#𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄 ⟫ Syanna

[starwrittenfates]

@wanderingwolfwitcher continued from X

His words seemed to calm her. So far, it seemed, he had no issue with knowing she was one of the girls cursed under a Black Sun. Syanna noted how he didn't even flinch, nor look at her with fear or distrust. And was that sympathy? She knew she shouldn't be surprised since he was a Witcher and had faced worse monsters, but yet, there was something about it that made her feel warm. It made her feel...human. And it was a difference she welcomed. "Be careful, Eskel, I may just end up falling for you." She said playfully, chuckling.

Syanna beckoned her horse to continue following once he informed her of a mountain cavern up ahead. Glancing upon it, she nodded. Sure, it wasn't ideal, but it was better than nothing. "I don't mind it. I've been in far worse too, but I'd rather be here than around false knights who don't honor their code. That's another story...let me help you set up camp."

[starwrittenfates]

When he grabbed her wrist, Syanna gasped a little, not from hurt, but surprise. While she expected him to pull away or maybe do something like that, she didn't expect him to be so...gentle. He was still clearly mad, and rightfully so. She knew what she did and all the damage that had been done. While things could be repaired with her sister, it seemed it wouldn't be so easy with Dettlaff.

At his words, she sighed, pulling her wrist back softly so as to listen to his wish. "Yes we did, but I was the one who started it. I was so caught up in the past..." she paused, not wishing to go down that road again. It didn't help to toil in things she couldn't change.

Remembering her reasoning for being here, for trying to do better and what led her into his path again, Syanna reached into her pocket, pulling out a piece of paper that had the sketch of a girl wanted for crimes. "For all I know, this girl is probably either already dead or long gone from here. However, it doesn't change the fact that I won't let any girl born under a black sun go through the terrors and horrors I did ever again. They aren't monsters...they are just girls who are treated as such."

Dettlaff listened intently, trying his hardest to see things from her perspective. She did have a point. How could you learn kindness and to care for others if all you get is cruelty? He knew things were always more complex than he'd like to think. He knew too well that humans could be deceitful and cruel. Not all of them were like that though and things weren't always black and white. It was frustrating. Despite all of it, it didn't really excuse any of the things she did. It's not like she never had anyone at all. Her sister had been good to her and Dettlaff himself had tried his best to show her love. It wasn't always easy for him either, yet he wanted to give it a shot.

That's why her betrayal hurt so much. He had tried to open himself up to her and she seemed to accept him. Dettlaff had shown her the more vulnerable side of himself, one very few got to see. He took a risk and got disappointed. Disappointment an understatement. He got hurt in a way he never wanted to and she made him feel guilty for opening up. It hurt a little when she said that he was the first person to really care. That's how it felt for him too in a way. Syanna had been the first human who really accepted him.

The touch on his cheek almost made him step back, yet he didn't move an inch. Her touch used to grant him comfort once. Then it made him feel rage. Now he felt...he wasn't sure. The anger was there somewhere, but drowned by something else. It was a strange longing. He had really missed being close to someone. He really did miss her more than he'd like to admit. Or was it just companionship in general? For a moment, he almost leaned into her touch, but he stopped himself. Instead he took her wrist and slowly lowered her arm. It wasn't in an aggressive manner at all. His touch was gentle, like he was scared to harm her. "Don't do that." he murmured, letting go of her. His voice was unusually soft. It almost sounded like a whimper. Talking to her about everything was strangely cathartic. It made him wish his rage didn't take over when he found out about everything. Maybe things could have been different if they would have listened to each other. He let out a sigh before looking down at her with a defeated expression. "We really made a mess out of it all, didn't we?"

