When everyone met downstairs for breakfast in the morning, Priscilla informed them that Avallac'h was gone.
"He said he had to sail ahead to Skellige and meet you all there when you arrive," the poet girl said, setting down the mugs and two pots of tea. "He left very early - I was up barely ten whole minutes."
"It's understandable," Geralt said. "He's not at home among us. And he already found out all he wanted to know."
Ciri shared a look with Kain, her mind immediately on Avallac'h's secret lair. Did he know she had told Kain? Was he going there to clean it out? Get rid of whatever information might help them figure out what the elf was up to? That was troubling.
She sat down next to Yennefer to have breakfast, looking between her and Geralt as subtly as she was able. "Did you have a good night?"
"I did," Yennefer said, scooping up of the oatmeal she'd chosen for the morning on a spoon, hovering it within Ciri's direction playfully. "Slept like the dead." She always did when she was with Geralt and even the dark bothered her less. "What about you? Did the draught help?"
Geralt cast a fleeting glance at Yennefer and Ciri chatting, and got busy with the fried eggs and bacon when Priscilla brought the plates.
"It did. Thank you."
Ciri reached for the bread basket on the middle of the table and grabbed two slices for herself before seeking out the butter.
"How did it go last night?" she asked Geralt.
Geralt cast a quick puzzled glance Ciri's way, distracted by the eggs and bacon, uncertain whether she wanted to know about Yennefer and him. "What?"
"...The Lodge? Philippa and Margarita? You spoke to them, no?"
"I did. They hope for Emhyr's pardon and our help in finding other members if they get some leads."
Ciri watched him, surprised. "That is all?"
"For now it seems so," Geralt confirmed. "They also expressed their worry concerning your choices in life - they don't think it fits you to be a witcher, because you physically aren't one."
Ciri snorted. "Well, as they are neither my parents nor my lover, they have no say in my life choices." She took a bite of her bread. "Who are they searching for? Who is still alive?"
"They didn't say. I have a suspicion they don't know much for sure yet themselves."
"How are we to track them down if we don't know who we are searching for?"
"As far as I gathered, it's not my job to track anyone down until the Lodge says so." Geralt shrugged and sent a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
That was more confusing than enlightening. "Alright," Ciri said, chewing her breakfast with a furrowed brow.
"They're trying to contact the remaining survivors," Geralt explained, washing the eggs down with the offered tea. "It takes time and effort given how mistrustful they all are and how they feared to be tracked over some contacts and any shreds of information. It's fair, they've got plenty to fear."
"I suppose so. Not a good time for any magic wielder." Ciri looked to Yennefer. "Have you experienced any trouble from the Eternal Fire while here in Novigrad?"
"Not personally. I've made it my mission to avoid them unless absolutely necessary."
"There is a small comfort," Ciri muttered. "How about you, Geralt? Any dealing with those lunatics?"
"Mostly they don't deal with me," he said. "Those who did got their fill of steel and blood. It was when I was searching for Triss to find out anything about you. They were after her, as well."
"What a sad bunch of people," Ciri commented, stuffing a piece of bread into her mouth. "With nothing better to do."
"What are you talking about?" Triss came up, smiling and cheerful. She looked rested and gazed upon Ciri with affection. "How are you doing, my darling?"
Geralt finished his tea, then got up and took my plate to the counter; Triss sat down and poured herself a cup.
"The Eternal Fire," Ciri said, looking up as Triss entered. "And their sad, sad existence." She reached for another slice of bread and offered the redhead a smile. "I'm alright. How are you? How are your, um, friends?"
"They sent me to take care of their breakfast," Triss said. "They don't want to show their faces unless necessary, still recovering."
She sipped her tea, casting a curious look at Kain who was finishing his meal.
Ciri nodded. "Have you figured out who else among you might still be, um, alive?" she asked, trying to be delicate and probably failing.
Triss frowned, "We hope to find Fringilla. Last we knew of her, she was alive. But now we can't reach her, nor locate. Which is understandable if she doesn't use magic."
"You should start with where you last saw her or heard she was. Could be that she decided to go into deep hiding because of the witch hunters," Yennefer offered.
"No doubt," Triss murmured, casting another glance Kain's way.
Ciri followed Triss' gaze to Kain for the second time, and for some reason, the mere fact she was looking at him made her stomach clench painfully. "Do you think she'd be willing to help with our cause?"
