#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]

@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]

@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 was just turning to leave when his voice suddenly made her pause in her tracks, turning to address him. However, the question he threw at her had taken Syanna completely by surprise. How would she answer such a thing?

"Yes. I would have told you the truth once everything was over." She realizes how backwards it all sounds now, but she had never wanted to keep him in the dark for too long. "It still doesn't change the fact I should have told you from the start, but...I didn't think like I could at the time. I wasn't sure how you would react, especially if I was to tell you what I was planning. It's not exactly normal for someone to ask you to kill others, even if they've wronged you and deserve it. I just didn't expect you to find me so soon."

Syanna briefly closes her eyes, as if feeling the pain of it all once again, breathing deeply to calm herself down. She had started moving on from it, but recalling it was still painful at times. She'd never be truly healed from it. Not entirely anyway. It had left scars both physically and mentally. "You seem to have a perfect way of finding me when I need it the most, I guess."

Something stirred inside him when she apologized once more. She really did seem like she was sorry. The way she acted and spoke was not something he had seen from her before. She could have just left by now and yet she chose to tell him this. Perhaps she was right and things really could have been different. Yet he knew it didn't matter much now. Things happened the way they happened and there was no way of changing it now.

Now she would leave and it was unlikely that they would ever see each other again. That was the thought that went through his mind. There was something about this that made his gaze soften just a little bit. For the longest time he would have given anything to see her again and after what happened in Toussaint, he never wished to see her again. If she'd leave now, he'd get what he wanted. Was that what he wanted? Dettlaff was lost in his thoughts for a moment. Then something came to mind. Something he had been wanting to know. "Wait. I want to ask you something."

"If you'd have gone through with your..plans back then." he spoke, his voice gruff, but there was a hint of vulnerability and curiosity in it. "If everything would have gone the way you wanted, what would you have done about me?" he asked. "Would you have told me the truth once it was over or would have kept me in the dark?"

The moment the words left his mouth, he felt kind of foolish for asking in the first place. Why did that even matter? Was it just pure curiousity or was he actually trying to delay her leaving? He wasn't even sure himself.

[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]

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

[starwrittenfates]

"Hmm. I guess I'll have to pay you a visit at this Kaer Morhen. Perhaps I could help you maintain it?"

Syanna didn't know what would happen after all of this, but if it all went well, she knew she would like to venture around some more, free from the confines of Beauclair Palace and help in anyway she could. She may not be Duchess of Toussaint, but she was still a Noblewoman and could find other ways to help.

And there was no denying she had become attached to Eskel, just a little.

"I'd love to sleep in a nice, comfy bed too. We've earned that."

"Witchers were needed until people decided we weren't. Forgot about the things that go bump in the night as generations passed, feeling safe in their cities and towns as monsters became more rare. Right up until they need us again, of course. Our home was, is, in my case, Kaer Morhen, the Keep of the Elder Sea in Elder Speech, in the far north, Hertch region of the Blue Mountains of Kaedwen. Not far from the mountain range into Zerrikania. Kaer Morhen Valley is more beautiful and tranquil then all of Toussaint, but then I am the biased sort. Lush trees for miles... at the banks of the sapphire waters of the Gwenllech River, The River of White Stones in Elder Speech... mountain hot springs in the caverns... the works. Best of all, no civilization for many miles. The keep was damaged in several attacks on it over the years, but still stands... and I've been gradually working at repairing it each winter. After we're done with Stregobor and Eltibald, I'll return there again, I expect. Someone has to maintain it."

Eskel's deep, languid voice gradually returned to her after some consideration, viper eyes shifting back Sylvia Anna's way again, reminiscing. Scarcely recalling a time he had spoken as much about his past to another. Then he looked back up to Haern Caduch, as well as their surroundings, mentally marking the spot down for his return here to see it more closely, at some point. Tempting as it was to ride up there, as ever, Stregobor and the Black Sun matter, his destiny, could not be ignored in favor of what he wanted. He knew all too well what happened when it was. How many suffered and died from his actions and inaction... something his new companion knew about all too well herself, from Syanna's own doings. And as little as he liked being around civilization, being around most people really, he did want to close the chapter on the past. That part of it, at least. There was nothing left to be gained in remaining here. On that note, remembering himself, the Witcher shook his head, raising Scorpion's reins and starting to set them off again, looking away from the distant frozen keep and towers and back ahead to their path through the woods and along the mountain. Low, calm voice washing over the noblewoman again with a shrug of his silver spike covered shoulders.

