#jaskier and aiden are friends

[geraskierfanficprompts]

Prompt 121

In place of August Ninth, Promptapalooza 2/ Geralt has brought Jaskier to Kaer Morhen, and Jaskier couldn't be happier. It's on the second night there that he says it. Jaskier wakes up and Geralt has left their room. He ignores him the whole day. Jaskier thought that- What with Kaer Morhen- And how close they seemed- Maybe he could- It's pointless... Jaskier waits in their room for Geralt to come back, but he never comes back that night. Jaskier stayed up all night waiting for him to return, but he never did. Jaskier sleeps away the day, since he stayed up all night. He wakes up around dinner time and decides to skip it. What if when he goes down for dinner, that's when Geralt decides to come back? He'll be alone again. But he doesn't come back. Again. The door eventually opens and Jaskier looks over with pure elation only to dim when he sees it's Lambert. "...Uh, Birdie, you haven't left your room." "Our room." "Right. Are y'sick?" "...I'm waiting for Geralt to come back. He hasn't come back ever since I said it." "Said what?" "...I- I told him I love him. And he left. He won't come back. I thought we finally were close enough. I thought after all the years he'd be able to hear me out. I knew deep down he'd never love someone like me, but I didn't think he'd just... Abandon me for the whole winter." Jaskier sighs and turns to look at Lambert, only to see him crying. "Lambert?" Jaskier asks in confusion. "Fuck-" Lambert whispers in horror, before scrambling out of the room.

Lambert finds Geralt and shoves at him like a true brother. "Go find your bard, Asshole!" "What?" "He's in your room sobbing over how you left him cause he's unlovable!" "What!?" "Go fix it! I'll see you next winter." Geralt's brow furrows. "What do you m-" "I have to leave. I have to see someone. I'll tell you all about it next winter- We- We'll tell you all about it next winter. I have to go." "Lambert, what-" "I did the same thing, you idiot! He said he loved me and I panicked and I ran-" "Jaskier?" "NO! Aiden! Idiot!" "Who is Aid-" "NEXT WINTER!" And without another word, Lambert barrels out towards the horses.

[shy-urban-hobbit]

Lambert: Well, thanks a lot for hooking me up Jask. I want you to know that I want you to attend our wedding as my guest.

Jaskier: I’m Aiden's best man. Okay? Don’t try to blue pin me.

[geraskierfanficprompts]

I second the "Jaskier and the kaer morhen moving company" tags from dearest @penandinkprincess I want to read a fic about Jaskier getting his strapping beautiful lads

Hired a moving company and they sent four strong, strapping, beautiful lads to my house to disassemble my furniture and move all my things. I loved them. I got them pizza. They told me moving company gossip. I missed them one minute after they left. My moving lads. Come back to me. You're so strong and so well trained in safe lifting

[thedemonofcat]

The first witcher Jaskier met besides Geralt was Aiden, a member of the Cat School, who had been hired to assassinate him.

Technically speaking, Aiden's contract was to eliminate the Viscount of Lettenhove, but he was taken aback to discover that the target was actually the same Bard who sings about the witcher he'd heard so much about.

Instead of fulfilling his contract, Aiden and Jaskier found themselves sharing a rather pleasant picnic.

Geralt, unaware of this turn of events, is frantically searching for the Cat witcher who he believes is out to kill his Bard.

At the same time, Lambert, having heard that his fellow witcher is intent on hunting down his dear friend, is racing to find Geralt to prevent him from killing Aiden.

[inexplicifics]

I’m not sure if this is your kind of thing or not, but ever since I thought of it, it has been stuck in my brain and I love it SO MUCH.

So, modern AU. Jaskier is still everyone’s lovable music genius, but he typically sticks to more acoustic style music (somehow the madman actually managed to get his hands on a goddamn lute from a secondhand shop somewhere?? They still make lutes?? Who knew? Certainly not Geralt.), but he has friends all over the local music scene and he’s skilled with so many instruments that, in an emergency, he has been known to sub for bands who are down a member on show night.

And one night someone, maybe Lambert/Aiden, are at a more alt/metal/rock kind of music scene and out comes a band with Jaskier absolutely SHREDDING on an electric guitar. Just absolutely killing it.

