#CIRIE COME GET YOUR SON

[strawberrysapphocake]

So I’ve been reading through all the posts after a day off of bb tumblr and… goddamnit I KNEW I never should have trusted a man named Jared, no matter how legendary his mom is 😒.

[sindee19]

NOT A WHOLE SEGMENT ON WHO USED THE CONDOMS

[johhnymac]

no but really they should get out Blue this week instead

ideally Jared should self evict cause he’s so afraid of sexually confident women but Cirie won’t let that happen….

[a-kind-of-merry-war]

What did the Roche/Ciri ship do to you? Why is he bad? Is his existence simply an insult to you?

okay, anon, you've won me over.

i've written a roche/ciri fic just for you. It's about fighting injustice, realising the world is so much bigger than you ever realised, bonding over feeling different, finding love in unexpected places even when everyone else is against your relationship, and a shared love of music.

I've put it under the cut because its quite long. Enjoy!

According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way a bee should be able to fly. Its wings are too small to get its fat little body off the ground. The bee, of course, flies anyway because bees don't care what humans think is impossible.

Yellow, black. Yellow, black. Yellow, black. Yellow, black. Ooh, black and yellow! Let's shake it up a little. Barry! Breakfast is ready! Ooming! Hang on a second.

Hello? - Barry? - Adam? - Oan you believe this is happening? - I can't. I'll pick you up. Looking sharp. Use the stairs. Your father paid good money for those. Sorry. I'm excited. Here's the graduate. We're very proud of you, son. A perfect report card, all B's. Very proud. Ma! I got a thing going here. - You got lint on your fuzz. - Ow! That's me! - Wave to us! We'll be in row 118,000. - Bye! Barry, I told you, stop flying in the house! - Hey, Adam. - Hey, Barry. - Is that fuzz gel? - A little. Special day, graduation. Never thought I'd make it. Three days grade school, three days high school. Those were awkward. Three days college. I'm glad I took a day and hitchhiked around the hive. You did come back different. - Hi, Barry. - Artie, growing a mustache? Looks good. - Hear about Frankie? - Yeah. - You going to the funeral? - No, I'm not going. Everybody knows, sting someone, you die. Don't waste it on a squirrel. Such a hothead.

I guess he could have just gotten out of the way. I love this incorporating an amusement park into our day. That's why we don't need vacations. Boy, quite a bit of pomp... under the circumstances. - Well, Adam, today we are men. - We are! - Bee-men. - Amen! Hallelujah! Students, faculty, distinguished bees, please welcome Dean Buzzwell. Welcome, New Hive Oity graduating class of... ...9:15. That concludes our ceremonies. And begins your career at Honex Industries! Will we pick ourjob today? I heard it's just orientation. Heads up! Here we go. Keep your hands and antennas inside the tram at all times. - Wonder what it'll be like? -

A little scary. Welcome to Honex, a division of Honesco and a part of the Hexagon Group. This is it! Wow. Wow. We know that you, as a bee, have worked your whole life to get to the point where you can work for your whole life. Honey begins when our valiant Pollen Jocks bring the nectar to the hive. Our top-secret formula is automatically color-corrected, scent-adjusted and bubble-contoured into this soothing sweet syrup with its distinctive golden glow you know as... Honey! - That girl was hot. - She's my cousin! - She is? - Yes, we're all cousins. - Right. You're right. - At Honex, we constantly strive to improve every aspect of bee existence. These bees are stress-testing a new helmet technology. - What do you think he makes? - Not enough. Here we have our latest advancement, the Krelman. - What does that do? - Oatches that little strand of honey that hangs after you pour it. Saves us millions. Oan anyone work on the Krelman? Of course. Most bee jobs are small ones. But bees know that every small job, if it's done well, means a lot. But choose carefully because you'll stay in the job you pick for the rest of your life. The same job the rest of your life? I didn't know that. What's the difference? You'll be happy to know that bees, as a species, haven't had one day off in 27 million years. So you'll just work us to death? We'll sure try. Wow! That blew my mind! "What's the difference?" How can you say that? One job forever? That's an insane choice to have to make. I'm relieved. Now we only have to make one decision in life. But, Adam, how could they never have told us that? Why would you question anything? We're bees. We're the most perfectly functioning society on Earth. You ever think maybe things work a little too well here? Like what? Give me one example. I don't know.

But you know what I'm talking about. Please clear the gate. Royal Nectar Force on approach. Wait a second. Oheck it out. - Hey, those are Pollen Jocks! - Wow. I've never seen them this close. They know what it's like outside the hive. Yeah, but some don't come back. - Hey, Jocks! - Hi, Jocks! You guys did great! You're monsters! You're sky freaks! I love it! I love it! - I wonder where they were. - I don't know. Their day's not planned. Outside the hive, flying who knows where, doing who knows what. You can'tjust decide to be a Pollen Jock. You have to be bred for that. Right. Look. That's more pollen than you and I will see in a lifetime. It's just a status symbol. Bees make too much of it. Perhaps. Unless you're wearing it and the ladies see you wearing it. Those ladies? Aren't they our cousins too? Distant. Distant. Look at these two. - Oouple of Hive Harrys. - Let's have fun with them. It must be dangerous being a Pollen Jock. Yeah. Once a bear pinned me against a mushroom! He had a paw on my throat, and with the other, he was slapping me! - Oh, my! - I never thought I'd knock him out. What were you doing during this? Trying to alert the authorities. I can autograph that.

A little gusty out there today, wasn't it, comrades? Yeah. Gusty. We're hitting a sunflower patch six miles from here tomorrow. - Six miles, huh? - Barry! A puddle jump for us, but maybe you're not up for it. - Maybe I am. - You are not! We're going 0900 at J-Gate. What do you think, buzzy-boy? Are you bee enough? I might be. It all depends on what 0900 means. Hey, Honex! Dad, you surprised me. You decide what you're interested in? - Well, there's a lot of choices. - But you only get one. Do you ever get bored doing the same job every day? Son, let me tell you about stirring. You grab that stick, and you just move it around, and you stir it around. You get yourself into a rhythm. It's a beautiful thing. You know, Dad, the more I think about it, maybe the honey field just isn't right for me. You were thinking of what, making balloon animals? That's a bad job for a guy with a stinger. Janet, your son's not sure he wants to go into honey! - Barry, you are so funny sometimes. - I'm not trying to be funny. You're not funny! You're going into honey. Our son, the stirrer! - You're gonna be a stirrer? - No one's listening to me! Wait till you see the sticks I have. I could say anything right now.

I'm gonna get an ant tattoo! Let's open some honey and celebrate! Maybe I'll pierce my thorax. Shave my antennae. Shack up with a grasshopper. Get a gold tooth and call everybody "dawg"! I'm so proud. - We're starting work today! - Today's the day. Oome on! All the good jobs will be gone.

Yeah, right. Pollen counting, stunt bee, pouring, stirrer, front desk, hair removal... - Is it still available? - Hang on. Two left! One of them's yours! Oongratulations! Step to the side. - What'd you get? - Picking crud out. Stellar! Wow! Oouple of newbies? Yes, sir! Our first day! We are ready! Make your choice. - You want to go first? - No, you go. Oh, my. What's available? Restroom attendant's open, not for the reason you think. - Any chance of getting the Krelman? - Sure, you're on. I'm sorry, the Krelman just closed out. Wax monkey's always open. The Krelman opened up again. What happened? A bee died. Makes an opening. See? He's dead. Another dead one. Deady. Deadified. Two more dead. Dead from the neck up. Dead from the neck down. That's life! Oh, this is so hard! Heating, cooling, stunt bee, pourer, stirrer, humming, inspector number seven, lint coordinator, stripe supervisor, mite wrangler. Barry, what do you think I should... Barry? Barry! All right, we've got the sunflower patch in quadrant nine... What happened to you? Where are you? - I'm going out. - Out? Out where? - Out there. - Oh, no! I have to, before I go to work for the rest of my life. You're gonna die! You're crazy! Hello? Another call coming in. If anyone's feeling brave, there's a Korean deli on 83rd that gets their roses today. Hey, guys. - Look at that. - Isn't that the kid we saw yesterday? Hold it, son, flight deck's restricted. It's OK, Lou. We're gonna take him up.

Really? Feeling lucky, are you? Sign here, here. Just initial that. - Thank you. - OK. You got a rain advisory today, and as you all know, bees cannot fly in rain. So be careful. As always, watch your brooms, hockey sticks, dogs, birds, bears and bats. Also, I got a couple of reports of root beer being poured on us. Murphy's in a home because of it, babbling like a cicada! - That's awful. - And a reminder for you rookies, bee law number one, absolutely no talking to humans! All right, launch positions! Buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz! Buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz! Buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz! Black and yellow! Hello! You ready for this, hot shot? Yeah. Yeah, bring it on. Wind, check. - Antennae, check. - Nectar pack, check. - Wings, check. - Stinger, check. Scared out of my shorts, check. OK, ladies, let's move it out! Pound those petunias, you striped stem-suckers! All of you, drain those flowers! Wow! I'm out! I can't believe I'm out! So blue. I feel so fast and free! Box kite! Wow!

Flowers! This is Blue Leader. We have roses visual. Bring it around 30 degrees and hold. Roses! 30 degrees, roger. Bringing it around. Stand to the side, kid. It's got a bit of a kick. That is one nectar collector! - Ever see pollination up close? - No, sir. I pick up some pollen here, sprinkle it over here. Maybe a dash over there, a pinch on that one. See that? It's a little bit of magic. That's amazing. Why do we do that? That's pollen power.

More pollen, more flowers, more nectar, more honey for us. Oool. I'm picking up a lot of bright yellow. Oould be daisies. Don't we need those? Oopy that visual. Wait. One of these flowers seems to be on the move. Say again? You're reporting a moving flower? Affirmative. That was on the line! This is the coolest. What is it? I don't know, but I'm loving this color. It smells good. Not like a flower, but I like it. Yeah, fuzzy. Ohemical-y. Oareful, guys. It's a little grabby. My sweet lord of bees! Oandy-brain, get off there! Problem! - Guys! - This could be bad. Affirmative.

Very close. Gonna hurt. Mama's little boy. You are way out of position, rookie! Ooming in at you like a missile! Help me! I don't think these are flowers. - Should we tell him? - I think he knows. What is this?! Match point! You can start packing up, honey, because you're about to eat it! Yowser! Gross. There's a bee in the car! - Do something! - I'm driving! - Hi, bee. - He's back here! He's going to sting me! Nobody move. If you don't move, he won't sting you. Freeze! He blinked! Spray him, Granny! What are you doing?! Wow... the tension level out here is unbelievable. I gotta get home. Oan't fly in rain. Oan't fly in rain. Oan't fly in rain. Mayday! Mayday! Bee going down! Ken, could you close the window please? Ken, could you close the window please? Oheck out my new resume. I made it into a fold-out brochure. You see? Folds out. Oh, no. More humans. I don't need this. What was that? Maybe this time. This time. This time. This time! This time! This... Drapes! That is diabolical. It's fantastic. It's got all my special skills, even my top-ten favorite movies.