[starwrittenfates]

✨𝐈𝐍𝐁𝐎𝐗 —@dcvium ↳ ❝ We all do our share of murdering around here, don’t we? ❞ - For Syanna

The statement takes her by surprise as she sits in a tavern, having chosen the perfectly secluded corner so she could blend into the shadows, not wanting to be seen or found. And yet...she seems to have gotten the attention of someone. The noblewoman lets out a sigh, putting on a facade that showed she did not care--- that it did not reach her at her core. ❝ That's a pretty bold statement to make. ❞

She soon brushes it off with a smile, introducing herself. ❝ I'm Syanna. What's your name my strange friend? ❞

[starwrittenfates]

@wanderingwolfwitcher continued from X

Syanna couldn't help but smile at the fact they were finally clear of Toussaint. Even if it happened to be her home and she did care for it, there was nothing but bad memories associated with it. The only thing that was keeping her to Beauclair now was her dear little sister. But if Syanna had it her way...she'd stay away from it all together.

"Growing up into a life of luxury and comforts isn't all it's made out to be. Simple living is the way to go." She had learned that from experience herself. Raising an eyebrow, she glanced at him. "So...the Blue Mountains? I'm curious-- besides what your destiny is, can you remember anything about your life before becoming a Witcher?"

If anything, Syanna was starting to become more intrigued over her current companion. Eskel was like a breath of fresh air to her, someone who seemed to share similarities with her and didn't lose themselves in things like fairytales, knights or curses. It was something she welcomed happily.

[starwrittenfates]

"People usually expect the worst from me, so I've made sure to not disappoint them," Syanna said with a bitter tone. Life was difficult, having grown up born under the Curse of the Black Sun. Usually she wouldn't have told any stranger not from Toussaint her secret, but she seemed to trust this witcher. "Do you think I'm a monster as well?"

@catofblaviken liked for a starter with Syanna!

[starwrittenfates]

✨ 𝐈𝐍𝐁𝐎𝐗 // @minediamonds — spotify wrapped starter call. ↳ “All By Myself” by Lexxi Saal (for Renfri)

❝ I don't want to be all by myself. ❞ Syanna said, knowing she could trust in Renfri with this vulnerable truth she was admitting. Despite being born into nobility, life was not easy if you had just happen to have been born under a black sun with everyone thinking you were cursed.

Even if she acted as though she were perfectly fine being alone, the truth was...Syanna wanted the company. She wanted everything she had been denied while growing up as a child. Affection...

[starwrittenfates]

@realmyths said: ❛ I was attacked — had to defend myself. ❜ ~Renfri for Syanna

"Hey, it's okay. You did what you had to." Syanna said, glancing at the blood now covered on Renfir's hands. She knelt down towards her, offering a small and understanding smile before giving her a hand to help her up off the ground. "I think the man was a criminal after all, so it's not so bad, but still...we need to be more careful. We may draw more of the wrong attention and that's the last thing we want."

[starwrittenfates]

She knew they would have to address this sooner or later...and it just happened to be sooner. Syanna bit her lip, giving a sigh. She couldn't run from this. No anymore. "There is no good explanation, nor justification I can give you for it because...it is the truth." Her voice became shaky. "I wanted to hurt you. I wanted so much to make you feel the pain that I had felt for years all because I thought you had wished me gone too. Everyone picked on me just because I happened to be unlucky with being born under a cursed Black Sun... It gave the perfect excuse to get rid of me. With me out of the way, you could assend to the throne and continue to be our parents favorite (and only) child."

Syanna paused, looking down at the ground, unable to hold back tears that fell from her eyes in frustration and betrayal. "They even left me out of the Toussaint Royal records, acting like I never even existed...so yes, there was a part of me that wished your demise. But...there was also a part of me that always missed my dear little sister, Anareitta..."

The spoiled naive side of the Duchess wished to know all who looked such a way at her dear sister and punish them all...she would certainly should it be more than looks but for now she would hold back on such rash behaviors...even if they came from protectiveness. "I understand...after all, I do not know how to process you wishing my demise." She spoke softly, letting it sit in the air studying her sister with calm blue eyes for her reaction. Syanna could confirm or deny it still. Anarietta would probably go along with either narrative. Anarietta felt for her sister's pain, but to wish something upon her like that. She could not even imagine wishing the same of Syanna.

[starwrittenfates]

At first, the strange man had caught her eyes. He was oddly dressed and seemed to stand out like a sore thumb. The last thing Syanna needed right now was to have someone draw attention and alert the palace guards to her direction. She had already been in enough trouble without someone else causing it.

