Chapter 4- Witchers Don't Feel
Rousing gently from her sleep, Sable woke in a soft bed, covered with blankets.
She was warm and cosy, comforts she hadn't experienced since escaping her home…no, her prison.
But it was a trade-off that she would happily make again, to be free.
Raising her head, she scanned the room to see Geralt lounging heavily in a chair by the small window, his head tilted to one side with his eyes closed.
Close to dusk, the sun was low in the sky.
Geralt's armour was piled in one corner and his sword not far from his side.
What the hell…
Realizing where she was, Sable gasped loudly, waking Geralt from his light doze with a start.
This was Geralt's lodging at the Inn.
'No, no, no, no…' Sable rambled to herself in worry.
Geralt stood up abruptly, quickly reaching for his sword.
'What…what is it?' Geralt said looking around the room for any sign of danger.
Seeing nothing of any threat, his eyes landed on Sable as she now sat upright in the bed.
'Why…?' Sable started, frightened.
'Why would you bring me here, into the village? You saw what happened last time. This time they will kill me.' Sable exclaimed, thinking back to the traumatic experience of the arrow piercing her flesh.
'I need to leave, I will go out through the window,' Sable said throwing off the covers, about to raise herself from the bed.
Geralt moved to the bedside, coaxing her to stay put.
'It is alright. Remain where you are. Let me explain…' Geralt started, perching on the bed.
xxxx
Earlier…
With a crowd around him and Sable unconscious over his shoulder, Geralt faced the men, a barrier of flesh preventing him from entering the Inn before speaking to the crowd.
'Her name is Sable. She is not a threat. In fact she has been helping you, without payment of thanks, only because she could. The least you can do is allow her to rest in a bed whilst she gets her strength back.'
Before Geralt had a chance to argue the point further, a voice sounded clearly from the back of the crowd.
'You will let the Witcher pass.' The voice spoke with authority.
Geralt turned towards the direction of the voice to see the crowd part for the farmer Geralt had met that same morning.
It was obvious that he was a respected senior member of the village as all hushed for him to speak.
Perhaps he held a position of power.
'This very morning, my son lay dying in my arms...' The well-spoken farmer exclaimed.
The crowd gasped, waiting for him to continue.
'…and this woman… right here, brought him back to life. I saw his wound heal in front of my very own eyes.' The farmer spoke slowly, using his arms in gesture as he spoke.
'Haven't many of you had ailments that have seemed to miraculously vanish overnight?' The farmer questioned the crowd.
'Well it wasn't just luck, or your prayers that helped you. This winged woman has a gift. It is she has been healing you.' The farmer explained.
The crowd looked around at each other, and many started nodding.
It was true, many had benefited from ailments that had inexplicably vanished overnight.
'Yes, I understand your concern. You think them inferior. They are different to us, and that makes you wary, but we owe them both the simple decency to be hospitable. If anything, it is all of you that are fortunate to be in their presence.'
Geralt looked around.
It was not often someone else did his bidding.
But it seemed to be working.
There was further murmuring in the crowd.
The important farmer continued, turning his attention to the men blocking the Inn entrance… 'so you will let the Witcher and the winged woman pass.'
It was not a request.
It was an order.
Like the rest of the crowd, Geralt turned his attention from the farmer to the men by the Inn door.
Knowing that they would face consequences if the senior, well respected man was not obeyed, the men slowly dispersed one by one.
Geralt nodded to the farmer in thanks before walking inside the Inn.
xxxx
After Geralt finished relaying this information, he saw Sable relax a little.
Plesantly surprized, Sable breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed a lot had happened after she had blacked out.
If someone else had told her the news, she wouldn't have been certain to believe them, but somehow Sable knew she could trust Geralt fully.
'The maid will prepare you a bath.' Geralt said, raising himself from her bedside.
'When you are ready, come downstairs. You may find the reception warmer than you think.'
Sable raised her eyebrows as Geralt headed for the door.
Could it be true?
Was it possible?
xxxx
Raising herself from the bathwater, Sable felt renewed.
She was so glad to be rid of all the dried blood and dirt.
She had forgotten what a simple soak in warm water could do for body and mind.
And at least she felt more presentable.
Sable saw that a simple gown had been laid out for her.
Refreshed, Sable dressed and reluctantly headed towards the staircase to the lively noise below.
She peered over the railing to see a loud crowd, drinking and eating, music playing.
She scanned the space to see Geralt sitting alone at the bar with an ale in hand.
Sable noticed that he seemed to be deep in thought.
