Chapter 8- A Rare Exception
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Geralt woke early the next morning by the smouldering coals of the fire.
Again, he had a deep restful sleep, that he had not experienced in some time.
Looking around, Geralt's cloak was lying dishevelled on the ground next to him, but Sable was nowhere in sight.
After waiting for a while, Geralt grumbled to himself.
It seemed that Sable had flown off without telling him.
Pursing his lips, Geralt shook his head.
She could have gone in any direction and covered a huge distance in just a few moments.
Just as Geralt was growing concerned, he heard her wings cutting through the air above him once more.
Geralt turned to see Sable land gently a short way away.
'Like my new clothes?' She asked happily, curtseying playfully at him in a ladylike manner with her wings still outstretched.
Wearing brown pants and a pale blue long sleeve shirt, over the top, she wore a tight leather corset, revealing how small her waist really was.
It made sense for Sable to wear pants, he thought.
A skirt or dress would not be appropriate for her preferred mode of travel.
To fit her wings, Sable had modified the shirt at the back, cutting it lower.
'The next time you fly off, at least tell me where you are going.' Geralt grumbled at her, not wanting to admit his concern.
'I had no clothes to wear except my ripped smock, so I thought it best to acquire some new items whilst the light was still dim.' Sable explained, shrugging off his comment.
'Plus, I got us some breakfast!' She added, tossing Geralt a small loaf of seeded bread.
Catching the loaf, Geralt looked pleasantly surprized.
The loaf was still warm, and it smelt… wonderful.
'Don't worry I didn't steal anything; I left some coin for whatever I took.' She said, walking towards him, just in case he was going to reprimand her for that too.
Moving closer to Geralt, Sable happily planted a kiss on his lips as Geralt was still deciding whether to remain angry at her.
Sable cheekily took the bread off him as she turned to sit by the coals.
Geralt sat down beside her as Sable passed him the remaining portion after she had broken some of it for herself.
'So… you have killed the monster you came to kill, what now?' Sable asked him, in between mouthfuls of fresh bread.
Geralt turned his head towards her.
She hadn't realized that he had been cradling a medallion in his hand.
Rubbing his thumb over it in memory, Geralt had picked it up off his friend, the dead Witcher after he had killed the monster.
'I want you to come back with me to my home. You will be safe there. It can be your home too.'
Stopping mid-mouthful, Sable looked at Geralt in awe.
It demonstrated to her, how serious he was at keeping her safe, keeping her near to him.
Perhaps she could be happy there.
And free.
A small smile unconciously graced her lips as she imagined their future.
'But first, I need to go into town, to conduct some business.' Geralt started.
'We will travel to a village west of here, to collect some coin for the three headed monster.' Geralt said.
Sable nodded.
'I go wherever you go.' She said resolutely, wanting never to be apart from Geralt.
'We could be the ultimate duo. Helping towns wherever we go! You get rid of the monsters and I heal the injured.' She exclaimed enthusiastically.
Geralt raised an eyebrow as he nodded in astonished agreeance.
He hadn't really thought about their potential together.
It seemed to be a good balance.
Geralt wasn't used to company on the road.
He was used to solitude and talking only to Roach.
In fact, he didn't really like company.
But Sable, was a rare exception.
A valuable exception.
In fact, he welcomed her company.
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On the road again, Sable happily walked beside Geralt as he led Roach by the reins.
It didn't take long for them to find something to quarrel about.
'Just get on the horse,' Geralt said, becoming annoyed.
'I don't need to.' Sable replied stubbornly. 'Like you, I feel fine.'
'But I didn't almost die two days ago.' Geralt rebutted. 'Please… get on Roach.'
Roach whinned.
'See even Roach agrees.' Geralt said.
'Alright!' Sable said begrudgingly.
Another few days passed before they reached the nearest village.
The days were spent either chatting, light bickering or in complete silence and the nights…
The nights were spent in each other's arms, passionate, keeping each other warm and never leaving the other's side.
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The next day they were certain they would arrive at the nearest town by the end of the day.
A little out from the village, they saw some children playing in a field.
As soon as they saw Geralt and Sable they took off running towards the village yelling.
'They're here… they're here.'
Sable and Geralt just looked at each other.
Should they be concerned?
Sable didn't have her wings concealed.
Perhaps she should have been more careful.
Hesitantly, Sable reached for Geralt's cloak and threw it over her shoulders.
She could always fly off if the situation arose, but she hoped it wouldn't come to that.
