"Where's Ciri?" Geralt asked.
"Nearby. Listen..." Avallac'h said.
"Shut up," Geralt interrupted. "I've had enough of your bullshit. Draw your weapon. Let's get this over with."
Ihuarraquax stepped between him and Avallac'h.
"Think I'm afraid of a unicorn?" Geralt asked.
"I am not your foe," Avallac'h said.
"I don't believe you," Geralt said.
"Will you believe me?" Ciri said, appearing. To Geralt's surprise, she was clad in Avallac'h's robes. "Avallac'h gave me his clothes... because when he freed me, I had none. He speaks the truth. I'm here to defeat the White Frost."
"Why the hell would you do this?" Geralt said.
"Only I can stop the White Frost," she said.
After a moment's hesitation, Geralt changed his mind. He saw how determined Ciri was. "Good luck," he said.
"Keep your fingers crossed," Ciri said, smiling at Geralt.
She walked up the tower steps, turning around.
"Ciri, wait," Avallac'h said, embracing her. "I love you."
"I love you too," Ciri said, kissing him. She broke the embrace and disappeared into the tower.
...
Avallac'h, Ciri, Geralt and Ihuarraquax all appeared in front of Yennefer. Ciri held Geralt's hand on one and held Avallac'h's hand on the other, immediately letting go of their hands once she saw Yennefer.
"I'd like nothing more than to hug all you, but I must bathe first," Ciri said. Her hair was crusted with semen and she felt dirty all over. Earlier she had hugged and kissed Avallac'h but that was purely out of fear that it would be last time she would see him.
"Ciri, you look beautiful in my clothes, " Avallac'h said.
"You really think so?" Ciri asked, quirking a smile.
"Mind if I join you? I too need a bath," Avallac'h said. "Yennefer, Geralt, do you have any spare clothes for both Ciri and I?"
"Ciri can wear mine," Yennefer said. "As for you..."
"I'll spare you a shirt and a pair of trousers," Geralt said.
"Avallac'h... I'm filthy," Ciri said.
Avallac'h knew she was not referring to dirt or grime.
"I have been defiled, polluted," she said, breaking down in tears.
"Hush Ciri, it's okay. You're safe now, it's over," Avallac'h said, pulling her close. He rocked her in his arms.
"Do you still want me, Avallac'h? I'm impure. Are you going to leave me? Eredin, and the others, they all...," Ciri said.
"I know what they did to you. I don't care, I'm not going to leave you. I want you anyway. I love you, Ciri," Avallac'h said. "Come, let us bathe together. I'll make you some ointments, help you heal any bruises." He paused before adding, "Internal ones too."
Ciri leaned her head against his chest and he scooped her into his arms, lifting her off the ground.
...
"How's Ciri?" Yennefer asked. She sat with Geralt beside her.
"She's healing, slowly but showing signs of progress. Bruises at her anal-genital area. Bruises at her neck and hips," Avallac'h said.
"That bastard, Eredin. Death isn't punishment enough for him," Geralt said. He clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white.
"Avallac'h, thank you for taking care of Ciri. If we had any doubt about you before, it's gone now," Yennefer said. "My poor little daughter," she said, eyes tearing up, her voice thick with emotion.
Ciri walked in and Yennefer quickly wiped her tears.
"Avallac'h? You're still here?" Ciri said. Her hair was wet and her nose ran with mucus, she had taken a bath for the umpteenth time. She tried so hard to wipe away the feelings of impurity but it never left her.
"Ciri, you shouldn't bathe too many times, especially not in this cool weather; you'll get hypothermia," Avallac'h gently chided. He uttered a warming spell, moving his hands all over her body.
She flinched but then caught herself. What was wrong with her? She knew it was him, her gentle, loving Avallac'h. But she still avoided physical contact as much as possible.
"Yes, Ciri. I'm still here. So's Ihuarraquax," Avallac'h said.
"But what about the Aen Elle? Shouldn't you be leaving for Tir ná Lia?" Ciri asked.
"No," Avallac'h said. There was steel in his voice. "I'm not leaving for Tir ná Lia, in fact I never one to step foot there again."
"But why? You're an Aen Saevherne, a Knowing One. You're wise, you should be helping at the Aen Elle court, choosing the new king," Ciri said.
"You are my priority. Nothing else is important anymore. I no longer want to be involved in the affairs of the Aen Elle. I want to stay here, with you," Avallac'h said.
"Really? I really mean that much to you?" Ciri asked.
"Yes, really," he replied.
"Then marry me. I want to be your wife," Ciri said.
Geralt was stunned. "Ciri, isn't it a little too soon?" Geralt asked. "I mean, you're still recovering." Ciri's face fell.
"Of course, of course I want to marry you," Avallac'h said. He turned towards Geralt and Yennefer. "Will you give us your blessings?"
"If that is Ciri's wish, then of course," Geralt said. "I want Ciri to be happy and I know you truly love her."
Yennefer held Ciri's hand. "I will make sure you have the most perfect wedding," she said. "May you have a happy marriage, daughter."
"Ah, Ciri. I have not prepared a ring for you beforehand," Avallac'h said regretfully. "Wait here." He plucked a daisy and tied a knot around her finger. "I hope this will do in the meantime."
"Oh Avallac'h," Ciri said, smiling as she kissed him. Her heart was filled with happiness and for a moment she forgot all her worries.
...
"Ihuarraquax, I'm sorry for keeping you here for so long. The other unicorns must be so worried for you," Ciri said.
*I chose to stay here. You are all now friends of the unicorns, I will make sure the elders know*
Ciri stroked Ihuarraquax's fur. The unicorn sniffed at her belly.
*Star-eye, you are with young*
She froze.