"Anyways, just a slight detour and rambling of an overly sentimental and historically minded old man. Let's get back underway. Would prefer to sleep in a bed this evening, would say we've earned that much."

@starwrittenfates

[starwrittenfates]

At first Syanna was confused on where Eskel had brought them, hoping the look of confusion was written all on her face. It was obviously a building of sorts buried deep in the snow, appearing to be forgotten and abandoned. However, once Eskel explained what this place was, she felt her heart drop. It was already known that witchers were becoming a rarity, but that was because of attacks caused on them by others who thought them monsters. Again, it hit a little too close to home for Syanna, knowing what it was like to also lose your home.

Once she regained herself, she nodded at him. "I wouldn't mind visiting Kaer Seren and meeting Old Keldar. It's...it's just a shame what happened here. That this place was abandoned. That they were practically forced from their home. What is the school like that you and Geralt are from?"

They both lapsed back into a quiet for much of the trip, moving deeper together into the Slopes of the Amell Mountains. Fortunately they encountered neither monsters or pursuing Knights, at least for the time being, instead just animals who kept their distance. They were making good time, liable to get back to civilization by nightfall. Then, after awhile, quite unexpectedly, they came upon it. There, illuminated beyond the trees in the sunlight quite a ways from them, he at last saw what he had been hoping to glimpse amid the distant snows looming higher up the mountains. He stopped Scorpion on the spot and waved a hand for Sylvia Anna to do likewise for the moment, raising a finger and pointing its position out to her. Icy spires, donjons, portcullis, battlements, linking towers and courtyards. A moat. All but buried in the ice and snow, settled into the side of the mountain, near the top... but still standing tall, holding firm and defiant against time and weather. Even colder looking than Kaer Morhen was in the winter... especially with nobody around to maintain it properly anymore.

He could understand why the occupants had chosen to abandon it at the time that they had... even if he never would have done the same of Kaer Morhen. Regardless, the sight of it drew a genuine smile to the Witcher's marred face... glimpsing a fourth Witcher School at last in his over a century on the Path. All that remained were the ruins of Stygga Castle, Gorthur Gvaed and whatever keep the School of the Manticore possessed, in Zerrikania... not that he ever expected to find out more about the most secretive of the schools, never mind searching the vast Korath Desert for it. With a satisfied nod, his low, calm voice filled the noblewoman in on the relevant parts of Witcher history, glancing from the school and her way now and again. Even as he did, he silently felt how different it was... having someone around to share his knowledge and thoughts with. He was far more used to keeping it all to himself. Carrying many secrets from outsiders, non Witchers. Yet whether he could trust her with other matters or not, trust her in general, he knew she stood to gain no underhanded advantages from his Witcher history knowledge.

"Haern Caduch. That frozen keep was once the headquarters of the School of the Bear. They abandoned it and all went their separate ways after failing to destroy a cabal of Vampires... angering many villages on and around the Amell Mountains, who banded an army together and came to kill them all. The Bear Witchers aren't the sentimental sort, for each other or their place, so they didn't bother fighting the attackers to the bitter end, as my school and the Viper School did. I'll have to return here one day, explore it... not enough time, just now, and didn't bring the proper supplies for the undertaking. Perhaps I will show you the ruins of Kaer Seren, the School of the Griffin, when we reach Kovir and Poviss as well. A former teacher there, Old Keldar, remains in those ruins at least."

@starwrittenfates

[starwrittenfates]

She offered him one last smile before focusing back onto the road, trying to mentally prepare for whatever reason may greet them when they get to their next destination.

Syanna only hoped that she was right--- that destiny would be kinder to the both of them. Things seemed to be going good so far and she didn't want it to be ruined.

There was no doubt some things from the past would come back to haunt her during their time in Nazair, but she wasn't going to give up on her goal.

"I'm hardly surprised..."

Eskel's low voice returned quietly with a slight nod as they rode along through the woods and Slopes of the Amell Mountains, making good time. Alternating between watching their path ahead, looking her way, and keeping an eye out for a glimpse of Haern Caduch. His memory drew backwards to the army of followers and bandits Deidre had risen long ago... bloodily cutting his way through the ranks of the best of them at Ban Gleán to get to her throne. Or the band of followers the other Black Sun girl had possessed, Renfri, who Wolf had dealt with in Blaviken back in the day, earning him some infamy and an unfair moniker back in the day, before he enlisted a flowery bard to renovate his public image through ballads. He remembered Geralt telling him the story privately in Kaer Morhen Valley, away from the others, when they were out hunting together. Knowing the connection Eskel already had to the Black Sun matter. Just as he had only told Geralt what he had done to Deidre in Ban Gleán. If only Wolf had done then to Stregobor what they planned to do to him now. Instead he had been punished for trying to do what seemed the morally right thing, as Eskel had been punished for trying to avoid such a situation altogether.

