned, stepping closer and reaching for the twins who at once began to smile and babble. They loved their father as much as he loved them. And whenever Milli saw the three of them smiling like that, did her heart swell with warmth and happiness. Lambert was a good father.
Back at the camp, the young mother leaned against her partners side, taking little Kili in her arms, so Lambert could pull them against his side, embracing them in a hug.
"You two sleep. It´s my turn to have the first watch.", the grandpa of the bunch grinned, he was happy for the family- that was somehow his family.
"Do I still render your medallions useless?", the female suddenly asked with a yawn, only now remembering what Lambert had once said.
"Kind of, yes. It feels slightly different when other monsters are around- ", Lambert started to explain, though he was interrupted by his partners mumbled apology.
"I am sorry."
"Not yer fault. Now sleep, before I change my mind."
"Will do. Easy watch Vesemir."
"Sleep well Milli. I will wake you when it is your turn Lambert."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Since their first time on the road, Lambert had figured out how to meditate while laying beside the young woman, enjoying her warmth against his chest.
Fili had wandered off that night, like he had done before often.
It was in the early hours of the morning when the three were pulled out of their rest by loud noises of breaking underbrushes.
The two Witchers were ready to fight at once, facing the area the noises came from.
Seconds later, a huge wolf sprang out behind a tree, fangs bare, followed by a growling bear:
Filli tackled the wolf to the ground before it was even able to get close to the little group. The bear was furious and it took minutes for him to calm down again and trotted to his human mother, his snout covered in red blood.
He looked rather proud of his kill.
"That's a damn big wolf."
"Aye-"
"Thank you, Fili.", Milli smiled, scratching the bear pup behind his ears.
They then decided to break up camp then and there, but not before she went and cleaned the bear in a nearby stream- no way the villagers would let them near with a blood splattered bear in their midst.
"We should be at the village around noon, if not earlier.", Vesemir hummed.
Though they were able to reach it earlier: the sun hadn't even reached his zenith when the odd group crossed the outer boarders of the village. Fili "secured" at his leach.
To say they caught attention was an understatement: people stopped what they were doing as soon as they were coming closer.
"Master Witcher. Welcome back. But we don't need your help at the moment.", a man (who seemed to be the eldest) greeted them.
"Glad to hear that. We are here to take a ship to Skellige. Say is there one in the harbour at the moment?"
"Ah I understand. There is one. Came in last week and I think they want to return this evening. You can find them at the second pier. Should you or your friends need anything, please let me know.", he exclaimed, before returning to where he came from.
"They really must be grateful for your help.", Milli mumbled, surprised about the hospitality that was shown towards them.
"A rare sight, indeed. Come, let us find that ship.", Vesemir hummed, before leading the group towards the piers.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.
"Wha can we do for ya Master Witcha?", one of the Vikings greeted them, sitting on the railing of the large vessel.
"We have business on your islands and an invitation by your leaders brother. Might there be room for us on your ship?", Vesemir called out.
"Ah, yer must be the wolves. Heard about yer. Come on. Find a place. Is the bear with ya?"
"Aye. We have provisions for him and he will behave.", Lambert answered.
"Fine with me. We sail with the next high tide. Should be around sundown."
"Understood. Thank you, Master Sailor."
.-.-.-.-.-.-.
They sailed for a few days over a week before the "Raging Albatros" (the name of the ship) entered its home harbour of Kaer Trolde.
The sea had been calm and they had crossed it without any problem: Fili behaved and Kili and Lili loved to be on the ship: They climbed (like kids their aged climbed) and ran around, though they always were under surveillance.
Milli loved to feel the wind in her hair and the salty air in her lungs. It reminded her of her holidays near the sea as a child, and the mountain ranges on the islands of those in the alps.
I like it here. It is beautiful.
"Beautiful, isn't it?", Lambert hummed behind her, engulfing the young woman into a hug.
"It really is. I bet the sky at night is incredible.", Milli answered with a hum on her own, leaning back against his strong chest, "Where are the twins?"
"Sleeping in Fili´s fur. Vesemir is with them."
.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Midday approached and the two Witcher left the ship, followed by Milli with the twins and Fili. Their horses had stayed behind at the village.
"Nothing much seemed to have changed since the last time I was here. Let´s see if we can get a few rooms at the inn and a place for Fili. That might get complicated though.", Lambert declared, looking around at the old houses.
"Do that Master Witcher. I will let the royal family now yer are here.", the captain of the vessel stated next to them.
