#but his first thought was that he trusted jaskier with the thing he cares about most in this world?

[fangirleaconmigo]

Yennskier to Geraskefer concept (Yennefer x Jaskier with some + Geralt at the end)

Ok so what if the very first time Yen and Jaskier ever defend each other, it is a complete shock to both of them and happens (of all places) in front of his parents?

(TW: Yen is in disguise so some of the flirting could be read as dubcon but no bards were hurt in the making of this fic, I promise)

So when they first meet, Yen and Jaskier snipe at each other relentlessly, right?

Scheming, devious, calamitous witch.

Useless cock for brains.

Geralt has taken to tuning them out completely.

By complete random bad luck, Yen learns one night in tavern gossip that Jaskier isn’t his real name. She becomes suspicious of his intentions. She brings her concerns to Geralt.

“They said that his true name is Viscount Julian Alfred Pankratz. Is that true?” she asks Geralt.

“His name is Jaskier,” Geralt answers, sounding exhausted.

She pushes. “I know that family. They are well connected, prominent, and bigoted. Your bard could very possibly be asked to turn Ciri in to curry their favor.”

"This is insane, Yen." Geralt drops his head and looks miserably into his tankard. “You two need to start getting along, or I’m going to age at least a century before winter.”

"That's not what this is about!"

She gives up on him. He will never think clearly in these matters. She suspects he has romantic feelings for the bard, which she wouldn't mind, she isn't much for monogamy herself, but oh god, the bard??? That smarmy, whorish little bastard? Unthinkable.

She decides to pay Jaskier’s parents a visit just to reassure herself that they aren’t interested in her daughter.

She disguises herself with a glamour and gets herself on the guest list of one of their fancy parties. She is playing the part of a voluptuous blonde wife of an absent Duke.

Jaskier is supposed to be back at Oxenfurt. That’s what he told Geralt, anyway. But she walks in the door and there he is, holding court at the party in his well fitted satin, with his glinting charming smile, and his flushed cheeks and…and…well…other things that Yen would never admit to noticing.

But what was he doing there?

Why did he lie about being at Oxenfurt? Could he already be colluding with his parents?

At the thought, she expects to feel rage. But an entirely different feeling wells up in her.

Disappointment. Hurt.

She shakes it off. Stupid. She's used too much magic for her glamour. It's making her weak. She takes a seat directly across from him at dinner.

He introduces himself to her and kisses her hand. Julian Alfred Pankratz.

His lips brush the top of her hand and in response she acts like one of his tarts. Only because she has to get him to trust her, obviously. Yen smiles and flutters her eyes at him. His smile is charming. So is his admiration of her form. When his gaze drops ever so briefly to her cleavage she feels something else unexpected.

Warmth.

She shakes that off too.

His parents sit on either side of him. Yen doesn’t waste much time. By the time the second course is served she brings up Ciri and the war.

She doesn’t expect Jaskier’s mom to immediately bring up the horrid witch who is hiding the child. The slut who doesn’t know her place. The evil women who schemes and plots and who gets what she wants by manipulating men with her whoredom.

Yen is used to being called these things by conservative wives. But she finds her eyes flick to Jaskier, and her heart leaps to her throat. It makes her so, so angry that she cares what he will say.

He has always seemed like an enemy? But here? Behind actual enemy lines? He feels like a friend.

Fuck.

But Jaskier averts his eyes. He stares at his plate. He isn’t going to join in, but he isn’t going to defend her either. Obviously.

She DOESNT care godsdamnit. She’s just caught up in the moment. She DOES NOT CARE.

So it is entirely incidental that she experiences immense, sweet relief when he smiles softly to himself before he replies.

“Oh mother,” he says genially, “but I know you. It is simple envy that moves you to such crude accusations.”

His mother splutters. “Do you think I covet her false beauty—“

“Not her beauty.” Jaskier says, still calm. Still affable. “She is beautiful of course, but nothing like that. It’s just that you and father are so small minded and so constantly desperate for the approval of other, equally small minded people, that when you see someone who has a soul and who lives in a free spirited manner, that you ache with envy and impotent rage. And that is why you use such uncharacteristically crude and low language to describe her. That is why you yearn to oppress her and control her. That is why you want to put her in her place.”

Jaskier smiles genially and takes another bite of his lobster.

His parents turn so pink with rage that they look purple.

Yen hasn't felt such satisfaction in so very long. She also isn't used to people taking up for her. Not in places like this.

His father is the first to regain his composure. He smiles and looks around the table at the nervous nobles who are trying their best to ignore the awkwardness.

He smiles around the table. “You have to excuse my son. Instead of accepting the position at Oxenfurt he roams the earth thinking with nothing but his base impulses. He knows nothing of the real world. He is young, idealistic, and completely useless.”

There are nervous chuckles around the table when Yennefer speaks up.

“Actually,” she says in between sips of champagne, “I have heard of your son. Jaskier is that right?”

Jaskier looks at her, surprised and deeply pleased.

His parents smile tight lipped.

“Ridiculous name,” his mother says.

“Well,” says Yen, “you’re probably right. The vaunted thinkers and academics who laud his poetry coast to coast are probably incorrect. The soldiers who offer their undying gratitude that he has documented their deeds are wrong. The traumatized war orphans who cry and say that he has saved their lives with his art are surely absurd. It is you who are correct, I’m sure. Of all the ways you can spend your life, comforting and inspiring people does sound like an utter waste of time.”

She primly sips her drink and the grateful, genuine smile that spreads on Jaskier’s face like the sunrise rockets straight to her soul.

The rest of the dinner is tense, but Yennefer is having a wonderful time. Conversing with a Jaskier like this---he is adoring and attentive--it is addictive. She never knew it could feel like this with him.

And after dinner, when he finds her outside the privy and steps incredibly close to her, his hand sliding around her waist, she is shocked into silence by her desire. She doesn't find her voice until he has kissed her ever so softly and tenderly that she almost melts onto his parents stone floors.

"J-j-askier," she manages to mumble.

"Yes, love. Marina, is it?" he murmurs into her ear, his nimble fingers trailing from her neck down, down down. "Beautiful name. Beautiful woman."

She steps back and lets his arms fall heavily to the side.

"I must tell you something. And you will regret what you just did."

It could have sounded like a threat. She meant it to sound like a threat. But it just sounds sad. The glamour falls from her and his face transforms into shock.

She swallows the lump in her throat as he steps back so hard, he hits the wall and covers his mouth with his hands.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he demands. He looks white as a sheet. Terrified.

"I just did!"

"Earlier!"

"Because!" Yen squeaks. (She never squeaks) "I was...flummoxed. I--oh a pox on it, Jaskier, I liked it. Is that what you want to hear? You asshole? You bastard?"

His hand falls slowly from his face. Then a soft, tiny, smug little smile begins to form.

"Ha. I knew it."

He did not know it.

She smacks him. He laughs.

Then he remembers something and falls back against the wall againt groaning. "Oh, Geralt. Geralt. I'm a terrible friend. I will have to run off, to never return--"

She smacks him again. "Ow, what?"

"Calm down. Let's go see him together. I have a feeling he is going to like what we have to say."

The next time they kiss, it is in front of a roaring fire in her home in Vengerberg, with Geralt caressing them both, and watching with fondness.

"If I had known that it was this easy to shut the two of you up, I would have insisted on it a long time ago."

[shy-urban-hobbit]

If these are prompts please can I get a "Good boy" with Lambden? 👀

This went pure angst!! I would apologise but I'm not sorry 😂

It was Kiyan-or rather, the news of him-who bought it on. Aiden had stared at the medallion Geralt presented, along with heartfelt condolences. The medallion which had belonged to a brother he’d thought long since dead when none could find any sign of him, only to find out that he’d spent the last few years in what could only be described as Hell.

Lambert had only managed to get out a cautiously whispered “Aiden?”, recognising the signs in the way his partners pupils were dilating wildly, the way his muscles started to tense and his breathing was starting to grow harsher. The Cat gave a noise between a whimper and a yowl before Lambert bundled him into his arms and made his way to an abandoned part of the Keep at a near run, feeling his Kittens claws digging deeper into the fabric of his tunic with every passing second.

 

 Geralt gently grasped a concerned Jaskier by the elbow to indicate that he should stay put, “Not the best idea, Lark. Aiden’s not in his best mind right now and he’d feel even worse if he hurt you.”

“Geralt’s right.” Eskel said, coming over to wrap an arm around his brother, unable to stand his guilty expression any longer, “Cat Witchers, sometimes when they feel an emotion strong enough it can consume them, is the best way to describe it. Aiden wouldn’t mean to hurt you but he wouldn’t register that it was you. He’d even attack Lambert in that state, has done once before I think.”

The air grew sharp with the scent of Jaskier’s concern, “Well, will Lambert be alright alone with him?”

Geralt drew Jaskier closer to his chest, “Lambert knows Aiden better than any of us. We trust he knows what he’s doing and besides, it’s best Aiden doesn’t feel outnumbered right now. Lambert will let us know if he truly needs help.”

 

Lambert’s back had grown stiff hours ago from sitting propped against the thick wooden door but no way was he moving even for a second, his worry and frustation just as fresh as it had been when he locked the door behind him, accompanied by the first of many bangs and snarls and shouts from the other side from Aiden who could smell him, but couldn’t reach him. When they’d agreed on this plan, Lambert never thought in a thousand years that they’d have to use it. Unfortunately for him it was one of the few things that Vesemir and Aiden had whole heartedly agreed on. If Aiden was to continue visiting the Keep they needed something in place in case something like this happened, Lambert was loath to let him work through it in the forests surrounding Kaer Morhen where he could fall victim to exposure, among other things, and letting him roam the keep when he was in the throes of Cat madness was out of the question. Accidental or not, Lambert knew from personal experience that Aiden hurting someone he cared about when in this state only pushed him dangerously close to it taking hold again. And so, this was the compromise that had been reached, Lambert playing jailer while waiting for Aiden to come through the other side alone and hurting.

It took him a few moments to realise that the room (more like a cell at this point in time) had been fairly quiet for a while now.

“Aiden?”

No response. That worried Lambert more than the constant barrage of noise had and he scrambled to his feet, dropping the key twice as he fumbled to get it in the lock.

“Aiden?”

Lambert’s heart broke a little for his love as he took in the sight before him. Aiden was crouched on all fours in a corner of the room, taking shaky breaths and dripping with sweat and blood. The same blood that was covering the walls in various places from where Aiden had clawed and punched.

“Oh, Kitten.” Lambert made to step forwards only to be made to stop by a flinch and a low growl. Lambert bit his lip, this was bad. He so wanted to gather Aiden in his arms and take care of him now the worst had passed but that wasn’t happening whilst Aiden was throwing him a look suggesting that he was in danger of getting his eyes clawed out if he took one step closer. Unbidden, a memory found it’s way to the forefront of Lambert’s mind.

 

“Will you stop squirming already?”

“It’s not my fault your hands are so cold! You dunk them in ice water before you came back up here or what?” Aiden complained from where he was lying shirtless on the bed.

“My cold hands are going to be the least of your problems in a minute.”

“That a promise?”

Lambert let out a warning growl as he went to dab at the wound on Aiden’s stomach again, the Cat flinched minutely but didn’t pull away this time, allowing Lambert to finish up cleaning and treating it. A flesh wound, it would be gone in a day or so.

“Good boy.” Lambert said absentmindedly and patting Aiden’s uninjured side in what was supposed to be condescension until he both felt and heard the hitch in the others breath. He flicked his eyes upwards, as much as Aiden was trying his hardest to avoid eye contact it was obvious that the Cats pupils had dilated slightly accompanied a small spike of arousal.

Huh.

“Aiden, you want to be good for me, don’t you?” He asked experimentally, letting his hand drift down to Aiden’s thigh as he dropped the cloth back in the slightly bloody water next to the bed.

Aiden tried to fight back a noise of want and failed miserably.

Lambert slowly trailed both hands up to Aiden’s wrists, guiding them above Aiden’s head

“Then behave. Leave these here, let me hear you properly and I’ll make sure you’re rewarded.” He said, squeezing Aiden’s wrists briefly for emphasis and rewarding him with a kiss when Aiden nodded eagerly before curling his fingers into the pillow as Lambert started slowly making his way downwards.

 

Lambert went back to contemplating the figure in front of him. It was entirely different circumstances but it wouldn’t hurt to try. He was always one for experimenting after all.

“Aiden, it’s me.” He took a slow step forwards,  “I just need you to stay there a second, alright?” Another step. Aiden growled again in response but didn’t move as he kept still slightly hazy eyes firmly on Lambert, “Good boy, that’s it. You’re doing so well for me.”

And so it went, Lambert slowly making his way over, keeping up a steady stream of “Good boy, you’re alright. So good doing what I asked, so brave.”

It was when Lambert crouched down in front of him, taking a bloody hand in his and praising Aiden yet again for not attacking him that the Cat seemed to come back to himself a little more, letting out a shaky “Lambert?”

“I’m here, Kitten.” Lambert answered, trying not to wince at the wooden splinters buried under broken nails. He suddenly found the hand replaced with an arm full of shaking Cat, who appeared to be apologising to him over and over.

“I didn’t....” Aiden trailed off, gazing at Lambert pleadingly with watery eyes.

“No, everyone’s fine. You did so well, following Vesemir’s instructions and letting me bring you here. If anyone should be apologising it’s me for leaving you in here alone.”

Aiden shook his head, “No. Didn’t want to hurt...”

“I know, and I love you so much for that.”

