A/N: Chapter updated (10/02/2023)


She rolled her eyes at him in fake irritation. His smugness suited him so well. He was all too aware of what he did to her and how much she wanted him to do it again. She needed to put a little physical distance between them to regain her clarity.

The revelation that his mother had been a sorceress somehow made sense. If she hadn't been so busy sleeping with him, it might have occurred to her earlier that this could be the case. After all, it all made sense: his connection to Ciri, his innate abilities, even the fact that he escaped death's clutches twice, both with her help. He was one of a kind and he was needed in the Plan. Father by choice to a Source, and not just any Source, the Lady of Space and Time as the elves called her, that kind of role couldn't have been given to just anyone. None of it had been by accident, and neither was his presence there. Somehow she tied into this because, as experience taught her, everything was connected. Their fates had been weaved together and the resulting fabric was pulling her in Ciri's direction.

Hopefully, they'd get the chance to talk more seriously once they were home. Then she could speak freely of things she hadn't uttered to anyone from this world. Until then, a clear head was what she needed because the day was far from over and she had to focus on her job.


They got home, only to be greeted by the mess they left behind after the destructive fun they had over the weekend. She hadn't cared then, and she didn't care now. She had navigated the mess that morning and it barely registered. But it read like a crime scene and it would need to be cleaned up before her brother got there and wondered why her normally tidy apartment looked like it was straight out of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith movie.

She rearranged the smaller items while Geralt picked up the remnants of the furniture and deposited them all in a large garbage bag.

"I should order a new coffee table," she mused once everything was back in place and they were sitting at the kitchen island. "A more robust one, if we intend to keep using it that way."

"Or we could just use the bed," he suggested.

"You might find it boring after a while."

"It could never be boring as long as you're in it."

"That's what you say now... just give it a week."

"I'll give it as long as you want, wherever you want. Just promise me you don't have a stuffed unicorn hidden somewhere in your closet."

"That's an odd promise to request. I bet there's a story behind it. I'm just not sure it's the kind I want to hear."


Geralt smiled as he opened the bottle of whiskey. No, he guessed, no woman would enjoy hearing about his sexual exploits with Yen, not even his little nymph. His little nymph. That's what he decided she was. For now. Of course, she was no such thing; nymphs didn't steal a man's soul. It was just what had come to mind on their first night together and he couldn't find a better name for her nor shake it out of his mind. It was his way of reminding himself she wasn't human.

He poured whiskey into two glasses and set one in front of her, inviting her to join him. Perhaps the alcohol would loosen her tongue and he could get some answers from her.

She ran her index on the rim of the glass to draw a full circle around the drink. If only for a second, Geralt's necklace vibrated lightly against his skin. It was enough for him to catch the small gold glimmer in her eye.

"What did you do to that drink?" he asked with narrowed eyes.

"This?" She pointed to the glass. "I removed the thought-altering effects of the alcohol. I rarely truly drink anymore, but I still like the taste of it. This is my version of a compromise."

"You did the same to the drinks at the club?" She simply nodded. "I wonder why I didn't notice..."

"Depends where you were looking," she answered playfully, with an eyebrow raised. "Last I remember, my cleavage doesn't give anything away when I use magic."

"Touché and point taken, your cleavage did look spectacular that night. But at least now I can stop feeling guilty for taking advantage of you when you were inebriated," he joked.

"Oh, truly! You look so racked with guilt!" A silvery laugh escaped her lips. "Not to worry, you were the only intoxicating thing I had that evening," she quipped back with a smile.

"You think of me as a thing?" He mocked being offended, which earned him an eye-roll.

"I was paying you a compliment, and you ruined it!"

He laughed at her feigned frustration.

"In any case, it was more like I took advantage of you, not the other way around. I kissed you first, remember?"

He didn't get a chance to reply; the doorbell rang and their fun was interrupted.

She got up to open the door and greet her brother. Andy walked into the kitchen carrying a large rolled-up sheet of paper.

"Geralt! Forgot you'd be here."

"Nice to see you too," he deadpanned.

"I see this is a business meeting. I thought you might just want to have a drink and catch up," Criss commented with a bit of disappointment.

"Umm, yeah, I should have mentioned that. We can do both. I just want you to have a look at this, and then we can have that drink."

He unfolded the sheet of paper and it almost covered the whole kitchen island.