However, the moment she noticed his fangs, Syanna instantly took out her sword, pointing at his throat. "I know what you are. You can't fool me, vampire!" Was he one of Dettlaff's old friends, come here to finish his revenge on her? "Did Dettlaff send you?"

Her blue eyes narrowed at him, piercing like a dagger. "What do you want with Geralt?"

Not Here For You (Am I?)

(Closed starter with @starwrittenfates for Tolaas and Syanna)

He stood outside the palace gates, staring into the eyes of a strikingly beautiful woman, who, unfortunately, had a sword to his throat. The moment she saw his fangs she drew down on him. Pretty damned fast, too. Most people who saw his fangs became intrigued and wanted to know more. Not the raven-haired beauty in front of him right now.

Now, Tolaas very easily could have disarmed her. But he didn't want to upset her even more, and possibly get accidentally stabbed. He'd been stabbed before, he didn't like it.

"Uh, darlin'... I ain't here fer you? I don't even know who ya are... I'm here lookin' fer Geralt. Someone told me he lived in Toussaint, in a very nice villa er whatever... someone else told me I could find him by goin' ta the palace... so, here I am."

With a finger, Tolaas began to gently push her sword away from his neck. "I swear ta ya... I'm just lookin' fer Geralt."

[starwrittenfates]

When he starts mentioning her past mistakes and regrets, it hits Syanna at her core, feeling as though a sword had been stabbed through her, but she won't fight against it or argue. In fact, she'll give Eskel that one. It's well deserved. She knows she's done wrong. She messed up and could have done things differently, but either way, the only thing she was stuck with now was the regrets of it all and trying to not repeat the history of it ever again.

She had to do better and be better.

"I seemed to learn that too late. It's not easy being consumed by revenge. You think you know best at the time, as though it is the only solution to your problems. That it will help take the pain away for good...but it doesn't. You only end up losing yourself more and the pain only grows." She pauses, sighing. "I don't want to be that person ever again. I just...I want to help other girls like me and prevent anyone else from experiencing the horrors I did. I've realized now that my efforts are better served trying to save them and breaking the cycle. If only I realized that sooner...but here we are."

Eskel took his time by the fire, savoring the meal and drink, even if it wasn't up to his usual preferences. Food was food, wherever one found it, a Witcher wasn't picky. When she spoke on the matter of her ex, he knew at once to whom she was referring, contemplating the matter silently. Something he knew would have to be acknowledged at some point. The Higher Vampire Dettlaff, who had razed Beauclair with a horde of Vampires, before being brought down by Geralt and Regis. The latter having to live the rest of his life despised and ostracized by his fellows, no less than how a Witcher had to live on the Path... all on account of the noblewoman's ambitions and manipulations. Her only punishment being a golden prison. Not having the courage to seek her own revenge by her own hand, instead trying to use another for the deed. Countless dead as a result of her actions. He was of the mind that if one wanted something done, they were supposed to do it themselves. He had made his own mistakes with Deidre, which ended up in many folk dead... but at least he could say he did it out of inaction, instead of active manipulations or ambitions. He had not intended anyone to suffer or die over it, had thought he was making the right decision to protect the Princess... Sylvia Anna on the other hand must have known she was gambling with other lives, actively doing what she had. Of course, the matter of Stregobor and Eltibald was liable to end up similarly, if hopefully less destructively. At last, finding his grim words and thoughts on the matter, the Witcher's deep, calm voice spoke up again, glowing viper eyes turning from the fire and looking back at her sapphire pair, speaking to her again gradually.