He grabbed Aiden’s chin gently and guided it to the crook of his neck when it looked like he was moving to take in the state of the room. He knew Aiden would be able to smell the blood and no doubt feel the pain in his broken hands and the scratches on his arms and face (because of course Aiden would turn on himself when there was nobody else. Fuck, Lambert was an idiot for not considering that) but that didn’t mean Lambert wanted him to see it.

“I’m taking us to our room. Focus on me until we get there. Alright?” he asked, hoisting Aiden into his arms again as he stood and giving another quiet “Good boy.” When he felt Aiden nod against his neck and bury his nose deeper.

[redskull199987]

Heyy hii I'm not sure if you're still taking requests, but I'll try my luck. Can you write something about Cahir and the female Witcher reader? Thanks in advance if you write.

If I am being brutally honest, I had a lot of fun writing this. Season three renewed my love for Cahir, so I hope you like this:)))

A Bond

Cahir x female!witcher!reader Request

Word count:0.9k

Warnings:it's all fluffy. I probably got carried away and let my inner Jaskier come out

Summary:You and Cahir had been friends for a long time and as he needs your help, you don 't hesitate to be there for him…

Masterlist

You and Cahir had known each other for a long time. You had met him on your travels through the country, as he was attacked by the beast, you were hunting. He was rude at first, but still thanked you. 

The rest was history.

You started running into him over and over again. To a point where it was inevitable that a friendship would form. With you, Cahir could be himself. He was just a normal Person. No Nilfgaard, no white flame, no war. Nothing of that mattered to you. You were neutral. All you were interested in was his person. And he knew that your interest was genuine. And he let it happen. He let the friendship form and prosper. An unfeigned friendship that connected you. 

And when he was cast out, thrown away by his master, like an old doll he didn't want to play with anymore, Cahir came to you. He found comfort in you. He had been through so much, but for once in his life, he felt safe. At peace. He might even say “Home”.

Of course, he would never tell you that, but it surely was on his mind, everytime, he looked at you. Everytime you returned to his small hut, after finishing a Witcher contract. Bruised and battered, but back with him. And only him. Only Cahir got to see you like this. He took pride in knowing that he was the only person in this world, you would trust this far, besides your brothers maybe.

But you told him that you only saw them once a year, in the winter. You told him stories of Kaer Morhen and how you had grown up there, under Vesemir´s care.

You told him that it was hard for you at first, being the only female Witcher. But it had gotten better, the older you got. The more you learned and saw in this world. You realized that no one really cared, as long as they could use you for their dirty work. 

“How was it?”, Cahir asked, forcing himself to return to the present moment. He had let his thoughts wander, after a pleasant silence rose between you, as he carefully cleaned your wounds.

“It was alright.”, you finally said,”It was a small kikimora. Still young and inexperienced.”

“In fighting?”,Cahir asked, not really knowing a lot about the beasts that your job involved. You had told him some things, but a kikimora was new to him.

 You only smiled at him, before finally answering his question:”No, not in fighting. In killing."

He was quiet for a second, not knowing what to say, upon that statement. But luckily, you just continued recounting what had happened.

“The Monster´s head was worth a lot of coin though. I won't have to leave for at least a month. The money will be enough.”

Cahir smiled at you, glad that he got to spend more time with you.He slowly got up from his place in front of you and sat down beside you on the bed:”Thank you. You don't have to do this. Supporting me in my exile, I mean. But you still do it anyway. And for that I am thanking you.”

“Oh Cahir.”, you smiled, your hand rising to softly caress his face. He closed his eyes, letting himself fall into your gentle touch.

“I would proudly ride into death for you, without hesitation.”, you mumbled, as he opened his eyes. You heard how his heart picked up a beat. How his breath stocked for a second, his eyes lingering on your lips, instead of your yellow orbs, which were intently watching him, awaiting his next move. 

You had often thought about your relationship with him. Often let your mind wander to what ifs.

 What if you were more than just close friends? What if you knew that you wanted to spend the rest of your lives together. Never leaving each other. What if…

“I love you.”

At first you barely heard him. His words were so quiet. His voice shaking and his eyes darting everywhere else, but your face.  He wasn't usually this hesitant. He was an outgoing and stern person. Always sure of himself and his capabilities. He used to be a Nilfgaardian officer after all.

“Cahir.”, you mumbled, after a few seconds of burning silence. He finally looked at you. His expression now a bit more confident. His heartbeat had slowed and he finally dared to look you in the eye.

“I love you, Cahir Mawr Dyffryn aep Ceallach. With all my heart.”, you smiled, your eyes almost glowing with excitement.

Cahir didn't need to hear anything more, before he finally leaned in. Your eyes closed and his lips collided with yours. He was gentle and sweet. Passion laid in his actions. And you knew that he meant every little bit, he had told you.

“I love you.”, he said once again, before slowly pushing you back against the bed. You followed along with his movements, until he was hovering above you.

“I love you.”, you also repeated. You were bare in front of him. Not in a physical way, but emotionally. No one had ever known you as Cahir did. Not even your brothers. He knew your heart and soul. Something that you had shown no one before.

And as he slowly lathered kisses over your body, your moans and whines mixing with his groans. As you fully let him in, you knew that he was the only one  you would ever love this way. He became part of you and you part of him. 

 An unfeigned bond, that was never to be broken again.

[bambirex]

Keep My Heart In Your Gold

Pairing: Geraskier

Characters: Jaskier, Geralt of Rivia

Additional tags: friends to lovers, angst, hurt/comfort, sad geralt of rivia, supportive jaskier, trust, grief/mourning, renfri's brooch, inspired by season 3 episode 8

Rating: teen and up audiences

Word count: 2,579 words

Chapters: 1/1

Summary: Geralt always carries a brooch around with him. Jaskier wants to know why.

Author's notes: I can't stop thinking about Jaskier knowing what the brooch meant to Geralt, like, the implications of that??? It must have taken a huge amount of trust on Geralt's side to tell Jaskier this and since i'm insane about this whole thing, i decided I wanna write how that conversation went.

Read on Ao3

*

The brooch always seemed out of place for Jaskier. It wasn't exactly the type of accessory that you would imagine a dark, brooding witcher carrying around: pure gold and shiny gemstones, and delicate carvings that almost made the brooch look like it had an eternal smile.

Yet, Geralt always had it with him, strapped to the hilt of his sword. The sight of it was a little comical, here and there, to have something so pretty stick out during an intense fight with a gruesome monster. If the brooch got covered in blood, Geralt would wash it off with such gentle, caring movements, as if it wasn't just a simple object, but something more important.

But Geralt wasn't such a sentimental kind, was he?

Jaskier has been traveling with Geralt for a couple of months when he first brought up the brooch.

"It's pretty," he pointed out one evening as they sat by the fire, the orange glow of the flames reflecting off the gold.

Geralt followed Jaskier's eyes that fixated on the brooch. He let out a quiet grunt and returned to tending to the fire. Jaskier waited for a few moments. When no more reaction came from Geralt, he continued.

"How long have you had this?"

"A while," was all Geralt said. He didn't even look at Jaskier. Usually, Geralt wore a closed-off, strict expression. At first, Jaskier thought it was only reserved for him and his somewhat annoying shenanigans, but he's quickly learnt that it was just simply Geralt's face. There was something else to it now, though, a deeper, darker emotion, like bitterness.

"Was it a gift?" Jaskier pressed further as he scooted closer to Geralt. "I mean, it was, wasn't it? It looks expensive. Almost like it came from someone royalty."

Something flashed in Geralt’s eyes as he looked at him - like a fleeting moment of anguish. Whatever it was, it made Jaskier's chest tighten.

"How do you know that?"

"I hang around royalty a lot, Geralt, I'm a bard," Jaskier reminded him. "I know what kind of jewelry they wear, so..."

It wouldn't make much sense for Geralt, who famously despised royalty, to accept a gift from someone like that, let alone keep it. Whoever gave it to him, they must have been special.

"It's time for you to sleep," Geralt told him, not bothering with a reply to the actual question. Jaskier snorted.

"You're putting me to bed like a child?"

"You are a child," Geralt replied with a small grin. That made Jaskier sputter, but he did take his place on his bedroll all the same.

The brooch was the last thing he saw before he fell asleep.

--

All of Jaskier's attempts at trying to ask about the brooch turned out to be futile. Geralt either completely ignored Jaskier until he gave up, or he changed the subject right away. If Jaskier was a little too pushy, Geralt would even snap at him and tell him to stop being so nosy.

Jaskier wondered why Geralt was so apprehensive about telling him. As the years have gone by, their bond deepened, and the witcher opened up to him more and more. He trusted Jaskier, that much was obvious: he left him alone with Roach without hesitation, told him about Kaer Morhen and the witcher trials, entrusted him with picking out the right potions for him after a fight. He let him give him baths, for Melitele's sake, it was obvious that Geralt knew Jaskier was someone he could rely on.

And yet, he refused to tell him about the brooch, over and over again.

"It's from someone important," Jaskier noted one day. It wasn't a question, and Geralt realized that, too, because he just stared down at his boots, the muscles in his jaw twitching, like he wanted to reply, just didn't know how.

Jaskier waited for him to open up at last, to let him in - to share something so clearly important with him. He looked at Geralt, trying to silently communicate to him that it was alright, that he could always talk to him about whatever heavy burden plagued him about that brooch.

"Just drop it, Jaskier," Geralt said eventually. The sheer pain in his voice was enough for Jaskier to reach out and give his hand a squeeze. He didn't press it any further. Geralt seemed eternally grateful for it as he laced their fingers together.

--

Jaskier stopped asking about the brooch after that. He relied on his vivid imagination instead as he walked up the hill after Geralt, looking at the gold shining on his sword.

Who could have given it to him? Was it a gift, a sign of gratefulness after Geralt has gotten ridden of a monster? Maybe, but he wouldn't have held it so dear, then. This was something deeper.

An old friend? Someone Geralt greatly cared about, someone who cared for him too - someone that Jaskier hoped to be like, one day, if Geralt was ready for it.

Family? His mother? The only thing that was left of her? Another witcher at Kaer Morhen? A token of love?

Love... maybe it was from someone really close to Geralt's heart. Someone who meant the world to him. Where did they go? Did they leave? Did they die? Did looking at their brooch cause Geralt great pain, a reminder of what he has lost, or did it fill him with joy, giving him the strength to move forward?

"I wish you could talk," Jaskier chuckled softly when he cleaned Geralt's sword and faced the brooch. It was already a big step that Geralt let him clean it, he hasn't before. It felt almost as if day by day, Jaskier got closer to Geralt's heart. Maybe one day he would learn the truth behind the brooch, and he would be fully let inside. Until then, he appreciated what he could get.

"I'd love to know your story. I bet it's a great one, isn't it? Good song material."

The sunlight glinted on the surface of the brooch, almost like it answered him. Jaskier laughed at the silly thought.

"Also, I want Geralt to fully trust me, you know?" Jaskier continued as he scrubbed at a nasty stain on the edge of the sword. "And, I don't know. I feel like you mean something to him. And it would mean a lot to me if he shared you with me."

The way the light reflected in one of the gemstones made Jaskier laugh again, because it looked like the brooch winked at him.

--

Jaskier was about to fall asleep when Geralt slipped out of bed. Jaskier didn’t question it; he knew Geralt often had trouble sleeping as his witcher senses kicked in during the night, picking up every single quiet noise and tiny movement. He also knew about the nightmares, the horrific images of having to take lives, and seeing his witcher brothers die haunting his mind. Jaskier didn’t think a big deal of Geralt leaving their bed, so he pulled the blanket up to his chin and closed his eyes again.

A couple of moments after Geralt got up, the bed dipped again. Jaskier cracked one eye open, trying to get used to the darkness in the room. Geralt was only somewhat illuminated by the moonlight, but Jaskier could still tell he was looking right at him.

"You're awake, then," Geralt stated. Jaskier rubbed his eyes as he sat up against the headboard.

"Yeah. What's wrong?"

Geralt looked down. Jaskier noticed he was holding something in his hand, but couldn't tell what it was in the dim light.

"You used to ask about it a lot," Geralt started. His voice was tired, pained. It woke Jaskier fully at once. Geralt didn't even need to tell him what he meant, because Jaskier immediately knew he was talking about the brooch.

"You've stopped."

"Because it's clear you don't want to tell me," Jaskier replied. "And that's okay, Geralt. I don't want to force you."

"I want to tell you," Geralt said. The moonlight glinted off the brooch as he turned it around in his hand. "I want you to know."

Jaskier hugged his knees to his chest. He tried to appear patient, but his heartbeat picked up as he realized that what he has been waiting for years - for Geralt to truly let him in, to share such an important piece of his soul with him - was finally happening.

"This brooch," Geralt said, looking down on the gold in his hand, "belonged to a girl named Renfri. She was a princess who had to leave her home because she was born under a Black Sun. She was prophesied to be dangerous. But she was just... a girl who was hurt. Too many times."

He looked at Jaskier as he continued. "She was a skilled warrior. Very strong and brave. Any man could have envied her strength. She was also witty and smart. I think you would've liked her."

"You think so?"

"Yes. I often wish you two had a chance to meet."

Something about the way he said it made Jaskier's heart flutter inside his chest.

"Renfri was special. In a way, she really was dangerous. When nothing good ever happens to you, when you keep hurting... it's hard not to become the very thing everyone was told you were going to be. But that did not make her a bad person. She had a right to be angry."

He reached out and took Jaskier's hand. Jaskier drew in a sharp breath when Geralt placed the brooch in his palm, laying his own over it until he covered Jaskier's hand with his own. The brooch was cold, but Geralt's skin was warm against his own.

