Chapter eight
A family's love
It was early morning, the sun light peeking through the mostly closed curtains as the Witcher stood from the bed, glancing back to see a bare naked body that lay hidden under the blanket only revealing the head of dark hair. Yen always slept that way, with the blanket pulled up over most of her face but her eyes were always just above where she had the sheet pulled up to. Geralt pulled the curtains open causing the sunlight to fall right onto the Sorceress's face. With a half sleepy grumble, Yen tucked her head under the pillow giving off a mumbled cursing, even turning over to face away from the sunlight.
With a sigh, Geralt looked out seeing that the lake was calm and smooth as a mirror board, while the morning air clung with the smell of morning dew, the far meadows were covered with low, thin mist, hanging like a cobweb close over the tops of the grasses wet and shining in the sunlight. He heard another shift behind him, glancing back to see Yennefer had sat up; her back to him, rubbing her head with a yawn. "Awake already, Geralt?"
"Sounds like someone wanted to sleep the day away," He walked back to the bed and sat down, leaning back on the headboard while reaching over to run his hand over her back feeling her shiver at his touch. She half turned to him and rested back so her head came to rest on his chest. She looked tired, which wasn't surprising because of what she told him about. She'd been up until late last night just sitting down stairs thinking and staring at the fire crackle in the fireplace. Geralt pressed his lips to her brow as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "Are you alright?"
"Right now I am, I have you here,"
So beautiful, he thought. Everything about her is beautiful and dangerous all at the same time; it was something none could deny about Yennefer. The colors she wears, contrast of black and white. It represented her beauty and terror, her mysterious nature as well as her power. He loved her delightful, raven curls, reaching up to brush his hand over them making the scent of her still lingering perfume waft around him. He studied her face, high cheekbones, accentuated by the crease that forms when she smiles. He leaned down to kiss her lips, wonderfully small and pale beneath her lipstick, they were soft and to Geralt were the sweetest lips in the entire world.
I heard that. He heard her voice echo in his head.
"Yen, you know I hate when you do that," He said watching her eyes open and look right back at him. She gave a teasing smile before sitting up, grabbing a pillow and hitting him with it playfully. All she heard was oof, when the pillow hit him. The witcher pulled the pillow from her hand and gave the sorceress a wide grin. She knew what that look meant and before she could even attempt to move, his arm hooked around her pulling her back to him even if she wriggled around. Whirling her around he pinned her wrists to the bed enjoying how her dark hair fanned out over the messy bedsheets. "Two can play that game," Yennefer opened her mouth to speak only to be silenced by a tender and loving kiss, feeling his rough hands trail over her arms and soon down her sides sending chills up and down her spine.
With a tilt of his head, Geralt's lips moved to feather gently over her neck while her arms came up to hug around his neck, running her slender fingers through his hair. His short beard stubble tickled her skin but it was the last thing on her mind this morning as a gasp escaped her lips when his found the sweet spot just under her ear, near her jaw.
"Geralt," she whispered almost breathlessly. The witcher paused and looked up into her dazed violet eyes.
"What is it?" he watched a soft smile touch her lips as she leaned up pecking his tenderly. When she pulled away their lips still brushed together. Fingers lightly traced over a scar on his chest.
"Where did we leave off last night?" Geralt smiled wide, pressing his lips to hers more firmly, while her legs hooked around him locking at the ankles…
[Afterwards]
It had to have been two hours, leaving Yennefer and Geralt tangled in their bed sheets with Yen's hair messier than when she first woke and she'd given the witcher perhaps a few new scratches down his back but he wasn't complaining. Her head was rested on his shoulder, cuddled close beside him she nuzzled his neck as he traced his fingers up and down her back, along her spine.
"Y'know Yen… we should get dressed," he turned his head, burying his nose in her silky hair just taking in the lingering smell of lilac and gooseberry perfume that he loved so much; kissing her head. She seemed to cling tighter; how she hated pulling away from him because of the day beckoning for them to. Yennefer always preferred to remain in bed or in his arms. She could remember the days before meeting him how lazy she was though. She slept throughout most of the day only to wake and drink herself dizzy and pass out again. Yet now; now she had him, at one time she was raising Ciri and now she was raising Kiko. Who knew love would change her and her life. "Yen,"
"I heard you… but I don't want to; not yet, it's too warm," Her words did nothing to stop him from sitting up which only made her groan in protest. Once he left the bed though she stole his pillow, hugging it and cocooning herself in the blanket. Oh how sometimes Yennefer could act like a little kid not wanting to go to school. Geralt chuckled and made a move to grab for the sheet only to watch her cocoon tighter groaning a childish 'Nooooo' at him. Her head vanished under his pillow and he knew it was going to be one of those mornings. They were lucky Kiko had spent the night at Triss's because they'd spent hours playing Gwent only for the girl to fall asleep there, so Triss opted to babysit her for the night.
