When Ciri woke, her head rested atop Kain's chest and one of her arms were draped around his waist. She slowly disentangled herself, worried deep in her core that he would recoil in revulsion should he wake to find them like that.

It was a silly thought though, wasn't it? Despite Kain's reservations he did not find Ciri repulsive.

She sat up and leaned back against the headboard, watching him sleep and marveling at the fact she had managed to get through the rest of the night without any further intrusions from Eredin.

Ciri's weight shifted on the bed next to Kain, pulling him from the depths of a comfortable dreamless slumber. He didn't immediately stir, relishing in stillness for a bit longer as if teasing himself with a chance to fall asleep again.

Ciri's eyes were on him. He wondered what was in her thoughts.

"Breakfast in bed?" Ciri whispered even though she sensed he was awake. "I can go down and fetch us something."

He didn't look quite ready to get up.

"You can go have breakfast," Kain muttered lazily. "I'm not ready for food yet."

He wanted to go for a swim first. He still smelled Fealinn's oils all over himself.

"If you're certain."

Ciri leaned down over him to press a kiss to his cheek, as brave as she was able to be at the moment. "Thank you for the sleep."

Had he stayed up while she slept to make sure she was alright?

She climbed out of bed, grabbed her boots and coat, and slipped out of his room.

Kain opened his eyes, fighting the urge to rub a hand over where Ciri's lips touched - it tingled and crawled, sending a comber of gooseflesh across his spine.

He stayed down for a bit after she left, waiting for the crotch of his pants to loosen, fingertips brushing over his cheek.

When the morning discomfort passed, Kain got up and put his jacket on, leaving it open. He was going to see that armorer today.

Come the following morning, Triss had moved from the floor and was curled up beside Yennefer on the mattress. Earlier they'd debated leaving, going to Geralt – and Ciri. At last minute she'd changed her mind. The pain was still unbearable. Yennefer had offered her a bit more of a solution and then they'd fallen asleep, both in desperate need of rest.

Triss was the first to wake. Yennefer wasn't long behind her.

With what sunlight broke through the windows Yennefer was able to tell that Triss's face had healed for the most part and that the bruises had finally become a healthier shade.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like I've taken a minor beating."

Yennefer smiled slightly. "Progress."

Triss seemed to agree, moving to sit up as if to prove it to herself. "Thank you for coming to get me."

"You knew I would."

She said nothing but her features were stony.

"Was it worth it?"

Triss appeared to consider a response and then rolled off the mattress. "Clothes?"

Yennefer mimicked the action, ambled over to her clothes-chest and removed a pair of her spare black pants and blouse, minus the corset since she suspected Triss' ribs were probably still repairing. She appeared to be moving with less ease. That look of distaste crossed her features once more.

"If you'd prefer to go naked…"

"No, no, this will do nicely." Triss snatched them up, making a point of pulling them on.

Yennefer got dressed, wearing the same outfit she had the last few days – only a clean version – combed her hair, applied make-up and was ready to go to Dandelion's.

They'd eat there.

Yennefer waited until Triss gave her the 'ready' signal and wove a hand through the air to recall the necessary portal.

"Zireael."

Sneaking out of the room was apparently not as easy as Ciri had expected. Avallac'h stood in the hallway, making her jump.

She knew slipping out of Kain's room carrying her boots and some of her clothes looked bad, but in reality, she had nothing to be ashamed of. Not even if something should have happened.

"Avallac'h," Ciri greeted, surprised it had taken him this long to seek her out.

"Did the feathery-one not relay my message? You were to come to my room the moment you got here," the elf said coolly.

Ciri shrugged. "I got busy."

"You were avoiding me."

"That, too."

They stared each other down for a long moment, and it felt strange doing so. In the end, he was the one to speak first. "Tell your Witcher to come see me when he is awake. We have things to discuss."

Ciri frowned. "What things?"

"None of your concern," Avallac'h said, turning and heading back for the stairs leading to the third floor. Ciri stood watching him until he disappeared around the corner, then entered her own room to freshen up.

Kain buckled up the swords harness and stepped out of the room. The corridor was quiet. He figured everyone was still sleeping, even Geralt. He'd had a hard day.