"She was more than her anger," Geralt continued, looking down on their joined hands. "She also had a right to prove she was more than that. But she didn't have enough time."

"You loved her," Jaskier whispered. Geralt nodded.

"I did. And I killed her."

Jaskier only heard his own heartbeat in the dead silence of the room. Geralt sighed deeply.

"It was always going to end that way," he said, "you truly cannot trick destiny. I was told to choose between the lesser of two evils. I had to kill Renfri to stop her from unleashing chaos on the Continent."

Jaskier's throat felt dry and constricted around his words. "I'm sorry, Geralt."

"This is a reminder for me," Geralt continued. He ran his hand over the brooch, then Jaskier's palm. "That I can't escape the past the same way I can't escape the future. Renfri told me that the girl in the woods will always be with me."

"And who's that?"

"I have a hunch. The destiny I was trying to avoid, again. The one you also warned me about not trying to forget."

In the pale moonlight, Geralt's eyes shone bright as he looked into Jaskier's eyes.

"Renfri was the first human I truly let close to me," he told Jaskier, his voice softer than Jaskier has ever heard it before, "and somehow, although you are very different, I see her in you, sometimes. A constant reminder of my own humanity. And..."

He caressed his thumb over Jaskier's palm again, gently. "I trust you, Jaskier. You bring something good out of me. The same way she could have, but destiny stepped in. But with you... I think things are going to be alright."

Jaskier's eyes welled with tears as his heart nearly burst with an emotion so strong, he couldn't resist that eternal pull anymore - the one that made him follow a grumpy witcher at Posada, the one that never let him leave his side, the one that loved Geralt so dearly, always hoping, always longing to be the one Geralt trusted the most. The one Geralt loved as much as he loved that mysterious girl from the past, who left a part of her heart behind in that brooch.

In that moment, it just felt right when he leaned forward and kissed Geralt. Geralt's arm snaked around his waist and pulled him close until he was on his lap. He grabbed onto Jaskier's shirt like an anchor, holding him close almost desperately. Jaskier wiped Geralt's tears off - or were they his own, he didn't know anymore - as he continued kissing him, silently telling him that he would never leave.

"Thank you," Jaskier whispered as he pulled back to rest his forehead against Geralt's. Their hands were still intertwined over the brooch.

--

The soldier wouldn't let them pass, and they couldn't waste any more time. They needed to find Ciri as soon as possible. Jaskier could have screamed in frustration.

"Wait," Geralt said, reaching into his pocket. Jaskier raised an eyebrow at him. They didn't have any more money on them, so they had nothing to offer as a fee.

"What about this?"

Jaskier gasped when he noticed Geralt holding Renfri's brooch.

"No, Geralt," he whispered, "not that."

Geralt sent him a small smile, and touched his lower back fleetingly. A small gesture of comfort, as if he wasn't the one who was about to pay a douchebag Nilfgaardian soldier with one of the most important objects in his possession. Jaskier tried to reason with him one more time, but Geralt handed the brooch over anyways. Seeing that bastard take it made Jaskier's stomach churn, and his heart clench uncomfortably.

He didn't have time to dwell on it while he had to assist Geralt's fight with the soldiers, but it was the first thing he asked him once they got their horses ready for the road.

"Why?"

Geralt sent him a questioning look. "What do you mean why?"

"The brooch," Jaskier sighed, "Geralt, it was important."

Geralt smiled as he gently tucked Jaskier's hair behind his ear. He cupped his cheek soothingly.

"It's time to let go of the past," he said softly, "and focus on the future."

"But... there must have been another way, Geralt! I could have offered him a blowjob, although it wouldn't have been one given willingly."

"I would have chopped his head off before I let him touch you," Geralt scoffed. He smiled again when Jaskier leaned into his touch. "It had to be done. For Ciri, for all of us. It did mean a lot to me. But it's time to let it go - to let Renfri go."

He kissed Jaskier on the lips before he planted another kiss on his forehead. "Come on. Let's find Ciri."

Jaskier nodded with a smile. Geralt's heart worked in mysterious ways, but Jaskier was slowly learning its intricacies. He knew he was right: cherishing the past was important, but staying stuck in it didn't help anyone. He saw the way Geralt smiled at him before he grabbed the reins of his horse: he looked relieved, like a huge weight has just left his shoulders. The same way he trusted Jaskier with the truth all those years ago, now he trusted him to understand his decision. And Jaskier did.

He looked back at the camp one last time, saying goodbye to the brooch and its history in his mind - and to the girl whom, while he did not know, also meant a lot to him, because she was important to Geralt.

And now it was time to take his beloved witcher's hand and face the future, so they could rescue someone who also meant a lot to both of them.

[abeautifulblog]

What was the verdict? What did you think? Is blood origin worth watching?

Yesssssss, question mark?

[My thoughts/opinions on Blood Origin, accompanied by screencaps from the groupchat liveblog -- spoiler-free, actually!]

Blood Origin has a more interesting story than TWN S2 (it's the story of how the Conjunction of the Spheres happened, and how the first witcher came to be, eyyy! :D), and the actors do a better job convincing the audience that their characters actually care about the other people onscreen.

In fact, coffee-mage said, "Honestly, Blood Origin is rekindling my enjoyment for Witcher more than S2 did, just because this is such an interesting universe"

The scenery is quite beautiful, and so are a lot of the costumes. The empress's costumes in particular have that gorgeous, hedonistic opulence reminiscent of Queen Amidala's outfits, stunning and original, legitimate works of art in their own right -- although they are offset by a lot of pleather armor with no coherent aesthetic, and wigs that are worse than what you'd find at Party City.

I didn't even hate the het romance, because it was a friendship first and a romance second, and it was built on a foundation of earned mutual trust and respect. (And it's enemies-[to-friends]-to-lovers, if that sweetens the pot for anyone.) It was a bit zero-to-sixty when they make the shift from being friends to making cow eyes at each other, but a lot of things in the show were, which brings us to Blood Origin's two main failings:

1) That the story was too rushed. This show had kind of the opposite problem from TWN S2 -- that instead of fucking around and wasting time in order to make a thin amount of plot stretch to cover eight episodes, Blood Origin was frantically trying to cram a complex, multi-layered story with a large cast (like, 8+ primary characters?) and all their backstories and motivations and character arcs into four episodes.

2) That the writing is just. not. good.

I'll be blunt with you guys -- whoever's writing for TWN is simply not smart enough to tell a grown-up story, not on an individual level, and not a world-building level. Blood Origin is supposed to involve a lot of complicated political maneuvering, but these writers' idea of what makes up the mechanisms of power is childishly, cartoonishly simplistic, and it could not be more clear that they have no idea how empires are administrated, how diplomacy and soft power work, what kind of time scale these things run on.

Which isn't even touching on the nonstop abuse of As You Know, Bob dialogue, and how, thanks to the time constraints, almost everyone's backstory is told-not-shown. "AS YOU KNOW, I WAS A FOUNDLING AND YOUR PARENTS TOOK ME IN, AND THUS I GREW UP TO REGARD YOU AS MY OWN SISTER--"

Like, guys. GUYS. This is the kind of shit I wrote in middle school.

It's better than TWN insofar as they remembered that they needed to actually introduce us to these characters, tell/show us what they're like as people, what their relationships and conflicts are, but MAN the dialogue is clumsy as fuck. Character interactions are as basic as can be, and any nuance or complexity there is coming from the actors, not the writing.

The premise of the show -- the story, the characters -- is not fundamantelly flawed. It had the potential to be very good, but it's not, because the execution was hot dogshit.

Joey is a delight as always, but his role in this show is so tiny and SOOOO pasted-on, just a sliver of framing narrative at the beginning of the first episode and the end of the last, so if that's what you're coming here for, you're going to be disappointed. I truck with the theory that they shoehorned him in at the last minute to try to draw in Jaskier fans and keep Blood Origin from being a total flop, because he's not integral to the story at all -- you could remove the framing narrative without a single hiccup.

(Although from a meta perspective, a lot of the plot holes make so much more sense if you interpret it as Jaskier making shit up. Something unbelievable happens and you're just like, LOL, OH LOOK, THERE'S JASKIER BACK ON HIS BULLSHIT. XD)

Michelle Yeoh is also a treat, though god only knows how they roped her into this trashfire. To be sure, her role is so thin that she's basically doing nothing but serving stage presence, but by god she's serving it in spades.

Anyway, tl;dr --

C+

High production value, and a concept with a lot of interesting potential, but foiled yet again by the holistic incompetence of TWN's writing team.

(Seriously, just -- HIRE. BETTER. WRITERS. It blows my mind that they pour all this money into these shows, but then don't think it's worth their time to find people who know how to tell a story?? Like they don't seem to think that part MATTERS? When to my mind, it's the only part that matters??)

So, is Blood Origin worth watching? I can't say, that is a question you will have to answer for yourself. *I* had a great time, but that was more about the day-drinking and getting to share the experience with friends.

So yeah, I guess that's my recommendation -- watch it with friends.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[colorfulandblack]

In honour of getting though Witcher season 3 I would like to share with you my thought process while watching this show, not that anyone asked. Can you tell Jaskier is my fav?

Season 1

Me, seeing Jaskier for the first time: a baby! Must protect, already fave.

Me throughout the season: How are you still alive? And how are you not aging?

Me still at season one going through social media: oh, so you don't like Jaskier, huh? Square up bitch cos I'm coming for your ass. Also why the hell is he called Dandelion? Jaskier is a buttercup not a dandelion? Dandelion would be so fucking funny though [image of Sid and last dandelion of season vivid in my mind]

Me still on season one: ok I know we NEED to normalise closeness between two male friends but that's definitely gay, right? Like Jaskier just readies such dumbass bisexual energy and he so clearly is in love with Geralt

Me, during the mountain scene: Bitch, bitch, bitch how dare you [actually insert the Jaskier HOW DARE YOU picture] actually stops watching the show for like a week

Season 2

Me, immediately at the beginning: where's Jaskier? Where's my man? My child? Where's that idiot?

Me, after I see Jaskier: what have they DONE to you? But the songs absolutely slaps (talking about the whore song that was so funny)

The apology scene: Nope, nope, sir that's the most half assed apology I've ever seen

Overall season two: yes, yes serious matters and Jaskier is a comic relief but could you just try to give him some more screen time like bitch he's trying his best, he risks his life, he does some good, he loves Ciri and Geralt just fucking appreciate him! I know it ain't about him but for being Geralts friend for so fucking long I think he deserves some appreciation for his accomplishments from others characters, even a little

Season 3

Sees trailer: "Dear friend.." ahaha that's for Jaskier for sure! [Sees a blur of him] oh thank god he's in here!

Me, after seeing Jaskier: oh, god oh no. Why, why, WHY?! WHO they fuck took the game design?! Put it back I say PUT IT BACK!!!

Me seeing Radowid: *squints as he praises Jaskier, clearly flirts with him and actually appreciates him UNLIKE SOME PEOPLE* I want to trust you but that would be a mistake

Me, throughout the season: ah, so you finally admit that Jaskier is in love with Geralt who somewhat patched things up with Yen so you give Jaskier a new love interest, who is a man [icarly interesting image]

(listen I loved them this season but it felt like a weird sudden jump in their relationship and idk, by this season rocked I just wished they included Jaskier more and if canonicaly were not getting Graskier then fucking give him some screen time as a part of a family! He's great with Ciri!)

Also that Valdo scene was fucking HILARIOUS

Me when, suprise, suprise Radowid did a backflip: I knew it, why am I surprised, I knew it. Jaskier why do you have a TYPE?!

Final thoughts: Jaskier fits perfectly into their witcher family dynamics just give him more screen time! Please! also very curious about Radowid redemption arc although I'm not ready to let go yet, and also may I add the music, fantastic, don't care if it's periodic or not Joey my man you killed it.

It's clear that Jaskier has a type for like unrequited/getting hurt type of love or the writers just love whumping him which like fine but then make it fucking seen like by others? It takes a fucking plot device character in SEASON 3 to see it? like give me some fucking comfort as well you assholes.

Also super weird that they went with the game design and gradually changed it simultaneously ageing Jaskier. I mean why now? He hasn't aged in like a decade and then he suddenly did? Just keep him immortal will you?

Idk it's chaotic lads cos I just finished it and I think I've seen season 1 most times and the rest kinda blurs together so

[whittlewitchypoo]

Geralt X Yennefer X Jaskier but Yen and Geralt are both extremely protective and jealous. Their fine with his past lovers, but only if they respect that he’s now off limits. He’s fine with it at first, adores the way they smother him to keep him safe yet trust him to take care of himself when need be. He enjoys how wild they both get when someone flirts with him, how he will end up pressed between them with love bites being littered all over his body. Geralt is very much an animal at times, only wishing to bite and mark and claim, while Yennefer is the same but more because she’s a little fucked in the head. It’s good, makes him feel pleasure yes but also validated in a way he only ever dreamed about. When issues arise with his lovers protectiveness, he handles it well, scalding them for ruining his little gig in the tavern just because a man complimented his arse, even telling them to put a little trust in him for once. He’s truely grateful when they protect him from the more ill meaning folk, but they can’t drag him away just because they feel intimated. It’s fine at first, then arguments become common until eventually Jaskier breaks down and tells them that he can handle it, he has handled it for years! He’s dealt with abuse, slander, shaming, ridicule, false rumours, the whole lot! He dealt with it from his own family since he was born for fucks sake! He breaks down and tells them things he’s never told a soul, that he thought he was over, that he had hoped lost his power over him…

His lovers are quiet, both seething as they take in his words, before promising to be more understanding and patient with his fans and the idiots that aren’t. To prove that he has love, that he has people who will stay and want to be with him, they ask him to mark them too, only this time a littler more permanently.

