June 1, 1271
Vizima Castle
Vizima is on fire. Literally and figuratively.
Literally because a great fire erupted and has been ravaging the city. The air is filled with smoke and ash as entire districts are engulfed in the blaze.
Figuratively because civil war has broken out on the streets. The Order and the Scoia'tael have been fighting like starving dogs over a scrap of meat. I had no idea there were so many of them in the city! Knights and squirrels have been scurrying out of the woodwork like cockroaches. It seems every time one side gains ground, the other rallies and surges in with more troops.
I tried venturing out into the city, hoping put out some of the fires. But, it wasn't long before I was overwhelmed by enemies. Both sides were hostile. The Scoia'tael sees an evil human oppressor. The Order sees a magical freak. Needless to say, I wasn't able to progress very far. Though I did save an elven woman from two Order knights. They had dragged her into an alley and were groping her and lifting up her skirt. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what they were about to do. So, I killed the would-be rapists and helped the woman up. Instead of gratitude, she spat in my face and called me a "bloede dh'oine" and said that "my charity means nothing, as my kind is responsible for her misery in the first place." I tried, to no avail, to explain that not all humans are evil. Might as well have told a rock, because she screamed "Esseath dh'oine! Esseath morvud! Esseath d'yaebl! Get out of my sight!"
I did so, but not without great sadness. I wish there could be harmony between the Elder races and humanity. We're not all that different deep down.
Ultimately it seems my skills are limited in this situation. There are just too many. Powerful as I am, I'm just one woman. I can't hope to put a stop to this madness alone.
June 2, 1271
Vizima Castle
Two very important people have returned to the castle today. One was King Foltest, who has finally returned to Vizima. And to say he is furious would be like saying Trolls lack elegant speech. Our dear king has just returned to see his capital on fire and war in the streets. Or, to quote him, the city is "like a whorehouse on fire". Despite his understandably foul mood, it is good to have him back. Maybe he can help put an end to this madness.
The other person to return was none other than my white wolf! It was so good to see my witcher alive and well. A bit weary, but that could be said of all of us. We talked for a bit, before he was summoned to see the king.
It turns out that Princess Adda has indeed been re-cursed. Foltest charged Geralt with lifting it once again. He did it successfully all of those years ago, I see no reason why he can't do it a second time.
As we talked, he told me about Alvin. The boy had vanished despite the pendant I made for him. I tried searching for him, but no luck. Damn it! That complicates things. He could be anywhere in time or space. He could be in another world for all I know. I doubt we'll ever see him again.
Geralt also wanted to talk about us. Our relationship. I'll never forget what he said: "I love you. I want to be with you no matter what. Love is the sole thing of beauty in these rotten times. I could change, take fewer risks. We'd find Alvin, live together – I'd build a house..."
After this declaration of his devotion, for a brief moment, I forgot about all of our troubles. My heart was on fire for him. I wanted nothing more than to make his dreams a reality. I spilled my feelings out right then and there. I said: "A house! Nice dream. You could breed horses and sheep. I'd tend the garden, cook meals. We'd sell what we have to buy copper pots, iron rakes! We'd age with dignity. In the evenings, you'd play bagpipes of your own making as a remedy to my gloom."
I was afraid that I had gone too far. Revealed too much of how desperately I wanted to settle down with him. He had this odd look on his face – hard to describe. But he just said very simply: "I can't lose you." Oh, Geralt! I'm here for you and I'm never going to leave you! We'll get through these trials and then live together. We could have our own house, somewhere in a far corner of the world. Maybe Alvin or Ciri will reappear and we can raise them like our own! I told him that I loved him – to the end of time.
I can't describe how much I wanted to drag him into my office and rip his clothes off and make love to him for hours on end. Sadly, there wasn't time. Geralt had been summoned by the king and then dismissed to Old Vizima straight away. I requested to join the witcher, but Foltest denied my request – saying that I was to remain in the castle under his protection.
