[ There was some deliberation, whether he wanted to track her down unannounced or reach out first. In the end, not wanting to corner her, he decides on the latter.
[ Ooh, any other time that might be an invitation for something enticing. But, she knew better. ]
I can be at my cottage in 10 minutes or we can meet at the coven. Depending on your needs.
[ She's not completely ruling anything out given their dynamic, but her cottage might also be an option if privacy is needed for something more serious. ]
[ Geralt doesn't need to think twice. Privacy is the choice. ]
The cottage.
[ He's already making his way there. (Yeah, the flowers are still in his fucking hair, but he'll be ignoring that for this conversation). Someone else might have rehearsed how they might say it; for Geralt, that's just not how he operates. His mind is only on avoiding another fight about the wish. They've already gone through it once. Twice, even. They don't need to circle it yet another time.
The city is lit up for the night as he approaches her cottage. He knocks on her door. Lesson's been learned from their last conversation in the garden. He's taking this one indoors. ]
[ In another life, the request for privacy might've sparked some far off worry. But, she never knew what to expect when it came to Geralt, so it was better to not demand anything upfront when it came to information. At least not until he had a chance to either speak or put his foot in his mouth.
So, she doesn't respond, assuming he understands she'll see him there. The door to the kitchen is open for whenever he arrives, Yennefer pouring herself a glass of wine just in case this conversation isn't going to be a pleasant one. She could've made tea, but tea was often an invitation to stay -- and that wasn't something she was certain would be extended yet. ]
[ Passing through the garden brings back...memories. Recent ones. Good and bad. There's no trace of the trail of blood he'd left behind that night, just blooming lilacs and gooseberries. A flowering pathway.
He steps into her kitchen to find her waiting. He takes her in for a moment, glass of wine in hand. For his part, he remains standing. Just a feeling, that he won't be staying long, regardless of how this goes. ]
You were right. About if we were to bond. The wish, it complicates that. [ Approaching topics delicately is not his strong suit. Nor is leading into them to soften the landing. After a second, he simply continues, ] Jaskier has offered. I accepted.
[ If Yennefer was good at a single thing, it was cleaning up other people’s messes. It was just a matter of whether it was her choice or not. And this had been her choice at the end of the day. She could have left him in the woods or taken him back to his apartment to recover, but she’d invited him back into her home, thereby taking on whatever that meant.
He doesn’t waste time dropping bombs on her and she just stares for a long moment, almost frozen in time. She isn’t sure if she should laugh or gods, anything else. ]
So you recognize that bonding would be complicated by the wish and still move forward with bonding knowing full well you could be endangering Jaskier.
[ It’s not a question. She chuckles, the sound hollow as she brings the cup to her lips. The sweet wine is bitter on her tongue, her mood soured further than it had been at the beginning of her day. ]
I would say I suppose congratulations might be in order, but I guess I need to try and make a miracle happen so the bard doesn’t potentially suffer any ill effects should I fail.
[ The air practically freezes between them. Is he surprised? No. But the suggestion that he's done it with no regard to Jaskier needles him more than it should. His friendship with the bard isn't one he speaks of often. To most, he hardly acknowledges it even exists. It doesn't mean he doesn't give a shit about him. ]
As does Jaskier. [ The implication is there: Jaskier knows the danger. And the reason for why that danger exists. As much as Geralt shares Yennefer's desire to have no one else involved in this thing between them, Jaskier became involved the moment Geralt sank his teeth into his arm and nearly tore it off. ] Do you think I didn't endanger him that night? Or you? Half the fucking city? [ He's quiet. He didn't come here to burden her with Jaskier's fate nor to debate the decision he's made. The wish is a potential risk. His turning is a certainty. Beyond the danger he poses to others, the way he'd lost himself entirely --
Few things scare him. But that does. He doesn't quite admit it out loud, but the closest he'll come is here, right now, with her. ] The full moon returns in two weeks. I'd prefer to see it through with my mind intact.