"I have a meeting with these big clients. They want to build a sports centre, concert hall, shopping mall and this area around it will be luxury residences. And this is just the first phase..."

She opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by a hand gesture from Andy.

"Now, I know you said don't want to take on large projects at the moment, but I would need you just to handle the concept. You always had a knack for finding the best solution, and this is exactly what this calls for. I can take care of the meetings and presentations and, once I sell them on it, the entire office will get to work on the full design. You'd only need to coordinate and check their work."

She sighed. "Do you have a design brief that you can leave with me?"

"Here, have a look at it and let me know. I'm not expecting an answer right away. Actually, I was only hoping you'd agree to think on it and not just outright refuse."

He pulled a folder out of his briefcase and handed it to Criss. She glanced over it, then set it aside.

"Geralt, can you please pour Andy a drink?"

He got out an extra glass and some ice and filled it halfway before pushing it towards her brother.

"Thanks," Andy replied as he picked up the glass and took a sip. "I didn't mean to be rude earlier," he said to Geralt, "I'm still not used to the idea of my sister dating again."

"Mhm, don't worry about it, I didn't take offence," he brushed it off.

"Speaking of which, Christmas is around the corner," Andy redirected to Criss. "Mom will be happy to finally see you bring someone."

"That's not for another month and we haven't discussed it... We're not at that point yet." She blushed and looked at Geralt.

"Oh, shit! Sorry about that! Seems I keep putting my foot in my mouth tonight! I just assumed since you seem to be living together... Plus, it would be good to get mom off my back, it would give her something else to talk about except me and Krystal."

"Yeah, I'm sure it would be great for you..." She rolled her eyes. "How is Krystal, by the way?" she asked with mischief in her eyes.

"We're fine, she does her thing, and I do mine." He sighed, and it was plain to see things were not fine.

"You've never been a good liar." She clicked her tongue. "I'll never understand either of you... You love her, just tell her that. It's not a competition, and it doesn't make you less than her if you admit it."

"Tell that to her! I'm sick of giving in to all her whims. Sometimes I think she purposefully thinks of impossible things to demand just to get a rise out of me."

"You probably do the same if you're honest... and the fact that you keep cheating on her doesn't help."

He shrugged, downed the drink and pushed the glass in Geralt's direction.

"Can you pour another, please?" Geralt obliged. "You don't have any advice on difficult women?" Andy asked sarcastically.

"It's none of my business, though I've had my fair share of experience with them."

"And what does your experience say about it?"

"I'm not the best person to ask. My experiences ended badly, but not from a lack of trying. I could sell you some platitudes about love overcoming all things, but life doesn't work that way. Truth is, love can make you sacrifice more than you ever thought possible, take from you everything you own, demand more, and then say it's still not enough. And you'll probably do it all over again if needed. Because it's worth it. For love. For feeling even for a single moment like a whole. However ephemeral the moment is, the memory lives forever."

He had felt that once. Even if now he knew it was born out of something unnatural, his own feeble attempt to steal something that wasn't meant for him. Once upon a time, in another world, on a small island where he gave up everything he was for stormy violet eyes. His life for hers. That's how much she meant. He shook his head. It was but a distant memory of something that shouldn't have been. Yet if it hadn't, he would have felt robbed and destitute. Even something that shouldn't have been could teach someone what could be. And wish to feel it again.

"The only question is: do you love her?" he continued, looking from Andy to Criss. "When you know the answer to that, you'll have no trouble deciding what to do. Even if it's the dumbest thing possible."

"Not helping... really not helping..." Andy shook his head, disappointed, and Geralt shrugged. "You sound just like her," he nodded towards Criss. "Idealists! If only things were that simple!"


His words came from a depth within him and ached with a longing she painfully recognized. She thought she had reconciled a decade ago with her loneliness. She thought she was at peace with her decision to trade hope of love for the safety of those around her. Her life was not one to be enjoyed, it was one of service and loneliness and she had to find solace in the good she could do. Attachments were a burden and a liability and left her susceptible to betrayal. Yet his words clawed at the fabric under which she had hidden her deepest hopes and regrets, like a piece of furniture to be forgotten in a house long abandoned. The door creaked, and the dust flew off as he unwittingly began uncovering what had been long buried. Why did she let him in? Why did he stir hope in her? Why did she find him so irresistible?

