[Hope Geralt likes gin! Because he is recipient of a bottle of it. There's no proper label, but there is what appears to be a sunflower embossed into the glass.
The liquid shimmers in the light - a sparkling, iridescent white color that is more like glitter than milkiness.
It smells quite strong, and tastes it, as well, with hints of rose, sunflower, and other bright floral tastes beneath the typical juniper flavor of regular gin.
There is a note attached, and it reads:]
For Modranicht. May it keep you and whoever else you share it with warm.
Should also be strong enough to put a dragon under a table if you imbibe enough, and you so desire.
[On the day of the holiday, a plate of homemade cookies and a sample of herbal tea mysteriously appears on his doorstep. The wrapping is decorated with a fresh lily flower (actually a Fae magic product, designed to fade away from existence in a few hours) and a ribbon. The attached handwritten note reads as follows:]
Happy Modranicht! Let’s have another great year here in Aefenglom!
[ Geralt is surprised Killua has even thought to let him know, and glad to know the boy's doing fine, which are feelings that show even less here than they would in person.
Though probably says enough he didn't leave Killua on read. ]
[ The fact that Killua even thought to let him know says as much on its own. And it's kind of a relief to have someone he can tell. Makes it feel more real. He's still kind of shocked, but very happy. ]
yup!
see u around! don't get into any badass fights out in the wilde without me
[ Note Geralt squinting at those last few letters. What do they mean? He has no idea what the fuck they mean. So he does what seems best, which is ignore it. ]
[ Killua knows Geralt almost definitely has no idea what he just said. Doesn't mean he's about to explain. Have fun decoding the mystery, bud. He's done his duty here! ]
[This is definitely going to be text, at least to Geralt, because Jaskier has a sneaking suspicion if he tries to call or leave a trace of his voice behind, Geralt will simply ignore it.]
Far be it for me to be the serious one in this bond, Geralt, but we need to talk. Yennefer, too. I'm calling her.
I'm very thrilled with your invitation and happy for the two of you (don't make that face), but the three of us have an unresolved proverbial cloud hanging overhead.
[ It's tempting to ignore this, too. The problem is it's there, in his watch, and he has to look at it.
He also knows Jaskier is here. In the house, a few rooms away. Geralt tracks the bard down after about ten minutes, opening the door without knocking. Only when he makes eye contact with Jaskier does he send his reply. ]
[It's a good thing for Geralt he decided to not ignore it (entirely) because he would end up with a much more annoyed bard than he walks in on.
It's the bond that tells him more than anything, though he can hear his approaching steps down the hall. The room is temporary; something he'd taken just after being over for far too long to return to his own cottage.
And because of... well. Whisperings.
He jerks his head up from where he'd only just picked up his quill and notebook. At least he was punctual.] No? Why are you such an arse? You're already here, fool. [He picks up a pillow off of the sofa, where he's lounging, and chucks it at Geralt's head.] Did you see Yennefer?
[ She'd given Jaskier a one word response before making her way to his room, hearing Jaskier's voice as she comes up behind Geralt. And she barely has time to react before the pillow is just gone.
Hopefully Jaskier wasn't too attached to it because she has no idea where that went. ]
Well. If that's how this discussion is going to go, I can just return to my room or you can both follow me downstairs so we can get this over with.
[ And without another look, she's heading downstairs to either make herself some tea or sit down to have a conversation she already is dreading. ]
[To Jaskier's credit, he didn't expect both of them to be so... so upset with him. And maybe it shows to Geralt, if only for a moment, as the pillow soars past his head. There's a suck of magic in the room, and the pillow is gone.
At least it wasn't his. Where did it even --]
Oh, you know that wasn't meant for you. [Though considering how curt she's being already, perhaps -- no, Jaskier isn't a complete idiot.] Right. Downstairs. Let's go, shall we?
[He spares a smile that, unsurprisingly, is not returned, creeping past them to go downstairs to Yennefer's rather formal sitting room, decorated richly (literally) and with a lot of light coming through the windows. Somehow it would feel a little less dangerous to have this conversation at night, yet... here they are.] You don't have to both be so... I'm not even sure. Irritated with me? I'm not trying to start anything. I only think we should, er, speak on some things. I would like to stay here, you know. I have a great fondness for both of my bonded.
[Was that sincerity?? It was. Of course he had always had great fondness for Geralt, gruff as he is, but for how much Yennefer has done for him -- without coin involved, even -- he cannot deny she has a good heart under all her very, very jagged edges. The dream of Sodden, on top of everything, has made that point particularly clear.] Here, I can pour some wine.
[ Geralt turns around in time to see the pillow vanish from thin air. He sighs. If Yennefer's agreed to talk, there's little room for him to wiggle out of it.
He leans against the wall by the couches and windows. It's not Jaskier, in truth, that he's irritated with. There just isn't much to talk about. Not much he wants to talk about. It can be easily assumed, he thinks, that he cares deeply for them both -- and that's a fact that doesn't require being spoken about.
Still, though he keeps his thoughts to himself, his expression does soften a hint as he takes the glass of wine from Jaskier.
He's here, against his better judgment. They might as well get it done. Far be it for him to be the first to start a conversation, either. But since it's happening no matter what, Geralt decides to cut to the point. ]
[ It's not long after she takes the wine that she's already pinching the bridge of her nose with Geralt's comment. Haven't even been down here 5 minutes and she's already regretting agreeing to the conversation. ]
I suppose we should start with the fucking as I think that might be the easiest to get through.
[ Fucking often wasn't as emotionally charged as bonding discussions. Leaning back, she sighs. ]
It happened. I have no regrets other than that it came to be from magic. [ They can interpret that however they wish, but what's done is done. Whether or not she'd be willing to do it again is undecided at the moment. She continues, crossing her legs as she looks at Jaskier. ] Neither of us are irritated with you. [ Whether or not that's true for Geralt, she's fairly certain she's right. ] And you're welcome to stay for as long as you choose.