[ Given Geralt’s reaction to Jaskier’s injury, she recognizes that Jaskier holds some significance -- even unsaid. And because he’s important to Geralt, whether he says it out loud or not, is why she’s not thrilled with the idea of dragging the bard deeper into their mess. It feels like Geralt just put Jaskier’s life in her hands and she couldn’t find a quick fix. She barely holds back a verbal barb about him at least surviving going feral, but she’s upset. Even if she doesn’t fully show it. ]
Then I wish you both the best. I’ll continue to work on finding a solution to the wish so I don’t take both you and now Jaskier down with me should I fail.
[ Because, truly, what is running through her mind is Geralt’s priorities. He put himself first and she’d stupidly been trying to help both of them when really, she also needed to be selfish. It was at least the Bard’s assumption about her, even if things had changed due to Sodden -- images and emotions always lingering in the back of her mind. It might be more self-serving to find a way to sever, at least temporarily, anything akin to a bond. Check with the Coven and see if there’s anything they offer to someone suffering ill effects of bonds when one part dies or leaves. Yennefer drains what’s left in her glass, already over this conversation. She has work to do, now with a much tighter timeline. ]
Anything else you wish to tell me while we’re in such a sharing mood?
[ She must know how he feels about the reminder that she's on borrowed time. Whether or not this is true, Geralt can't help but feel like that's why she keeps bringing it up at the most opportune times. It's an unfair accusation, if he stops to deeply consider it, but his mood is not particularly forgiving at the moment. He'd come here to tell her not to upset her but because she deserves to know and because he wants her to know that despite his reservations for reasons that both include and go beyond the wish -- despite the fact that it's her he had thought of bonding with -- he has chosen Jaskier to prevent what happened that night from fucking happening again.
Of course, her mind is entrenched on the complications of the wish. He can't blame her. Not really. And yet it digs under his skin, what feels like her suggestion that she's the only one who gives a fuck about their fates. As if the wish is the only meddling force he should be thinking about. Between this land's imposed curse and prophecies and Destiny, he should only be so lucky to have one damn wish weighing on him.
Besides. He's aware that no matter what he does, whether bonding, going feral, the wish, returning for his Child Surprise, the fault of it will always fall on him. He won't deny his mistakes. But he's learned not to leave difficult choices in others' hands, too. ]
No. [ He answers simply. It's a good thing he hasn't made himself comfortable, already one foot out the door as it is. ] Do as you will. You always have.
[ On the off chance she has more to say, Geralt doesn't linger to hear it. He leaves, letting the door shut behind him. ]
[ She doesn't say anything as he leaves, knowing he most likely needs to have the last word right now. Besides, there's nothing constructive she could add that wouldn't pull them deeper into an argument. She wasn't in the mood to get nasty right now, not when he'd already given her so much to process. Besides, the fight was just going to be about one of a few rotating topics that always come up between them.
Yennefer would rather save her breath and energy for something that wasn't a complete waste of her energy. And maybe right now Geralt as a whole fell into the waste of energy category. She didn't want to fight every time they saw each other and she had no interest in seeing him freshly bonded with his bard. So it was time to avoid him until the Wish was resolved one way or another.
And if this was a goodbye, even temporarily... Then so be it. ]
I was unable to locate any solid information regarding curse removal from anyone beyond the mirrors. There was not much information available regarding native curses either, but that may be on purpose.
Recommended next steps. 1. Speaking to Coven natives who may have information on the curses and removals that naturally occur here. 2. Begin to explore and develop a study for mirrorbound related curses - likely will still require step 1. 3. Research like spell work natural to this world with the same end result as curse and see how such matters are attended to/removed.
Available to speak in person if you'd like and willing to help with further devleopment.
Thank you for taking the time to look into this. I fear time is a bit too limited to go through the more conventional means, so I might have to take a more creative path towards a solution.
[ Because while ultimately dying may be the most extreme form of a solution, she’d prefer to choose an option that held less of an emotional impact to her, Geralt, and now Jaskier. ]
That said, if you have any unconventional solutions, I am open to listening if you’d like to meet in person.
[ Because she’s already low on ideas that aren’t drastic. ]
In her mailbox, Yennefer will find a small festively-decorated bag of freshly baked snacks, including brownie bites, apple chips, mini gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark.