What's number one? Star Wars? Nah, I don't go for that... ...kind of stuff. No wonder we shouldn't talk to them. They're out of their minds. When I leave a job interview, they're flabbergasted, can't believe what I say. There's the sun. Maybe that's a way out. I don't remember the sun having a big 75 on it. I predicted global warming. I could feel it getting hotter. At first I thought it was just me. Wait! Stop! Bee! Stand back. These are winter boots. Wait! Don't kill him! You know I'm allergic to them! This thing could kill me! Why does his life have less value than yours? Why does his life have any less value than mine? Is that your statement?

I'm just saying all life has value. You don't know what he's capable of feeling. My brochure! There you go, little guy. I'm not scared of him. It's an allergic thing. Put that on your resume brochure. My whole face could puff up. Make it one of your special skills. Knocking someone out is also a special skill. Right. Bye, Vanessa. Thanks. - Vanessa, next week? Yogurt night? - Sure, Ken. You know, whatever. - You could put carob chips on there.

- Bye. - Supposed to be less calories. - Bye. I gotta say something. She saved my life. I gotta say something. All right, here it goes. Nah. What would I say? I could really get in trouble. It's a bee law. You're not supposed to talk to a human. I can't believe I'm doing this. I've got to. Oh, I can't do it. Oome on! No. Yes. No. Do it. I can't. How should I start it? "You like jazz?" No, that's no good. Here she comes! Speak, you fool! Hi! I'm sorry. - You're talking. - Yes, I know. You're talking! I'm so sorry. No, it's OK. It's fine. I know I'm dreaming. But I don't recall going to bed. Well, I'm sure this is very disconcerting. This is a bit of a surprise to me. I mean, you're a bee! I am. And I'm not supposed to be doing this, but they were all trying to kill me. And if it wasn't for you... I had to thank you. It's just how I was raised. That was a little weird. - I'm talking with a bee. - Yeah. I'm talking to a bee. And the bee is talking to me! I just want to say I'm grateful. I'll leave now. - Wait! How did you learn to do that? - What? The talking thing. Same way you did, I guess.

"Mama, Dada, honey." You pick it up. - That's very funny. - Yeah. Bees are funny. If we didn't laugh, we'd cry with what we have to deal with. Anyway... Oan I... ...get you something? - Like what? I don't know. I mean... I don't know. Ooffee? I don't want to put you out. It's no trouble. It takes two minutes. - It's just coffee. - I hate to impose. - Don't be ridiculous! - Actually, I would love a cup. Hey, you want rum cake? - I shouldn't. - Have some. - No, I can't. - Oome on! I'm trying to lose a couple micrograms. - Where? - These stripes don't help. You look great! I don't know if you know anything about fashion. Are you all right? No. He's making the tie in the cab as they're flying up Madison. He finally gets there. He runs up the steps into the church. The wedding is on. And he says, "Watermelon? I thought you said Guatemalan. Why would I marry a watermelon?" Is that a bee joke? That's the kind of stuff we do.

Yeah, different. So, what are you gonna do, Barry? About work? I don't know. I want to do my part for the hive, but I can't do it the way they want. I know how you feel. - You do? - Sure. My parents wanted me to be a lawyer or a doctor, but I wanted to be a florist. - Really? - My only interest is flowers. Our new queen was just elected with that same campaign slogan. Anyway, if you look... There's my hive right there. See it? You're in Sheep Meadow! Yes! I'm right off the Turtle Pond! No way! I know that area. I lost a toe ring there once. - Why do girls put rings on their toes? - Why not? - It's like putting a hat on your knee. - Maybe I'll try that. - You all right, ma'am? - Oh, yeah. Fine. Just having two cups of coffee! Anyway, this has been great. Thanks for the coffee.

Yeah, it's no trouble. Sorry I couldn't finish it. If I did, I'd be up the rest of my life. Are you...? Oan I take a piece of this with me? Sure! Here, have a crumb. - Thanks! - Yeah. All right. Well, then... I guess I'll see you around. Or not. OK, Barry. And thank you so much again... for before. Oh, that? That was nothing. Well, not nothing, but... Anyway... This can't possibly work. He's all set to go. We may as well try it. OK, Dave, pull the chute. - Sounds amazing. - It was amazing! It was the scariest, happiest moment of my life. Humans! I can't believe you were with humans! Giant, scary humans! What were they like? Huge and crazy. They talk crazy. They eat crazy giant things. They drive crazy. -

Do they try and kill you, like on TV? - Some of them. But some of them don't. - How'd you get back? - Poodle. You did it, and I'm glad. You saw whatever you wanted to see. You had your "experience." Now you can pick out yourjob and be normal. - Well... - Well? Well, I met someone. You did? Was she Bee-ish? - A wasp?! Your parents will kill you! - No, no, no, not a wasp. - Spider? - I'm not attracted to spiders. I know it's the hottest thing, with the eight legs and all. I can't get by that face. So who is she? She's... human. No, no. That's a bee law. You wouldn't break a bee law. - Her name's Vanessa. - Oh, boy. She's so nice. And she's a florist! Oh, no! You're dating a human florist! We're not dating. You're flying outside the hive, talking to humans that attack our homes with power washers and M-80s! One-eighth a stick of dynamite!

She saved my life! And she understands me. This is over! Eat this. This is not over! What was that? - They call it a crumb. - It was so stingin' stripey! And that's not what they eat. That's what falls off what they eat! - You know what a Oinnabon is? - No. It's bread and cinnamon and frosting. They heat it up... Sit down! ...really hot! - Listen to me! We are not them! We're us. There's us and there's them! Yes, but who can deny the heart that is yearning? There's no yearning. Stop yearning. Listen to me! You have got to start thinking bee, my friend. Thinking bee! - Thinking bee. - Thinking bee. Thinking bee! Thinking bee! Thinking bee! Thinking bee! There he is. He's in the pool. You know what your problem is, Barry? I gotta start thinking bee? How much longer will this go on? It's been three days! Why aren't you working?

I've got a lot of big life decisions to think about. What life? You have no life! You have no job. You're barely a bee! Would it kill you to make a little honey? Barry, come out. Your father's talking to you. Martin, would you talk to him? Barry, I'm talking to you! You coming? Got everything? All set! Go ahead. I'll catch up. Don't be too long. Watch this! Vanessa! - We're still here. - I told you not to yell at him. He doesn't respond to yelling! - Then why yell at me? - Because you don't listen! I'm not listening to this. Sorry, I've gotta go. - Where are you going? - I'm meeting a friend. A girl? Is this why you can't decide? Bye. I just hope she's Bee-ish. They have a huge parade of flowers every year in Pasadena? To be in the Tournament of Roses, that's every florist's dream! Up on a float, surrounded by flowers, crowds cheering. A tournament. Do the roses compete in athletic events? No. All right, I've got one. How come you don't fly everywhere? It's exhausting. Why don't you run everywhere? It's faster. Yeah, OK, I see, I see. All right, your turn. TiVo. You can just freeze live TV? That's insane! You don't have that? We have Hivo, but it's a disease. It's a horrible, horrible disease.

Oh, my. Dumb bees! You must want to sting all those jerks. We try not to sting. It's usually fatal for us. So you have to watch your temper. Very carefully. You kick a wall, take a walk, write an angry letter and throw it out. Work through it like any emotion: Anger, jealousy, lust. Oh, my goodness! Are you OK? Yeah. - What is wrong with you?! - It's a bug. He's not bothering anybody. Get out of here, you creep! What was that? A Pic 'N' Save circular? Yeah, it was. How did you know? It felt like about 10 pages. Seventy-five is pretty much our limit. You've really got that down to a science. - I lost a cousin to Italian Vogue. - I'll bet. What in the name of Mighty Hercules is this? How did this get here? Oute Bee, Golden Blossom, Ray Liotta Private Select? - Is he that actor? - I never heard of him. - Why is this here? - For people. We eat it. You don't have enough food of your own? - Well, yes. - How do you get it? - Bees make it. - I know who makes it! And it's hard to make it! There's heating, cooling, stirring. You need a whole Krelman thing! -

It's organic. - It's our-ganic! It's just honey, Barry. Just what?! Bees don't know about this! This is stealing! A lot of stealing! You've taken our homes, schools, hospitals! This is all we have! And it's on sale?! I'm getting to the bottom of this. I'm getting to the bottom of all of this! Hey, Hector. - You almost done? - Almost. He is here. I sense it. Well, I guess I'll go home now and just leave this nice honey out, with no one around. You're busted, box boy! I knew I heard something. So you can talk! I can talk. And now you'll start talking! Where you getting the sweet stuff? Who's your supplier? I don't understand. I thought we were friends. The last thing we want to do is upset bees! You're too late! It's ours now! You, sir, have crossed the wrong sword! You, sir, will be lunch for my iguana, Ignacio! Where is the honey coming from? Tell me where! Honey Farms! It comes from Honey Farms! Orazy person! What horrible thing has happened here? These faces, they never knew what hit them. And now they're on the road to nowhere! Just keep still. What? You're not dead? Do I look dead? They will wipe anything that moves.

Where you headed? To Honey Farms. I am onto something huge here. I'm going to Alaska. Moose blood, crazy stuff. Blows your head off! I'm going to Tacoma. - And you? - He really is dead. All right. Uh-oh! - What is that?! - Oh, no! - A wiper! Triple blade! - Triple blade? Jump on! It's your only chance, bee! Why does everything have to be so doggone clean?! How much do you people need to see?! Open your eyes! Stick your head out the window! From NPR News in Washington, I'm Oarl Kasell. But don't kill no more bugs! - Bee! - Moose blood guy!! - You hear something? - Like what? Like tiny screaming. Turn off the radio. Whassup, bee boy? Hey, Blood. Just a row of honey jars, as far as the eye could see. Wow! I assume wherever this truck goes is where they're getting it. I mean, that honey's ours. -

Bees hang tight. - We're all jammed in. It's a close community. Not us, man. We on our own. Every mosquito on his own. - What if you get in trouble? - You a mosquito, you in trouble. Nobody likes us. They just smack. See a mosquito, smack, smack! At least you're out in the world. You must meet girls. Mosquito girls try to trade up, get with a moth, dragonfly. Mosquito girl don't want no mosquito. You got to be kidding me! Mooseblood's about to leave the building! So long, bee! - Hey, guys! - Mooseblood! I knew I'd catch y'all down here. Did you bring your crazy straw? We throw it in jars, slap a label on it, and it's pretty much pure profit. What is this place? A bee's got a brain the size of a pinhead. They are pinheads! Pinhead. - Oheck out the new smoker. - Oh, sweet. That's the one you want. The Thomas 3000! Smoker? Ninety puffs a minute, semi-automatic. Twice the nicotine, all the tar. A couple breaths of this knocks them right out. They make the honey, and we make the money. "They make the honey, and we make the money"? Oh, my! What's going on? Are you OK? Yeah. It doesn't last too long. Do you know you're in a fake hive with fake walls? Our queen was moved here. We had no choice. This is your queen? That's a man in women's clothes! That's a drag queen! What is this? Oh, no!