[ She'll leave it at that and let Jaskier tell what he apparently needs to hear about this, not in the mood to volunteer more information than necessary. ]
[Jaskier blinks, looking between them. Well. The wine wasn't helping. Neither, apparently, was having invited Geralt to the discussion.
How new, that he would relish in Yennefer's frankness for once.]
I appreciate the reassurance. [It's not sarcasm.] And I have no regrets, of course. It was quite fun! It's only you both seem to want to pretend it didn't happen. I would have, of course, happily done so without the aid of, er... uninvited magics.
[It seems very worth saying. So there isn't any cloudy feelings there. And, truly, Jaskier looks back on the memory quite fondly.) He turns to Geralt after taking a long swig of wine.] And the same with the bond. I only hope you both didn't feel... I don't know. Influenced. To take it up.
[ As typical, Geralt stays quiet. He's willing to let Yennefer speak for him, seeing as they're on the same page in this respect. Not much has changed for him out of that night, beyond the fact that he now knows Jaskier's fingers are capable of being deft upon more than his lute.
A twitch in his ears suggests he's saying less than what's really on his mind, though. ]
Neither magicks nor you influenced us. If that's your concern.
[ Is that why Jaskier has insisted on this talk? If he has to say it, he can admit Jaskier might've had a hand in nudging. But truthfully, he and Yennefer have been circling the topic ever since the wish broke. Now that it's done, it's --
Still complicated. Just in a different way. One that doesn't have anything to do with the decision itself. ]
And no one's pretending. [ He tips back his glass of wine. ] There's just little to discuss about a rather straightforward event.
The log only amplified what we were already willing to do. [ Even if she's still struggling to wrap her own mind around that. She'd never really looked at Jaskier in that manner, but what's done is done. And much like Geralt, there's some that she's leaving unsaid. Only she doesn't have quite as straightforward of a tell. There's a temptation to remind Jaskier that she and Geralt are the talkative types, but Geralt beats her to it. In a way. ]
Geralt and I don't converse over most of what happens between us, clothed or otherwise. A lack of discussion doesn't always mean avoidance.
[ Look. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it really does because there are just some conversations that they can't have. This wasn't one of those things, though she'd rather not reminisce about the fact that she giggled. The sexual acts don't have her wanting to not discuss anything, it's just her behavior and how openly loving and caring she was. She'd dropped her guard in an unexpected way, made worse by the shared dream and the less attention she called to it all, the better. ]
Regarding the bonding-- it was only a matter of time. I'd had enough time to make the decision for myself before that night. As I said before, it only amplified what we were willing to do.
[Jaskier gives Geralt a look that he has surely seen before, especially as he says a rather straightforward event; it's a look that says, precisely, you are incredibly boring sometimes. Not, luckily, in bed, he knows now.]
It often does. [But it's much better that, in this case, it isn't. (Even if he disagrees a little that there was no avoidance from them.]
Well, at any rate, I'm glad the matter is, er, settled. [And that no one was quite mad at him for bringing home unadvertised magic fucking logs. So there was that. (He may really have to find that so-called Mettaton person at some point.) How does he admit he's quite open to a repeat performance...? Maybe now is not the time. He's never met anyone so damn determined to make sex complicated.]
The other matter I wanted to bring up was the... the dream. And I'm very aware you wish not to speak of it, and we don't have to. I don't know how to... [He gestures vaguely, and this is Jaskier trying very hard and very carefully to navigate a conversation he doesn't fully know what he wants out of himself, and of a subject he's certainly never entertained prior.]
It may happen again, from our bonds. I was hoping we could plan a bit of a less panic-inducing solution to them. You know, since I nearly died from my heart bursting.
[ The dream is a topic Geralt had wished to avoid altogether. It's a conversation he doesn't want to have with Yennefer again. The inevitability of her fate. Her belief of it. And it's not one he wants Jaskier involved in. He'd bonded with Jaskier, intending it to stop there. Now the bard is somehow tied to both of them. The two least likely to lead a safe, comfortable life.
Apparently least likely to broadcast comfortable dreams, too.
It's not that he thinks Jaskier didn't know what he was getting into. Nor does he regret his decision. Just... ]
Magic can create a barrier for you at night. [ He leans forward to set his empty wineglass on the table. It's unspoken but implied that he believes Yennefer will help, if needed. He knows she doesn't want Jaskier in her head if she can help it. ] And I can handle it my own way.
[ Sex is only complicated when you want to talk about it. Just like a lot of things in life. If her time at Court taught her anything, the less you said the better the outcome might be. It wasn’t about the amount of words, just choosing the precisely exact ones in the moment.
So, when Jaskier seems content to move on, Yennefer finally tries to take a sip of her wine--
Only to be giving the man a very fixed gaze. She barely bites back shutting it down entirely because as much as she’d prefer to never mention that again… He was right. ]
Yes, there are certain protections we should all look into. [ Because she’s not sure what Geralt has in mind, but she can guarantee she won’t like it. ]
But, I suppose something a little less… violent might be preferred should we find ourselves in a similar situation. Depending on magic as our only protection will not be ideal during moons that weaken witches.
[If he felt a bit steadier navigating these waters, Jaskier may have rolled his eyes at Geralt's predictable response.] You may not have magic like us, but that doesn't mean you should have to deal with it alone.
[It's an offering, as it always is. There must be some protections they can look into. Something to keep their minds separated. Whilst Jaskier does not mind their presence in his own head, he's very sure they do not reciprocate the feeling.
He's attempting to not take it personally.]
Yes. A spell or something, maybe. [At least Yennefer is reasonable about it. Or not reasonable, exactly, but helpful. Jaskier goes quiet for a moment, taking a deep draw of his wine before he starts again.] I'm sorry that... I saw something I shouldn't have.
