toss a coin to your witcher

Geralt of Rivia
The Witcher


Ifri Greaves
The Princess

Jaskier could feel the sweat beginning to collect on the back of his neck as they walked through the castle in Redania. There were more than a handful of knights and lords here who he didn’t really want to have a confrontation with. Either he had crossed them in someway or had affairs with their lovers. He usually made it a point to stay out of such regal places when he could help it. But currently he was a travel companion to a Witcher, Geralt of Rivia. Jaskier had invited himself to tag along with the white haired monster slayer and it had led him straight into the throne room of the king of Redania.

“Witcher.” The king spoke with distaste in his voice, but he had to swallow his pride. “I see you’ve gotten my request.” Jaskier had been right by Geralt's side when he had gotten the summons in a run down tavern on the outskirts of the kingdom. Something about a hexed princess.

“Surely then you’re here to take me up on my offer. Help my daughter. She is very sick, my healers think she is cursed, or hexed by a witch or a hag. She barely sleeps, she’s paranoid and hallucinates… I fear the worst.” The king had offered Geralt a pretty penny to come protect his daughter. He believed something was coming after her. Perhaps an enemy of his.

“Do you really think we should get involved with a-“ Jaskier began to interject until he realized he was being ignored. “Fine, I’ll let you do your talking with the king-“ Jaskier pulled his hands up in the air before backing up away from the pair. He turned around and proceeded to leave the throne room, deciding to have a look around.

---

Some days the sickness wasn’t so rough. Some days Ifri would go about her day just feeling under the weather, tired and sick to her stomach. Other days, she couldn’t leave her bed, plagued with hallucinations and paranoia. She would hear a voice telling her soon it would all end, that she was living her final days, and she would see visions of an old hag in her peripherals. Every healer who had came to help her all concluded the same thing; a curse.

Today was one of the better days. The princess was actually out of her bed, roaming around the halls of the castle in a comfortable red dress. Her dark brown hair cascaded down her shoulders in gentle waves. She stayed closed to the windows, enjoying the view of the kingdom from where she was. It had been weeks since she had been outside.

Walking past a group of handmaidens, she heard them whispering about a strange man who had just been seen entering the throne room. She heard the words they used to describe him; intimidating, handsome, a warrior. Furrowing her brow together, she wondered if it could be the stranger her father had been trying to find. The one the healers had insisted was the only one who could help.

@ beam me up scotty

Geralt is no stranger to people requesting his services and paying him in a considerable amount of coins - but the fact of who was calling him and the price was what really made him perk up, if you will. The Witcher refused to tell Jaskier where they were going until right before - he knew the bard would complain and protest and be his general self. It was rare for even Geralt of Rivia to be summoned by a king, let alone for the price.

Normally, Geralt would of refused from the start - he didn't need someone else to worry about and look after, Jaskier was enough to deal with already... But he was defiantly convinced by the amount the King was offering. He saw Jaskier walk off in the corner of his eye after he ignored him purposefully, before turning back to the King.

"I am here to take the offer, yes." He grunted, looking at the King sensing the distaste in every word he spoke. Geralt easily saw everyone in the room was intimidated by him, eyes concentrated on him and especially the weapons on his back.

Never did The Witcher think he would look after a princess ever again - but, as selfish as it was, the payment was not something he would of easily thrown aside. He persuaded Jaskier with 10% of the profit to stay during the task, knowing the other didn't like this type of environment, which isn't normally much... But this is no small request to slay a monster by a barkeep, no. This was a request to protect a princess, from a king.

"Can someone go see if Ifri is okay in her chambers? If she feels fit, could you bring her to meet this...Witcher?" The King nodded at a servant who quickly hurried off, probably scared to be yelled at or something.

---

To say Hevi wasn't slightly worried about Ifri would be a crime, but seeing her on her feet today made her feel more at ease. Hevi initially started out at Ifri's bodyguard, coming from a family who pretty much all end up in her King's army, there was no doubt on the loyalty side. But from starting, she realized how much normal socialization Ifri missed out on - being royalty and all, so Hevi was proud when the other called her a friend.

She fluffed out Ifri's blanket, lying it on the bed, making sure it was easy for the other to slide right into bed when she felt too unwell. With a small smile, Hevi pulled her brown hair into a loose ponytail before walking out of the Princesses' room.

Hevi knew the King requested another bodyguard - and the woman just hoped this one knew more about what was happening to Ifri. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice anyone else was in the corridor until she bumped into someone, the other falling to the ground. Snapping out of her worries, she instinctively knelt down and held a hand out.

"I'm sorry, I should of looked where I was... Going." She paused slightly before she finished her sentence, her lips curling up in a smile seeing the rather handsome man she knocked over. "Who are you?"

