April 4, 1271
Vizima

Party at the New Narakort tonight! And Geralt's going to be there; so exciting! He'll probably whine the whole time, though. He detests formal occasions. A shame, really – he looks dashing in a doublet. But I think he'd rather wrestle drowners in the sewer than go to this party.

I hope he realizes that I'm not just using him as arm candy. Ordinarily, I wouldn't force him along, but this is an important chance for him to meet with some very influential people, including Declan Leuvaarden. The fat Nilfgarrdian is our best shot at getting under the skin of these salamanders.

Besides, I'll reward Geralt very well afterwards...

April 5, 1271
Vizima

Party last night went perfectly! Geralt only complained a little, he agreed to Declan's proposal, and he pissed off Princess Adda. Win win win!

I can still picture that brat's face when she failed to seduce him with her juvenile 'politics and sex are the same thing' routine. Oh, but the moment Geralt said "I'm here with Triss", she lost it! "That doesn't interest me! In fact, you spoiled my evening!" she shrieked so loud the whole room heard it. So satisfying to see the horny little princess get denied. You may be royalty, but Geralt is mine and mine alone you pampered little scapegrace!

Needless to say, I rewarded Geralt very well when we got home. I think I finally broke his legendary stamina – he was like putty in my arms afterwards. A satisfying evening all around.

Right now, he is still asleep in my bed. He deserves to sleep in a little, especially when he is peaceful like this. Sometimes he thrashes about all night with horrible nightmares, so I have to give him soft kisses, stroke his hair, and whisper sweetly in his ear until he calms down. Not last night though – he slept like a baby. I think our activates really wore him out. We did go at it pretty hard.

The only downside is that my hair is a total mess. It's going to take forever to brush it out. Oh well, totally worth it!

April 6, 1271
Vizima

Been a busy last few days. Sometimes I wish I could take Geralt and go on an extended vacation to get away from it all. I hear Toussaint is nice this time of year. Such a romantic province: beautiful landscapes and architecture, lively music, knight tourneys, delectable food, and fine wine. Exciting just to think about! Geralt and I could dance the night away, wrapped in each other's arms, gazing into each other's eyes...

Sadly, something like that won't happen for a while. With Salamandra on the move and all of the problems in the city, I think we'll be needed here for a while. Still, a woman can daydream, can she not?

April 8, 1271
Vizima

Geralt is such a sweetheart! He placed all of the magic probes, and that allowed me to pinpoint the location of the Source.

It's was that boy Alvin all along! He's been right under our nose the whole time. I think he's under Shani's care at the moment. Better have a chat with her tomorrow.

April 9, 1271
Vizima

Minor setback. Shani refused to let me even see Alvin! Said she'd rather die that let me infect him with my 'evil magic'. How sophomoric! Does she even know how dangerous he is? Such a powerful Source could be deadly if not properly controlled! But no – Miss 'Star of the Enlightenment at Oxenfurt' thinks she knows best. What kind of professors do they have running that loony bin anyway?

And I didn't appreciate the implications she made about Geralt. Something tells me she is operating under the delusion that they're a couple. What the hell is she playing at? Is it not clear that he is with me? Kids these days!

I'll ask Geralt to collect the boy next time I see him. She won't have a choice then.

April 10, 1271
Vizima

Dandelion dropped off Alvin this morning. Thank the gods he wasn't hurt!

Apparently, Salamandra attacked the hospital and kidnapped the boy. Thankfully, Dandelion was hot on their tail. After a thrilling mounted chase throughout the entire city, our noble minstrel had the bandits cornered. With nowhere left to run, they cravenly retreated to their hideout. With great boldness, Dandelion kicked open the door and valiantly faced his foes. Being ever so noble, he offered a chance for them to surrender. Alas! The wicked men scoffed at his gracious olive branch, leaving our hero no choice but to act. The bard heroically lunged forward with his sword and decapitated ten men in one swift blow! Alvin, being unharmed, wrapped his arms around his leg and sobbed in a heartfelt expression of gratitude. Dandelion knelt down, wiped his tears away, looked him in the eyes paternally, and told him to never fear evil.

Well, that's how he told the story. More likely, Geralt chased them down an alley and Dandelion followed behind and watched.

Either way, Alvin is safe and sound. More importantly, he's under my care. The boy is quite fiesty – he needs a firm hand and someone equipped to teach him how to control his Power.

April 11, 1271
Vizima

Progress with Alvin is slow. All he wants to do is eat sweets and play with swords! I try to get him to sit still, to study the charts I gave him, but he's always fidgeting and complaining. Maybe Geralt can help – a strong father figure may be helpful.

Also, Dandelion tells me that Shani is still pursuing Geralt. She thinks that he will 'rescue Alvin from the witch's clutches'. There's only one way to put an end to this madness: the witcher has to go to her and be blunt, clear, and direct. He has to end it once and for all!

Speaking of clear and direct, I also need to know where he stands regarding our relationship. I know we sleep in the same bed, but I can't be sure how he feels towards me. Well, I guess I could read his mind, but I don't want to. I want him to express his love by his own volition. I need to know if he truly loves me, or if he's just using me as a bed warmer. I know he's not the best with words, so I'll ask him for a ring. A perfect symbol of devotion freely given.

First thing is first, he has to break it off with Shani. I don't hate the girl, but she's proving to be quite the obstructionist. Besides, it's not fair to her if he's unwittingly leading her on. Still, I hope Geralt lets her down easy.

