July 28, 1271
Flotsam

There's more to this little town than meets the eye! I think Geralt is enjoying himself. He's decided to challenge the local strong-men in arm wrestle contests. I must say, seeing my witcher take on big burly men and handily defeat them really gets me excited!

I can still see the look on the last guy's face when Geralt slammed his wrist down on the table. It was priceless! Geralt just had this sheepish grin as he slid over a pouch of orens.

I gave my witcher a big kiss on the cheek, which drew all kinds of cheers and wolf-whistles from the other patrons. I know it's probably not wise to draw attention to ourselves, but I can't help expressing my affection for Geralt. If my sister sorceresses saw me, they'd probably scoff at my actions, but I couldn't care less.

After that rousing victory, Geralt handed me the gold he won and told me to "get something nice." Oh Geralt, you really know how to spoil a girl! I went and bought some perfume ingredients from the local herbalist (I was starting to run low). A sorceress' scent must be both lovely and unique. Geralt seems to like mine, the way he sniffs my hair...

August 1, 1271
Flotsam

Geralt has been gone for a few days, something about a cursed hospital. Meanwhile, I've been hanging out with some of Roche's men (plus Ves). It's been... educational. They invited me into their drinking games, and I've learned the wholly unladylike art of belching different syllables. After a couple days, I've managed to get the full title of the Nilfgaardian Emperor without reaching for a second pint! They all clapped and cheered when I managed this feat – declaring that I was "officially a Blue Stipe" now. Ves patted me on the back and said that it was nice to have another woman in the ranks. I can imagine!

Later, one of the men proposed to me. Said he was "captivated by my beauty, ensnared by my scent, touched by my charm, and moved by my grace." I never knew a battle-hardened veteran could be so poetic! I politely turned him down, for my heart belongs to another man. One of his cohorts suggested that I at least give the poor man a quick roll in the hay for his efforts. Before I could refuse, the man in question scolded his friend, saying that such a suggestion was an insult to his honor. "A high-born lady such as she should never be treated like a common wench! No, if she won't accept my offer of marriage, then I shan't touch a hair on her head."

He then moved to make a quiet exit, but I stopped him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. I told him that if he treated all ladies thus, he'll find a splendid bride someday. His face turned beat red, then he kissed my hand and thanked me for my kindness. If only the whole world were filled with such men!

Alas, we live in terrible times. The dear man will probably sooner meet the end of a Scoia'tael arrow than the woman of his dreams. And such a woman will be all the poorer for it. Damn the world and its cruelty!

August 3, 1271
Flotsam

Geralt returned last night. He had a dour look on his face. When I tried to pry, all he would say is "old hospital had a harrowing curse. One of the more disturbing; I'll spare you the details."

I told him all about my adventures with the Blue Stripes – that seemed to cheer him up a bit. "Glad you're in good spirits." He said.

I lightly teased him about the man who proposed to me and he got all defensive. Silly witcher – he should know my heart belongs to him and him alone! I decided to make it up to him by drawing up a nice hot bath. He relaxed in the soothing warmth while I scrubbed away the dirt and grime of his recent contract.

After his bath, I took him by the hand and led him to our bed. We quickly fell asleep in each other's arms. A fitting end to a long day.

August 5, 1271
Flotsam

Geralt showed me an amulet he got from some guy named "Newboy" (somehow I doubt that's his real name). I have no idea how long he's had it, but he wanted me to examine it.

It's contained highly potent magic, of that there is no doubt. Immediately, I detected dark magic; something that brings misfortune to whomever wears it. However, underneath this was a second layer. An ancient sort of magic that's subtle, yet powerful. Powerful enough that the curse could not entirely mute it.

Without knowing the specifics of the curse, there was nothing I could do to purify it. I suggested tossing it into the river, so that no one may inadvertently come to harm. But, Geralt had a different idea.

My witcher said he knew an herbalist who might know more about local customs. Pretty slim odds someone in this backwater town could know the exact origin of the amulet. Still, it was worth checking into, so we both went to see this "Anezka".

Well, this woman had a lot of natural, albeit raw, magical talent. She scoffed at me and my "learned sorceress ways" claiming that her "natural" form of magic was "better". I wasn't interested in a debate, so I just politely ignored her tenuous assertions.

To my surprise, she was able to identify the amulet and knew the history behind it. "Melitele's Heart" it is called. What's more, she knew how to break the curse. I begrudgingly admit that I was impressed.