@ dezzy

The palace was easy to get lost in and Jaskier came to find that out pretty quickly. He had went up a grand staircase and through many halls and wings, exploring the opulent castle in its entirety. It was a nice change in scenery, seeing the cobblestoned walls and beautifully crafted curtains and decorations. Servants and handmaidens passed him without so much as a look in his direction, going about their business. He passed a group of girls carrying large floral arrangements in their arms. Jaskier gave them a polite smile, finding a couple of them attractive, but before he could introduce himself, he was interrupted.

“That man there!” Commotion could be heard down the hall causing Jaskier to look over his shoulder. He saw a man dressed in fancy royal blues and golds cursing at the air and pointing in his direction. Not wanting to stay and figure out what he had done, Jaskier was quick to disappear around the nearest corner. Feeling his heart in his throat, he paid no attention to the direction he was going. How am I going to survive here? And for God knows how long…

The bard began to rifle through his memories, trying to recall his assailants face. However, it was lost on him. He could've done anything to that man, so much so that any guess would probably be a good one. Jaskier shook his head, trying to relax his breathing. He had only been here for about an hour and already he was on the run. Lost in his own thoughts, he didn’t come to focus on his surroundings until he had collapsed on his bottom, his shoulder hitting into the wall.

Beginning to curse under his breath, Jaskier took the strangers hand and pulled himself back up to his feet. It wasn’t until his eyes landed on the strangers face did his annoyance dissipate. He hadn’t expected it to be a strong looking and beautiful woman to be at fault for his stumble. Rather, they were both at fault, he hadn’t been paying attention either. “Who am…” Jaskier muttered under his breath, a little star struck in the moment. Thoughts were swimming in his head. He blinked a few times before coming to his senses and laughed, “Oh, forgive me! The name is Jaskier, just a humble bard, at your service.” He smiled brilliantly at the woman, hoping nothing was stuck in his teeth from his breakfast. “And your name?”

---

Ifri could see visions behind her eyelids every time she blinked. She could still hear the girls gossiping in the hall, even though they were now far from her sight. He was so tall, and big and carried two swords…! Their voices continued to echo in her head and the more steps she took, the worse her head began to ache. Ifri would blink and catch a glimpse of him and hear something whispering to her to be afraid, to stay away from him. She could see his gray hair, his large arms, his large hands holding onto a long blade. She knew the warnings she was hearing were just hallucinations.

Placing her hand down softly on a windows ledge, she used it to balance herself. The young princess was feeling light headed and dizzy and it had come on so suddenly, she couldn’t understand why. Leaning against the ledge and hanging her head down, Ifri kept her eyes shut, trying to push away the ill feeling.

“Princess? Are you alright?” the servant that the king had sent rushed to Ifri's side the moment he saw her. Helping her stand straight, he continued to speak, but his voice sounded muffled to the young girl. “The king has someone he wishes for you to meet, if you’re feeling well enough… but you’re looking so pale, perhaps I can guide you back to your chambers?”

“No.” Ifri was stern, refusing to even think about lying back down in bed. “Take me to the stranger.” She held onto the servants hand, refusing to succumb to these hallucinations. They are not real… The princess walked with determination as the servant stayed silent, holding her hand tightly, afraid to let go.

The doors leading into the throne room were so tall that they went all the way up to the ceiling. They were golden and ornately decorated and at the current time, sitting wide open. Ifri walked inside, being followed by the servant. There was a tension in the air, all of the soldiers stood ready, their hands on the hilts of their swords, staring intently at the stranger. He stood with his back to the entrance, directly in front of the king. It wasn’t until the princess had made it halfway into the room did the soldiers turn their gaze and bow to her. Ifri didn’t notice though, her mind was to fixated on the stranger. Watching him slowly turn around forced her lips to part in surprise. How had she seen him so perfectly in her head, moments before meeting him?

@ beam me up scotty

Geralt noticed the tension in the room from the second him and Jaskier stepped into the throne room. If anything, he was glad Jaskier left the room so soon - he knew Jaskier would say something smart or witty and swords would be aimed at their throats. While he had a growing soft spot (more tolerance than soft spot, he convinced himself) towards the bard, many times his words landed them in a much worst situation. The amount of times the bard's quick mouth landed them in trouble, Geralt was surprised the bard didn't write a song about it.

Of course, Geralt heard a set of footsteps step in and knew instantly it was the princess and the measly servant the King sent moments ago, and judging by the guards all trained on him ready to attack, he smirked at the prospect of them not noticing her. As soon as he had such a though, the guards all seemed to pale - or was it sympathy - and bowed, Geralt knew this was the princess.