(I normally see modern AUs of Jaskier still sticking to folky style or acoustic music, but it makes sense that he would be amazing with any kind of instrument he could get his hands on, and the idea of a Jaskier who is a Electric Guitar God, but just prefers his acoustic, folk music is endlessly entertaining to me for some reason.)

(I really hope I didn’t make this come across like a fic request or anything. I’ve just had this idea in my head and it made me laugh, and I hope it made you laugh, too!

Thanks for your time and I appreciate everything you give to this little corner of the internet to make people’s days brighter.

Hope your day is going well and your 2025 is off to a good start! °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)

This is a delightful plotbunny, and Jaskier is absolutely the sort of person who would teach himself how to play every instrument he could get his hands on just for fun. (I've met people like that, they're terrifying.)

The mental image of Lambert just staring at the stage, jaw hanging open, beer about to fall out of his hand, in blank shock at Jaskier killing it on an electric guitar, is a beautiful one. Thank you!

[catscraftsandcommentary]

So I had some time to think tonight at work (in between operating heavy machinery, swearing at the materials, and trying to keep the line running, fun times!) And I asked myself, "self, hypothetically, what might @inexplicifics Accidental Warlord AU look like in another generation or two - once people really get used to witchers being The Good Guys (TM) and helping out?"

And I was like "well, they'd probably get invited to social events - ooh! Who'd like which events best?!? What would that look like?"

Geralt, as we all know, detests anything too formal or Warlord-focused. He enjoys weddings and receptions, but his TRUE favorite is baby christenings. Seriously. Put him in a room with a tiny baby and he's happy as a clam. He'll happily growl away (or weaponize his puppy-dog eyes against) grannies, aunties, and other family members to hold the baby for as long as possible. He's also 90% of the reason that witchers are now rumored to be able to bless babies.

When Mouse and Treyse bring this new rumor to the council, everyone has to just sit. And process for a minute. Because what the ever-loving fuck?!? (Jaskier immediately writes the sweetest lullaby ever, "A Witcher's Blessing", and it is the ONLY song that Geralt ever sings in public, and only ever to babies and small children. Multiple women blame this for their immediate conceptions.)

Jaskier adores weddings and festivals of all types, and if a happy couple includes details of how they met and/or fell in love with their wedding invitation, there's at least a 50% chance that he'll show up to the wedding with a personalized love song, holy shit.

Ciri loves tourneys. Loves watching them, loves displaying in them, loves sneaking into competing in them (omg, heir, NO), loves WINNING them. She's a menace. She has various stealth coats of arms that she rotates between when she's not supposed to be competing, but her favorite is the battle goose. Obviously.

Eskel doesn't like crowds or being the center of attention, which are almost inevitable with public invitations, but he does enjoy being the +1 for his family. Several of his and their interests overlap, and even where they don't, he likes to see them enjoying themselves.

Yennifer becomes well-known as an extremely efficient - albeit terrifying - treaty negotiator. She'll talk to both sides, get a list of their must haves, deal-breakers, would-likes, and don't-wants (as well as - perhaps more importantly - the reason why each of those are on that particular list). Then she draws up a draft and viciously negotiates a compromise. She is genuinely surprised the first time that both sides thank her for her help.

Vesemir, with all his long years of teaching, loves visiting schools and seeing any sort of student performance or sporting event. Kindergarten to university, drama to music to dance recitals to track and field meets to football games to student symposiums to science contests to... He buys out bake sales and funds club field trips and donates several fortunes worth of antique knick knacks to various schools. He's invited as a guest lecturer, a commencement speaker, a competition judge, a referee.

Lambert and Aiden, at some point, discover bachelor's parties, call dibs, and never look back. People learn very quickly not to invite witchers to their stag nights unless they want the entire party to get horrifyingly drunk - but at least Lam and Aiden will make sure that everyone makes it home (or to the wedding) safely. Perhaps not soberly, or sans hangover, but definitely without major injury. (And if the bride asks nicely and the groom and friends weren't total jerks, Lambert can usually be counted on to make a hangover cure. He really is a softie at heart.)

Dragonfly and Serrit get tapped for the odd bachelorette party or ladies' birthday parties. Anything that falls under "I want to be able to drink and party with my friends without worrying about some strange guy hurting one of us." They are extremely protective and have both been drunkenly proposed to several times. (Livi finds this terribly amusing. Gweld just wants to know if he can watch.) Milena and Zofia sometimes go with them.