Downstairs, however, wasn't a sleepy kingdom. Two maids, rather young but sturdily built as any healthy village girls used to hard work since early age, were washing the floors and picking up broken bottles and dropped forks and knives. A middle-aged man wearing an apron in the colors of the inn (or cabaret that it had been last night) was finishing cleaning the tables.

Behind the counter was Priscilla, wearing an attire in the same style as her scene garment but in different colors. Her blonde head was adorned with a feathery hat to fit with the rest of the attire.

She saw Kain and smiled. "Greetings! You are that young witcher, Ciri's friend I've heard about from Zoltan, aren't you?"

"I am." he returned her smile. "I'm Kain."

"I think I saw you last night at Kingfisher's..."

"We've been there."

She leaned onto the counter on her elbows, smiling pleasantly. "What would you like for breakfast, Kain?"

"Thank you, but I'll take a stroll first."

"Oh," she straightened up. "All right. But I could order it prepared while you're out. So what would you like?"

"Something simple will be fine."

"I like to have pancakes," she smiled cunningly. "You'll like it. Rather simple."

"Thank you." Kain nodded and went outside.

Once Ciri deemed she looked decent enough, she made her way downstairs. From the looks of it, none of her people were up and about yet, except for Priscilla who was working the counter.

"Ciri," she exclaimed upon seeing her, smiling brightly. They were not so close yet a hug would come naturally.

"Good morning, Priscilla. Are you well?"

She nodded as Ciri took a seat. "Can't complain. I saw your friend just now. He is very handsome, isn't he?"

"He is," Ciri agreed. She did not think Priscilla was as much a gossip as Dandelion, but they had a similar energy that told her she enjoyed romance among the people as much as he did.

"Can I get you something to eat?"

"I'd love some toasted bread," Ciri said, resting her elbows on the counter.

"Of course. I will get you some right away."

Margarita descended the stairs like a queen would to face her court, and approached the counter.

Priscilla cast a slightly confused but ready-to-serve look at the witch, and Margarita smiled a queen-at-court smile that had little to do with warmth or human emotion. "Darling, would you arrange a nice breakfast for me? Eggs, fruit and a herbal tea, as well as some freshly baked bread are a must. Be a dear."

She turned and walked away with the same royal pace.

Ciri eyed the sorceress out of the corner of her eye. It was too early to face her directly.

"Never seen her here before," Priscilla said once she and Ciri were alone again. "She looks like she should be in a castle somewhere."

"Soon enough I am sure she will be," Ciri murmured. "Want me to help you with breakfast?"

Priscilla smiled and shook her head. "No, dear. The chef and I can handle it."

She disappeared into the kitchen and Ciri was left to her lonesome.

Yennefer and Triss materialized in Dandelion's inn somewhere out of the way. An area that had been cleared out for the purpose of their magical arrival and so curious eyes wouldn't be able to tell. Just in case.

Triss walked ahead of Yennefer out of the quiet space, the latter trailed behind her, observing how uncomfortable she not only looked in Yennefer's clothing but her skin as well.

Triss was the first to see Margarita, to lock eyes, and then scurry over. They didn't embrace but Yennefer could tell that despite it all their connection had only deepened.

Yennefer, on the other hand, had smiled within Margarita's direction, contented to see that she too had managed to heal herself, if not better than what she had done for Triss.

"You've had a change of color choices?" Yennefer heard Margarita ask with airy casualness.

Triss glanced down at her chest, at the dark wash and colorless fabrics Yennefer adored. "Not in the least. My own clothes were ruined."

Neither said anymore on that particular topic, discussing the likes of breakfast and in quiet what they'd experienced and what they were willing to share with the rest of the common folk. To Yennefer, this was a surprise considering Ciri was in the background but who could blame Triss for the one track? A lot had happened and she was recovering, if not physically, then mentally.

Yennefer hurried over to Ciri and threw her arms around her, pulling her into an overdue embrace. "I'm sorry I didn't come sooner."