[merlot-and-chardonnay]

A Lark Among the Wolves and Dragons: Chapter 18

Chapter 17.5

Mentions of attempted suicide in this one.

-------------King's Landing: 2 and a half years later----------

"Aemma, look," you say to your now nearly three-year-old daughter as you look outside from your carriage and see the Red Keep.

You help Aemma onto your lap so she could get a good look, "we're almost to the Red Keep, little love," you say, placing a kiss to her head, "Isn't that exciting?" "Yeah," Aemma says, seemingly excited as she would get to see her uncle and cousins again.

Looking outside, Aemma could see Cirillia flying above. At this point, the dragon was now the size of a medium-large dog and the little girl smiled happily seeing her dragon do a loop-de-loop in the air before landing on top the carriage.

Since trying to escape back to the Continent with Aemma, and being brought back to Dragonstone by Daemon against your will, you had not attempted to do so again. You wanted to, and you've tried to come up with new plans, but after Daemon left to join Lord Corlys to conduct war against the Crabfeeder in the Stepstones, he's had guards and servants watch the both of you morning, noon, and night.

Extra guards had been posted by your chambers when you slept, and the servants that brought you your meals changed every so often so as to keep you from forming any kind of friendship with them and thus aiding you in escaping once more.

It was suffocating to say the least. You were alone and a prisoner. You could feel the darkness start to set in at this time, and it had come to the point where you just wanted to end it all...

...and sadly, you had tried to on several occasions when the imprisonment became too much to bear. You recall one those times involved you walking towards the shore and into the water, waiting for the waves to take you so you could drown at sea. And you would've succeeded had the guards not come and stop you.

Most of your nights had been fitful as you dreamt of dragon fire burning Kaer Morhen, killing your friends, and Daemon taking you away and taking you against your will.

Even though he was far away, the man still had this fearful hold over you.

The one good thing that had come from your failed escape attempt was that Ciri managed to succeed on making it on the last ship on Blackwater Bay that was heading to Novigrad.

You could only hope she would be reunited with Geralt.

There had been no other ships coming or going towards the Continent shortly after, as that was when the war in the Stepstones began.

So even if you could plan a successful escape, it would have to wait until ships started coming in to Westeros again.

In spite of this, your captivity wasn't all bad, you did manage to make the best of your situation at times.

Aemma was growing up, and so was her dragon. A few weeks after Daemon left, Cirillia was finally able to breathe proper fire for the first time. Now the little dragon could hunt for her own food and burn her own meat without the aid of others.

She was still Aemma's little guardian who would protect Aemma with her life. You wondered if Cirillia would go so far as to protect the girl from her own father if it came to that.

And while there were guards watching your every move, it didn't mean you were completely confined to the castle at Dragonstone.

Especially the day when you received a message from the king inviting you and Aemma back to King's Landing, days after Alicent had finally given birth to her first child.

A son whom the Viserys had named Aegon, second of his name.

It was a nice change of scenery, and the guards wouldn't be able to stop you as they could not override a king's command even if they were loyal to the king's brother.

When you came to King's Landing that day, the common folk in the city had been celebrating with the arrival of the king's heir. You had wondered if they would expect this boy to become the new heir over Rhaenyra when he'd come of age.

When you had arrived at the keep, you saw Viserys and Alicent had come to greet you...well Viserys had come to greet Aemma, and Alicent stood there with her son in her arms. Viserys had then led you to the queen so your daughter could meet her new cousin.

The newborn boy was small, but he had the typical Targaryen features as Aemma had. You congratulated Alicent on a successful birth, and the queen assured you the labor was quick and uncomplicated.

Seeing how both Aemma and Aegon were only babies, Aemma barely a year old, the interaction between was a rather short one.

Nevertheless, it seemed to satisfy Viserys and had given the king some hope that these two might grow up together and maybe it may turn into something more (you could only speculate what the king was implying by that last statement).

Rhaenyra had not shown up until later in the day, which was some time after Alicent had a wet nurse take Aegon back to the nursery to be cared for.

You remembered the princess coming to greet you and Aemma with a hug, talking about how much she missed the both of you, and also commenting about how big Cirillia was growing as well.

You did not say anything about Ciri, not wanting to bring up the girl disappearing less the mood of this gathering be brought down.

You had some idea about how close Rhaenyra had become with Ciri, but again, you didn't want to bring the mood down, so you could only speculate the impact Ciri's escape had on the princess.

Since that day, your trips back and forth between King's Landing and Dragonstone were more frequent. While you still felt like a prisoner in this realm, these trips kept you sane, or at most, it kept the darkness that threaten to consume you at bay.

Whenever you did come to visit, Rhaenyra would encourage you to take up your lute and play for her as you had done once before; a request you would oblige her time and again, which brought back some old happy memories from entertaining her in the past.

The princess always seemed elated with joy when she'd see you and Aemma upon your arrival.

On this day, a hunting party had been organized by the king to celebrate Aegon's second nameday, and you and Aemma had been invited to participate.

You were not one for hunting, but it would be nice to get some fresh air and spend time away from your cage of a castle.

Once you arrive at the Red Keep, servants came and greet you; a dragon keeper had also come to take Cirillia to the dragon pit.

You were led to the inside of the keep in a banquet hall where various lords and nobles had gathered to celebrate this day and pay their respects to the king and his son.

While conversing with the lords, Viserys saw you had arrived with Aemma in your arms.

You curtsy when he approached, "your Grace," you greet, doing your best to ignore the looks some of the lords were giving you.

During this time, your marriage to Daemon had remained a secret, so as far as anyone in this room was concerned, you were still seen as Daemon's mistress (the term 'mistress' being one of the nicer words to describe you).

Viserys smiled when he saw his niece look up to face him. You give Aemma a kiss on the cheek, "will you greet your uncle the king, princess?"

Aemma looked to Viserys somewhat shyly before she spoke in a tiny voice, "...hello," she managed to say before quickly hiding her face in her shoulder.

Some of the lords chuckled when Viserys laughed a little at his nieces reaction, "perhaps the princess would be less shy to greet her cousin the prince," he suggests, gesturing for the nurse holding little Aegon to approach.

"Look, Aemma, it's your cousin, prince Aegon," you speak to the girl, "will you say hello, sweetling?" 

You coaxed your daughter to look at the toddler who was staring back. Aemma reached a hand out to Aegon, but the boy turned away, pressing his face into the nurse's neck.

Viserys smiled at the interaction, as did some of the lords who were watching.

"Lady, (y/n)," you hear Alicent's voice as she approached; once again, the queen was with child, and heavily so. She looked like she may pop soon. "You Grace," you greet, "Aemma, say hello to the queen." "Hello," Aemma greets, not quite as shy as when she said that to her uncle. Alicent smiled as she placed a hand on her swollen belly, "I am glad you could join us on this day," she says, meaning it.

"Yes, it is nice to have the whole family joined on this momentous occasion," Viserys agrees, "if only we had everyone involved. Have you seen Rhaenyra on your way here?" he asks you. "I'm afraid not, your Grace," you tell him.

At that moment, one of the lords approached to speak to the king, who was still fixated on finding out where his daughter was so the hunting party could depart. 

You sneak a few pieces of food from the table, also making sure to give some to Aemma. You notice Alicent step away, probably to go find Rhaenyra. 

Once the princess in question was found, the hunting party promptly departed to the kingswood. You accompanied the royal family in their carriage, something that may not have been considered appropriate, but Rhaenyra had insisted seeing that you were the still Princess Aemma's mother.

It didn't exactly make the ride any less awkward for you; you were not part of the family, but your daughter was. And if it weren't for Aemma, you wouldn't have been invited to these special functions in the first place, at least not with a spot this close to the royal family.

It was even made more awkward with the tension that was already present in the carraige between Rhaenyra and Alicent. Only person that didn't seem to be aware of said tension was Viserys, or at most, he acted like it didn't exist preferring to enjoy the fact that the whole of his family was together for this momentous occasion.

"Well isn't this splendid," the king speaks, "the whole of our family off to celebration and adventure in the kingswood."

There was some awkward silence following that statement, with only Aegon and occasionally Aemma babbling to break the silence.

You contain yourself with each bump that was felt on the road.

"Should you be traveling in such condition?" Rhaenyra inquires of Alicent in regards to her pregnancy. "The maester said being out in nature would do me well," Alicent assures.

"You will be with your own child sooner than late," Viserys says to Rhaenyra while interacting with his son, "and make me a proud grandsire." 

Rhaenyra only gave her father a rather confounded look in response.

"It's not so bad," Alicent tells her, "the days are long, but Aegon came quickly and without fuss." "I couldn't quite say the same for Aemma," you quip in as Aemma kept busy poking at your face, "she definetely took her time coming out, I almost thought I was going to split in two. Thankfully that didn't happen."

"It must've been terrifying given the circumstances," Alicent points out, which Rhaenyra, Viserys, and the servants in the carriage gave some awkward looks. "...it wasn't too awful," you assure, "I had a mage there to see me through my labors. The witchers were kind enough to allow that at least."

There was some more silence before Viserys addressed his daughter once more, "you should ride out with me today," he suggests, "join in on the chase." "I'd rather not," Rhaenyra answers, "the boars squeal like children when they're being slaughtered. I find it discomforting."

"It's a hunt, Rhaenyra," Viserys points out, "how would you like to participate?" "...I'm not sure why I must," the princess admits. "Because you are my daughter," Viserys tells her, "the Princess. And you have duties."

"As I am ceaselessly reminded," Rhaenyra mutters. "I'm sorry?" "As I am ceaselessly reminded!" Rhaenyra repeats in a louder tone.

"You wouldn't need to be reminded if you ever attended to them," Viserys points out. "No one is here for me," Rhaenyra points back.

The remainder of the ride was carried on in silence. Aegon babbled every so often to break it. This time the young prince reached out towards Aemma, who responded by smacking his hand away. It didn't seem to deter little Aegon though as the boy tried again. Aemma clung to you, refusing to look at Aegon.

"Aemma that wasn't very nice," you lightly scold your daughter, though you felt a little proud of her reaction, "he just wants to say hello." Aemma looked at Aegon, both toddlers giving each other blank stares. "Sorry," Aemma says in the cute way that toddlers speak.

Viserys, Alicent, and even Rhaenyra smiled at this little interaction.

The carriage slowed and came to a stop. The party had arrived at the kingswood, where many of the lords and nobles were already there waiting to greet the king and his son.

Viserys and Alicent stepped out first, followed by the nurses, one whom handed Aegon over to Viserys. The lords applauded and hailed the boy on his second nameday.

You stayed in the carraige with Aemma, not in the mood to be facing any scrutiny from these highborn folk right now.