He didn't look in his direction yet, last thing he needed was the King accusing him of looking at her or which ever excuse he could find to dismiss The Witcher. As the two passed, Geralt look at her in the side of his vision, and blinked a few times still keeping his face as still as stone.

She walked like a royal, that was no doubt - but he noticed her gaze fixed on him, and that's when he matched her eyes. He couldn't place it - he assumed it was shock, but something told Geralt it wasn't shock of him being The Withcer, for some reason a though pulled at his mind saying it was almost disbelief; of realization. While he has never seen the Princess (he had no reason too - he didn't converse with Royals normally), he saw a mixture of hope and shock in her eyes - and they were eyes he wouldn't mind looking at. She defiantly had the looks of a Princess, for a minute he was skeptical if this was the King and Queens daughter, judging by their rough and let go appearance.

In an instant he erased that thought. While she was beautiful in no doubt, Geralt knew he couldn't get involved. He had one job, and when he'd finish it, him and the bard would be on their way. He refused to make any ties...Well, he prayed he didn't make any ties with her, more so for safety... Both of his and hers.

"How long do you request I do this for?" Geralt tilted his head slightly, his gaze snapping back to the King. "I have no issues with it, but if me and my bard here causes unwanted tension then we will take our leave, this is my condition."

---

Hevi noticed the pause in his words, a small smirk playing on her lips. None of the other guards or males of the kingdom paid much attention to her - constant muttering of 'don't make a woman do a man's job' or 'she's only here because of her family'. Which to her was laughable - while her family was high in the Royals' allies, she wouldn't of been this high in the ranks purely by a nice relationship between their families.

If anything, most of the men were a bit scared of her. Needless to say, the smile of this bard made her feel...Well, it was a nice change of scenery to have a positive conversation with a man, and it was clearly a plus because this man was pleasant to look at, no doubt.

"Well, humble bard." She took a minute to nod her head in respect, before looking back at him with a grin to match his own. "I am Hevi, the Princesses' right hand woman if you will. Plus given how the rest of the people here are, I'm one of the nice people within these walls." A soft chuckle left her lips, opening again to ask more questions to the man - but a commotion around the corner pulled her from it.

The voice, one of the knights, was yelling about finding a bard - more than likely to his scrawny crew, to which Hevi rolled her eyes. When he came round the corner, it took no less than an instant to stand in front of Jaskier - holding her hand out to keep him back.

"You are respected by the King and Queen but not us, Hevi. Step aside, this bard was with my wife not long ago, and-"

"Rosher, with all due respect, your wife hangs out at The Mockingbird across the other town, right?" The knight tensed up at her words. "That is a place where women go in order to relieve a certain type of tension, you cannot blame this man if he did or did not attend to her needs. And you do know with her going there, it goes against the Kings' rules, yes?" Hevi shrugged her shoulders, glaring at the guard. "Like you said, I am well respected with the Royals. One word and you will be let go. Now please, leave us - don't bother Jaskier any more, if you follow simple orders." The guy groaned a bit, and from a bit of contemplation, the group sighed and walked off sending glares to Hevi as they went. She turned around and face Jaskier, placing her hands in the pockets of her trousers with a grin.

"Her fault anyway, don't blame her for it - I'd hate to be married to that man, out of breath just by running."

@ dezzy

Hearing the commotion start up again just around the corner, Jaskier had already started to mutter his goodbyes and turn on his heel quickly. "Oh well, that sounds like someone calling my name-" Luckily, he hadn't gotten but two feet away from her before the knight rounded appeared in the hall before Hevi. Jaskier couldn't help the blush that rose to his face upon hearing the girl take up for him and stop the knight right in his tracks. Not only did he blush, but he felt also a little ashamed. It was no secret he wasn't a fighter, just a humble bard, but yet he couldn't help feeling embarrassed he couldn't take up for himself in front of such a pretty lady.

The knight stood his ground for a moment, glaring at Jaskier over Hevi's shoulder. Swallowing his fear, the bard could feel his hands begin to tremble and they didn't stop until the knight lowered his gaze and muttered some profanity under his breath and disappeared back around the corner.

His gaze returned to Hevi, hoping the redness was disappearing from his face. He stared into her eyes for a moment, his embarrassment being overcome by the overwhelming sensation of butterflies in his gut. He could already hear sweet ballads playing in his head, lyrics of their fateful meeting. "So,-" Jaskier cleared his throat, dispelling all thoughts of music for the moment, "You said you're the right hand to the princess? Funny coincidence, I'm here on business with the man the king sent for to help her." Perhaps, it was destined for them to meet after all. If not now, they would've met later at some point anyway. Being curious to know what Geralt might be up against, he began to pry with more questions. "Is there anything you can tell me about the girl's predicament that could possibly help Geralt?"