[ Geralt frowns as he's met with two pointed expressions. He's not certain what they think he means, but it feels like they're imagining he plans on knocking himself on the fucking head before bed to avoid dreaming at all. ]
My mutations may have left me to some degree. My training has not. [ He shifts his weight. ] Though I'm not opposed to a charm as another precaution.
[ He doesn't want to say it, why he thinks he'd been swept up in Yennefer's mind with little resistance. That it's not only the bond taking hold; it's that with her, his defenses are easily lowered. It hasn't been something he's cared about before. He's always trusted her, and it's this exact effect she has on him that he's even sought her out sometimes. A night he can have without being on his guard. But now...
He considers their options in silence, avoiding the topic of seeing what shouldn't be seen. There's more to it than that, between him and Yennefer. Something he'd rather not talk about so openly.
Eventually, his eyes land on Jaskier. He and Yennefer both have far too much in their heads. Too many decades. Jaskier...Jaskier does not. Maybe that's what they need. Someone with little to hide and few dark corners. ]
Perhaps you should attempt to influence its direction. [ It's a suggestion that comes with its own set of problems, not least being they'll need to recognize it's a dream in the first place. Finding a method. But it's a place start. Besides. Learning how will be good practice for Jaskier's composure overall. ] Should we find ourselves trapped again.
[ Yennefer's mind had gone somewhere far less violent than that for Geralt, thinking more that he just wouldn't sleep when they slept. Drive himself to the point of exhaustion and become a fully nocturnal wolf that they rarely see. She wasn't the only one who wanted to pull away from all of this.
She finally drinks, swallowing hard at Jaskier's apology. ]
What was seen cannot be unseen and I expect it to stay between us. And should we find ourselves in another... dream. The same courtesies will be extended.
[ She leans back, crossing her legs. Thinking. ]
I will say, the stronger the emotions, the harder it is for the dreamer to try and take control. [ Hence, the more radical decision. ] But, either way, it would be wise to perhaps begin work in earnest on mental fortitudes.
[His training. To suffer through nightmares? (Actually.) He doesn't want to ask and shan't. Some things are best left secrets, he imagines; even he, as gaudy as he is, does not write ballads on all things.
Geralt, for one, has never been named a butcher in his songs.
He holds up a hand, an idea springing to mind.] Yes, yes, of course. I would never share this with another. But I believe Geralt, and you, you both have a fine point. An idea. Not to, er, particularly brag about it, but my memories, my dreams, are less -- [He stops here, before he says the wrong word.] What I mean to say is, should we be forced in this matter through the bond prior to our maintaining our boundaries, I would not be adverse to you both settling in my dreams. Perhaps the invitation might make them easier to leave in the future.
[ Best left unasked, because Geralt seems disinclined to explain further. He goes back to drinking, letting Yennefer and Jaskier discuss amongst themselves.
The plan is fine. But he knows well these things take time. He doesn't expect any proposed solution to work for awhile yet -- and he's uncertain how much of their subconscious won't leak into Jaskier's mind once they're there, invitation or not. He sure as fuck does not want either Yennefer nor Jaskier wandering through his joyful childhood memories. ]
No harm in trying. [ He keeps his reservations to himself. It's the best they have, what's been said. Ideally, though, it simply won't happen again. ] We're settled, then?
You can say it, Jaskier. You haven't faced the same... hardships we have. It isn't a requirement for everyone in this bond to have to carry the burden of a complicated past.
That being said, I agree. No harm in trying. [ She doesn't say 'what's the worst that can happen' because she knows there are far more traumatic memories in her past and certain things she fully intended to begin working on locking up in a vault in her mind, if possible. She never told Geralt how she got the scars on her wrists and had no intentions of either of them seeing her at one of the darkest moments of her life. When she was young, weak, and unwanted. ]
There's nothing else I can think of. [ Her gaze shifts from Geralt to Jaskier, letting her arms settle on her crossed legs - an eyebrow arching. A silent echo of Geralt's question. ]
Yes. [He nods. It's a fine word choice.] Hardships.
[He does in fact think it may be to their benefit that he has not had a complicated past -- not near in the same way. But it is not a fact he wishes to crush them under, either.
He does appreciate there's an understanding. That, also for once, they're not rejecting his offer of aid.]
I think that's it. I'm very happy to move in with my favorite Bonded, of course. [An easy smile returns to him, his heart all the lighter for having the discussion, as very far from fun as it had been.] Shall we seal it all with a kiss?
[He can't help it. He feels... good. About all of this. Better, far better, than he had when he'd awoken.] I jest. A little. Yet if it is not as easy as all that, promise I will find a way for it to be easier for you both.
[ Geralt is already getting up. His tolerance for extended discussions about one's feelings is minimal, and Jaskier's comment only gets an exasperated look. ]
Buy us some damn supper first.
[ Though he can acknowledge that when Jaskier is kissing him or between one of their legs, he's not talking. It's nice. Nice for other reasons than not talking (many reasons), but that's a bonus worth mentioning.
He plucks the wineglass from Jaskier's hand as he passes by and tips back the rest before simply making his way upstairs with no further comment. ]
[ Geralt’s moving about as fast as she’d anticipated when this wraps up, finishing what’s left in her glass at the mention of sealing it with a kiss. She already wasn’t the type for public displays of any affection, but the bit of banter between them as Geralt leaves earns a smirk.
Yennefer shakes her head, trying to remember the last time Geralt bought her supper. Even if they had circumvented the need to court with whatever they were. She could feign a bit of indignance at the proposal if needed. Refilling her glass, she places it in Jaskier's hand to replace the one Geralt had stolen -- brushing her hand over his arm with a soft laugh before following upstairs to continue her own work.
While there were a lot of words to describe them, easy never graced that list. But, she could allow herself to drop the illusion of perpetual stony-faced disposition for a little bit.