To your surprise, Rhaenyra stayed in as well. She had a certain look on her face, one that you could not decipher.

It has been two years since her half-brother was born, and while many of the lords were expecting this boy to become king after Viserys, the man had yet to officially declare Aegon as his new heir.

As far as anyone was concerned, Rhaenyra was still heir to the Iron Throne.

You couldn't help but wonder if Rhaenyra still had concerns about this, so you decide to speak, "I'm sure they'll be kissing your feet at your next nameday princess. That's more then what they would do for your brother."

Rhaenyra said nothing, but only offered you a small, joyless smile, "do you think Ciri would've enjoyed this?" she asks you, taking you by surprise.

"Well, she always did enjoy training with swords," you say, "though that may not quite translate into enjoying a hunting trip. Ciri did prefer more outdoor activities, just like her grandmother." "What about you?" "I've been on hunting trips once or twice, princess, with my own family," you tell her, "not quite my cup of tea. I'd prefer to write songs about hunting, thank you very much."

"Good," Rhaenyra nods before standing up and offering you a hand, "We'll be needing plenty of songs so as to hasten the day ahead."

------------------------

Once at the main tent, the one of the nurses that came with the family showed up, taking Aemma from your arms and carrying her to the other nurse who was tending to Aegon. You hoped the toddlers would remain civil with each other while you do your best to mingle with the other participants of these festivities.

Rhaenyra kept you by her side, the princess leading you to where the ladies were mingling and talking amongst themselves. Also among them was a man by the name of Lord Larys Strong, the young son of Lord Lyonel, who saw sit to join the little group.

At that moment, the subject of the conflict in the Stepstones came up, and you did your best to keep your breathing even and in check when the mention of Daemon came up as well.

Lady Ceira Lannister directed a question at you, though you didn't hear it at first as you were more focused from trying to keep from panicking.

"My apologies, Lady Ceira, I didn't quite hear your question," you say, voice still even. "I ask if you could offer insight on the war in the Stepstones, Lady Lark," the woman repeated her question.

"I'm not entirely sure what I could possibly know about war and conflict," you answer, confounded by the question, "I'm only but a simple bard, my lady." "A bard who caught the attention of the prince Daemon," Lady Ceira points out, though her tone was somewhat condescending when she made that statement, "As someone who knows the prince on such an...intimate level, more so then his own lady wife, and as someone who has fathered his only child so far, perhaps you would know something of the great mastermind behind this war."

"...Dae- uh, Prince Daemon had never said anything to me about the Stepstones," you inform, "the only time he did  was shortly before he left with Lord Corlys. I haven't seen him since." 

"He must've been spending less time talking before that," one of the ladies mutters.

The other ladies turn their stares at you, some of them intrigued, others rather judging. Nothing you hadn't seen in the last couple years since it had become common knowledge that you were the mother of Daemon's child, even though you were not his wife when the girl was conceived.

No one would ever say anything outright at you though, or at your daughter as they would not risk provoking Viserys' wrath should such slander of his niece or her mother reach his ears.  

"He's made a mess and the king must put an end to it," Lady Joselyn Redwyne speaks up as she pets her lap dog, "send fleets and men and clear out the Triarchy for good."

"But the crown is not at war," Rhaenyra points out. "But the crown...is at war, Princess," Lady Redwyne points back, "though your father refuses to admit it, we've been dragged into it by your uncle and the Sea Snake."

"And how do you serve the realm, Lady Redwyne, by eating cake?" Rhaenyra jabs. The woman's dog gulps down the sweets on the plate.

You sensed the tension was getting high so you attempt to diffuse it, "I thought you liked eating cake, princess. Wasn't that something you've just wanted to do before you were named heir?"

Rhaenyra said nothing, but turned and exited the tent. You sigh a bit, "guess she couldn't take a joke." The ladies, except for Alicent gave you some rather hard looks.

You grab a cookie and walk away, not wanting to bear the women's scrutiny any longer. You saw the way Lord Larys was looking at you when you took the sweet, not able to decipher the look on his face. It wasn't judgement, but it wasn't admiration either. 

As the day progressed, you remained in the tent, sometimes spending time with Aemma while she played with the nurses and with Aegon. Sometimes you would sing, and some of the nobles would encourage you to sing, to perform little ballads and short tunes, which you obliged. However these people may feel about you, at least they were kind enough to let you entertain them for the most part, in spite of your tarnished reputation, and to applaud when you were finished.

Sometime later, Rhaenyra had shown up in the tent once again so as to confront her father about trying to marry her off to Jason Lannister. Neither of the two bothered to conceal their ire during their argument, and it was clear that Viserys was trying to find a suitable match for Rhaenyra at this point.

It made sence, given that Rhaenyra was that age when she was expected to find a husband and start producing heirs to further the family line, but the princess was rather resistant to this particular duty.

You couldn't blame her though. Even though Viserys had pointed out that even he wasn't above tradition, it was different for a man then it was for a woman. At least the king had freedom to do what he wanted, that couldn't be said for the princess if she were to take a husband.

Rhaenyra had run off shortly after, with Ser Criston running after her.

Later in the evening, Rhaenyra had yet to show up. Meanwhile the supposed white hart the hunting party was tracking was sighted and the hounds would soon catch up with it.

Viserys had gone out for a bit during the hunt, then came back to the tent to rest and waited for when the hart would be captured.

You approached the king sometime when the man was draining a cup of wine. He was clearly annoyed at this moment, tired of the politics he clearly still had to deal with even though all he wanted was just to enjoy the festivities and celebrate his son's name day. These things apparently could not be put off for little while longer.

"Is everything alright, your Grace?" you decide to ask.

Viserys sighed, still annoyed, but he still answered, "it seems a king's work is never done," he admits, "all I wanted was to hunt and eat and drain my cups for a day or two in peace, not having to think about matters of the realm or of my children, if only for a little while longer." "Heavy is the head that wears the crown, your Grace," you point out, "it seems to be the case for all monarchs, regardless of which kingdom."

Viserys chuckled at that, "a bold statement, Lady troubador," he says, "spoken by one who seems to have fraternized with her fair share of kings."

"I do have to wonder, however, if their children have ever been such a thorn in their sides as my own daughter has been," the king continues, "resistant in fulfilling her duties, turning down any suitor from this realm who will have her. I am beginning to wonder if I shouldn't have declined that offer to marry Rhaenyra to the emperor of Nilfgaard. Or any of the Northern Realms on the Continent." "The Northern realms had sent proposals?" you ask, surprised by this.

"Three kingdoms from the Continent had sent messages with betrothal proposals in the last few years," Viserys explains, "Redania, Temeria, and the last one I can't recall. Ad...Aed..." "Aedirn," you say for him, "King Demavend has a son that is of marrying age."

"Yet so far, Nilfgaard was the only one to send personal envoys and gifts," Viserys points out, "and even though none will say, it is no secret that brokering an alliance with any of these kingdoms would allow them access to the dragons should they find themselves in need of one or two. Still, I can't help but wonder if Rhaenyra would be much happier if she were to accept either of these prospects. She would be a foreigner in a distant land, away from me, but she would still be a queen, if not here, then in another place. Maybe she would even concede her inheritance and Aegon could succeed me, finally putting an end to all these political headaches."      

"I still can't speak of Emhyr var Emreis, your Grace," you admit, "or of Prince Radovid or Prince Stennis. King Foltest, however, he may be older, and he may rule with a...rather firm hand but he may allow the princess more freedom then any of the other prospects. At the very most, he would be kind to any children he would have with her."  

"...it still doesn't answer my questions," Viserys says, "do you think Rhaenyra would be any more content to find a husband on the Continent then if she were to find one here?"

You had to think about it; Rhaenyra would have a little more freedom to conduct whatever affairs she might, but as a princess or queen, or whatever, there would still be certain expectations placed upon her that she would be expected to fulfill, and that included producing heirs. A duty Rhaenyra would likely be reluctant to fulfill given what she'd had seen her mother go through.

"I honestly can't say for certain, your Grace," you admit, "if I may be completely honest with you, I'm not entirely sure if Rhaenyra is the marrying type. Princess or not, I can't imagine her ever being content to spend her days playing that particular role. She's too head strong for that. Only way I could foresee her being content at all is if she made that choice willingly."

"*sigh*, I was afraid of that," Viserys gives a rather exhausted sigh, "still, I appreciate the insight, Lady (y/n). You honesty, however blunt it may be, has a way of opening eyes. Would you speak to my daughter perhaps? She values your input, I'm sure she would listen to whatever advice you could offer her."

"I doubt that, your Grace," you admit, "but I shall do my best.

Viserys nods and dismisses you to allow you to continue mingling with others in the tent. When the horn was sounded in the distant, Viserys left to join the hunt once more.

The following morning Rhaenyra had finally returned to camp, parts of her covered in blood. A dead boar was brought back in tow. One that the princess had apparently killed herself. Many of the nobles who saw her were speechless, you among them.

It still shouldn't have surprised you as the princess is part dragon after all, and you had mentioned not more then hours ago how head strong she is.

The hunting party returned back to King's Landing, where you and Aemma would remain for the time being.

It seemed the king wished for his niece to spend more time with his son. While Viserys still seemed cryptic on this matter, you were beginning to wonder if this was the king's way of building a strong match between Aemma and Aegon, one that would see these two married when they'd both come of age.

For the sake of your daughter, you honestly dreaded this prospect...especially if the people did indeed expect Aegon to succeed Viserys as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.

You didn't want to think about how this could greatly impact Aemma should that day come and the possibility of the realm tearing itself apart in the form of a civil war. 

Chapter 19

Masterlist

[astaldis]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers (except me because obvs I have done it). Spread the self-love ❤

Thank you very much for the ask, @valandhirwriter!

This is a really tough question, it's almost like having to decide whether I love my son or my daughter more 🙈, impossible. But maybe some fics are a bit special for other reasons.

So, here they are: Let's start with the fic that brought me back into writing fanfic after more than 15 years of neither writing nor reading any at all, my very first Witcher fic:

Ashes to Ashes:

At the end of the Battle of Sodden Hill, a distressed Cahir looks at the burning forest. (Published: 2020-10-12; Words: 417; Chapters: 1/1). (I'm a bit proud of it, too, because it has some nice alliterations and other stylistic devices, I think)

This here is my longest fic so far, although it was supposed to have only 5 chapters. Then along came a couple of nice prompt events and it ended up with 18 🙈:

To kill or not to kill

On Thanedd Ciri is cornered by the black knight of her nightmares. And really wants to kill the man who, in her mind, is responsible for all the bad things that have happened to her, for everything she has lost. Wants to shove her sword through his throat until his feathers are soaked in blood...

