Warnings:

Contains spoilers for the Witcher 3 Wild Hunt and The Sword of Destiny

Journaux intimes – Baudelaire

"the supreme and unique pleasure of love is the certainty that one is doing evil"

"How are you feeling Triss?" Asked Ciri as the Sorceress walked into the hall and sat at the table with the others, Eskel following closely behind her.

"Much better, thank you." She replied, forcing a smile she hoped at least seemed natural, if not very sincere. Geralt hadn't been kept awake last night by just his worries, but by the sounds of screaming and panic. He knew what he heard, both he and Yennefer were regrettably well acquainted with the sounds of nightmares and the dreaded look of weariness and concern, something Eskel was currently showing. Geralt was sure no one slept in his room last night.

As the group ate their breakfast, checking in on Triss and discussing what this final day of the meeting would have in store for them, Rita entered, alone

"Given what happened yesterday, the Lodge is postponing the final meeting until this evening as we wish to assess the arena." Said Rita to the assembled group. "You are free to spend the day as you wish until then, but be aware that mages will be arriving in the masses today, for the gathering. We will call you from the living area when it is time." As she departed the others began to talk among themselves, unsure of what to do with this unanticipated opportunity.

"Feel like some training Ciri?" Asked Geralt as he peered at the sunny weather outside then to the young woman fidgeting in her seat opposite him.

"Yes please." She answered immediately, smiling happily at him. "It's been too long since I've properly practiced."

"We can ride out of the city today," offered Yennefer, her head of raven shimmering in the morning light, "head down to the coast, put as much distance between us and the Lodge if we can, if only for a moment."

"Sounds like a plan."

They set off soon after breakfast accompanied by Zoltan, Dandelion, Priscilla, Eskel, and Cerys. After a short ride along the cliffs, they found a picturesque cove secluded from the sight of the port and from the harsh sea air. The others sat amongst the rocks as Ciri and Geralt trained in the sand, just as they had done at Kaer Morhen all those years ago, occasionally joined by the other Witcher. Yennefer watched on as she spoke to the Queen of Skellige, offering the younger woman her ear and her wisdom which was graciously accepted. Dandelion and Priscilla were comparing their ballads and poems from the meetings events, the sound of their voices and beautiful music comforting and relaxing the others as they sat together and enjoyed the food they had purchased from the market as they passed through, sweet fruit, soft cheeses and bread still warm from the fire.

"So, how many of you are staying for the gathering?" Asked Ciri, looking around the group as she wiped the juice from her chin with the back of her hand causing Yennefer to scowl at her.

"We most certainly are." Answered Dandelion, gesturing towards himself and Priscilla and puffing up like a peacock. "And we intend to play there, how many others can say they've had that honour. Besides, what better way to celebrate Priscilla's health."

"In no small part thanks to you, Yennefer." Said the other bard, smiling at the sorceress with genuine affection. "I'll be sure to put my voice to good use at the banquet, singing your praises."

"Will you to be staying?" Asked Zoltan, looking between Geralt and Yennefer. "Or, will you be getting out of the Lodge's reach as soon as you can."

"We will stay on." Replied Yennefer taking the opened bottle of wine from Geralt and chilling it with her touch. "Though I have no interest in reconnecting with politics or magical studies. I am interested in seeing who has survived the Witch Hunts and of course, we cannot deny ourselves more time with Ciri." The young woman smiled at them in response.

"I can't imagine Eilhart will be pleased about that." Pondered the Dwarf, rubbing his beard. "But then again, I can't imagine she finds anything pleasing."

"There's always something she finds to complain about," nodded Ciri, "nothing's ever the way she likes it. She is most certainly the most irritating and sour-faced tutor I've ever had, and that's saying something." She let out a shout as Geralt and Yennefer simultaneously kicked sand in her face.

"You can talk, I remember when I first found you in the forest of Brokilon, you were a right little princess back then." Said the Witcher tauntingly as he passed a goblet of wine to her.

"Hey, no fair!" She replied in mock anger, crossing her arms over her chest like a sulking child.

"She used to walk around Kaer Morhen with her head held so high in the air you'd think she was looking at the clouds." Said Eskel as the group laughed at Ciri's expense.

"Where was that sense of humour when we were training." Said the young woman, pointing accusingly at the two Witchers. "You all seemed as gloomy and pessimistic as Lambert when I first met you, frightfully boring. And you," she turned on Yennefer who was smiling at Geralt, "were very intimidating."

"Well, I always try to make a strong first impression." She replied trying to keep a straight face, her melodic voice giving away her amusement. "But the way you used to demand that I take you to Vengerberg with me to get supplies, when you were supposed to be hiding in Ellander, made me concerned that I was losing my charm, or that Nenneke was beginning to rub off on me."

"I remember, you used to complain about all the preparations you'd have to make before we could even start the ride, to cover our tracks."