June 3, 1271
Vizima Castle
Damn it! Trapped like a caged canary. I understand that the king is worried about losing his advisor, but I'm not defenseless! Maybe once things calm down a bit, he'll let me go. I want to be with Geralt at the end.
While I'm stuck here, I decided to observe Geralt's progress. He's in neck deep, but nothing he can't handle. Both the Order and the Scoia'tael tried to attack the hospital where Shani had been treating the wounded. She doesn't discriminate and that's why both sides want her operation shut down. That girl is brave; I'll give her that. All the same, she is damn lucky my witcher was there to save her life.
They had to flee the hospital and go into the swamp. Geralt dropped Shani off with some druids and then ventured out into the swamp. He went into some ruins, then started using his witcher signs on a place of power. He vanished shortly after! That man is always up to something. Whatever it is, I hope he's safe.
June 4, 1271
Vizima Castle
Nobles are getting catty. Being cooped up in the castle too long isn't good for anyone. I overheard one of the noblewoman comment about my dress. She said: "Do you see what that slut Merigold is wearing?" The audacity! I walked up to her and asked precisely what her issue was with my dress.
She was undeterred, saying: "Nothing at all, sorceress! Only that your arse crack is observable at 100 paces. If I were a good shot, I could launch a blueberry and have it land right in your nether region! Ah, but then your pet witcher would just go and fetch right out for you. Is that right?"
I advised her to change her tone, lest she regret it. Oh no, that would be a bridge too far for some high-born bitch. "Is that how you sorceresses keep a witcher on its leash? Like a carrot on a stick leading a donkey, your constant state of undress keeps the White Wolf enthralled!"
What boldness! I wanted to slap her, but she was a noblewoman. The backlash could be severe, so I merely told her that I dress the way I do for my own self-esteem. And I told her never to insult Geralt. The love between us is freely given. As a man to a woman and woman to a man. I don't appreciate anyone implying that he is an animal. I've watched in agony for years as another treated him thus. I won't stand for it!
Regrettably, I should've heeded the words of the Prophet Lebioda in this case: 'Do not cast your pearls before swine.' Trying to explain something as wonderful as my relationship with Geralt to some spoiled noble was just that. She laughed in my face and continued to mock me further. I won't record what she said. Suffice to say: it was thoroughly unladylike.
Somehow I kept my temper in check and walked away. I'm proud of myself – these situations it is best just to take the high road. Let her wallow in the filth of her own fetid malice. I'm above such things.
June 5, 1271
Vizima Castle
My witcher has been busy! I'm still not sure where he went, but he reappeared in Old Vizima today. After contacting Kalkstein, I learned that Geralt had located the remnants of the legendary Raven's armor. Light yet durable – it was meant to be the ideal witcher armor. The good alchemist said he would be able to re-create it for Geralt. According to Kalkstein, all he is missing are the "notes of an elven minstrel" said to contain a song that will imbue magic into the armor. I'll try to do some research in my spare time, see if I come up with anything.
When it is complete, I can't wait to see it. I bet Geralt will look sexy as hell!
June 6, 1271
Vizima Castle
Things have calmed somewhat. Hostilities have ground to a near halt as both sides lick their wounds. Dead or dying men litter the streets. Necrophages are positively thriving in these conditions.
Something is very wrong, however. I've heard some disturbing reports. There have been sightings of powerful mutants that make the necrophages that stalk the night look like bunny rabbits. Kalkstein seems to suggest that they are not natural phenomena – that they were created. Very disturbing, yet it may explain what Salamandra has been doing with the Witcher Secrets. We have to put an end to this madness.
Geralt has been in the swamp taking on contracts. I swear – the world is burning and he's out doing routine witcher's work! I do admire his dedication to the path. If we ever get to settle down, I'll make sure he gets to take on the occasional contract. Nothing too dangerous – I don't want to worry! But, he is a witcher and helping people with their monster problems is what he loves to do. Who am I to take that away from him?