It seemed to be a recurring theme over the centuries, like the Black Sun itself. Noblewomen and royal women locked in towers, escaping and raising bands of followers to do their bidding and seek power and revenge, for better or worse. And a Witcher crossing their path and putting an end to it one way or another, destiny intertwining them. It was only liable to continue, even after Stregobor and Eltibald were dealt with. The Black Sun rose each generation... a natural phenomena, and it was only a matter of time before more mages took notice and did what Stregobor, Eltibald, Sabrina and their ilk had long done to those girls born beneath it. Especially with how unfortunately long sorcerers lived for. Even so... the ones that remained who had been involved were long overdue for an accounting. A reckoning. Maybe said reckoning was just another part of destiny's cycle, and they were carrying out its will. At her words when she spoke again, the Witcher's viper eyes met the dark haired beauty's sapphire pair once more... returning Sylvia Anna's smile faintly and appreciatively at her summary and hopes. Only time would tell if she was right. In the meantime, they could attempt to enjoy themselves. make the most of things while they lasted.

"So I've noticed. Perhaps it will. Anytime one tries to predict or control what form destiny will take, take steps to counter it, they will find the rug pulled out from under them all the same. How I learned to stop resisting its will... the same way most people must learn their life lessons. The hard way. Regardless, it will be a welcome change of pace, not having to face it alone... this time around."

@starwrittenfates

[starwrittenfates]

"Hmm? Cats hate Witchers? That's a shame...for the cats I mean. Yes, I used to travel with a group back in the day. I was the leader of our band." It seemed like such a long time ago now. Almost like a horrible nightmare. But she knew it had been real. Had the scars to prove it too.

However, at Eskel's mention of Witchers bringing danger to those close to them, she felt her heart ache for him, remembering how he mentioned his life before being a witcher-- at least from the bits he could recall. It must have been hard to be separated from his mother and whatever family he had. But to constantly be alone on the road, except for the company of his horse, it was no easy task. And then there were the bits he ended up telling her about that girl also born under the Black Sun he had taken into his care...and the fate that befell her. It was easy to see it was still hard on Eskel.

Syanna was different though. Sure, she didn't want to be alone--- no one did--- but having learned to rely on herself, if it came down to it, she would adapt and deal through it. She was flexible. She would take anything that came her way.

"Perhaps Destiny will have something different for you in store this time around? Maybe be a little less...grim? We can only hope for the best and work with what we got, right?" The noblewoman offered him a smile. "And you won't be alone. I'm a very stubborn woman."

Eskel remained silent, along with the noblewoman, for a time, listening to the natural sounds surrounding them in the forest as they traveled. Enhanced senses mapping out their surroundings, thinking back to the map he had packed. Making sure no monsters or dangerous animals were in their vicinity. He slowly breathed in the cool Amell Mountain air, savoring it, conjuring memories of his home in the Blue Mountains. Overdue as dealing with Stregobor and Eltibald would be, a welcome prospect, it would be good to be home again as well. Something to look forward to, when they were done, when he closed this chapter. Set something right, at least. Then, she spoke up again at some point in the journey, bringing him back entirely to the present, drawing his attention back her way and flashing him a smile. He merely chuckled under his breath, hardly surprised by her inevitable breaking of the silence. Upper class sorts, and non Witchers in general, folk from towns and cities, didn't often go long periods of time without others around.

The Witcher strongly doubted they could go days and weeks without uttering a peep on a long hunt, as he was used to doing. Probably months, in the case of a Bear School Witcher... most of their interactions being cold, hard stares and grunts, even when in towns and villages. Not even being part of society, most Witchers didn't exactly prioritize becoming wordsmiths, poets and bards in their interactions and dealings with outsiders. Outside bartering in contract negotiations and with merchants, at least. Most people were social creatures, felt they needed a silence filled, instead of being able to share a comfortable one with another. Instead of being able to simply exist with themselves and their own thoughts. Well, if anything, at least he could keep his social skills honed this way, better learn the ways and folk of the south while in their territory. At last his deep, languid voice returned to the dark haired beauty, viper eyes shifting between her and the path ahead as they moved amid the trees and snowy mountainside, trace of a smirk touching his marred features. Returning the flirtation, and more.