Because it was funny. ]
text | un: zzzap (because gon is too dumb to know how to change usernames; 1/2)
i found killuas watch he got taken by the cwywld peo pl and i couldnt cach the m
[oh right there's a voice feature. great, cuz his hands (entire arms) are shaking to shit, and he's not great at texting anyway, even if he's been deliberately practicing it since he got here specifically to improve. Gon trips the function.]
[well. he meant to do voice. but again, fine motorskills are fraying. Gon is yelling Very Loudly, though his voice is unsteady, high and frantic.]
Geralt!! They took Killua! I couldn't catch them!!
[abruptly, Gon's expression wells with tears, his chin dimpling, though he still looks furious.]
I c-couldn't...
[he was too weak. again! all the time. he knows it's his new role in life, but he's definitely sick of it. Gon grits his teeth in a growl, rubbing a furry arm over his eyes as he sniffles.]
K-Killua mentioned you before, said you'd helped him out when I was gone. I read your guys's conversation. You know something about it, right?
If I go alone, I'll get myself killed.
[though it sounds like pleading in fear for his life, it's more accurate to say that Gon will go alone, and he's trying to avoid that; that kind of recklessness betrays his vows. that's the only thing stopping him, really.
.....that and he isn't really sure where to find Killua, so. pls, mysterious old man in Killua's not-phone]
[ Lucky the house is spacious; it leaves Geralt room to be alone. When a message comes in his phone, he's not inclined to look. Not until he hears it sound insistently.
Fuck. What is it now? Geralt flips it open. He expects Killua. Instead, the face that appears is new.
His blood runs cold. Not for the first time, either.
Geralt is as unfamiliar with this damn watch as ever, so it's switched to video by default as the reply mode and it's obvious he has no idea how to keep things in frame. His darkened expression is visible, though. ]
Th-the entertainment district, [Gon flusters, but he isn't too sure. it's only then that he notices he's on video, and he's too distracted to be too embarrassed. he turns his watch, swiping it slowly with its face to his surroundings, giving Geralt a peep, since Gon's too frazzled to articulate it too clearly.]
A friend of mine was infected with the Cwyld. He found Killua, and they got into a fight. I found them then, and then Killua got taken so suddenly; they just vanished into thin air.
[Gon's lip stiffens and he hiccups another angry little sob, scrubbing his eyes dry again.]
I dunno where he went... or what they're gonna do...
No! Are you crazy?! [Gon's voice cracks indignantly, and he angrily gives his eyes another rub, and grabs his watch to stare angrily at its screen.]
We should both go! I'm not as strong as I used to be, so I could die if I go alone—but there's no way I'm not going! So I either die, or I don't!
[Gon's too used to this. he resents it, but doesn't misunderstand it. he understands why adults speak to him this way, even with all the might he had in the peak of his gifts. even when he could break the bones of grown men with no supernatural assistance. Gon's breath is scattered with every inhale, very clearly on the verge of hyperventilating—but his expression is now contorted with anger and frustration, rather than sadness or regret.]
I need to know where he is. I need to know where that party's gonna be!
[ Ah, fuck. He doesn't have time for this. It's not that he didn't consider who else might have been snatched—but Jaskier's been so much at the forefront of his mind, he hasn't had the chance to think about anyone else until now.
He does know there's no way he'll be able to keep his attention on this kid while trying to free Jaskier and Killua both. Especially not one insisting he'll be killed on his own. The self-awareness is useful, but the bullish attitude despite it is not. ]
You'll die if you come with me. I can't keep you safe and get everyone out at the same time. Go the fuck home.
I'm not doing that, [Gon insists stubbornly, sounding indignant and resentful. but he doesn't think he can reason with Geralt, either—his point of view is understandable, of course, and Gon's only ever had one way to subvert people's expectations with this sort of thing.]
There's no way.
[the anger is weirdly sobering, though—and not wholly directed at Geralt (though he is pissed for the inconvenience, since he's going to have to find some other way to find out where the party is), of course. the skin beneath his eyelids still shine from recently shed tears, but he seems to have shifted gears from his initial teary upset, as he sometimes does.]
Wanted to check in and see how your house is managing right now. Understood if you don't want to discuss, just let me know better, worse, or same.
[It seems appropriate to ask, all things considered. Being on the sidelines of this kind of recovery is never easy, and Alucard has a sneaking suspicion no one's asked Geralt how he's doing.]
[ The reply comes a few days late, as is typical of Geralt. It's a miracle if he checks his watch once a week. ]
Managing. In Dorchacht for a few days.
[ If that says something about the state of how they are. He wouldn't have taken off a couple weeks ago like this -- but Jaskier has been doing better. ]
[ there's no greeting, but then, she supposes geralt is the type to appreciate going straight to business. ]
About the fish, and Cwyld? I want to do something about that. I have a small ship, but I need someone to come with me. I'd ask my bonded, but he turns into a merman, so I don't want to endanger him... in case the Cwyld's the type that attacks all fish-like creatures.
[ she doesn't ask it outright, but the implication is clear: want to help her out? ]
[ She's lucky she did get straight to it because otherwise, Geralt never would've answered. He has a bad habit of ignoring half the calls that end up on his watch, or just not checking for a few days.
When the changes began setting in much more harshly than the previous month's and her body began to rebel against them, twisting and straining, Ciri allowed Yennefer to convince her to take the temporary Bonding potion. It has only helped somewhat.
Her mind is clearer, perhaps, than it otherwise would have been. Yet clearheadedness might not have been the best answer when resisting the changes only makes them worse. It's difficult not to fight back, though, when she feels control slipping away, when the fur sprouts on her neck and shoulders beneath her blouse and bursts through the back of her trousers in a lashing lion's tail. Fangs fill her mouth, claws lengthening, form hunching horribly under the creaking and cracking of her spine and ribs rearranging her posture by force.
