#the witcher: path of destiny

[dukeofdogs]

Companion mini figures from The Witcher: Path of Destiny

[madcat-world]

the Witcher: Path of Destiny (1 of 3) - Anna Podedworna

[beneficialfondue]

Hey, fellow Witcher lovers, if you haven't seen this yet, you should check it out! New Table Top game!

[sonsofks]

Tu Oportunidad de Participar: Crowdfunding para The Witcher: Path of Destiny Está en Curso

Los fanáticos de los juegos de mesa y cartas pueden participar en esta emocionante campaña para el nuevo título de The Witcher.” A partir de hoy, entusiastas de juegos de mesa y cartas de todo el mundo pueden unirse a la campaña de crowdfunding para The Witcher: Path of Destiny, el último título de Go On Board ambientado en el universo de The Witcher, creado en estrecha colaboración con CD…

[akreon]

Here is a box art I had the pleasure to illustrate for an upcoming board game "The Witcher: Path Of Destiny" It was really fun to revisit those characters once again.🖤

[wanderingwolfwitcher]

Sabrina was in a state of blissful relaxation, having indulged in a steaming bath that enveloped her in warmth. The water, still pleasantly hot from being refreshed twice by a magical contraption, made her feel as if she could remain in that tub indefinitely. She had sunk deep into the soothing embrace, with only her head, hands, and feet peeking out over the rim. Her long, flowing hair cascaded over the edge, having been thoroughly washed and dried, a testament to her leisurely attitude in the bath.

The tranquility was momentarily disrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching the door, causing her eyes to flutter open as she glanced toward it, hoping for a visitor. A strange scent of steel and blood wafted through the air, transforming her initial irritation into a curious thrill. When the door finally swung open, she was met with the familiar and welcome sight of the witcher, the very one who had been assisting her through her struggles. Caught in the liminal space of her curse, she was neither mare nor human, but rather a Succubus—an embodiment of her own greed and darkness.

She was already beginning to rise, his torso now fully revealed above the water, his hooves sinking back into the depths. Water cascaded down his skin, pooling in the delicate grooves of his scars. A subtle smile danced on her lips, the familiar expression that always appeared when their paths intertwined. Her warm gaze met his golden eyes, and she took in his appearance—the blood, the expression etched on his face. It was his typical look. An eyebrow arched as she prepared to ask why he was there, but the sound of his boots on the ground interrupted her.

That sound silenced her words instantly, a contented hum escaping the creature as she regarded him. The door closed with a flick of her magic, but she barely registered it, her focus entirely on him.

[Fallesto - if you wanna write again, follow me once more on my main account, this one is dead, but understand if not x]

The Witcher climbed off Scorpion, patting the war horse and letting him go off to graze in the nearby woods, then passed through the evening rain, hooded black cloak shifting on the breeze, and approached the entrance to her sizable blue tent with gold trimming. At once, he sensed and smelled her familiar scent and the bath within, the beating of her heart, through his enhanced senses. The side monster contracts and time in the nearby town away from her had been welcome, a change of pace... but all good things had to end. He still had a curse to break, that he had reluctantly agreed to, and thus far they had only worn away at it a bit. He would have to find another excuse to go hunting, when the opportunity presented itself. Too much time around her, after what she had done to him and Deidre... other Black Sun girls, her ambitious doings as a Sorceress... whatever strange connection of destiny they shared that she should remain on his Path, he needed a respite from it all periodically. Even if the cold, hostile reception of the nearby town's ungrateful folk hadn't been much better... at least he knew where he stood with the average peasant. They made their feelings and intents quite clear.

"Here we go again..."

With a silent breath, jaw tightening, steeling himself Eskel reluctantly slipped through the door and within the giant tent... viper eyes at once looking around the magically sizable, familiar, wealthy palace-like interior. Illusions and enchantments, he knew, to remind her of the luxuries she and her upper class kind were so accustomed to... to remind her of her place at Ard Carraigh, in Henselt's court. His gaze settled gradually on Sabrina in the lavish tub, in a new, alluring form he hadn't been expecting. One that gave him pause... the heat in his blood burning hotter, one of the side effects of his mutations betraying him again, forcing him to ignore such instinctive, primal desires. To remember and center himself. In a display of her magic, his enchanted silver wolf head medallion buzzing, she closed the door behind him automatically. Folding his broad arms over his red, silver spiked leather jacket and his Witcher's armor, Eskel studied her closely, not disguising his gaze that moved along the long crimson red haired Succubus' bare form. At last, eyes within the hood narrowing on her own, his deep, calm voice washed over her no less than the water was her body, remaining standing where he was by the entrance.

"Still not quite looking your old self, Glevissig. Didn't think I'd find you like this... but I know you in any form. Horns, hooves and tails suit you. Demonic. Surface starting to match what's inside. Always been well connected around Kaedwen, take it your spies tipped you off I was returning, or was it more of your magic? "

@fallesto

[cultofthewyrm]

The Witcher: Path Of Destiny by Anna Podedworna

[kittenofdoomage]

In case you missed it...

I'm currently posting a fic a day over on Ao3 for my Tropetober A-Z event on Patreon last year. It's a different character every day from different fandoms, mostly smutty (you know me). All red underlined links lead to AO3, please read the warnings on individual stories 😘

The fics:

A: Alpha/Beta/Omega - Winter Nights

(Geralt Of Rivia x fem!reader) You’re an Omega who lives at Kaer Morhen, unmated but belonging, almost like a pack Omega to the Alpha Witchers; Geralt, Coen, Lambert and Vesemir, though the elder Witcher is long past any need for you. Geralt is close to rut when he returns, and seeks you out.

B: Bodyswap - Worth The Wait

(John Winchester x fem!reader) Some supernatural beings don’t want to hurt anyone, they just want to prove a point.

C: Character Death - The One Good Thing

(Negan x fem!reader) You waited so long to have him back, and he’s waited so long to get back to you, now you can be happy again… right?

D: Dark fic - On Our Terms

(Geralt Of Rivia x fem!reader) A sorcerer out for revenge leaves you in a dangerous position, and you’re not sure you’re going to make it out of this one.

E: Enemies To Lovers - Trapped

(Bucky Barnes x fem!reader) An incident on a mission leaves you and Bucky trapped in a vault. Being sealed in a relatively small space is a problem on its own, but you’re faced with another dilemma; you absolutely hate Bucky Barnes.

F: Fake Dating - Keeping Up Appearances

(John Winchester x fem!reader) You haven’t heard from John in three months, after he abandoned you, but now he needs your help on a case. Are you willing to ignore your feelings to help him?

G: Glad To Be Alive - All Is Not Lost

(Negan x fem!reader) A sequel to "The One Good Thing" which was letter C of Tropetober.