Ciri slipped off her chair the moment she saw Yennefer and Triss descend the stairs, but waited dutifully until her mother hurried her way before she wrapped her arms around her, burying her face in her hair.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

Yennefer held Ciri close longer than she was sure she appreciated and then gently let her go, allowing her hands to fall to Ciri's arms so that she could keep touching her.

"I'm fine. Are you? Are you hurt? It feels like a lifetime since I last saw you and not just a couple of days."

"I am not the one who broke into a prison," Ciri reminded her, though she was smiling. "I am fine. Triss is better?"

"Nor did I," Yennefer assured – not in the way it mattered. Geralt had done the heavy lifting. "Given everything she endured at the hands of the witch hunters it's a miracle she's here today. I believe it'll take a while before she's fully healed."

She'd made that decision herself though and unfortunately she'd have to live with the choice.

"Has Geralt made it back?"

"Yes. I think he is still sleeping. Last I saw him he was going to have a bath." Ciri looked over her shoulder at Triss and Margarita. "Were they the only ones left alive?"

"Unfortunately."

Yennefer didn't appreciate seeing Margarita's students' burn so cruelly. There had been nothing they could do and by the time they'd brought the mounted troops it had been too late.

"Was he well?"

"Geralt? Yes, I believe so. Some scratches and bruises, and dead tired but… no worse than usual."

Yennefer was relieved to hear that. She'd been confident in his abilities, but couldn't help be worried anyway that he might get caught up with the Witch hunters and that they'd overpower him.

"How's your boy? Is he still around?"

"He's not my boy," Ciri hissed under her breath, embarrassed. "I don't own him. But he's fine. A little uncomfortable in the city, I think, but other than that he is good."

"If he isn't your boy, then why is he here? Why would he endure the likes of a setting that makes him prickly? He that resolute to fight The Wild Hunt?"

"He is very noble," Ciri said, refusing to meet Yennefer's gaze for a few seconds. "And he is a Witcher. They see it as their duty to slay monsters."

"If that were true then where is Lambert?" Lambert fled and as unhappy as Yennefer was about losing in numbers, given he'd carried Keira with him, she also understood it. There was a lot to lose, and a lot of which they already had. This boy had to know that and yet he was still willing to risk it. "You're cooking up excuses. He's here for you. I haven't spoken to him more than two sentences and I already know that."

Ciri did not want to admit such a thing out loud. What if she jinxed herself by doing so. "He's just a very good man who knows right from wrong." She took a seat again, eyeing Yennefer. "There is something else I must talk to you about. And I hate adding pressure on you during these stressful times but I don't know who else to ask."

Yennefer arched a brow briefly, turning toward Ciri so that she could focus all her attention on the girl, smiling as gently as she could to put her at ease. She'd never been good at that. "What's on your mind?"

"I need a sleeping draught. The kind that will keep someone from entering my mind while I am asleep. Are you able to make that."

"Of course. Who are you trying to escape?"

"Eredin," Ciri said honestly. "He enters my dreams at night. Makes me...do things."

"What kind of things? Are you sure it's not manifestations of nightmares?"

"They are not nightmares. He's there. I know." Ciri did not really want to elaborate on whatever happened in said dreams. Letting Geralt in on a few details had been traumatizing enough. "I just need a way to keep him out. Mousesack made me a tincture back at Kaer Morhen. It worked well. But I have none left."

Yennefer touched a hand to Ciri's face, observing the circles beneath her green eyes, the subtle suggestion that what she was dealing with had been accumulative and she was still catching up.

"I'll make you your draught and then find a more permanent means to help keep him out until we've taken care of him. Is that all that there is?"

Ciri nodded and smiled, leaning into Yennefer's hand. "That is all. For now, anyway."

Yennefer stroked her hand against the side of Ciri's face, drawing her into another hug as if to shield away the hold Eredin might have on her at this very moment. After a while, Yennefer drew back again, cast a glance in the direction where the two witches had been and noticed that Triss had disappeared. She'd probably gone in search of Geralt. Yennefer bristled.

"I'll go throw together your draught. You'll have it by tonight."

With that, she wove a hand through the air, recalled that golden light and slipped through to return to her workstation at Spearhead.