"Thank you Hjalbjörn.", the mother smiled, "Come on. I want to take a bath and eat something warm."
"Ma´m, if you want to follow me.", the father teased, placing a hand on her lower back, guiding them through the village to where he knew the Inn was.
The Innkeeper wasn't very thrilled at first when she saw the bear enter her establishment and even more thought when she heard that it would stay in there. She was only ok with it, after she saw how well behaved, he was and when Vesemir promised they would pay for any repairs the bear might cause.
It was decided Fili and Vesemir would share a room, so the family had one of their own.
"I will bring ya yer soup and some meat for yer beast.", the Innkeeper nodded, after showing them a table that would give them some privacy.
Fili laid half beneath the table and half into the path, causing every single customer to look at them curious and in disbelieve. Skellige might be different but even there a bear as a pet was rather unusual if not even not known of.
"Mhmmm, this soup is awesome! What kind of meat is this?", Milli groaned after she ate her first bit of soup.
"It´s Bear.", the returned Innkeeper smiled, having heard the question of the young woman, causing her to gulp.
"Really? Damn… well Fili, your brothers taste wonderful. Though I promise you won´t end up as soup.", the young mother shrugged before eating another spoon, resulting in a round of grinning and headshakes around the small group (including the innkeeper).
.-.-.-.-.-.-.
It was the next morning and Milli and the twins were already seated at their table, waiting for the men and bear, when a friendly voice called from the door.
"Holy shit did these two grow since I last saw them."
Looking up, the young female saw Hjalmar standing there, with a huge grin on his face.
"Morning Hjalmar. Long time no see- I believe they must seem to be grown quite a bit, since the last time we saw each other. For me- well, I see them every day.", she smiled, "Why don't you take a seat? Vesemir and Lambert should be here any second."
"If you don't mind. And to be honest, I hoped to speak with them about something. But first things first- How are you and what do you think about Skellige? Had mead yet?", he asked, allowing Kili to play with his fingers.
"Well, I just saw a bit, but what I saw is really beautiful and your people are kind and easy to get by. I like it here.", she smiled, cooing at Lili.
"Good to know. So what are you all doing here? Sick of those old walls in the middle of nowhere?"
"Kind of. Lambert has to take care of something or rather someone. Don't know how long that will take, though I guess if you have a job, he could and would stay a while longer."
"I will talk to him then. If you like it here, why don't you stay here for a while? I can speak with my sister, I bet there are some empty houses you can live at."
"Sounds good to me. Oh- there they come.", Milli nodded, having just noticed the father of her children to enter the main room of the inn.
"Hjalmar. Nice to see you. Say- did you bring Mead with you? Or did Milli already drank it all."
"No mead like now, but I will keep my promise. Don't ya worry.", the Viking prince winked, "So, I have something I wanted to speak with you about something."
"Then let´s talk."
.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Three months had gone by in a flight.
Lambert had been able to take his revenge within the first three weeks.
The two of them had decided to take the princes offer of staying on Skellige for a while longer and therefore they had moved into an old cottage a five-minute walk away from the outskirts of Kaer Trolde.
It consisted of a main house (with two rooms, a main room and a wet-room), a small stable and a little shack.
Lambert and Milli had moved into the bigger of the second room, converting the smaller of the rooms into a crib for Kili and Lili. Vesemir had moved into the shack, stating it was more than enough for him and so Lambert had helped to turn it into a cosy little apartment with everything he needed.
Fili would take turns on staying in the main house and at Vesemirs.
A farmer (whom the Witcher had helped with a necker plague) had given them a cow and a bull as payment, who now lived in the stable, which had still room for a pair of horses and some chicken.
Now every morning, Lambert would let them out of the stable and onto a meadow (that belonged to the cottage), before starting the fire, so Milli would be able to make breakfast.
Vesemir would join them for breakfast and then help cleaning up afterwards.
Two months into their stay, the young mother had started her little garden of herbs and vegetables.
The men did whatever had to be done: helping to tend to the garden and cattle, watching the kids, hunting and preparing meat for food, helping Milli buying groceries at the marked or just simply hunting monsters.
The usual.
Every other day, the merry (though odd) family visited the inn, and therefore became friends with many Skelliger.
Three weeks ago, Eskel finally joined them and so sparring had joined the daily routines and so two hours everyday were reserved for training.
Even for Milli.
Like promised, Lambert had continued to teach the mother of his children to fight, starting with simple hand to hand- claiming she had to build more muscle before she would be able to use swords, and she was alright with that. She also learned how to use the signs and prepare the more difficult potions.