H: High School Sweethearts - Bittersweet

(Steve Rogers x fem!reader) In any time or place, she'd love him.

I: I Don't Want To Ruin Our Friendship - Mistakes

(Bucky Barnes x fem!reader) She took a chance and it broke her heart - can Bucky fix the mistake he made?

J: Just Friends - Nightcap

(John Winchester x fem!reader) She’s sick of correcting everyone, and alcohol loosens the tongue.

K: Kiss Of Life - Near Miss

(Geralt Of Rivia x fem!reader) Geralt saves your life, then reminds you to never nearly die again.

L: Love Potion - A Wee Favor

(Dean Winchester x fem!reader x Sam Winchester) Dreams can come true.

M: Mates - Crossed Paths

(Alpha!Geralt Of Rivia x Omega!fem!reader) Destiny put them in each other's way for a reason.

N: New Old Flame - Always Yes

(John Winchester x fem!reader) They came so close to something special, only to have it torn away; is there any hope left for them now?

O: One True Love - Backseat Lover

(Dean Winchester x fem!reader) He's been keeping a secret from her, and when they're stranded alone for hours, he finally has to come clean.

P: Please Don't Leave Me - Vigil

(Bucky Barnes x fem!reader) He's halfway through a mission when something he can't fight happens.

Q: Queen Size Bed - Never Have I Ever

(John Winchester x fem!reader x Dean Winchester) Drinking can lead to all sorts of decisions, luckily, these are good ones.

R: Roommates - Sleepless

(Bucky Barnes x fem!reader) Turns out, the solution to the problem was there all along.

S: Soulmates - Runaway

(Geralt Of Rivia x fem!reader) You run away from the life your parents want for you, and finally find your soulmate in the most unlikely of places.

T: Time Travel - Time Breaks All Things

(John Winchester x fem!reader) - A misstep on a case puts them somewhere they didn't expect to be, and they're not sure if there's a way home again.

U: Unresolved Sexual Tension - Seize The Sam

(Sam Winchester x fem!reader) Dean "Matchmaker" Winchester strikes again.

V: Virgin - Life Lessons

(Geralt Of Rivia x fem!reader) The night that Geralt learned his most valuable life lessons…

W: Werewolf - The Wolf Moon

(Henry Cavill x fem!reader) A night of camping leads her right into the arms of fate.

X: Xenafication - Rough

(Geralt Of Rivia x fem!reader) Something changes you, and Geralt isn't sure it's a good thing.

Y: You Can't Fight Fate - Ships In The Night

(Dean Winchester x fem!reader) She keeps running to avoid heartbreak but she's breaking all the same.

Z: Zombies - Full

(Negan Smith x fem!reader) She knows she shouldn't, but the problem is, she wants to, real bad.

If you do check any of the fics out, please let me know what you think 😊

[caffieneaddictt18]

Life, Death, and Destiny

Prompt: Witch!Reader keeps giving Geralt weird little trinkets and crystal necklaces saying that this one protects you and this one keeps the bad feelings away and this one will call good spirits and wisdom upon him, and he doesn't believe her until one time he's fighting this monster and somehow, he keeps dodging this monster perfectly without even needing to drink his elixir. He kills the beast, and goes back to Witch!Reader, demanding her to explain how this works when he knows for a fact, she doesn't have magic like a mage or a druid. She simply winks and leaves him curious, so he stays with her and figures out how she is somehow unintentionally magical.

I'm not gonna lie, I did not stick to this prompt. It went a little sideways and flopped. So, my apologies! It is not false advertising, I swear.

As Geralt was walking to Roach, his mare, he heard his name called... It was faint but grew louder as the person shouting his name got closer.

"Geralt!"

Geralt rolled his eyes, thinking it was another townsfolk wanting him to go kill something.

"Geralt, wait!"

But then he recognized that voice...

"Geralt! Would you stop for a minute?"

He stopped. The Witcher slowly turned around and saw y/n. They were panting, keeled over.

"Before you leave, take this." They reach out and in their hand is a little charm that can be added to the strap of leather that keeps his hair up. "It's for battle wisdom. Knowing you, you'll need it. I hope it keeps you safe on your travels." Y/n stands up, and composes themselves.

"Well, I can see you are wandering towards Roach... where will you go next?"

Geralt took the charm slowly. He didn't trust anything magical. Especially when it came from someone that he had never heard was magical beforehand. Nevertheless, he took the charm and clamped it around the leather holding his hair back.

"There was a monster sighting near Waterwood. The locals regularly use the water for business, so they need me to come clear out whatever monster lies in the river." He gruffly divulged the details of his departure.

"Well... if you ever wish to come back, you know where I am." Y/n skipped off down the stone path to the cottage that sat on the edge of the wood, surrounded in wildflowers and other magical plants.

Geralt grunted before stalking back to Roach, mounting her, and taking off into the night.

______________________________________________________________

Y/N woke to a banging on the wooden front door. The type of banging on hollow wood that gave you chills. Especially after being chased from town for giving Geralt a charm. This specific town doesn't necessarily take too kindly to witches and magic.

The banging lessened to a knock. Y/N quickly extinguishes all the candles before slowly opening the door and hiding in the nook between the wall and the door. Waiting for anyone...

someone...

The person walks in slowly, sword in hand, and eyes seemingly glowing in the dark. The stock build of his shoulder balancing out the slender legs of pure muscle. His footsteps silent, but hers are gone.

Y/N makes no noise as they scampers across the floor of grass and behind a chair. A chair made of engraved wood and hide from a monster, if you can believe it. Absolutely beautiful.

Y/N gently whistled a tune... a tune used when Geralt and them went on a small stroll through the woods. Y/N insisted that it would help Geralt ground himself before the hunt he was about to embark on.

Immediately, he stopped and put the sword away before casting Igni on a candle near him. He carried it to the chair and saw a head of hair peeking out from behind the arm of it. "Y/N?"

"Geralt!" Y/N stands from the crouched position on the ground and goes around to hug Geralt. He accepts it before lighting the fireplace filled with charcoal and adding new wood to keep the old burning.

"Why did you hide? Monsters don't knock. Mages don't bother people in their homes anymore." Geralt was ticking things off a list that might make them be wary of anything.

"Were you... were you scared of me?"

Y/N, who was first scared that Geralt might go on a rage like the one in Blaviken, was now flustered. "Oh no! Oh goodness, no!"

"So why were you skittering around like a mouse, trying to find warmth?"

"I... I was chased out of town..." Y/N can see Geralt tensing, becoming physically angry, "Don't worry about it though! It allows me to become one with nature. I forage all my food now and the butcher is kind, giving slices of meat no one else would want. I have deepened my relationship with magic and peace. I am happy. Don't worry about me."