"Cats hate Witchers... but someone will get it, I suspect. Merely well accustomed to long silences, travelling the Path on my own... mostly. Might talk to Scorpion now and again, he's a pretty good conversationalist. Even better listener, of course. Take it you usually traveled with others, back in the day? Band of followers perhaps? A Hanza? Wolf did that, before his amnesia. Didn't work out so well, unfortunately. Witchers tend to draw danger to those close to them, one way or another. Destiny's grim sense of humor for you."

@starwrittenfates

[starwrittenfates]

The silence did not go unnoticed by Syanna. In fact, it didn't bother her one bit. She was still waking up a bit. And there was no doubt Eskel was focusing on their surroundings, using his witcher senses to make sure their path was safe. But there was also no lying that it might have bothered her, just a little.

She had not been lying when she told the witcher she had started developing feelings for him or flirting with him playfully. Everything was different with him. It wasn't forced or for a means of survival, it was genuine. And it both terrified, but excited her. Syanna wasn't sure how to go about it, not exactly having the greatest track records with relationships, especially healthy ones at that.

But one thing was certain-- she didn't want to mess this up and nor did she want to leave his side, even once they achieved their goal. The noblewoman only wondered if he would feel the same. It would have to be addressed sooner or later. For now, she focused on the road, suddenly turning towards him, giving a smile. "What's wrong my dear witcher? Cat got your tongue?"

Eskel focused on gathering what he needed, taking it all to the saddle bags, which he went outside and attached to Scorpion's saddle gradually, taking his time. Adorning his cloak and hood again for good measure. Patting his own horse as she did hers, before climbing up on top of him, taking up the reins. When she was ready to depart, with a nod back at the dark haired noblewoman, he looked out ahead to the woods of the Amell Mountains and started off again, following his instincts. Leading them onward, to the west, towards Tergano, beyond the Theodula Pass. Along the way, the Witcher kept his eyes open for any signs of people, animals or monsters. With luck they would encounter Haern Caduch, the frozen keep that had once been headquarters to the School of the Bear, before they had all gone their separate ways. He knew there would be no time for a diversion up there, but if he found out its location, he would be able to return one day well equipped for a proper examination. As the morning and day went on, he also kept a viper eye on Sylvia Anna as well now and again as well... and more and more he found he was doing it not merely to make sure she was alright. The growing tension between them becoming distracting... it would have to be addressed better at some point. Until then, he willed himself to focus as best he could, to ignore the growing, familiar heat burning in his blood. A combination of desire and his mutations betraying him, in her company. He knew he would need to be careful.

@starwrittenfates

[starwrittenfates]

Syanna began to pack her things, knowing it was time to get ready and continue on their journey. It was going to be strange for her, returning to Nazair after so long. She had no doubt her nightmares might grow more being around reminders of her past, but she had to continue moving on. She wasn't just doing this for herself or to make up for her past crimes, but for all the girls like her. The ones who had been lost and the ones yet to be.

The noblewoman took her stuff, making her way outside the cave and into the bright day light. She spotted her horse and lightly gave it a pet before setting her stuff upon it. "Alright, I'm ready. Let's continue on."

"No surprise to me. We've seen it all, in our time. Dubious curses included. Our jobs to be observant, as occult detectives. The enhanced senses don't hurt either."

Eskel's deep, calm voice returned simply to Sylvia Anna, nodding silently at her words about her sister as well. Seeing the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her at the memories they clearly invoked. It wasn't his place to comment on another's personal family matters, outside of them being a client, which she was not. He hadn't even been involved in the whole bloody affair in Beauclair, as ever uninvolved in most of the epic events that destiny, and poor decision making, seemed to steer his brother towards... and if he had been, the Witcher might have chosen differently than Geralt, for all he knew. Perhaps it was for the best that he had not been, given his own past record of poor choices. Instead of commenting, finishing up his breakfast at last and closing up his ale bottle, he rose up at last from beside the fire, and began to move about the cavern, packing his things into his saddle bags. No sense putting it all off any longer. He wished to be underway anyways. He sensed Scorpion and her own horse not far outside the mouth of the cavern while he gathered his things. Viper eyes returning to the alluring black haired noblewoman during the process and addressing her again.

"Well, best we be moving out now. While the weather is still on our side. I'll start preparing, join me outside whenever you're ready to go."

@starwrittenfates