As they drew closer to the village, folk came out to see them, greet them, forming a welcoming guard of honor as Geralt and Sable walked with Roach into the village centre.
The pair were in awe as neither had quite ever received such a warm welcome such as this.
Halting in the centre of the village, an elder approached them.
'Welcome to both of you. We have been waiting for your arrival. Please, come this way.' She said.
Sable and Geralt looked at each other curiously.
As Geralt allowed a boy to take Roach into his care, the pair were led to a humble looking wooden house.
'This is the home of Galanda, our seer. Galanda predicted your coming to our village. Although many were sceptical that it would come true. Who would imagine a Witcher and a winged woman travelling together after all.' The elder said, leading them into the house as many others trailed behind, patiently waiting outside.
'We were just passing through on the way to another town.' Geralt explained.
Geralt and Sable went inside to see an old woman seated by a crackling fire.
She didn't seem to have any sight, but she knew who they were, nonetheless.
'You do us a great privilege with your presence, Witcher and Healer.' Galanda said. 'We have been waiting for you.
'Thank you for such a welcome. We are at your service,' Geralt answered. 'How may we help you?' He asked.
'A sickness has spread through our village leaving many with crippling wounds and sores that will not heal.' Galanda said, turning to Sable. 'Please rest this night, but tomorrow, there are many folk that are in need of your help, in need of healing.' Galanda said.
'Yes of course.' Sable replied. 'I am happy to help.'
Galanda nodded in approval as the elder led them back outside and to another building, the Inn.
The elder took them upstairs.
'Our finest room,' the elder gestured with her hand as the pair entered the room which had been prepared for them.
Closing the door behind them, Sable and Geralt were alone.
Looking around, the room contained a bed and a wooden tub filled with steaming water.
A pleasant surprize after days on the road.
'Perhaps Galanda also foresaw that we were together.' Geralt joked, noting only one large bed in the room.
A cheeky grin grew on Sable's face.
'Last one in the tub is a rotten egg!' She said playfully, quickly untying her leather corset and removing her remaining clothes, letting them fall to the timber floor.
Geralt followed her lead, but it took him longer to remove his armour, fumbling with clasps as he watched her lower her naked body into the tub.
After a decent soak, the water started to cool.
Sitting opposite each other, they were both feeling quite relaxed after so much travel.
'Let's get out before you catch a chill.' Geralt said reluctantly, leaning heavily against the tub with his arms resting around the rim.
'Not so fast handsome,' Sable started. 'I can think of another way to keep warm.' She said moving closer to his side, her face near his.
Kissing Geralt the lips, Sable ran lightly her fingers down Geralt's muscular chest.
Down into the water.
Touching him slowly, Sable felt his desire growing, hardening as they continued to kiss.
Straddling his lap, she positioned herself over him.
Clutching at his shoulder, Sable lowered herself so they were one, once more.
Geralt held his breath, wanting to absorb every moment as the winged woman slowly moved above him, drinking in her every movement as she closed her eyes, dipping her head back in their shared pleasure.
Sable knew that she would not be able to hold on for long.
As Geralt sensed Sable's crescendo approaching from her soft moans, he grasped her firmly by the hips, controlling her increasingly rapid movement above him.
Plunging deeper inside her, Geralt came in quick succession after her, holding her firmly against him.
Before Sable collapsed heavily on his chest, they kissed again.
Satisfied.
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Geralt woke to the early light of the new day.
Lying close together in the bed, Sable was facing him on her side with one leg intwined between his.
It was the first time they had shared a proper bed together he thought to himself as he raised his head to look upon her.
As Sable roused to Geralt gently stroking her hair, she smiled without opening her eyes.
Eventually they dressed and went downstairs to make themselves useful.
The same elder they met yesterday was waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs to greet them.
'I trust you are well rested?' The elder asked.
'Yes. Thank you again for your generous hospitality.' Geralt replied.
'Now it is my turn to repay the favor.' Sable said.
The elder turned for the direction of the entrance.
'Do not be alarmed, but many are in need of your assistance.' She said leading them outside.
Sable and Geralt's jaw almost dropped when they saw a line almost as far as the eye could see, waiting patiently for them.
For her.
A table and two chairs had been set up for Sable and whomever she was treating.
Taking a small blade that had been tucked into her corset, Sable sat down as the elder motioned for the first villager to come forward.
Watching on, Geralt stood diligently by her side, prepared to fend off anyone if the crowd became rowdy, to be her protector if needed.
But, luckily the line was well behaved as one by one, Sable slowly healed the sick and injured, refusing to stop to rest.