He was sure it was a silly question. If the healers didn't know anything, how would she? Then again, she probably spends far more time with the princess than anyone else.

---

The king wasn't to thrilled with the witcher's cocky and arrogant attitude, but for the moment he decided to put up with it for his daughter's sake. "As long as it takes for you to figure out what is wrong with her. You'll come to see it has to be something supernatural." The king seemed to spit the words out, hating every moment he wasted conversing with such a man. "I assure you that you are welcome here, for as long as you are helping the princess." His hands gripped the arms of his throne tightly, his face wrinkling up around his nose. He wanted nothing more than this monster out of his home.

It was obvious what the king meant. The moment the young girl was back in good health and spirits, the witcher would instantly be dismissed from the kingdom. Once the words left the king's mouth, the soldiers all seemed to relax their tense positions, moving their hands away from their sheathed swords. The princess could feel the air seem to clear, that wasn't to say the people in the room didn't agree with him being here, though. They would only be civil for the time being. The soldiers all held the same sentiment, a dead witcher is the only good witcher. They usually were believed to bring more trouble than good with them wherever they went.

Being close to witcher was upsetting something within Ifri. The curse was all she could think about. Everyone around her had been so sure she was cursed by a witch. Her body was growing hotter and it was becoming harder to stand the longer she stood in his presence, a nauseating feeling was washing over like a rain cloud. "Will you be able to help?" Her voice came out weak and quiet, her eyes flicking up to meet his. His eyes were currently a shade of yellow gold, dimmed by the shadows all around them. They made her feel a weird type of way, fear almost- but she couldn't break away from his gaze no matter how hard she tried.

@ beam me up scotty

"Hmm." Geralt grunted under his breath, nodding at the King, accepting his terms. In a way, even if it took a while to figure the cause and cure, at least he knew him and Jaskier would just be on their way straight after. He knew how everyone reacted to his kind, and he knew there would never be one place where he would receive a peaceful welcome.

He knew Jaskier would be relieved to know they'll be peacefully undisturbed by the guards and other members of the kingdom - however, knowing Royals, Geralt knew the idea that it won't be all peaceful for them is a strong possibility. If he gathered anything from humans, it was never to throw aside an idea their word wouldn't be entirely what you'd imagine it to be.

Pulling him from his thoughts, he looked over at the princess. Just from looking at her he could tell she was very ill - standing, yes, but incredibly ill. At her words, he noticed the slight waver in her voice - how her eyes met his, but more slow. He noted her breathing, how it seemed to be erratic but also tame.

"Yes." He replied, nodding ever so slightly at the princess. "Every curse has a cure and can be broken." For a minute he paused, before looking back up at the King with a static expression as always. "The King has picked the best to help you." Not long after, Geralt looked back at Ifri - squinting his eyes ever so slightly. Even clearly ill and pale, he noticed there was a brightness under there - beauty, fair, pure. However, he was snapped out of his thoughts as he noticed her slowly becoming what he presumed was weak. "Do you need to sit?"

---

Her smile fell slightly after Jaskier spoke, slowly vanishing altogether. Hevi sucked her cheek between her teeth, averting her eyes from the others finally, looking down ever so slightly. While she held herself high, took pride in protecting others and smiling daily - well, the situation was enough to even made her falter slightly. Ifri was the first person to treat her like a real friend, and seeing her only friend in the world slowly fall to sickness... It pulled on her heart every day.

"Ifri has been cursed, said every healer in the village and beyond. The King has paid over twenty people to assess her, and all the same conclusion - none of them have said if it can be cured or not, or how to cure it if so... That's the part that angers me, not knowing if my friend is going to die or has a chance to live."

Shaking her head, Hevi let out a little sigh before looking back at Jaskier. "It's never the same each day. One day, the hallucinations and paranoia will just consume her, the next she's so tired and nauseated to do anything. Today has been the first day in a fair while since she's actually been well enough to stand - I almost cried when she said she was going to explore the castle. I hope your friend Geralt has something to do with how she's up and about today, at least then there will be some hope."

Rubbing the back of her neck, she let out a small chuckle, a soft smile soon spreading to her lips. "I have to keep a strong image up around her, promise me you won't speak of how worried I am, Jaskier?" She averted her eyes back once she said his name, rolling off her tongue almost perfectly. "In return for keeping this our secret, anytime you come into any trouble here, please find me. Maybe you'll write a song about my kindness, I hope at least." She grinned before playfully flicking his shoulder, her spirits lifted more now from speaking about Ifri.