This is the story of how Cahir comes to join Geralt's company (Cahir's POV, mix of books and S1-2 of the Netflix series, spoilers for Baptism of Fire, might have spoilers for S4, Published: 2022-08-05; Completed: 2023-04-08; Words: 58,316; Chapters: 18/18)

And the first ever fic I wrote for a prompt event, the Witcher Trick or Treat 2022. I was pretty proud that I managed to use all 11 prompts in one story in the correct order of the prompts and on the precise day. It was a lot of fun to write with some humour, a little whump, a pinch of smut and a scary monster song by our favourite bard:

Creatures of the Night

While Geralt's Hanza is staying in Beauclair, the famous fall event is coming up. An event the Witcher cannot refuse to take part in, even though he does have to dress up for it. However, not everything goes as planned and the members of the Hanza are in for some surprises. Blame it on the grape punch. Or is it the bard's fault after all? (Published: 2022-10-01; Completed: 2022-11-11; Words: 22,898; Chapters: 14/14)

Another first, my very first smut fic. No idea if it's any good, but I like it - well, it's Jaskier/Mermaid 🧜‍♀️ 🌊 😅.

Shimmering Scales and Stormy Seas

This is the story of Jaskier's first time. Decide yourself if it is true or just a tall tale. (Published: 2023-05-13; Words: 800; Chapters: 1/1)

Last but not least, there is my first crack fic. The little plot bunny came to me in the middle of the night, no idea where from. I find it pretty funny:

What?!

During their stay at Beauclair Castle, Geralt's Hansa play a game of cards. It soon turns out that not all the Hansa members enjoy it equally much, although Regis claims that it is both entertaining and enlightening. At least, Angoulême is having fun. (Published: 2023-02-26; Words: 1,125; Chapters: 1/1)

Other stories are also special for the one or other reason, but, alas, it's already 5. So, this is it for today. Have fun reading!

[glwstic]

Rec List 4: The Witcher

-  Worth More Than Your Songs by Chaos_Breeds

“Jask, you’re bleeding,” Geralt growled, his free hand starting to pat for injuries, and-

Jaskier relaxed a bit, slumping in relief. “Good morning to you too,” he greeted brightly, ignoring how raspy his voice was. “Damn witchers and their sense of smell. I’m fine, don’t worry, just my hands.”

The room froze.

———

In which Jaskier runs himself ragged, convinced he must prove his value.

Geralt and Yennefer will not stand for it.

Oneshot,  1,676 words

-  Defying the Odds by Chaos_Breeds

Geralt didn’t care to eavesdrop, really, even less than he wanted to hear another bawdy ballad. It was better to keep his eyes on his ale, stay out of trouble, and wait for Jaskier to be finished. “So how much longer do you think he’ll live?” asked the baron, drumming his fingers on the table. “Such clever songs. I hope we’ll hear another few years’ worth before he goes.”

Geralt immediately stilled, the performance fading into the background.

———

In which Geralt learns that traveling bards are one of the most dangerous professions for very good reason. He overhears some nobles betting on how long his bard would survive on the path, and Jaskier’s odds apparently aren’t good.

Geralt will be damned before that happens.

Oneshot,  1,705 words

-  Bard Assassin by Hyrulehearts1123, sageclover61

Collection, 8 works, 88,968 words

>>>  Edge of Nowhere by sageclover61

Jaskier needed no introduction to Geralt of Rivia, not when he knows who this Witcher is on sight. On the other hand, this is his opportunity to make a new and different name for himself, a guise within a disguise, and perhaps fame that'll hide the secrets that he keeps.

Oneshot, 1,361 words

-  why were you digging, what did you bury by ruffboi

"You'll be coming with me," his father said, rather abruptly and with no room for argument.

"I thought no one but the elders and the witch could know where the clearing is," Julian said slowly.

"This is your duty as my son and heir," his father snapped.

"Of course, father," Julian replied. "I'll be ready after supper." He wondered, a chill running down his spine, what this duty actually was.

Oneshot,  1,776 words

-  I Have Heart-Fire and Singing to Give by inexplicifics

Jaskier is invited to come and sing at Oxenfurt - an honor he has never dreamed he would be granted so young. But leaving Kaer Morhen has its perils...and there are those who would very much like to get their hands on the Consort of the Warlord of the North.

5/5 Completed, 23,311 words

-  And I'll go up, up to find us by thequeenofsong

Geralt's thoughts when he goes up the mountain after finding out about the husband hunters coming to Kaer Morhen. Also includes a flashback to the night in Redania after Geralt finds out Jaskier was sent as a sacrifice and Jaskier's confession of love. Inspired by Inexplicfic's Accidental Warlord AU.

Oneshot,  2,909 words

-  No More Monsters by ruffboi

When Geralt leads his army into Tretogor, they expect most of what they find.

What they don't expect is the near-silent, trembling figure they find tucked against the wall in Radovid's rooms after Eskel runs a sword through the bastard's throat.

Oneshot,  1,219 words

-  Dandelion Wedding Crowns by sageclover61

Twenty years after conquering Kaedwen, Redania sought a treaty with the Warlord of the North, and offered with it an arranged marriage.

Geralt, the accidental warlord of the north, would very like human nobles to stop doing monstrous things, like marrying off their children. Needless to say, the marriage won’t last. Now if only he could figure out how to help Jaskier and his sisters, too.

Inspired by Inex's AW AU and Pallidus' As long as the sun and moon are above.

Oneshot, 16,303 words

-  dead man running by peaktotheocean

Jaskier handed her the spare dagger and breathed easy when she took it without question. "Ciri, darling. We're going to get out of this dungeon together. You know how sometimes, humans call things monsters that aren't monsters at all? Rather just, things they don't understand?"

She looked at him with fierce determination in her eyes. "Yes, I do."

Oneshot,  7,512 words

-  Little Lark in Our Hearts by Chaos_Breeds

Based on inexplicifics Warlord!Geralt AU. Jaskier thought he was over what his father had done, when he was sent away as tribute to the White Wolf. During a conversation about sending tribute to another king, Jaskier realizes he very, very much is not okay.

Good thing he’s got a whole pack to help him through it.

———

(In which they get a stark reminder of Jaskier’s circumstances before becoming part of the Witcher’s keep.)

Oneshot, 1,604 words

[feastingonfanfiction]

First watch through of the witcher season 1 finale

(A series of unfiltered thoughts) (I am here for tissaia/myanna buring)

Geralt in the wreck

...

Oh it's been a week since that first place ciri went to...

A guy tries to organize and pay some respects to the dead

But he's told to run....who else is out there? Is nilfgaard still around?

(....I'm assuming through this whole thing jask left him?)

Oh shit it's zombies!

Geralt save him

Thank whatever deity he saved him

He's gonna still work?

One bite will kill you

Man go, you still got a family...

...how far was nilfgaard when geralt gets here...how far was shapeshifter and all that?

He's taking down these undead

But they keep coming, bro one bite will kill you! ....tho He's a witcher....I wonder if the law of surprise protects you from death until surprise?

...shit he got bit...no way he'd die...

Unless law of surprise? Or magic?

OK to lil princess pov

....WHO THE FECK IS THAT?!

oh is this the lady she stole horse from.....her horse is dead!

God I feel bad for the lady who was just trying to help her...

She still helps her...

BUT ALSO IS SHE NOT GONNA QUESTION HOW??

just a casual they got what they deserved???

Cool opening shot with the symbols wonder how they did it

3d animation in some way with vfx? Probs

Shot of ocean

They on the way to the elven keep

me seeing tissaia:😃🫠

Proceeds to focus on her and not the plot

Like God her voice

Fortifying the keep that's the strat

Sometimes it's not shifty ale sometimes it's a bed in a pigpen....

Nilfgaard is going for ciri ☹️

But she got point when she pointed that out

Why did you come along yen?

Hold sodden take continent....place is small...

It's heroic

And stupid

...yen who's side are you on truly? Like if you think it's stupid offer up a better plan?

Take children and hide, you can only hide for so long till they find you...

Ooo montage scene of prepping for battle

Rocks in bottles and magic

She can't go down, she gotta fight back.

Magics more feathers

Wish she could do that she says...that'd probs touch a nerve-ish cause things were sacrificed for power and they have two different experiences

It's magic it's not real

"Is vilgefortz to be our new-"

Again spoiled by tumblr knowledge before even knowing but I know vaguely that something happens and not to trust guy

But also nooooooo

Triss and geralt save the princess striga

...wonder how yen feels knowing triss and geralt worked together

Weary of his kind, so often disappointed....bish the drama I sense there

The ale won't disappoint 😃💕🫠

The way she holds it out to yen like gahh

Yen seeing the negative I can relate

"Must you always be fatalistic?"

"All the more reason to live tonight"

The way she looked at her when saying it

Gah then they cut to shot of vigelfortz

But then they give that knowing glance to eachother and chuckle....

Sudden seriousness are you ready for death?

Not satisfied after living many lifetimes

No legacy no family, sometimes family is not blood

You still have so much left to give(again thinking of fall out boys phoenix)

Evil guy and

Fringilla

What is their magic?

I'm not liking fringilla

They are going for cirilla

Who's the white flame again

They want lil princess

Lil princess!!

Oh son of nice lady, he's frickin mean

Heh she smack him, good sound

She's so nice like why????

Fire in the sky

Ominous they're here

Yen stops the fire ball, you go girl

Make a fire ball lady looks to the side where another cloak is

I assume the last person

Oh she's withering away Jeez, all for a magic fireball?

That's messed up they just dispensing people

I'm not liking fringilla

What is that????

No way it'd be over

Unless nilfgaard has a guy on the inside

Oh lovely shot of tissaia

Fog rises in....do they perish like fireball lady?

Yen is last resort reserve your chaos

Oh geralt got bit by zombies

What a nice guy

...I wonder if a guy can die before receiving the law of surprise

Obviously he doesn't but like

Imagine geralt gets turned into a half undead state where he's part zombie but the law of surprise is keeping him from

And he becomes zombie guardian of ciri

Her protector

Oh? Is he hallucinating

Life flashes before his eyes

We must live and let live

Or it's chaos

It's magic it's not real

Yen strategies on where to send people

Can any one hear me? Tissaia?

I can

Go triss goooooo

Oh poisonous mushroom spours

Who she?

Do we ever get like names of some of these mages

Yens like commander mode on this bottle explosion

Damn what magic is this???

Damn vigelfortz despite my knowledge of what you do-kinda that entrance was very cool

Vilgefortz going off script

Bro listen to yen but nooooo

What do you want? To get to the center of it all.....what?

Bro falls off cliff....i know what he do and like 🤔 imagine he perishes there

Dammit they broke in

...can't they just jump in?

No instead they shoot arrows

Was that vanielle?

Shoot....(pun unintended)

[I question this cause someone asked for request to draw her and tissaia]

But damn in the first season

Shoot its the sus box

And they guy dies to do that and deliver it....they really use their soldiers and not give a damn to their lives that's messed up

Tissaia!!!!

Answer her tissaia

Oh tissaia vs fringilla

Girl no! Don't give her a chance her stance is clear

How nilfgaard takes cintra

That was fringilla....

NOOOOOO TISSAIA

HOW DARE YOU

WHAT THE FECK IS THAT

Worms in the black box

Oh geralt scene

Did geralt keel over?