As dusk approached, Geralt sensed that Sable was fading.
Geralt turned to the village elder, who nodded to him knowingly.
The elder addressed the line.
'Please return tomorrow as your healer grows weary.' She said.
The crowd murmured reluctantly as they slowly dispersed into the growing darkness.
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A generous dinner of stew and bread was brought to Sable and Geralt as they sat at a table in a corner inside the Inn.
Looking around whist breaking some bread, Geralt noticed that although everyone had granted them space to eat in peace, all eyes were on the winged woman, with fascination, appreciation and admiration.
But Sable seemed completely oblivious to it as she had eyes only for Geralt.
She was completely smitten with her Witcher.
Her protector.
Her saviour.
Her lover.
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Sable and Geralt were about to make their way upstairs, when a mother and her crying infant stopped them at the foot of the stairs.
'Please, would you help my child? She is getting worse by the minute.' The worried mother asked with tears in her eyes.
Sable nodded and smiled.
'Of course.' Sable said reassuringly, beginning to examine the baby.
Knowing he wasn't needed, Geralt went to continue upstairs, before Ebony stopped him, grabbing his hand with her own.
Geralt turned to her.
'It's alright, they need you.' He said.
'Yes, but I… need you.' Sable replied firmly, not wanting him to leave her side.
His presence somehow made her feel… at ease.
She felt safe, reassured with him.
'I will be waiting for you upstairs.'Geralt reassured her, looking into her eyes.
With that Sable nodded, releasing her grip, before turning back to the woman.
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As Sable finally made her way upstairs, she found Geralt bare chested, sitting up in bed.
Splashing water on her hands and her face, Sable undressed, eager to join his side.
Kissing him on the lips, Sable moved her body close against his as she smoothed her palm around his waist.
Reluctantly, Geralt stopped her.
'Not tonight.' He said. 'You need your rest.'
Picking up a roll of material, from the side of the bed, Geralt took her by the wrist to bind the cuts she had made to heal the villagers with her blood.
Sable settled back on her pillow heavily as she watched him gently apply the bandage to her forearm.
Enjoying the attention.
'One more day here and then we will depart.' Geralt commented.
Sable nodded, smiling sleepliy.
As much as she loved helping each and every villager, to help them lead a fuller, healthier life, she was exhausted.
She couldn't keep up this rate for much longer.
'I should be able to treat all the other villagers by tomorrow.' She said.
By the time Geralt had tied off the bandage, he looked up to see Sable with her eyes closed, already asleep.
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The next day was much the same as the previous and to Sable's satisfaction, she had completed her work here.
Broken bones, absesses, wounds, illness. Sable had seen it all.
And again, Geralt stood by her side.
Tired at the end of the day once more, Sable enjoyed Geralt's attention as he bound wounds on her other forearm.
Resting her weary head on Geralt's shoulder, again, Sable fell asleep quickly.
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The next morning, the pair dressed and headed downstairs.
Once more, the village elder was waiting for them at the foot of the stairs.
'Please come with me, Galanda would like to see you once more, before you depart.'
Sable and Geralt followed the elder to Galanda's humble home.
Once again, they found her sitting in her chair, by the fire.
Sable took a seat next to Galanda, whilst Geralt gave them some privacy, standing watch outside.
'You have been a blessing to this village.' Galanda started. 'I thank you for helping us with your unique gift.'
'I was happy to be of service.' Sable started. 'But, perhaps I can help you also.' She said, referring to Galanda's eyes.
'That is not necessary, my child.' Galanda replied. 'I already have all the sight I require.'
Sable nodded knowingly as Galanda continued.
'Give me your hand, my child.' Galanda said, reaching out to Sable.
Gently, Sable placed her palm in Galanda's.
Galanda ran her fingers across Sable's palm.
Galanda pursed her lips, in thought.
'I do not like to be the bearer of ill news, but a warning I must give you.' Galanda said.
'Do not continue journeying with the Witcher into the next town. Things will not go well there.'
Sable's eyes widened.
What on earth did that mean?
Perhaps the villagers there would not be so welcoming as this one.
'I am sorry I cannot be more specific, it is just a feeling I have.' Galanda said as Sable retracted her hand.
'Please know that if you ever choose to return here, know that you are always welcome. There will always be a place for you here.' Galanda said in parting words
'Thank you Galanda, I am glad to have met you.' Sable said as she raised herself from the chair before heading towards the door to a waiting Geralt.
Confused at the information she had just been given, Sable furrowed her brows...
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