Ciri screams, raking her claws into the wall to leave deep grooves that gleam with blood. ]
[ There's a fine line to walk between allowing space and being available for Ciri's shift. The temporary bond could only do so much to ease the pain, Yen truthfully waiting for the scream that echoes.
The transformation is still jarring to watch, no matter how many times Geralt has done it since they'd arrived. It's still a bit too close to what she recalls from her own past. Her heels click as she moves towards the sound, a calm urgency in her movements. Her tone walks the line of firm but gentle -- a single instruction all she can offer as guidance through this process, that same calm feeding through the bond. ]
[ The Bond, even a temporary one made in a potion, is still something very strange to her. It makes her feel... raw. Opened up. Or maybe that's partly because her own body feels like it's trying to tear itself apart from its own flesh and bone.
Still, Yennefer's calm voice cuts through the delirious pain, a cool spring amidst the heat of sweat and blood and tears. Ciri tries to grab hold of it inside her mind, an outcropping to cling to before she falls completely into the feeling like a yawning chasm trying to swallow her whole.
Yennefer's presence, her scent and her voice, are a comfort. The words themselves, however, make Ciri groan in protest when they finally come through. ]
N-no... no, I can't...
[ Don't fight it, she says, like it's so easy. Like it doesn't feel like she's going to tumble off a precipice and never come back. It's terrifying. Almost as terrifying as losing control of her magic, burning everything to ash--
Ciri lurches to the floor, curled up over her knees, pressing her sweat drenched forehead to the floor as the horror wracks her twisted body. Her voice sounds rough and muffled through the unfamiliar shape of her mouth and teeth, strained and stammering. ]
[ With Jaskier no longer a Witch, it left a lot resting on Yen's shoulders. Which, while nothing new, wasn't the most expected outcome of all the changes. She didn't long for her previously solitary lifestyle, having grown accustomed to the chaos, but the last few months just seemed to be full of surprises.
She can feel the pain and the fear through the bond, Yen having a bit too much experience being that source of ease and consistency through panic -- having now officially done it for all three with mixed results. She's not sure if she should be proud that she'd managed to only need that role reversed once at a minimal level. It was easier to be needed than to have a need for someone.
Something vibrates, cracking the calm for a moment at what she thinks she heard -- brows knitting as she settles on the floor in front of Ciri. ]
I promise, you will get through this. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. I know it's hard, but you have to stop fighting it.
[ She reaches out, testing to see if physical contact might help with strengthening the temporary bond. Wiping a bit of the sweat off of her forehead. ]
[ The touch warms her. Ciri groans, shifting slowly along the floor to pull herself closer to Yennefer, closing the gap of even a few inches between them to press her tear-stained face into the sorceress's hand. She settles there, after a moment, resting her cheek on Yennefer's thigh and finally, at long last, letting go just a little bit. It's difficult to say she relaxes, but she stops struggling so hard, doing her best to trust Yennefer, lapsing into instinct and the memories of lying in her lap as a girl, the surprising gentleness of her cool fingertips on Ciri's skin.
She smells familiar. Safe.
Ciri whimpers again, fingers curling tight to hang onto Yennefer's skirts. ]
W-will you... stroke my hair? [ she whispers, childlike. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Modranicht
The liquid shimmers in the light - a sparkling, iridescent white color that is more like glitter than milkiness.
It smells quite strong, and tastes it, as well, with hints of rose, sunflower, and other bright floral tastes beneath the typical juniper flavor of regular gin.
There is a note attached, and it reads:]
For Modranicht. May it keep you and whoever else you share it with warm.
Should also be strong enough to put a dragon under a table if you imbibe enough, and you so desire.
- Maria
no subject
That said, he's pleasantly surprised. It'll be enjoyed plenty between him and his bondmates. ]
Modranicht gift
Happy Modranicht! Let’s have another great year here in Aefenglom!
M⚜️
text | un: zzzap
just wanted to let you know my friend came back, so you don't have to worry about me exploding or anything. not that i care but you know just fyi
no subject
Though probably says enough he didn't leave Killua on read. ]
Good to hear.
no subject
yup!
see u around! don't get into any badass fights out in the wilde without me
lol jk
no subject
Wouldn't dream of it.
no subject
text | un: jaskier
Far be it for me to be the serious one in this bond, Geralt, but we need to talk. Yennefer, too. I'm calling her.
I'm very thrilled with your invitation and happy for the two of you (don't make that face), but the three of us have an unresolved proverbial cloud hanging overhead.
no subject
He also knows Jaskier is here. In the house, a few rooms away. Geralt tracks the bard down after about ten minutes, opening the door without knocking. Only when he makes eye contact with Jaskier does he send his reply. ]
No.
no subject
It's the bond that tells him more than anything, though he can hear his approaching steps down the hall. The room is temporary; something he'd taken just after being over for far too long to return to his own cottage.
And because of... well. Whisperings.
He jerks his head up from where he'd only just picked up his quill and notebook. At least he was punctual.] No? Why are you such an arse? You're already here, fool. [He picks up a pillow off of the sofa, where he's lounging, and chucks it at Geralt's head.] Did you see Yennefer?
no subject
It doesn't need to be discussed. Whatever they have, it...works. Mostly. (He knows it's only a matter of time.)
A frown deepens his brow. He leans to the side as the pillow sails towards him. ]
no subject
Hopefully Jaskier wasn't too attached to it because she has no idea where that went. ]
Well. If that's how this discussion is going to go, I can just return to my room or you can both follow me downstairs so we can get this over with.
[ And without another look, she's heading downstairs to either make herself some tea or sit down to have a conversation she already is dreading. ]
no subject
At least it wasn't his. Where did it even --]
Oh, you know that wasn't meant for you. [Though considering how curt she's being already, perhaps -- no, Jaskier isn't a complete idiot.] Right. Downstairs. Let's go, shall we?