Ciri hated that she'd sent Yennefer away so quickly. And it seemed Triss had gone as well.

Priscilla returned and looked around. "Thought I saw a flash of light."

"Sorceresses," Ciri explained. She seemed to accept.

"Your breakfast should be ready soon. Unless you want me to keep it warm so you can eat with your man-friend?"

Ciri flushed. "No, no, that's alright. I'm hungry now."

Kain came back to ROSEMARY AND THYME after a bit more than an hour, having used his time for not just a swim he had intended to begin with, but also visiting Griffin and then the armorer. The latter said Kain could pick up his order before he was closing after the sunset at the earliest.

Back at Dandelion's, Ciri was at the counter finishing her breakfast while Priscilla was telling her something, her elbows on the counter, her hands flailing to make the story more expressive. Her eyes shot to Kain, and she grinned, shutting her story down.

"Hey, you're back! Right on time, the pancakes are ready. I'll be a moment." She left for the kitchen, and Kain settled at the counter next to Ciri.

"Hey, Archer," Ciri smiled, leaning one elbow on the counter, fork in her other hand. "Have you been swimming?"

His hair looked slightly damp.

"I have," Kain confirmed. "And I've been to the armorer. Is Geralt up yet?"

"If he is, he has yet to come down. Yennefer was here, though. And Triss."

"Are they all right?"

"Yennefer is. Triss is healing. Not sure where she got to."

Ciri glanced over her shoulder. Margarita was sitting alone now.

"I would look for Triss around Geralt's room," Kain murmured, his eyes flicked to Priscilla who emerged from the kitchen with a plate of pancakes and a bowl of honey.

"There you go," she said, smiling. "As you asked – simple."

"Thank you, I appreciate the effort."

"Oh, it's nothing," she waved a hand and tipped a wink to Ciri.

"You may have a point there," Ciri said, taking the last bite of her breakfast and pushing the plate aside. "Yennefer is going to provide me with a potion. So, if all goes right, I won't disturb your sleep anymore."

"You've nothing to apologize for," Kain said, ignoring Priscilla's eager, hungry gaze bouncing between the two, absorbing the scene. "I'm happy you managed to sleep. You needed it."

He bit into a pancake dipped in honey and gave a nod to Priscilla.

"It's really good."

Ciri smiled to herself. This moment seemed unreal. Simply sitting with a handsome boy, eating breakfast, without danger snapping at their heels. Could this be what life would be like if they survived The Hunt?

Too far, too soon, she supposed. Still, it was nice to dream.

"I should go check on Geralt. See if he is alright or if he wants breakfast in his room."

"Let him come out when he's ready," Kain said, dipping another pancake in honey. "If no one woke him yet, he deserves to sleep in a bit longer."

"I'm sure he'll get up before Dandelion and Zoltan," Priscilla said, rolling her eyes.

"Well, seeing as Triss is missing..." It was likely she had sought Ciri's mentor out.

Ciri took a sip of her tea, smiling at Priscilla. "I believe you are right on that count. Did Zoltan win or lose last night?"

"Oh, I have no idea," she confessed. "He was still at it when I came back, and I went to my room. I had to sleep. When I woke up, they were still asleep, so I'll find out some details when they're up – way past noon."

"So how are things going with you and Dandelion?" Ciri asked casually. She had always thought any girl of Dandelion's could not possess much jealousy. She still did not know whether that pertained to Priscilla.

Priscilla rolled her eyes again. "Not that we see each other enough for anything to be, if you know what I mean. He's got performances, and then I do, and we don't seem to meet in the middle all that much. It's a sad, sad life, Ciri, when you have a cabaret to manage and performances to arrange."

"Um, yes," Ciri agreed, though she honestly had no experience in that area. "But you love your art. It is a part of who you are. Your life would not be as good were you not able to write and sing and perform, am I right?"

It is how Ciri felt when she was denied use of her powers.

"Of course not," Priscilla said. "I wouldn't be able to live without stage and music. It's what I feel I was meant to do."