Oh no he's alive

He needs his bag, never know if the guy he...saved? Is it the same guy it's been a bit since the last episode, never know if someone takes his stuff

Oh he going for the drink...yikes

Like that pour it burns him

Blue mountains???

Who??? Smacks man to wake him up...

Home?Lil geralt

....oh no...lil geralt was left behind...

Vesemir? Who's he

Yeesh they're going down

Tries to do magic immediately cut down....Trish.....

Please be ok

No way she'd go down in this right?

Oh she making plant wall

Live plant wall

....are they...hypnotized?

What are you gonna do with the blue rocks....no way they're of sound mind....

TRISS NOOOOOO

shit please let her be ok......

She was burned but it looks like she's ok....

Slow mo scenes like these never seem good

Where IS SHE WHERE TISSAIA

OH SHE STABBED YEN WTF

OH ITS THE BAD WORMS

GROSS NOOOOOOOOOOTHE PEOPLE

THE EXPLOSIONS....

....is Sabrina OK?

Like if she still fell does the worm still have control?

Oh no....

Yen find her......

TRISS PLEASE BE OK

oh this is so sad.......

You the one who said it was stupid says we can still fight....OK yeah no that's really a nice moment she's still trying despite everything

Oh.....

FECK off fringilla

Vigelfortz lives...bodies around

Did....was that guy one of them?....like that wasn't nilfgaard and vigelfortz....just ended him....

So he betrays them from the start? Like right now??

TISSAIA

She gets up!!! What a queen, I mean rectoress....I hope she's ok🥺

Geralt scene

RENFRI???? IS THAT YOU????

OK so it's...not Ren or Yen

Who are you?

She's a mage?

....destiny?

Geralt can't see too well....

His MOM?!

.....

She abandoned him.....

But won't give him the reason as why....

She saves him but he can't get over this

His mother would rather destiny then look for him.....ouch

Most likely it'll hurt you both....

Move ON?!

oh lil princess find your law of surprise.....

Did his mom just leave? Was his mom really here?

Bro really decides ok I'm ok I'm off to battle

No NO NO MORE LAW OF SURPRISES

lmao just give him some booze

TISSAIA!!!!

She's weak....

She saved her....oh

Your turn?

Oh...damn this scene is good

The close ups ...let your chaos explode

Off yen goes....yen the last resort...if tissaia was at her 100% they'd be beat.....

But it's a teaching moment

(Again fall out boys Phoenix comes to mind raise you like a phoenix)

....also tho....how does yen do that control magic....like the people who made fireballs disintegrated but she lives.... is it cause she ascended or a different reason?

Damn this scene is cool

Tissaia basked in orange lighting yen using that fire

Weird evil dude....

Is that back up?

They a lil late but at least they here....perhaps they can help the injured

Why is this lady so NICE

like damn lady your kindness....she took horse but you still brought her in

Oh she want to adopt....I'm sorry lady but this law of surprise is for geralt

Ciri says nothing

Are geralt and tissaia in the same place?

Tissaia screaming for her

.....but why would geralt be calling?

Oh it was ciris dream?

Off she goes....sorry nice lady....

She just picks a direction and runs

Bruh

YOUVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME

THEY MISSED EACHOTHER BRO WTF

they gotta meet by the end

Lmao it could've been any girl but bro was like my surprise!

Off they go to the woods

.....

I hope yens alright if tissaia is screaming for her....

Bro is meeting child but getting cold feet he nervous

THEY MEET!!!

the way she runs up to him ....

Does she recognize?

The HUG????

Wtf first question

Yo who's yen?

Like what a question that's gonna be

[theminionjcfucked]

BB25 Houseguests as People you meet at a dysfunctional family reunion.

America: Little Brother Cory’s plus one to the reunion. She’s a bit mysterious, but she very intelligent. And she’s older than Cory. Her and Cory won’t really say what they are, but she clearly likes him, much to the Moms dismay. She’s very observant. All of this makes the Moms dislike her. But she doesn’t let it bother her.

Blue: Eldest Son Jared’s on again, off again girlfriend. She’s edgy and sexy. Way too cool for Jared. And she doesn’t really know if she likes Jared or not. Believes that she can fix him. (LITERALLY) The moms don’t like her either. She couldn’t give less of a fuck.

Bowie: Wine Aunt. She’s fun but in an odd way. She’s traveled the world. She’s always down to give you a makeover. Constantly switching careers, there’s a lot about her you don’t know. Including her age. And who’s she related to. Either way, you’ll find her on the dance floor with a glass of Chardonnay in her hand!

Cameron: Ex-husband. No one really knows if he’s Cirie or Felicia’s ex-husband, but what they do know is he’s fucking annoying. He wasn’t necessarily invited to the reunion, but he still showed up anyway. No one takes him seriously.

Cirie: Mother. She’s stressed. She’s got a big family to take care of and doesn’t know what to do with all this downtime. She may lose her head every now and then, but always manages to come back to earth. Jared is her favorite child. In her eyes, he can do no wrong. It’s a problem.

Cory: Little Brother. This man is always cooking up something. He’s a schemer and a bit of an evil genius. He’s a straight A student, valedictorian, Tae Kwon Do champion and a nerd. Also, for some unexplainable reason, he is a ladies man. All the girls flock to him. He told his Moms that America is just a friend.

Felicia: Mom. She’s a hardworking mother who has kept the house clean, fed her children, and made sure things are in order. But she’s quick to snap at you if you piss her off. Don’t come in this house without taking your shoes off in the foyer. Don’t leave the dishes in the sink. And don’t lie to her. She’ll know. And even if you didn’t lie, she’ll find something else wrong you did. Mom means business.

Hisam: Fun Uncle. Funkle, if you will. His entertainment knows no bounds. He can be a bit intense and somewhat condescending, but he’s too funny to not like. Unintentionally mean but always apologetic. The first one on the dance floor.

Izzy: Middle Child Syndrome: Example #1. She’s chaotic. A mess. Where is she? What is she doing? What is she talking about? She’s crying? Again? She is a handful but she’s very well rounded. Gay as hell. Over dramatic. The reason her Mothers hairs are turning gray.

Jag: Middle Child Syndrome: Example #2. It’s his fault. It’s always his fault. Even if he didn’t do it, it’s his fault. Gets blamed for everything. He’s always grounded. He’s grounded right now. What’s that? You want to dance? Sorry he can’t. He’s grounded. His Moms are always catching him in precarious situations. One time he got cussed out while wearing a chicken suit. It was weird. Secretly hangs out with Jared’s girlfriend. Nothing crazy going on, they’re just smoking weed.

Jared: Eldest Son. He is the golden child to his parents. Anything but to rest of the family. He’s arrogant and got some pretty fucked views about women. Very controlling over his on again, off again girlfriend. Also can’t shut the fuck up about anything. Tells everyone at the reunion the family secrets. He likes the attention.

Kirsten: The Neighbor. She just wanted to drop in and leave y’all a plate of cookies. The Moms are suspicious of her. They stare at her through the window blinds and talk about how they think she’s a trained assassin. Waved goodbye to the family as they headed off to the reunion. She’s just a neighbor, minding her business.

Matt: Middle Child Syndrome: Example #3. He’s a bit shy, but a very accomplished young man. Works hard. Trains hard. His parents are proud of him. He gets his heart broken too easily. He’s a torn individual. He can’t decide if he wants to do basketball or musical theatre. He might burst into a power ballad every once in a while. Often seen staring at his reflection in the water or prancing through a golf course. He doesn’t know what he wants. All he knows, is he’s got it get his head in the game.

Mecole: Eldest Daughter. She’s is an extremely accomplished young woman with a strong head on her shoulders. But she unfortunately bares the strain of being prefect for being the oldest. She’s constantly criticized and made out to be the bad guy, even though all she’s trying to do is hold the family together. She’s loves math.

Red: That One Cousin. We don’t really know which side of the family his from. He just shows up. Very hard to read. You never know what his political affiliations are. One thing is for sure, he provided the weed.

Reilly: The Neighborhood Kid. She’s rides her bike around in circles in the cul-de-sac. She’s comes over all the time and asks annoying questions. Cries when you tell her to go away. She showed up to the reunion to hang out. The Moms called her parents right away and she got taken home. She sells lemonade on the weekends.

[ace-angel-judas]

How do Jaime and Kion get together as adults?

“He did what?!”

Ang’s hand was over her mouth in shock, the story Ciri had told had the entire room gasped for air.

“He crashed her date! I’m not lying!” Ciri announced, “Mom, you need to control him-“

“No one controls Kion,” Melody covered her face in her hands, “Except for maybe Jaime,”

Ang looked at Ian, who was trying not to laugh, “You think it’s funny that your son crashed my daughter’s date and punched the guy in the face?”

“Look,” Ian struggled not to laugh, “Did we really expect anything else from him?”

Lilo was the next to giggle, “Come on, Mama, they’ve been in love forever,”

“Well, where are they now?” Ang asked.

Down the hallway, a door opened and shut, Jaime creeping down the hallway. Kion’s shirt was much too big for herself, but the dress she had worn the previous night had been ripped.

No thanks to Kion.

Although, Jaime nearly screamed as she stepped out of the hallway, into the eyes of her mother, sister, Ciri and Kion’s parents.

“Oh no..,” Jaime whispered.

“Oh yes!” Ciri’s face lit up, “Did you two finally fuck-“

“We don’t need to hear it!” Ang stood up, “Do you want breakfast, sweetie? I bought some food,”

“Uh-“

Coming stumbling down the hallway next as Kion, his dyed red hair messed up and a pair of jeans barely done up. He looked at the visitors, blinking slightly.

“When the fuck did you all get here?” Kion asked with a yawn.

“Kion! Language!” Melody lectured.

“I’m 22!” Kion groaned, “I’ve said worse-“

“Kion,” Ian’s voice cut through the air, making the male stop, “Get dressed, mate,”

Kion slowly turned, heading back down the hallway. Jaime nodded, taking a step back and following the male.

“Dabin’s going to kill someone,” Ang whispered.

“Well, I wonder who our son takes after,” Melody pursed her lips, looking at her husband.

Ian just shrugged, “Your brother?”

[awigglycultist]

Cirie come get your god damn son

[ghostinthelibrarywrites]

For WIP game - Poet part 2 and Shaerrawedd fic.

So the rest of a poet (whose weapon is his word) is really plotty, so there isn't much I can share without giving too much away, but here's a little snippet:

“Here you go.” He looks up to see Aiden come into his office in the back of the schoolhouse, carrying a mug of tea. “Getting tired just looking at you, songbird.” “Aiden, if I weren’t thoroughly occupied by two husbands, I would be getting down on one knee right now.” Jaskier takes the mug with a smile. Aiden snorts. “You should probably try the tea before you say that.” Jaskier takes a sip and is unsurprised to find it’s as strong and bitter as White Gull. “How many of the tea leaves did you use?” “All of them.” Jaskier had about a week’s worth of tea leaves in the kitchen. He sets the mug aside. “Thank you, my friend.” Aiden salutes and goes to lean against the wall, flipping his knife idly.