Geralt was trying to slow his breathing and be rational, staring into the fire. How could they do this to you? You had done nothing but help them, and they turned on you. You had provided them with medicines that don't poison and trinkets that you can only find in the forest.

"Why?"

A simple question that held so much power. The power to anger or calm. The power to cause action or stop it. The power of chaos or peace.

And so, Y/N chose peace.

"I assume they finally decided they didn't like me anymore," Y/N smiled.

"That's a lie. You provided them with medicine. Small villages don't just abandon their healers." Geralt moved, gently pinning Y/N to the monster-leather seat.

"So tell me... why did they do it?"

Y/N looked into his eyes, marveling at how their reflected the flames to look like pools of lava themselves. Y/N knew that their response was too late when he furrowed his brow. Y/N looked down.

"They... they saw me give you that charm..." Geralt quickly got up and leaned against the stone mantle that looked like it had been there forever, made by Gaia herself. A sanctuary for the weak, weary and, what others would call, weird.

"They don't take kindly to magic folk around here, Geralt. It's why I have placed wards around the cottage."

Geralt was surprised. An actual ward? He knew that you liked to do everything yourself, if you could. Wards required mages and you were not a mage.

"A ward?" You nodded, "And who did these wards?"

"I did!"

To him, you sound childish. A person with no real magic was somehow placing wards around their home...

But somehow, the house seems untouched by the outside world. The hurtful one of torches and pitchforks.

"Alright... well, I have a monster hunt nearby. I'll stay here. Just for some extra protection." Geralt announced. There was no turning back or denying him this.

______________________________________________________________

As Geralt was walking out of the cottage that was surprisingly not attacked by townspeople the entire time he was there, Y/N called to him.

"Is something wrong?"

"Nope!" Y/N holds out a small necklace with a complicated charm strung onto it. "Just wanted to give you this."

Geralt gently took it into his hands. "And what does this one do?"

"It's a protection necklace. I know you will inevitably find danger, so this should help keep you on your toes and safe for your also inevitable return," Y/N proudly announces to Geralt as he kept a straight face. He had no real belief this would do anything for him, but he put it into a pouch near his chest.

"Alright. Stay safe, Y/N"

"You as well, Geralt. Blessed be, my friend."

______________________________________________________________

Geralt rode upon the cottage that had a plume of smoke exiting the stone chimney and candlelight coming from the kitchen. It was an exhausting monster hunt and all he wanted to do was rest.

Once he had tied Roach to the small stables that Y/N kept up, he walked to the home. Before Geralt could knock, the door swung open.

"Geralt!" was all that was said before a flurry of greens and browns flooded his sight. He was encompassed with the warmth only you could provide. A hug... something he hasn't felt in a while.

You slide off of him and out of his arms. "How are you, my friend? Why don't you come in?" Y/N opens the door for him to enter and beckon the large man inside your cozy home.

The smell of rosemary and chicken flood his nose. The warm glow of the fire in the living room flickered across the walls and seeped into every crack, spreading the softness that Y/N carried. Geralt walked slowly into the home and sat down on one of the chairs you have. It was soft, like from a castle, but not quite as tall or luxurious looking. He wondered where you got it from.

Over the fire, a soup of chicken, carrots, potatoes, and herbs brewed in a cauldron that seemed to magically hang from the ceiling, even though it was directly under the chimney stack.

"So... how are you, my friend?" Y/N's gentle voice entered Geralt's mind. It's like you were allowing him space to take in the home as he wishes instead of flooding his senses with everything all at once. A nice change of pace of the monster hunter, the White Wolf.

"I am... good. I was surprisingly not hurt on my last hunt. This striga seemed... slower than normal, though..." Geralt contemplated on his latest hunt, mulling it over in his mind, "Must not have been at full strength."

"Would you like some mead?" You offer the Witcher some of your honey wine. A delicacy was not often seen in common households, but you have never been part of the common folk. Plus, you tended to a honey bee hive in a tree near the cottage.

"Why not?" Geralt takes the mug of mead from you as you walk to the cauldron where your stew was done cooking. You ladle the chicken soup into wooden bowls you once bought from a traveling merchant and add a slice of bread to it. It had not been the first time you opened up your home to the infamous White Wolf... and it certainly won't be the last.

"Well, eat up. You are welcome to stay as long as you like." You offer a safe night's sleep before finishing your bowl of soup and putting the bowl in a basket of other dirty plates and bowls. You take the cauldron of soup and take it outside, where you can feed the hungry children of the village. The only people who dare to come near...

Before you can lug the pot of wonderful healing stew outside, Geralt notices. "What are you doing?"

You stop, setting the cauldron on the floor for a rest. "Well... the children of the village have not been eating as much and I feel bad... their parents cast me out, not them. Why should they have to suffer for a choice they had no choice in?" Y/N looks at Geralt in confusion before shaking their head and picking up the cauldron again.

Geralt stands and before you can walk with the heavy pot, he takes it from you. "If they catch ypou doing this... you could be killed."

"I would rather die doing something good than nothing at all." You skip happily besides Geralt as he carries the pot with way less effort than you have to.

As you approach your normal spot to feed the children, you can see the dozens of eyes that hide in the woods. They are scared...

"You have nothing to fear, children. The Witcher will never hurt you."

First, nothing happens, but after a minute, a thin girl walks to you. You kneel, handing her a bowl of the chicken stock. You know this one. This girl has been sick since she came from the womb of her mother, who died during childbirth.

A boy, a bit stockier than he was a month ago, came up to you, slightly avoiding the Witcher's gaze as he also grabbed a bowl from you and started drinking the contents of the soup. You gave him bits of chicken and vegetables, knowing that he won't be full unless the boy has them. He has grown since you first saw him.

One by one, the children gained confidence in you and lost their fear in the monster hunter who was leaning on a tree behind you.

Eventually, you ran out of mouths to feed and food to give, so you grabbed the bowls the children used, put them in the cauldron, and walked home with the pot in hand.

"Well, Geralt, what brings you around this time?"

"Just a reprieve. I needed some... how do you say it... grounding."

You drop the cauldron by the door & clap, "Perfect! I'm going to the well now to grab water. It is chore day. What would you prefer to do?"

As Geralt looked around, he noticed the various plants that were hanging in your window and drying in the sun. And then he noticed the weeds that had begun to grow in your garden.

"Let me grab the water and prepare the pot for another meal," Geralt wanted to take the heaviest thing off you. It would not be too hot weeding the garden considering the time and season.

"I can weed the garden and wash the bowls & cutlery. Fantastic! Make sure to rub the inside of the pot with tallow before hanging it up to dry."

Geralt grunts and walks to the well, buckets in hand.

This is going to be the longest day in a while...