[fictionkinfessions]

It may be a little late for this but I wasn't sure I wanted to say anything for Valentine's Day. Apologies for any inconvenience, MPC. If it's posted late, so be it, a fashionably late bard is never out of place and it's my own damned fault anyway.

Radovid, I'll address you first because our time together was shortest. You were everything I wished I wanted. And you deserved better than someone who didn't love you. I hope you found that someone and that my Very Bad Feeling about your canonical 'future' (from the perspective of it not having aired yet) is unfounded. But we don't always get what we hope for. I hope, if nothing else, you find love in this life, of whatever type you desire. Sending you virtual chocolates and flowers.

Yennefer. Gods, we had a time, didn't we? Our Geralt was a handful, never wanted to do much that was truly romantic. I grew rather fond of you, and while I no longer have romantic feelings about you, I have once again grown fond of you in my own way. You have that effect, don't you. I do hope your romantic endeavors in this life are less dangerous (though to be fair, you were probably as dangerous as he was and the real danger was that other people couldn't figure their own shit out without trying to kidnap and/or kill Ciri). Wine for you, perhaps? Or a very nice grape juice if you no longer drink it, I certainly have my own interesting history with alcohol in both this life and others.

Geralt, my dear Geralt, my Witcher. You always did hate this kind of thing, didn't you. Too bad, I'm feeling sentimental. You know, my heart always leapt when someone called me your bard. They sometimes meant it in a derogatory manner, but I never cared. Why should I? If I was on a leash, it was by my own choosing. To be in love is to walk happily into a cage, hopefully knowing the one you trust with the key would let you out should you ask. And I fell in love with you far quicker than perhaps I should. And maybe at first, it was the idea of you, not unlike how I thought I loved Radovid for the idea of him. But the longer it went on and the more of the real you, the you that held back his strength to not damage me when I was being a bratty 18-year-old idiot following a strange Witcher with a bloody reputation into the middle of nowhere. The you that saved Yennefer's life to pay her back for saving my own and because you couldn't just let her die. The you that went to Cintra and let them lock you up so you could protect Ciri when push came to shove. And you get flowers, if only because I know you wouldn't want anything and I find it amusing.

-Jaskier

x

[montcumbry-gaytor]

Nepenthe. chap 09

act two : razbliuto

THIS IS A OC INTEGRATION FOR THE WITCHER, IT IS NOT A X READER FIC.

— it did it again I am about to shoot Tumblr on the vanilla extract oh my fucking god.

tw for : Canon Typical Violence and Graphic language, Mentions of throwing up.

(n.) the sentimental feeling about someone you once loved but no longer do.

"-And it.. swallowed.. that Witcher.. whole!" The man proclaimed, his face full of terror as the men and women of the inn gasped in shock.

What a joke. I think as I lean my weight against the chair Jaskier sits on, and he hums in intrigue. "Oh, This is brilliant!" He says, scribbling quickly with his quill, and as i'm somewhat leaned over him I can see his handwriting is quite neat.

I've found in the somewhat short time I've spent with him that he's more than just a bard, he's proven to be impressive in ways. "Sorry, It's just that Geralt's usually so stingy with details." He murmurs to the blood soaked man.

Jaskier scribes the last few words down before he asks for more detail, and the blubbery man spurs on his words before they come out.

"He died."

They all gasp, and I can't help the small grin on my lips as I sip from my ale, Jaskier speaking what we were both thinking. "Ehh... he's fine." And the man immediately goes to protest, and I count down with my fingers to Jaskier as he speaks.

"Listen, I was there" Wham. soaked in blood, Geralt barges into the in, his clothes sticking to him and as Jaskier gives him a hearty laugh, I can't help but chuckle a bit myself.

As Geralt demands what he's owed, Jaskier begins to sing the ballad he wrote, despite it being a decent song, I kick the tip of my boot into his calve lightly, but he takes it and sings anyway.

It's like a fairy tale how everyone joins in song, and I cringe as I move to walk with Geralt, a drink waiting for him at the counter-thanks to me- but I say nothing of it as I lean against the counter, and the cheer dies down as Jaskier walks over.

I know by his body language he's about to discuss what he proposed to me, and while I denied at first, I eventually caved and now I can't say no.

Jaskier spurs on in an elongated speech, and eventually Geralt growls out. "Fuck off, Bard." and I let out a soft 'Tsk' as I pinch Geralt's ear for a moment, his hand coming up to bat mine away.

I'm glad to be on.. more resolved terms with him now, we're not lovers, despite things we do, I still care about him but.. not in the same way, Triss words often come back into my mind and set me on the right track.

My mind snaps back as Geralt walks off, and I grin as I watch Jaskier babble on for a moment before his eyes meet mine and he mutters a small. "Fuck." before he moves to catch up with Geralt.

"Food, Women, and Wine, Geralt!" He proclaims, and Geralt pauses ses for a moment, sighs, and it's clear he just wants to be clean of the selkimore guts and asleep. "What about Kael?" He asks.

"I'm backup, Unlike you I'm not interested in women so I'm trusted to keep my hands off his merchandise." I elaborate with a soft grin, standing beside Jaskier, and he holds a fist out.

He's a bit silly, yes, but I feel he brings out whatever side of me is less reserved, and I bump his fist with mine. "Fine." Geralt murmurs, and turns to go upstairs where a warm bath is waiting for him.

We all slip inside, I find a chair in the back and sit on it backwards, Geralt makes no effort to be shy of himself as he pulls his clothes off and submerges himself in the water.

Jaskier takes a small pale of water and as he rolls up his sleeves he approaches Geralt, tending to him as if he's some heathen child and pours the water over Geralt's head.

"Now, Now, Stop your boorish grunts of protest. It is one night of guarding your very best friend in the whole wide world." Jaskier hums, and as he moves to grab something from the rattan dresser our eyes meet almost for a mere second.

Of course, I can't help but deny the way he's acting almost motherly is cute, but the thought doesn't linger as Geralt grumbles his words out. "You're not my friend."

"Oh, Really? So you just let strangers rub chamomile on your lovely bottom?" Jaskier turns to ask Geralt, and as Geralt cocks his head to face the bard with an expression that says 'what the fuck? 'Jaskier speaks up. "Yeah, well, that's what I thought."

He then goes on to talk about kings and other royalty will be at this gathering, and sprinkles bath salts into the tub of water as he proclaims that the Lioness herself will say praise of his works.

They chatter back and forth, and I enjoy watching it play out, Geralt's pure expression of frustration is amusing to say the least. "Ugh, is this what happens when you get old? You get unbearably crochety and cantankerous?" Jaskier asks, and I meet his eyes with furrowed brows.

"Geralt's just as sour as a crabapple." I comment, and lean back into my chair, crossing a leg over the other. "I've always wanted to know, Do witchers ever retire?" Jaskier asks and Geralt is quick to make yet another negative reply.

"Yeah. When they get slow and get killed." He grumbles, and Jaskier questions Geralt if he'd ever want anything after whatever life this is ends. "I want nothing."

It makes me think for a moment, I'd always thought at some point I'd be able to settle down, but it's the same reality that you really don't stop until you're dead that reminds me that settling down is only easier to say and not to do.

"Well, Who knows, maybe someone out there will want you." Jaskier says as he rests his arms on the tub. "I need no one." It irks me when he says that, maybe more than it should, but it does. "And the last thing I want is someone needing me."

The more he talks the more I can feel my eye twitching with annoyance, I bite my tongue from making a remark but internally those words all flood out.

"And yet.. here we are." Jaskier murmurs, and Geralt lets out only a grunt before he begins to look around. "Where the fuck are my clothes Jaskier?" The bard quickly explains where they are, before he grins widely with a newfound excitement.

"Neither of you will need your clothes anyways, Because tonight.. you're not going as witchers.."

Those were the last words I wanted to hear, this wasn't part of the deal.

But there's no room to refuse as Jaskier quickly spurs us up in party acceptable clothing, Geralt looks completely out of his element, but.. I haven't dressed well in so long it's almost strange seeing myself in clothes made just for looks.

I gaze into the mirror and run my hand down the fabrics, while at first I refused the corset vest, it actually looks quite nice.

But of course, there's one last thing, a small black eye patch rests on the vanity and I fidget with it for a moment before it's secured on.

I walk out of the dressing room, and Jaskier coos and urges me to twirl. "Is the eye patch really necessary..?" I ask, It feels like it only calls more attention to the empty socket even if it's hiding it.

"You look lovely, perhaps you'll even meet a man who suits your tastes to keep you company tonight." Jaskier hums, and I let out a deep sigh, that's the least of my worries.

My job is to end men, not their squabbles,

It's getting closer to the evening time and we arrive to the event, I can feel Geralt's eyes on me despite it all, he seems awkward in the clothes he was put in.

"Right so stick close to me, look mean and pretend you're both mute." Jaskier says as we enter the Grand Hall, the scent of pompous assholes is strong and unpleasant in my nose.

"We can't have anyone finding out who you are." Jaskier says to Geralt, and I let out a huff at the irony. "If you didn't want that you shouldn't have made him famous." I say, and Jaskier huffs back in retort. "If I would have known I would have reconsidered."

Jaskier says, and I roll my eyes. "You lack hindsight, is there no brain under that mop of yours?" I ask, and brush my fingers through his hair, and our gazes meet as I bring my hand away, though the moment is cut short as a voice bellows.

"Geralt of Rivia, The mighty Witcher!" It calls direction straight to us, and I pinch the bridge of my nose with my fingers, hissing softly. "Shit.." I sigh, and the man approaches us, a flagon of ale in hand.

"I haven't seen you since the plague." He says, he seems to be an old friend of Geralt's, because he smiles and greets him in return. "Good times, Mousesack."

They chat, and the more they talk the more eyes I feel poke and prod, I've never been one for attention, let alone being in the center of the room.

The man now known as Mousesack takes Geralt off our hands, and now I see why I'm being used as backup, and Jaskier and I sigh a bit of relief as the eyes peel off us.

"You did make him look like a sad silk trader, Though." I commented, and Jaskier let out a soft laugh, his eyes traveling down the outfit he chose for me. "Perhaps, But I think you look perfect."

"Overstatements from the bard, how shocking." I brush off his compliment off, leaving it at that as we walk through the bustles of people, Everything makes me a little more uncomfortable.

"You should get yourself a drink.. or two, you look tighter than double knotted laces." Jaskier says, and practically ushers me away, I feel more out of place now that I'm alone.

I've always hated royal gatherings, I've only ever been to these types of settings if it meant slitting a throat for coin, but without a goal but to make sure Jaskier doesn't get absolutely bullied I feel more on edge.

Just as I try to catch my bearings, a man catches my gaze, or he catches mine, and it almost seems like he'll try and approach, and I'm just about to back-pedal as far away from the possible conversation a firm hand on my back grasps me from my thoughts.

Geralt, he's guiding me back to Jaskier, who the second I see him is cornered by a royal half my size, it's a silly sight. "Thank you." I say quickly, and Geralt grunts in response, he knows more than anything that I don't favor this setting.

"Uh- Er.. Ah! My good friends!" Jaskier says in a comical nervousness, and I watch as Geralt uses the fact that he's doing Jaskier a favor to his advantage, lying boldly that Jaskier was kicked in the crotch by an ox, and the royal gives him a gold coin to 'drown his sorrow' before scurrying away.

But their chatter is soon to be cut off as horns blare through the air, and the queen herself cuts through the room, face adorned in blood, fresh from battle, and Jaskier rushes to the small stage with his lute.

His eagerness is visible, I can only hope he'll survive.

Geralt and I sit back against a wall, and he passes me a flagon as we only watch royals idle. "Shit, I already hate this." I comment and take a hearty swig from my flagon, my dual-colored hair falls over my left eye, shading it from public view.

Soon, rowdy chatter bursts as two men bicker back and forth, they fight about beasts when they clearly know nothing, but ignorance is bliss. "Enough!" Calls the queen, and my gaze flits to her as she steps down from the podium.

"We have a renowned guest here tonight." For fucks sake. I internally hiss as I skirt myself away, patting Geralt's shoulder as I creep deeper into the corner of the room, If anything I do not need a queen's eye on me after all the treason to my name.

As quickly as the queen speaks, all eyes are on Geralt, who stands as still as possible before he declares: "Neither." And one of the royals asks him if he's being accused of lying.

And for a moment it's quiet, and I can hear the lie in Geralt's voice, saving anything grand from leaving his mouth and supposing that the royals have found a subspecies, though.. obviously not the case.

Chatter happens quickly, Geralt makes snide comments, and he tells the truth of the happenings of Filavandrel, whom I've come to respect as the days pass by and the memory keeps in my mind.

"Come Witcher.. take a seat by my side while I change." Says the queen, and as she leaves, Geralt can't not comply, and I'm pushed back into now as Jaskier comes down from the smaller podium.

"Well? Going how you expected?" I hum with a soft grin, and he puts his hands on his hips. "I can't say I didn't expect it, just hoped for it not to happen." Jaskier says as he takes a sip from a flagon he'd snagged.

"Perhaps you should try dancing with a willing lady, might cheer you up." I suppose, and just as I say that, a young woman looking to be around Jaskier's age approaches him.

They chat for a bit before Jaskier is pulled away to the center floor and I'm left safeguarding his lute as I watch attentively, at first it was to make sure Jaskier wasn't lured into a trap but as the two begin to dance together the idea is only hypothetical.