@ dezzy

“Your secret is safe with me.” Jaskier whispered to the strong beauty, a smile playing coyly across his face. He only wanted to get a little information on the princess. He had no clue how long it might be before he would be able to get more from Geralt and he also didn’t want to spend the bit of time he had with Hevi talking about another girl. Taking a few more steps down the hall, he invited her to follow with him. Princess Ifri hadn’t been the only one wanting to explore the castles many halls today. “And I can assure you that you can rest your faith and the fate of the princess in Geralt’s hands. I’ve seen that man do wondrous things. Impossible things.”

The bard contemplated on her tease about singing about her kindness. He wanted nothing more than to serenade Hevi now, tell her all about how his mind was already quick coming up with many rhymes about her radiant beauty, how her hair was glowing under the glittering sunlight or how he was counting every gentle freckle that kissed her face. He bit his tongue though and continued his stride. “Well, you never know. Bards compose songs about many beautiful women all the time. I could see myself writing about you.” He was willing to give her that much, just a little compliment to see if she would take the bait. Jaskier wasn’t in the business of making woman uncomfortable. At least, not intentionally.

Even complimenting her now, though, he kept his gaze down, his eyes wondering over every stitch in the handcrafted rug they walked over. He was to afraid of what her reaction might be. He’d be okay with her simply ignoring it and he would love it if he caught her blushing but the last thing he wanted to experience was outright rejection.

---

The princess couldn’t help notice a slight change in emotion when the Witcher turned from addressing her father. He had spoken sternly, with little respect for the crown the king wore, but when he turned to face her, his expression softened. Geralt answered her with a hopeful tone and even took in to account her well being. Something her father or his soldiers rarely did. She was often overlooked and forgotten all alone in bed bedroom when it came to her family. Her only real friend was a guard she had been friends with since she was a child; Hevi.

With Geralt addressing her sudden loss of energy made it all the more real for her. She had liked to believe the thought of a savior arriving today had gifted her with the energy to leave her bedroom today, but now it was faltering. She grew light headed and foggy and swayed slightly on her feet. “I don’t-“ The princess tried to remain standing, but it was to no avail.

The servant her father had sent for her hurried to her side and held her up on her feet. “Perhaps we should take you back to your room. You’ve been on your feet all morning…” The disdain at the idea was written all over Ifri's face.

The king agreed, gesturing his hand to the exit. “Take the Witcher with you.”

@ beam me up scotty

Geralt jolted slightly after he saw Ifri visibly become weak at the knees, almost about to catch her before she fell but the servant from before did it for him. He watched her, looking over her body with caution - not in the way as he was admiring her beauty before, but more to notice if she was getting more pale, acting more disorientated, more health matters than the matter of her beauty.

He noticed how her face changed slightly at the servants words, Geralt gathered she was often left in the room and forgotten about frequently due to her illness. Geralt remembered someone on the letter about another woman, who in his memory he remembered was a personal guard or something along those lines - more than likely the only person to give Ifri at least a bit of sanity.

His eyes looked back to the king, to which he nodded in respect as one would do to a King, before following the servant out with Ifri. He watched the servant struggle, and just grumbled under his breath before he reached out and picked Ifri up in a bridal way. Geralt knew she felt dizzy from how she looked before she fell, so he made sure to slowly pick her up and not throw her as he would normally do - the last he wanted was sick on his clothes; more so because it is a chore to remove it from this material.

"You were struggling." Was all Geralt said to the servant, before he narrowed his eyes at the servants accusing stare who hurried in front of them showing The Witcher the way. "You'll survive." He mumbled following the servant, but his gentle tone was aimed towards Ifri - however given the current position, he kept his head forward - ember eyes following the servant, but he did sneak a look at the Princess in his arms every so often. Her face was well framed, features soft even if she was pale and feverish, Geralt could tell her eyes were beautiful even though they lost some shine from how dire she was feeling. "I wasn't lying earlier. Every curse can be cured and broken." He hoped at least his words would bring a shine back.

---

Hevi swiftly followed Jaskier, holding her hands behind her back as she walked alongside the Bard. Needless to say, she kept stealing looks at him - studying him carefully when he wasn't looking. In a way she felt drawn to him, something she hasn't felt in a fair amount of time. If it was his kindness, his playful nature, or his dashing looks Hevi didn't know - she hoped at least it was a mixture of all three.

She noted how he went silent, as she opened her mouth to speak, it closed straight after he started to speak. His words made her cheeks heat up, as Hevi just looked at the man in a mixture of shock and embarrassment. When was the last time she was complimented? Or even called beautiful at that? Hevi bit her lip, sneaking a glance at Jaskier before looking forward again.