______________________________________________________________

You prep Roach before Geralt is scheduled to take off into the horizon once more.

As you finish getting the saddle tied down, you look around for any peering eyes. Not finding any, you pull out a Rune for speed and chant a small & simple spell before tying said rune to the inside of the saddlebag.

You hurriedly make yourself seem busy by packing his saddlebag with all the necessities, including a jug for water and a fresh loaf of sourdough bread wrapped in some parchment that you covered in beeswax.

Geralt exits the cottage, strapping the last bit of armor down to himself, walking towards you and Roach. Before he can reach you, you walk to Roach's front and say a quick prayer and chant for speed and health. That they may get to wherever they must be, right when they must be there and not a moment too late.

As Geralt approaches, you give him one last hug. And a warning...

"Save the apple bread for when you need it most."

Geralt, understandably confused, watches as you skip towards your cozy home. Before you make it even halfway, the White Wolf shakes his head as a method of clearing it before mounting Roach and taking off into the distance.

______________________________________________________________

You are calmly knitting while waiting for the loaf of bread in the fire to cook when a banging erupts from your door. You are immediately apprehensive, as banging is not usually a good sign anymore.

Before you were chased out of the town banging meant someone was hurt. Also not good, but treatable.

Banging now... that's nothing good.

"Open your door or I will kick it down!" Geralt's gruff voice was muffled by the door, but you could tell he was yelling.

You hurriedly put down your knitting project and let Geralt in. He walks in and turns rather smoothly however quick, effectively shutting the door and trapping you between him and the thick wood the door offered.

"What are you? Are you a sorceress?!" Geralt questioned you with intense yellow eyes. The type of eyes he saved for people who have used him and lied to him.

"No, Geralt... I am not a sorceress. Why do you ask?" You gently take one of his arms down from its tense position leaning against the door to massage his hand in between your fingers. You gently guide him to a chair and sit him down before asking once more...

"What has made you think that I am a sorceress, Geralt?"

He grunts and looks into the dancing flames of the fire that licked the stone and left black soot marks.

"I was faster, stronger... more insightful... Roach rode like the wind and we got exactly where we needed to be just in time, even early. This didn't start happening until you started giving me things. And don't think I didn't notice the rune in my saddlebag. You may be a witch, but you are no sneak. So, what are you?"

A pregnant pause filled the space and time had eaten away at it.

You needed to tell him eventually. Now was as good a time as ever.

"I... You're right. I am a witch. But I am not a sorceress or a mage! I do not dabble in chaos. I am an omnist. I believe in the existence of every god. I also bend and use energy at my will. The thing people call 'Destiny' can be written, but then erased & rewritten. That's what I do. A 'narrow miss' suddenly becomes an 'easy dodge.' I take Destiny... and I manipulate her for my desired outcome. And if my desired outcome just so happens to be a few kids fed and the Savior of the people of the Continent, so be it."

It felt as though the energy had moved from this feeling where something was violently poking and stabbing to try and get out, to absolute stillness.

An eerie calm after a storm.

The sort of calm you feel right before a bomb goes off...

Except...

No bomb went off.

No storm flooded the room.

Geralt could only feel awe.

Not at just your power but how you chose to wield it.

You had the power of Destiny at your disposal, and you chose to help a few kids whose parents banished you from their town.

You had the power of Destiny... eating out of your hands... and you chose to help him...

The last time he felt this... loved... was Yennefer. But even Yennefer's love wasn't baselining love. She was lust. A poor foundation of love.

What is Geralt even thinking?! Love? He couldn't love. No... His path was a lonely, treacherous one.

But it was one many others have joined him on...

Maybe it wasn't as bad as he is thinking...

Maybe...

Just maybe....

A little bit of love is okay.

The White Wolf doesn't howl his praises or paw for attention. All he does is kneel.

Kneel in front of the most powerful, lovely, deadly person he has ever known... and hold them.

"Thank you... for protecting me..."

"Anytime, Geralt."

______________________________________________________________

Thank you for reading! I really appreciate it and I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask me. Also, I know I made this one non-binary after editing, and I know what I said before I posted anything. Have a great night! Bye!

[bougainvillea-and-saltwater]

One of my favorite things about Jia and Miraak's relationship is that, while they might be soulmates in every sense—fated to cross paths, perhaps even bound by divine intention—they ultimately choose to be together.

They see each other in Apocrypha, and there's an inevitable, magnetic draw; the only two mortals bearing the souls of dragons, their connection feels predestined, right?

But their love? Not the mere fascination, dragon soul to dragon soul, but their true love? This wasn't born from inevitability. It came slowly.

It came as they witnessed each other's darkest moments—when panic-stricken, when they held one another after waking from haunting nightmares, comforted each other, laid their heads in each other's lap, bared their deepest, most jagged scars, both physical and mental. When all the veils fell and they revealed who they really were without guarding their words or imprisoning their hearts.

And it came in their brightest times. In quiet conversations, in the shared wonder of a beautiful world, in the hours of exchanged knowledge and laughter, until everything else faded—just the two of them, the ruffled sheets of a bed, and a love that rooted and grew like a creeping vine, quietly, steadily, until one day, it filled their whole world.

Bound by fate, perhaps. But as Andrzej Sapkowski once wrote in The Witcher:

"Destiny is not enough; there has to be something more."

[dukeofdogs]

Pretty art from the upcoming board game shared by Go On Board

[acourtofkindness]

Thank you for sending in all the stories, here you can find the collection! Some of these are one-shots, some are longer stories, just click your way through them and also check out their other fics!

Mother Save Us From Your Twisted fate

@chunkypossum Inspired by a few lines of dialogue between Eris Nesta and Cassian in ACOSF. Azriel finally finds his mate, but it's entirely too late.

A Court of Covert Desire

by @fieldofdaisiies In order to finally bring about change and rule over the Autumn Court instead of his father, Eris has to go to great lengths: Beron must die. Adding to the complexity is his love for someone tied by a bond they desperately want to break. Azriel, the Night Court's shadowsinger and spymaster, disrupts Eris's life unexpectedly. Will Eris succeed in his mission while navigating the turmoil within, or will destiny choose another path for him? 

All Things End

by @acourtofladydeath Eris struggles with losing his memory due to complications from traumatic brain injuries caused by Beron's abuse. He forgets parts of his life and steps down from the mantle of High Lord. Azriel and their children take care of him the best they can, until he eventually passes away. After losing his mate, Azriel tries to move forward, but eventually dies from a broken heart. This is a very sad fic, but they love each other very much. Based off a tumblr post and written with permission from the creator of the original idea.

Howl

by @iftheshoef1tz When Azriel suspects that werewolves are behind the disappearance of his brother, he turns to the only werewolf expert he knows. Unfortunately for Azriel, Eris might be the werewolf he's been looking for.

