Chapter six
magically beginnings

One week later…

The walled in city was not as large as that of the city called Novigrad but housed not only sorceresses and other magic users but there was several elves, dwarves and even humans who accepted to live and thrive in this city with nonhumans. It was truly a free city that relied more about trade than coin, farmers farmed, butchers raised livestock and butchered the meat fresh each day. The main square is where people went to trade items for things they needed as farmers brought in bushels of vegetables and fruits or grains of rye, wheat or rice. The sound of a heavy knife could be heard slicing through bone and whacking into the thick wood of the cutting board as the man bellowed out that he had fresh meat ready.

Dwarves were busy fixing up houses while elves and humans were packing up carts of extra foods to sell at the neighboring city nearby so that there could be some coin in the treasury in case they needed for supplies they couldn't find or get near their own city. A baker within the square was putting out hot fresh meat buns, bread pockets filled with meat and vegetables or he had the breakfast variation which had bits of bacon and egg in it instead. Young children had two schools they would go to, non-magical humans went to a normal school in the eastern end of the city while the kids; mostly girls, wanting to become sorceresses went to the new Academy but passed by the bakery to grab a breakfast bun he'd just put out.

Crowds of girls ranging from as young as 8 to as old as 17 made their way to the magic academy, chatting among themselves— laughing and expressing how excited they are to learn something new this year. Though the young children were wondering what it would be like to learn the magic needed to become a mage themselves. Kiko though, found in the center of the crowd found herself silently thinking to herself reciting what her mother had already taught her in her head. Was she nervous? Not really, she wasn't sure how to explain it until she laid eyes upon the academy itself.

The academy was a large stone brick building that just seeing the outside alone would make someone feel like a dwarf themselves. It was made of grey stones ranging from light grey to darker stones and around it were thick bushes and trees that shaded the grounds from the hot sun overhead. A massive tower to the left shoot tall over the academy and was said that at the base of it was the detention hall where any bad student was led to and made to sit there for hours in silence as punishment. Yet first one would have to attend and that meant entering the large double doors and starting their journey to becoming a mage themselves. The doors were made of dark wood and steel that held them together with potted plants on either side of the entrance way.

Kiko stood there staring up at the intimidating building along with a few other students ranging from her age to some far older and perhaps nearing their graduation. The younger kids who were new—never having a single lesson of magic spells in their life seemed nervous to start learning the magical arts under the watchful eye of powerful women who had once been in their shoes. The younger crowded together questioning what it would be like to become a mage themselves and who among them would become the best. Yet Kiko soon had seated away from the crowds reading a book her mother gave her. Unlike the others she was not so nervous; really she was excited to begin this new journey and she'd met several of the teachers already including the fact that her mother was one of them.

Soon enough the academy doors opened with Margarita and Philippa exiting, standing upon the top step to the school. Margarita was donning a lovely emerald green dress with a black sash hugging her slim waist as well as a silver and emerald necklace that sparkled in the morning sunlight. She had her hair pulled back into a loose braid and her lips were painted with a light red or perhaps pink lipstick. Philippa on the other hand decided to dress in a red and gold outfit that was decorated in runes that any sorceress could easily tell what it said. Her hair was fashioned as usual with a slim braid crowning just over her brow and two pigtail braids falling down over her shoulders. She'd placed a new pair of white owl feathers in her hair to symbolize that she'd master the hardest magic art a sorceress could learn which explained why she'd appear as an owl at times.

Margarita cleared her throat and gave a light elbow to Philippa's arm signaling her to raise a hand to her lips and let out a loud whistle that silenced the loud crowd of students so their attentions moved to the two headmistresses. Kiko closed her book and jogged over with it tucked under her arm standing in the front row, nearly bouncing on her toes in excitement as Margarita scanned the crowd letting her eyes fall upon the young girl before she smiled.

"Welcome everyone to a new year here at the Magic Academy, I am glad to see many new and returning faces ready to learn all about magic," Rita turned her head to Philippa who hadn't looked from the crowd yet.

"As each year we will not tolerate any petty bullying and nonsense, you are here to learn and become Sorcerers and Sorceresses, if you are caught committing an act of breaking our rules you will be reporting to me and little kids can ask the older students Headmistress Eilhart doesn't take kindly to misbehaving," The younger kids turned to the older group as all of them nodded in agreement some even looking fearful of Philippa. "As always you will head to your homerooms, as we sent out the letters several days ago but if you somehow lost the letter or never got it please see Headmistress Laux-Antille for your homeroom number,"

"Has anyone lost or never received their letter? Speak up now so we can get today moving quickly," Margarita looked around seeing about six students raise their hands before moving to join her. She led them inside to her office where they would get a reissue of their letter so they knew what homeroom number they had. Philippa looked over the crowd and scowled.