"If she's in trouble and we help her - she might." Triss caught Kain's eyes and smiled.
Ciri threw the remains of her bread back onto her plate and stood, rounding the table so she could lean down to talk to Kain in a whisper, purposely blocking Triss' view of him with her back. "Think we could do some of that training today?"
Triss's constant look within Kain's direction didn't go unnoticed and as selfish as it was, Yennefer was content she wasn't making love eyes at Geralt.
She pushed aside her finished oatmeal, licked her lips and twisted in her chair. "Given the Lodge's supposed memorandum for peace, I believe she may."
Triss gaze bounced toward Yennefer, flaring slightly with indignation. Yennefer smiled.
After a seconds narrowing her gaze drifted to a plate and then the boy whose eye she was trying to catch, thwarted now by Ciri. Could she be any less subtle?
Kain finished his tea and sent Ciri a mental message: "Is that a secret?"
Ciri blinked in surprise when Kain's voice sounded in her head and attempted to send something back. "Yes."
She wasn't sure it had gotten through, so she nodded for good measure, subtly gesturing in the direction of the room the sorceresses occupied.
'You were supposed to ask Yennefer for help in training,' Kain sent another thought. 'She agreed?'
"Haven't had a chance since last we spoke," Ciri whispered. "I will do it now."
A man wearing a light leather attire with the Nilfgaardian sigil on his chest entered the inn, attracting all the gazes. He headed for the counter and smiled at Priscilla, clearly appreciating her beauty. But then his eyes flicked to the man sitting at the other end of the bar, his white hair and wolfish eyes glueing the messenger's stare to him.
"You the Witcher?" the messenger asked in hoarse voice. Priscilla set a cup of mead on the counter, and he drank greedily, never taking his eyes off the Witcher. "Are you Geralt of Rivia? I was told I could find you here."
Geralt nodded, "So you have. Speak."
"I'm bearing a message from the High Emperor Emhyr var Emreis to Geralt of Rivia and Yennefer of Vengerberg."
"You can speak, I shall pass it on to her."
"I have to do so privately and with both of you present," the messenger said, visibly worried. "That is the order."
Geralt sighed and turned to the table, "Yennefer! We have a guest." He stood up and gestured for the stairs as he looked back to the messenger. "We shall be alone upstairs. Just as you were ordered."
Ciri looked up from Kain once the door opened and a stranger stepped inside. It did not take long for her to identify who had sent him, though. She knew before he spoke his intentions out loud.
Emhyr.
Ciri straightened and watched Geralt and Yennefer with mild concern, trailing their progress up the stairs.
Triss was still trying to set her sights on Kain, slipping in closer to the duo as much as she could and the others would allow.
Geralt calling Yennefer distracted Triss from her mission, driving her to sit back and to regard them with interest and sullenness as they headed for the stairs.
Once in Gerald's room, Yennefer closed the door behind them and studied the man in acquainted attire. Was it that Emhyr had sent for her? Had he heard they'd found the rest of The Lodge and if so, how?
Yennefer presented the man a smile that could have been considered polite and waited on him to speak.
"This man says he's a messenger from Emhyr sent to speak to you and me in private," Geralt told Yennefer with a meaningful look, hoping she would cast a spell to keep all that's said inside.
"That is correct," the messenger said, bowing his head.
Considering what Yennefer had done over the last few days and the interest Triss had sent them on the way up, Yennefer had made a point of turning from them, pressing her hands to the door and muttering a spell that would seal the room – keeping anyone from coming in and noise from going out.
She turned back when she was done and smiled at the messenger, moving to stand beside Geralt while she listened to him relay his message.
The man continued: "His Imperial Majesty asks you both to set out on a journey to Vizima and visit His Imperial Majesty at his palace. You shall not arrive by means of magic, however, due to the current political situation. His Imperial Majesty believes you understand that your journey is to begin as soon as possible, as in immediately upon hearing this message." The messenger bowed his head again and stepped back, indicating that he had finished.
"We're to travel in convoy with you?"
"I am to return on my own," the messenger said. "I have other orders to follow. You are to travel without convoy."
"Thank you."
Yennefer nodded, wanting to ask if he had any news on why they were being summoned, assuming that he wouldn't care to tell them even if he did and instead probed his mind. She wanted to make sure they weren't going to walk into fire.
"Do anymore of those orders have to do with us?"