Soft, tender strokes up and down Geralt's back coaxed him awake, very slowly. He didn't immediately know what was casting the sleep away, but the image of black curls and a dangerous smile flashed in his mind before he opened his eyes, craning his neck from the pillow to look at the figure sitting on the edge of his bed.

The clothes fit the profile, but the stream of reddish chestnut hair contradicted the image.

Blinking, Geralt rose on his elbows.

"Triss? Triss, are you all right?"

Her eyes welled up with tears, but she was smiling, laughing nervously, shaking in his arms when he embraced her. She wrapped her arms around Geralt's neck firmly and hid her face against his cheek.

"I'm fine," she whispered. "I'll be fine, don't worry. Thank you for coming. Thank you for saving us. I'm so glad you came… We did it, Geralt. We found Margarita. It's all that matters."

"No, no, Triss, it's not all that matters! What are you saying? Look at you! I saw you in that cell, you looked dead! Dead, you hear me? You gave me a big scare. I couldn't believe you'd do that to me!"

"Oh, Geralt… I'm so sorry you had to see it… I just… I felt like I had no other, better choice. I'm sorry I made you go through it, but I had to try! For all of us, for Ciri. I had to, do you understand me? Please, please, Geralt, tell me you understand! Please… Please, tell me…"

"Don't cry, Triss, it's all right. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you, I was scared for you. I didn't want to lose you to those animals. Don't you ever do this again! You can't do these things alone! It's suicide!"

"Forgive me, Geralt, I beg your forgiveness, I hope with all my heart we don't get another tough trial like that. Thank you. I know you saved me. I knew you'd come."

"Of course I would. I always would."

She sat back, and Geralt examined her face that still betrayed the traces of bruises and a few cuts, way on their way of healing up nicely. He brushed his thumb over her cheek tenderly, frowning.

"What did they do to you…"

She shook her head subtly, "It's all right now. Don't think about it. It's all right. I promise. How is Ciri? I heard you went for Imlerith! That's something to chide you two for! What were you thinking?"

Geralt sighed. "I had to help Ciri. She'd go alone, you know her. I couldn't let it happen."

She took his face in her hands. "I'm happy you're all right. I don't know what I'd do if you weren't. Is she fine? A little better now that he's dead?"

"She seems to be. But it was just one small step."

"I know, I know…"

Geralt peered at her soberly. "Have you found out anything about others? The Lodge?"

Her face got sadder. "No good news there, I'm afraid. Ida outright refused, while Francesca wouldn't budge from her little realm with the war raging. We haven't been able to contact Fringilla, don't know anything about her."

"And I suppose there's nothing from Keira, anymore?"

"You suspect right, she decided to stay away from the Hunt business."

He nodded. "She told me as much during the pyres. What of the rest of the Lodge?"

"Well, Yennefer was looking into Rita's whereabouts, and I had to find Philippa. But it got a bit tangled. We found Rita first."

"What of Philippa? Any ideas? Any leads at all?"

A small smile creased her lips. "I've been able to find out some interesting things. In short, she's been here, at this inn, all along and right under our noses. Transformed, seated on her perch with a dimeritium band on her leg."

Geralt raised his eyebrows, "Zoltan's owl?"

She nodded.

"Why isn't she here, anymore?"

"Because Zoltan lost her in a card game the very day we arrived. We were late."

He sighed, lowering back on the pillow, rubbing his forehead. "Argh, Zoltan…"

"A man showed up here, fleeced Zoltan bare, then proposed they play for the owl. Naturally, he won, then politely thanked Zoltan for the game and left with the bird."

"How are we supposed to find him?"

"He's not from around here, no one knows anything. But it's not all that grim – see, we have a feather."

Geralt looked up at her, deadpan. "A feather from the owl that was Philippa. Think to track her down with it?"

"Yes, I was thinking hydromancy and a form of sortilege. We need a fountain where no one will disturb us."

He got up on his elbows. "You sure you're up for this? You still look weak. You need to heal. Maybe I'll go with Yen—"

"I'm fine, really," she said, her hand found and squeezed his. "I promise. Let me do this one right. I need to do this. For Ciri. And for myself. Will you help me?"

Geralt smiled. "Of course. Let me get ready, and we shall go."