"Those who know your homerooms, please head to them quickly and remember what I said about behaving, you don't want to come visit me," As everyone hurried inside, Kiko actually walked in last due to the fact she was just taking it all in. She never expected to be going to a magic academy to learn to be a sorceress and the school itself was impressive too. When Kiko reached the top of the stairs, she looked up seeing Philippa had been looking down at her. "Bit nervous, are you?"

"No ma'am, I'm perhaps too excited,"

"You did seem like an enthusiastic learner, did Yennefer tell you your homeroom is with her?" Kiko slowly nodded as Philippa walked with her inside, shutting the doors behind them and being sure to lock it. "You'll get the hang of school life here in time, Kiko, don't worry about that," For once Philippa didn't sound so cold, perhaps it was how she preferred to appear before her fellow sorceresses but seeing as Kiko was just a new student and a kid it must be okay to let loose just a little.

"What was it like for you when you started?"

"It was a new beginning, as it is for all students, now don't be tardy on your first day; get to your homeroom before Yennefer finishes introductions," She said before walking to her own office while Kiko took off jogging down the hall until a familiar hand came from one room grabbing her arm and pulling her into the large classroom. Her mother smiled down at her before whispering to quickly find a seat then let go of her arm and moved to the large desk in front of the room.

The room didn't have desks, just long tables that could easily fit two people at each comfortably. Before them was Yennefer's desk and behind her was a dark green board with white chalk writing that read in the top corner of it—large enough to see, was her hand writing that read 'Yennefer of Vengerberg'. She was to teach beginning magic to the younger students and it gave her the chance to ensure Kiko had a good start to her magic career as well.

The day mostly consisted of Yennefer going over different versions and she ever showed the class how she could conjure a small crow by uttering a spell in her hand and then it flutter from her palm letting it land upon the front row table where two girls both with blonde hair, hazel eyes sat looking at the bird in pure awe. But after the school day Kiko waited for her mother on the stairs by the entrance reading when Geralt happened to walk up.

"Waiting for Yen?" Kiko's head looked up seeing her father standing there completely dressed in his witcher wolf armor with the two swords, and crossbow on his back. He looked to have recently gone to get a shave and haircut as the usually long beard was trimmed short and his hair was groomed as well. It was shaved upon the sides and the top was pulled into a ponytail.

"Yeah, she should be out in a bit, did you need her?"

"Well let's just say she and I had some plans,"

"A date night," Kiko smiled and stood closing her book. "Did Ciri leave on another contract yet or is she home?" Geralt crossed his arms and gave the girl a grin.

"She's still at home; last I saw her she was cleaning her swords, head right home alright? No detours like you did two days ago, don't need Yennefer worrying where you went," Kiko was known as a curious wanderer as seen the other day when she was only supposed to go to the bakery the other day but she got too curious and ended up detouring to explore the city. It took Yennefer and Geralt an hour to find her but the past event with the Skellige warriors had her mother acting far more protective of her than before which was understandable.

"I won't dad, promise," She said before running off for home, as the Witcher's attention moved to the school front doors opening to reveal Yennefer exiting. She gave a smile upon seeing Geralt but then her violet gaze looked around in wonder.

"Where's Kiko? I was supposed to walk her home,"

"She just left, wanted to spend some time with Ciri before she probably has to head out on another contract soon," He saw Yen cross her arms almost in a disapproving manner. Oh boy Geralt did something again and here comes the scolding from his beloved sorceress.

"And you let her go alone?"

"Yen, you can't baby her forever; can't stay tied to your apron strings once she becomes a Sorceress herself," Geralt gave a casual shrug feeling that letting Kiko at least start to grow up a bit was a good thing. Yen went silent for a moment casting her eyes away before she gave a slight sigh.

"You're right, I suppose ever since the incident I've been… too protective over her—coddling even,"

"Can't be helped, you gave up your chance to have your own children years ago—,"

"It was that or suicide Geralt, and if that happened I wouldn't be here," She made her way down the stairs, moving to his side and slipped her slim hand into his. Geralt gave her hand a slight squeeze as he glanced over at her. He knew of her past; what pains she'd endured as a child. It was those pains that made her grow stronger because she never wanted to feel the same as she did back then. Helpless, alone, tormented and without the love and support of her parents. It was why she was as motherly as she was now and had been with Cirilla and now with Kiko.

He knew of her past as for him and his steep observation skills had noted years ago the so subtle lopsided measure of her shoulders. The spell used by her mentor to right the deformity seemed to have missed just so slightly that a normal human could never tell that at one time, Yennefer was a hunchback. And yet that very fact didn't bother Geralt, it was not just her beauty he loved about her; it was also about her personality. She matched him; completed him. She was the only woman who pretty much could take him head-on being her temper was just, if not worse than his. Don't even get him started on the time he angered her enough that he was dropped into a lake during an argument but it gave them both time to cool off—him especially because that water was cold.