Milena loves going to wedding showers and baby showers, but outside Kaer Morhen, she has to stay in sight of Lambert or one of his brothers. Lambert's rule. (She got KIDNAPPED, okay? He's allowed to worry!) Usually she'll take Geralt (there might be babies! He's excellent protection!) or Eskel (he's very quiet and has excellent manners, and his signs are impossible to fight) for the more, ah, female-heavy events. If anyone asks, they're her brother-in-law and genuinely like spending time around kids. And very, very married.

[headcanonthings]

Maybe it’s just in the fics I’m reading but I really feel like we don’t take enough advantage of Jaskier being a Master of the Seven Liberal Arts. It’s a line that gets thrown out now and then usually just attached when Jaskier is introducing himself and really trying to impress someone. I just want something that explores that part of him a bit more

I also think that it would combine really well with one of those fics that has Jaskier meeting other witchers without Geralt.

Like maybe he writes popular short stories which Eskel adores and runs into him a couple times in the bigger cities doing book signings

Vesemir has a special interest in Astronomy and has a subscription to the Witcher equivalent of a scientific journal where he reads an interesting article by Jaskier and decides to write him with some follow up questions not really expecting a response but gets one and this quickly turns into a years long correspondence

I haven’t fully thought this through so not sure which of the arts he’d be using to meet up with Lambert, Aiden or even Coen (or other witchers depending on how many you want to meet up with him) but do you get what I’m saying?

I also think it would be funny if he’s using a different pseudonym when he meets each witcher so when they all get together and talk about their new friend they don’t realize they’re all talking about the same guy

[astaldis]

Witcher Cat Fics

Do you like cats and The Witcher? Then maybe you'll also like Witcher cat fics! (sorry, not Cat Witcher fics). Here is a little list of fics I found that feature cats, but it's certainly not complete. If you know of other Witcher fanfics where a cat plays an important role in the plot, please let me know so I can add it to the list.

Have fun with cats and Witchers!

(The order is totally random)

Love, Joy, and Kittens by ForestWren

Geralt/Yennefer/Jaskier, Teen And Up Audiences, Words: 5,330:

When Geralt and Yennefer finally get a room at an inn after weeks of travel, Jaskier expects to spend a calm evening with his lovers and sleep in a real bed. This plan is derailed when they find an unexpected creature in their room.

worse enemy than monsters by RedDragon (TheDancingOcelot)

Jaskier/Geralt, Teen And Up Audiences, 471 words:

Jaskier investigates the cause of Geralt's tardiness.

5 Times Someone Else Had To Watch The Damn Cat

Foltest, Ves, Geralt of Rivia, Iorveth, Silas of the Blue Stripes, G, 500 words:

Five times someone else had to watch Roche's cat.

It's the latest in a series of drabbles about Roche's cat: Kits Out for Temeria by Faetality, check it out, it's so funny!

The Sorceress' Challenge by Annaatemychocolate

Yennefer/Triss, F/F, 11,485 words:

“The Sorceress Yennefer has set a challenge: capture her black cat and retrieve the key around its neck before the end of the month, and you get your wish granted. That’s why everyone’s here.”

Triss’ eyebrows were now dangerously close to disappearing into her hairline. “You’re not serious.”

flowers in every room by SummerFrost

Geralt/Yennefer, Ciri, F/M, 5,077 words:

Hey, Mum! Sorry, I can't stay long, there's this—" Ciri tilts her head. "What's with the cat?"

"Fuck if I know," says Yen.

Aka: The one where Geralt gets turned into a cat and dumped on Yennefer's doorstep.

Here Kitty, Kitty by round_robin

Geralt & Jaskier, Gen, 1,671 words: “Cats don't like—you can't be serious.” Geralt said nothing and Jaskier gasped. “Of all the weird fucking things they did to you, that takes the cake.”

This got a small chuckle. “Oh yes? The heightened senses that bring headaches if I'm in a town too long, the poison tolerance that still hurts like I'm dying, but no, cats hissing at me is clearly the worst...”

Of Wolves and Cats by A_hopeful_disaster

Geralt &/ Jaskier, Gen, 1,353 words: Jaskier adopts a cat. Geralt isnt sure what to think.