June 7, 1271
Vizima Castle
Tonight is the night! Geralt has gone into Adda's crypt. I was furious to learn that Velerad locked him in there, but I know my witcher can handle it. He's been in tougher spots.
I suppose we'll see if he is able to cure Adda – or have to put her down. I don't like her one bit; she is nasty, petty, rude, and vicious. Still, it would be better if she were cured. I know Foltest would be in much better spirits. A happy king is a good king.
Not much I can do but wait. I know I won't sleep, so attempting it is futile. I'll just continue to my research. It seems that the minstrel's notes may be in one of the crypts in the swamp.
June 8, 1271
Vizima Castle
My witcher has done it! He lifted the curse; Adda has once again been cured. Geralt really is a master of his trade – I am so proud of him!
King Foltest was elated. He said that I am free to leave the castle whenever I wish! I can't wait to see Geralt again.
I went to visit Kalkstein, to see if Geralt was there (he had been spending a good deal of time with the alchemist). Alas, I just missed him! Kalkstein was hard at work making Geralt's new armor. Apparently, my witcher found the elven minstrel's notes inside Adda's crypt and dropped it off this morning. That Geralt – always one step ahead of me!
Naturally, I asked the gnomish man if there was anything I could do to help. He handed me a scroll and told me to apply magic precisely when he instructed. It was grueling work – we spent hours at the forge, mixing alchemical formulae, and reciting ancient incantations. Morning turned to noon, noon to evening, evening to night. In the end, we had made a beautiful set of armor! Strong, durable, yet light. And very form fitting. Quite snug in all the right places. Oh, I am certain Geralt will love it – but I may love it even more...
June 9, 1271
Old Manor – Vizima Swamp
King Foltest gave us an incredible lead. He told me there was Salamandra activity in at the Old Manor in the swamp. It had been abandoned for years, but it seems our salamanders made a home of it. King gave me a key and I decided to meet Geralt there.
Turns out the lead was solid. Salamandra everywhere, along with their abominable creations. Geralt met me soon after I had arrived. He looked positively delicious in his new armor!
Anyway, we fought together as we made our way up the hill. It felt incredible fighting by his side! We really do make a great team. Then I gave him the key to the manor and told him I'd wait outside. A large part of me wanted to go with him, but it would be too risky. I have to make sure the path is clear for him when he returns. It would be a shame to go through all this work to be taken out in an ambush.
Turns out my female intuition was once again correct. More Salamandra agents and their mutants began ascending the hill as soon as Geralt went in. I had the element of surprise, and dispatched of them quite effectively. I decided to check the parameter to ensure that the coast was clear. I'm glad I did as there were more salamanders hiding in the bushes. They proved no match for me. Sometimes I worry that I have become too good at killing, but it's a cruel world and I have to survive.
Right now, I'm sitting on a rock overlooking the swamp waiting for my beloved to return. He's been gone a while. Something tells me this is one of their larger operations, perhaps even their main base. I'm worried about Geralt, though I know I shouldn't be. He is strong and capable. He'll return shortly, full of blood and wearing that silly little grin of his!
The swamp does look beautiful from this vantage point. Time permitting, maybe Geralt and I can spend some watching the sunset together?
June 10, 1271
Courtyard – Order of the Flaming Rose
Geralt has done it! My beautiful, amazing, wonderful witcher has done it!
Turns out the old manor was home to Javed's laboratory! Not only did Geralt kill the sorcerer, but he also discovered that the Grandmaster of the Order was behind the whole damn thing! The civil war, the stolen witcher secrets, Salamandra – literally everything!
We immediately returned to the city. Hostilities resumed, Order knights now having turned on everything that moved. It was a mess. Mutants were directly bolstering their forces. We slogged through it all. Together.