"Stop thinking about that,"

"Yen, you know I hate when you read my mind,"

"Would you like to be dropped in a lake again? It's fall the water is bound to be as cold as last time," She gave a smug grin knowing full well how much Geralt hated to be teleported or just portals in general. Something about them made him either uncomfortable or was it that his stomach churned every time he had to enter one? Either way, Yennefer always had an ace up her sleeve if he ever argued with her. She'd simply drop him in a lake.

"I hate portals," he huffed.

"As much as you hate underdone meat and funerals, come now where are we going on this little date night? Ciri can watch Kiko until we get back," Yennefer hugged onto Geralt's arm, her hand squeezing his forearm. He glanced over and then teasingly tapped his chin in thought.

"Maybe we could head to the Tavern and get dinner there, and then we can take a stroll back home,"

"We'll have to bring the girls back something you know," Her dark head of raven hair rested upon his shoulder as he nodded and led the way with Yennefer still clutch to his arm, towards the Tavern.

It was a well-kept place; this Tavern, called the Golden Dragon and who ran it you'd never expect. No it wasn't Zoltan or Dandelion but Saskia, the Virgin of Aedirn. It was amazing how she'd gone from a revolt leader to being a Tavern owner but she loved it all the same. The peace and joy one could find within the large city was what drew in crowds of nomadic humans looking to settle, build homes and lives. That was what Saskia did, she put down the sword and became a Business woman (Or should we say dragon?) running the best Tavern in the city.

Whenever you entered it smelled of roasting pork or grilling chicken with the sounds of joyous drunken singing but if you got too rowdy, Saskia herself would toss you out and onto your ass. She had a pretty low tolerance for drunks fighting in her Tavern. When Yennefer and Geralt entered they found the place as loud and noisy as ever with Saskia on one of the tables leading the song loud and proud with a tankard in one hand and what looked to be either a pork chop or chicken leg in the other. When she spotted Geralt, the blonde leapt down and slammed down her tankard, shoved the food piece into a sleeping drunks mouth which woke him and walked over with her arms up and open.

"Witcher Geralt, delightful to see you again and I see you came to live in the new city!" She chuckled and crossed her arms standing before him. "And who's your violet eyed lady here?"

"She's—,"

"Yennefer of Vengerberg," She cut in extending a hand to the Tavern owner. Saskia laughed and grasped Yen's hand in a tight grip that had the sorceress flinch a bit.

"Lovely to meet you, I'm Saskia the Virgin of Aedirn or the Dragon slayer but most just go with the 'Rowdy and Loud Tavern Owner'," When Yen finally got her hand back she could feel the blood able to rush back into those veins having been halted by the tight grip of the other woman.

"Quite the grip you have,"

"Comes from wielding a sword, Geralt should know," The witcher gave a shrug as Saskia motioned for them to follow to the only open table left within the Tavern. "Anything you two need?"

"If you have apple juice I'll take that, unlike Geralt I try not to drink myself stupid,"

"I'm not that bad,"

"Mhmm… yes like stealing my clothing to dress up with Lambert and Eskel so you could call other sorceresses to party with you isn't being stupid drunk?"

"Okay that was one time," Geralt huffed. Yen always knew how to peg him for the things he did. It's been that way since he made the last wish and even after the wish was removed from them. She knew him too well; knew the buttons to push and what ones to steer away from, or how to calm him, relax him or reason with him. She was really the only one who could because they were nearly the same; two puzzle pieces that completed one another.

"One time is one too many, Geralt," The witcher turned to Saskia.

"She never lets me live anything down,"

"Gonna happen, there Geralt, just got to take the punches and keep on going," She shrugged and patted his shoulder. "Anything else or you two plan to poke fun at one another?"

"I'll take some vodka—I'll try to be a good boy," he said glancing at Yen who was playing the innocent looking away. "And what's that delicious smell?"

"That's the roast chicken and stew,"

"I'll take some of the chicken," Yen chimed in leaning against Geralt's side.

"And I'll have the stew so long as I get some rolls with it,"

"Of course, no one leaves here hungry, I'll have Ethan bring over everything when it's ready," With that Saskia left, leaning her head into the kitchen area barking out orders to the chef. Geralt glanced over at the sorceress leaned against him with her one hand rested on his leg. Her eyes were closed but suddenly he heard her in his mind.

"Yes Geralt?"

"Yen, I hate when you do this,"

"Afraid I'll find your dirty thoughts about me?"

"No, you're just as bad,"

"Hmm yes me and my stuffed Unicorn,"

"What happened to it after Skellige?"