"I-I'd like that." She said in a soft voice, initially stumbling over her words and mentally beating herself for it. "If you do, I'd like to hear it." It was so long since she had any attention from men, she was sure the blush was still on her face - it all felt like a new concept to her, even if he was playing a joke. Casting her gaze over at Jaskier, she smiled softly; not her previous grins she showed him before, but a subtle one - a soft, warm smile that wasn't faked in anyway.

The bard hoped the run in with the knight didn't put a sour image of him in Hevi's mind. He was sure the fact that many would place a target on his back for sleeping around with their wives didn't make him look favorable. The beautiful guard to the princess didn't seem to care much, though. The blush on her face had her cheeks the color of pale roses and the sweet hint of a smile on her face had Jaskier's stomach tying itself in knots.

He didn't want her to find him unappealing, but he was finding all kinds of hints to prove she felt the opposite. "I'll be sure to show it to you first." He was speaking with such confidence, but inside, this was the first time he felt nervous about writing a song. Of course, this was just talk and he didn't have to write a song about her, but in that moment he wanted to. If he hadn't left his lute back with Roach, the young bard would probably be plucking away at the strings as they walked through the castle. He could imagine following her around the halls or the city streets for days, playing a ballad he wrote for her, serenading her all day long.

"Are you busy?" He cleared his throat, looking up at her sheepishly through his lashes. "If you're not, perhaps we could go sit and get a drink? Or are you on duty?" Jaskier knew the moment they would go separate ways he wouldn't be able to get her out of his thoughts. She was already unlike any woman who had ever given him the time of day, there hadn't been a single one in the royal guard or one who knew how to carry a sword, that was for certain.

---

The servant had been trying his best to hold the princess up, but he was a small man, very slim and frail. The king didn't care much for the servants, they were fed barely better than the homeless living on their streets. It made Ifri sick to think about it, but she knew there was nothing she could ever do about it. She would never be Queen. She was surprised when the Witcher slid his arm under her legs and and the other around her waist and hoisted her up against his chest. The servant even looked to be in disbelief, a little shocked to think the Witcher would even care. The young man didn't falter long, Geralt's stare making him quick to lead the way.

"This way-" He mumbled under his breath before continuing up a set of stone stairs. Ifri glanced up at Geralt, seeing his eyes lighting up like fire as the sun came in through the windows. Trying to relax her stiff body she slowly let her head lay against his chest and tried to focus on her breathing. It was hard to do when all she could think about was the strong stranger carrying her in his arms.

Hearing the creaking of doors, Ifri opened her eyes to see the door to her bedroom opened. It was dimly lit, with not much light coming through the gated windows. Art decorated the walls insinuating that this room at another time perhaps had a different purpose than being a bedroom. A large chandelier hung from the center ceiling and besides a bed all that decorated the room was a vanity and wardrobe. Geralt stepped into the room and seemed to halt for a second, Ifri still content in his arms. He was warm and with her head against his chest she could hear his unusually slow heartbeat.

The servant looking terrified to be alone with the Witcher, he quickly mentioned something about bringing the princess water before he disappeared from the room.

@ beam me up scotty

Geralt grunted towards the servant, closing his eyes and shaking his head ever so slightly. Taking a breath he opened his eyes and looked down, and was met with Ifri's own. Part of him told himself he carried her because the servant looked too weak to do so, but that shouldn't of mattered to him. He shouldn't of cared if she fell, he was just here to retrieve coins for the work... Right?

He kept her line of sight, watching her carefully - almost in curiosity; he'd met many beautiful ladies before, but for some reason Ifri felt different. Geralt found it hard to place the feeling, because he has very little experience with them - he's supposed to be stern, emotionless, a quick killer without hesitation. If anything, he blames Jaskier for him becoming more soft towards people.

Geralt walked over to her bed, and simply crouched slightly to place her on a sitting position on the edge of her bed. A single chair was in the corner of the room, and Geralt simply picked it up and set it beside her bed, taking his swords from his back and placing them on the floor before he sat there himself.

"When did this start?" His voice broke the silence, keeping his eyes straight ahead of him towards the wall. "I know people must of already asked - but any hints to a cause will help." Geralt crossed his arms, before taking a look at Ifri in the corner of his eye, watching her like a lion watches a cub.

---

A soft chuckle passed her lips, an even greater smile appearing on her face, taking a glance at Jaskier. "I've never had a song written about me or been called beautiful before, it's flattering. Most people here don't talk to me at all, it's a breath of fresh air, Jaskier." Hevi smirked every time she said his name - it just felt made to roll off her tongue with ease. Hevi has always been a happy, protective character - the protective side more so around Ifri - but she felt like she was even more smiley and cheerful since she met Jaskier; which surprised her.