Her brother's childish response drew her out of her thoughts and allowed her to ignore the answers to the questions she had for herself. It was time to be the rock they all needed to lean on and she couldn't crumble under the weight of her own regrets. Putting her hands around her brother's shoulders, she rested her chin on his collarbone, then gave him a squeeze and a kiss on the cheek.

"You are truly... depressing!" she said with a laugh. "I'm sorry I even asked anything! If we end up coming over for Christmas, I promise I'll take the brunt of all the comments... willingly! I only asked because I wanted to give you something for her."

She went into the bedroom and came back with a small package wrapped in festive paper with a bow on top.

"I know it was her birthday last month, so I got her this. Hope she likes it!"

"Thoughtful as usual... Thanks! I'll be sure to give it to her." He put the package in his coat pocket. "So when do you think you'll have an answer for me?"

"I'll sleep on it and I'll let you know tomorrow."

"It would be good to work together again, it's been a few years, but I remember you could actually be fun sometimes... When you weren't all uptight about deadlines."

"Do you also remember the sleepless nights? The endless work and constant changes? Bickering with the building company? Oh, it was a true joy, I remember!"

"What I remember is listening to music in the studio while we both worked and Krystal was making sure we didn't starve or die of thirst... which was sure to happen if not for her." He smiled at the fond memories. "I remember making jokes and laughing. It was hard work, sure, but it was also fun."

She smiled back, reconnecting with the pleasant memories he invoked. He was right about it being fun, but now things were more complicated and she had other priorities.

"Yes, I guess it matters what you choose to focus on."

He downed his drink and set the glass down loudly.

"Ok, then you'll let me know what you decide. I need to get going, it's been a long day and I still have other meetings tomorrow."

He hugged her, kissed her cheek and shook Geralt's hand before leaving. Geralt waited in the kitchen while she led him out.

"You look like you could use some sleep," he commented, observant, as always.

"I'm not that tired," she said, sitting back down next to him. "What my brother said about Christmas… I hope you didn't take offence, but we barely know each other. I'm not saying it's not possible for this to be something more, but right now… it's too early."

"You needn't say more. I'm not ready to meet anyone's parents."

She nodded, relieved.

"Let's get into bed," he suggested, taking her into his arms.

"I would rather continue our earlier conversation," she said with more serious things on her mind.

"Which one?" he asked, nuzzling her neck, completely ignoring her serious tone.

"The one about your mother."

"Not that again," he groaned, backing off. "You really know how to kill the mood,"

From the look on his face, it was exactly the conversation he didn't feel like continuing. He retreated, grabbing the glass of whiskey.

"Why is it so important? I get it, it might have helped me cope with the Trials better, and it's probably why they could apply more mutations to me than to the other boys, but in the end, that's all in the past. Knowing more about her won't change anything about me. Besides the fact that she gave birth to me and healed me from an injury, she has no other bearing on my life."

"It's important because she could give birth to you. You said yourself that sorceresses can't usually procreate. Do you know why that is?" she asked, ignoring his irritation.

"Yennefer said something that having magic run through them disrupted their ability to reproduce, it atrophied organs beyond any chance of recovery," he said without affect.

"Yes, she's correct... in part. It's linked to the kind of magic they use and their intents. Once Chaos takes root in them, sterility is a safety measure that keeps them from birthing children that can embody Chaos itself."

"And?" he asked, still irritated by the continuing conversation.

"You're a very intelligent man. I doubt I need to spell it out for you." She sighed. "She had you and that makes her special… and you as well.

"I think that it's no mere coincidence that you're here. Ciri... she's more than a Source, and you're her protector. The link you have is special and it must be part of the Plan. You aren't just anyone given the peculiar circumstances of your birth and, if I had to guess, you are an old experienced soul that has been given an important mission."

"Plan, mission... you speak about such lofty things as if it's normal... Whose plan? What mission? Please, just don't start throwing the word 'destiny' around, it's the only thing that's missing from this whole thing. I've heard that word too many times and I know so well that it's all bullshit. Destiny is a fairytale for children. It doesn't keep away pain and it most certainly doesn't guarantee a happy ending for anyone!"

"Whose plan..." she thought for a second. "I can't even pretend to be able to explain. But I'm growing more and more sure that our meeting was meant to happen. You must see that the odds of you ending up linked to not one, but two women like us… They're astronomical. Somehow it seems I've been dragged into this and I intend to do my part, whatever that ends up being.