"Reckon so. Known my share of Bruxa over the years, hunting them and otherwise. Plenty of their bites on my neck to show for it. Heard tell you had an eye for Nosferatu yourself. Didn't go over so well, last time. Who would have thought attempting to manipulate a true Higher Vampire could end in anything other than disaster? Well... besides a Witcher, of course. Pity you didn't meet me first. Could have taught you plenty of useful lessons, without anyone having to learn them the hard way. Revenge tends to involve gambling with more lives than your own and the target of your revenge. Quite possible innocents will die when we come for Stregobor's head. Likely, knowing him. What he would do to survive in his comfortable tower. That's why we'll be doing our damnedest to prevent it. Limit deaths. Enough suffering in the world as it is, and it's always the innocent who pay the highest price, get caught up in the matters that don't involve them."

@starwrittenfates

[starwrittenfates]

Every time she hears of Nazair, it brings a painful jab to her heart along with a bunch of memories of the past. The first time she joined her old gang. The first time she met Dettlaff. That moment when she had started calling herself Rhenawedd (Queen's Child) because at that point Syanna and Sylvia were considered dead anyway.

Even if she had been making a wonderful step in healing and moving onto a better direction with her life now, the past would always have a way to come back and remind her of all she had suffered and endured.

Syanna finished her meal, turning towards the Witcher with a melancholy look on her face. ❝ I have no doubt places like Attre or even Nazair would have better cooking anyway. I spent quite sometime there. It's uh...it where I met my ex for the first time too. ❞ She tries to force a smile to her face. ❝ Guess you'll have to keep an eye out for vampire's, huh? ❞

It was crazy she was getting nostalgic over it all now. Syanna tried to shake it off as a product of having a long journey and needing some sleep.

Eskel looked up to the door and remained silent where he sat by the fireplace, viper eyes studying the servant... nodding and smiling to her appreciatively, for all the good it did. He heard her quickened heartbeat as clear as day, especially when she looked back at him. After providing their meal, she quickly departed... and while Sylvia Anna brought in the food and handed him his portion, thanking the dark haired beauty, the Witcher rose from the fireplace and went to the now closed door. Reaching it, he locked it up and rose his hand, casting Quen and Yrden Signs upon it... in case anyone got any bad ideas about trying to surprise them in the night. Wouldn't be the first time it happened, fools had tried. Her royal papers might offer some protection, but would likely be a lure to others, thinking them wealthy and wanting to steal from them. Or they might simply want to rid themselves of a Witcher in the night, be it a lynching or city guards arriving. He wasn't about to be the first Witcher to die in his bed, especially not at the hands of simpletons. He would sooner take the Long Walk through Dol Dhu Lokke at the height of its infestation and encounter the Viy of Meribor, or through the dark forests of Malleore in which the demonic, insectoid Ruehin lurked to this day. Proper ways for a Witcher to perish. When he was done warding up the door, at her voice, he chuckled under his breath, returning to his seat by the fire to sample the meal for himself. She was quite right, it was no Blue Mountain Stew or Toussaint Crayfish Chowder. Even so, he wasn't picky, couldn't afford to be, it was decent enough, would tide them over at least. The Witcher's deep, amused voice agreed with the Black Sun noblewoman between further bites.

"Blue Mountain cooking can't be beat... even in sophisticated Nilfgaardian territory, it seems. Though Lady de Trastamara back in Corvo Bianco probably has me beat, there. Cooking should only be done by those who care about it. No matter, should tide us over until dawn. Maybe we'll have better luck cuisine wise in Nazair and Attre. I know Kovir and Poviss definitely will have it, but that's a ways off yet."

@starwrittenfates

[starwrittenfates]

Just as she felt she was about to fall asleep, a knock sounded at the door, making her get up from where she had been resting on her bed. A servant greeted them when she opened the door, handing her the food that appeared to be stew of some sort. And with that, Syanna bid them goodbye, handing Eskel his portion.

The noblewoman sat back down on her bed, trying a small sip of it. She frowned a little. ❝ Isn't as great as the one you made, but what can you expect? They probably don't cook from the heart like you do. ❞

It was now only a matter of time to know if the servants would try anything or not. Did they believe her story, or had her sister already informed everyone to be on the lookout over here? Either way, she knew they wouldn't do anything too stupid or reckless.