"Funny thing… it broke again, when I was going to see the Emperor after we faced the Djinn I simply touched it and the head fell right off as did the raised leg,"

"Told you it was a piece of junk,"

"But I love that piece of junk for all the memories it's held,"

"Including our weight until the first time it ripped apart and we just sat there laughing?"

"Yes including that day," Yennefer's hand that rested on his leg reached up hooking over his forearm as her eyes opened. A gaze of violet looked up at him; a gaze he loved and knew so well. When mixes of red entered the color near her pupils it meant she was angry, but with blue it means she was calm or sad about something. Her eyes were so rare but paired with a light complexion and dark hair it gave her a mysterious air about her but her gaze was always gentle when it needed to be. Those very eyes though; they were not only beautiful but told her emotions best. In truth Geralt had never once seen Yennefer cry but one time he'd heard her sobs. When he was dying; when the pitch fork pierced his chest he heard Yennefer scream out so loud it sounded like her voice went raw from the tone alone.

These scars long have yearned for your tender caress

To bind our fortunes, damn what the stars own

Rend my heart open, then your love profess

A winding, weaving fate to which we both atone

Yet other than the day he lay dying, she never let anyone see her cry, never looked to be able to but he was the one unable. That knowledge stripped of him at a young age but Yennefer was taught never to cry, whether tortured or in pain she didn't shed a tear. Her eyes would change in color though, they gained the hint of red for when pain angered her but the times she was worried for Ciri, or even for Kiko they shifted to catch a blue color in the very center by the pupil. Geralt couldn't help it but he suddenly remembered the words to the song Priscilla sang years ago when they first met. The song was about Yennefer and Geralt's relationship and that they always fled each other only to return. It spoke of her entirely from the violet eyes, raven locks of hair that curled, down to the very perfume she wore. He studied Yennefer's eyes, losing himself in the bright and beautiful violet color.

You flee my dream come the morning

Your scent - berries tart, lilac sweet

To dream of raven locks entwisted, stormy

Of violet eyes, glistening as you weep

Yennefer could hear the song words echoing in Geralt's thoughts; she'd not heard the song until now but the words alone—they were what made her smile. He was remembering lyrics that reminded of her and the very tone; the vocals were now pouring into her own mind filling her with that loving warm fuzzy sensation as her hand glided down his arm to lace their fingers together. Staring back into his cat like eyes she always found his gaze not menacing like most but humbling because she knew the person beyond those eyes and he was caring, loving; a father figure, protective of those he loved, and a man of the truest justice.

The wolf I will follow into the storm

To find your heart, its passion displaced

By ire ever growing, hardening into stone

Amidst the cold to you in a heated embrace

So long they chased each other, parting and being brought together countless times over the many years. At first it was because of a Djinn's magic but now it was nothing but love they had for one another. They were two sides of the same coin; perhaps one of the two headed coins more or less but still they were so similar none the less. She was prickly but so was he if rubbed the wrong way. Both would protect what they loved and held strong to their beliefs. Sometimes Yennefer still found herself wondering what they found interesting about each other years ago when they met. He'd brought her apple juice one night when she had a terrible hangover; her hair a terrible mess but that day was the first time she saw a Witcher and first time he apparently saw a sorceress.

You flee my dream come the morning

Your scent - berries tart, lilac sweet

To dream of raven locks entwisted, stormy

Of violet eyes, glistening as you weep

He remembered that day they met, he had to help Dandelion but he needed her help. He snuck in and took over bringing the apple juice to her instead of her servant so he had an excuse to speak with her. Of course in her half asleep and perhaps still drunken state she hadn't realized who he was at first. But when he'd seen her sleeping all he saw was a body form under a blanket with a head of silky and beautiful dark raven colored hair poking out from the top. When she had heard him enter sure she shifted but her hair was always still in the way. Yet once those eyes saw him she attacked only to realize he was a Witcher by how fast he moved.

I know not if fate would have us live as one

Or if by love's blind chance we've been bound

The wish I whispered, when it all began

Did it forge a love you might never have found?

She'd been so curious of him, the first Witcher she'd seen. Spewing countless questions at him before he could even answer the first, like that of a child excited over something. She asked about his eyes, wondering if the pupils narrowing were his doing or based on lighting before telling him to bathe as she could smell his horse and even determine the color. The bathed together; her invisible to him but still together. Yet when told about it, that Djinn he said him and Dandelion came across became all she cared about and was soon her only goal. Seeing nothing else but capturing it unaware he had made wishes to it and only he could make the final wish; the Last wish. That very wish was very reason they were both were bound together; their fates intertwined. Yet the pair didn't want to change that fact or go back to not knowing each other. They've brighten each other's lives, and brought love, life and adventure.