"Yen, come on get up,"
"Make me," bad move on her part, as the witcher silently walked from the room so when she peeked out, he wasn't there making her duck her head back under the pillow. It was silent for perhaps another minute or two before SPLASH! Fresh cold water was poured over her making her jump and fall from the bed in a mess of soaked sheets as she screamed. "GERALT, OH GOD THAT WAS COLD; WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?!" She yanked the sheets off of her and shivered glaring at him with the bucket still in his hand.
"You said to make you, so I did," He set the bucket aside as she stood and grabbed a towel drying her body off before grabbing her typical black and white color clothing to get dressed.
"Sometimes you irritate me," She waved a hand quickly drying and making the bed, then pulled her boots on. Geralt leaned against the wall with a smirk on his lips as he was staring at her rear end while she was bent over fixing her boots.
"But you love me just the same," He watched her stand and turn to him giving a light backhand to his stomach.
"You're lucky I do," He wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her close. Her hands came to rest on his chest as she looked from his feline like eyes to his lips and back before he pressed his lips to hers. His hands drifted from her lower back to grasp her rear making her hop more onto her toes; curse her being shorter. Soon she pushed away from him giving a smirk heading from the room and downstairs.
"I wouldn't say lucky really," Geralt grinned following after the sorceress.
"Then what would you call it?"
"Does love need explaining?" Yennefer stopped half way down the stairs and looked back at him then away thinking.
"I suppose you are right being it's a bonding feeling shared between two people,"
"I love you, Yen," even with her hair covering a good portion of her face he could see her lips move, stretching into a smile before she even looked back at him again. He preferred it when she smiled, it always made her eyes shine; sparkling like violet crystals even in the dimmest of light.
"And I love you too," she replied softly. The pair stared at each other until a foot came kicking the door open almost making poor Yennefer hop over the railing when she jumped. When they looked over it was Ciri having returned from her recent contract. "Damn it, you nearly gave me a heart attack, Ciri!" The ashen haired woman glanced up and covered her mouth to keep from laughing, due to Yen's face having turned a tint of pink from the sudden shock. Being that Geralt had already heard Ciri coming he had not been shocked at all but he looked away also to contain a laughter that was bubbling inside his gut.
"Sorry Yennefer, I wasn't aware if you two were up or not yet,"
"So that would have been our wakeup call? I rather get a rooster…" The sorceress folded her arms.
"Cock-a-doodle-doo," Ciri teased, even though Geralt was giving her the 'cut-it-out' motion behind Yennefer then playing like he was innocent when she looked back at him to see what he was doing.
"What is this? 'Pick on the sorceress' day? First cold water dumped on me now I nearly get scared out of my boots," Ciri was biting her lips together before rubbing the back of her head.
"Yennefer… do you really forget what today is?"
"…Why do you ask?" The sorceress seemed to actually have forgotten what today was. Perhaps it was because she never gave it much thought or because after several years it meant nothing to her anymore. Yet her mind kept drawing a blank as to what was going on or even why everyone was seemingly picking on her since she woke up.
"Yen,"
"What?" She looked from Cirilla to Geralt. "Will someone explain please?!"
"Happy birthday," Yennefer's jaw seemed to tighten shut. Goodness she'd forgotten her own birthday, who would have thought to celebrate a sorceress's birthday though? She hadn't, because it became unnecessary to her after time in the academy. She was well over a century old and she'd only told Geralt but that was years ago around the time they first started being together. It was heartwarming to know he remembered even the most minor of details about her but he'd also told Ciri as well; even she remembered.
"You both… you remembered, but even I forgot…"
"Geralt never forgot, and he told me so I remembered too," Yen and Geralt made it the rest of the way down the stairs as Ciri gave her mother a tight hug. Of course Ciri smelled like a wet dog after a long hot day hunt but to Yennefer that didn't matter at the moment. "And there's one more thing, Kiko, bring it in," Yennefer's eyes moved to the doorway as Kiko poked her head out from the side first before walking in holding a furry black and white kitten in her arms.
"We got you a cat that matched just about everything you wear," Kiko said with a proud smile. The kitten mewed as if to approve the statement as the Sorceress walked over and gently took the small feline from the young girl holding it up to eye level.