"No, I'm afraid not, Lady Yennefer," the messenger said. "I have to be on my way now, if you allow." He bowed and headed for the door.
Ciri kept staring at the stairs for a while after the trio disappeared. Kain pulled her down to sit.
"Relax, they're going to be fine."
Triss also looked after them, but then her eyes returned to Ciri and Kain. "You know what it's about?"
Kain shrugged. "It's a royal messenger."
Ciri shook her head. "I know the Emperor expects Geralt to bring me to him. He won't, though. Not unless I agree."
Triss poured herself more tea. "Why wouldn't you consider that?" she asked. "I know how you feel about being an heir, darling, but Kings don't like to be denied. He is a powerful ruler that has means to get what he wants. It might be wiser to at least give him hope that you'll consider."
Ciri's head snapped in Triss' direction. "I don't owe that man anything. Why should I give him hope?"
"Self-preservation, Ciri," Triss hissed, leaning forward toward the girl. "He's a dangerous man. He could've killed people you loved many times already. He still can. You don't want to make him feel he has to prove his power to you."
She leaned back and looked at the messenger descending the stairs. The man went past their table, nodded at Priscilla behind the counter with a smile, and exited the inn.
"Same as The Hunt. Same as Vilgefortz back in the day. Even The Lodge would consider it. Should I give in to everyone who wants to possess me?" Ciri asked coldly.
"I didn't suggest to give in, Ciri," Triss reprimanded. "I said it might be a bad idea to reject him from the get go. He might punish your friends to make you regret it."
Yennefer picked up on nothing out of the ordinary going on around inside the messenger's head, thanking him once more for the message before gesturing that he was free to leave. He ambled out and left the two alone.
"I'll return to Spearhead and gather my belongings and come back to say goodbye to Ciri. We'll leave from here?"
"Perhaps we shouldn't be in a hurry," Geralt said. "After all, we know what it's about - he's heard we found Ciri and now he wants her by his side. He will demand that."
"You heard the messenger. We're to leave as soon as. No magic. That's going to take time and I'd rather we not get on his bad side. We need those pardons and he'll be less inclined to give it to us if we disobey him."
"It's going to take not even a full day," Geralt argued. "Why are you so eager to run to him as soon as he yanks your leash?"
"Because he is a powerful figurehead. He's her father. Even if only by blood. He can make our lives very difficult. You know that."
Geralt shook his head dismissively. "Do as you will."
He left her alone in her room and went back down to the inn.
Yennefer understood why Geralt didn't want to rush off to talk to Emhyr, he'd been the same way when they first went to the Emperor for help in finding Ciri. They didn't get on and no amount of having the same person in common helped. Fortunately, that wasn't something that was necessary on all days.
The seal would fade in time so Yennefer didn't bother to remove it, instead, she raised her hands to the air, conjured the shift of golden light and headed for Spearhead.
"Just like the others," Ciri pointed out. "A tyrant like the rest."
She got to her feet seeing Geralt come down the stairs. "What happened? What was that about?"
"Emhyr wants to see us," Geralt said. "Yennefer and me. We are to travel on horses." He sat at the table beside Kain. "Yennefer insists on leaving as soon as possible like he demanded." He poured himself a cup of tea, winced and drank.
Triss watched eagerly, sipping hers.
"It's a bit strange," Kain said. "Not a word about Ciri implies another reason, but it's a bit unlikely."
"I know," Geralt said. "Only one way to find out."
"Do you not intend to go?" Ciri asked, noticing that Yennefer had not followed him back downstairs.
"I do. I won't make her go alone. When she's ready, we shall go." Geralt set his empty cup down and cast a glance at Kain he knew he would perceive, then got up, heading toward the door. "I'll see how Roach is doing."
Kain was not the only one who understood and despite Ciri's urge to follow Geralt outside, sad to be losing him again, if only for a few days, she remained.
Triss finished her tea reluctantly, then got up, too. "I'll see about that breakfast. It's probably ready."
Once she went to the kitchen, Kain turned to Ciri: "We're to follow Geralt when she goes upstairs. He wants to talk somewhere else."
Ciri looked over her shoulder but Geralt had already disappeared outside. "Alright. Do you think she's right? Triss?"
"About what? Your attitude? She suggests cunning, and she's not wrong in reading into the Emperor's possible intentions. But we cannot prevent his plans if he has them. All we can do is react when he makes his move."