She needed some interesting items for her "ritual": A troll tongue, some essence of death, an endrega embryo, and a pair of arachas eyes.

Geralt had some left over endrega embryos from a recent contract and a sufficient amount of essence from fighting wraiths in the curse hospital. The other two items are quite rare. This little venture may be a lost cause after all.

Alternatively, Anezka offered to buy it for a few orens. May not be a bad idea, all things considered. Ultimately, it's Geralt's choice.

August 6, 1271
Flotsam

Went to see that elf, Cedric. He complimented me on my scent, which was really sweet. Geralt told him to keep his eyes focused on him. Is it wrong that I adore Geralt when he gets protective of me? I'm sure my former "friends" of the Lodge would scoff, particularly Philippa. I don't care though – it makes me feel special.

Anyway, He gave us some tips about the Kayran that Geralt agreed to fight with Síle. Now that I think about it, what has that Ice Queen been up to this whole time?

More importantly, Cedric informed us about some ostmurk that grew in a local cavern. That was welcome news indeed! A very rare ingredient, which can be synthesized into a very tonic that resists Karyan venom.

Geralt and I immediately set out and collected some. I happened to have the right formula in my satchel (which was lucky, a few weeks ago I was tempted to sell it thinking that I would never have need of it). Then, we brewed enough Mongoose potion for Geralt to have plenty for his battle with the sea monster.

August 7, 1271
Flotsam

This Cedric is something else! We went back to see him this morning and found out that he had arachas eyes and a troll tongue in stock! The cost was dear, but Geralt and I decided that it was worth it. We went back to Anezka and she said that the ritual was to be done tonight at midnight.

Initially, she said that "Geralt and she must go alone" but I saw right through that. I told her that I was going to be by my witcher's side whether she liked it or not. She hesitated, but then conceded saying that I could be there, so long as I "stand back and don't interfere".

Please! I've been doing magic since before this girl was born. I won' jeopardize her precious little ritual.

Anyway, the sun is beginning to set. Geralt is beside me preparing some blade oils. I recommended spectre oil, as Anezka's ritual involves Essence of Death. I bet a pouch full of orens that we'll be visited by wraiths tonight. For myself, I better put down the quill and start preparing my mind.

August 8, 1271
Flotsam

When I'm right, I'm right! As soon as we got to the ritual grounds, Anezka began chanting at the statue of Veyopatis (some local god). Immediately, Geralt and I were surrounded by wraiths. Together, we made short work of them. What's more, the amulet has been purified of its curse. I was able to verify this with my own magic. "Melitele's Heart" has been restored to its former glory. I'm grateful for any little edge we can gain, especially in these rotten times.

After our excitement, we were walking back to our room at the inn when we spied an elf woman surrounded by some villagers. Looked like trouble, so we went over to investigate. They were accusing her of being a Scoia'tael spy and leading men to their death. Naturally, Geralt intervened in order to discern the truth.

So, instead of crawling back in our warm bed, we were traipsing through a nekker infested cave looking for clues. Under normal circumstances, I'd be grumpy about this, but I've learned never to take a moment with Geralt for granted.

Turns out, the men were killed by elven arrows. We confronted the woman about this and she pleaded with us, saying she had "proof" of her innocence. She asked us to follow her and we did so. Fool of a woman led us straight into a Scoia'tael ambush. Thankfully, they were not many of them. A master witcher and sorceress proved more than a match for these squirrels.

I truly lament the amount of needless deaths. Why do these elves throw away their beautiful lives on such a futile endeavor? If only more elves were like Cedric and fewer humans like Loredo, then perhaps the two races could exist in harmony. If only...

August 9, 1271
Flotsam

Geralt and Síle finally decided to get serious about the Kayran. They plan on killing it tomorrow at dawn. I know better than even to offer to help. That old Ice Queen would never allow me to be within 20 paces of the battle.

I'm sure Síle will sit back and let Geralt do all of the heavy lifting. I know that Geralt is more than capable, I just don't know how much I can trust her. She better be careful with my witcher – if she screws up and caused him injury in any way, then an angry bloated Kayran will be the least of her worries!

A/N: Sorry for the long delay on this! I've been super busy lately and haven't had much opportunity to write. Unfortunately, updates will be slow for a while as my schedule is particularly unforgiving for the next couple months. Just want you all to be prepared! :)

As always, I appreciate every follow, favorite, and review! Thank you all so much!