She returned the smile and leaned in to plant a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you. I'll be waiting at Rita's room – we share it now. I'll… need to change and we go when you're ready. Thank you, Geralt. It means the world to me."

He nodded, and watched her go for the door and out. He rubbed his neck, stretched, and got up to dress.

In a few minutes, Geralt came downstairs all ready, with his swords sticking up over his shoulder. Ciri and Kain were at the counter with Priscilla. No one else was around.

Ciri rose again when Geralt came down the stairs, looking tired but otherwise well.

"Geralt, there you are." She approached him to look him over. Of course, no injuries could be seen when he was sporting his full-cover armor. "How are you feeling? Did you get some rest?"

Geralt smiled, "I'm fine. Nothing to worry about. Are you two all right? Found no trouble so far?"

Ciri's eyes widened ever so slightly, like a doe trying to look even more innocent.

"Um, no, no trouble." She glanced over at Kain. "We're both fine. Yen was here. Did she speak to you?"

"No, I haven't seen her. Triss spoke to me. She has an idea how to find Philippa, she asked me to help her."

"Is she imprisoned as well?" Ciri asked with a frown.

"We don't know yet. Triss needs to use magic to find out."

He proceeded to the counter, noticing from the corner of his eye how Margarita headed upstairs with her plate.

He nodded to Kain and smiled at Priscilla's greeting.

"Would you like some pancakes, Geralt? Today's morning's special."

"I'd love to, thank you."

"Coming right up," she bowed with flourish and went to the kitchen.

"Do you want me to come?" Ciri followed him back to the counter, coming to a halt next to Kain. "Want us to come?"

"Triss and I will be fine. We don't want to expose you more than we have to until the Hunt is dealt with. You're too vivid a memory for those who see you."

Ciri frowned, though without any real heat. "You say that as if I perform acrobatics naked in the middle of the town square whenever I go out."

Geralt had to laugh, along with Kain as they exchanged meaningful glances.

"Just one look at your hair and your ethereal face with those blazing emerald eyes is enough to etch all that into people's minds," Priscilla smiled radiantly and put a plate of pancakes in front of Geralt next to a bowl with honey.

"What she said," Geralt smirked and dug in.

Ciri snorted. "You all exaggerate."

She took her seat again, flashing Priscilla a grateful smile as she pushed the kettle of tea Ciri's way so she could refill her cup.

"How could we, Your Royal Highness," Geralt grinned, and bit into the pancake.

Ciri glared at her mentor while she poured my tea, nearly spilling the liquid over the rim of the cup as a result. "Evil man."

He shrugged nonchalantly, swallowing the pancake. "I've been called worse." His eyes flicked between them. "Has anyone seen Avallac'h? Is he even alive up there?"

"We have a meal prepared and delivered to his door twice a day," Priscilla said. "Sometimes he eats, sometimes he doesn't."

Ciri sipped her tea and nodded. "Oh, yes. I almost forgot. He wants to speak with you, Geralt. Asked me to give you the message."

Geralt directed a surprised look her way. "You spoke to him? Was he polite or we need to have another chat about manners?"

"He was fine. Cold, but fine." She eyed the cup, tracing her fingertip along the pattern carved into the wood. "We barely exchanged a few sentences before he left."

"Did he say anything else?"

"Only that there are things the two of you need to discuss. Things that apparently are none of my business."

"I see." Geralt took another pancake and dipped it in honey. "I shall squeeze him into my schedule." He looked at Ciri. "You sleeping better?"

Ciri threw a quick glance at Kain before meeting Geralt's gaze again. "I've been alright. Yennefer is making me another sleeping draught."

Geralt noticed the look she shot Kain's way, which made him wonder.

Would she even tell him if...

He nodded and made himself smile. "Good."

Ciri leaned in close because she did not want anyone else to overhear. "Did you know Dudu is impersonating Whoreson Junior now?"

"No, I didn't know he picked that one, but I could've guessed if I heard Whoreson's still around."

Throwing the sleeping draught together hadn't taken long as it was something Yennefer had done quite often over the years for other villagers. She'd made it stronger in order to serve the purpose that Ciri needed and had measured it out into five vials.