The Kitten had soft silky fur that was a bit plush and stuck out everywhere a bit. It was mostly black with a white left from paw and the right ear was white as well, even the tail tip had a dash of it. The eyes were alert and a beautiful crystal blue, but it was the soft chirp like mew it gave that made the sorceress smile brighter. The kitten was adorable and the girls were right it matched her outfits being she mostly wore black and white. The colors just suited her best honestly.
She felt Geralt's hand come to rest on her side as he peered over at the kitten. "So what are you going to name it?" He asked reaching over and petting its small head. The small feline gave off a loud happy purr, closing its eyes and even stretching up a bit toward his hand.
"The previous owner said it's a female, so I guess that helps in naming," Ciri stated, setting a hand on Kiko's head as she leaned into her side. Yennefer thought for a moment before a name popped into her head. She bent down to place the kitten at their feet letting it wander the house a bit and get accustom to its new home.
"I think Aura works perfectly,"
"I like it,"
"Me too,"
"If you like it Yen, that's what matters," Yennefer seemingly couldn't stop smiling, leaning her head onto Geralt's shoulder. The Witcher put his arm around her shoulders as Ciri and Kiko hugged them both. "Seems we've made Yennefer happy, Ciri, Kiko,"
"Of course I'm happy, I have my family here; that's what makes me happy first off, and everything else is simply a bonus to it all," When a mew came from their feet, everyone looked down seeing the kitten wanted to seemingly join in on the family moment. Everyone simply shared a laugh as Yen picked up the feline which decided to climb onto her shoulder and hide in her hair, poking its head out on the other side.
"Thought I heard laughter in here," Standing at the door way was Philippa but her hair wasn't in braids as it normally would be but instead was loose and left flowing down her back and over her shoulders, onto her chest. She raised a brow as her gaze moved to see the feline poking out of Yennefer's hair. "A kitten for her birthday and it matches her completely,"
"Does everyone know of my birthday?"
"Well—,"
"That we do," Triss's head poked out from the side, cutting off Philippa. "Geralt told us," The red head stepped out in front of Philippa which seemingly made the older Sorceress a bit grumpy (or in her case grumpier), when she brushed pass the other. It was always normal for Triss to somehow piss off Philippa; it was like watching an adult wolf with an adolescent. The other one was bound to snarl and growl at the younger or at least go about reminding her who was older and stronger.
"Anyway, Yennefer, about what you told us upon returning from Novigrad, we need to all talk. Even Geralt and Cirilla need to know about everything," Yen could feel Geralt and Ciri looking at her as she gave a slow nod, taking the feline from her shoulder setting it down. "Are you sure you also want Kiko to know?"
"She's a very smart young girl and she knows most about it anyway, it's not smart to withhold things from her,"
"Very well, we'll meet at the academy meeting room within the hour," As Philippa turned to leave she grabbed the back of Triss's outfit and dragged her out of the door. At least Triss was able to grab and close the door. Geralt's gaze moved from the door to Yennefer who was ringing her hands.
"Yen, what was that about? Why do you need a meeting about Kiko? What's going on?" Geralt tossed the questions at Yen who only inhaled slowly, turning her gaze to him. He realized what her eyes said. They appeared as a brighter purple, something he only saw when something was heavily weighing on her shoulders and her mind. She seemingly puffed out her chest a bit and spoke low but clearly.
"You will know everything at the meeting, now everyone go get cleaned up we have somewhere to be," Ciri and Kiko shared a look then darted up the stairs. When Yennefer went to pass the Witcher he quickly grasped her upper arm halting her movement instantly. His grip was firm but still gentle; he knew she wasn't some fragile maiden but he didn't dare harm the one woman who scared him most only because she knew how to poke and pinch at places that hurt him most. She turned her gaze to him and there he saw it; her eyes had changed again. The realization of the soft blue mixed in was enough to have his hand let go.
"Something's got you worried," he didn't ask it as a question, he knew the sorceress well enough to know what was wrong; or at least he should by now. The sorceress turned her head away and sighed softly.
"Kiko had a nightmare, one that brought great concern and we went to see Corinne Tilly, she explained that the dream meant something or someone was coming after Kiko and it's up to us all to keep her safe…" Her voice sounded to be cracking, with the sound of what appeared to be tears. Something he knew she'd never allow. He'd only heard of one time she cried and that was when he lay dying, before she was on the verge of death. The fact that her young daughter by choice was in danger and that she had no idea by whom or what, was getting to her. Her shoulders were tense; she'd gone from happy birthday girl to worried mother.
"So the meeting… it's about a plan to keep her safe?"