He's a bit clumsy on his feet, but he knows how to dance, and it's an entertaining sight, but he's enjoying himself and that's all Geralt and I came here for.

As I watch, a solemn thought plagues my mind no matter if I try to think of anything else, and I find myself sipping at the rich beer in my flagon, yet it's like water in my belly.

Minutes pass by and the music dies down and the queen re-enters the room, and Jaskier and the woman finally slip away from each other with smiles and he practically comes skipping back.

"Enjoy yourself?" I ask, and he's basically gleaming with a newfound enjoyment, his old disappointment of the night wiped away. "Very."

We sit back and idle as man after man approaches the podium where the Queen herself, the princess and now even Geralt sits, and as the first one's title rings in my ears, it makes me a little sick.

"Lord Peregrine of Nilfgaard." A man introduces loudly, and the mere words make my stomach churn, and just before the Lord can speak the crowd blares bagpipes and drunken laughter as a mockery, but I cannot smile in the presence of such a man.

I turn myself to face away, the mere stench of the Nilfgaard makes me nauseous. "Hey- Are you.. alright? you look like you've just seen a ghost." Jaskier asks, now seemingly worried.

"I'm alright- Just.. not a particular fan of Nilfgaard." I reply, and hear as the Queen makes a mockery of the Lord herself, and he rushes off, but the scent lingers.

The night proceeds, and Jaskier once again slips off to make a performance, one that captures the party and they all seem to enjoy him play, it makes him happy, which again, is all that matters currently.

It's all calm and I feel more at ease that the scent of Nilfgaardians has since aired out, but hairs rise on my neck before someone bursts through the rooms doors clad in armor.

He makes his way to the center, and kneels as he introduces himself, and I can only think I'm either paranoid or having a moment of precognition as I step up to where Jaskier is, there's too much tension in the room.

The knight explains himself excusing his lack of exposing his face as an oath, and as a royal steps up declaring it false, he rips the helmet from his head and almost everyone jolts up in shock.

Face clad in quills, he looks just as frightened as the party folk, but this is no monster, it's a curse, and for a moment Geralt and the Queen whisper back and forth, before she bellows throughout the room.

"Slay this beast!" Knights shoot up to take him down, but he's an impressive fighter, and he finishes them quickly, before speaking once more. "Lioness of Cintra, I've come to claim what is rightfully mine!"

He proclaims, and I watch in a precise silence. "Pavetta." The Knight says, and turns to face the princess whose face is contorted in shock. "By the Law of Surprise.." He says, but in the silence swords draw one by one, he's taking down guards by the minute.

Geralt steps up, grabbing a fallen sword and slicing the large weapon that was once about to strike the knight in half, and I take that as a queue to fight, sliding in to grasp a sword that clatters to the ground.

"Kill them!" The queen shouts, and Knights flood in, it's slaughter after slaughter, where Geralt is too precise, I'm too fast, if they were fucked enough trying to kill one Witcher, they were truly balls deep in shit if they had to kill two.

More party goers rise with weapons, and in the midst of it all, the royal who once ripped the helmet from the Knight steps in to fight with us instead of against.

And suddenly amongst all the fighting two swords meet but do not collide. "Stop!" The Queen says, her sword drawn on Geralt, and the whole crowd halts on command.

"Duny!" The princess says as she rushes down from the podium, wrapping her arms around the Knight and he holds her in return. "I told you to stay away." Pavetta says as she cups the Knights quilled cheeks.

The Queen eyes them with uncertainty and they stare with the same, there's tension thick enough to be cut with the slice of your hand.

Once again, the knight kneels to the queen, lowering his weapon before he speaks. "Your Majesty.. The Witcher speaks the truth." He says as he stands once more. "I was cursed as a young boy.. my whole life a living misery until the day that I saved your husband, King Roegner, from a certain death."

The Queen listens in an almost infuriated and disgusted silence, I can sense she's far from done even if she is giving him time to speak. "I chose the Law of Surprise as payment.. Whatever windfall he came home to find would be mine."

He speaks, and the Queen seethes before she speaks up herself. "-Oh, the stupid bastard, Better you had let him die!" She hisses, and I can see Jaskier walk closer to Geralt and I in my peripheral.

"You knew he'd come and you pushed me to kill him." Geralt states, and Pavetta's cheek occupies a tear. "And you.." Calanthe hisses at her own daughter. "Carousing with the beast that swindled your stupid father!"

"Tis no swindle.. Asking for payment with the Law of Surprise is as old as mankind itself." Eist says, stepping forward. "Don't lecture me, Eist." Calanthe growls. "It's an honest gamble.. As likely to be rewarded with a.. bumper crop as a newborn pup."

Eist speaks, his forehead ridden with sweat as he speaks. "Or, A child of surprise.. He could not know." He continues, and Pavetta and the Knight hold each other as they watch the Queen carefully. "Destiny has determined the surprise to be Pavetta."

Eist states, and the quilled knight speaks up again. "When I heard that King Roegner had returned to find a child on the way.. I abandoned all thought of claiming the Law of Surprise." The Knight admits.

He speaks with complete and utter honesty, But the queen only persists to boil with anger. "I knew.. I knew no woman would ever accept me like this." He says, and a tear rolls from his cheek, Pavetta seems almost shocked by the words.

"So I waited.. I waited until the twelfth bell when the curse breaks." The room is dead silent as he speaks, no one dares to move. "I never intended to meet her... Just to watch from afar." He says and gazes into Pavetta's eyes.

"Until destiny intervened.. and our hearts collided." They almost talk like it's a fairy tale, and if I wasn't experiencing this firsthand I'd say that's all it was.

"Who are we to challenge destiny..? Life was saved, Debt must be paid, Or the whole order of the world falls apart."

Eist says, he's desperate to make the queen understand, and the man who'd previously greeted Geralt speaks up. "Honor destiny's wish, Or unleash its wrath upon us."

She's cornered, no one is at her side willingly anymore, no one that matters.

"There is no us! I bow to no law made by men who have never bore a child!" She proclaims. "Is there not a man amongst you who does not cower before Destiny?"

She asks, and her eyes lay on Geralt, before she almost squints at me as I stand by his side, as if picking up by relativity.

"You, Witchers.. Who has known monsters of every fang and claw.. Are you afraid too?" She asks in a patronizing tone. "No." Geralt responds.

"I've seen mothers lash themselves raw over the death of a child, believing they crossed Destiny, Ignoring the stench of the fifty other children in the plague cart outside."

Geralt speaks, his tone gruff but truthful, the mere thought of the time makes me shudder a bit. "Destiny.. Helps people believe there's an order to this horseshit.. There isn't." The Queen's eyes are overwhelmed with unshed tears. "But a promise made should be honored."

He adds, a soft smile on his lips as he speaks. "As true for a commoner.. as it is for a Queen." He says, and the Queen lets out a sigh as a tear rolls down her cheek.

"I love Duny, Mother.. I will marry him." She says, her tone firm and hard, she's made her choice. "I will finally be free." She softly rejoices, and the room is deafeningly silent as the Queen passes off her sword to Eist before holding her hand out.

The knight takes the hand gently, and as the Queen leans over to whisper in his ear. "Here is your destiny." She says with a smile, before drawing the dagger at her hip and lunging it straight for the Knight's throat.

The princess screams out in horror and before the queen can touch the Knight a blast of energy sends us all back, Windows break and I skid to a halt as wind spins the room, The Princess and the Knight standing in the center.

Elder whispers leave her lips, and they lift from the ground, floating effortlessly as chaos surrounds them, Geralt tries to send a surge of energy through his fingers, but he's only sent back.

In a moment of chaos, I see him down a small bottle, through the whipping furniture that whirls around the room Mousesack tries to take the storm as Geralt pushes through it, and with all the strength he can conjure, separates the two and lets them fall as the storm settles into nothingness.

Geralt stands after everything settles and our eyes meet with relief, and nod to each other as whispers fill the room and everyone stands from their collapsed positions and the queen approaches them again.

The tension is gone, she's melted down with the shock of it all, but the couple watches wearily as she steps closer, before the Queen embraces her Daughter in a solemn hug in the center of the room.

"I thought your grandmother's gift had skipped you.. It seems I was wrong.. about so many things." The queen admits as they pull away from the embrace.

"Destiny has spoken! And I have listened.. The Law of Surprise will be honored." The queen proclaims, and I gaze around the room as everyone has recovered, and my eyes land on Jaskier who holds the woman he danced with in his arms.

"Pavetta will marry Lord Urcheon!" Murmurs fill the room, And Eist steps forward to stand with the queen. "React poorly, and you won't just face the Lioness, you will be facing the sea hounds of Skellige. Because Queen Calanthe.."

Eist speaks, and the room quiets down once more. "Has agreed to my proposal of marriage." They all stand at each other's side, before Calanthe once again begins to speak, her voice pieces the room sharper than any sword.

"There will be two vows here tonight! I assume that's agreeable." She says, and every head in the room nods. "Delightful.." Quickly, a ceremony takes place, people circle the room with candles in hand, and the queen binds their hands with a cloth.

"Pavetta. Duny... With my blessing.. I thee bind." The room is silent as their lips meet, and as they pull away, all is normal, before Duny lets out a soft bark, grunting as his body jolts and he falls to the ground.

And as he rises, he's.. Human, Normal, and Pavetta and Duny crawl to each other as they kiss again, the curse lifted. "The twelfth bell has not yet rung.." "What's happened?"

The two are in shock, and Mousesack speaks up. "I think your blessing in this marriage.. has fulfilled a destiny.. The curse has been lifted." Jaskier makes a soft noise of surprise.

"Whew! I think this has the makings of my greatest ballad yet." He says, his arm around the young woman. "If you're alive in the morning... Don't grope for trout in any peculiar rivers until dawn." Geralt says, and turns to leave, and just as I'm about to follow.

"No, Wait- Wait!" Duny says, chasing after Geralt. "You saved my life.. I must repay you." He says, and I purse my lips as I watch. "You've proven yourself to be the kind of man who would do the same."

Geralt says, and once again moves to leave. "I want nothing." "—No, Please, Geralt of Rivia, Do not feel like you're doing me a service." Duny begs, and once again Geralt pauses and turns to face him.

"I cannot start a new life in the shadow of a life debt." Geralt sighs for a moment before he speaks up, he's trying to leave quickly, understandably. "Fine, I claim the tradition as you have, The Law of Surprise.. Give me that which you already have but do not know."

The Queen gasps, her eyes wide. "No! What have you done, Witcher?" She asks, and Geralt speaks up. "Fear not your Majesty, If I am seen in your kingdom again it will be to kill a real monster, Not to lay claim to a crop or a new pup.. Destiny can go fuc—"

The Princess spits up bile, and the queen instantly makes the realization, Geralt is fucked.

"Fuck." He hisses and exits the room, leaving me to tend to Jaskier.

"You're staying?" I ask, and he holds the dark haired woman still, and smiles a bit. "I suppose a bit more fun never hurt anyone." Jaskier says, and I let out a deep sigh before holding my hand out.

"Enjoy your night, Jaskier." Jaskier goes to question hurriedly and I Quickly cut him off. "You know by now Geralt doesn't stick around." I say, and Jaskier sighs as he nods. "I always find you both, Don't I?"

I nod softly, before I slip off out of the doors, passing by Mousesack who's re-entering, and we say nothing as I rush to catch up to Geralt.

It takes moments to navigate in perfect silence, and we find Emir and Roach tucked into a stable. "I'm so ready to be rid of this god forbidden vest." I comment, and Geralt looks at me for a moment.

"You look better than me." He says, and I smile a bit as I give his clothes a look over. "Silk trader." I say, and hop onto Emir, my mind lingers a bit on Jaskier as we leave.

If I have to find him somewhere I will, because he owes me now.

— WEE WOO WEE WOO LONG CHAPTER LONG CHAPTER.

[thelostgirl21]

OMFG! I never saw that article! 😍 It's so awesome!

Also, I wish I knew at what point they decided to just... delete entire scenes and dialogues to replace them with "Extraordinary Things", and what was Hugh's first response/reaction to Joey's suggestion to have Jaskier sing for Radovid instead.

Like, did Joey come up with that idea BEFORE they started shooting?

Or did they shoot that scene in the carriage with Philippa (first scene Hugh and Joey ever shot together, apparently), Joey saw how many layers of emotions and intent Hugh could convey with his eyes, realized that what Jaskier just might need, first and foremost, is someone that shows an interest in listening to him play with a desire to better understand him; and therefore allowed his "inner Jaskier" to take over, compose, and sing something for Radovid?

Because, as "fun and flirty" as the dialogue in that leaked audition scene was, I don't think it would have succeeded in making as deep a connection between them as "Extraordinary Things" did.

Radovid's little "pick your favorite, please," when asking Jaskier for a song, him showing genuine interest in listening to what Jaskier wants to sing about the most (rather than dictating what he'd like to hear from him)...

The amount of respect and interest Radovid is showing for Jaskier's art is not so much about Jaskier's technical skills per say, but more about his songs revealing his innermost thoughts, and the way he perceives and experiences the world around him.

Yes, showing appreciation for Jaskier's lute playing and singing itself, and talking about how the instrument and the artist can elevate each other is nice - especially if it's used as a metaphore for something that would have been relevant to the scene or the context.

But Jaskier already has "fans". However, the people closest to him (except perhaps Ciri) on the show tend to show very little interest in the content of his songs or his singing.