She had succeeded to light a fire once.
-.-.-..-.-.-.-.-.
It was the beginning of their forth month in their new home, when Lambert asked the young mother to join him on a walk through the fields and to a little spring. It was a safe path.
"Do you like it here?", he finally asked her, unsureness in his voice.
"Here at the Clearing, or on Skellige?", she asked, already knowing what he meant.
"I mean, here on the Island, with the hut and everything.", he specialised.
"Of course I like it here. The nature is awesome, the people are just so lovely – if you get to know them I mean- and , I would even say it feels like a home.", she breathed her answer, looking him into the eyes.
"Really?"
"Yes, or wouldn't you say so?"
"No. I – where ever the three of you are is home to me. So if you want to stay here- to live here, I will do everything I can to make it worthy to you, and our twins. And if you want to leave, we will find a new place. You deserve a normal life."
"You do so as well. And I would love to stay here. At least as long as you have enough monster to kill. And maybe until the kids are a bit older.", she hummed, placing a kiss on against his armoured chest.
"Then it is decided. Come, before the twins get to restless.", Lambert hummed, before guiding her back to their home.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
The young mother had sent Eskel and Lambert to go ahead (they had to visit the royal blacksmith to receive their repaired weapons and armour) and to wait at the inn for Vesemir, the Twins, Fili and her.
Milli was carrying Kili and Vesemir Lili, when they finally entered the inn, Fili always on their tails.
"So you are really going to stay here and live a normal life?", Vesemir asked once again, a smile dancing on his lips and in his eyes.
"Aye. I like it here, and Lambert will be able to settle down a bit. And our twins will be able to grow up with other children around their age. It´s just the best for us as a Family, you know?", she answered the man she considered as a father in law.
"I know what you mean, and the four of you deserve it and I wish you all the best. Believe that-"
"Oh no, don't think you can leave now. You gave me a promise: you will stay with us. At least for now.", she grinned, supressing the urge to stick out her tongue at the older man.
"For now- Milli, for now.", he smiled grateful.
Walking towards the table the little group usually sat at, the young mother greeted those of the Vikings she learned to know during their stay, who greeted back with nods or raised horns filled with mead and beer. The atmosphere was merry and loud, just like always, and she knew she would enjoy her time here, just like she always did.
Her mood turned though, when she saw who had joined the two men at their table.
Two persons she had hoped (and thought) to never see again: Leon and the girl he preferred over herself.
What the fuck? What – please tell me I am dreaming! That can´t be true. How the FUCK did they end up here? And what the fuck is that bitch doing there with Lambert?
Bitch was currently leaning over the table, her cleavage hanging more in front of her bar-maidens-dress than inside of it, talking to Lambert, and trying to get his attention, by brushing her fingers over his strong arms.
Though the man in question was ignoring her and kept talking to his brother.
Leon on the other hand, sneered jealous at the Witchers, sitting at the other table. He looked small and weak compared to her male companions and thinking back, she tried to remember why she had fallen for him in the first place- he looked like a child compared to the men she had learned to know.
Oh hell no- get your hands of him.
Next to her, Fili began to growl and bare his fangs at the woman, in front of him.
"Stay Fili. Not yet.", she whispered at him, while stepping closer to the father of her children, and friend.
Coming to a stop behind the bitch, Milli cleared her throat. But no reaction from her, though Eskel and Lambert nodded, but didn't dare to say anything seeing the look in her eyes- she was angry, and they didn't want her to get pissed at them.
And they wanted to see what she would do next. With a nod, Mili asked Eskel to take Kili out of her arms, what he did with a smile.
"Honey, they are occupied.", the wana be barmaid hissed, her hand stopping on Lambert´s biceps.
Waiting another second, Milli clears her throat again. This time the Bitch turned around, an annoyed look on her face that screamed the question: what?!
A huge grin spread over the young mothers face when she spoke next: "Honey, this is my man. Fuck off to Mr I-make-bets-on-how-fast-i-can-get-that-girl-to-fuck-me, or this troll here will show you what she learned and who her friends are."
Realizing his human mother doesn't like the woman as well, Fili once again growled and stood up on his hintlegs for a few seconds, shouting like only an angry bear could. That on the other hand caused the two little children to cry and wail in their uncles' arms.
All those noises had caused the inn to turn silent, everyone´s attention was on the family and the new comers. The way the proud Vikings moved and looked showed they would stand behind the family and ready to kick the others out.