You flee my dream come the morning

Your scent - berries tart, lilac sweet

To dream of raven locks entwisted, stormy

Of violet eyes, glistening as you weep….

The witcher leaned over and whispered a sweet three word phrase into her ear while inhaling the delightful perfume she wore; the scent he came to love. The gooseberries gave the perfume a tart scent while the lilac was the soothing sweetness that mixed fairly with the other, ensuring that one did not overpower the other. How he loved that scent; most nights burying his face into the raven dark hair and sleep with his arms around her waist, feeling her soft touch trace over his scars. "I love you Yen,"

The sorceress turned her head a bit so her gaze moved to meet his with a smile gracing her lips, brushed with a bit of sweetness of honey. Her voice was soft and soothing as she responded with a gentle, "I love you too," before leaning up to press their lips together firmly, hands gripping firmly together as they shared their moment of passion and love only to be torn apart when Saskia had returned with their drinks clearing her throat. Yennefer's cheeks touched pink as Geralt rubbed the back of his head.

"Sorry to break up the moment," she said placing the drinks down as the Chef Ethan came out putting their food down and departing back to the kitchen. "Enjoy and don't get too frisky kids," She winked and left the two alone again. They shared a 'we were caught' look before they decided to eat…

Later on it was dark out; about around ten at night, when Geralt and Yennefer, walking hand in hand strolled by the elven gardens. The elves of the city kept the garden looking so beautiful it was filled with almost every color of flowers, from black or white to the pastel colors of light pink or baby blue. In the center of the garden was a small fountain made of marble stone that depicted two dancing people. One was an elf maiden and the other a human man with a dwarf playing a string instrument to which the pair was dancing to. The soft sound of running water was soothing as Yennefer sat on the fountain edge and peered down at the small exotic fishes.

"This place is beautiful don't you think, Geralt?"

"It is, but it just doesn't outshine your beauty," The sorceress smiled and looked up at him as he sat down. Moving to his side, she leaned into him as the witcher put an arm around her shoulders.

"I do love those compliments of yours, for some reason they never get old they just make me smile to know I mean so much to you,"

"You always have, Yen and you always will," he leaned down kissing the top of her head gently. "We should get back soon, hope the girl's haven't destroyed the house,"

"If they did I'll make them clean it," Yennefer laughed, knowing her daughters wouldn't be foolish enough to wreck her house, they wouldn't like to see her angry with them. Yen was known for her nasty temper when she snapped. At times it even scared Geralt how dangerous she could become. So powerful, so dangerous but so gentle all at the same time was ways to explain Yennefer. Yet he loved that about her, she could take on a Golem without trouble barely needing Geralt's help to fight. Sure he was the monster hunter but he's witnessed her blasting monsters with bolts of lightning then using a spell to make them explode from the inside out. Yennefer was not the type of woman to mess with.

"I bet you would, sitting there like a general or prison warden until they cleaned their mess,"

"Haha, Geralt you know I'm not that terrible, I'll just tell them to clean it and if they don't they'll have more work to do,"

"Ooh sounds like a worse punishment," He smiled before standing up. "So how was the first day teaching?" Yennefer stood up and fixed her skirt a bit, dusting off the back.

"It was nice; teaching the younger new crowds of young students was actually nice. They all seem so ready to learn magic," She reached up absently brushing her fingers over the charm upon the choker collar around her neck. Her mind moved to remembering the young faces in her class, mostly girls but each were ready to learn; amazed by her little shows of magic during class. The children mostly amazed by how she created the bird that landed on one of the tables before a snap of her fingers made the bird vanish and leave a black crystal skull behind. "Kids so young are like sponges, soaking up knowledge like it was water,"

"And what was Kiko doing the whole time?"

"Taking notes, during the lunch hour I barely saw her eat; she was reading most of the time,"

"Appears she's determined to be a great sorceress, who knew we'd raise two girls with one who became a Witcher and the other wanting to be a sorceress like her mother," He lightly took her hand and headed home. Yennefer gripped his hand tight.

"I know, she'll be a great one, I can tell. She already shows that focus and when other kids play she studies; if they chat, she goes over her notes instead… Reminds me of how I was,"

"You never really talk about your time during your magic training,"

"Never thought it important, you don't put in detail what your training to be a witcher was like,"

"Alright you got me there," Geralt shrugged. "How does she remind you of yourself?"