Contemplating something…
Sable slowly descended the stairs, intending to head over to quietly sit by Geralt.
Halfway down, a cheer from a villager alerted everyone to her presence.
'Ah! Here is my 'angel'!' The man who had sustained the broken leg from his startled donkey days earlier, rushed over to her.
'I thank you a thousand times for what you have done.' He said, taking her hand.
A small group gathered at the bottom of the stairs.
With all the excitement, Geralt looked towards the staircase and found that he couldn't look away.
Sable looked much more like a lady.
She was well groomed now and her wings seemed, whiter.
Almost glowing.
Reluctant at being the centre of attention, Sable glanced towards Geralt as she was whisked away by the crowd to a large table.
Geralt nodded to her from his place at the bar.
Relishing a hot cooked meal, Sable enjoyed herself chatting to the villagers, exchanging tales.
Earning much praise and thanks.
As pleased as Sable was to be so welcomed, she frequently stole glances in Geralt's direction, wanting to be by his side more than anything else.
It had been a big day.
So much had happened.
It seemed Geralt had returned to deep reflection.
A villager approached Sable with a small fresh cut.
Many huddled around the table where Sable sat as she demonstrated her healing ability.
There were exclamations of surprize as they all witnessed the wound close in front of their very eyes.
Raising himself from his position at the bar, Geralt smiled to himself.
It seemed that Sable had finally found a place to belong, and possibly some happiness and contentment.
Geralt exited the tavern unnoticed and headed to the stables.
xxxx
Waking at dawn, Sable slowly stretched in bed.
She hadn't seen Geralt for the remainder of the night.
She looked around the room half expecting Geralt to again be asleep in the chair by the window.
But he wasn't.
Scanning the room, it seemed different.
Emptier.
His armor was gone.
And his sword.
Dressing quickly, wrapping a blanket around her shoulders and over her wings, Sable headed downstairs thinking he might again be at the bar.
Glancing around, there was no sign of Geralt there either.
Sable walked outside towards the barn.
Seeing a stable hand busily moving hay with his rake, she questioned him.
'The Witcher, have you seen him? Sable asked.
'Yes,' the young man replied as he stopped what he was doing to lean on his rake for a quick rest.
'The Witcher slept here last night and departed before first light.'
Sable furrowed her brows in disappointment.
Why would Geralt leave without telling her?
xxxx
Many days passed.
Sable had kept herself busy and settled into village live very well.
Whenever she went outside, she wore her long cape around her to not make her wings obvious to fit in as best she could.
There were a few villagers that did not welcome her presence.
She received a few hostile looks from time to time and she tried to avoid any confrontations at all costs.
Sable had been provided ongoing lodging at the Inn, and in return made herself available in the tavern for chores and of course help whenever anyone required healing.
Any donations went straight to the Inn, naturally.
She enjoyed her work, and the villagers were appreciative of knowing they had a healer in the village to turn to.
But, after all that they had been through in such a short amount of time, Sable was still upset that Geralt was gone.
The Witcher had gone out of his way to help her, then only to leave so…abruptly.
Perhaps he had just been repaying the favor after all.
Sable was used to living on her own, she had done so since her escape.
But now, after Geralt's company, even surrounded by villagers, she felt especially lonely.
Sable resolved that their encounter must have meant more to her than it had to him.
After all, Witchers were always on the road, traveling from place to place.
Who knows what Geralt had seen in his lifetime, discovering different places.
The interesting people he had met.
The women he may have had.
On the other hand, Sable had been cooped up in a large extravagant house for many years, only seeing visitors when they came to Lord Sarvon's estate.
Why would Geralt be thinking of her?
Witchers lived long lives.
Longer than most.
Who knows how many women Geralt had had in that time.
Sable, no one.
So of course, their encounter would mean more to her than it did to him.
She was insignificant.
Felt insignificant.
Why, out of all of the women in the land, would he want her?
A creature.
He didn't.
He left remember…
Sable shook her head in an attempt to cast him from her mind.
xxxx
Sitting alone at a table inside the tavern in thought, the maid came over to collect Sable's empty lunch bowl.
It had been a quiet day all round.
Only a few lone souls were in the tavern.
It seems no one had injured themselves today.
A good thing.
Sable sighed, looking at her hands.
They had never worked so had in all her life.
If it wasn't for her healing ability, she would have many cuts and blisters from all the scrubbing and hard labor.
'You know, there are other ways you can pull your weight around here.' The maid said.
It was her and her husband that had agreed to provide Sable a room until more permanent accommodation had been arranged.