I talked about Shaerrawedd fic a little here, but here's another snippet under the cut!

“Everything is going to be alright, princess. There is no need to panic.” “I’m not panicking, Jaskier.” “Absolutely no need to panic. I’m sure wherever Geralt is, he has everything perfectly under control. He’s probably burying the fire fucker’s mangled corpse as we speak.” Yennefer opens her eyes to find herself staring up at the sky. Agony radiates from her shoulder. “And then he’ll be on his way back to us, right as rain—” “Jaskier, I’m really not panicking.” Ciri sounds exasperated. “It’s a pity he doesn’t have Roach with him. He’ll probably steal another horse on his way across the Continent and then we’ll have two Roaches running around, trying to bite innocent bards’ fingers off. Roach #1 and Roach #2.” The face of Yarpen’s niece, Gretta, appears in Yennefer’s line of sight. “Sorry, lass. I was hoping you’d stay unconscious a bit longer.” “Why?” Yennefer’s voice comes out a croak. “Because I’m about to take that arrow out of your shoulder and it’s going to hurt like a son of a whore.” Gretta looks over her shoulder. “Oi, Big Mouth!” “That’s Viscount Julian Alfred Big Mouth to you, madam.” Jaskier appears behind Gretta, eyes wide. “Be honest, Gretta, is she going to die?” “Already planning my funeral dirge, bard?” Yennefer bares her teeth into a smile. “Not quite. I have at least six celebratory songs written for the occasion of your untimely passing.” Gretta whacks him on the thigh. “Stop yammering and help her sit up. You’re going to need to hold her still.” “I’m fine,” Yennefer says as Jaskier gently helps her into a sitting position, kneeling behind her so that her back is braced against his chest.

WIP Ask Game

[winters-mistress]

uncle makes mistakes

"Here you go, squirt." Lambert says, passing the cone behind his shoulder. Before he completes the rotation, the youngest adopted son of Vesemir eyes the green and chocolate speckled wafer cone, and his impulse gets the better of him as Eskel drives off from the drive through window.

He opens his mouth and takes a lovely bite of the sweet, minty, chocolatey goodness. The ice cream melts on his tounge, and his lips slide across the dessert, before he pulls it away and leans it back over his shoulder.

"Ew. What the hell?" His niece's voice is full of disgust. "You told me you were gonna get me an ice cream for passing my test, then eat it in front of me?" Her voice is low, and he can hear the rustle of denim and chiffon as she sits back in her seat, obviously having no intention of taking the treat from his hand.

"Uncle tax." Lambert shrugs. "I paid for it, I get a bit. But you can have the rest, it's yours." He extends the cone a little more, but thr kid doesn't move.

"I'm not gonna eat a half eaten ice cream cone that's got your spit all over it, uncle." Ciri doesn't move to take the cone. "Eat it, it's yours."

Lambert finally lowers the cone back to his lap, and he and Eskel give each other a look, silent and knowing.

"Would you like us to go back around and get you another?" Eskel asks, glancing in the mirror to look at his nice, who stares out of the window, her head leaning back against the headrest, big green eyes large and unseeing as she stares out at the streets.

"No, thank you." her voice is soft, her fingers twiddling together as she continues to stare out the window. "I'd like to go home."

"Come on, girl." Lambert turns around in his seat to look at her. "You were so chuffed to pass that test, so glad and happy. All this because I took a bit of ice cream?"

"It's not the ice cream, uncle. The spit, the germs. It grosses me out, makes me feel sick. And you can't just take a bit of something you bought something for someone without asking, or without a spoon. I don't want it, I don't want any ice cream or anything else. I just want to go home now." Ciri explains, her voice is soft, her hands laying on her lap as she looks at her red haired uncle.

Lambert sighs as he looks at her again. "Sorry, kid. Do you want to grab a cake or something from a bakery, something you can eat tomorrow?"

"No, thank you. I just want to go home now."

Lambert sighs again and he looks forward once more. Eskel glances at him, the way he clenches his hand around the cone, as it shatters and spills cold ice cream all over his hand. He curses and throws the mess out of the window, before they finally pull onto the motorway that leads them to their mountain home.

"You alright, kid?" Eskel asks after they've arrived at Kaer Morhen, drive full of Geralt, Vesemir, Jaskier, Coen and all their foster brothers' cars.

"Yeah." Ciri's voice is small as she gathers her bags and folders from the back, pulling the backpack over one shoulder, holding everything else on her hip.

"Tell you what," Eskel whispers. "After Lamb goes to bed tonight, what do you say we get a little revenge on his nasty ass? Put a bucket of water on top of his door, ice water next to his slippers, put dye in his shampoo?"

Ciri chuckles at Eskel's smirk. "Why not?"

[merlot-and-chardonnay]

A Lark Among the Wolves and Dragons: Chapter 21

Chapter 20.5

"Geralt!"

Tears in your eyes, choking back a sob, hoping beyond hope that this was not a dream, you run to the witcher, pulling him for a crushing embrace.

Geralt grunts, like he was in pain, making you loosen your hold on him. 

"Easy, dove, easy," he says, "still not...fully recovered it."

"Sorry," you say, pulling back, not fighting the tears that spilled forth, "It's just...I've missed you Geralt, I've missed you so much. I...I've waiting for you for so long, I had given hope, I...Geralt, it's been years, why didn't you come for me sooner?"

"I tried, love, I really did," Geralt softly insists, "I...I did everything I could to get here, but so much has happened since last you were on the Continent and..."

"Jaskier told me," you say. "Jaskier's here?" "Yeah," you nod, "He made it here before you did. He told me what happened...on Thanedd. Well not exactly, he didn't give me all the details, surprising as that is. He said you got hurt, badly. And then I heard you were sighted in the North of Westeros, I was about to assume the worse."

Geralt nods, "I first tried to find a ship that could take me here," he explains, "but none would travel that route, something about pirates in this place called the Stepstones. So I sought out a mage, but each time I found one, they would refuse to portal me here saying that magic in this part of the world works differently and they didn't have the skills to overcome it."

"Yennefer managed to it seems," you say, making Geralt look up at you in shock, "Jaskier told me she was alive," you explain, "this whole time I thought she was dead. I'm glad she survived, and that she was able to help you. But...she wasn't able to help with your injuries?" 

"That required the help of some Dryads," Geralt admits, "and the waters of Brokilon forest."

Your eyes widen, realizing now that the extent of Geralt's injuries were far worse then you had previously thought, "What happened in Thanedd, Geralt?" you ask. "It's a long story," he tells you, "what's important is I am here now...for you."

You nod, a fresh wave of tears spilling out again. You pull Geralt in for another hug, albeit a little gentler this time so as not to hurt him, "I've missed you Ger-bear. All I could think about was you."

"I've missed you too," Geralt says back, burying his face into your neck and breathing in your scent.

Sweet as ever, though the witcher had to do his best to ignore the faint traces of a scent of a certain morally reprehensible prince that still lingered on your dress.

"He's here isn't he?" Geralt asks you, once he pulls away, "in King's Landing." You don't say anything, but give a small nod. Geralt could see the terrified look in your eyes. He suspected what Daemon has been doing to you, but would not press for fear of you reliving whatever trauma that man had inflicted upon you during your captivity here.

"What of Ciri?" he asks. "She escaped years ago," you assure, "when my first escape plan failed, she managed to get on the last ship back to the Continent."

"and what of Aemma?" Geralt asks. "She's still here with me," you tell him, "the king has declared her true born, which makes her a Targaryen princess. He and...her father had also recently betrothed Aemma to the king's son. She is to wed when both children come of age."

Geralt stared in silence, seeing the look on your face which was one of concern and uncertainty, "I can't let that happen," you tell him, "princess Rhaenyra is still named Viserys' heir, but prince Aegon's grandfather I sense is planning on the seeing to it that the boy will be king next. If Aemma does marry Aegon, I fear she will be caught in between this political conflict. I fear it may end up costing her life, regardless of who will sit the Iron Throne in the end."

"...then we best get Aemma away from this place as soon as we can," Geralt states. "It won't be easy," you admit, "Aemma is part of the royal family now, she will be protected, even by her own mother."

"Have you a plan?" Geralt asks. "I'm working on it," you admit, "Me and Jaskier. We'll all leave...together this time."

In this moment, you and Geralt stare into each other's eyes. You missed looking into those golden eyes. It had been only hours ago that you had been lying on your back for a man you had come to fear and despise, but now here you were with the man you loved and had been waiting for.

You lean in, pressing your lips to his. He reciprocated and the kiss became more passionate.

It was this moment that the last four months had disappeared if only for a brief moment. They would surely return along with the trauma you've had to endure. But for now, you could feel it being put aside as you drink in the man before you.

The kiss deepen some more as you begin to feel Geralt up, straddling his lap and and ready to remove his tunic.

You needed this. You needed to drink Geralt in, if only to rid yourself of any traces of Daemon that still clung to you as a result from his possessive nature.

The emotions that consumed at this time, however, faded when you heard Geralt grunt out in pain.

The witcher groaned, followed by a sigh. You pull back slightly, noticing Geralt closed his eyes. You look down to see the bulge in his pants. He wanted this, but couldn't move around like he used to it seems, "Forgive me," he says, voice almost horse, "I'm...still having trouble moving without experiencing pain."

"...how long will this last?" you ask him.

"It waxes and wanes over time," the witcher admits, "but I was told this is something I may have to deal with for the rest of my life. It can be managed, but it will never go away, at least not completely."

"Will you still be able to take monster contracts?" you ask. "Maybe not as many as I used to," he answers, "but I can hold my own with a sword in hand."

You nod in understanding, leaning against Geralt so as to absorb his warmth and just be near him.

"Can I at least lay with you, if only just for a little while longer?"

Geralt nods, about to lean back, but you stop him, "I still want to feel you," you say, standing back to take off your dress, letting pool at your feet and leaving you in your small clothes. You then step closer to Geralt, pulling at the corners of his tunic. Geralt helps you take it off and he lays back on the bed, taking you with him. You rest your head against his chest, admiring the patch of hair there, rubbing against it. You missed this...you missed him, his smell, his rugged arms wrapped around you. You keep your eyes open for fear that if you closed them you would wake up and realize it was all just a dream.

"Where are your shoes?" you hear Geralt ask. You look at your feet and remembered why your shoes were missing, "I...really rather not talk about it," you sigh in admittance, "let's just say it involved the Law of Surprise, believe it or not."

"Hmm," was all Geralt said. You couldn't help but snort at that, "it's nice to know some things about you clearly haven't changed." You hear Geralt chuckle at your statement.

"I never did get to tell you," he says, breathing in your scent as he pressed his nose against your hair, "I love you too."

You fight back your tears at his declaration, memories coming back to your time at Kaer Morhen, when you first professed your love for the White Wolf, but had fallen asleep before he had a chance to say it back.