She looked back over at him when he spoke again. The look he had wasn't like before, it seemed to be more anxious - hesitant, maybe he thought she'd say no or reject him; but it was this look that she felt her cheeks heat slightly at. "I am currently on my lunch hours, so if you are not busy, I'd like to take you up on your offer."

Hevi felt she could know the Bard more through an atmosphere that he felt relaxed in, which she imagined is why he invited her. It was a sweet gesture - yet such an alien one, today has been a whole new thing to her. Someone showing attention to her, the compliments, the attraction... She'd never really experienced it, growing up in a family of brothers and in the castle.

A servant scurried past them, but before she could Hevi held out a hand to stop her. "Isroel, could you tell the King I am down the market if he requires me?" The servant nodded, wide eyed, before Hevi let out a small smile. "Also, if I remember, it's your birthday? Happy birthday, Isroel." Her words made the servant girl grin, before she ran off with a skip in her step. Turning back to Jaskier, Hevi smirked and shrugged her shoulders. "What? I like to make people smile!"

"You're very different, Hevi." Jaskier voice came out in a breath. He wasn't sure if she was truly different or if this was just a side of guards he had never seen before, he always found himself on their bad side after all. But it seemed uncommon to see a guard be so delicate towards a servant, even going so far as to remember their birthdays. It was clear Hevi was a kind person and Jaskier couldn't understand why they had fallen in each other's paths. He knew nothing might come of it, but if it did, he didn't think of himself to be deserving of it.

Watching the young servant girl run away, Jaskier motioned to follow Hevi. "I'm sure you'd know of the best tavern to get a drink in. I unfortunately am not very familiar with this kingdom." The young man couldn't wait to take a deep breath of fresh air once they were outside of the castle walls. He would be much more himself once they were inside the dimly lit atmosphere of a bar. "Perhaps on the way we could do some sight seeing. I'm not sure how long Geralt and I will be staying, it might come in handy to know my way around."

Funny how the universe can change things so drastically. Not even an hour ago when he followed Geralt into the throne room of the castle had he been cursing under his breath that he couldn't wait to leave, and now ... Well, now he wouldn't mind if their visit ended up stretching out a bit longer than planned. The pair traveled down from the East wing of the castle to the front lobby where a grand staircase wrapped around up to the throne room. An hour ago he had been miserable standing in this great hall and now passing through it again, he had a pep in his step.

---

The young girls body instantly relaxed once she felt the downy soft cushion of the bed sheets underneath of her. It felt wonderful under her sore body. She watched the Witcher undress his weapons, leaning them up against her vanity on the floor. It was odd having a man in her room, she couldn't help but feel butterflies in her stomach as he spun a chair around to sit in. She knew the first question that would be coming out of his mouth. It was the obvious one, but he was right in stating she had been through it so many times. She had told the story to so many doctors and healers, all useless.

"Months ago, slowly at first. It gets worse and worse and then alleviates, and then worse again..." Her voice trembled. "It's the worst at night. I can't really sleep because I see these ...hallucinations of an ugly hag with claws in my room. Sometimes she just shrieks and won't stop." Ifri hated explaining this, to her own ears she sounded insane. "Everyone just keeps saying I've been cursed."

She found it easy to speak to him. When she had first learned it would be a Witcher that was helping her, she had been mortified. But meeting Geralt now, the soft way he had been speaking to her and the few hopeful words he had given her hadn't helped back up the terrorizing image of Witchers that her father had painted for her. "Do you think it sounds like a curse?" Ifri's question came with tears that were building up in her eyes. She just wanted an answer.

@ beam me up scotty

At her explanation, Geralt narrowed his eyes at certain bits of her words. Once she finished, he looked away, grunting again while he found himself deep in thought. He had a feeling all the healers just came up with the quick diagnosis of insanity or curse because they were scared and wanted to leave quick, or they just wanted easy money from the King and Queen.

He frowned ever so slightly, thinking over her words. If this was a curse, it was the most complex he'd seen. The ugly hag with claws screeching initially made him presume a banshee - but it wasn't Saovine night, and there would be no way she'd still be alive if she saw the hag that frequently; normally one screech and they'd be dead. The worst at night part made him process a possibility of a Striga, a beast that turned into a monster at night and only instinct is to kill.

At her question, Geralt turned to her. In all honesty, he couldn't be positive it was just a curse. "It might be. Most of it doesn't add up." Geralt paused, looking away briefly before back at Ifri. "The hag - does she just scream? Do you wake up forgetting what you did in the night?"

Ideally he'd try to cancel out the fact of the two possibilities that flew around in his head - if it turns out these aren't applicable to her condition, then it makes it easier to know they're just looking for a curse. "Any visions aside from the hag?"