'Yes?' What is that?' Sable asked.
'There have been several gentlemen enquiring if there are any 'other' services you provide.'
It took a while for the comment to sink in, before Sable looked aghast.
'Oh….I see.' Sable replied hesitantly.
She had led a sheltered life.
Only ever wanted for her valuable blood.
Lord Sarvon had never seen her as human…or in that way.
He had other women especially for those needs.
Perhaps she had been fortunate in that sense.
She had no idea that some of the men in this village would be interested in her like that…
'There has even been an offer of marriage.' The barmaid went on enthusiastically, raising her eyebrows.
'There he is over there, right now.' The barmaid nodded.
Sable glanced over to the bearded man, who seemed to be watching her.
'At least then you would have somewhere more permanent to live.' She joked jovially.
The barmaid gauged Sable's answer based on her lack of expression.
'I think I will stick to chores.' Sable said.
'Well…your loss…' The barmaid said, '…lots of coin to be made… especially with your looks.' She muttered as she walked away.
Not long after, Sable heard a young voice as the tavern door swung open.
'Here she is, father! The angel.' Jayan ran towards her, giving her a big bear hug with his skinny arms.
'Well, hello again!' Sable replied warmly, leaning down, reciprocating the hug.
'I am glad to see you so happy and healthy.' She said as Jayan's father approached her.
'Good day. I never introduced myself, my name is Sedrick. I wanted to thank you again for helping my boy.' He said. 'He insisted on visiting you as soon as he had done his chores today.'
Sable smiled.
'I am Sable. It is nice to meet you under better circumstances.' Sable said, thinking back to the encounter with the monster sent to take her back.
'It is I that should be thanking you, Sedrick.' Sable continued. 'Geralt told me how you helped us… helped me.'
The farmer nodded.
'It seems that you are faring quite well here, in the village. It is a shame the Witcher left so quickly, but if there is a monster to slay and coin to be made, a Witcher will not be far away.'
Sable nodded as the farmer told her about the three headed monster allegedly residing in the forest to the north.
So that is why Geralt left so quickly.
It sounded like there was much to gain in killing this particularly dangerous creature.
Perhaps that was what was important to Geralt.
Coin.
But, he hadn't given her that impression…
'We came to see you as Jayan and I wanted to offer you a place to live on our farm. His mother, my wife, died in child birth so it has just been him and I ever since. We could use a woman's touch around the place.' Sedrick said, looking towards his son.
Sable listened intently.
'Yes!' Jayan spoke enthusiastically, dancing around on the rough wooden floorboards. 'Come live with us.'
'Thank you, I would like that very much.' Sable replied gratefully. 'But, I don't know if I have a woman's touch. I have never had a house to run before.'
'I am sure we could figure it all out, the three of us.' The farmer said.
Sable nodded and smiled.
Trying to look happy, Geralt was never far from her mind.
Observing that Sable was dwelling on something, Sedrick paused before speaking.
'You know, I have heard that Witchers don't feel anything. Can't… experience emotions.'
Sable raised an eyebrow.
'Really. Well that explains much indeed.' Sable replied, in an annoyed tone although she wasn't sure to believe it.
'They say it is trained out of them when they are young. Witchers don't need those attributes to do their job. '
'No, I guess not.' Sable sighed.
'If anything they fare better without them.' Sedrick went on.
Was this Sedrick's attempt to console her?
Help her forget about the Witcher?
Sedrick continued speaking.
'But… I have seen with my own eyes; this is not true. I saw it the day I first laid eyes on you both, on my farm,' the farmer started.
'The way you looked at him…and the way he looked at you.' The farmer paused again, letting Sable remember the moment.
'The Witcher cares for you.' Sedrick said point blank.
'I could see it as plain as day. And I think... that you care for him too.' The insightful farmer paused, allowing Sable time to absorb his words.
Shocked, Sable looked at Sedrick closely.
How could he possibly know all this?
'That is why the Witcher left without saying anything. He knows that it could not work between you.' The farmer explained.
Sable's eyes widened.
This was a revelation indeed.
Something deep inside her told her that she had already suspected this, but she had buried the possibility along with Geralt's departure.
Sedrick was much more intuitive that Sable realized.
Perhaps that was one of the reasons he was so well regarded in the village.
After all, he had been there when they had killed the beast tracking Sable.
He had witnessed their embrace…and…their near kiss.
Sable knew what she had to do… and quickly.
She couldn't leave things the way they were.
Not knowing.
Wondering...
She had to find Geralt…