That way Ciri knew she had those days and could rest easy.

Yennefer would make her more as was needed.

And when there was more time, she'd even spell Ciri a magical trinket. Unfortunately, Yennefer wasn't prepared and what she needed wasn't available since the last time she'd used what devices she had it was to help make the Witchers invisible during their battle.

Yennefer gathered together the vials in a velvet pouch, wove a hand to the air and appeared in the Inn a second later. She headed back downstairs. Only this time Ciri, Kain and Geralt were there and the witches were gone. Where to? Were they off discussing plans without her or reminiscing over what had happened?

Yennefer made her way down.

"Is it true you killed him?" Ciri whispered, squeezing Geralt's hand in gratitude before he could even answer. "I am glad."

"I couldn't let him live. Even though he begged me to."

"He deserved no mercy," Ciri said, glancing over Geralt's shoulder. "Yennefer! That was quick."

"I'm a quick worker." The sorceress appeared at their side, extending the velvet pouch toward Ciri. "Hope it helps."

Yennefer hadn't bothered to be sly about it assuming she'd have told Geralt that she wasn't sleeping well and how Triss had arrived without Yennefer being present.

Geralt continued to eat in silence, seemingly preoccupied with his thoughts. Kain quietly finished his tea.

"Thank you," Ciri told her happily, casting a brief glance into the pouch before looking up at her two parents expectantly. They were not talking. Why were they not talking? Had something happened during the prison break?

Yennefer smiled at Ciri and then turned her attention to Geralt, moving to his left while he ate. "Triss found you?"

"She did," he confirmed. "Thank you for helping her. You saved her life."

"As did you." She peered around once more as if expecting to see her appear in the dining hall. "Where is she? Margarita?"

"They must be in their room. Triss said they share it."

Of course she'd move so that she was closest to Geralt. She hadn't been staying there before, choosing to hole away with her previous rat pack. Oh well.

"She said she needed to talk to you. I assume she did?"

Geralt nodded. "She has an idea how to find Philippa."

"And that is?"

"She has an owl feather from Philippa's transformation. With the help of magic Triss intends to find out her whereabouts."

"She's working on that right now?"

"She's waiting for me," he confessed. "She asked me to accompany her."

"She hardly even knows where to go yet. Also, she's injured."

"She feels better and wants to do her part," Geralt said. "I'll look after her. She'll be fine."

"She already did her part and almost died for it. What has she asked you to do?"

"To go with her." Geralt looked at Yennefer pointedly. "Why would I refuse to help? She looked like she could handle one tracking spell. I'll do the rest - follow the lead and bring her here."

"I never thought for a second that you'd refuse to help."

Triss knew that, too, which is why she was so adamant to come here and hadn't breathed a word of her plans to Yennefer. Did she even know that his head was scrambled? Someone had told her?

"I'll join you."

Geralt spread his arms momentarily. "It's not for me to decide. However, I wouldn't recommend it - you're widely known and easily recognized. Like Ciri. Better stay hidden. We don't need the witch hunters to know you're around. We'll be fine, I promise."

"They will be on the lookout for Triss," Ciri pointed out softly. "Not many manage to escape that prison."

It wasn't so much the witch hunters that bothered Yennefer but how hard Triss was going to milk this situation in her favor. "As Ciri said. If anyone should go with you – it should probably be the boy. Or Ciri."

"Ciri is out of question," Geralt said. "We play it safe as much as we can."

"I'll go if it's needed," Kain put in.

Geralt nodded and looked at Yennefer. "We'll be fine. Don't worry. Spend some time with Ciri, she missed you."

"I did miss you," Ciri said, looking up at Yennefer. "But I understand if you have things to do. Hectic times and all."

"I missed you, too." Yennefer gifted Ciri a smile, aware that she'd probably wanted to spend time with her boy while things were quiet and less fraught with danger.

She didn't have to spell it out for Yennefer to know. Yen had been there. She was there.

"I'll go find Triss… see what she has to say before I decide."

There was nothing for her to decide in this particular matter, but Geralt kept that to himself.