Eskel hung back once they were inside, letting Sylvia Anna tend to the matter. The royal sign she showed the owner seemed to go over well enough, no questions asked... even so, he saw all the looks he received, heard the whispers they didn't know his senses could detect clearly. The heightened heart beats of the workers and patrons alike. Murmurs of curiosity what a royal like her was doing travelling with a Witcher of all things. Even so, none of them came right out and accosted either of them... as likely would have happened in the North, regardless of what documents she carried. The citizens of the Nilfgaardian Empire tended to be a more subtle and orderly bunch, even their lower classes. Likely they would be waiting for permission from the local guards to run them out of town... all the more reason not to stay longer than an evening, in case they saw through the royal ruse, and word or Knights came from Toussaint. When she returned with the key, speaking to him and leading the way through the inn and to their room upstairs, he nodded and followed suit, glancing at other patrons who quickly averted their eyes. Pretending they hadn't been looking or whispering... whispers that returned the moment the pair was moving upstairs. At her words, his marred visage smiled faintly, and her uttered a slight chuckle, deep voice murmuring back to Syanna with some wry amusement.

"Sounds like a plan, Red Riding Hood. Would say we've earned supper and rest for a day. If this were an inn of the Northern Realms, you could forget about room service. We would probably have to share a bed as well. Possibly even pretend to be married, depending on the owner. Suppose superior conditions don't always mean better. Funny, that."

The Witcher scanned the interior of the room upon its opening, watching the noblewoman move inside at once and settle down on one of the comfortable looking beds, before entering himself, closing and locking the door behind them. His viper eyes studied the room again more closely, and the difference in quality was certainly noticeable, compared to the tavern and inn rooms he tended to be used to, on the Path. He was about to magically ward up the door with sealing Signs and trap ones, out of force of habit, but stopped himself and remembered food would be delivered to them soon. It would have to wait until afterwards, when nobody had cause to arrive and disturb them. In the meantime, he would settle in and wait. Removing and hanging up his cloak and saddle bags, he went over to take a seat before the fireplace. Then he took the time to place some spare wood near the hearth into it, before raising a hand, arranging his fingers, concentrating and casting an Igni Sign, lighting the wood up in an instant flash of magical fire, heat gradually moving its way throughout the room. Drawing a relaxed breath, he remained where he was, leaning back in a chair by the fireplace, studying the flames' flickering depths and waiting in silence for their supper, not yet removing any of his weapons, equipment, armor or clothing. No sense in getting comfortable, until he had good reason to be... especially not until he had warded up the door.

@starwrittenfates

[starwrittenfates]

Syanna nodded, agreeing to take care of these matters. The noblewoman walked into the tavern, approaching the barkeep. She spoke with them, getting them a room, paying for it and even making sure they would keep secret that they had been through here, showing the royal sign she'd stolen from her sister for safe passage. If anything, it would also help her get them a better room and wonderful service and hopefully not have anyone bat an eye at Eskel.

Not too long after, she came back out, winking at her witcher companion with victory. ❝ Come along my dear huntsman. I got us a room, and don't worry, you'll have your own bed. As for dinner, it will be up shortly, so let's go in and make ourselves at home. ❞

Her body ached after the journey they had. She couldn't wait to get into a bed and have some wine. Even if this was starting to take a little bit of a toll on her, Syanna knew the end result would be worth it. And besides, she had gained some wonderful company in the form of Eskel.

With a motion, she led him through the tavern and upstairs, using the key to open the door to what would be their room for the night. Spotting one of the beds, she instantly went for it, plopping onto it with a sigh of relief.

The Witcher directed them down the road and closer to the tavern, and before long, passing through the rain, they reached the source of light and noise. He spurred Scorpion on to the stables, and at last they came to a stop before it, taking the time to dismount their horses. He petted the Kaedweni war horse on the head appreciatively, before taking his reins and leading him to one of the stable boys, all of whom stared curiously between himself, the monster trophy dangling from his saddle, and the red hooded noblewoman. He kept his viper eyes concealed with his hood, for the moment, flipping a couple Nilfgaardian Florens to a couple of the boys to tend to their horses for them, put them in the stalls, feed them and remove their saddles. He took the saddle bags first... wasn't about to let them go digging through their things, hefting them over his shoulder.