"Yes, she's a young sorceress and the others… they all don't want harm to come to her," She sat down in her chair cupping her hands together. "The fact that I know near nothing about what to watch for has me scared. What if I can't save her this time? What if we fail at keeping her safe? What if—,"
"Yen, you're over thinking it,"
"I can't help it! She's my daughter, and just like Ciri I'd bring down the sky to save her; to protect them both I'd do anything, you know that,"
"I've seen it before; you destroyed Freya's Garden to learn something that could help us find Ciri. You're willing to do what it takes to protect what you love,"
"Then you understand why I am worried… To go through it again, to worry about someone you raised hurts when you feel you can't save them or protect them," Geralt walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. She reached up setting a hand upon his and softly sighing. "I'm sorry; I'm getting worked up,"
"It's normal, you're a mother even if the two we raised are not ours by blood, and they are our daughters. No matter what we'll keep them safe," Yennefer softly smiled, stood and leaned up to kiss his lips.
"Thank you Geralt, I am glad to know that everyone will fight to keep her safe,"
"I'd do anything for my family," When they heard someone clear their throat, the pair looked up to see Ciri leaning on the railing with Kiko at her side. Yennefer straightened her jacket stepping around Geralt, brushing her hand over his arm as she looked up to the two girls.
"Ready to head out, you two?"
"Simply waiting on you both," Ciri gave a smirk, while Kiko hopped down the stairs and to the door without a word. The sorceress glanced over to the witcher taking his hand and the four departed the house to head towards the academy…
Within the meeting room there was a long oak wood table surrounded by red velvet chairs. Above it hung an antler candle chandelier while on the table was a few small bowls of fruits and a pitcher of wine beside wine glasses turned upside down on the silver tray. Another tray beside it was covered in exotic cheeses, grapes, cured meats and crackers. At the head of the table was Margarita with Philippa and Fringilla beside her on either side, followed by Triss sitting across from Yennefer, Geralt beside Yen, Ciri next to Triss and Kiko seated next to her. Margarita cleared her throat and stood from her chair before she spoke.
"Thank you all for coming today, as we have much to discuss and plan for due to the information Yennefer brought to our attention the other day, and that information includes the safety and protection of Kiko. Yennefer, do you mind explaining in detail?" She motioned to the dark haired Sorceress as she sat down letting Yen take the discussion.
"With pleasure," She leaned back in her seat. "Just the other day, my daughter Kiko approached me with concerns over an eerie dream she had that even had me a touch worried as to what it meant. I sought Triss to see if she knew anyone who could help and she directed me to take Kiko to meet with Corinne Tilly in Novigrad. She helped determine what the dreams meant and… they were a warning," Philippa tapped a nail on the table glancing from Yen to Kiko and back before she spoke up.
"A warning from a dream… and what was the warning?"
"That someone or something is coming after Kiko and it's something she needs to be protected from,"
"What was the dream exactly?" Triss asked, leaning her forearms on the table.
"Only Kiko can really say what it was," Yennefer looked over to the young girl who was sinking down in her seat. She obviously hated being the center of attention here. Triss leaned back to see from behind Ciri to the young girl.
"Sweetie, could you tell us about that dream? We need to know everything to help you," Kiko chewed her cheek a bit sitting up straight. She sighed as she recalled every detail of the dream and started to tell them in great detail everything that happened within it. Everything was laid out from the unseen hands to the inability to scream for help until the end when she woke up. She could see everyone around her taking in the information and even noticed how Margarita had her mouth covered, seemingly in shock. Yennefer appeared to be tense having to rehear the details again. Ciri took Kiko's hand giving it a firm, loving squeeze while Philippa appeared to be thinking and Triss was biting down on her scarred thumb.
"That is certainly a warning… Each piece holding a deeper meaning," Phil finally said breaking the silence.
"First Ciri and now Kiko," Geralt sighed, rubbing his brow. "And we have no idea what to watch out for or who to watch around her; not much to go on,"
"That's why we are here, Witcher, we must ensure her safety at Yennefer's behest,"
"I get that Philippa, and I'd kill any bastard trying to hurt either Cirilla or Kiko, so any ideas?"
"Can we be sure there isn't someone within the city walls acting as a spy or perhaps that the one after her isn't among the people?" Fringilla asked resting her cheek upon her palm.
"If there's something I can kill with Silver or Steel, I'll do it, we just have to find the person but that's IF they are here," Geralt stated, pointing to the blades on his back. "There any sort of way to seal off the city? No one out and no one in without permission,"
"Not impossible, but it might backfire," Margarita responded. "What if we trap the one here and out of desperation acts reckless then hurts everyone?"
