The next morning, Ciri woke up before Brynjar, noticing the sun hadn't risen yet. She already knew they would have to leave, but she tried not to think about it too much. Instead she thought about how peaceful the morning was and the steady rise and fall of Bryn's chest. She tried to fall back asleep, but she couldn't keep her eyes closed for more than a minute. Eventually Ciri gave up and decided to go downstairs to make some breakfast and prepare for the journey. As she finished the breakfast, Brynjar came down to greet her.

"Morning beautiful," He said as he hugged her waist. "Something smells good. Whadidya fix?"

Ciri smiled at his warmth. "Eggs and berry tarts. Unfortunately, I'm not as talented a cook as you are," She scooped the food onto their plates. "Think some banana beer would be nice with this?"

Brynjar nodded as he dug into the food. "Sure. Hey, this is not too shabby. Pretty good really." He smiled at her, trying not to notice she was already dressed and prepared to leave.

"Bryn," Ciri started, trying to find the best way to tell him she had to go. "I have to leave today. I can't keep running from the Wild Hunt, I have to face them. I don't want to go, but I need to, and I need your help getting there."

Brynjar smiled sadly. "Of course. I know you have to go, and I'm going to help you. Because I love you and would do anything for you." He stood up and went to get dressed. Ciri cleaned up and began sharpening her sword. She waited by the door for Brynjar to get ready. As soon as he came down, the two headed out and down to the stables. Halfway there, Brynjar stopped.

"Ah, wait a minute. I almost forgot something. Ciri, can you wait a moment while I go get something?"

"Fine. Just hurry."

Brynjar left Ciri in the streets for a few moments and returned slightly out of breath. "Right. We can go now."

The pair resumed their way out of the city and prepped their horses, with Brynjar taking his time, trying to savor every moment with her. They set out in midmorning, trotting close together.

"So Ciri, what'll you do when you return?" Brynjar inquired.

"I'm not sure. I guess Avallac'h will have something in mind, but if not, I'll try to find Yennefer or Geralt and just go from there. What about you? What will you do when I go?"

Brynjar thought in silence for a moment. "Well, I'll probably be waiting for more orders from the Emperor before I leave…and for you to return."

They rode on together, taking in the craggy hills silently and occasionally speaking. Ciri told Brynjar about the Wild Hunt commander, Eredin, and Brynjar told her about Miraak, the First Dragonborn and Hermaeus Mora.

"The First against the Last? Must have been quite a battle." Ciri stated.

"Oh it was, but Hermaeus Mora had betrayed him, he no longer had the Daedra's favor," Brynjar's expression turned into one of caution. "I…I still have nightmares about it. I made a deal with Hermaeus Mora and was able to stop Miraak, but at what cost? Most men would go insane with all the knowledge contained in Apocrypha."

"You're not most men though," Ciri interjected.

"Maybe not, but I can still die. And when I do, well, Daedric Princes always claim their due. My soul will be bound to Oblivion for all eternity!"

Ciri looked him in the eye and grinned. "If they do, I'll find them and we can fight them off together."

Brynjar smiled at that, knowing full well that was impossible. He stopped his horse by a juniper tree and dismounted. "We're close, we can walk from here."

They walked down a steep hill down to the banks of the Karth River. As they descended, Ciri marveled at the rocks rising high above their heads. They came to a cave-like entrance and Brynjar cast an illumination spell to light their steps. "Careful, Delphine and Esbern may have laid traps," he whispered.

As they got closer to the blood seal, Ciri noticed signs of recent habitation. Avallac'h, she thought. "Zireal, you return." Echoed a voice off the stone.

"Avallac'h. Good seeing you too."

Brynjar jumped upon seeing Avallac'h step out of the shadows. "This the elf you mentioned?"

Avallac'h answered for her. "I am and we have no time to explain our business here," He turned to Ciri. "We must depart soon, a portal opens directly to the Continent. Say your farewells now."

Ciri rolled her eyes at his tone as he turned away to wait. She turned to Brynjar, whose eyes were full of sadness. She grabbed his hands and held them tight. "I have to go now, Bryn. Only when I defeat the Hunt will be free of them. You understand, I know you do."

Brynjar nodded sadly. "Aye, I do. Since I don't know when we'll see each other again, I had this made for you," He pulled out an amulet shaped like a dragon head encrusted with rubies and placed it in her hand. Ciri smiled and stroked it.

"It's beautiful, Bryn. I do hope I don't lose it," The whoosh of an opening portal sounded.

"Cirilla," Avallac'h warned.

Ciri kissed Brynjar one last time, ignoring Avallac'h's warning. Brynjar leaned in and whispered, "I love you."

Ciri smiled sadly and turned away to follow Avallac'h through the portal, leaving Brynjar alone with nothing but the cold stone and darkness.