"Yes, those spells took a great deal of time, but as always you were annoyingly persistent, despite my best efforts to dissuade you. I could never get any peace until I agreed." She looked towards the two Witchers for support who nodded almost sympathetically.

"That's because the more you trained me the less frightening you became, so why wouldn't I try to get my way? I find it funny to think how afraid of you I was at first. So, here's to Geralt and Eksel, the grumpy Witchers with a sense of humour and to Yennefer the petrifying sorceress with a soft spot for Trolls and vagabonds like Geralt and I!"

"Hang on, you're not getting out of it that easily!" Shouted Geralt as Ciri raised her glass. "And to Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, the foul, over-grown, arrogant Princess with some good old common decency."

"Here, here!" Yelled Zoltan as they raised their glasses to the toast and enjoyed the wine from Corvo Bianco's vineyards, imbued with Sorceress' magic to give it that little something extra for such a special and merry occasion. As the group drank Yennefer looked at Geralt and he saw her violet eyes shining warmly before his senses became engulfed with her scent as she leaned in to kiss him, the taste of the wine still lingering on her lips. Once upon a time, Geralt would have been surprised by such a public display of affection, but over the years the raven-haired sorceress had become a lot more open with her sensitive side outside of locked doors, one small step at a time. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw their Witcheress smiling broadly, clearly pleased with the effect of her efforts, remarkably like Yennefer at the tower.

They sat there talking well into the afternoon, exchanging light-hearted tales mostly at someone else's expense. Yennefer smiled mercilessly at Geralt as she told the group about his 'Trial of the Taxidermy' during the Wake on Skellige, and while the others were busy laughing he whispered in her ear.

"Speaking of Skellige Yen, that reminds me of something Crach said, about you and a fishing net." Geralt was sure he heard her groan ever so briefly at the memory of her flight from Montecalvo. "That's an interesting story."

"What do you want, Witcher?" she whispered back suspiciously, eyebrows raised as she turned to him, raven locks tumbling down her face obscuring her expression from the others as they continued laughing among themselves.

"Depends, what's this memory worth to you Yen?" He replied, lips curved into a playful smile as he let his suggestion hang in the sea air.

"Hmmm, promise not to tell and I'll make it up to you later." She answered after a brief while in a mischievous whisper, eyes gazing intensely at him beckoning him closer but before their lips touched she softly spoke in Geralt's ear. "Or, I won't tell Lambert about the Wake, your choice." The Witcher chuckled as Yennefer slowly pulled away from him.

"That's not a fair deal. What could I ever have done to deserve that?"

"Blackmail Geralt, is a dangerous game," she replied smiling innocently at him, but with eyes blazing with deviltry, "especially when I have so much more on you than you'll ever have on me." He wanted to argue back, but he faltered holding his arms up in mock surrender as she looked at him triumphantly, happy to have retained the upper hand, as always.

It was almost evening when the group arrived back in Thanedd and by then the Isle was bustling with various sorcerers and sorceress settling into their accommodation in Loxia, where the others were currently situated, and catching up with their colleagues. As usual, the mages looked remarkedly made up, adorned with jewels and luxurious fabrics which acted as a lodestone for the eyes of passers-by

"I feel somewhat underdressed." Said Ciri as they walked through the school, unconsciously trying to smooth out her ruffled hair.

"I suggest we all go and freshen up before heading to the common room." Said Yennefer, looking between their sand coated clothing.

"You look beautiful as always Yen." Said Geralt with his unique charm, she didn't say anything but smiled at him warmly, answering sentiment with the sentiment.

"I'll go with you Ciri, I have something to discuss with you and I dare say the topic will bore our Witcher. Geralt, we'll meet you in the common room." The two women disappeared as the Witcher entered their room, there was already clean clothing lain out on the bed for him, they smelled of lilac and gooseberries.

The moonlight cast through the open door splintered on the various buckles and gems adorned by the lady and lord magicians parading around the lounge boastingly in their finery. When Geralt entered the room was full to the brim with what seemed to be all the colours of the rainbow and more. He pushed his way through the crowd which seemed to be taking little notice of him, much to his pleasure, as he made his way towards Roche who moved over on the sofa to make room for him. As soon as he sat down Philippa swooped down on him.

"Where's Yennefer?" She demanded, looking down at him with her hands on her hips. "We're to begin any minute now, go and get her."

"She's coming, Philippa," He replied calmly, "she's waiting for Ciri to change, they won't be long." She continued to look at him in a calculating manner before smiling at him spitefully.

"I'm surprised at you Witcher, letting your Sorceress out of your sight, given the circumstance, I'd almost think you didn't care about her well-being in the slightest." Geralt hesitated for a second, he knew she was trying to bait him but the sense of dread he felt last night still hadn't fled, so he had to bite.