"When I was young, I withdrew from everyone and wanted only to hide amongst the books. I studied, I practiced, I failed but I learned. She shows an aptitude for magic stronger than some of the other kids. Think about it, her power; that 'Ghost eye' manifests already? Even Ciri's didn't show fully until puberty,"

"Maybe it's because of that Mikka woman, perhaps the same happened to her and now the power manifested more in Kiko than others who have had it," Geralt stopped outside their home and listened for a moment. "They're upstairs on our bed sounds like playing a game,"

"I am somehow glad my hearing isn't that good, I don't need to hear everything around me all the time,"

"I try not to eavesdrop," He opened the door stepping aside. "Ladies, first," Yennefer smiled and kissed his cheek before walking in, hearing Kiko nearly leap down the stairs and hug her waist. The sorceress patted her head before stepping back and crouched down.

"How did you like the school, Kiko?"

"It was fun, I'm glad I at least passed that exam that day after I met Margarita," Yen cupped her daughter's cheek with a smile on her face.

"I knew you would, there's no doubt you have the skill to be a sorceress one day, the teachers have already started to notice your determination,"

"Yeah, Yen even says you remind her of when she was young," Geralt added in placing his swords against the wall by his chair sitting down. "Who knows, might even be a sage one day,"

"A sage, is that more powerful than a normal sorceress?"

"They have far more knowledge and mostly only Elves have reached that level but the skill you show already at such a young age could mean you're just as good or at least one can hope," Yennefer stood and moved to her own chair. "Did you two eat?"

"Yeah we ate," Ciri spoke up as she came down the stairs. "And Kiko's been begging me not to leave on another contract again," Kiko crossed her arms in a minor pout. Yes she hated seeing Ciri leave but she knew she had to, being she was on the Path and being a Witcheress meant she was needed to fight monsters that humans couldn't. Her service was needed even though it barely gave her much coin anyway. Yet when Cirilla returned home money didn't matter, what with Yennefer being extremely wealthy herself with her shop still back in Vengerberg selling magical beauty creams and oils. Removing blemishes, and sleepy bags under the eyes, hide wrinkles and so on. The products made women and even some men; mostly elves flock to buy them. With such a fortune, Yennefer always gave Ciri a coin pouch full of crowns along with some bread, apples and water before she set out on her way.

"You know how she is, Ciri, loves you too much," Geralt smirked. "What's the contract on?"

"Basilisk has been killing livestock and even killed two men and a woman by snatching her right off her horse, I'm only getting about a hundred crowns at most for the contract,"

"Even with war over people aren't going to have much coin," Yennefer chimed in.

"Yeah I know, but someone has to do it,"

"Yes and you both need to get some sleep, Kiko especially," Yen's violet gaze moved from Cirilla to her younger daughter.

"But mom…"

"No arguing, upstairs, change into your night clothes and get to bed," Kiko sighed and dragged herself up the stairs, quickly changing into her clothing only for bed before hoping under the sheets and laying on her side faced away from the door. Soon even Cirilla came upstairs except she didn't change, just flopped on her bed on the other side of the room and was sure enough snoring within a few minutes. Kiko drifted to sleep but not without hearing Yennefer check in on the two at the door then left them to sleep for the night…

Early the next morning

Kiko awoke to the sound of a snorting horse outside. The sun was not even out yet; the sky still dark just without a moon shining down. She climbed out of bed and snuck down stairs, passing by her parent's room and opened the door to find Ciri was readying her horse. She tightened the saddle and secured the saddle bag while ensuring she had the trophy rope strapped to the saddle bag side. Being she had her hood up she obviously did not see Kiko standing there, frowning until she turned toward the door and looked down a bit.

"You should be sleeping,"

"I heard the horse snorting and decided to see what it was for,"

"Yeah I have to go," Ciri frowned, brushing her hood back. "I have to complete the contract," Kiko softly sighed and walked out hugged Ciri tight.

"Just be safe and come home, promise," the Witcheress's frown turned into a soft smile as she returned the embrace kissing the top of her sister's head.

"I'll return home, I promise but you have to promise to study hard in the academy," Kiko stepped back and smiled wide.

"I'll be the best sorceress yet! You'll see!" Ciri couldn't help but laugh, she loved the pride and joy she saw radiate from Kiko every day. It was almost intoxicating how positive Kiko always was about things. She seemed to always bring out the best in people even some of the mean sorceresses and years ago when she met Lambert he actually wasn't prickly. Something about the young girl made people around her smile and just happy. You couldn't frown around her for long as she'd do or say something to enlighten you or brighten your day. Perhaps it was because she was young and energetic but mostly seemed she was just too inspiring and positive to be sad or angry around.

Kiko then thought of something and ran back inside to get it, leaving Cirilla with a puzzled look on her face. When she came back her hands were behind her back. "What do you have there?" Ciri asked out of pure curiosity. Her young sister held out an item, a simply charm of her favorite flower. It was her luck charm and she was giving it to her older sister for some luck.

