A loud crack was heard and an orange glow filled the room. Geralt looked up and saw an angry Triss storm out of the newly formed portal. She walked a few steps, placed her hands on her hips and glared at the witcher. Her usually bright smiling face was replaced by an angry frown.

"Hey, Triss," Geralt began conversationally. "You're home early."

The sorceress said nothing, but proceeded to tap her foot.

"So, heh, I was thinking," continued the witcher, trying to keep his voice calm. "Maybe we could go to that show later? I think Dandelion and Priscilla are singing a duet."

Triss remained silent.

"You know; you really do look fabulous. That dress really compliments your hair. Green is definitely your color. And it matches your eyes! Have I told you that you have beautiful eyes?"

The red-haired woman simply walked forward and snatched her journal from his hands.

"You're lucky, witcher," she said, breaking her long silence. "I used to have a protective spell that burned off the eyes of anyone who tried to read my journal. Instead, it's just enchanted to alert me if someone else is reading."

"Well, that explains why you're home early," murmured Geralt.

"Yes," said Triss tersely. "I decided to take the rest of the day off when I got a ping that someone had been violating my privacy."

"Took the day off? I hope you don't get into trouble."

"Trust me, I'm fine," Triss said, her voice still stern. "There's only one of us here who is in trouble."

Geralt looked towards the ground. "I know it was wrong of me," he said.

"Yes. It was. You don't like it when I read your mind, do you? How it makes you feel violated? I respect your privacy; why can't you offer me the same courtesy?"

"Triss, I... I'm sorry," he apologized.

Triss let out a long sigh. She looked at her lover for a long while, somewhat unsure how to proceed. Part of her was legitimately furious. The sorceress was not keen on having anyone snoop on her private thoughts, so the fact that Geralt had been reading her diary without permission was very upsetting. Then again, it was Geralt - the love of her life. And she knew he was a curious witcher and meant no harm by it. Besides, if she was being perfectly honest with herself, a part of her found it endearing that Geralt wanted to get to know her better. While all of these thoughts were swirling around in her head, an idea popped into her head. Her features softened somewhat.

Perhaps there is indeed a way to turn this bad situation into a good one, she thought.

After what seemed to Geralt like an eternity, she spoke.

"Apology accepted. Besides, I can't stay mad at you," she said. Then, for the first time since entering the room, she smiled. The sorceress approached the witcher and gave him a peck on the lips. "I know how curious you are," she continued.

Geralt smiled in return. "That's a relief. Thought I'd be sleeping on the couch for a month."

Triss giggled, her lilting laughter melting away all of the remaining tension in the room. "No, silly. I wouldn't do that to you. Besides, I have other ways to punish you." She gave a devilish grin and a wink.

"Not sure if I should be scared or excited."

"Good! That's exactly where I want you," she declared. "But until then, I guess we have the day together now."

"You're not going back to the Court?" he asked.

"No, I told you I took the day off. Besides, they don't really need me today. Lord Ethelbarge is presenting a tedious trade proposal that is guaranteed to take up the lion's share of the day. Come, let's go to the parlor."

Triss led the witcher out into their parlor. Let it not be said that Triss was lacking in luxury or taste, for the entire house was outfitted with the finest furnishings. Their parlor was no exception, complete with an opulent rug from Ofier, two cushioned reading chairs, a marble fireplace, three luxurious couches, and a crystal chandelier. One may think that Geralt was turned off by such a dazzling display, but surprisingly he found the room to be quite comfortable. Likely this was because he shared it with the love of his life, who always made him feel comfortable no matter the setting.

Triss sat on one of the plush couches and smiled at the witcher. She patted the cushion next to her, indicating for him to sit. He did so. She then opened her diary to the page that Geralt had left off.

"Let's see... Oh, Vizima! We shared some great moments there. You know, I was giddy as a school girl when you gave me that ring. I still have it, by the way. I should start wearing it again, now that we're not constantly two feet from imminent death."

"Uhh, Triss? What are you doing?" Geralt had a confused look. He has just been reprimanded for reading her journal, and now it seemed that she wanted to share its contents.

"Well, I figured that we could read my diary together. You know, reminisce together. And maybe I could satisfy that insatiable curiosity of yours. This time with my permission!"

"If you say so," he replied.

"Now, where did you leave off exactly?"

"The seventh of May, 1271."

"Mmm, can you believe that was only 5 years ago?" Triss asked rhetorically. "Feels like another age."

"In some ways, it was," he said. "Those were uncertain times."

"Yes. But we got through them didn't we? The ups and the downs. The triumphs and the tragedies. It seemed like you were always by my side, pulling me out of the fire."

"You saved my ass a fair number of times too," he said honestly.

"That's true," she said with a nod. "Point is, we were together for most of it."

"Guess we're made for each other, huh?" Geralt said with a grin.

"It would seem so, love." Triss leaned over and kissed him. "Alright, I've stalled long enough. Time to spill my guts out all over the floor."

"You sure about this? I still feel bad for breaching privacy in the first place."

The sorceress gave a determined nod. "I'm sure. 'No secrets between us,' remember? That was one of our wedding vows. You'll get to see me at my best and worst. As long as you don't think less of me."

"Of course not. We all think things that we wouldn't say or do in public. You never counted on a nosy witcher poking through your diary."

"True, but it just so happens I'm helplessly in love with that nosy witcher," she replied.

Triss gave Geralt a warm smile, then turned her head towards the journal and began reading aloud. "May eighth, 1271. Vizima..."