Rancor and Risotto

by @born-to-riot Initially just expecting to get a front row seat to Azriel’s family drama, Eris Vanserra finds himself disappointed yet ultimately not surprised when the arrival of Lucien at the Night Court family dinner forces his own problems to be served up as part of the main course.

Decode this Case

by @witch-and-her-witcher There couldn't be worse timing for the new allegations against Night Co's coder as Azriel struggles with his emotional state of isolation and loneliness as his family and friends seem to move on without him. Enter Eris Vanserra to make Azriel's life even more complicated, smug and regrettably handsome as ever. Eris has impeccable timing - or is it all just careful calculations? Whatever has aligned their reunion, he knows nothing will be accomplished until he can pull Azriel from his fog.

A Court of Shadows and Ash

by @futurehunt For the sake of his court, Eris has broken away from his father and his role as heir apparent. He's suffered his whole life in pursuit of being High Lord but Beron's collusion with Koschei threatens everything he's ever known. In order to protect Autumn in the future, he must leave it in the present. The story of how Eris aids the Night Court in the fight against Koschei.

The Beginning and End of Friendship

by @unanswered-stars Letters exchanged between Eris and Azriel post ACOSF that show the beginning of friendship, and maybe something more.

[thelostgirl21]

Okay... but I've just realised (thanks to this beautiful gifset) that, when Jaskier asked "What are you doing here?" to Geralt, the question was a very direct one, as if Jaskier already knew that Geralt's presence there was obviously no coincidence.

And, of course, the answer he got wasn't: "I went looking for you because I missed having you in my life, was worried about you, and heard you'd gotten yourself into trouble. So, I came here to rescue you and ask if, perhaps, you'd want us to go get some ale and talk about what happened..."

It was: "I need your help".

Because that's what Jaskier does: care about and help people. And Geralt came back into his life because he needed his help and expected Jaskier to still care enough to agree to help him.

Whereas the only personal request that Radovid ever made to Jaskier was for him to sing a song...

And he told Jaskier:

Yet, the very first thing that Radovid ever told Jaskier about himself was:

i.e. A song very much NOT about a white-haired Witcher.

Literally, the things Jaskier learned about him, in chronological order, are that:

- He's good at randomly catching lutes.

- Oh no, he's hot.

- He's long wanted to see Jaskier in person... what?!

- His favorite song is "Song of the Seven".

- Oh! Good! He's a fan!

- His name is Radovid...

- ...Comma, PRINCE?!?!?!

So, Jaskier knew that Radovid loved "Song of the Seven" the most even before he ever knew that he was talking to the crown prince of Redania named Radovid.

And what did that ridiculous spoon of a prince do?

Ask him to pick a song of his choice while gently trying to orient said choice towards a song that others would love to hear him sing.

It may be a small detail but, even in his private quarters, Radovid is already making choices for the benefit of all in attendance rather than allowing himself to be selfish by demanding from Jaskier the song that he would most wish to hear him sing.

And, after Jaskier surprises him by choosing to be emotionally open and vulnerable with him - singing something to him directly from his heart - Radovid shows gratefulness and appreciation by making the effort of learning his song and attempting to sing it back to him.

On top, of course, of lowering his own mask and allowing himself to be honest about his feelings, who he is, and agreeing to do what he can do to help Jaskier in his search for Rience.

Radovid is all about reciprocity, taking other people's needs into consideration, and not taking anything Jaskier is willing to offer him for granted.

And, after Jaskier was hurt by the mistake he made, he literally stopped expecting or believing that he was entitled to receive anything from Jaskier anymore.

So, when Jaskier asked Radovid the question "Why are you here?", it almost feels like a question directed at Radovid, but also at Destiny, or the gods in general, because, somehow, he went searching for his family... and Radovid was the first person that crossed his path.

Like "something" was trying to let Jaskier know that Radovid is now a part of that family, too, and he wasn't meant to get rid of him the way he did that morning.

He also discovered that Radovid told the truth about having given his royal security detail the slip before coming to see him and Ciri, as all the guards and servants that were assigned to him have been violently massacred in his absence...

And now, there he is... weeping alone in a corner, defenseless, surrounded by the corpses of the people that were supposed to keep him safe but can obviously no longer do anything to help him...

The crown prince of a Kingdom that the Nilfgaardian Empire has just declared war upon (and therefore, a prime target for capture to use as a negotiation tool with King Vizimir).

And what is Radovid, Comma Prince, concerned about the most?

Taking up too much of Jaskier's valuable time...

Like, for fuck's sake, Radovid!

All you did was answer Jaskier's question regarding what had happened here, you spoon!

You were offering Jaskier your time and knowledge. Not the other way around!

There's no need for you to apologize for freaking existing, and perhaps needing a bit of support given that the reason all of your guards are dead - and you're now stuck in such a vulnerable position - is that you ditched said guards the night before to keep Jaskier and Ciri safe from them!

If you'd done as you were expected to do, chances are that you would all have been on your way to Tretogor by now.

And, okay, granted, Jaskier and Ciri would probably have been glaring at you the whole way there, trying to escape, and hating you forever (which would've been a bad thing).

BUT, you and your whole royal security detail wouldn't have been at Aretuza during the coup; so I'm sure that, at least, they would have been happy to be, you know, not dead, and helping you get back home in one piece!

So, although you had no idea something bad would be happening to your guards if you just ran off on them, you still chose to put yourself at risk by wandering alone at night in the woods, and refusing to use force to convince Ciri and Jaskier to go with you.

It wasn't a perfect plan, but I think Jaskier is starting to get a better grasp of the type of pressure you were dealing with, and seeing how you might have made choices that seemed to be "the least bad option".

I know I've seen some comments essentially going "Jaskier is such a good person to consider still helping Radovid after he's betrayed him", and I'm not denying that.

But I like to personally think that part of what was going on in his brain, in that moment, was realizing the risks that Radovid had already taken to keep him and his family safe, and the mistake Jaskier himself had made earlier, at least.

Because, when it comes down to it, I've always felt like it was a bit unreasonable for Jaskier to have expected Radovid to 100% trust him with everything he knew, and completely let his own guards down around him, when Jaskier himself couldn't do the same with him.

Each time I watch the scene in the shed, I feel like Jaskier was testing Radovid's loyalties by letting him know that the magical barrier only lasted until dawn, while utterly ignoring what Radovid was actually trying to tell him.

Jaskier might have wanted to trust him, but he couldn't - not yet. So, how could he have expected Radovid to spontaneously share with him everything that worried him, too, or every detail of what he was planing to do in an attempt to fix things?

In a way, I can't help but feel like they are both way too smart and analytical for their own good during that scene.

