OXENFURT - Redania
"This is so delicious. I've never eaten better." Ciri said while she was eating the profiterole. They were sitting on the wall and staring at the town. The sun was getting down and the light of the sun was shining the roofs of houses.
"Being a witcher has sometimes advantages. You've gotten to find some interesting places and this bakery is a perfect example." Geralt smiled.
"What were you doing in Oxenfurt anyway?"
"I was invited on meeting with king Radovid."
"I thought you were trying to stay neutral when it's about politics." Ciri raised her eyebrow.
"I was back then and I'm still trying to stay neutral. But sometimes you have to sacrifice your values if you want save your friends." Geralt explained.
"Whom did you help if I may ask?"
"Of course you can ask." Geralt smiled at her. "At this time, witches and mages were hunted through the whole Continent. I was in Novigrad because of some contract on monsters but I met Triss and she asked me for help for herself and her friends. I couldn't say no to her. I wanted to make a deal with a Radovid to help us to stop the hunting but then I found out he was the one who was behind it. We needed to act quickly.." Geralt looked seriously at Ciri. "So, I joined the group which then overthrowned Radovid and later he was killed."
"Oh my got, did you kill him Geralt?" Ciri got surprised.
"No, of course not. I said I was part of it, not that I was a king slayer." Geralt said with laughing.
"Why you've never told me this before?" Ciri laughed.
"Because you've never asked." the witcher laughed. "And to be honest it's not the information which I want to share to the world. You know, I could be really killed for this."
"I'm glad you've told me." Ciri smiled.
"Always Ciri." Geralt pulled her to his arms and hugged her.
"But I would like to hear more about your past." she said with teasing tone. Geralt pulled from her and looked at her.
"Not everything from my past is for your ears." he tapped her nose with his finger.
"Coward." Ciri pulled out her tongue on him.
"Maybe." Geralt crossed his arms. "But now you're the one who in three days still haven't said a word about what happened in the Elven Ruins."
Ciri's facial expression changed in that moment.
"Maybe I don't want to talk about it."
"I just want to know you're okay Ciri."
"I'm fine Geralt. You don't have to worry about me."
"Then why you don't want to tell me what happened there?" Geralt looked straight into her eyes. He knew her too well.
Ciri stayed silent.
"Did he hurt you? I swear I'm gonna kick his ass if.."
She interrupted him. "No, he didn't." she paused. "At least not physically.. He was behaving like a moron. That's all."
"And this bothers you so much that you don't want to talk about it?" he raised his eyebrow. He didn't believe her.
"Yes, it bothers me." she raised her voice but then she realized that she said it loud. She sighed. "I thought he can change, I thought he is different.. but I was wrong." she said with disappointment.
"Yet he decided to save you your life." Geralt admitted. Yen clearly didn't tell her about Gabriel breakdown, neither the young witcher.
"Why are you defending him?" Ciri angrily crossed his arms.
"I'm not defending him. I just want to say that the change is not easy. Sometimes is even not possible. But if you're angry on him it means you've seen something in him. Something good. But he let you down.. that's why are you upset."
"Are you doing a therapy to me?"
"Maybe."
"Well, it calmed me down, so it must be helping." she snuggled closer to him and put her head on his shoulder.
"Yennefer has teach me well." he laughed a bit and caressed her back.
"It can be seen."
Geralt's face changed. "Everyone has wounds inside us Ciri.. but unfortunately some of them refuse to heal. Sometimes it takes time, but sometimes not even the time is enough."
"It still doesn't apologize his behavior." she said without emotions.
"No, it doesn't."
"I have a wounds too and I don't behave like an idiot." she pulled away from Geralt.
"To be honest I was also behaving like an idiot sometimes.." Geralt said with laughing.
"Stop defending him already." Ciri elbowed him into his ribs. "I'm trying to be serious." she laughed.
"Me too. I was just trying to say that people can change. But most of the time they need another person to help them with it. I wasn't the best person before I met Yen and look at me now. I've changed a lot. I'm a better man now." the witcher explained.
"You've had always been a good man Geralt." she looked at him.