He estimated Kain had finished his breakfast. Geralt got up, and so did Kain, as though catching the older witcher's thoughts and intentions.

"I'll get Triss, and we shall go," Geralt said. "No need to waste time."

Kain nodded and Geralt went for the stairs.

Yennefer and Geralt headed for the stairs and when Kain stood is was clear he was going to accompany whoever decided to go find Philippa. Ciri turned to him. "If you find her, be careful. Don't let her know the extent of your abilities. She hungers for power and will not hesitate to try and take advantage of you."

Kain frowned pensively. "You propose I don't use my power at all? I might have to. I'd rather expose myself than let Geralt get hurt without my aid."

"In an emergency, of course, do what you must. I am just saying don't give her any more information about yourself than is absolutely necessary. I do not trust that woman. Not one bit."

"There's nothing you and I can do about that woman or anyone else from the Lodge," Kain responded. "We'll have to deal with trouble as it comes, not before it does."

Ciri got to her feet as well and took his face in her hands. "That does not mean you cannot be cautious. Please?"

Kain gave a faint simper. "You don't trust me to be cautious? I'm flattered."

"I don't trust her not to sniff out how special you are," Ciri said. "Keep it in mind."

Kain sighed tiredly, "I'm not special. I'm just a half-blood witcher."

Margarita and Triss were hunched in a circle, hands locked together, their eyes closed as they meditated and sought the plains for their fellow sister in magical arms.

Yennefer didn't disturb either.

She perched against the side of the doorframe, staring at them as they worked together. She could tell Triss was taking a bit of strain and that the usual ease with which she cased was eradicated.

It probably would be for a few more days.

Another minute passed and then her eyes snapped open, locking on Yennefer over Margarita's shoulder.

"You found her?"

Triss looked drained, her eyes dipping to the ground and then she got to her feet. Yennefer could tell that she still struggled to do so. Margarita made no attempt to help her and neither did Yennefer.

"I did," Triss announced, glancing past Yennefer to fix her gaze on Geralt as he appeared behind her.

She walked around the room, found a cloak which she pulled over her shoulders, making a point of securing the ribbons around her neck to keep it from falling off.

"We can go," she announced and took a step toward the entrance.

"You should stay. You haven't fully recovered."

Triss bristled and her eyes narrowed indignantly.

"I'm more than capable—"

"No you're not, not in this condition and unless you want to play damsel in distress again."

Her mouth opened, snapped shut and opened again, the second time making her wince.

"I suppose you'd rather go in my stead?"

Yennefer smirked and then shrugged.

"Of the three of us, that would probably be best. But as Ciri pointed out, we're being hunted. It's probably best if we stay locked away for a while and let the chaos die down."

Triss looked unmoved, disappointed that her individual time with her white knight was possibly to be diminished. She could get in line. She stared straight past Yennefer and met his gaze again, as if hopeful he'd intrude and assure her that the idea didn't have any merit and that he wanted her to go.

With all gazes crossing on Geralt, he felt annoyed.

"Let's stick to the plan," he suggested. "Triss will go help me with Philippa. We'll be quick."

Triss beamed and put her cloak on. She had changed from what seemed to be Yennefer's clothes and looked more capable of blending in the crowd.

Margarita smiled, folding her arms. "Then that's settled." She looked at Yennefer and shrugged. "We'll be ready to help through the distance if needed. Just call."

"Thank you," Triss said, smiling, and they went downstairs.

Ciri let her hands fall away from Kain's face, one resting on his chest where she could faintly feel his heart beat against her palm. She smiled to herself. He may not consider himself special, but Elder Blood or not, he truly was.

After a short while, she stepped back. "Be safe," she said, then climbed the stairs for her room.

A bit perplexed, Kain watched her go. She made him wonder what she was thinking about when she looked at him like that - with that strange kind of reading, penetrating gaze.

Geralt and Triss met her on the stairs as they were coming down. Triss's eyes widened slightly in surprise when she saw Kain; she asked Geralt something quietly, and he nodded. It was unclear whether she liked the answer, but she said no more and led the way out. The witchers followed.