Like, I know we keep saying that Radovid should have told Jaskier that he wanted to go see Ciri (and I don't exactly disagree), but the problem is that Radovid, up until that point, was operating on the belief that:

- Dijkstra and Philippa were planning to expose and execute Vilgefortz and his spies before Nilfgaard had any chance to know that they were onto them.

And had that messenger not been killed and intercepted, technically, they may very well have succeeded in that endeavor.

But Nilfgaard learned of Redania's plans and were able to turn the tables on them. Something that Radovid wouldn't have known.

So, if we go with the scenario of what was supposed to happen at Thanedd, had Ciri agreed to ally herself with Redania, then every vassal state / kingdom still loyal to Cintra would have joined the North against the Nilfgaardian Empire.

With that level of support, it would technically have been enough to crush any hope of Nilfgaard ever winning a battle against the Northern Kingdoms, and thus, averted a second war between these two superpowers from happening.

At least, for the time being.

From Radovid's P.OV., knowing what he knows, Ciri agreeing to come with them would have, indeed, made everything easier for, well - pretty much everyone, really!

From a personal standpoint, he would have completed the job his brother had given him, and would no longer have needed to keep dealing with Philippa or Dijkstra.

Jaskier would also have gotten what he wanted; i.e. Ciri at the head of the most powerful army on the Continent (by combining Redania's forces with Cintra's and every single smaller Kingdom loyal to them) and able to keep herself safe from her enemies.

And with these two problems out of the way, it would have been much easier for Jaskier and Radovid to be together.

But the thing is that - according to the intel that Radovid had access to by that point- the 2nd war would also have been avoided, and countless lives would have been saved.

And I don't think that it would have been too far fetched to believe that Radovid might have hoped that Ciri's arrival at the Redanian court might have shaken things up a bit there, too.

First, because she's the granddaughter of Queen Calanthe - a headstrong, fierce warrior queen whose authority was greatly respected by her subjects. So, if Ciri has inherited some of her temperament (though hopefully not her ideals), then she wouldn't have been so easy to control and manipulate.

Whereas, from what we've seen, King Vizimir was pretty much likely to go with other people's ideas as long as they were presented to him in a way where he felt like he was the one making the decisions, told that they would reflect well on him and his Kingdom, and that there would be no annoying complaints for him to deal with.

Second, because it's doubtful that she would have wanted to be parted from Geralt and Yennefer, either; and things would likely have been much safer at court with these two around.

And if Radovid's initial plan of just "knocking at the door" had worked, then Ciri would have been in the same room as Jaskier when he would have showed up there, and she could have been able to make the decision of at least hearing out what the prince had to say, or not.

The choice would have been up to her and, had she refused, then at least Radovid would have done all he could to attempt to prevent yet more bad things from happening.

But then, the he suddenly found himself in a situation where, if he wanted to talk to Ciri, not only did it have to wait until morning - since anyone trying to enter the cabin would be blown back by a powerful magical force field (let's all give a good round of applause to Jaskier, that thought stepping out of an incredibly strong protective barrier to go investigate a potential threat with nothing to protect himself but a lute was a better idea than remaining INSIDE the impenetrable protective force that would have held until dawn...) - but he would need to request permission from Jaskier first.

Except Jaskier's job is to look after Ciri and make decisions that are the best for HER until her parents return. Not make decisions that are the best to avoid a war between Nilfgaard and the North (among others)!

So imagine, for a moment, that Radovid had chosen to explain to Jaskier everything he already knew...

That he'd told him that the Redanian spymasters suspected that Vilgefortz was working with Nilfgaard, had spies working with him from within Aretuza, and that the second war was imminent.

Imagine that he'd explained to Jaskier that Ciri, and the amount of political power she represents, might be the only thing that could sufficiently tip the scale in the Northern Kingdoms' favor to prevent another war from happening.

Imagine that he'd told him that, while he'd ditched the small army (a.k.a. his "security detail") that had been meant to accompany him while he "went to see him for information as per Philippa's request" to prevent risking them attempting to take the princess by force, he still felt that he'd had to do what he could to convince her to come to Redania with them of her own free will.

That he couldn't, in good conscience, let the war happen, knowing he hadn't done something to at least try to prevent it.

Imagine he'd told Jaskier exactly what was actually at stake...

First, there's no guarantee that Jaskier would have believed him, and there's no way he could have proven to him that he was telling the truth, either.

Second, Jaskier might have felt like he was betraying Geralt and Yennefer's trust - should he have decided to allow the Prince of Redania to attempt to convince their daughter to ally with his nation to help stop a war from happening.

And third, in the event that Jaskier had refused Radovid's request to be given a chance to speak with Ciri, then Jaskier might have felt like he was responsible for having made the wrong call should a war indeed be declared upon the Northern Kingdoms, because the North lacked enough power, and support, to stay Nilfgaard's hand.

That's a whole lot of responsibilities to drop on Jaskier's shoulders, and a lot of lives to risk on the hope that Jaskier might believe he is telling the truth.

And Radovid does not know what Jaskier himself knows, either. So, he's unaware that Geralt does not want Ciri to become involved in politics, and be forced to take sides (at least, by that point).

The two of them are both operating on the limited amount of information they both have, and trying to make decisions that appear to be the best course of action for everyone involved.

And when Jaskier asked the question "And what do you want?" Radovid clearly hesitated, then came up with an answer that I believe was 100% honest, but clearly evaded the question.

And Jaskier never confronted him about it. He didn't insist that this wasn't what he asked him, nor attempt to get to the bottom of the situation.

I'm 99.9% sure that he did notice how Radovid avoided giving him a straight answer (yes, I know, there's nothing straight about either of them), though, because he immediately became suspicious and looked outside.

But, instead, he gave Radovid the information that the force field would stop working at dawn, later pretended to still be asleep when dawn came, and waited to see what Radovid would do with the information.

One of the most heartbreaking things, to me, however, is that Radovid's answer, when Jaskier gave him that information, was to tell him "I'm scared, Jaskier"...

And Jaskier didn't ask him why he was afraid...

He didn't attempt to investigate what scared him and if - by any chance - it could be scary enough that he might be tempted to do something stupid.

I'm not blaming Jaskier, by the way... Their situation was extremely complex, and Jaskier had his own fears and issues to deal with and manage as best he could.

Radovid is not the only one breaking my heart in that scene, because I think that Jaskier has such a hard time believing that someone could genuinely love him the way Radovid does, that he's unwittingly setting him up to go behind his back by avoiding to fully acknowledge and investigate Radovid's fears.

I think it's easier for Jaskier to believe that Radovid was just so smart that he knew exactly what to say to him, and what to do, to encourage him to lower his own barriers around him and start trusting him - just so he could try to take Ciri from them...