"We could just keep Kiko under watch, have her be accompanied by someone,"
"Geralt and I can do that when you are all teaching, but in the Academy she's in your sigh to be watched out for," When everyone looked to Ciri, she was standing with her sword Zireael; still sheathed, in her hand. The look in her eyes was a mixture of anger and protectiveness which was considerably understandable since she personally knew what it was like to be hunted or always looking over her shoulder.
"I'd say that works but what if you have a contract?" Yennefer spoke up.
"I don't plan to take one any time soon, not with this going on. My sister is more important right now,"
"Very noble of you, Cirilla; very but what if that someone or something after her uses magic? You and Geralt don't stand a chance," Philippa folded her arms. "You and Geralt can guard her but her true protection comes from the Sorceresses," Ciri's shoulders tensed as she hated how Philippa was right. If it came to a magic battle, Ciri was not good in normal magic let alone that she was still bad with her own powers. Her hand tightened on the sheathed sword making her fist shaking. Kiko reached up grabbing her older sister's wrist instantly feeling her tension die down and her fist stop clenching the blade so tight.
"I hate to admit it but you're right," She sighed. "Geralt and I will guard her while each Sorceress protects her, if all else fails I'll be the one to get her to safety in another world where whoever is after her can't reach her,"
"I agree with Ciri," Geralt nodded, feeling Yennefer placing a hand upon his.
"Very well then," Margarita stood as Cirilla sat down. "All in favor of this plan, say I,"
"I," Fringilla nodded.
"I," Triss leaned back in her seat, folding her arms.
"I," Geralt and Yennefer said in union, as the witcher turned his hand taking her smaller one into his firmly.
"…I," Philippa grabbed a wine glass and the pitcher pouring herself some, swirling and drinking a sip while Ciri snatched an apple from the fruit bowl when she responded as well.
"Kiko, the plan mostly involves you, what do you say?" Margarita turned her gaze to the young girl as she only nodded, for some reason she didn't trust herself to talk. The leading headmistress of the academy clapped her hands together with a smile on her face. "Then it's settled, thank you all for coming here," The young girl was already making her way towards the door, quickly slipping out and sitting herself on the steps outside of the academy doors. She pulled out her Gwent cards flipping through the deck to try and just think and calm her buzzing mind when she heard the doors open.
When she looked up, her father sat next to her looking straight ahead. "You don't have anything to worry about,"
"Of course I'm worried dad…" Geralt looked over at her and sighed, glancing to the Gwent cards in her hand. He knew who it was that had given her the cards, it was Yennefer and he'd even given her one or two good hero cards. He reached over putting a fatherly protective arm around her shoulders.
"We'll protect you, Kiko, I promise you that," He felt Kiko lean into him, leaning her head. He could tell she was still tense; it was something he could always tell about any woman or girl around him. Kiko was his daughter by choice, and he cared about her as much as he did Yennefer and Ciri. "We won't give up without a fight,"
"How do you do it?"
"Do what?"
"How do you always seem to stay calm under pressure? I see mom acting strong and everything but I can tell… I can tell she's hurting on the inside because I'm in danger," The Witcher scratched his short trimmed beard and shrugged. Why did he act like that? Was it simply his personality or could it be because of everything Vesemir taught him as a boy, before he became a Witcher; a man—no, a mutant man. He'd never really thought about it but he did recall Yennefer explaining his personality from what she's seen. "Mom's stressed, Ciri's on edge, I'm worried, all the other sorceresses are on alert now and you… you're calmer than them,"
"I guess because I've seen some crazy things, more crazy than they have ever seen themselves," He sighed. "Kiko, just know we're all looking out for your well-being, we know what we're signing up for and we're all willing to see it through to the end, even if—,"
"Don't say it," Kiko cut in with a frown. Her hands were clutching the deck, not bending the cards but her hands were shaking and she was staring at the first card she'd gotten which was her sister in the image. He knew she didn't want to hear it; hear that there was a chance someone could die because they wanted her safe so they'd die for her and she didn't want to hear those words. "Please don't say it,"
"Then I won't," He reached over lifting her chin, seeing there was tears and a deep pain in her eyes. He frowned at the very sight of his daughter like this and pulled her close, resting his chin on her head. "I'll kill any bastard who tries to hurt you,"
"…Thanks dad," What the two didn't notice was Yennefer and Ciri were by the opened door and had been listening the whole time. They watched as Kiko lightly pulled away from Geralt and wiped away the few tears that spilled down her cheeks. Geralt stood and held out a hand, helping Kiko up. When he turned and spotted Yennefer, the witcher only shrugged but the young girl walked over to her mother hugging her tight.