"I want you to take this with you, I always worry if you are coming back but maybe this will give you even better luck," Ciri smiled and took the charm holding it to eye level. The flower was that of white and red rose with a clear crystal stone in the center. It was connected on a silver chain that was about as long as one of Ciri's fingers. She held the charm within her palm and nodded.

"Thank you Kiko, and when I return I'll give it back,"

"Okay, I hope it brings you luck on your contract," she gave her sister one last time before heading back inside finding her mother standing there with her arms crossed. Kiko knew she was in a bit of trouble but nothing to make her mother explode and yell at her. No simply a shake of her raven black hair and she pointed to head upstairs. She did have school in a few hours and next to leave early was Yennefer so she could get class ready when the students were to arrive. The young girl headed upstairs and back into bed to get a bit more sleep while Yennefer followed behind but into her room.

Taking a quick hot bath, she soon got her clothing out. A dark blue to black outfit with feathers around the off the shoulder top, midsection corset, short skirt, thigh high stockings and knee high boots with gloves. Yennefer sat before her mirror brushing her hair before getting dressed but she felt eyes on her the whole time looking over to see Geralt was awake, on his side and watching her.

"How long have you been up?"

"Long enough for a nice view,"

"Hmm, you haven't changed a bit," She chuckled and started applying her makeup, light purple and black for the eyes. Light pink natural lipstick to let them look bright and lively as well as some blush but not too much. "Ciri already left for her contract,"

"I heard, Kiko was also up,"

Yennefer nodded starting to get her clothing on, first her top, and corset, skirt then lastly the stocking and boots. "Kiko was wishing Ciri good luck on her contract was all, you know how close they are even before they found out their ancestors were friends," She pulled her gloves on. "Well I have to get going, what do you plan to do today?"

"Perhaps see what I can do in the city or out in the nearby small villages, everyone knows they need help of some sort," He sat up a bit in bed as she walked over, leaning down to lightly kiss his lips.

"If you kill a monster be sure to bathe, I rather not embrace you smelling like corpses,"

"I'll be sure to, not you head off to work. You have young minds to teach," Yen smiled and gave another kiss before she left to the academy…

Later that morning…

Crowds of students flooded into the halls of the Academy. Older students went to either Margarita or Fringilla's classes; the younger class just above Kiko's level was to report to Philippa's classroom while Triss and Yennefer had the task of the youngest crowd. When Kiko walked in today there was an Elven woman speaking with her mother, leaning her hands on the desk as they spoke. She had long straight red hair but it was nowhere near as fiery as Triss's is, and her pointed ears stuck out from the curtain of red. The elf woman's skin was pale or perhaps that was normal for all Elves to have fair or light skin. She donned a long flowing yellow dress with a green sash around her stomach. Kiko could see what looked to be pearls and some amber decorating places on her dress unaware the Elf had turned her gaze onto her until she looked up and all color drained from her face.

Kiko woodenly staggered to her seat and put her head down out of pure embarrassment, because the Elven woman had caught her gawking like some fool. Yes she'd seen Elves before but this one was not a normal elf, she could tell from the runes that also decorated her outfit like how Philippa or Fringilla wore on their persons. "So you are the young one Philippa and Margarita told me about. The young girl with the saov eye," Kiko didn't exactly get some Elder Speech but it only made the woman chuckle at the sight of the girl's confusion. "Ghost Eye,"

"Yes ma'am," Now she could feel it everyone in the class had gone silent and all shifted their gazes onto Kiko. Something tells her either they were going to be impressed by her or out her for being better.

"I'm Ida Emean aep Sivney,"

"You're the Elven Sage," She nodded and crossed her arms. Kiko glanced back over her shoulder and sure enough every student was looking at her; some had faces of awe and others of jealousy that they weren't being looked upon by the older sorceresses with honor or curiosity. Honestly Kiko hated the attention, so she had a special eye, she didn't like feeling like a sideshow freak with everyone gawking at her. Felt like the only place she didn't feel like that was at home. Ever since her ability was discovered; or ever since she started meeting sorceresses aside from her mother they looked at her like she was a science project except for Margarita and her mother Yennefer who saw her as a potentially powerful sorceress.

They could already tell Kiko showed far more magic talent than even most human children who began the training and now even an Elven Sage had taken interest in her; A Sage. They use the higher form of magic knowledge and ability that most humans can't reach. For any sage, knowledge was power because they knew much and they were also known for being a bit stubborn with said knowledge too. Yet this one before Kiko was studying her a bit before a smile caught her lips which seemed to lighten up her features just before she turned to Yennefer.

"Yennefer of Vengerberg, may I speak to you outside in the hallway quickly?" Ida asked, moving towards the door. The dark clad sorceress glanced to her students telling them to behave for a moment as she exited the room shutting the door behind her.