Despite the curiosity, and the boys clearly having taken notice of the noblewoman's beauty, they didn't seem to register what he was, yet. Distracted or ignorance. A blessing. Sometimes people didn't even know what a Witcher was, living in remote places, or Witchers not having passed through the lands in many years. Doubtless older people would remember, especially the Viper School, but at least for the moment to these young people he was just another armed traveler, passing in the night. When the horses were taken inside, looking to Sylvia Anna with a nod, Eskel led them to the tavern, towards the source of the light and noise, hooded black cloak shifting in the breeze as the rain pelted against them both. He stopped them just outside the entrance first, taking a step back from it and gesturing to the door with his hand, deep, calm voice returning to her again.

"Best you handle this part, the talking to owner, getting us a room or rooms, whichever you prefer. Meals and drinks. Social matters. I'll watch your back, and be ready, in case anyone gets ideas. The south is your territory anyways."

@starwrittenfates

[starwrittenfates]

Syanna was more than ready to retire to the inn after the journey they had. She didn't think she would miss a place like it so much. Her body was aching a little and all she could think about was drinking wine and falling asleep in a nice, comfortable bed, maybe even wrapped up in his arms.

It was an entertaining thought at the the very least.

With a sigh and a slight stretch, the noblewoman agreed. "Sounds like a plan. And it looks like you'll be finding out soon enough."

Eskel's gaze shifted back towards Sylvia Anna at her words, absorbing them, not so much the teasing ones, but her intent to try to get him a pass in her lands. Certainly not a sentiment he was used to hearing, if it was true... and it sounded true. He could probably count on each hand how many times others went out of their way for Witchers, in his experience... but even so, there was no reason to be suspicious. Nothing to be gained in offering to speak to her doubtless livid sister on his behalf. The time came now and again where he had to burn his bridges in a particular land for awhile... whether by choice or circumstances outside of his control. While he had little love for Toussaint, it was at least a rare place his kind could go to in the south without being run out of town. A Witcher couldn't have too many places like that to go to, when necessary. He nodded his hooded head gratefully at last, after mulling it all over, deep voice speaking up to her again.

"Needn't bother on my account. Apart from visiting Wolf, sampling the local wines and cuisine, a few contracts, ain't much call for me down in sunny Toussaint. It's no home of mine. Wouldn't be the first place on the Continent I've had to avoid for a long time either. Been avoiding Caingorn for over sixty years, now. Ban Gleán for around forty. Still, if you pulled it off, I would be grateful. About the only way I ever see Wolf anymore, with him retired. Used to be every Winter... and long before that, there were years we walked the Path together, when we were young Witchers. Before our school was attacked. It was another world, that one we grew up in. Another me."

The Witcher observed with a slight wistful smile, memory of the man he had been, the memories of the past, making his cheek scars itch unpleasantly. He willed himself not to scratch them, focusing ahead on the road instead, and their surroundings. By now it had begun to rain... lightly, at first, but he could tell it was only going to pick up. The south might have been more sunny than the north, but it certainly wasn't the arid desserts of Zerrikania or Ofir. Even so, it was a warmer rain than the frozen ones of the Northern Realms... welcome, even if he was more accustomed to the cold or temperate environments. Eventually, in the distance he smelled an unmistakable, welcome scent carried on the wind... and before much longer he saw the distant lights illuminating the establishment it belonged to. Cooking meats, among other enticing aromas. His viper eyes turned again over towards the black haired noblewoman with a slight, pleased smirk on his marred visage, low tone breaking the silence between them again.

"Know an inn when I see and smell one. A good meal from miles away. Don't know this place, but any port in a storm. Let's get the horses to the stalls and get in there. Would like to find out how southern inns stack up against northern ones."

@starwrittenfates

[starwrittenfates]

"Don't worry my dear Eskel, I'll be sure to protect you. If my cousin or his guards try to start anything, I know exactly how to deal with them."