...than to believe that Radovid really would be able to see him and appreciate him just the way he is, and that the connection between them is real.

So yes, Radovid did technically "fail" Jaskier's test. But sadly, I think that Jaskier stopped truly listening to Radovid the moment he decided to test him.

If Jaskier had been brave enough to confront him about the evasiveness of his answer and the reasons why he was scared - if he'd shown Radovid that he genuinely cared about his safety and wanted to help him face those fears, and/or for them to find solutions to Radovid's problems together - Jaskier might have been able to prevent him from making that mistake in the first place.

But, instead, Jaskier came up with his own narrative that would confirm his own fears of never being enough for anyone; and sadly, I don't think that anything Radovid could have done or said, in that moment, would have changed his mind.

And poor Radovid internalized the hurt and heartbreak he saw reflected there as if he was the only one responsible for it.

So then, when Jaskier offers to help Radovid get back to safety, he's confused that he would even wish to help him after the way he managed to so profoundly wound and disappoint him earlier.

Radovid, you may not know this, but Jaskier once told his very best friend in the whole wide world "People do stupid things when they think they're trapped in a corner. And they say stupid things. That's what friends do. They come back."

And somehow, you "came back", because Destiny apparently decided to take pity on Jaskier's own issues and insecurities, and urge him to take a second, closer, deeper look.

And it's not even being subtle about it!

Like "Oi! PRINCE. TRAPPED. IN. A. LITERAL. CORNER. WITH. NOWHERE. SAFE. TO. GO. He told you he was scared earlier, and you didn't even ask him why! He didn't need someone to tell him he was brave, and then wait for him to do something stupid come morning, Jaskier! What he needed, was someone investigating what terrified him, and offering him support. Do you get it now? Prince. Corner. Scared. Trapped. Needing help, but not even able to believe he's entitled to it or not knowing how to ask for it! So fucking help him, for fuck's sake!"

And Jaskier needs to offer, because Radovid apparently keeps putting other people's needs first. So, chances probably are that Radovid won't ask unless he knows for sure it's okay and safe for him to ask anything of anyone whose job is not to tend to him.

Because, in his world, Radovid's main survival strategy seems to have been to constantly provide narcissistic supply to his brother's oversized ego (to be "adored" and protected by the King), by cheering him on from the sidelines, while drawing as little attention as he could to himself.

In Radovid's world, he doesn't matter: he's a spare, easy to cast aside and forget about. As long as the King's pleased with him, he's safe.

(Or he used to be, before the whole Hedwig incident.)

You shouldn't have to listen to him, because he's of no use to anyone and he doesn't matter.

He's no more than a pretty reflective surface for his brother to admire himself in whenever there's no other more interesting image of himself to gaze upon.

That's Radovid's job. Letting others hog the spotlight, coming in second, and stopping to exist whenever convenient.

And when Jaskier says that he can't go with him because he needs to find his family first, Radovid immediately offers to go risk his own life, and use whatever resources he can spare, to help Jaskier be reunited with the people he loves most like it's the most natural thing in the world for a prince to do!

No wonder Jaskier couldn't figure him out... He's used to people just spontaneously dumping all of their issues on him while expecting him to do or say something about it.

While Radovid is going "you don't have to listen to me or care about my issues, but maybe I could do something to help you with yours?"

All the while being the one that would likely benefit the most from having someone genuinely listening to and helping him.

Jaskier: What are you doing here?

Geralt: I need your help.

Jaskier: *Sighs* Figures...

Jaskier: Why are you here?

Radovid: Came looking for my guards, didn't go well, now there's a war and I'm hiding in a corner... Story of my life that I don't want to bore you with... But hey! Maybe I could help you go find and rescue your family instead?

Jaskier: !!!???

[thedemonofcat]

In the realm of deep emotions, the bond between soulmates becomes palpable, enabling one person to sense the intense feelings of their counterpart. When Jaskier and Geralt first crossed paths, Jaskier immediately recognized the profound connection, knowing that Geralt was his soulmate.

However, unbeknownst to Geralt, his existence as a Witcher, due to the transformative Witcher mutation, often made it challenging to perceive the presence of a soulmate. It was commonly assumed that Witchers lacked a soulmate altogether.

Despite this, Jaskier accepted the circumstances and cherished his affection for Geralt from a distance. Occasionally, when Geralt displayed acts of kindness, like sharing an extra rabbit for Jaskier's meal, Jaskier would indulge in the illusion that Geralt reciprocated his love

When Geralt made his fateful wish, binding his soul to Yennefer, Jaskier sensed a subtle fracture in the thread of Destiny that once linked his soul to Geralt's. From that moment on, it became increasingly difficult for Jaskier to connect with Geralt on a profound level. It was as if Geralt had become a book missing a crucial page, leaving Jaskier with a sense of incompleteness.

Soon after, Geralt uttered words to Jaskier, emphasizing how much better his life would be without Jaskier's presence. Strangely, Jaskier didn't experience the expected rush of anger or sadness that usually accompanies rejection by a soulmate. Instead, he felt an unsettling void.

That night, as he lay in bed attempting to find solace in sleep, Jaskier realized he no longer felt the weight of fatigue or the gnawing pangs of hunger. Returning to Oxenfurt, Jaskier sought refuge in a brothel, hoping the distractions of alcohol and physical pleasure would fill the void within him. Yet, even in the midst of indulgence, Jaskier remained numb, unable to experience any semblance of sensation. Not even self-inflicted wounds could evoke a response within him.

Geralt's words had severed the once unbreakable bond between them as soulmates, shattering Jaskier's ability to feel anything at all. The shattered fragments of their connection left Jaskier in a desolate state, where emotions ceased to exist.

[fragolar]

A new promise || Geralt Of Rivia - The Witcher

Hello to everyone, new and old! As you may have noticed, I'm a slow and lazy writer. I write for fun and to keep my mind busy rather than wasting time on social media. To those who enjoy my light-hearted stories, thank you! You keep me smiling all day long. Previous part. Summary: Lexa challenged Geralt's belief in destiny, expressing frustration over her lack of freedom. Geralt explained his quest to find Ciri as his purpose. The result of their diversities but similarities results in an explosion of emotions.

Warning: Strong language and depiction of carnal desires, nothing too explicit.

The next day brought little change. The Princess was awake early for her usual morning walk in the garden, while the Witcher meditated under the gentle sunlight.

A bench was nearby, yet Geralt preferred to sit on the green grass, where, if the botanists saw him, they would try to behead him. Lexa found his provocation rather amusing.

Geralt didn’t seem to care about royal statuses, and frankly, neither did Lexa. The thing is, she couldn’t show it. She had an etiquette to follow.

“Your eyes are more piercing than the sun,” Geralt’s low, raspy voice finally spoke after she had been seated on the bench for half an hour, her elbow on the edge of the armrest, staring at him.