Perhaps things have changed with Geralt since the mountain. But he once said that his singing was like ordering a pie and finding it has no filling; and that the Countess of Stael might have left him because of it.

Yennefer's first time hearing him sing happened while she was threatening him (and she referred to him as a "sing-songy twit" when she saw him again in Season 2. It was said affectionately, but still)...

Yarpen said Jaskier couldn't do anything for him, because he has "ears and good taste".

That "fan" Jaskier met at the docks was an entitled arsehole that didn't care much about the things Jaskier was trying to share or tell through his songs. He just wanted to point out all the things that "needed fixing".

Seanchai was perhaps the first to truly acknowledge Jaskier's storytelling as being something valuable and powerful - worth preserving and saving.

But she valued his skills as a bard as a means of inspiring and bringing hope to others...

So maybe... just maybe, what Jaskier needed was someone that truly paid attention to his words, showed interest the "heart" of his song rather than the "art", and told him that said heart was so beautiful, fascinating, and precious, that it was worth getting to know and even learn.

Radovid is a very active listener that yearns to be a part of Jaskier's world, and to connect with him... Someone that shows interest in what matters to Jaskier and offers support.

"Extraordinary Things" was a stroke of genius, because it allowed Jaskier to be at his most emotionally vulnerable and sincere with Radovid, and helped Radovid realise that it was safe for him to trust and allow himself to be vulnerable and honest with Jaskier as well.

Without it, you'd have had two deeply traumatised souls that have learned to hide who they truly are from others as a survival mechanism in their respective worlds, struggling with letting their guards down and allowing people past those barriers.

So yeah, I'm kind of curious to know at what moment the inspiration struck Joey to have Jaskier be the first one to emotionally strip down naked right in front of Radovid under the "cover" of a song, and what Hugh's response to that idea was.

And I'm also very curious to know who came up with the idea of having Radovid learn Jaskier's song, and then sing the first few lines of "Extraordinary Things" back to Jaskier when Jaskier is questioning him about what he wants.

Was it one of the writer's ideas (as a sort of follow up to the song that Joey had composed), was it Joey thinking/knowing that this would be the best way to get Jaskier to give into his growing feelings for Radovid? Or did Hugh feel that this is how Radovid would respond...

Because there's something very poetic and deeply touching in the way that Hugh sings it... Taking Jaskier's song, and expressing a desire for it to become their song, in a way...

It's a lovely way for Radovid to express a desire to form a relationship with Jaskier, while voicing his concern about his playing "being shit" and looking like he's nervous about falling short of expectations (according to what Hugh said in interviews, Radovid makes a connection with Jaskier that he's never made before, as no one's ever been that honest with Radovid), and having Jaskier responds with "maybe that's something we can work on", sort of showing a desire to commit to the relationship and figure things out with him.

Regardless of how that moment came to be, without Joey basically going "less talking more singing", it never would have occurred in the first place.

And Hugh's acting choices when it comes to how Radovid responds to Jaskier are basically just perfect...

There are infatuations that feel like people are moving too fast in a relationship without knowing each other while idealising the other partner...

And relationships that just sort of "realistically take off right away", because there's this sort of recognition that there's a unique type of compatibility between two people, and both of them wish to explore it while showing a willingness to make efforts, confront their own flaws and issues, step out of their usual comfort zone, and rely on each other to make it work.

And Joey and Hugh's in character interactions are able to convey that. It's absolutely fascinating to watch.

For Cassie Clare, who we luckily get to see more of in Season 3 as Philippa Eilhart, she highlighted that it was a "masterclass" to watch Batey and Skinner play off each other.

“There were scenes that I got to kind of observe. … Philippa's there but she's observing [Radovid] with the Jaskier," Clare said. "You almost don't have to act those moments where Philippa's like, 'I think something could happen here,' because you could feel this chemistry and them playing off each other, and being so present."

"You had to be so present, throwing lines in and the script is so in your body that they could play around that. It was beautiful. It was like a masterclass, being an owl on the shoulder watching over here.”

Also

"He's just really fun to act with," Skinner said. "He ad libs and stuff, and you just have to sort of listen and try and tell the truth."

Now, how much of radskier is finally just them flying around what was given and just landing back on the script when they had to move the plot forward ? I am finally gonna assume from now on that every line is an improv 😅

[thesaintofnevergettingitright]

Look, do I wish season 2 included a lengthy and emotional apology scene? Yes. Obviously.

HOWEVER....

Today several things suddenly occurred to me at once, and it made me feel a little more generous towards the apology we got.

First of all, (I feel like this kinda goes without saying) but Geralt is a man of action. His move was always going to be to show Jaskier that he knew he’d fucked up, not tell him.

And for a long time I didn’t feel like he’d done much of that this season, but then I started thinking about the differences between the 2 times Yennefer broke Geralt’s heart.

Cuz like. There’s no denying that Geralt’s visibly feeling just as betrayed/angry/heart-broken in both scenes.

Jaskier is there as an innocent by-stander both times, and the first time... like, we know what happened. Jaskier actively reached out to him to try to help, and Geralt’s reaction was to lash out and make it clear that Jaskier had no value to him.

The second time, there’s a lot more happening/the world to save, etc. so the exchange between Geralt and Jaskier gets kinda lost in the chaos, but it’s just dawning on me that it’s a really significant one. Because in that moment when Geralt is feeling an incredible amount of pain and betrayal and heart-break with no one to really take it out on, it would’ve been SO easy to snap again. Or it would’ve been totally understandable if he didn’t even think about/acknowledge Jaskier right then. (Especially since, this time around, Jaskier was being dead-silent, as though he didn’t want to tempt fate into a repeat of what happened last time.)

But not only does Geralt refrain from lashing out, this time he reaches out to Jaskier for help. And not just any kind of help! Geralt fully asks him to take Ciri to Kaer Morhen!  

And the best thing is, it’s kind of a ridiculous request. 1) the dwarves are right there, and they’re way more prepared to protect someone. Also, they have the transportation. 2) Ciri is the only one who knows the way AND is going to be way more competent than Jaskier in dealing with literally any issue they might run into. This is a heavily magical child with an impressive amount of combat training.

But in the heat of the moment, Geralt’s first action was to entrust Jaskier with his kid! Immediately after one of the only people he trusts tried to hurt her! Refusing to let Ciri out of his sight would’ve been an extremely reasonable reaction, but instead he puts total faith in his best friend to watch after his daughter and keep her safe.

And like, as far as “showing Jaskier he values and trusts him and won’t mistreat him again,” ...that’s a pretty big move. It really does make me fell a lot more confident that he meant his (extremely short) apology and is working to be better.

Unsurprisingly, I’m emotional about it.

[samstree]

Being loved by Geralt is easy.

After the mountains, after wounds are healed and lost brothers mourned, Geralt shows his love, and it’s easy as breathing.

He approaches Jaskier with a cup of mulled wine and takes him to the highest tower of Kaer Morhen. The stars blink amongst the green northern lights, and Jaskier is warm between the wine and the arms around his back.

Under the night sky, Geralt tells Jaskier of his love for the very first time.

Both of them return to Geralt’s hearth-lit chamber with red cheeks and glistening eyes, and they laugh and kiss and fall into bed together. Jaskier drifts off with a smile and dreams of a future with Geralt’s hand in his.

When morning comes, Geralt promises to do better. Guilt should be left in the past, Jaskier wants to argue, but the promise seems equally important to Geralt himself, so Jaskier listens carefully with his palm pressed against the slow-beating heart of his witcher. He’s always trusted Geralt with his life, and now his heart too. Despite all the broken parts of it, he trusts Geralt with his heart.

And Geralt keeps his promise.

He is not perfect—neither of them is, really—but he tries so hard with his imperfect, clumsy love. There are quiet nights when Geralt’s kisses span across Jaskier’s back, counting the specks of birthmarks with his lips. It’s a constellation, he says. They guide me home, like you.

There is also his infuriating protectiveness, his heartbreaking self-hatred. It drives Jaskier away, but never far and never for long. Soft apologies always follow, soothing away all that is angry and difficult between them. There are separations and reunions, messy tears and joyful laughter.

Geralt’s love is easy. So, Jaskier wonders.

Nothing is easy by nature. A witcher’s skills are honed through decades of training, through every swing of his blade, every parry, every kill. It’s why the ease of Geralt’s movement is a terrifying sight for his foes. If handling Jaskier’s heart looks easy, he must have gotten the practice somewhere.

The answer comes one day when Jaskier is alone. His hand slips on the strap of Geralt’s pack and all the notebooks within spill out on the floor.

There is a red book, sprawled open with its pages full of Geralt’s lean, neat writing. Jaskier’s eyes are caught by his own name between those lines.

It’s a notebook he’s watched Geralt use countless times while lazily resting his head on Geralt’s thigh and trying to draw his attention.

“What are you writing?” Jaskier asked once. “Another one of your boring bestiaries?”

“Boring bestiaries save lives.” Geralt looked down, putting down the quill. “And no, it’s not a bestiary.”

“What is it then?”

Jaskier remembered all Geralt’s notebooks: the green ones titled Herbs, the brown ones with Monsters and Locations written across the first page. He didn’t recognize the red one. A secret book, then. It only made him more curious.

“Nothing,” Geralt answers, putting the book down to join Jaskier in the nest of tangled sheets. “Just…thoughts.”

“Thoughts about me?” Jaskier asked cheekily. “Love thoughts?”

“Hmm.”

At the time, Jaskier teased but did not pry. Geralt rarely gets to keep things for himself, and Jaskier delighted in the fact that Geralt could find comfort in keeping a journal.

Now, as the notebook lays open on the ground, Jaskier finds his name all over it. He picks it up and flips to the first page, and finds the title. It’s just one word, one name.

Jaskier.

A book written in his name. A book he never gets to read.

When he flips another page, the entries begin with lists of food. Fruits, pastries and wines, followed by stores to buy the best of them in Ard Carraigh. The combination rings a bell, reminding him of a surprise picnic a while ago. He marveled at how Geralt could gather such a feast without him knowing, and only got an absent hum as reply.

The next page records another date of theirs, detailing Geralt’s careful preparations even though the words are scribbled and crossed out at times.

There are other things. Thoughts.

Thoughts of love, of regret and hope, pride and fear. These are thoughts of Jaskier and their future.

He read slowly as if holding Geralt’s heart between his hands, skipping some passages when the emotions grow too tender, making him ache at the self-doubt that bleeds through these pages.

He has no reason to stay. Jaskier reads on, his heart breaking. And yet he does. I don’t know how to deserve him. I don’t know if I ever will.

The notebook isn’t completed yet, and the last entry consists of the names of many towns and cities. It’s the planning of their next journey, Jaskier realizes, following the route they will travel and diverting for all the local festivals. A coastal village in Cidaris is underscored twice. Jaskier vaguely remembers mentioning its name years ago on a hot sunny afternoon. He went on about how nice the water was there, and how he dreamed of going back. It’s the same place he thought about when asking Geralt to run away with him during that dragon hunt.

Geralt wants to take him there now, after all these years.

Jaskier closes the book with a shuddering breath and puts it back into the pack. Guilt churns in his stomach for having gotten a glimpse of something he shouldn’t have.

When Geralt returns, Jaskier has tidied up the mess. He puts on a smile and hugs his witcher close. Tears prickle his eyes still, and the attempt to hide them fails spectacularly.

“Hey,” Geralt says, confused. “What happened?”

“Nothing.” Jaskier’s voice breaks, and leans into the strong hands running up and down his back. “I just…love you.”

Geralt lets out a quiet oh and brings Jaskier flush against him. Even without looking, Jaskier can picture perfectly the slightly panicked frown on Geralt’s face.

“You’re upset.” Geralt murmurs gently. “Shh, it’s alright.”

“It is.” Jaskier sniffs. “You are here.”

That earns him an amused huff. Geralt continues, “you know, I just had this idea. How about we go to the coast? I heard Cidaris is nice in the summer. It’s on our way north, and it could…cheer you up?”

Geralt is so tentative, the nervousness thrumming under a thin layer of nonchalance, and Jaskier nods.

“It’s a nice thought.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Jaskier pulls away to meet Geralt’s gaze, and this time, his smile is genuine. “I’ve wanted to see the coast for a long time.”

The subtle pride at the corners of Geralt’s lips is more beautiful than the sunrise at sea.

Jaskier doesn’t mention the notebook of unsaid things. It’s a book that holds all the soft parts of Geralt’s clumsy heart, and of course it’s something Jaskier will protect.

He’ll protect the quiet love Geralt bestows on him by tucking the book away in the corner of his heart. He’ll let Geralt try, and try, and try.

And Jaskier will meet him halfway.

[denim-devil]

Dating Geralt as a Witcher too (Headcannons)…

Can i please request some dating headcanons for Geralt x male reader where the reader is also a Witcher but has been hiding away please? Thank you so much!

Here it is Lovely, Enjoy! @acid-witch-baby

<>__——__:__——__:__——__<>

{How you met}

• You had met through fighting a best believe it or not. You both sensed eachother using your witching abilities which had Geralt be extra careful, yes you were one of him but it was hard to gain his trust

• Being a Witcher came with great responsibilities, you had to be careful and not over use those selected abilities. Long story short Geralt ended up saving you from certain death.

• You both had this feeling…a gut feeling, like your paths were suppose to cross, like you were suppose to meet.

• Quickly much to Geralt’s dismay, fell for you, not in a friend way, more in a romantic way. Everytime he was around you he contained his thoughts and actions…what he wanted to do to you.

• You had told him the reason you were in hiding, which was totally understandable, it was to do with the killing/hunting of your brothers and sisters, the others that were just like you.