"Let's head home, I think after this we all need a break, perhaps an old fashion picnic by the lake would be nice," Ciri stated walking down the stairs, turning around and bouncing on her toes a bit. Yennefer nodded as she brushed her hand over Kiko's hair several times. "Then it's settled! We'll have a nice family picnic by the lake. Hey Kiko, race you home!"
"You're on!" the two sisters bolted off towards the house, with Ciri winning from having longer legs but of course she'd most likely slow down to let her sister win. The sorceress walked over to Geralt and took his hand.
"I hope that this time we don't have a repeat of what happened to Vesemir…"
"I do too but we can't prevent everything, Yen," Her hand squeezed his as she tried to push the thought that someone could die again out of her mind. Sure she and Vesemir barked and hissed at each other but they'd always respected one another. When he died, everyone was struck with grief; even Geralt though he couldn't cry because he didn't know how. Yet she remembered the very look on his face when he saw his old mentor and father figure lay dead. It was grief in his gaze, even if he didn't realize it. It was odd how someone stripped of emotions could show them so well. Were they really stripped of emotions or just trained not to express them so the emotions just seem to… die away over time?
"Come, the girls will want to pack the basket and head to the lake soon,"
"Yeah that's—," He could barely get anything out and Yennefer, in heels was running towards their home. He ran after her but for someone wearing probably the most painful footwear she was pretty quick on her feet and somehow managed to keep ahead of the Witcher until they reached the front door. "You cheated,"
"You took too long, so a win is a win," She teased, poking his chest. "So what did I win?" She playfully gave a wink as the witcher took her hand, pulling her close. Geralt leaned to her ear, even taking a second to inhale the beautiful lilac and gooseberries he came to love waft from her raven locks before whispering in her ear.
"You'll get your prize later,"
"Mmm I like the sound of that," She pulled away, running her index over his chest before slipping into the kitchen area to find the girls already at work packing up the basket. Geralt on the other hand went to fetch the blanket they'd use hearing the three down in the kitchen being a bit loud with Ciri and Kiko being rowdy while Yen was trying to tell them to stop. He shook his head and smirked; oh how he loved his little crazy family from his beautiful raven haired lover to his one-time ward and the young upcoming sorceress. Those three were the best family he could ask for and he'd have it no other way.
He found himself remembering when Ciri was growing up and how Yennefer was always the uptight strict mother but she always loved her as if she was her own child. Which he could see in her again with Kiko having joined their family and it was easy to see when she called both girls her daughters. Never did he hear her refer to them as daughters by choice—no, they were Yennefer's daughters. It almost made Geralt wonder what his beloved would have been like if she could have had her own children; if she was not sterile. He saw her as a loving mother just as he saw her now.
Stepping down the stairs carrying the blanket the memories of him standing in the doorway and hearing Yennefer lightly hum a song to help Kiko sleep brought a smile to his face. Even ones like the times she'd often be lecturing poor young Ciri and the young ashen haired girl would look like she wanted to flop backwards in boredom made him chuckle. He glanced to the kitchen, seeing Ciri chasing Kiko around with a sardine fish while Yennefer was finishing putting everything they needed in the basket before catching Ciri by her belt and flicking her head as she went about scolding them both a bit. Seems nothing ever changed. Ciri was a grown woman but she had the tendency to act like a child now and again making Yen, flick her head like she used to. The Witcheress discarded the tiny fish out the window, knowing a stray cat might pick it up or something before having the basket shoved into her hands.
"Mom, can we play Gwent while we're at the lake?" Kiko asked nearly skipping from the kitchen.
"We can, let me just get my own cards and the extras I have so we can work on yours first," Ciri walked outside and sat on the bench to wait as Yennefer nearly jogged up the stairs to retrieve her own Gwent deck and other cards. She'd been teaching Kiko how to play and play well, even Geralt couldn't beat the girl. It always seemed she was five steps ahead and always made him have to take two steps back from where he was. It was easy to see that behind her somewhat silent examining gaze was a brain that was always thinking, planning and learning. It seemed as though she was truly a perfect fit to be a future Sorceress; a woman of not only great beauty but of power and knowledge as well. Geralt stepped outside as Yennefer join them tucking her cards away. "Alright then, let's get going,"
Closing the front door, Kiko took the lead as they headed toward the lake that sat just outside the city walls and a short stroll down the path. The lake was monastery quiet, lined with pine trees and the whiff of mint wafted up to them as they decided to make their way to its decanter clear shore. The idyllic scene was outstandingly awe inspiring. The visage of the lake was clear and tranquil, flanked by an avenue of cedar and oak trees. There was almost something of feng-shui perfection to the scene, while the water was gilded with moonlight-pale lilies. Plip-plopping fish caused concentric rings to puff out and disappear as the air hummed all around. A phalanx of flies was patrolling the water's edge, called into service by the heaven-filtering light.