"No, I wasn't. I've done a bad things which I still regret.. I hurt lot of people." Geralt smiled sadly. "But the past don't define us Ciri. The presence does. Always remember it." he caressed her hair.
"So, you're telling me I should give him another chance?" Ciri was confused but she didn't showed it on herself.
"Yes, you should."
"What if is not possible?"
"Anything is possible. You just have to believe in it." he smiled.
"After all my Yennefer gave me another chance when I broke her heart. She shouldn't have to do it but she did. She loved me despite my mistakes. And look how it worked." Geralt laughed a bit.
"But it also shouldn't.." Ciri said teasingly.
"Yeah, you're right. But there's always a risk when you put your trust in someone. But if you never try you never know."
"I think I'm gonna try it then. Like you said, we never know.." Ciri smiled.
"I'm proud of you." Geralt caught her hand. She squeezed it.
They were silent for a while.
Her head was resting on his shoulder and she was looking at the sunset. "What do you think it's up there?
"Where?"
"Behind the sun and all these beautiful colors. What do you think is there?"
"I think there's some kind of hope. I've never seen sunset I didn't like." Geralt laughed a bit.
She smiled at the sky. "What else?"
"Dreams. It's almost impossible to watch a sunset and not to dream." The witcher smiled, then his eyes got more softer. "But for me sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully."
"That's really nice what you said." Ciri raised her eyes on him and smiled.
"There is always a hope Ciri, always. Even if everything seems lost or dark. Where there is light, either from the sunset or sunrise, there is a hope." Geralt kissed her forehead. "Never forget on it."
"I'll try." She hugged him from the side. "Keep your eyes to the sun and you'll never see the shadows.."
"And may this sun shine upon you forever ." Geralt finished for her.
"By the way shouldn't have we meet Zoltan before the sunset? Because the sun is almost behind the mountains and he's still not here." Ciri said with laughing.
"The Dwarfs aren't very punctual." Geralt laughed. "He will be here for a while."
"Well then, do you have more profiteroles?"
"Don't you know me? I wouldn't buy just two.." the witcher said with laughing. He took his bag and gave her another profiterole.
They were waiting on the dwarf at least fifteen minutes when he showed himself with the big bag on his back.
"My favorite duo!" Zoltan told them when he spotted them.
"Finally. I thought you decided to run away with it." Geralt told him with smile.
"I may be a small yokel witcher, but I'm not a thief." Zoltan laughed when he stepped next to them. He shaked hand with Geralt, then he smiled at Ciri. "My lovely swallow. Every time I see you, you look more beautiful."
"Now you're exaggerating Zoltan." She almost threw himself into his arms. She hugged him tightly.
"I would never." He laughed. He pulled away from her and softly caught her face. "Look at you, the brave young woman who fears nothing." He caressed her face. "With heart worth of thousands."
Ciri smiled at him. "Did you come here to tell me compliments or to talk about swords?"
"For you my dear, I would do everything." the Dwarf told her kindly, then he looked at Geralt. "You couldn't get a bigger blessing into your life than her witcher."
"I know my friend." Geralt smiled proudly. "I'm grateful for it every day."
"Alright guys, that's enough of kind words about me for today because you're gonna make me cry." Ciri laughed. "And I don't want my face to look like a misery." She put her arms about their waist and pushed them forward. "I'm been waiting for it for three days. Have you found out something?"
"Oh, I have found and not just something. You found the legendary Elf's sword which is almost three hundred years old." Zoltan answered with excitement.
Geralt's eyes started shining. "Is it what I think is it?"
"Yes, it is. The Aerondight, the sword which was lost." He took down his bag from his back and put the sword on the wall in front of them.
Ciri's mouth almost fell down open. She has never seen more magnificent sword in her life. "What's so special about it?" She wanted to know everything.
"The Elfs which made this sword claimed that it's exceptional, the blade light, sharp as a razor which fits the hand neatly. The sword which has destiny of its own and only time will tell what that destiny is." Zoltan said with awe.
"Take this sword as a sign of my favour. Once the blade of a great warrior, it lay in the depths for ages, awaiting your arrival.." The witcher said thoughtfully.
"What does it mean?" Ciri didn't understand.