"Is it cunning?" Ciri asked calmly. "Or simply reinforcing he can call me like a dog?"
Kain watched Triss saunter past them carrying a pot of tea, and two maids followed her with trays with meals.
"I find it useful when enemies underestimate you. If he thinks he is in control, he's more likely to miss some things."
Kain nodded toward the door and went for the stables.
Perhaps Ciri was just being a coward? Because she truly did not wish to see him, the man she had come to despise so much.
She rose and followed Kain outside.
The room was as Yennefer left it and nothing had been touched, not even the bed that she'd slept in the night before last or the bloodied clothes she'd removed from Triss.
How quickly she'd healed.
Margarita and Philippa must have added onto Yennefer's magical healing for her to be walking around like she was after the torture she'd endured.
She gathered her belongings together, set them altogether in one spot for easy travel and then, when she was ready, carried every one of them back to inn.
Yennefer shoved it into the corner of Geralt's room out of the way where she planned to store it while they were away. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't take her phylactery on horseback and nor was she going to bother with a wagon.
They wouldn't be gone very long—or so Yennefer hoped—and anything else that was needed if dire could be sent for some time or another.
Either that or she'd risk the magic and fetch it herself.
She grabbed a set of clean clothing, her hairbrush, make-up and stuffed them into a carry hold she'd used for shorter day trips. She made sure she had silver pieces, a couple of potions for healing and otherwise and set it all down under her cloak on Geralt's bed. When she was done, Yennefer made her way for the downstairs in search of either him or Ciri, pausing briefly outside of The Lodge's room to listen for what they might be doing inside.
"Spying?" Triss asked when she appeared on the landing and saw Yennefer hovering outside her chosen bedroom. There were two other people behind her loaded with trays.
"Just making sure everyone's comfortable."
Triss snorted softly. Yennefer smirked. Triss prepared to walk past her and Yennefer extended a hand to barricade her way, unconcerned with the two people waiting.
"What's the deal with Kain?"
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean is you were eyeing him like a slab of meat at the table. Philippa told Geralt she had no interest in the boy. That the pardons would suffice."
Triss sucked in a breath, glanced down at the floor and then met Yennefer's gaze.
"Is it only you in pursuit of him?" Yennefer insisted.
"Of course not," she said, attempting her best to sound as if Yennefer had offended her, as if it was the furthest thing from her mind when she'd already tried to approach Yennefer with this once before. "He's a handsome man."
"He's with Ciri."
"Is he?"
Yennefer narrowed her eyes, itching to wrap a hand around Triss' throat. She knew the only reason he was here was because of Ciri. Was Triss really trying to pretend that she couldn't see their connection so that when the time came she could play innocent and then profusely ply Ciri with her insincere apologies – like she did Yennefer?
"Yes."
"I know they're friends but I didn't think they were… lovers."
Triss didn't seem surprised by the news making Yennefer think that maybe she'd done some spying, listened in on their conversation or picked up on Ciri's inner turmoil about the situation.
"Leave him be, Triss."
Yennefer lowered her arm, narrowed her eyes and headed down the stairs.
Kain waited for Ciri to prepare her horse, then they rode out, pulling their hoods low.
When they were out of the city gate, he said, "Use your magic and find him."
"Without Yennefer's shield?" Ciri asked, steering Kelpie through a crowd of people before giving her free reins, trying to focus on Geralt. The first thirty seconds it seemed useless, but then... a slight itch along her left palm, embedded into the curve of her lifeline. And with it came an unfamiliar certainty of the direction Geralt had gone. Similar to how she felt Kain whenever he was out of reach.
Ciri took the reins again and steered them to the right, out of the city and across one of the bridges.
Kain let her ride ahead and followed across the bridge along the river flowing alongside the village and toward the forest.
Ciri led them through the trees and into the forest, where the thick branches partially obscured the sun. They did not have to go deep. There was a small clearing up ahead. Ciri saw Roach before Geralt, greedily feasting on the grass and shrubbery along the forest floor.
They didn't make Geralt wait; he was barely five minutes off the mount before they arrived.
"Seems like here is a safer place to chat than Dandelion's inn," he said in an unnecessary explanation.
Ciri slipped off Kelpie's back and allowed her to roam.
"Something else the messenger said?"
"No, he said only what I told you: for us to come see him immediately. But I didn't want to talk within the Lodge's ears given their vigorous interest in you and your royal connections."
