The Lights Were Always On

A new base. They couldn't really call it a home since they may need to pack up and leave at any moment. At least here it was easier to see an attack coming. Geralt was still on guard regardless.

He and Yennefer had systems in place as warnings. When he went out hunting and came back, if the lights were out it would mean danger was near. It was somewhat of a relief to return to see all the windows lit up. But it also made an intense hunting trip.

They had been at their new base for a couple of weeks and he left it as long as he could in between hunts. He found it difficult to stay still for too long and obviously Ciri and Yennefer were starting to feel his agigatation as they practically shoved him out the door.

He caught the scent of a stag and cautiously followed its trail all while keeping an ear out for any intruders of any species. Hunting a stag was comparatively simple compared to some of the monsters he had fought. It was with an added layer of difficulty when his focus had to be split. Drawing back on the bow he let the arrow fly as it hit its target.

A snapping branch behind him had him dropping the bow and drawing his sword. Moving behind a tree, he listened for the movement of whatever was out there was him. All of his senses were primed for attack. His eyes searched out any possible threat, felt the wind change so he could pick up the scent. That was when he put down his sword and rolled his eyes. "Jaskier."

"Geralt! What are you doing here? I thought you were in the snowy south?" The bard strolled towards him as though he didn't have a care in the world. Knowing Jaskier, he probably didn't.

"Well I was about to take your head off with a sword but that might upset Ciri." Although Yennefer might appreciate it.

Jaskier brightened up further at the mention of Ciri. "Where is she? You never used to like it when she was out of your sight."

"Back at the house." He walked back over to the stag and slung it over his shoulders. "I take it you're staying for dinner." He started making his way back.

"Well since you so graciously offered." Sarcasm was hugely wasted on Jaskier.

By the time they reached the cabin Geralt heart sank. It was relatively dark and no lights were on. Just as he was about to drop the stag and run to the cabin a flicker of light sparked up in a window. Then another and another.

Cursing under his breath, he continued until he reached the door. These women would be the death of him. He'd almost had a heart attack.

"Honey! I'm home." Jaskier loved to annoy Yennefer and took any opportunity to do so.

"I thought you went out to hunt, not pick up stays." Yennefer didn't even look up from where she was lighting a lamp.

"If it makes you feel better, I almost severed his head from his body." Geralt dropped the stag on the table.

"You always say the sweetest things." She shot Geralt a sweet smile before glaring at Jaskier. "I take it the stray is staying for dinner."

It was going to be a long meal with these two sniping at each other so he merely grunted and started prepping the meat. At least they would get a few meals out of the beast if Jaskier ended up staying with them. More if he didn't.

He waited until Jaskier and Ciri were keeping each other entertained before bringing up the unlit windows. "You had me concerned when the lights weren't on."

"We're running low on candles." Yennefer watched Jaskier and Ciri giggling with each other. "How did Jaskier find us?"

"He says he thought we were in the snowy south." Come to think of it the bard had never mentioned why he was out this way.

"And he just happened to stumble over you." Yennefer had never trusted Jaskier but didn't mean there was no merit in her suspicions.

"For Ciri's sake, I hope so." And for theirs as well. Jaskier had a habit of attracting trouble.

"If Jaskier can find us, others could as well." Yennefer had become very protective of Ciri and the last thing she wanted for the young woman was for her to be betrayed by someone she trusted.

"I'll keep an eye on him. At the first hint of trouble we'll leave." He would prefer not to but he would protect Ciri at all costs.

Yennefer nodded. She knew Geralt would grieve deserting Jaskier and leaving him behind. But Ciri was his priority even over her. If Ciri were in danger, Geralt would destroy anyone who threatened Ciri. Even Jaskier.