Attached is a postcard-sized watercolor painting of a slightly tidier version of her cottage's living area in a decent amount of detail, with a neatly handwritten message on the back:
[On the day of the holiday, a plate of homemade cookies and a sample of herbal tea mysteriously appears on her doorstep. The wrapping is decorated with a fresh lily flower (actually a Fae magic product, designed to fade away from existence in a few hours) and a ribbon. The attached handwritten note reads as follows:]
Happy Modranicht! Let’s have another great year here in Aefenglom!
[His voice starts out a bit quieter than usual, but there is definitely a noise of fumbling.]
Can't believe I've been relegated to relying on this stupid -- [Jaskier clears his throat.] Hello? Hello? Yennefer, yes, hi. It's Jaskier. [Clearly.] As inclined as I am to think you'll ignore this, I feel it's important. I'm being very serious. [His tone is even. It's Very Serious.] I've sent a letter to Geralt as well. Between the -- the dream thing, and Geralt's invitation to your lovely home, I believe we need to meet and talk. All three of us. First.
[A moment of quiet as he picks his next words.] It's not an ultimatum, of course, but... you know, I'd appreciate it, if you agree.
[ She already doesn't enjoy getting calls, but this is unexpected. The fact that Jaskier is being serious at first is alarming, but once context is given... Well, it's unavoidable at this point. ]
Er, considering I feel Geralt already walking down the hall... I don't suppose you're busy right now, are you? The sooner, the better. [And the less time for either of them to try to get out of it. Mature immortals -- or old-enough-to-be-so, indeed.] Before there's any more oh-too-pleasant dreams.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text [backdated to aug. 14]
Even if it means fiddling with this damn watch. ]
I need to see you.
no subject
I can be at my cottage in 10 minutes or we can meet at the coven. Depending on your needs.
[ She's not completely ruling anything out given their dynamic, but her cottage might also be an option if privacy is needed for something more serious. ]
no subject
The cottage.
[ He's already making his way there. (Yeah, the flowers are still in his fucking hair, but he'll be ignoring that for this conversation). Someone else might have rehearsed how they might say it; for Geralt, that's just not how he operates. His mind is only on avoiding another fight about the wish. They've already gone through it once. Twice, even. They don't need to circle it yet another time.
The city is lit up for the night as he approaches her cottage. He knocks on her door. Lesson's been learned from their last conversation in the garden. He's taking this one indoors. ]
no subject
So, she doesn't respond, assuming he understands she'll see him there. The door to the kitchen is open for whenever he arrives, Yennefer pouring herself a glass of wine just in case this conversation isn't going to be a pleasant one. She could've made tea, but tea was often an invitation to stay -- and that wasn't something she was certain would be extended yet. ]
no subject
He steps into her kitchen to find her waiting. He takes her in for a moment, glass of wine in hand. For his part, he remains standing. Just a feeling, that he won't be staying long, regardless of how this goes. ]
You were right. About if we were to bond. The wish, it complicates that. [ Approaching topics delicately is not his strong suit. Nor is leading into them to soften the landing. After a second, he simply continues, ] Jaskier has offered. I accepted.
no subject
He doesn’t waste time dropping bombs on her and she just stares for a long moment, almost frozen in time. She isn’t sure if she should laugh or gods, anything else. ]
So you recognize that bonding would be complicated by the wish and still move forward with bonding knowing full well you could be endangering Jaskier.
[ It’s not a question. She chuckles, the sound hollow as she brings the cup to her lips. The sweet wine is bitter on her tongue, her mood soured further than it had been at the beginning of her day. ]
I would say I suppose congratulations might be in order, but I guess I need to try and make a miracle happen so the bard doesn’t potentially suffer any ill effects should I fail.
no subject
As does Jaskier. [ The implication is there: Jaskier knows the danger. And the reason for why that danger exists. As much as Geralt shares Yennefer's desire to have no one else involved in this thing between them, Jaskier became involved the moment Geralt sank his teeth into his arm and nearly tore it off. ] Do you think I didn't endanger him that night? Or you? Half the fucking city? [ He's quiet. He didn't come here to burden her with Jaskier's fate nor to debate the decision he's made. The wish is a potential risk. His turning is a certainty. Beyond the danger he poses to others, the way he'd lost himself entirely --
Few things scare him. But that does. He doesn't quite admit it out loud, but the closest he'll come is here, right now, with her. ] The full moon returns in two weeks. I'd prefer to see it through with my mind intact.
no subject
Then I wish you both the best. I’ll continue to work on finding a solution to the wish so I don’t take both you and now Jaskier down with me should I fail.