"He doesn't trust that invitation, either," Kain said. Geralt nodded.
"You think he means to hurt you?" Ciri asked, frowning with concern."I'm not all that interesting to Emhyr by myself," Geralt said. "I don't believe I ever have been. Nor Yennefer, for that matter. If he's calling for us, I would presume it concerns you, Ciri. But even though he probably knows we have reunited, he calls for only us two. It seems suspicious to me, is all. So I need you to be extra careful here. It would be a good idea to hide someplace else until we know what's up, but then the Lodge will get alerted. We can't afford them paying extra attention to you and your activities and whereabouts."
"We should agree upon a time to meet. And if you do not show up, we will know you are in trouble. I will come get you out," Ciri said, arms folded over her chest.
Geralt gave her an ironic look one gives one's child when she does something acutely adorable. "If I'm in trouble there, the last thing I want is you coming there or anywhere near there." He shot Kain a look, pointing a finger at him, "You are to stop her from silly steps."
"I'm not leaving you in his hands," Ciri hissed. "He has already taken my mother and my grandmother. I am not letting him take you too."
Geralt took her face in his hands, "I want you to trust me and in me, Ciri. I won't be alone - Yennefer is coming, too. And you will have to trust us to get out of it on our own. Please, just try to take care of yourself and keep your ears pricked. Maybe he wants us out of here to get to you. So I need you to be aware of that and be always aware of what is going on around you. Don't fall into any traps."
He placed a kiss on her forehead and let go.
Ciri's jaw was clenched, tight with tension. Why did Geralt never accept her help? Was she that much of a failure in his eyes?
Fealinn's words came to mind. About how Ciri needed to stay calm in these moments. Forgive them. Easier said than done.
She nodded stiffly and moved to Kelpie's side, running her fingers through her mane, trying to soothe herself with her presence.
"I understand what you mean," Kain told Geralt after casting a glance Ciri's way. "We'll try to be careful. So should you. Both of you."
"We will be," Geralt nodded. "Always. You two, try not to get into any trouble. Maybe it's unfortunate that Avallac'h left. He wouldn't side with the Lodge, and he'd still protect Ciri from any threats, including the sorceresses."
"He's not that far away, and we might not need him at all," Kain said. "We'll be fine. Take care of yourself."
"What are we supposed to do while you're away?" Ciri asked, eyes on Kelpie. "Feels like a waste of time to just sit at the inn and wait."
"What would you do with us in here?" Geralt asked. "If we still had business in the city, you'd find something to do, as well. Only when you do so, try to stay invisible. I would suggest dying your hair, but then the Lodge would know, and we don't want them to know all the tricks. If you want to go ahead and leave to Skellige right away, it might be a good idea. They are as safe as they can be at the inn, and they will remain until they find Fringilla or make sure she is dead."
Ciri would train. But that wasn't going to happen now Yennefer was leaving again.
She couldn't let Geralt know that, though. They didn't need to feel guilty about leaving.
"Right," she said. "We'll think of something."
Geralt smiled and nodded. "I know. I believe in you. I just want to make sure no one gets to you while I'm not here to cut their hands off." He looked at Roach, then up at the sky peeking through the canopy. "I better go back and get ready."
"I'm the safest one here," Ciri pointed out. "I'm water trickling between their fingers."
It was the rest she was worried about.
"I'll come with. I want to say goodbye to Yennefer."
"We'll all come," Kain corrected, hopping onto his black horse. Onyx trotted forward skirting between the trees aiming for the road. He remembered where it was.
Ciri climbed back onto Kelpie and followed Kain and Geralt out of the forest, adjusting her hood when they neared the city.
Before long they were back outside the inn. Ciri reluctantly left Kelpie with the stable hands in favor of catching Yennefer before she left.
Kain stayed downstairs at the bar counter to keep Priscilla company while she did her accounting upon serving him cider, and Geralt went upstairs to his room to get his swords and armor.
Geralt had been nowhere once Yennefer reached the dining area of the inn, nor was Kain or Ciri. Had they left together or gone their separate ways? Had Geralt done this on purpose to buy extra time? Was he really that worried about meeting with the Emperor again? Not that he remembered their first meeting or anything they'd done together.
Yennefer found Dandelion.
"I need a horse."
"I'll need silver."
"How about a horse and I don't make it so you sing like a frog until the next solstice?"