April 14, 1271
Vizima

Geralt finally summoned the courage to let Shani know that Alvin stays with me. When I told him about it, he decided to take on a few contracts and go into the swamp for a few days. Poor witcher – he was put into an awkward place. Geralt hates to upset his friends, especially his female ones. Unfortunately, Shani didn't take his news well at all and totally flew off the handle. Apparently, she accused me of casting a spell on Geralt and then proceeded to tell him that she "will forget his very name". Harsh by any measure.

It was necessary, however, and will make things smoother going forward.

I told him about the ring too. I hope I'm not putting too much on his plate, but I have to know how he feels about me! This thing we have cannot be one-sided. I'm no longer the pesky little toady hiding in Yen's shadow, trying to sneak a stolen kiss from the man I love. I'm tired of being second fiddle! But I don't want it to be forced – he has to make the choice for himself. He has to choose freely, with no strings attached.

Time will tell if I'm the world's luckiest woman, or its biggest fool.

April 15, 1271
Vizima

Geralt is so good with Alvin! He's exactly the kind of father figure he needs. Alvin is the kind of boy that needs a firm hand. I remember how the witchers would train Ciri – relentless drills and lessons. And she turned out well. It seems to be working with Alvin as well: I've noticed that he's slightly more receptive to his lessons. He sits still for more than 5 minutes at least. Even so, he has so much raw power inside of him that it's quite alarming. I may have no choice but to give him dimeritium to ensure that he doesn't hurt himself or others. I've considered having an amulet made and on the ready just in case.

April 19, 1271
Vizima

Yesterday might have been the happiest day of my life! Geralt was gone for a few days, but he came back. With a ring! He didn't say a word, just walked up, took my hand, and slipped it on my finger.

A gold band with a large ruby set in the center. He even had it engraved! It says "Triss Merigold ~ The Love of My Life." Such a beautiful ring; he must have spent a fortune.

More importantly, it symbolizes our love. It's proof that the love we share is authentic. It's real and tangible. Not some fleeting tryst. I was worried that Geralt would never see me the way that I see him. How happy am I to learn that our feelings are mutual!

Of course, we made love the entire night (I made sure Alvin was sound asleep beforehand). Unlike the night of the party, it was slow and sweet. We took our time with sensual caresses. We kissed each inch of each other's bodies. We confessed our love in hushed whispers. We were floating down the same current, enjoying the journey together, and then arriving at our destination at precisely the same moment. It was heavenly! As if our very souls were linked.

I do worry, though. What if something happens to us? What if Geralt gets his memories back and he kicks me to the dirt? Fate is a fickle friend: any moment our lives could be turned upside down. If he leaves me after all of this, I don't think my heart could take it! I know I shouldn't dwell on such thoughts. I love him and he loves me. He proved that last night. That is what is important right now.

April 21, 1271
Vizima

Looks like I'm not the only one who has experienced true love! Geralt told me all about Carmen and Vincent Meis. The old fables are true: True Love really can turn beasts into men. Quite literally in their case: curing lycanthropy is no small feat. I hope they can enjoy their new lives together. So sweet!

May 3, 1271
Vizima

I haven't written in awhile because Geralt and I have been enjoying our time together. We have been taking turns looking after Alvin. It's almost like we're a proper family. Sometimes I wish we could have children of our own flesh and blood. I know it's impossible given our respective... natures. But Geralt is such a good man! He'd make an excellent father – I saw the way he cared for Ciri. And now Alvin. If only there was a way...

I finally broke down and let him teach the boy how to swordfight. The sooner he learns how to defend himself, the better. Plus, Alvin really enjoys spending time with Geralt.

On my end, progress has been slow. Even with Geralt's help, Alvin still largely resists my lessons, no matter how patient I am with him. I have tried several different methods of instruction, but nothing seems to hold his attention for very long. He loves practical demonstrations but refuses to master the basics. Definitely not a lack of talent – only Ciri rivals him in terms of raw power. I'm running out of options, so I've sent for a dimeritium amulet to be made. The risks are far too great.

May 5, 1271
Vizima

Calm is not something Geralt and I seem to acquire for very long. This morning there was a bank robbery. The culprit: Scoia'tael.

Geralt rushed in and tried to negotiate, but things fell apart quickly. He had no choice but to drive the elves out. Naturally, the Order has been puffing up their chests and preening their feathers all day. If I hear another sidewalk preacher squawk about the "Justice of the Eternal Fire" one more time, I may just vomit.

Poor witcher, he's been trying to walk the razor's edge of neutrality for so long. Eventually, he had to choose. It would be so simple if humans and non-humans could just live in peace together. Alas, life is never simple.

I talked with him about his choice. He made it clear that he merely chose the lesser of the two evils. This is good, I was worried he had joined their cult, but it seems he still wishes to remain neutral where possible. The Order is bad business, and I'm not saying that just because they were founded to harass sorceresses. I can't place my finger on it, but my intuition tells me something is very sinister about the whole thing.

May 7, 1271
Vizima

Plans are moving quickly. Geralt has done a marvelous job tracking down those leads, and we're now ready to hit Salamandra where they live! I've thoroughly examined the magic stone he found in one of their hideouts, and I've determined the location of their base. Tomorrow night we take the fight to them!