[He spares a smile that, unsurprisingly, is not returned, creeping past them to go downstairs to Yennefer's rather formal sitting room, decorated richly (literally) and with a lot of light coming through the windows. Somehow it would feel a little less dangerous to have this conversation at night, yet... here they are.] You don't have to both be so... I'm not even sure. Irritated with me? I'm not trying to start anything. I only think we should, er, speak on some things. I would like to stay here, you know. I have a great fondness for both of my bonded.
[Was that sincerity?? It was. Of course he had always had great fondness for Geralt, gruff as he is, but for how much Yennefer has done for him -- without coin involved, even -- he cannot deny she has a good heart under all her very, very jagged edges. The dream of Sodden, on top of everything, has made that point particularly clear.] Here, I can pour some wine.
no subject
He leans against the wall by the couches and windows. It's not Jaskier, in truth, that he's irritated with. There just isn't much to talk about. Not much he wants to talk about. It can be easily assumed, he thinks, that he cares deeply for them both -- and that's a fact that doesn't require being spoken about.
Still, though he keeps his thoughts to himself, his expression does soften a hint as he takes the glass of wine from Jaskier.
He's here, against his better judgment. They might as well get it done. Far be it for him to be the first to start a conversation, either. But since it's happening no matter what, Geralt decides to cut to the point. ]
Are we starting with the fucking or the bonding?
no subject
I suppose we should start with the fucking as I think that might be the easiest to get through.
[ Fucking often wasn't as emotionally charged as bonding discussions. Leaning back, she sighs. ]
It happened. I have no regrets other than that it came to be from magic. [ They can interpret that however they wish, but what's done is done. Whether or not she'd be willing to do it again is undecided at the moment. She continues, crossing her legs as she looks at Jaskier. ] Neither of us are irritated with you. [ Whether or not that's true for Geralt, she's fairly certain she's right. ] And you're welcome to stay for as long as you choose.
[ She'll leave it at that and let Jaskier tell what he apparently needs to hear about this, not in the mood to volunteer more information than necessary. ]
no subject
How new, that he would relish in Yennefer's frankness for once.]
I appreciate the reassurance. [It's not sarcasm.] And I have no regrets, of course. It was quite fun! It's only you both seem to want to pretend it didn't happen. I would have, of course, happily done so without the aid of, er... uninvited magics.
[It seems very worth saying. So there isn't any cloudy feelings there. And, truly, Jaskier looks back on the memory quite fondly.) He turns to Geralt after taking a long swig of wine.] And the same with the bond. I only hope you both didn't feel... I don't know. Influenced. To take it up.
no subject
A twitch in his ears suggests he's saying less than what's really on his mind, though. ]
Neither magicks nor you influenced us. If that's your concern.
[ Is that why Jaskier has insisted on this talk? If he has to say it, he can admit Jaskier might've had a hand in nudging. But truthfully, he and Yennefer have been circling the topic ever since the wish broke. Now that it's done, it's --
Still complicated. Just in a different way. One that doesn't have anything to do with the decision itself. ]
And no one's pretending. [ He tips back his glass of wine. ] There's just little to discuss about a rather straightforward event.
no subject
Geralt and I don't converse over most of what happens between us, clothed or otherwise. A lack of discussion doesn't always mean avoidance.
[ Look. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it really does because there are just some conversations that they can't have. This wasn't one of those things, though she'd rather not reminisce about the fact that she giggled. The sexual acts don't have her wanting to not discuss anything, it's just her behavior and how openly loving and caring she was. She'd dropped her guard in an unexpected way, made worse by the shared dream and the less attention she called to it all, the better. ]
Regarding the bonding-- it was only a matter of time. I'd had enough time to make the decision for myself before that night. As I said before, it only amplified what we were willing to do.
no subject
It often does. [But it's much better that, in this case, it isn't. (Even if he disagrees a little that there was no avoidance from them.]
Well, at any rate, I'm glad the matter is, er, settled. [And that no one was quite mad at him for bringing home unadvertised magic fucking logs. So there was that. (He may really have to find that so-called Mettaton person at some point.) How does he admit he's quite open to a repeat performance...? Maybe now is not the time. He's never met anyone so damn determined to make sex complicated.]
The other matter I wanted to bring up was the... the dream. And I'm very aware you wish not to speak of it, and we don't have to. I don't know how to... [He gestures vaguely, and this is Jaskier trying very hard and very carefully to navigate a conversation he doesn't fully know what he wants out of himself, and of a subject he's certainly never entertained prior.]
It may happen again, from our bonds. I was hoping we could plan a bit of a less panic-inducing solution to them. You know, since I nearly died from my heart bursting.
no subject
Apparently least likely to broadcast comfortable dreams, too.
It's not that he thinks Jaskier didn't know what he was getting into. Nor does he regret his decision. Just... ]
Magic can create a barrier for you at night. [ He leans forward to set his empty wineglass on the table. It's unspoken but implied that he believes Yennefer will help, if needed. He knows she doesn't want Jaskier in her head if she can help it. ] And I can handle it my own way.
no subject
So, when Jaskier seems content to move on, Yennefer finally tries to take a sip of her wine--
Only to be giving the man a very fixed gaze. She barely bites back shutting it down entirely because as much as she’d prefer to never mention that again… He was right. ]
Yes, there are certain protections we should all look into. [ Because she’s not sure what Geralt has in mind, but she can guarantee she won’t like it. ]
But, I suppose something a little less… violent might be preferred should we find ourselves in a similar situation. Depending on magic as our only protection will not be ideal during moons that weaken witches.
no subject
[It's an offering, as it always is. There must be some protections they can look into. Something to keep their minds separated. Whilst Jaskier does not mind their presence in his own head, he's very sure they do not reciprocate the feeling.
He's attempting to not take it personally.]
Yes. A spell or something, maybe. [At least Yennefer is reasonable about it. Or not reasonable, exactly, but helpful. Jaskier goes quiet for a moment, taking a deep draw of his wine before he starts again.] I'm sorry that... I saw something I shouldn't have.
no subject
My mutations may have left me to some degree. My training has not. [ He shifts his weight. ] Though I'm not opposed to a charm as another precaution.