"As for personal destiny, yes, you're correct, it's a myth and relying on it would be a mistake. The pieces on the board are laid out and we each have to decide which way to go. Nothing is predetermined, but there are opportunities and you must choose of your own free will to be part of one event or another. The choices you make are the only ones that truly count."

"What if you choose wrong? Or what if you decide to not be part of... the Plan? Fuck, it sounds pompous! Only you and Avallac'h can speak of such things and make it seem normal."

"You already chose Ciri, so the dice have been cast and you've gotten this far on instinct alone. Not knowing anything about plans and missions changes nothing. You're a part of it whether or not you like it. You can embrace it or choose to waste away your life. No one is forcing anything on you. You chose Ciri, Ciri chose to help me, and I chose to repay her by helping you. So that got us here. A series of choices each of us made."

"So in short, it could have been someone else standing here in your living room."

"Yes, I could have been someone else, or some other living room and two entirely different people altogether. But it's not... It's us, here and now and we get to decide what we want to do next."

He shook his head and downed another glass without breathing.

"You say you've been dragged into this. It doesn't sound like you had much choice in the matter and if you do have an option... Is this something you really want to choose? Because I should warn you that this is something you don't want any part of. This is a fucking never-ending mess I'm in with Ciri. Always running, trusting no one, hiding from the Hunt, the Lodge, the king, the emperor, bringing death wherever we go. There's no rest. Ever."

"Be that as it may, I've made my choice, and this is not the kind of decision I'd make lightly. I'll go back with you and help Ciri however I can. The Hunt can't have her."

Her eyes gazed into his with determination.

"As for the rest of the things I told you… you can choose to ignore them. The Plan will keep moving forward either way. We're but cogs in a machine. It's just something I hope you'll keep in mind, mostly because I think you'll be afforded opportunities of great importance and it'd be wise not to squander them." She paused, trying to assess his understanding of the importance of his role.

"To this effect, I can help you learn more about your mother... if you wish. I have a feeling she holds more answers to the role you've been cast, should you choose to accept it."

He shook his head, still not looking at her, picked up the bottle and poured himself another drink. She couldn't blame him for wanting to dull his thoughts after such a conversation. Knowing you're supposed to fulfil a part in the destiny of many worlds is a great weight, one she had struggled with a decade ago, one that Ciri will have to deal with. It was enough for one night. Her fingers ran through his hair and she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm going to take a shower and get into bed. You can join me whenever you're ready."

She left him sitting and looking into the bottom of the glass as if it held the answer to life's greatest mysteries.

The warm water on her skin felt soothing and chased away her worried thoughts. For just a few minutes, she wanted not to feel the weight of the world on her shoulders, not to think so much about the implications of everything and just exist. If only for a moment. She indulged no more than a second, then returned to her practical self and began thinking of what she needed to do next.

A decision had to be made about her brother's request. If she used the logical part of her brain, she would just outright refuse. Taking care of Geralt and her job already took up most of her time and energy. The added amount of work would likely bury her. But things were rarely so simple and just because something was difficult didn't mean it didn't need to be done.

She didn't have direct access to the Plan in its entirety, but she could see small parts of it if she cleared her mind and meditated. The morning would be the perfect time to do that and, if it appeared to be part of the Plan, then she would choose to be involved in her brother's project. Even minor matters such as this could have some importance.

Getting into the empty bed, she looked through the open door at the light coming from the kitchen and wondered if she had done the right thing by telling him he was shaping the fate of the world through his choices. He held a deep despise for any connection forced upon him through fate. But he had a choice. He always had a choice. Just like her.

She fell asleep only to wake up in the middle of the night when his chest pressed against her back and one of his arms wound around her waist, pulling her closer to him. He kissed her neck, then nuzzled his face in her hair before falling asleep.


Thanks for reading although perhaps a few explanations are in order since I'm not sure how many people read the books...

1. I'm well aware that The Plan sounds pompous, I didn't come up with the idea, it's in fact part of book lore, something Avallac'h talks about briefly and is never again brought up. I'm trying to tie everything back together with a nice neat bow. Let's hope I succeed despite it being a very ambitious goal.

2. The reason for sorceresses' infertility is different between the book and tv show, as with most things in my story, I chose the book version of it and added a little something to it since there were no canon explanations for the exceptions to the general rule.