"What are you talking about?" He asked gruffly, waving his hands in a broad, irritated gesture. Eilhart continued to stare down at him, smiling malevolently.

"I would have thought that was obvious Witcher, you clearly are very unconcerned for her if you don't consider him a threat." She answered in a patronizing manner.

"Who Philippa?" His voice beginning to rise turning more heads in his direction.

"Phil stop," said Triss, getting to her feet and turning to him, he was surprised by the look of fear he saw in her eyes "Istredd, Geralt. Istredd is here and he's looking for Yenna." His fists clenched involuntarily at the name which dangerously provoked the coals of glowing hatred buried inside of him clouding his mind with smoke.

"You forgot the best bit Triss." Said Philippa vauntingly, her eyes never leaving the Witcher. "Istredd went mad."

A pair of razor sharp eyes, as black as obsidian, followed her movements through the window as sat on the bed conversing with a second woman, she was unimportant, before rearranging her own shimmering locks, eyes glimmering in the mirror's reflection like crystals. It watched very closely, too closely. It was unnatural. The bird took flight as they approached the door, careful not to be seen or heard, to not give the game away.

The light of the stars was just beginning to fill the empty void in the night sky left by the sun's departure as Yennefer and Ciri made their way to the common room, hair rustling in the light breeze which tickled their exposed skin. The Enchantress listened attentively to the young woman's most recent mishaps and misdemeanors at court making light of it, inducing giggles in the pair.

It followed her, gliding from one rooftop to the next, claws clattering and scraping against the stone tiles and as she began to near his door the Kestrel croaked loudly, a warning heard only by his master who was waiting with mounting anticipation, bordering on obsession. But he no longer had to contain himself.

They didn't think anything of it when a door to their left just ahead swung open sending warm light from burning torches spilling out as the shadow of figure danced and flickered on the stone floor.

"Yenna, my dear." It was as though she'd hit a stone wall as the Sorceress let out a small gasp as she suddenly stopped, rooted to the spot as the man watched her intensely with his deep grey eyes framed by his dark shoulder length hair which brushed against the top of his light grey robes. He looked to be in his early forties and had the look of wisdom and prestige accomplished only with age, but it wasn't intelligence that shone in his eyes now, but something basic, primitive, Ciri didn't understand it, but she wasn't sure she wanted to.

"Val." Said Yennefer in greeting as she quickly composed herself, but Ciri heard the quiver in her voice, saw her smile falter as she looked at him as the warmth in her eyes was replaced with silent panic to which he was either ignorant or uncaring as he approached embracing her and lingering far longer than needed his hands gripping her shoulders tightly. Ciri felt her throat tighten, she remembered how she knew that name and the Enchantress' apprehension became clear.

"Yenna, how good it is to see you again." He said, eyes fixed constantly on Yennefer like a bird of prey as she managed to take a step back. "Please, come inside, we have a great deal of catching up to do." He didn't seem to expect a response taking the Sorceress by surprise as he grabbed her by the wrist and began to pull her through the open door. Ciri instinctively took a step forward, standing in front of the door and Istredd looked as though he was only just seeing her for the first time. His smile faded and his eyes narrowed evidently annoyed at being interrupted. Yennefer pulled herself loose and quickly stood between the pair.

"Val, we need to talk, wait for me inside, I won't be long." He nodded reluctantly smiling once again as he turned to her.

"Of course, but please don't be long." He said casually, but Ciri sensed something threatening in his manner as he brushed passed her into the room. Yennefer stepped away from the door and sighed, placing a hand on her forehead.

"You can't be serious?" Said the young woman in quiet disbelief as she moved over to the Enchantress who didn't look back at her instead she stared off into the sea fiddling with the obsidian star pinned to the velvet ribbon hugging her slender neck, it sparkled slightly on the moonlight. She was silent. "Let's go, now…I have a bad feeling about this." Yennefer sighed.

"And you're probably right, but I must, this cannot be postponed any longer." Her voice was dejected, her violet eyes usually so full of life seemed drained of colour, it made Ciri nervous.

"Then I'm coming with you." Yennefer turned to her, holding her gently by the shoulders with a look of cold determination.

"No, Ciri, this is my albatross, my mistake, and I will pay the price for that alone, you are not to intervene and I am relying on you to compel Geralt to do them same, I will not allow you to be drawn into the mess I have created. I need set things straight and know that I do it for you and for our Witcher, so leave me." She lowered her arms and slowly began to walk through the open door.

"Mother, please." She pleaded staring after the Sorceress' raven hair. She paused but did not turn as she muttered something indistinctly.

