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To talk to him in person, you'll need to be in Cadens or go to his domain, a snowy mountain fortress. Yard is open; doors are locked. If he isn't around, leave a delivery with the white wolf.
To talk to him in person, you'll need to be in Cadens or go to his domain, a snowy mountain fortress. Yard is open; doors are locked. If he isn't around, leave a delivery with the white wolf.
no subject
Sorry to hear that, but... also not surprised.
[ Jaskier had mentioned war to him, how he had worked to help those oppressed by it to find paths to safety. It isn't a leap to imagine that genocide played a part in that.
Geralt also makes a good point, one that sends Steve's gaze scanning around the room. They've been treated decently here in the Free Cities. He knows Thorne has a much worse track record. To say nothing of what Josselyn's cult tried to do to them, something both he and Geralt experienced firsthand. ]
I know. And if it gets to that point, what do you plan to do?
[ Steve has even thought to himself that if the Cities tried to instate a draft, Geralt would be near the top of the list of people who would fight against it. He's curious to hear his thoughts now. ]
no subject
His gaze lifts to meet Steve's. What does he plan to do? He's thought about it. Since his arrival, it has not left his mind. Two, three years ago, his answer may have been different. ]
That depends on what they do. And who they look towards to do it. [ The rulers, the other kingdoms. The humans. As much as he has no interest in serving any one side, he recognizes that in fighting for his own, he may end up fighting alongside others in the process—whether he wants to or not. If that happens, so be it. But he certainly won't be submitting to any orders. ] What about you?
[ He's gathered Steve isn't fond of being told what to do, either. ]
no subject
[ Steve glances down at the table, fingers tapping over it as he considers the question that's now been sent back his way. Of course it's been on his mind too. Ever since they first arrived, he'd known that they were brought here to be used. To some extent, he's played into that. He's helped when the Free Cities government has asked for it, particularly with eliminating threats.
He can't just turn a blind eye, as he's already explained to Geralt. ]
... I want to believe that they couldn't turn everyone against us. I've gone from being respected to treated like nothing more than a fugitive before, and while some people will be willing to change their allegiances on a dime, others would stay loyal. The people we've helped.
[ Captain's orders, they'd said. He still remembers that day so clearly, and how much faith he'd had in those who'd stayed by him. ]
That, and we've got each other. I think it's safe to say we wouldn't just accept things without a fight.
no subject
When humans attacked our home, it was hardly everyone. Just a mob, spurred by an angry mage and an abundance of fear and hate. In that one night, they destroyed my kind.
[ How many of the Summoned reside in this sphere? Less than a hundred. He can't predict precisely what will come next, but if they will not or cannot serve their purpose, then the kingdoms will seek to discard them. That's always the way it goes. And were he alone, he'd harbour fewer concerns.
He isn't. Not anymore. Ciri feels safe here. This is her home. The last thing he wants is for her to be driven from it again. They fled across the Continent once, and though it kept her safe, he knows the toll it took on her. To run and never settle down. To constantly fear discovery.
It's of no consequence that she can fight. That she's survived too many horrors to count. He doesn't want that to be all she has to look towards. ]
no subject
Still, as far as Steve's aware this is the first time Geralt has admitted to the fact that his order was wiped out like that. Not imploded from the inside, but hunted down by a mob. Steve sucks in a breath and lets it out again, eyeing his drink with the realization that he doesn't have a taste for it anymore. ]
Guess that's all it takes, huh.
[ He draws a hand up to run down his face. They somehow ended up at this somber place, but he isn't going to dwell in it for too long. ]
I've fought for my people before. I'll do it again, if it comes to that.
[ He's pretty sure that's a point they can agree on.
There's a beat, and then he adds with a one-armed shrug: ] Or maybe that dream we had was right, and they'll start worshipping us. [ He doesn't look any more thrilled about that prospect. ]
wrap soon? 🎀
He isn't searching for pity, and it's not exactly a confession. He speaks of the incident rarely not because he's hiding it but because there isn't a reason to say it, except when there is. Like now. Steve seems to gather as much, and they move past it without too much bullshit. ]
Some dreams are omens. Others are merely dreams. [ Time will tell which is which. ] Whatever the kingdoms are brewing, I'd prefer not to be caught unawares. If you plan another excursion, I can lend my sword again.
[ Since apparently, they can't go anywhere without something trying to claw at them. ]
yep! 🎁
He nods when Geralt offers his assistance again. As it turns out, they're a pretty good team. Although maybe that shouldn't be surprising. Geralt and Sam had struck a partnership early on, and while Steve and Sam are not copies of each other, they do share plenty of traits in common. ]
Yeah, I'll let you know. I'll check in with Sam, see if he can use Red to find out more about what the military's cooking up.
[ But they can rest assured it's nothing good.
With that, Steve finishes off the last dregs of his drink and moves to stand. They've chatted plenty for one night, and he knows Geralt likes his peace and quiet where he can find it. ]