The Mystical Divinity of Unashamed Felinity by Star_dancer54

Geralt & Jaskier, Gen, 2,778 words: It's a morning like any other when Geralt wakes up, until he discovers that Jaskier's been turned into a cat. (unfinished)

The Way to a Man's Heart Goes Through His... Cat? by Frywen

Geralt /Jaskier, Cirilla, Yennefer , M/M, 16,861 words: Jaskier is a live-in cat sitter and Roach is the biggest and meanest cat he has ever met. Just what kind of owner does a cat like that have? (unfinished)

Ball of Purr by kentucka

Geralt, Gen, 1,211 words: A fluffy little thing (pun intended) in which Geralt gets to pet a cat.

Cat Got Your Tongue (But I’ve Got Your Heart) by WanderingDrui

Aiden/Lambert, Geralt/Jaskier, M/M, 31,093 words: After the mountain Jaskier throws caution to the winds and decides to use a secret he's kept his entire life to get back at Geralt. He expects a short and petty journey of revenge. Instead he makes new witcher friends, explores his past, and finds peace with who he is and what he wants in life. Meanwhile, Geralt hasn't heard anything about Jaskier since he sent him away and is growing worried.... (WIP)

Lovecats by Lula_Claims_The_Snakeskin_Jacket

Cahir/Yennefer, F/M, 16,404 words: Cahir and Yennefer acquire a stray cat. Or does the cat acquire them? As a witch, Yennefer vibes with cats well. Cahir is sceptical, as to his best knowledge cats are of no use on the battlefield. Obviously, some tensions are inevitable here. But this relationship will, yes, evolve.

powerful by mayoho

Rience, Gen, 100 words: Rience has always been drawn to power, even in the most unexpected places.

Figs and black pepper by calvaria

Assire var Anahid, Merlin (the cat), Gen, 233 words: Assire prefers Merlin to all astrolabes, signs and pendulums.

Cat Comfort by Molanna

Cahir, Assire var Anahid, Merlin (the cat), Gen, 1,805 words: Merlin is not only suddenly brought to a different place by his Witch, but, when he comes back to the apartment late at night from exploring the new garden, he finds a stranger in the bed he is not sure how to feel about at first. (POV Merlin)

A Furry Foundling for the Bard by Molanna

Jaskier/Radovid, M/M, 1,111 words: Jaskier and Radovid are disturbed in their very enjoyable nightly activity by a strange, eerie sound. Luckily, what they find in the street is not a monster but a pleasant surprise.

A Fiery Night by Molanna

Jaskier/Radovid, M/M, 500 words: Jaskier and Radovid are having a great time together at Radovid's little island cottage. Unfortunately, one night, something goes very wrong.

Esmeralda, No!

Jaskier/Radovid, M/M, 777 words: Radovid has prepared a nice Yule surprise for Jaskier. However, he has failed to consider what will inevitably happen if you add a cat to the equation.

Cat-Napping by Molanna

Rience, Gen, 500 words: Unexpectedly and totally against his will, Rience ends up with a fluffy tabby cat napping in his lap.

[0dde11eth]

Aiden and jaskier have been traveling together for a while now. They met shortly after the mountain incident and are now best friends. One day Geralt walks into the same tavern that the pair is already having supper at.

Aiden: Should we say something to him?

Jaskier: Like "you look like a boiled chicken breast?"

Aiden: I was thinking "what are you doing here"

Jaskier: Yeah but that won't hurt his feelings

[mx-myth]

Looking for an ao3 fic (series?) where jaskier and geralt split up (the mountain I think) but geralt gets super guilty about it and starts looking for jaskier. But jaskier is gallivanting all around the continent and making friends with basically every witcher he meets. So they keep narrowly missing each other as geralt meets the witchers jaskier's met. Anyone know it?

(I'm pretty sure jaskier meets like, Aiden and letho at least)

[lucigoo]

Weekly Roundup: 16th December - 22nd December 2024

I wrote 3 fics this week, with a combined word count of 7,672. Two of these fics are also colabs from the Bagginshield Book Club (BBC) server.

But first ofc, recs!