“You were meditating. I didn’t want to disturb.”

“I doubt that.”

Lexa rolled her eyes, amused. “Must I ask for consent to observe my guest’s unique behaviors?”

His eyes slowly opened, revealing that yellow color they held, golden under the sunlight. They were beautiful, Lexa thought.

“I’m not plucking your roses—”

“But you’re crushing my grass with your—”

“Your etiquette, Princess.” Geralt smirked at her, putting her back in her place as she huffed, less joyfully now. “I admire your dedication to get a reaction from me, to anger me, but I’m a man of great patience. It will take more than that to break me.”

Lexa’s eyes diverted. The Witcher was smart. He had caught on to her little teasing to make him snap and give her a reason to lock him behind bars. For a reason she wasn’t aware of herself, she enjoyed his company. Which could be explained because she usually didn’t have visitors, so now that she did—

“You could just ask me to prolong my stay instead of trying to trick me like a child. But I’d have to decline the generous offer. Not because I don’t appreciate your hospitality but because I am searching for her,” Geralt reminded her.

“Do you have at least a path to follow?” Silence. It was clear Geralt was navigating blindly. Lexa tore her eyes from him, straightening her body on the bench and crossing her legs under her dress. Her eyes looked ahead at the gardens.

Full of life and color, yet they felt like mere decorations. All these years she felt like nature was her home; now it felt like an illusion of control. She was trapped inside her own castle by her father, who had denied her permission to be free. She despised him.

“It’s not that easy,” Geralt finally spoke back. “But it’s what my destiny is.”

“Destiny this, destiny that. Fuck that.” Lexa suddenly said, mad, making Geralt open his eyes to look at her, confused. However, he was met by her back. “You can decide your own path because of your actions. Nothing happens for a reason. We give it reason. If there’s a reason behind everything, why the fuck are there so many wars, so much injustice?”

Geralt sighed, considering her words. “You’re not wrong,” he said quietly. “I’ve seen my share of horrors, and I know that destiny can be a convenient excuse for the chaos in the world.” He paused, his voice softening. “But I’ve also seen things I can’t explain. People whose lives have crossed mine in ways that feel… fated. Ciri is one of them. I can’t ignore that. Maybe destiny is just a word we use to make sense of the chaos. Or maybe it’s real, and we’re all just trying to navigate it the best we can. But in the end, I have to find her. For my sake as much as hers.”

He studied her for a moment, searching for a response. “We give things meaning because we have to. It’s what keeps us going. And right now, finding Ciri is what gives my life meaning.”

“Take me with you.” Lexa turned around to look at him, her determination showing through her expression. Once again, Geralt was slightly surprised by her reactions.

“The road I walk upon is not an easy—”

“The road you walk upon is better than being a Princess with no crown or kingdom to rule.” She stood up from the bench, hovering over him as he was still on his knees. “A better road than me being a mere ghost presence in a place where I’m no one. What? You’re scared I can’t stand up for myself?”

Geralt grunted softly as he stood up and looked down at her, standing much taller and much closer to her as well. “I’m not scared, and I know you can stand up for yourself, but you can’t wield a sword. A sharp tongue is not enough to keep you alive day and night in the woods. If you think it’s so easy to survive in the wild, I question why you haven’t escaped already if staying inside these four walls because your father said so is so unbearable.”

Lexa wanted to slap him, her hands trembling with anger as she stood up against him. He had gotten so close she could feel his breath on her face, his voice growling, angrier at her. Complex emotions overwhelmed her, not knowing how to handle them properly.

“You’re stepping on the roses, Lexa,” Geralt’s rough voice grounded her, making her frown and look down at her feet. She had stepped on the grass and flowers, her rage having clouded her.

“And you’re—” Her head raised to look at him, to try and be spiteful towards him, to insult him.

“Lexa, I’m not that gentle—”

“Well maybe I don’t want you to be—”

Geralt’s lips crashed against hers, making her moan in frustration as she kissed him back. She felt her body burn with desire, with a need to be satiated. Something she had never experienced despite all of her lovers, women or men. And the way his roughness consumed her, she wondered if she’d ever be able to kiss another after this. She wanted more, whining against his lips as her hands went to grab his shirt, but he pulled away from her, a heavy breath making his chest rise and fall rapidly, just like hers. Lexa frowned at the rejection, looking into his eyes for an answer.

Geralt’s intense gaze met Lexa’s as he took a step back, trying to regain his composure. His breath was still heavy, and he could see the confusion and frustration in her eyes. He knew he had crossed a line, but there was something about her that made it impossible to resist.

“You make everything so frustrating…” Her tone calmed down, steadier compared to her angered state. “Teach me then, teach me how to survive out there.”

“Lexa—“

“Geralt, please…” She brushed her nose against his, her heart stammering. Lexa was out of her mind. Maybe he wanted to fuck her, maybe she could use her body to convince him to—

“Lexa, I kissed you because you wouldn’t listen to me.”

Oh. Her stomach dropped.

“I need you to sit down and ponder what you desire truthfully. My path is a dark one. I kill monsters and men worse than monsters. I won’t be able to defend you if you’re danger. Here you’re safe, isolated, but safe.”

“Not from myself.”

Geralt’s eyes turned to look at her, a sympathetic expression on his face formed before he cursed lowly under his breath. “Shit.” He shook his head and then back at her. “We’re leaving at dawn.”

“What?! Really?” Lexa’s eyes widened enthusiastically before she grinned. She couldn’t hold her excitement and threw herself in Geralt’s arms, clinging her body against his. Feeling an immense warmth wrap around her, his strong arms around her waist.

“Lex—“ Geralt’s balance was compromised as he tried to step back but the spot of ground was softer, making him lose and fall down with Lexa in top. He grunted from the impact and his eyes slowly opened to a pair of green eyes full with playfulness. She was excited, happy. “Lesson number one: don’t get so excited, your attention lowers.”

[haveyoureadthisfanfic]

Summary: Witchers don’t have soulmates. That’s been true for as long as Geralt’s been alive, a necessary sacrifice for a life spent on the Path. There’s no place for the attachments that humans define themselves by. It may not be worth it to Geralt, but love has always been the single most motivating force in the world for Jaskier. Unrequited or not, he’s a bard, and there’s a story to be told. He’ll be the one to tell it. (Who’s the more tragic figure here? The loved or the unloving?) Jaskier and Geralt are soulmates, bound by the Red String of Fate. But just because it's written in the stars doesn't mean it's an easy path to tread, and it takes more than a nudge from fate to make a soul-bond work. Between the way Geralt feels about destiny, and the trials and tribulations of the path they have to trudge, it's going to be one hell of an adventure.

Author: @teamfreehoodies