"Those were the words of Lady of the Lake. By the legend, the Lady of the Lake gave Aerondight to the king of Elder Elfs Jordanīr for his courage. He helped to fulfill her wishes. But after two years, Jordanīr was betrayed by his own commander in the battle between people and Elfs. He was killed and the Aerondight got lost. Since then has nobody found it.."
"Until now.." Ciri admitted.
"Until now." Geralt smiled.
"Well, who would know the history of relic swords better than the witcher himself." The dwarf smiled under his moustache. "I would listen to you the whole days Geralt!"
"Me too. Can you tell us more please?" Ciri did a puppy's eyes.
Geralt laughed. "Gladly, but we have different things to do for now. But maybe later with a cup of beer. What do you think?"
"I take you by a word." Ciri said with excitement.
"Fine, we have a deal." Geralt smiled. "Zoltan, and what about the second sword?" The witcher turned to him.
The Dwarf opened his bag and pulled up the sword, then he put it on the wall next to the Aerondight. "I don't know into how many lucky shits you two had to step into, but you my dear friends found another relic." Zoltan rubbed the blade of the second sword with his hand. After couple seconds the Runes appeared on it and it started shining.
Ciri narrowed her eyes and got surprised. "Zireael?"
"Exactly, my dear. In Elder Speech Zireael means Swallow, but as I see on your face you already know it." the Dwarf smiled.
"This can't be coincidence." Geralt wondered.
"You must both tell me how the hell you do it that you always do or find something special." Zoltan laughed.
"Believe me, you don't want to be in our skin. Most of the time we're in the certain death situations." Geralt answered with laughing.
Ciri took Zireael into her hand and slowly raised it in the air. She did couple of lunges with the sword and stopped. She didn't know why but for some reasons this sword felt so familiar to her. She turned around and noticed they were both smiling at her.
"What?" She gave them a confused look.
"The sword chose you Ciri. Look, the Runes are shining." Geralt told her proudly.
Ciri looked at the sword in her hand. The Runes were shining on blue. She raised her head. "It did shine before when Zolan rubbed it."
"Give it to me." The Dwarf smiled at her. Ciri gave him the sword and Zoltan took it into his hand. The Runes immediately stopped shining. "See? It's not working anymore."
Ciri looked confused at the sword.
"May I?" Geralt took the sword from Zoltan's hand, then raised it and twirled with it. "Still nothing." Geralt admitted.
"I don't understand." Ciri shake her head. "Why me?"
"You don't have to understand everything sweetheart. For some things in our life there is no explanation. Now all you need to know that you were chosen. The Zireael chose you and now it belongs to you." Zoltan told her kindly.
Ciri didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cry. This was something what she definitely didn't see coming.
Geralt gave her the sword and smiled. "May it serve you well Ciri." He smiled at her.
"Thank you." She tried to hold her tears. She has never got a sword like that. She has never had her own sword..
Geralt turned to Zoltan. He knew Ciri needed a time for herself to process what happened.
"Well, I wasn't expecting this treasure to be so rare." The witcher admitted.
"Those two swords are worth thousands of coins. If you would sell it, what I already know you won't as I know you, you would become a real richman." Zoltan laughed.
He looked at the Dwarf. "Interesting idea Zoltan, but you're right. I would be a fool if would sell the swords like these." Geralt said with laughing. "But what about those notes? What have you learned about them?"
"Well, those notes are the way from any misery. Any blacksmith would kill for knowledge of this technique.. and me as well."
Geralt got surprised. "I thought Yarpen was just exaggerating.."
"I don't know where he heard about it but with those notes he will be immortal. No one in Redania, if not in the whole Continent won't be able to create swords like that." Zoltan admitted sadly. The witcher noticed it.
"Take it Zoltan. You deserve it. You've helped us a lot." Geralt told him honestly.
"No, I can't accept it Geralt. This isn't for me, you promised it to Yarpen."
"I haven't promised him anything besides I will go to the Eleven Ruins." Geralt smiled.
"But.. what if he will be asking? What if he will find.."
The witcher interrupted him. "I want to give these notes to you. You deserve a good life Zoltan and those notes can arrange it. Your forge can be prospective and successful again. Yarpen wants to make swords for business, you wants to make swords because you love it and that's a huge difference."