A Passion For Mushrooms - Chrononautical - The Hobbit (Bilbo/Thorin, huge world building fic and los of cultural misunderstandings)

Summary: There are many trials for a hobbit attempting to make a life among dwarves. A hobbit wants a garden. A hobbit wants to eat regular meals. A hobbit wants friends, good books, and comfortable chairs. Bilbo does his best to carve out a little hobbit life for himself in the mountain. If only there were not one final obstacle. For a hobbit heart wants love, and among dwarves that is a sticky subject.

battlefield manners - theMightyPen - The Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien (Boromir/Theodred, its so cute!)

Summary: Boromir and Theodred live, and observe their younger family members navigating ballrooms and love alike.

An Offer You Can't Refuse - AvoidingAverage - Wiedźmin | The Witcher (Geralt/Jaskier, a clever and emotional au)

Summary: the Mafia/Werewolf AU no one asked for.

Dans l’Amour et le Meurtre - Swankyo0 - The Witcher (Geralt/Jaskier, modern au that I adore)

Summary: The long-haul trucker, contract killers AU that no one asked for.

I'm Lost, I'm Found in You - whisperedstory - Wiedźmin | The Witcher (Geralt/Jaskier, Cat Witcher!Jaskier for the win!)

Summary: After Geralt gets injured on a hunt, he's nursed back to health by another witcher. Over the next few years, Geralt keeps crossing paths with the Cat—first by accident, then on purpose.

end with hope - thewalrus_said - Wiedźmin | The Witcher (Geralt/JAskier, an adorable Knight's Tale au)

Summary: “It’s okay, Lam,” Aiden says. His voice is a little too loud for the situation, but that’s alright. Jaskier’s merry band of boys often struggle with volume control, in groups or separately. “I told Jaskier about Geralt’s fight with Yennefer, and how we came here so he can apologize and get her to forgive him. Because they’re in love,” he adds, unnecessarily.

“You told him what,” Lambert hisses, looking incredulous.

Eskel rests a big hand on Lambert’s shoulder. “It’s alright, Lambert,” he says soothingly. “I told Jaskier about Geralt’s feelings for Yennefer weeks ago, it’s about time he got all the information about the current situation.”

“Geralt’s feelings. For Yennefer,” Lambert says flatly. He throws his hands in the air. “Fuck, sure, fine. Geralt’s in love with Yennefer, and now Jaskier knows and is going to help them get back together.”

Hope oyu find somehting to your liking <3

And now, ofc, my fics ����

This first two fics were written with my wonderful Bagginshield besties and members of the BBC @shantismurf, @lisellelascelles, @shujinkomononobe

The Unexpected Raisin - DrakeShadeDShadowheart, Lucigoo89, lisellelascelles, shantismurf - The Hobbit (Bilbo/Thorin)

Summary: This story begins: "Once upon a time there was a Hobbit who loved raisins more than anything." 👀

Baggins' Beans - DrakeShadeDShadowheart, Lucigoo89, shantismurf - The Hobbit (Bilbo/Thorin)

Summary: Our second attempt at a story relay game begins with the prompt: "Strong? It's not bad, though, is it? Oh, I appreciate it! Yes, I'll put another order in for you right now."

My third fic was written for the BBC Midwinter Gift Exchange 2024 | Archive of Our Own. If you are a Bagginshield fan, please check out the mix of fics and art choke full of winter fun.

When a monster becomes a beloved mutt (Bilbo/Thorin, written as a gift fic for th eamazing @shipper47)

Summary:

Bilbo finds a stray warg pup and of course he falls in love with it, much to Thorin's dismay.

Thorin hates the little monste,r but he loves his husband, even if he doesnt understand why he wants to keep it for a pet. A word that has no Kuzdhul equvelent.

The things he does for his hobbit, his husband, his consort *sigh*

Hope you have a wonderful week <3

[geraskierfanficprompts]

Prompt 63

After The Mountain™, Jaskier is desperate to prove himself a Worthy Travel Companion™ to Geralt, so he decides to take up alchemy. Perhaps if he gets very good at brewing Geralt's potions, Geralt will find him worthy of keeping around. When Geralt takes Jaskier to Kaer Morhen, he can't help but notice that Jaskier is suddenly spending every possible second with Lambert. LAMBERT. I mean, he loves his brother, don't get him wrong! But Lambert? Geralt's words were cruel, and he was still working out the full apology he wanted to give Jaskier (He deserved better than just an "I'm sorry") but he's worried that he's already lost his chance, as Jaskier is seemingly finding himself a new witcher.