[ Because, truly, what is running through her mind is Geralt’s priorities. He put himself first and she’d stupidly been trying to help both of them when really, she also needed to be selfish. It was at least the Bard’s assumption about her, even if things had changed due to Sodden -- images and emotions always lingering in the back of her mind. It might be more self-serving to find a way to sever, at least temporarily, anything akin to a bond. Check with the Coven and see if there’s anything they offer to someone suffering ill effects of bonds when one part dies or leaves. Yennefer drains what’s left in her glass, already over this conversation. She has work to do, now with a much tighter timeline. ]
Anything else you wish to tell me while we’re in such a sharing mood?
no subject
Of course, her mind is entrenched on the complications of the wish. He can't blame her. Not really. And yet it digs under his skin, what feels like her suggestion that she's the only one who gives a fuck about their fates. As if the wish is the only meddling force he should be thinking about. Between this land's imposed curse and prophecies and Destiny, he should only be so lucky to have one damn wish weighing on him.
Besides. He's aware that no matter what he does, whether bonding, going feral, the wish, returning for his Child Surprise, the fault of it will always fall on him. He won't deny his mistakes. But he's learned not to leave difficult choices in others' hands, too. ]
No. [ He answers simply. It's a good thing he hasn't made himself comfortable, already one foot out the door as it is. ] Do as you will. You always have.
[ On the off chance she has more to say, Geralt doesn't linger to hear it. He leaves, letting the door shut behind him. ]
no subject
Yennefer would rather save her breath and energy for something that wasn't a complete waste of her energy. And maybe right now Geralt as a whole fell into the waste of energy category. She didn't want to fight every time they saw each other and she had no interest in seeing him freshly bonded with his bard. So it was time to avoid him until the Wish was resolved one way or another.
And if this was a goodbye, even temporarily... Then so be it. ]
A note
Recommended next steps.
1. Speaking to Coven natives who may have information on the curses and removals that naturally occur here.
2. Begin to explore and develop a study for mirrorbound related curses - likely will still require step 1.
3. Research like spell work natural to this world with the same end result as curse and see how such matters are attended to/removed.
Available to speak in person if you'd like and willing to help with further devleopment.
Sincerely,
Adrian Tepes
no subject
[ Because while ultimately dying may be the most extreme form of a solution, she’d prefer to choose an option that held less of an emotional impact to her, Geralt, and now Jaskier. ]
That said, if you have any unconventional solutions, I am open to listening if you’d like to meet in person.
[ Because she’s already low on ideas that aren’t drastic. ]
no subject
sorry for the delay - I can put something together for them or handwave - let me know
if you want we can just continue here? i'm technically hiatus this month but would love to keep on
no subject
modranicht
Attached is a postcard-sized watercolor painting of a slightly tidier version of her cottage's living area in a decent amount of detail, with a neatly handwritten message on the back:
Happy Holidays
- Ferran
Modranicht gift
Happy Modranicht! Let’s have another great year here in Aefenglom!
M⚜️
voice; dated to some point after the Sodden dream
Can't believe I've been relegated to relying on this stupid -- [Jaskier clears his throat.] Hello? Hello? Yennefer, yes, hi. It's Jaskier. [Clearly.] As inclined as I am to think you'll ignore this, I feel it's important. I'm being very serious. [His tone is even. It's Very Serious.] I've sent a letter to Geralt as well. Between the -- the dream thing, and Geralt's invitation to your lovely home, I believe we need to meet and talk. All three of us. First.
[A moment of quiet as he picks his next words.] It's not an ultimatum, of course, but... you know, I'd appreciate it, if you agree.
voice;
Fine. How soon do you wish to have this talk?
voice;
no subject