Zoltan gave him nervous look. "But.."
"No but my friend." Geralt put his hand on his shoulder. "I give these notes to you and its only up to you, if you will share it with Yarpen or won't." Geralt smiled at him.
Zoltan looked at him with tears in his eyes. "Thank you Geralt. You're the man with a big heart." The Dwarf hugged him happily. "I won't ever forget what you did for me."
Geralt found Ciri's eyes while he was in hug with the Dwarf.
"I think it's time to go home. I was lost of words when you gave me the Zireael, but now you made me totally speechless." She smiled at him with tears covering her face. "And I don't know if I'm able to handle more right now." She laughed.
The witcher started smiling. "We all need the good things in our life sometimes I see.." he started laughing. They started laughing too. They were laughing not because it was funny what happened today but because they haven't laughed for such a long time because of something good..
Geralt quietly opened the door and entered inside. He noticed they were sleeping. He went towards the chair, he put down the swords, then the armor. He undressed his tunic and then went towards the bed. He lay down next to Yennefer and Jahve peacefully sleeping in her arms. He snuggled closer to her back and wrapped his arms around them.
He wished he could stay like this forever. Just being with his family without any killers behind their back, without any problems.. but he knew it wasn't possible. At least not for now. But he was willing to sacrifice everything to make it happen. To make their life normal and peaceful again. He was ready to kill anyone who wanted to hurt his family. And he will kill them.
He stopped thinking about it. He kissed Yennefer's cheek and then closed his eyes.
"I was waiting for you."
The witcher slowly opened his eyes and looked at her. "I told you I will come my love."
She turned her head towards him and caressed his face with her hand. "I know, but I won't be calm until I won't have you by my side here."
He lifted himself on his elbows. "Yen.." He softly moved her hair behind her ear. "You don't have to worry all the time about us."
"I can't stop it Geralt." Yennefer told him honestly. "Since I almost lost.." she paused. "I can't lose you or Ciri. I wouldn't survive it Geralt.."
"You won't lose us." He caressed her face. "Nothing will happen to us. I promise you."
"Please, don't promise me this witcher." She caught his hand on her face and squeezed it. "Don't promise me things which are not only into your hands. I beg you."
"Are you really alright Yen?" Geralt asked her worried. He knew she wasn't alright since the expedition but he wanted to hear it from her. He wanted her to say it loud so she can start healing her broken heart. She was acting strong in front everyone longer than he expected she will be.
She was silent for a while. "No, I'm not.." the tear rolled down her face. Geralt snuggled closer to her and hugged her tightly.
Then she started crying. "I'm not alright Geralt.."
"It's okay, Yen.. Let it out. Let everything out." Geralt was caressing her arms. He knew she needed it.
Yennefer started sobbing. Three days of holding pain and fear inside of her got out in that moment.
"I was so scared Geralt.." She told him while crying. "I was so scared.."
"I know you were my love. I was too." He kissed her forehead.
She started crying more.
"It's okay now." Geralt caressed her hair. "Everything is okay."
Suddenly Jahve woke up. "Mummy?" Jahve turned to her with sleepy eyes. "What happened?
Yennefer came back to mind and calmed down a bit. "I'm sorry I woke you up my little angel."
"Mummy, why are you crying?" He said with tiny voice.
"Don't worry about me darling." Yennefer smiled at him through tears and caressed his face.
Jahve snuggled closer to her. "Don't cry mum." He wiped away her tears with his small hand. "Your face will be not pretty then." He raised his eyes on Geralt. "Dad, tell her she should not cry anymore."
"I always tell her that." Geralt smiled.
"See? Even daddy agrees with me." Jahve gave Yennefer a beautiful smile and then hugged her firmly.
Yennefer in that moment started crying again. But now it was tears of joy not a sorrow. "What would I do without you both.." She kissed Jahve's hair and pushed him closer to her arms. "What would I do without my family.."
Geralt caressed Jahve's hair and then he wrapped his arms around them again and pushed them closer to him. He will never let them go. Never..
"Everything will be okay." He told them. Then he kissed Yennefer's forehead. "I promise."