[shy-urban-hobbit]

Lambert: Oh my god. Aiden?

Aiden: Oh my god, Lambert! *Goes in for a hug*

Jaskier: Oh my god, introduce us!

[do-androids-dream-ao3acc]

I've seen a rise in kudos for a 2022 fic lately, so I'm assuming people are, once again, passing my name in a Discord or whatever... Because with over 22,000 fic, you'd hardly find mine with only 353 kudos, unless you specifically search for it. I'm not mad, I'm just a member of "TELL THE AUTHOR" if you like something, don't just tell your Discord buddies.

Anyway, since people are reading my only Gerlion piece once again (which is also, kind of, a Aiden/Lambert):

Fandom: Wiedźmin | The Witcher (Video Game) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Relationships: Geralt z Rivii | Geralt of Rivia/Jaskier | Dandelion, Aiden/Lambert (The Witcher) Characters: Geralt z Rivii | Geralt of Rivia, Jaskier | Dandelion, Aiden (The Witcher) Additional Tags: Post-Blood and Wine (The Witcher 3 DLC), Post "Following The Thread" (The Witcher 3), Pining, Angst with a Happy Ending, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Misunderstandings, Love Confessions, Witchers Have Feelings (The Witcher), Alive Aiden, Aiden Loves Lambert (The Witcher), Jaskier | Dandelion Loves Geralt z Rivii | Geralt of Rivia

Excerpt:

Geralt wondered if one's blood could actually freeze in one's veins – for that was exactly how he felt at that moment. 

"That man is dead," he countered. "You can't be Aiden, not Lambert's friend. Because Lambert, who is also my friend, my brother even, believes that you are dead. And he is not fine with that fact. He wanted me to help him track down your killers. He wanted me to help him kill those people without asking questions. All because he thinks you're dead."

[magdelanesingerin]

Chapter 6: November 1st

Jaskier was sitting in his living room watching Hocus Pocus and thinking about how his friends back home were all headed out for a fun and debauched Halloween night without him, feeling a bit sorry for himself, when he got the text from Lambert. 

Lambert: [Leaving in an hour. Get your costume on.]

Jaskier: [What?]

Lambert: [*an image of a Halloween show poster from a bar featuring local bands*]

Jaskier: [ 😮 I need more time!]

Lambert: [If you’re late we’ll leave without u]

Jaskier squeaked and leapt to his feet, scampering to his closet to dig through his wardrobe.

An hour and five minutes later Jaskier dashed out his front door wearing as much neon and acid washed denim as he could pull out of the depths of his closet and dove into the back seat of Eskel’s truck.

“Oh, Ken, love it,” Lambert grinned, leaning over the front seat to size him up. “That bronzer is horrifying. Perfect. Needs a blond wig, though. We could just pour peroxide on your head and see what happens.” 

“It’s the best I could do on such short notice!” Jaskier sniffed, patting his stiffly gelled hair protectively and looking around the cab. Lambert next to him in a red jumpsuit that he recognized as a surprisingly accurate looking Deadpool costume, a pair of swords leaning between them that he sincerely hoped were plastic. Aiden sprawled over the back seat next to him in a Spiderman costume that looked equally expensive; they really went all out, it seemed. Eskel was in the driver’s seat wearing a flannel that looked suspiciously like something he’d wear any other day. But no Geralt. 

“Geralt’s a punk,” Lambert said, reading his mind with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. “He’s staying home to read back issues of Horse Girl Magazine or something.”

“Ah,” Jaskier said, a flush rising in his cheeks at Lambert’s all-too-knowing expression. “Not one for bars, or live music, or what?” Lambert scoffed and rolled his eyes. 

“Geralt doesn’t…crowds just aren’t really his scene,” Eskel said tactfully, swatting at Lambert to turn around and sit down.

Lambert righted himself just to pound on the dashboard and hoot, “Let’s go, fuckers! Yeahhhh!”

Aiden snorted, shaking his head fondly. Eskel sighed deeply and pulled the truck down the driveway. Jaskier had a feeling it was going to be a good night.

continue on Ao3

[inexplicifics]

Cozytober #11 with Geralt/Eskel please? <3

It's more Cozytember at this point, I think, but here you go!