Light color ferns swayed beside a brook that spiraled down from a turf moor. The water had a peaty texture, but pools of molten gold lay naked in the light. At the bottom, smooth-edged stones glowed amber with a witchery uncommon to some in the modern world. Kiko hopped up and sat on a rock, admiring the glorious luster of the water. The dale had fallen confessional-quiet. Cirilla had an alleluia or Hallelujah moment then and yearned for a time when the world was young, before the overrunning of monsters and dark intentions in human minds.
Yennefer took the blanket and used it to shoo away dead leaves or even possible thorns that could spike any of them. The rain-winkled grass cast a silver sheen and the dewy air was laden with cedar-sweet smells. Almost on impulse, Geralt reached down and sipped from the stream. The taste was a mixture of rosewater and chalybeate that thrilled the tongue.
With a sigh, he sat back on his feet as his lovely sorceress laid out the blanket in the spot she cleared with Ciri placing the basket in the center. The sorceress then moved to where Kiko sat removing her boots before sitting on the rock which jetted out just a bit over the water. When Geralt stood, he dusted off his knees and walked over to stand by the rock leaning his forearms upon it behind Yennefer.
"It's beautiful here," the young dual color eyed child said, leaning over to rest against her mother. No one could deny it, as the lake area was as beautiful as nature could grant. It felt so undisturbed and peaceful that it made a part in each of them wish it could always be like this yet they all knew better. There was no way to deny it seeing as they'd have to be on guard all the time but just for a moment while they were there relaxing, they needed to just forget that the world exists; forget the stress weighing down on their shoulders so heavily.
Yennefer put an arm around Kiko's shoulders, placing a kiss on top of her head before combing her fingers through the girl's locks. The young girl's hair wasn't very straight and didn't entwist much like Yennefer's dark hair. It seemed to be in the middle or perhaps more towards a wavy look in appearance. Over the years her dark brown hair seemed to darken in color with that one single thick streak of white blonde standing out far more. Kiko often had to brush the longest of her bangs from her face most often as it crossed down in the middle of her face. Coming from the left side of her brow it crossed down over her nose; between her eyes, and came to rest just under her right cheek bone. No matter how many times she tucked it aside though, it always returned to where it ended up.
"Perhaps we should all go for a swim first? Before we eat," Ciri laced her fingers together behind her head.
"We didn't bring any extra clothing,"
"Hush now Geralt, I can change us all into something swim worthy with a flick of a finger," And as she said so she did just that, leaving them all in swim clothing best suited. Then of course Kiko and Ciri didn't waste time, diving in and swimming out to the middle. Yennefer stood and noticed Geralt was not where he was a moment ago which caused her to turn and upon doing so was playfully tackled into the water by the witcher. When her head came up, Yen's dark hair was soaked and all over her face preventing her from seeing until she moved the dark wet locks from her eyes in time to splash Geralt for the tackling into the lake.
"What?"
"You could have warned me,"
"Where's the fun in that?" He laughed as she splashed him repeatedly, snatching her hand and pulling her close. He leaned down pressing his lips tenderly to hers as her hands came to rest on his chest with his arms wrapped tightly around her. With playful acts, Yennefer could never remain mad but that wasn't to say she didn't have a temper like Geralt's. Sure they argued, scolded and growled at one another from time to time but it was never seemingly anything so major. At least no argument was badly major enough to keep Yen from seeking out the witcher when she need… special attention.
Yennefer pulled away soon enough and dove under the water sneaking her way towards the two sisters. The sorceress grabbed and tickled at Cirilla's sides, making the Witcheress suddenly jump and try to pull away when Yen surfaced. Kiko couldn't help but laugh when the same happened to her but because of Geralt. When he surfaced, the young girl splashed water at him laughing before he picked her up and seated her upon his left shoulder.
"Dad, that's not fair everyone knows I'm ticklish!"
"Makes it easier to mess with you," He chuckled as the girl hopped off his shoulder and into the water. He looked up noticing Yennefer had her back to him and motioned to Kiko to keep silent as he went under and snuck his way over, grabbing her ankles and pushing her up into the air making her come splashing down back into the water. Ciri and Kiko couldn't help but laugh as their mother came up with her dark hair in her face again but they knew she was glaring under the curtain of dark locks.