"Go, my child. I will join you soon, all will be made right. Please, trust me." The door slammed shut as the darkness fell like a shroud around her. Nothing Yennefer said could have diminished the fear churning inCiri's stomach like boiling water as she watched the flickering light in the window, conflicted. She trusted Yennefer, but she also trusted her own judgment. After a few seconds, she reluctantly she began to walk away. She should have trusted her instincts because Yennefer had made a serious misjudgment.

As soon as she stepped over the threshold the door closed behind her making her flinch involuntarily as she turned towards the sound of footsteps behind her.

"Val th-"her voice was silenced by a pair of lips which greedily searched for her own kissing her ravenously, slating his irremediable appetite, utterly nescient to her protests as she tried to pull away, but his hands were fastened securely around her arms forcing her closer the warmth of his body and his touch mingled with her own. Yennefer put her hands on his chest trying to force him back, but he was stronger, his grip tightened painfully.

A metallic taste lingered on her mouth as she desperately bit his lip drawing blood, trying to make him pull away but to her astonishment, and revulsion, Istredd didn't move back nor did he relinquish his grip, instead he simply raised his head to look down at her as his smile broadened into a wild, devilish grin devoid of its usual calm seduction and charm as he licked the blood from his lips while his eyes once full of wisdom burned with primitive instinct, with base desire, and atavistic longing. She felt sick.

"Oh, how I've missed you, your fire." His rapacious voice filled her mind as he kissed her again barely giving her a seconds pause, pushing her up against the wall, his body pressed against her and she could feel the stones scraping against her back as she shuddered under his touch. Her eyes flared fiercely. She dug her sharp nails into the exposed skin on the back of his hands creating deep scratches which oozed blood as she scraped the back of his hands from his knuckles to his wrists.

"Val, get off!" She screamed vehemently as he pulled back in surprise and bewilderment his grip loosening giving the sorceress a chance to struggle out of his clutch and push him back with such strength he staggered. Yennefer wiped his blood from her lips and Istredd chuckled, it seemed sinister.

"My love, stop teasing me, let us end our perennial longing." The mage took a step towards her but Yennefer was quicker, gracefully darting past him and out of reach and away from the cold stone. She comported herself menacingly.

"No, for God sakes Val! You shall keep your hands to yourself or risk losing them, I want to talk!" She snarled at him, and this time he did not move and his smile wavered.

"What has gotten into to you, Yenna? Were we not reacquainting perfectly well as we were." His hands twitched impatiently by his sides, only the sorceress' icy glare kept him back.

"I'm not here to reacquaint, but to set things straight." Apprehension and guilt once again began to overwhelm her senses, but it was dampened by her escalating fury, raven locks cascading around her as turbulent as a storm.

"What are you talking about?"

"Many things have changed Val," she said slowly, trying to control her seething anger, "I'm no longer the woman you proposed to all those years ago, I cannot do this. I've moved on with my life and have no intention of looking back, I urge you to do the same."

There was silence as the two mages looked at each other from across the room. Yennefer tried to read his features but they seemed blank, unfamiliar to her, as though his mind was elsewhere. She shouldn't have let his silence fool her.

"What has that mutant done to you?" He growled angrily through barred teeth and she cursed herself for not shielding her thoughts more carefully. "I shall tip the scales making him pay for this."

"You will not lay a finger on him, do you understand?" She screamed, drawing herself up and striding over to him until they were so close he could see the sparks dancing in her eyes like lightning. "If you think my past affections will protect you from my fury then you're even more blind than I could ever have believed possible because I promise you that the rage you shall experience will be unlike anything you've experienced or could even imagine. Don't you dare think for a moment that you can charm your way out of it!"

The air around them throbbed from the magic which burned on their fingers tips, unconsciously awoken by their animosity which hung in the air like a dense, portentous cloud foreshadowing the approaching storm. The air crackled. Yennefer was aware of the tension surrounding them, she was wrong not to fear it.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Robert Louis Stevenson (1886): Chapter 8: Mistakes

"the lower side of me, so long indulged, so recently chained down, began to growl for licence… I sat in the sun on a bench; the animal within me licking the chops of memory; the spiritual side a little drowsed… the hand that lay on my knee was corded and hairy. I was once more Edward Hyde."

Notes:

I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Exams are over, I have my life back at long last, summer here I come! It was a long road but I survived, go me.

Hi guys, hope you enjoyed the chapter, some more special family moments to balance out the chaos and destruction, see, I'm not all doom and gloom. Again, I've tried to tackle another tricky confrontation, that of Yennefer and Istredd, fingers crossed that you liked it because I'm really bashful so this was actually quite difficult for me, more difficult than writing fluff (I'm 18 but I blush whenever a write 'kiss' or 'caress' etc, why…)

As always feel free to PM me your thoughts or leave a comment, I love hearing from you. My thanks to vic-of-thor (Tumblr) for all the kind words and support and to korbel05 ( ) for all the feedback and suggestions.

Until next time guys, have a great week – Eileniessa