Hearing what Milli had said, Lambert, Eskel and Vesemir figured out who they were dealing with. They were ready to kick ass. Those two had hurt their Milli. Had broken her heart and made her cry. There would be no mercy from their part.
"Oh yeah? I don't know who you think you are, but this one will be mine soon enough. Now do us all a favour and leave. Would you honey?", the unwanted woman bitched, unaware of all the heated gazes looking at her. But Milli kept her cool.
"First of all : you made my children cry -so fuck you..", Milli grinned evil taking a step closer to them, "secondly: if you think I would just let him go, you are mistaken. Because in difference to Mr dickface-mc-bet over there, he lasts longer than just ten seconds and knows how to fuck someone properly."
A proud grin tucked at Lambert´s lips, though his face kept indifferent. The rest of the inn was filled with roaring laughter.
Glancing over to her Ex, Milli noticed something enter his eyes, like he was remembering something, but her interest quickly returned to the girl whom again started to flirt with Lambert.
Keep going and I will punch you in your face, bitch.
"And third: I don't like you and your fake tits.", Milli motioned at her tits, her voice had turned cold and everybody knew it meant business, "so get out, before this fat troll standing info front of you, beats you to the pile of shit you are! This time it won't be me running out of the bar crying! And If you want to be able to get out on your own, you better fuck off!"
She wanted to give the asshole a few seconds to make her move. Unfortunately for her, she chose to try and sit down on Lamberts lab. Within a second, Milli´s fist connected with the other woman´s face, efficiently breaking her nose with a crunch, before grabbing a fistful of her fake (and ugly) extensions and pulling her to the ground and away from the Witcher.
Shouts of awe and spur filled the inn. They were cheering for their friend.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Leon to step closer to her, wanting to intervene and save his girl. He was stopped by the murderous looks of three fully trained and armoured Witchers, two of them already glowing yellowish from the use of quen, while the others hand was glowing red from the flame dancing in it.
Lambert wanted to burn that man so badly, the only thing holding him back was the wish for Milli to kick his ass on her own. He knew she was capable of that.
"Who the fuck are you?", the ex breathed, and Milli turned to him, still most of the other woman´s fake hair in her hands.
"Me? I am the one you got a crate of beer for. But you know .. I should have gotten it. If I had drank it, I may have seen double and... Nope sorry double of nothing is still nothing... But thank you for breaking my heart a year or so back. If you hadn't -I would have never met this wonderful man and his brothers - who by the way will kill you if either one of you comes near us again- so thank you and Fuck OFF. I heard the town over is looking for a new whore and clown.", she smiled, returning her attention at the woman who had caused her so much pain.
"Milli?", He asks, finally dawning that the woman in front of him was his ex-girlfriend.
He took a step forward, but was stopped by a furious looking Lambert who pulled Leon up at his shirt and growled into his face.
"Ya didn't listen? Fuck off! Or die, both works for me... ", Lambert shrugged and the other Witchers nodded, "If I ever see you or the wench near my wife and kids again, I will use you as living bait on my next contract! Understood? oh and this-" letting go of the other man, he rammed his fist into the stomach and then its face (after Leon had slummed to his knees)- "is for calling her a fat troll and hurting her like you did."
Deciding they had already lost enough time dealing with those idiots, Lambert stepped to Milli, nudging her and nodding at the table.
"There is bear on the menu again, or would you prefer asshole?", he asked, pulling his dagger and glancing at the ex- who fainted in front of everyone.
"I really could do with some backed potatoes and grilled meat. And a horn filled with the best mead.", Milli shrugged, finally letting go of the whimpering woman and sitting down next to her man.
"And here I thought you wanted to have a normal live.", Eskel chuckled, sitting back down onto his old spot.
"Too normal is boring. Though- Could anyone please get the trash out before I loose my appetite?", the young mother grinned.
"Don't ya worry lass. This pile of shite is as good as gone! Nice punch by te way.", Skal, a more than threatening looking man applauded her. Lambert and he had somewhat become friends and so they would often drink together.
"Thank you Skal. Why don't you join us then?", the young mother thanked the Viking, who nodded, before dragging the fainted man out of the inn- bitch following suit on her own.
"Let´s eat.", the oldest of the men grinned, handing the mother her daughter, who finally had calmed down alongside her brother.
"Let´s eat."
Thank you all for reading this chapter.
I would appreciate if you would leave a comment to let me know that this story is still being read by someone. (nothing is more discouraging than thinking no one reads what is being written)
I wish you all a happy new year.
Until next time :)