[ He doesn't want to say it, why he thinks he'd been swept up in Yennefer's mind with little resistance. That it's not only the bond taking hold; it's that with her, his defenses are easily lowered. It hasn't been something he's cared about before. He's always trusted her, and it's this exact effect she has on him that he's even sought her out sometimes. A night he can have without being on his guard. But now...
He considers their options in silence, avoiding the topic of seeing what shouldn't be seen. There's more to it than that, between him and Yennefer. Something he'd rather not talk about so openly.
Eventually, his eyes land on Jaskier. He and Yennefer both have far too much in their heads. Too many decades. Jaskier...Jaskier does not. Maybe that's what they need. Someone with little to hide and few dark corners. ]
Perhaps you should attempt to influence its direction. [ It's a suggestion that comes with its own set of problems, not least being they'll need to recognize it's a dream in the first place. Finding a method. But it's a place start. Besides. Learning how will be good practice for Jaskier's composure overall. ] Should we find ourselves trapped again.
no subject
She finally drinks, swallowing hard at Jaskier's apology. ]
What was seen cannot be unseen and I expect it to stay between us. And should we find ourselves in another... dream. The same courtesies will be extended.
[ She leans back, crossing her legs. Thinking. ]
I will say, the stronger the emotions, the harder it is for the dreamer to try and take control. [ Hence, the more radical decision. ] But, either way, it would be wise to perhaps begin work in earnest on mental fortitudes.
no subject
Geralt, for one, has never been named a butcher in his songs.
He holds up a hand, an idea springing to mind.] Yes, yes, of course. I would never share this with another. But I believe Geralt, and you, you both have a fine point. An idea. Not to, er, particularly brag about it, but my memories, my dreams, are less -- [He stops here, before he says the wrong word.] What I mean to say is, should we be forced in this matter through the bond prior to our maintaining our boundaries, I would not be adverse to you both settling in my dreams. Perhaps the invitation might make them easier to leave in the future.
no subject
The plan is fine. But he knows well these things take time. He doesn't expect any proposed solution to work for awhile yet -- and he's uncertain how much of their subconscious won't leak into Jaskier's mind once they're there, invitation or not. He sure as fuck does not want either Yennefer nor Jaskier wandering through his joyful childhood memories. ]
No harm in trying. [ He keeps his reservations to himself. It's the best they have, what's been said. Ideally, though, it simply won't happen again. ] We're settled, then?
no subject
That being said, I agree. No harm in trying. [ She doesn't say 'what's the worst that can happen' because she knows there are far more traumatic memories in her past and certain things she fully intended to begin working on locking up in a vault in her mind, if possible. She never told Geralt how she got the scars on her wrists and had no intentions of either of them seeing her at one of the darkest moments of her life. When she was young, weak, and unwanted. ]
There's nothing else I can think of. [ Her gaze shifts from Geralt to Jaskier, letting her arms settle on her crossed legs - an eyebrow arching. A silent echo of Geralt's question. ]
no subject
[He does in fact think it may be to their benefit that he has not had a complicated past -- not near in the same way. But it is not a fact he wishes to crush them under, either.
He does appreciate there's an understanding. That, also for once, they're not rejecting his offer of aid.]
I think that's it. I'm very happy to move in with my favorite Bonded, of course. [An easy smile returns to him, his heart all the lighter for having the discussion, as very far from fun as it had been.] Shall we seal it all with a kiss?
[He can't help it. He feels... good. About all of this. Better, far better, than he had when he'd awoken.] I jest. A little. Yet if it is not as easy as all that, promise I will find a way for it to be easier for you both.
no subject
Buy us some damn supper first.
[ Though he can acknowledge that when Jaskier is kissing him or between one of their legs, he's not talking. It's nice. Nice for other reasons than not talking (many reasons), but that's a bonus worth mentioning.
He plucks the wineglass from Jaskier's hand as he passes by and tips back the rest before simply making his way upstairs with no further comment. ]
no subject
Yennefer shakes her head, trying to remember the last time Geralt bought her supper. Even if they had circumvented the need to court with whatever they were. She could feign a bit of indignance at the proposal if needed. Refilling her glass, she places it in Jaskier's hand to replace the one Geralt had stolen -- brushing her hand over his arm with a soft laugh before following upstairs to continue her own work.
While there were a lot of words to describe them, easy never graced that list. But, she could allow herself to drop the illusion of perpetual stony-faced disposition for a little bit.
Because it was funny. ]
text | un: zzzap (because gon is too dumb to know how to change usernames; 1/2)
This is go n
i found killuas watch he got taken by the cwywld peo pl and i couldnt cach the m
[oh right there's a voice feature. great, cuz his hands (entire arms) are shaking to shit, and he's not great at texting anyway, even if he's been deliberately practicing it since he got here specifically to improve. Gon trips the function.]
video; 2/2
Geralt!! They took Killua! I couldn't catch them!!
[abruptly, Gon's expression wells with tears, his chin dimpling, though he still looks furious.]
I c-couldn't...
[he was too weak. again! all the time. he knows it's his new role in life, but he's definitely sick of it. Gon grits his teeth in a growl, rubbing a furry arm over his eyes as he sniffles.]
K-Killua mentioned you before, said you'd helped him out when I was gone. I read your guys's conversation. You know something about it, right?
If I go alone, I'll get myself killed.
[though it sounds like pleading in fear for his life, it's more accurate to say that Gon will go alone, and he's trying to avoid that; that kind of recklessness betrays his vows. that's the only thing stopping him, really.
.....that and he isn't really sure where to find Killua, so. pls, mysterious old man in Killua's not-phone]
video;
Fuck. What is it now? Geralt flips it open. He expects Killua. Instead, the face that appears is new.