His eyes widened affronted and his touched a hand to his heart.
"You've a heart of ice."
"As I've heard in one of your more ridiculous ballads. Horse?"
He huffed, whirled on his heels, the lute protectively held to his chest as he went in search of someone to help her saddle a horse. Yennefer trailed his assigned stableman and caught Ciri as she made her way inside. Kain and Geralt must have gone in ahead of her.
"You've spoken to Geralt?"
"Yes," Ciri said, looking her over. "Are you worried?"
"Not particularly. We need our bargaining tools. Are you?"
"Considering what he attempted to do last time I saw him? Always."
"You don't trust us? That we'll be able to keep you safe from him?"
Yennefer touched a hand to the side of Ciri's face.
"I don't trust him with you," Ciri said, leaning into her touch. "I worry he will try to hurt you."
"He can try," Yennefer retorted, smiling softly, cupping Ciri's cheek. "But if it comes to it. I promise it won't let him go that far. You need us. We will be back."
"If he does, I will come for you," Ciri promised. "No matter what Geralt says."
"And what does Geralt say? For you to run? To go as far as you can and to stay safe? He's right. If for some reason something happens to us – take Kain – flee."
Yennefer didn't know him well but from what she did know she trusted he'd take care of Ciri in the same manner Geralt and Yennefer had been trying to.
"If you think I would ever leave you two behind to save myself, you don't know me at all, sorceress."
Ciri took her hand, squeezing it. "So don't put yourself in danger."
"Oh, I do know you, which is why I say – if something goes wrong – flee. We'll be too far and by the time you hear the news, it'll be too late. Don't put yourself in his hands. Don't destroy your life for us. We've lived ours."
Yennefer placed a second hand on Ciri's face and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"But know that we're not going there for a fight. It's about peace – about you – about your freedom. Nothing more, nothing less. We'll be fine."
Ciri would come for them no matter what they said. But she didn't have to convince them of that.
"Alright," she said, eyes closing when Yennefer's lips pressed to her forehead. "Be safe. And be clever."
"Always." Yennefer drew the girl against her, holding her close, inhaling her scent to try and carve it to memory. "If you need us at any point have Triss send me a message. I assume you'll be staying in Novigrad while you await our return?"
"Not sure yet. We might go to Skellige. But I will let you know."
"Please do." Yennefer released her slowly and let her enter the inn as she pleased.
The stable hand in the meantime had started to brush down a black mare.
"Geralt's inside?"
"Yes. Probably fetching his things." Ciri lowered her voice, leaning in a little. "Do you really think the sorceresses have given up on Kain?"
"No," Yennefer replied honestly. "Keep them as far away from him as possible." The only advice she could offer her.
"I will." As much as Ciri was able. Without Geralt nearby, she suspected the Lodge might attempt to take certain liberties.
Yennefer touched a hand to Ciri's shoulder and followed her inside, breaking away to head upstairs so that she could get her carry hold and cloak from Geralt's room.
Ciri remained downstairs in the main room of the inn, so she could catch Geralt and Yennefer one more time before they left, to say an official goodbye.
"Come here, Ciri," Priscilla called pouring her a cup of cider. "Sit here with us."
"Don't worry," Kain said when Ciri approached. "They'll be fine."
Ciri nodded, taking a seat next to Kain, close to his side. "Yes. They will be fine."
They had to be. She would accept no other option.
"Are you going to be fine?" Priscilla asked, regarding Ciri. "Staying for another few days, then? Dandelion's performing tomorrow night."
"I'm fine," Ciri assured her with a smile. "As for staying..." She looked to Kain. "Not sure yet. I suppose we will have to see."
"We plan to stay, unless the whole group's plan changes," Kain added for the sake of any questions Dandelion or the Lodge decided to ask.
Ciri remained silent, her gaze shifting to the stairs every now and then while she sipped apple cider.
Geralt adjusted his swords belt and swept a gaze over the room to make sure he didn't forget anything important. The things that still lay around seemed to be Yennefer's.
She walked in a moment later.
"Are you ready?" Geralt asked, and smirked seeing no bags. "No phylactery this time?"
"Only if you're willing to strap it to your back," Yennefer teased. She'd never do that to him though. Not unless she really had to. She walked over to the mattress, picked up the carry hold, slipped the strap over her head and against her body and then slipped her cloak into place on her shoulders to conceal it. "Have you said all your goodbyes? What about Triss? Did you let The Lodge know that we'll be gone?"