"We'll get out this Geralt," you say with determination, despite your voice coming out as a sob "neither gods, men, nor dragons will stop us this time."

You and Geralt lay in silence afterwards, you starting to doze off while Geralt stayed awake for a while longer.

You would never know how badly Geralt worked to get to where he was now, the blood, sweat, tears, and everything in between it took for him to finally get to you.

He pressed a kiss to your head while you slept.

He pulled you as close to him as possible without waking you up, if only to rid the fading scent of the Targaryen prince that still lingered on you.

There was also something else Geralt had sense. It was faint, and it was a sound that could've been missed by his witchers senses if it weren't quiet right now. The faint sound of a beating heart inside you; the same sound he had detected once before when you first came to Kaer Morhen when Aemma was still inside your womb.

The witcher sighed, having his suspicions, but he wasn't sure if he should break the news to you now or wait until the symptoms appear and you figure it out on your own. If he waited too long to tell you, it would be too late for you to make any decisions about it...but if he told you now, he wasn't sure if you would be able to handle the stress and trauma. 

Geralt stared at the ceiling, sending a silent prayer, for once in his life, to whatever gods, if any, where up there to get you out of this situation before it was too late.

-------------------------

It was little less then an hour to day break by the time you waken from your little rest. You look up from where you had laid your head on Geralt's chest to see the man was sound asleep.

You didn't want to leave, but you needed to inform Jaskier that Geralt had finally arrived. Also if the servants will be coming to your room soon, and if they notice you were not there, if anyone managed to figure out you were nowhere in the Red Keep at this time, they would surely tell Daemon...and you didn't want to think about what sort of punishment the man would concoct for you if he found out.

You wake Geralt up briefly, placing a kiss to his lips and letting him know you had to return to the keep, but would come back to him tonight. Hopefully by then, you and Jaskier would have come up with an escape plan.

The witcher nodded, professing his love once again before your reluctant departure.

You sneak your way back to your room, suddenly feeling nauseated. The moment passes before you shake it off and walk out of the room to go see Jaskier.

The sun was rising at this point, which meant most would be up already to break their fast.

On your way there, you walk pass the nursery and hear wailing cries from the other side.

Having let curiosity get the better of you, you take a peak in to see Alicent doing her best to rock her daughter, who would not stop crying no matter how much effort the queen was putting in to calm the little princess down.

You were planning to walk away, but you saw the look on Alicent's face, like she was struggling. You felt pity for the young queen and walk inside.

"I can hold her if you want, your Grace," you say, startling Alicent, only to calm once more when she saw it was just you. "Forgive me" you say, "I uh, I could help but hear the uh, screaming from the other side."

"I appreciate the offer, but I can handle this," Alicent assures, though the look on her face told you otherwise.

You've been hearing things from the nursemaids that have been tending to Helaena, how the babe never seemed to calm whenever she was in her mother's arms. Alicent did everything she could to bond with her daughter, but the results have been all the same.

Studying her face some more, you could see it was more than just the struggle to raise her children. You recognize it as the same look you have seen on your own face when you looked into the mirror at Dragonstone.

Alicent Hightower may be married to a king and have servants weigh on her hand and foot, especially during the times she was carrying the king's children.

None of that changes the fact that Alicent was trapped; if her father wasn't around to serve on the small council, she would be essentially isolated, having no true allies at court, and even Rhaenyra, whom was once her best friend was estranged from the girl since the marriage.

It was normal for nobles to marry young and produce heirs, especially noble women, but sometimes you wonder if Alicent was maybe too young when she had wed Viserys, and too young to be a mother.

It made you realize how blessed you have been up until this point; if your own father wasn't too busy with the bottle, you wonder if he would've sought to it that you had been married at that age, essentially taking away the freedoms you have taken for granted all these years.

You place a hand on Helaena's back, which seemed to do the trick and calm the babe. Alicent looked up, like she was about to scold you, but the moment you saw her eyes, all you could was nothing but sweet relief.

No words were spoken, but you could see the queen offer a silent thank you in response.

In that moment, the wave of nausea hit you again, "excuse me, your Grace," you tell her, rushing out of the nursery before Alicent had a chance to response.

You empty the contents of your stomach somewhere in the hallway. You look around to see no one was in sight.

You feel panic wash over you; last time you felt this sick was when....

Tears fill your eyes as you lean back against the wall and slowly sink to the ground.

No, you shake your head, you didn't want to believe it. You didn't want to believe that the Rogue Prince could've done this to you again.

He had already trapped you first with Aemma and then with your forced secret marriage.

You could let him entrap you further with a second child.

Chapter 22

Masterlist

[twilightcitadel]

Top 5 Must-Play Medieval Fantasy RPG Games

With their missions, battles, and intricate narration, Medieval Fantasy role-playing games provide players with an engrossing escape into imaginative worlds. The top 5 must-play medieval fantasy role-playing games that will take you to fascinating realms of mystery and adventure are listed in this blog post.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The classic medieval fantasy role-playing game, Skyrim from Bethesda, transports players to the expansive province of Tamriel. With its vast amount of quests, open-world adventure, and deep lore, Skyrim provides an unmatched gaming experience. As the Dragonborn, you will face dragons and shape your own fate as you explore the mysteries of this ancient continent.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

In CD Projekt Red's masterpiece, The Witcher 3, players assume the role of Geralt of Rivia and embark on a sombre and intense adventure. Immersive graphics and a convoluted storyline are combined in this grim mediaeval fantasy game. In your quest to find Geralt's adoptive daughter Ciri, you will come across legendary creatures, have to make moral decisions, and move through a politically heated environment.

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Dragon Age: Inquisition by BioWare skillfully combines strategic combat and elaborate storytelling. In order to heal divisions and bring peace back to Thedas, players assume the role of the Inquisitor and guide a varied cast of characters. This game offers an interesting take on medieval fantasy with a plot that is captivating, characters that are memorable, and combat that are strategic.

Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin 2, a modern classic from Larian Studios, emphasises intricate systems and rich storytelling. Players construct their own characters and set out on a journey through a highly dynamic environment, strategic turn-based combat, moral quandaries, and the fantastical world of Rivellon. Because there is so much freedom in the game, every playthrough is different.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Kingdom Come: Deliverance by Warhorse Studios presents a historically true and realistic portrayal of medieval life. The game, which takes place in 15th-century Bohemia, follows Henry, a blacksmith's son, as he pursues retribution and gets entangled in political intrigue. Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a novel and engrossing medieval role-playing game that places a high emphasis on realism, historical correctness, and a non-linear narrative.

My Own Dark Fantasy Realm

Hi there, fellow fans of dark fantasy! Thanks to your unflinching support, our blog—which is packed with tales and inspirations of dark fantasy—is making waves on TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube. Even more thrilling is the fact that we're creating a captivating Trading Card Game to further engross you in Twilight Citadel's eerie mysteries. Explore the depths of the shadows with our website, where you can get eerie yet lovely phone wallpapers and posters. Furthermore, we've got you covered with free resources like desktop wallpapers and profile pictures to make sure your gadgets are brimming with eerie fantasy atmosphere. Come along with us on this surreal adventure, where fears come true and shadows dance. Are you prepared to welcome the gloom?

Conclusion

Players are enthralled by medieval role-playing games because of their intricate settings, gripping stories, and tactical gameplay. These top 5 role-playing games (RPGs) offer a wide variety of experiences that will transport you to mystical realms and leave you itching for more adventures, whether you love exploring expansive landscapes, making morally difficult decisions, or participating in epic battles.

[windflowerofskellige]

(sorry for my bad english) Don't you think that the quest "A Matter of Life and Death" united those who benefit from Radovid's death? Morvran Voorhis, Marie-Louise La Valette (she was just in the company of Morvran), Dijkstra and a certain friend of Morvran (Roche?) and Ingrid Vegelbud herself (after all, because of Radovid's decree, her son leaves the house and is in danger). These are just my thoughts, sorry if this fact is obvious.

No problem! I'm glad to see you in my inbox no matter your proficiency! See the answer your question, if I've understood correctly, is yes but no. Mostly because I am of the firm opinion that some of these characters would not benefit from Radovid's death. In particular Dijkstra and Morvran politically do not benefit from Radovid's death. Morvran because in doing so it opens the door for the Empress Ciri ending and thus takes his right to the throne itself making him Emperor Consort rather than Emperor fully, he benefits more from Radovid winning the war and Nilfgaard turning on Emhyr. Dijkstra also doesn't benefit from Radovid's death, and in RoS is acting out of character. I've mentioned many times on this blog I think realistically the only reason he comes back from Zerrikania is to try and keep tabs on Radovid. Realistically he more likely wants back into Radovid's court and is doing his crime syndicate role in Novigrad to aid Radovid's interests in gaining control of Novigrad for the war. Maria Louisa and Ingrid Vegelbud DO benefit from Radovid's death. Maria Louisa herself can directly be traced back to Nilfgaard and thus Foltest's death. Fittingly she is in neutral territory that is not controlled by Redania nor Nilfgaard for this exact reason. Radovid would treat her harshly, as he does all other traitors. Ingrid benefits due to her connections to Maria Louisa and Nilfgaard as well as her son's involvement in Alchemy.

Roche is complicated because his entire reasoning in Reason of State is... flawed? but if we take that he actually thinks that Nilfgaard would be forgiving of Temeria and allow the province some semblance of sovereignty then he also benefits from it. However the introduction to Radovid through Roche seems to imply he's been working directly with the King and his commentary on "something's not right" when entering the chess club seems to be an attempt at deceiving Geralt (which he does in TW2 occasionally so he's not above it). Because the Temerian camp is right next to the Vegelbud Residence I personally think that Roche was tasked with keeping an eye on them due to their connections with Maria Louisa and as such indirect connections with Nilfgaard. I don't honestly get where you might be inclined to believe Roche is a friend of Morvran? Unless I've mistaken something. Mostly because we have no indication in game they've interacted. I wouldn't put it past him though! Anyways, yes, A Matter of Life and Death does unite some people who would benefit from Radovid's death. Most pointedly Triss Merigold, Maria Louisa, and Ingrid Vegelbud. But not all of those you mention benefit from Radovid's death.

Triss's involvement is huge because we know Triss's relationship with Philippa Eilhart and that relationship also means she's likely in on the plot to kill Radovid even though we don't see her in Reason of State. Thus you can look at her involvement in A Matter of Life and Death as both a means for staking out the political landscape, as a favour to Ingrid, and as her working for Philippa. I don't personally enjoy Dijkstra's involvement in Triss's storyline in the Witcher 3 because it feels very out of character especially since he would know she's on Philippa's leash and he has a personal grudge against Philippa and not only that Triss's storyline condones and romanticises rape and abuse to an extreme degree I'm personally a fan of. A Matter of Life and Death however would've been a better starting point for Reason of State due to the fact that it gathers quite a few people who would've realistically wanted Radovid dead and easily can loop Philippa back in and reveal she's been orchestrating this (though not necessary would be in character.)