His blood runs cold. Not for the first time, either.
Geralt is as unfamiliar with this damn watch as ever, so it's switched to video by default as the reply mode and it's obvious he has no idea how to keep things in frame. His darkened expression is visible, though. ]
Calm down. Where are you?
video;
A friend of mine was infected with the Cwyld. He found Killua, and they got into a fight. I found them then, and then Killua got taken so suddenly; they just vanished into thin air.
[Gon's lip stiffens and he hiccups another angry little sob, scrubbing his eyes dry again.]
I dunno where he went... or what they're gonna do...
video;
Shit. However it happened, he can't let Killua's friend fall prey to it, either. ]
Go home. Stay there. [ His voice is firm. ] I'll find him. Understand?
Re: video;
No! Are you crazy?! [Gon's voice cracks indignantly, and he angrily gives his eyes another rub, and grabs his watch to stare angrily at its screen.]
We should both go! I'm not as strong as I used to be, so I could die if I go alone—but there's no way I'm not going! So I either die, or I don't!
[Gon's too used to this. he resents it, but doesn't misunderstand it. he understands why adults speak to him this way, even with all the might he had in the peak of his gifts. even when he could break the bones of grown men with no supernatural assistance. Gon's breath is scattered with every inhale, very clearly on the verge of hyperventilating—but his expression is now contorted with anger and frustration, rather than sadness or regret.]
I need to know where he is. I need to know where that party's gonna be!
video;
He does know there's no way he'll be able to keep his attention on this kid while trying to free Jaskier and Killua both. Especially not one insisting he'll be killed on his own. The self-awareness is useful, but the bullish attitude despite it is not. ]
You'll die if you come with me. I can't keep you safe and get everyone out at the same time. Go the fuck home.
video;
There's no way.
[the anger is weirdly sobering, though—and not wholly directed at Geralt (though he is pissed for the inconvenience, since he's going to have to find some other way to find out where the party is), of course. the skin beneath his eyelids still shine from recently shed tears, but he seems to have shifted gears from his initial teary upset, as he sometimes does.]
I'll see you there.
[and Gon cuts off the video.]
mid-Mareuer ; text
[It seems appropriate to ask, all things considered. Being on the sidelines of this kind of recovery is never easy, and Alucard has a sneaking suspicion no one's asked Geralt how he's doing.]
text;
Managing. In Dorchacht for a few days.
[ If that says something about the state of how they are. He wouldn't have taken off a couple weeks ago like this -- but Jaskier has been doing better. ]
no subject
Good. I'm glad to know that's where you all stand.
video; un: catburglar
[ there's no greeting, but then, she supposes geralt is the type to appreciate going straight to business. ]
About the fish, and Cwyld? I want to do something about that. I have a small ship, but I need someone to come with me. I'd ask my bonded, but he turns into a merman, so I don't want to endanger him... in case the Cwyld's the type that attacks all fish-like creatures.
[ she doesn't ask it outright, but the implication is clear: want to help her out? ]
voice; bc he can't use video to save his life
The Cwyld at sea, huh. It's worth a look. ]
I'm in.
backdated; May full moons
When the changes began setting in much more harshly than the previous month's and her body began to rebel against them, twisting and straining, Ciri allowed Yennefer to convince her to take the temporary Bonding potion. It has only helped somewhat.
Her mind is clearer, perhaps, than it otherwise would have been. Yet clearheadedness might not have been the best answer when resisting the changes only makes them worse. It's difficult not to fight back, though, when she feels control slipping away, when the fur sprouts on her neck and shoulders beneath her blouse and bursts through the back of her trousers in a lashing lion's tail. Fangs fill her mouth, claws lengthening, form hunching horribly under the creaking and cracking of her spine and ribs rearranging her posture by force.
Ciri screams, raking her claws into the wall to leave deep grooves that gleam with blood. ]
no subject
The transformation is still jarring to watch, no matter how many times Geralt has done it since they'd arrived. It's still a bit too close to what she recalls from her own past. Her heels click as she moves towards the sound, a calm urgency in her movements. Her tone walks the line of firm but gentle -- a single instruction all she can offer as guidance through this process, that same calm feeding through the bond. ]
Don't fight it.
no subject
Still, Yennefer's calm voice cuts through the delirious pain, a cool spring amidst the heat of sweat and blood and tears. Ciri tries to grab hold of it inside her mind, an outcropping to cling to before she falls completely into the feeling like a yawning chasm trying to swallow her whole.
Yennefer's presence, her scent and her voice, are a comfort. The words themselves, however, make Ciri groan in protest when they finally come through. ]
N-no... no, I can't...
[ Don't fight it, she says, like it's so easy. Like it doesn't feel like she's going to tumble off a precipice and never come back. It's terrifying. Almost as terrifying as losing control of her magic, burning everything to ash--
Ciri lurches to the floor, curled up over her knees, pressing her sweat drenched forehead to the floor as the horror wracks her twisted body. Her voice sounds rough and muffled through the unfamiliar shape of her mouth and teeth, strained and stammering. ]
I-I'm scared... Mm...ama...
no subject
She can feel the pain and the fear through the bond, Yen having a bit too much experience being that source of ease and consistency through panic -- having now officially done it for all three with mixed results. She's not sure if she should be proud that she'd managed to only need that role reversed once at a minimal level. It was easier to be needed than to have a need for someone.
Something vibrates, cracking the calm for a moment at what she thinks she heard -- brows knitting as she settles on the floor in front of Ciri. ]
I promise, you will get through this. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. I know it's hard, but you have to stop fighting it.
[ She reaches out, testing to see if physical contact might help with strengthening the temporary bond. Wiping a bit of the sweat off of her forehead. ]
no subject
She smells familiar. Safe.
Ciri whimpers again, fingers curling tight to hang onto Yennefer's skirts. ]
W-will you... stroke my hair? [ she whispers, childlike. ]
...please?