"What is it?" Ida leaned upon the wall with her arms folded.

"Your daughter in there, you can already sense the level of her magic that has yet to reveal itself, when she does begin to show it… I would like to help train her," She said, looking the utmost serious she had in some time; more so than normal.

"But you'd refused to teach before and you always say—," Ida raised a hand, seeming to physically stop Yennefer's words and halt her sentence.

"I know what I said Yennefer but that was before I saw such a child. Your daughter holds great power that in a human has not manifested in centuries; Kiko is exceptional and far beyond the other children within that class," She went to walk around Yennefer stopping at her side, turning her head to her. "Kiko is the true definition of a potential golden child, a prodigy even," With that Ida walked away leaving Yen wondering over her words before shaking herself mentally and entering back into the classroom, smiling and trying to act like something wasn't buzzing mad within her mind.

"Right, sorry about that children. Today's lesson we start with basics about how to even manifest your magic to start casting spells," She said going back to teaching but she still could not shake what Ida told her…

Lunching hour…

The dining hall of the school was large enough to house every student, with large picnic tables that'd been newly built only two weeks prior to booths lining most of the walls crowded with young upcoming mages, laughing and chatting away. The dining hall filled with the smell of what was for lunch, made by the human and Elven chefs. The aroma of fresh hot pasta in a creamy butter sauce paired with fresh bread and a green salad caught anyone's attention making them hungry. You'd have to stand in line of course take a tray and moving down the line pick up one bowl of the main dish, smaller one of salad and your preferred dressing, a fruit, piece of fresh bread and lastly the drinks of the day; Iced tea or Lemonade.

Thing is the teachers didn't even eat within the dining hall as they had their own lounge room that was finer. Table cloth on the tables with plates and silverware placed just right on the tables with seats that made most nobles jealous of their elegancy and comfort. While the kids in the dining hall ate pasta, salad and bread, the sorceresses went about eating bacon wrapped filet mignon, sautéed asparagus, and wild rice that paired with a nice glass of red wine. And seeing as there was not as many sorceresses compared to the students it was not as loud but instead there was calmer discussions and a few moments of laughter unless you want to call Philippa's simple 'heh' or 'ha-ha' as a laugh. Woman never smiled; not once.

"Say Yenna, did I hear Ida correctly when she spoke to you in the hall? She wants to help train Kiko?" Fringilla asked, cutting into the filet mignon on her plate. Yennefer ate a bite of food, washing it down with a sip of the wine.

"Yes and it was shocking, she even stated that Kiko was a prodigy to magic in a way,"

"I'm not surprised, that eye of hers is unusual and she comes from a powerful bloodline herself; sure not as strong as Ciri's but still powerful itself as that Mikka woman was taught by Lara Dorren," Triss responded.

"I am amazed that she'd want to help train the girl myself," Margarita shook her head. "Ida had outright refused to teach here but suddenly changed her mind upon meeting Kiko, why was she here anyway?"

"Told me she wanted to see what the school was like or something," Philippa sounded as if she'd been expecting it or something. "Perhaps she heard about a child who held the Ghost Eye from someone and decided to come see herself but… who told her?" The sorceresses looked amongst themselves before Margarita cleared her throat.

"I mentioned that we only had a new student within Yennefer's class who was special and showed an aptitude for magic at such a unique level,"

"Then she must have been able to sense or know it was Kiko. When she entered my class, Kiko stared at Ida for a moment before going to her seat and putting her head on the table. When she looked up Ida was right before her studying her then wanted to speak with me,"

"To be taught by a sage? Yen, Kiko's got a big future ahead of her if Ida; one so stubborn about teaching would want to train her in magic," Triss set her fork down for a moment. "She might be a target sometime in her life though; perhaps not by Hunters luckily but by mages who have malicious intents and would seek to use her or control her,"

"I don't even want to think about that,"

"Yennefer, you'll have to, honestly as teachers here we are all responsible for ensuring her powers do not fall into the wrong hands, just as we did with Cirilla now we must with Kiko as well,"

"I agree with Phil,"

"Me too,"

"I'll certainly help protect and guide her, Yenna," Yennefer fell silent taking a deep breath with a slow and inaudible nasal sigh. She rubbed her brow in thought just before nodding.

"You're all right, we have to teach her everything we all know, and ensure she stays safe… Thank you," She looked up and smiled, but something still weighted on Yennefer's shoulders. What or who would be a danger to Kiko and what could they all be one day in for? Only time seemed to be able to tell what could be lurking to take or even harm a simple eight year old girl…

Read and review: Tell me how you like it. What did you like and stick around for the next chapter, I'm not done through yet, I have several other characters I want to introduce in time. But your reviews tell me you want more, that you love what I'm doing and if I stopped you'd be sad.