Once we got to the sewers, we learned that a zeugl had taken up residence there. It was the nastiest creature I had ever seen. Geralt immediately went to work, slicing its tentacles and striking its head. I provided cover fire – hitting it with everything I had. It was a tough fight – each of us having saved the other countless times! It seems that when we fight together, our protective instincts take over. We are talented individually, but unstoppable together! The zeugl was no match for us.
Unfortunately, Geralt gave me the slip as soon as we got to the Order's headquarters. That sly witcher told me he needed more potions. Naturally, I teleported away to fetch some, but when I came back he was gone! I rushed into the courtyard and noticed both he and the Grandmaster, Jacques de Aldersberg, were lying on the ground. Both are unconscious, but alive.
I did a diagnostic spell and noticed that both are in a dream-like state. Magically induced. It's likely that the Grandmaster couldn't best Geralt in a direct fight, and decided to cast a spell on him. What is strange is that both are unconscious. Perhaps Jacques is trying to addle Geralt's mind? Influence him with some sort of vision or illusion?
Sadly, there's nothing I can do directly, for if I try to break the spell it could do permanent damage to Geralt's mind. He's already suffered enough as it is – I could risk leaving him a broken, gibbering lunatic. That is not a risk I am willing to take. So, I stayed by Geralt for a moment, softly stroking his cheek and giving him kisses. I don't know if it will have an effect, but if my presence can somehow reach him, it will be worth it.
After finishing up this entry, I have to return to the king. He has summoned me and I have duties to attend to. Such is the life of a sorceress.
June 11, 1271
Vizima Castle
Very interesting developments.
Unsurprisingly, Geralt emerged from the dream victorious. The Grandmaster had taken him into one of his visions, that of the White Frost. It was apocalyptic and sounded frightening, but Geralt's determination and wisdom prevailed. He killed the Grandmaster in the dream, and so killed him in real life.
What makes me overjoyed is to learn that I was a part of Geralt's mind as well! Apparently, the Triss in the dream explained that Geralt got to bring his own experiences and projections into the vision. I don't think Jacques was counting on that. Also, I served as Geralt's guide and helped him navigate the vision. He said that he was grateful for my assistance. Yet more proof of the bond we share.
Disturbingly, the Grandmaster had the amulet I gave Alvin on his corpse. It looked older, but it was unmistakably the same. Perhaps when the boy vanished, he went back in time and grew up to become Jacques de Aldersberg? Geralt also said that the Grandmaster used his words against him; things that Geralt had told Alvin privately whilst he was in Murky Waters. This gives more credence to the theory, anyway. If so, this makes me incredibly sad. I wish we had more time with the boy – we could have raised him better! Taught him not to obsess about his nightmares. Too late now.
Some good news: Geralt recovered the witcher's secrets! De Aldersberg had the formulae on his person the whole time. We are going to make a trip up to Kaer Morhen to return them to Vesemir.
June 12, 1271
Vizima Castle
Geralt went to retrieve his reward from Foltest today. No rest for the weary – the king was nearly assassinated! He was damn lucky Geralt was still nearby. My witcher dispatched of the would-be regicide and saved our king. He has been hailed a hero!
King Foltest now wants Geralt to serve as his personal bodyguard for a time. I don't think Geralt was too keen on the idea, but agreed so long as we could make a quick visit to Kaer Morhen to see Vesemir and return the formulae.
We've been given one week of leave, so I'll have to make use of teleports. I know Geralt hates them, but we really don't have a choice. I am so looking forward to this. One week of respite after all this madness will do us some good. Looks like the 'best bed in Kaer Morhen' is going to have its favorite couple back!
A/N: Elder Speech Translations:
Bloede dh'oine = "Bloody human" or "Damn human"
Esseath dh'oine! = "You are a human!"
Esseath morvud! = "You are an enemy!"
Esseath d'yaebl! = "You are a devil!"
Also, I want to give another "Thank you" to everyone who has been reading! I really appreciate every favorite, follow, and review. :)