"I didn't think about them," Geralt confessed. "I spent that time with Ciri. I guess I hoped you'd tell them."
"No. Maybe we shouldn't bother?"
Geralt shrugged and went for the door. "Maybe we shouldn't."
"Definitely not."
They'd find out eventually, especially Triss once she went looking for Geralt but at least that would buy Ciri some time to shield Kain from their influence.
When they came down, Priscilla went to give them a small satchel of snacks and a hug.
"Be careful out there," she said and stepped away to let Ciri approach.
Yennefer took the gift from Priscilla, smiling her thanks although she could have spared Yennefer the hug. She was made for Dandelion.
"Always," Yennefer said, stepping in front of Geralt to hug Ciri again, as if they hadn't been wrapped in each other a few minutes ago.
Ciri stood, wrapped her arms around Yennefer in an embrace and then did the same to Geralt, squeezing them both painfully tight.
"Be safe," Ciri whispered. "And come back to me. If not, tantrums will ensue."
Geralt held her in his tight embrace, savoring the moment, then smiled, "I'm sure Kain will take care of your tantrums."
"He's not my father," Ciri whispered. "You are."
Geralt sneered, unable to deny himself that: "He's your uncle. He'll manage."
His remark earned him a pinch - a hard one - to his upper arm as they parted from one another. "Ass."
Laughing, Geralt pulled Ciri to him and planted a kiss on her forehead, then went outside.
Roach was ready, but very reluctant to part with the feeder.
Yennefer gave Ciri one last look as she followed Geralt out, slipping the snacking goodies that Priscilla had gifted into the saddle bags, accepting the offer of help to get onto the horse from the stable hand. Once astride the mare, Yennefer gave her flanks an encouraging nudge and started away from the inn, leading the way out of town.
Ciri watched them go with a soft sigh and turned to Kain. "So, what do you reckon we should do with our day?"
Kain reflected a bit, watching the two trot down the street. "Probably the best way is to be away from the city and train in the woods."
"Without a shield?"
"I thought about it a bit," Kain said, stepping toward the stables and leaning against the post. "Dimeritium is used for making shackles for mages because it blocks their powers.
"Their powers are based on what they've learned. All of them studied elements, natural magical channels, spells and ancient words that they know have been working all those centuries. Their magic is what they have developed in themselves through discipline and special rituals.
"Your magic, however, is a part of you like the skill of breathing. If in their case dimeritium interferes with their abilities, in your case it might actually interfere with the Hunt's abilities to pinpoint your location."
Kain shrugged, folding his arms.
"In theory. A very far-fetched theory."
Ciri considered that. "I have never worn dimeritium, so I do not know the effects it will have on me. Think we can find any in the city?"
"With all the magical hysteria, there must be an abundance of amulets and rings on the market."
Ciri grinned, pleased at last to have something to do. "Then let us go shopping."
"Fine," he sighed and followed her perky pace.
Those merchants will remember her hair, Kain reflected as they followed the street down to the Market Place.
The market place was filled with various boots and stands, most of which had probably been there since early morning. There were vegetables and meat being sold, as well as fabrics, decorations for the home, and craftsmanship.
Ciri and Kain were far from the only ones out and about and it was easy to vanish into the crowds.
There were many traders yelling about special amulets to protect from evil magicians, but none withstood a closer inspection.
"They're fake," Kain whispered into Ciri's ear. "Which is understandable. The real thing is expensive and comes mostly from Kovir and Povis."
"So where do we find the genuine artifacts?" Ciri asked, adjusting her hood.
"From those who know what magic is and how it works. I'm sure my friend can point you in the right direction."
"Fealinn?" Ciri maneuvered past a group of housewives and joined with Kain again. "Do you think there are even any magicians left in town?"
Kain looked at her with an ironic raise of an eyebrow, "Yes, and your friend's inn is one of such places. It's not easy to leave a city when everybody is under scrutiny."
"But even less will admit to use of magic or to be in possessions of magical items. And I'd rather not include The Lodge in this. The more favors I owe them, the worse off I'll be."
"Don't worry. She is going to find what we need with no problem. And no one will know."
"Alright," Ciri said, steering them towards one of the city gates and bridges again.
They were outside Fealinn's door within thirty minutes.