"This is what I get on my birthday," she said just starting to laugh. "But I wouldn't give this up for the world,"
"We're probably one of the weirdest families you could find," Cirilla said swimming towards the shore on her back. Everyone drifted to the shore so they could rest on the blanket and even eat. Once they were out of the water and with a flick of Yennefer's wrist they were dried off and back in their normal clothing.
The four spent a while just sitting around eating, chatting and laughing together. Yennefer and Kiko played a bit of Gwent with even Geralt giving it a try against his lover but ultimately failing due to the fact he couldn't plan around her deadly deck of cards. When Kiko played her mother though, the two were basically going back and forth with multiple draws with Yennefer sure enough winning but not without Kiko drawing her nearly to the limitation of her cards. Geralt noticed how his young daughter was a lot like Yennefer in terms of mentality. They both were very intelligent and could almost seemingly think in the same manner as one another.
They'd essentially adopted a younger version of Yen which left the witcher wondering if when she got older if she'd be as sassy and fiery independent as the dark clad Sorceress. While Kiko was like Yennefer, Ciri and Geralt seemingly were like one another. From similar color in hair to both being monster slayers. They both were decorated with many scars but they both had a protective love for someone. For Geralt, he loved and protected his family as much as Ciri would but Ciri had a big connection to Kiko; not based on the oath that bound them in fate but that they were sisters no matter if by blood or not.
To Cirilla, Kiko was her sister, Yennefer was the best mother, and Geralt was more a father than the Emperor ever was to her. That's why she gave up the chance to be the Empress just to remain with the family she knew best. She gave up luxury for a life of being covered in monster guts and blood but having a warm embrace of family to return to whenever she came home.
What the four of them had was caring compassion which made them a family not that they were related by blood, something that made Geralt smile as he watched Kiko practicing a bit of magic with Yennefer. He felt an elbow nudge his side, glancing over at Cirilla. "What?" he asked.
"I think Kiko's going to become a strong sorceress, don't you?" He looked back to his lover and younger daughter, giving a slow nod.
"Yeah, like how you became a great Witcher,"
"Kiko's said she always dreamed of being able to travel with me on contracts when she gets a bit older and stronger,"
"Wait, really?" Geralt raised a brow. Ciri shrugged and took a sip of wine.
"Mhmm, she still loves hearing my stories about each hunt when I return home, guess she wants to go on an adventure herself,"
"You know if that happens Yen will expect you to keep her safe,"
"I do, but by then Kiko will most likely be an outstanding mage in her own right. I mean look at the ones teaching her; some of the most powerful Sorceresses currently. One of which is her mother," Ciri gave a light hearted chuckle as her mind dove into memories of when she was a kid and how Yen was both caring and stern towards Ciri; protective and always giving her countless life lessons. She used to think Yen was a bit of a shrew yet over time came to realize and understand her better and why she raised her the way she did. The sorceress taught Ciri morals and life lessons she still used even to this day. Now it was Kiko's turn to learn under Yen's wing and become a strong woman in time.
"I'll admit when we first met Kiko, I wasn't sure how she'd fit into the family but I see now… she fits in just fine,"
"Always knew you had a soft side, Geralt," She nudged him playfully. "You may look all scruffy and whatnot but… you have a big heart when it comes to kids and people you care for,"
"That's why I'm ready to slay anyone who tries to harm any of you; no one hurts my family," he reached up and ruffled her hair.
"Ah, Geralt, leave my hair alone!" She shooed his hand away laughing, only to be tackled by Kiko playfully. Ciri caught her with one arm as the other just barely saved the cup of wine from dropping out of her grasp when she fell back. "Help I'm been attacked by a kid!" Cirilla laughed.
"It's getting late, we should head back soon," the sorceress said.
"Agreed," Geralt stood stretching. "Alright you two, stop playing around we have to get back home,"
"Aww, do we have to, Dad? Can't we stay a bit longer?" Kiko whined with a slight pout as Ciri sat up still holding her with one arm.
"No arguing with your father, young lady, or you can go to bed early,"
"Yes mom," the girl sighed, pulling away from her sister as she stood. Yen grabbed the basket as Geralt folded the blanket before the four headed home. Nearby though a shadowed figure peeked from around a tree watching them leave just before it snuck away into the darkness of the woods…
{Note: with so much going on I will try to get chapters out but I will also be pretty busy with life, Witcher 3 expansion, and several new games that are to come out. Thanks for all reviews and I hope to keep making relatively decent chapters to keep you entertained with this story}