Syanna knew it was best to keep their heads down and lay low. More than likely, her sister might try to have some Nilfgaardian's looking for her, but Syanna wasn't clever and cunning for no reason. She had had to learn how to survive in such a world and always be one step ahead. When Eskel spoke again about all he would miss in Toussaint, it made the noblewoman's breath hitch.

"Perhaps once this is all over, I can speak with my sister, explain everything and she'd see reason. You wouldn't have to be exiled from Toussaint or chased out. I do promise I will find a way. Unlike most of the knights of Toussaint who think all the five virtues are just for grand show and nothing more, I actually uphold them."

Not that she wanted to be compared to a knight. She was nothing like those idiots, and that was the point. They didn't follow their own rules.

"Then I'll be sure to ask you if I have questions. Not just about locations, but local customs. Quite a bit is different down in Nilfgaardian territory, compared to the Northern Realms. Bad enough I'm a Witcher down here, best I not step on any more toes than necessary. Liable to draw enough hostile attention as it is."

Eskel's low, calm voice observed as his viper gaze studied the noblewoman's features carefully, discerning she seemed in distant contemplation. Remembering the unpleasantness of the past. From what he could gather from Sylvia Anna so far, and what he had heard, there was no surprise to that. At least she hadn't been entirely alone, had been travelling with others, and relatively safer than she might have been otherwise. The Witcher looked back ahead to the road sprawling before them, nodding at her answer and they moved along further down it. He would have to be on his guard, letters of passage or not, such papers were more liable to work for her than for him. He would do what he had to, attempt to minimize any bloodshed, but was fairly confident some would be spilled before they cast off for Kovir and Poviss. Especially if bounty hunters were notified about her, instead of the usual bumbling knights. In the wake of her words, he spoke up again languidly and wryly with a low chuckle under his breath.

"A bed will be welcome, instead of another cavern floor. Though it's the southern meals I look more forward to, seeing what cuisine this place has. My kind has a larger appetite than most. I'll miss the crayfish chowder at the inns of Toussaint, and Lady de Trastamara's cooking at Corvo Bianco. Not likely I'll be eating either again, at least in her lifetime or your sister's, when she finds out what I did."

@starwrittenfates

[starwrittenfates]

"Once, long ago. It was...it was after I was banished from the palace. I came across a group of bandits when I was wandering the woods. They took me in and we set off for Nazair. We traveled around the area a bit, looking for places to sell and what not. I also know a little about Metinna. I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I do know a little of the south, yes."

All of her time in the past almost seemed like a blur. She had never really focused on it. Her only main focus at that time was learning how to survive and doing whatever it would take to get there. Syanna had wanted to jump up in the ranks and then get her revenge. Now...it all seemed like a distant memory. A nightmare.

"I...I was too focused on other things when I was last out this way, so sadly I don't have the sharpest of memories like you witchers probably do, but there should be an inn up ahead."

"One can never tell the future... when I have tried in the past, it somehow always goes terribly wrong... but either prospect with you would be a welcome one, if destiny is kind to us, for a change."

Eskel's low, amused voice returned to Syanna with a nod and knowing wink of his viper eye as they continued along through the mountain woods. The company wouldn't hurt, if she desired to provide it, at Kaer Morhen, and the secrets of the place would be nothing to her... she was quite refreshingly not an ambitious, scheming Sorceress, and he wouldn't have to hide everything... but even so, he was experienced and old enough now not to get his hopes up. To leave himself vulnerable to wants. Only time would tell how the matters between them transpired between now and then... as ever. Over the course of the day they descended again down the Slopes of the Amell Mountain side, into the Mag Turga highland region and through Theodula Pass... and by nightfall the main road to the not too distant city of Tergano finally appeared before them. Good... they were making good time now for certain, at least. And the hour was late enough not to encounter anyone out and about, for the moment. The Witcher looked back the alluring black haired noblewoman's way again as they moved the horses on to the road, speaking up once more.

"Should be near an inn by now. Usually one or a few on each road to a city. Keep an eye out. Have you ever traveled this way? I'm sure you know the south far better than I do."

@starwrittenfates