• Even though he felt weird about this, his gut was screaming about you, about Geralt making the move he has been so willing to make since he met you in those swamps.

• “Geralt?” You whisper, looking up into the piercing golden eyes he occupied. A low, husky hum sounds out into the room, his lips tugging up into a weak smile.

• This was too close? Right? For “Friends?”

• a warm set of lips connect with your own, it was slow, but hungry, the way his tongue eagerly asked for entrance into your mouth was needy, just like your lips against his own

• Geralt actually had feelings…he felt human for the first time in his life, all his Witcher responsibilities left outside of the door.

{Dating Headcannons}

• Geralt made sure to supply you with the things you need whilst you conjure up the confidence to come out of hiding.

• You felt safe with him, so if anything, you had to come out of hiding, not just for yourself but for Geralt too.

• To Geralt’s surprise, every evening (well most) he comes home to a warm cooked plate of grub, something Geralt can sit back and enjoy.

• (Geralt loves your hair, he likes to run his fingers through it whilst you lay on his chest)

• You first time outside in many years wasn’t much, just the empty fields around your small cabin. Geralt wanted you to enjoy life, and somehow had you on his back whilst you both rode roach, laughing and giggling.

• Geralt likes to give back and gives into your every need (mostly in bed) which mostly everytime has you a blushing mess not that you minded.

• Once you get over the anxiety enough to allow more people into your space, you meet his family.

• you instantly bonded with Jaskier, you became very close and always found yourself singing together in the fields whilst making flower crowns…(Jaskier has never been happier)

• (CIRI TREATS YOU LIKE AN OLDER BROTHER…) it’s kind of exhausting but you know she means well, she’s just as amazing as the rest

(NSFW)

• Over the past several months, Geralt has learned how your body reacted to the things he did, the way he did them

- learns of your GIANT breeding kink, which only turns him on more

- knows you like the pet-names he gives you e.g “love”, “Good boy”, “Precious”

- understands that releasing inside of you helps you reach your end…

- notices that you like his large, strong and heavy hands around your neck. He’d watch you squirm in your seat each time he pressed harder

- loves to watch you both fuck in the mirror next to your bed, watching you come undone beneath him really riles him up

- Geralt has a bit of a size kink…your just so tiny against him, which results in your belly bulging most of the time he fucks you…it’s a HUGE turn on for him

- (you love it when he cums inside of you…marking you as his own)

- His aftercare is next level, he treats you like his world, massages you and cleans you up after such a rough session of him using you.

[bambirex]

The World Is Yours, If You Seek The Good: Chapter 14

Pairings: Geraskefer, Yennskier, Geraskier, Yenralt

Characters: Jaskier, Yennefer of Vengerberg, Geralt of Rivia, Ciri of Cintra, Lambert

Additional tags: implied/referenced abuse, forced pregnancy, mpreg, creature fic, fae Jaskier, creature Jaskier, creature Yennefer, captivity, enemies to friends to lovers, polyamory, found family, hurt/comfort, it starts out angsty but it will get better, completely made up lore, fertility issues, completely made up skills and powers, angst, angst with a happy ending, whump, Jaskier whump, Yennefer whump, Geralt whump, Ciri whump, blood, nightmares, injury, wound care, past rape/non-con, trauma, sexually inexperienced Yennefer, sexually inexperienced Jaskier, threesome- f/m/m, mild sexual content

Rating: mature

Chapters: 14/20

Full word count: 43,449 words

Chapter word count: 3,261 words

Summary: Used and abused by humans, Jaskier and Yennefer believe they are alone and with no reason to trust anybody. That is, until they meet each other - and then, a couple of other strange misfits.

Chapter summary: Geralt, Jaskier and Yennefer get to spend some time together, while something happens to Ciri.

Author's notes: WARNINGS for mentioned past non-con!!!! It's not very explicit, but be careful, just in case! There's also sexual content in this, which also isn't as explicit as my usual stuff, but you know, treading lightly is always the best option!

Read on Ao3

*

Ciri nagged Geralt constantly to let her go fishing with Lambert to the nearby lake. Geralt, of course, was a little apprehensive, but Ciri reminded him that it was still close to the hut, and with her newly discovered powers - over which she gained more and more control thanks to Yennefer's teaching - she had a better chance at defending herself. Besides, she had Lambert by her side, who despite being a loveable weirdo, was very much still a strong, skilled witcher.

"So, you have nothing to worry about," Ciri said in the company of a smile. "We'd only be away for a few hours."

"Why are you so insistent on fishing, of all things?" Geralt asked, raising an eyebrow at her. "I think you said it sounded like the most boring thing in the whole world."

Ciri bit her lip to stifle a smile. Technically, she still thought exactly that, but she needed a good reason to leave the hut for a few hours, so Geralt, Yennefer and Jaskier could be alone a little bit.

Ciri was well aware of the intense emotions between the three of them, but for some reason, neither of them seemed to dare make the first move towards an actual relationship, despite the fact that was clearly what they all wanted. Well, Yennefer and Jaskier may have started due to that kiss they shared, but Ciri wanted to give them the final push they needed to admit their feelings for each other.

The best way to do that, she believed, was that if she gave them some time alone.

"I changed my mind," Ciri said with a shrug. "It'll be fun with Lambert."

"Everything is fun with me," Lambert chimed in with a chuckle. "Don't get your knickers in a twist, Geralt. We'll be literally only a couple meters from here. You'll even see our backs if you look out the window. But I hope you won't do that."

Geralt made a confused noise at the back of his throat. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, there will be other things you should be looking at."

Ciri quickly kicked Lambert's shin under the table to make him shut up. She confided in him about her plan, and she didn't want to him accidentally spill the truth. Lambert sent her a little wink.

"Alright, whatever," Geralt gave in with a sigh. "But only a few hours. And don't stray too far."

Ciri squealed and threw herself into Geralt's arms. Geralt let out a soft huff before he enveloped her in a hug. Ciri and Lambert grinned at each other over Geralt's shoulder.

After losing her family back at Cintra, Geralt came to bring the lost love back to Ciri. And now, with Jaskier and Yennefer, Ciri felt like her family could be complete again. She couldn't wait for that to become official.

--

"She'll be okay, Geralt," Jaskier told him softly as he watched Geralt pace up and down in the living room. "She's with Lambert."

"That's exactly what I'm worried about."

"You're such a worrywart," Yennefer laughed. "It's quite endearing."

"Is it?" Geralt asked, quirking an amused eyebrow at her. It made Yennefer grin.

It was definitely endearing, possibly the most endearing thing Yennefer has seen. Something about Geralt being so soft under that hard exterior, something about him being a good and caring father to Ciri made Yennefer's heart melt.

"You're adorable," Jaskier cooed from his seat. His eyes glinted with mischief as Geralt sent him a look. "What? It's time you got used to compliments."

A soft smile spread across the witcher's face at that. There was a faint pink tint coloring his cheeks as he leant against the closet behind him.

"I think I would get used to them," Geralt said, "if I got even more."

Yennefer hummed. Geralt became more and more openly affectionate, as well as letting himself ask for it more often. It was very lovely to experience.

Jaskier took the challenge with an eager grin.

"Let's see: you're insanely hot. I've never seen such beautifully sculpted muscles on anyone before. I'm drooling."

"Very good," Geralt chuckled. Yennefer let out a soft laugh of her own upon seeing the amusement in Geralt’s eyes.

"Your eyes are gorgeous, intense. I don't wanna stop looking into them. Your jawline was crafted by the gods."

"Keep going."

"You have the kindest heart," Jaskier continued, the teasing tone of his voice giving place to genuine awe. "You're caring, protective."

"Trustworthy," Yennefer added softly. "Keeping your word. Loyal. Honest."

"I like what I'm hearing," Geralt admitted. He moved closer to them, until he stood right in front of them. There, he seemed to lose his confidence for a fleeting second, shifting his weight from one foot to the other awkwardly.

"It's all true," Jaskier breathed. He looked up at Geralt with big, bright eyes, his lips parting softly as he took in a deeper breath, as if he was preparing himself to say something important.

"We love you, Geralt," was what he eventually said, his lashes fluttering as he watched Geralt's shocked face. "Not just as a friend, or a confidante. We're in love with you."

"We are," Yennefer admitted, feeling her cheeks heat up. She reached over and grabbed Jaskier's hand, squeezing it. The synella scooted closer to her, pressing his warmth against Yennefer. Yennefer looked up at Geralt curiously.

The tension between the three of them has been building steadily, but no real steps have been made since that one kiss between her and Jaskier. Which was a big thing, clearly, but Yennefer and Jaskier both knew their relationship needed one more missing piece - Geralt.

For a few moments, Geralt just stared at them, his pupils blown wide, his lips parted. Yennefer felt her heart pick up as she waited for him to reply.

Geralt moved closer again, until he knelt on the floor in front of Jaskier. He lifted his hands uncertainly, blinking up at the fae.

"Yes," Jaskier told him gently, already knowing what Geralt wanted to ask. Geralt made a soft sound as he ran his hands up Jaskier's thighs, until they settled on his hips. He rubbed at the skin there with his thumbs gently before he leant up and pressed his lips against Jaskier's.

They made a beautiful picture together, Yennefer thought as she watched them, warmth blossoming inside her chest. Geralt's big, calloused hands caressed Jaskier's delicate sides so gently as he kissed him. Jaskier's own hand was tangled in Geralt’s unruly white hair, his long fingers carding through his locks. Geralt accidentally bumped into Jaskier's belly, and he reached between them to caress it in apology. Yennefer felt her lips curl into a wide smile.

Jaskier's cheeks were flushed a beautiful pink when they parted, and Geralt's lips were shiny and slightly swollen from their kiss. Yennefer's heart jumped when Geralt looked at her.

She reached out and dragged Geralt towards herself until she could taste his lips. A sigh ripped from her chest as she melted into his arms that circled around her.

Yennefer cupped his cheeks, letting her fingers map out the muscles in his jaw, the stubble on his skin. She was still holding his face when their lips finally broke apart so they could breathe.

Yennefer's breath hitched in her throat when Jaskier leant in and kissed her neck, his lips gentle but searing hot against her skin. Yennefer moved to cup his jaw so she could kiss him on the mouth, swallowing his soft gasp.

"Maybe we should find a more comfortable place to continue this," Geralt drawled. He had one hand on Yennefer's knee, the other on Jaskier's stomach. "Maybe the bedroom."

Yennefer's heart skipped a beat when she realized what that meant. She swallowed thickly, trying not to show her panic too much - she clearly failed at it, judging by the looks of concern Jaskier and Geralt sent her.

"Are you alright?" Jaskier asked her softly. He tucked a piece of hair behind Yennefer's ear. "Did we do something wrong?"

"No," Yennefer was quick to say. She ducked her head down, her face heating up in shame. "It's just that I've never..."

With her living her whole life in captivity, she never got the chance to be intimate with anyone. She was alone most of the time, and luckily, the humans were too scared of her to try and do anything to her against her will. Yennefer was aware of what having sex with someone entailed, but she never experienced it herself. And while she wanted nothing more than to do it with Geralt and Jaskier, she was worried her lack of experience and skill in the matter would make her appear ridiculous.

"Hey," Geralt spoke softly, "that's alright. We don't have to."

"I want to," Yennefer clarified, "I just don't know how to do it."

"We can show you. Lead you. Whatever you need. Right, Jaskier?"

"Well," Jaskier's voice sounded somewhat uncertain. Yennefer looked up and saw him worrying his lower lip between his teeth.

"I mean... I've done it, just... Not like this. I mean... only with Master, and he was...not very gentle. It wasn’t…very enjoyable…"

He trailed off. Yennefer felt her chest tighten with anger. The idea that Jaskier was used like that, by that disgusting bastard filled her with rage.

"Did he do it to you even when I was there?"

"Sometimes. Not in front of you, though."

"Possibly because I would have killed him if I saw it happen," Yennefer growled. She clenched her fists against her lap. Geralt's eyes were also murderous.

"I'll hunt him down," he snarled. Jaskier hummed softly.

"Let's not talk about this anymore," he said quietly. "I only mentioned this so Yennefer would know she's not the only one who isn't well-versed in this."

Yennefer reached over and cupped his cheek, soothingly rubbing her thumb over his skin.

"Thank you for telling us."

"We really don't have to do anything," Geralt promised, giving each of them a small, but earnest smile. "It's enough if we're just together like this."

"We trust you," Jaskier replied. He leant forward and kissed Geralt's forehead. "We always will."

"Just be patient with us, okay?" Yennefer asked with a nervous little chuckle. Geralt nodded and kissed the tip of her nose gently, making her go cross-eyed for a second.

Geralt helped Jaskier up from the seat before he took Yennefer's hand as well. Yennefer's heart pounded heavily in her chest as she followed him, holding onto their hands tightly.

Her anxiety melted once they reached Geralt's bedroom. She wrapped her arms around Jaskier's neck and pulled him down into a kiss. His lips were sweet, and his hands were gentle as he held Yennefer's waist. Geralt wrapped his own arms around them from behind Jaskier, as he kissed all over the fae's neck. Jaskier trembled and made a soft gasping sound against Yennefer's lips.

"Can I take off your clothes?" Geralt drawled into Jaskier's ear. Jaskier nodded frantically, the flush on his cheeks deepening.