Geralt is puttering happily about, messing with B.B.’s careful placement of the decorations mostly for his own amusement, when there’s a knock on the door. He glances up to exchange a confused look with Eskel, who is ensconced comfortably in the largest and squashiest chair they own, joyfully immersed in a book that could easily be used as a bludgeoning weapon. “You expecting anyone?”

“Nope,” Eskel says, showing no inclination to get out of his chair.

Geralt snorts and pads over to the door - it’s late enough that they’ve long since sent B.B. and Marlene to their well-earned rest.

“Papa!” the Empress of North and South, Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, first of her name, the Lady of Time and Space, Beloved of the Great Sun, Defeater of the White Frost, says gleefully, and throws her arms around Geralt in an embrace that knocks the breath out of him.

“Ciri,” Geralt wheezes. She’s wearing simple clothing better suited to a witcher than an empress, and she doesn’t have any entourage at all. “Good to see you,” he adds, hugging back hard enough to lift her off her feet. Ciri giggles.

“Ciri,” Eskel says, light footsteps approaching rapidly before his arms close around both of them together. “What are you doing here?”

“A girl can’t want to spend Yule with her family?” Ciri asks, slightly muffled against Geralt’s shoulder.

“Of course you can,” Eskel says, “but I thought Nilfgaard had all sorts of ceremonies on Yule.”

Ciri giggles, and they all untangle themselves so she can come in. “The main ceremonies are on the solstice,” she explains. “I left Morvran holding the fort; I can’t stay more than a day, but I brought presents!”

“We don’t need anything,” Geralt protests.

“You’ll like these,” Ciri says, and beckons out the still-open door into the night. “Alright, now!”

Geralt sucks in a sharp breath as his medallion vibrates hard at the same time as the center of their empty little courtyard is suddenly filled with an entire wagon.

“Geralt!” Jaskier cries, leaping down from the bed of the wagon; he’s wearing a comically long scarf and a brilliant crimson outfit. “We’re invading for Yule!” He turns to help his companion out of the wagon; Priscilla smiles warmly at Geralt and Eskel as she steps onto the cobblestones.

“Jaskier assures me we aren’t going to be too much of a strain on your hospitality,” she says.

“‘Course not, you’re always welcome,” Eskel replies gruffly. Geralt is too busy gaping. Lambert is in the driver’s seat of the wagon, Yennefer is unfolding languidly from her perch beside him, and there are two more people in the back: Keira of all people, and a lanky man with an eyepatch who Geralt doesn’t know at all.

“Well, pretty boy, got a place I can put the damn horse?” Lambert drawls.

Geralt shakes himself into motion, giving Lambert the driest look he can. “Of course I have a stable,” he says, and leaves Eskel to get all the people inside and find hot drinks while he and Lambert stable the horse next to Roach and Scorpion and the patient, sturdy cob who pulls the farm cart and rejoices in the unlikely and inaccurate name of Swift.

“Who’s your friend?” Geralt asks as they roll the wagon under cover. Lambert makes a low grumbly sound deep in his chest.

“Aiden,” he admits. “Jaskier found him wandering around near Novigrad, half out of his godsdamned mind. Patched him up and kept him at the Chameleon til he could get Yen to tell Keira to tell me.”

“Huh,” Geralt says. Wasn’t Aiden the Cat he and Lambert avenged several years ago? The one Lambert clearly loved? Less dead than expected is a fucking nice surprise, in that case. “And that’s…working, then?”

Lambert grins, crooked and real. “Keira thinks he’s charming.”

Geralt hums and takes the opportunity as they go through the doorway to wrap an arm around Lambert’s shoulders in a sideways hug. Lambert flails but doesn’t actually object.

“Happy for you,” Geralt tells him, and dodges out of the way of Lambert’s halfhearted kick, striding ahead to join Eskel in the squashy chair. Everyone else has already found seats around the fireplace, Priscilla cuddled up against Jaskier and Yen and Ciri sharing a couch and Aiden lounging on the hearth-rug with his head in Keira’s lap. They all have mugs of mulled wine and contented expressions, and Geralt looks around the room and thinks that Ciri, bless the girl, could not have brought him a better gift than this:

His family, together, happy.

(Also HERE on AO3!)