Yennefer took a step back to admire the sight of Geralt gently unlacing Jaskier's blouse. Her breath hitched as she looked at Jaskier's bare body for the first time. Like Jaskier mentioned before, his body indeed did not look like what Yennefer expected - she has seen half-naked farmers before, but Jaskier's chest resembled her own a lot more, only covered with thick dark hair. His rounded stomach heaved with his excited breathing as Geralt continued kissing his neck and shoulders, his hands exploring his body gently, never taking anything without asking first. It made Yennefer's heart flutter.

They helped Jaskier lie down on the bed on his back, as doing it on his own was too much of a strain for the heavily pregnant synella. Jaskier bit his lip as Geralt removed his loose pants. Yennefer tried not to ogle him too much, but he looked so utterly perfect.

"Beautiful," she breathed. Jaskier blushed, his lips curling into a smile.

"You can take mine off," Yennefer told Geralt who sent her a questioning look. Geralt smiled and kissed her, his hands just as gentle on her body as they were on Jaskier's. Yennefer felt her muscles momentarily tense once she was fully naked, but she loosened up again when he felt how gentle, how patient Geralt was with her. Yennefer pulled at his clothes, wanting to see more of his body. Geralt aided her, and soon he was bare, his chiseled, hard body on display. Yennefer gently ran her fingers over his scars.

"I wanna touch you," Yennefer told Jaskier as she settled on the bed. "I don't know how."

"Gently?" Jaskier asked, uncharacteristically hesitant. He spread his legs further apart, revealing more of himself to Yennefer. Yennefer felt a gentle, supportive hand on her back as she settled between Jaskier's legs.

"Which one...?" She asked uncertainly, her hands hovering above Jaskier's appendages. One of them was just like her own, but she had no idea what to do with it, let alone with the other one.

"Whatever you pick."

"This is about your choice," Yennefer told him. "I want you to have that control that you were never allowed to have... besides, I need to be told what to do."

"Okay," Jaskier concluded softly. He gently took Yennefer's hand and led it between his legs, to the place that seemed a bit more familiar.

Geralt gently instructed the both of them, his arms holding Yennefer from behind, praising her as she carefully explored Jaskier's body. Her insecurities soon melted as she saw him writhe with pleasure underneath her, his long lashes fluttering in bliss.

It was not like Yennefer imagined: no sweating, no panting, not even a lot of pain. Geralt was so gentle, as if he wasn't even a hard mountain of a man: he was so careful, always checking in with the both of them, never doing anything they didn't like. He allowed them to have the control they were previously deprived of, and took it back when they needed him to lead. He showed Yennefer all the ways one could touch another's body for the sake of pleasure, and he showed Jaskier what it was like to do it with feeling.

It was an experience Yennefer would never forget - not while they lay in each other's arms afterwards, and not even centuries later.

"Are you both okay?" Geralt asked from where he was resting against Jaskier's shoulders, his nose buried in the crook of his neck. Jaskier hummed softly, burrowing into his lovers' warmth.

"I feel fantastic," Jaskier sighed happily. "Can we do it again?"

Yennefer laughed. "Bit insatiable, huh?"

"Can you blame me? Geralt is a stud. And you're also wonderful, Yen."

Yennefer grinned. She placed a hand over the swell of Jaskier's belly. She smiled when she felt the baby shift under her palm.

"I hope we didn't wake them up."

"That would've been awfully rude of us," Geralt chuckled. He laced his fingers together with Yennefer's over Jaskier's stomach. "Are you feeling alright, as well?"

"More than alright," Yennefer replied with a smile.

To think that just a couple months back, she had no one, and now she had a whole family for herself. How angry and sad and hurt she used to be, and how happy she was now. How it felt like things would never be alright, that her wounds would never heal. And now... now it finally seemed like life had many beautiful things to offer.

In the arms of her two lovers, with a baby kicking under her palm, and with the knowledge their child was also not far away, having fun with her weird uncle, Yennefer felt like bursting with happiness.

--

"Take it easy, girl. Good."

Ciri made a pitiful sound, something between a whimper and a groan. She sagged heavily against Lambert's side. The only reason she didn't collapse was because Lambert held her up.

Lambert would never admit it to anyone, but he was scared shitless when Ciri suddenly stilled and dropped the fishing rod, her eyes staring vacantly ahead. So vacantly, in fact, that her entire eyes turned white, matching the paleness of her cheeks. She didn't react as Lambert repeatedly called out her name and shook her by the shoulders, trying to drag her back to reality. It was like trying to wake up a corpse.

After a couple of terrifying moments where Lambert thought Ciri has left her own body, she woke up, her eyes slowly clearing before a few droplets of blood ran down her cheeks. She trembled and gasped for breath as she stumbled on her feet. She muttered something about "him", but Lambert couldn't make out the words. He needed to get her home quickly.

"Geralt?" He yelled as he walked through the door with Ciri under his arm. "Where are you? Yennefer? Jaskier?"

He couldn't find them in the kitchen or in the living room. He made Ciri sit on a chair before he poured her a glass of water. He hoped she wouldn't faint while he searched the house for his brother and his company.

"Geralt!" Lambert howled as he tore up the bedroom door. "Are you in here, you... oh."

Lambert blinked in surprise when he spotted Geralt, Jaskier and Yennefer cuddled up to one another on the bed. None of them had clothes on. Shit. Right. He forgot why they left them alone in the first place.

Geralt quickly covered them with a blanket. He sent his brother a murderous look.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Sorry for interrupting your liaison," Lambert huffed, "something happened with Ciri."

Geralt and Yennefer immediately jumped out of the bed while Jaskier made a miserable effort to try and sit up. Lambert quickly turned around to make sure he didn't see anything more than he already shouldn't have.

Luckily Geralt and Yennefer put some clothes on before they rushed to Ciri in the kitchen. They both dropped to their knees in front of her. Geralt cradled her against his chest while Yennefer caressed her hair, shushing her gently.

"What's wrong?" Geralt asked as he held her against his chest. "Are you hurt?"

"No," Ciri whispered. She swallowed thickly. "I saw him again."

"The man from your dream?" Yennefer asked, her face going pale. "What did you see?"

"He's coming for us," Ciri whispered. She let out a shaky breath. "For me, specifically."

Geralt turned around to face Lambert, who stood in the doorway, now with Jaskier by his side. The fae looked horrified upon hearing what Ciri said.

"We need to get to the bottom of this," Geralt said. His voice was full of concern. "We still have our eyes and ears in the woods, right?"

"Right," Lambert replied. "Do you want me to ask around?"

"We need to figure out who's looking for Ciri."

"So, you agree that they're visions? That someone out there is truly coming for her, and that’s what she’s seeing?" Yennefer asked, her voice quiet. Geralt let out a sigh as he nodded. There was clearly no point in pretending otherwise: if Ciri was in immediate danger, they needed to be honest with each other.

"What are we gonna do now?" Jaskier asked, wrapping his arms around his stomach protectively. Lambert reached out to squeeze his shoulder, trying to soothe him.

"One thing for sure," Geralt said, looking over each of them, his eyes full of determination, "we're gonna keep each other safe, no matter what."

[yeraskier]

i think it’s interesting seeing the way jaskier’s emotions contrast in the episode where he and geralt reunite, and how quickly they shift as well

when he first saw geralt, it was anger but also relief. he wanted geralt to listen but he definitely didnt want him to just fuck off. he wanted geralt there with him, but he wanted to set some boundaries and finally get a chance to speak the words that have been sitting on his tongue for months. and then that relief kicked in, relief that geralt was here, actively seeking him out after actively pushing him away. its not the way jaskier wanted it to happen, he wouldve preferred actually getting to say what he wanted to say but geralt is telling him that he needs him and even after all that’s happened, jaskier cant force himself to turn away.

and then we jump to the river scene where he’s his usual talkative self, hes excited and sort of bossing geralt around. it feels just like s1 all over again. at that point it probably just hit him like finally, geralt’s back. he’s here. and that’s what jaskier has wanted since the mountain. he just wanted geralt back, he wanted geralt to want him back. and now there they are two buddies back together, having a nice little chat, and everything is alright again. right?

i think he was still okay when they encountered geralt’s friends, but somewhere along the way, somewhere from that interaction to them heading back on the path, everything just came crashing down.

jaskier was clearly sad during that trip, but more than that, i think he was disappointed too. i think a lot of his feelings from the moment he saw geralt again up to that point, were centered around geralt, but what jaskier was feeling during the walk was all about him. i feel like maybe, he was disappointed in himself. sure, he was happy to help geralt and always would be, but maybe it was him realizing that hes got the short end of the stick. the way he said “but that’s what friends do, they come back” read to me as you treated me like absolute shit and i deserve better i think but i care about you so i’ll always be there for you because im a good friend.

burn butcher burn was a very clear fuck you to geralt, one that made you think that he’d be a lot more intense and maybe have geralt grovel a little if they ever met again. but no, thats not who jaskier is with geralt. thats possibly who he wanted to be, at least for a moment, at least long enough to see that geralt really cared, but it just isnt. and i think that hit him.

and then there was this needling that nothing has been resolved. not a issue between them has been resolved and while things are seemingly back to normal, jaskier sees that they arent the same at all. he realizes that things wont be until he gets to actually speak to geralt. if he ever gets to actually speak to geralt, because as he just broadcasted, he may not be as capable of that as he originally thought. maybe even then, if he does speak, they wont be the same. they cant be because geralt broke his trust, and it hurts not knowing whether or not thats something that he’ll ever be able to give again.

so basically jaskiers watching the most important relationship in his life crumble all over again. and it sucks for him.

[mintedwitcher]

Okay so re: this post I have feelings about the way the relationship between Geralt and Ciri is portrayed, and I'm going to try and make this make sense but like, bear with me.

First things first, the Geralt we see in season 2 with Ciri is vastly different to the Geralt we've seen in season 1. He is softer, he's more thoughtful, he's more careful with his words and his actions. Even in the few scenes where he's disciplining Ciri or trying to "tell her off", his words are never angry, he never raises his voice at her, he doesn't lash out.

And yes while we could attribute this to the fact that Ciri is still a child (despite her claims to the contrary), I like to think that instead, this is Geralt learning from his mistakes.

The last person he raised his voice in anger to was Jaskier, and it cost him a twenty-year-long friendship. He doesn't want to alienate or scare Ciri the way he did to Jaskier, and he doesn't want Ciri to distrust him the way Yennefer does after the dragon hunt.

This Geralt has learned, and he's trying to do better, to be better, for Ciri, and I think that's an amazing thing to see.

I also think that taking care of Ciri better prepares him for his reunions with Yen and Jaskier, respectively. With each of them, he's more open with his emotions, he's more honest with them about how he feels for them, because parenting Ciri has made him brave enough to be able to express these things more freely.

I've spoken at great length before how Jaskier deserved a better verbal apology in season two but reflecting on it now, I realise that trying to focus on Geralt's words is a mistake. We need to look at his actions, because while he's gotten much better with his words around Ciri, his interactions with Jaskier and Yennefer cannot just rely on words, because that's not how Geralt needs to apologise to them. He can say "sorry" as much as he wants to, but both Jaskier and Yennefer know that Geralt is a man of action, not a wordsmith.

So with Yennefer, this means being open and vulnerable enough to let his worry, his relief, show on his face when they reunite. This means introducing her to Ciri without hesitation, without trying to hide her identity or lie or brush her off. This means trusting Yennefer with the one person who is arguably the most important to Geralt. (And Yennefer betrayed that trust but that's a rant for another day.)

With Jaskier, this means showing physical affection (the hug). This means verbalising that he needs Jaskier. This means busting Jaskier out of prison and asking him to travel with him again, and taking him to Kaer Morhen for (as far as we know in canon) the first time. This means trusting Jaskier to look after Ciri in his absence.

Geralt has learned to show affection through words for his daughter, but the ripple effect of this change impacts all of his relationships. Ciri, just by virtue of needing Geralt in her life, has helped Geralt grow beyond the man he was at the end of season one.

And in return, being Geralt's daughter, being loved and protected by him, being accepted by his family, has helped Ciri become more than just a princess. And yes, she might idolise him and the other Witchers a little too much at times, but that's what happens with most children. They idolise their parents, they want to be just like their parents. Ciri is no different. This is a young girl who has grown up without her real father, without her mother, and who has just found a group of people that she can consider a family, thanks to Geralt.

Their bond is not just one made by destiny, or the Law of Surprise, but by choice. They choose one another. Geralt doesn't just love Ciri because she's his Child Surprise. He loves her the way a parent loves their child. He loves her because she deserves to be loved. And Ciri similarly loves Geralt the way a child loves their parent. She has faith in him, she believes in him, she trusts him. And yes, she argues and lashes out at him when she doesn't get her way, but that's typical of every teenager. And even when she lashes out, Geralt never responds with anger.

And yeah, sometime he says the wrong thing ("I've known many who wanted to be great fighters. Do you know where they are now? In cemeteries."), sometimes he gets frustrated ("When I say run, you run."), but he never gets angry. He never lets his temper get out of hand, because he's seen the damage it can do. He knows better now.

And the fact that he tries so hard to be good for Ciri is what made me love season two the most. Here is a man who has lived for decades in a hostile world, who has every reason to be cold and closed off, and here he is, trying to be better, so that Ciri can become better. He doesn't want her to become him, he wants her to exceed him. He, in my opinion, wants what every good parent should want for their child.

And yes, before anyone says it, I agree that we can't solely attribute his character growth to just Ciri alone, but I think she has made a massive impact on the way he views himself, and in turn the way he views his relationships.

TLDR: The relationship between Geralt and Ciri is a beautiful thing that has helped both characters evolve and grow into better people than they were before, and I genuinely hope that they keep this energy for season three.