---

"Treat everyone as they deserve to be treated, and good karma will come your way. It's a cruel world we live in, but one act of kindness easily makes someones' day." She said with her gaze following the small servant girl, before standing straight and following Jaskier down the hallways of the castle she knew all too well.

Hevi smirked, clasping her hands behind her back as she walked by the man. "There's a quaint tavern only a minutes walk from the front gates, the barkeep knows me well - actually, most of the regulars at his tavern do." She finished with a small laugh, catching a look at Jaskier. "Luckily, this place is pretty much engrossed in scenery - you and your friend probably saw while entering." It was true - the castle grounds were just a splendid array of flowers and trees, the grass all cut to a fine level and bushes tamed frequently. Even down in the city, it was well kept - surprisingly clean, something that catches most of the travelers off guard.

"I gather you already know the throne room, the most important things to know are easy to find from here. The pantry and the kitchens are the first doors on the left, and the library is on the right. Might be a nice place to sit and write some melodies when you please." Hevi winked playfully at Jaskier, before taking his hand and pulling him outside. "Come on, I want you to see how well my work as the head gardener here is!"

@ dezzy

"Head gardener? How many jobs do you have?" Jaskier laughed playfully. When she had grabbed his hand it had completely taken him off guard, it was almost like he had felt an electric shock. Hevi wasn't lying when she mentioned how beautiful the landscaping was inside the city. The castle grounds alone though was the shining star of it all. Beautiful patterns of all different colors of flowers, perfectly trimmed trees and the grass was the most brilliant shade of green. Jaskier could definitely see how sitting out here would be completely inspiring. The beautiful gardens held even more magnificent large water fountains, the sound of the running water was nice background noise.

Walking through the courtyard, he looked all around, in disbelief that Hevi could do all of this. "Do you really tend to this whole garden?" It seemed like it was all too much for one person to do. Guard a princess, know possibly all of the servants birthdays and be a head gardener? The bard was in disbelief, she seemed so perfect. "You keep giving me perfect material for my song about you." He couldn't help but tease her, but it was really true, he was astounded by her already.

The thought of having to leave sometime soon, possibly, crossed his mind and he couldn't help but feel a little worried. What if he was truly catching feelings for this woman? Maybe he didn't have to leave, but could he really part ways with Geralt? He didn't think he could do that. For the time being he pushed the thoughts away and continued his walk with the guard.

---

The young princess didn't take much time to think about his questions. "No, I remember absolutely everything... and, there have been a few other weird things I've seen but, it's usually just the hag at night." Her voice was a hushed whisper. Sadly the young girl's mind was hallucinating all of these hags that resembled old scary witches from fairytales because that's what everyone kept telling her, a witch of some kind had cursed her. For the last three months, her father had been instructing certain servants to poison her drinks. The king had forced one of his mages to create the poison, a strong psychoactive mixture that not only would cause her to hallucinate anything from voices to visions but also would cause severe illness and fatigue if exposed to too much and she usually was.

"Sometimes she screams-" Verris's voice trembled now because she could hear the horrific sound in her head, "-and sometimes she just watches me." Verris looked up at Geralt and didn't like the look she was seeing on his face. It was a look of confusion and that didn't sit well with her. Had he never heard of something like this before? What if this wasn't something a Witcher could help with? She thought back to how some of the healers had suggested it was a curse, but a lot had also just suggested insanity. Her shoulders slouched and she wondered if it was possible if it could be that she was just going crazy.

@ beam me up scotty

@ dezzy

Nothing was adding up about this. Ifri was clearly in distress, evident on her face by recalling what happens on a daily of the shock and fright - there was no doubt what she was saying was real, and not just a doing of insanity. But, even so, none of it added up.

With all the curses he'd seen, there'd be a trigger. Once he heard of a husband who wasn't loyal and his wife cursed him so every time he touched another woman he would feel his heart tear a bit. Also with curses, they were irregular. Witches are smart enough to know if a curse has a steady cycle, like the hag Ifri is describing, they knew it would be easy to make a cure. The more routine the curse is, the easier it is to break.

Then how has none of the medics and healers who have come in before Geralt figured out a cure? It was then Geralt figured out something. It wasn't a Banshee. It wasn't a Striga. It wasn't a curse.

"It doesn't match up." He leaned forward slightly, looking at Ifri closer. "Not insanity. Not a curse." He averted his bright eyes, frowning slightly trying to figure out what it could be. Grunting in frustration, he looked back up at the princess. "What you describe doesn't fit with the effects of a curse or insanity - it's something else..." For some reason, the fright in her eyes pulled at something inside of him - something that shouldn't be there, a feeling he hasn't felt in a while; if he's ever felt it before. ".. We will help you. It's good it is not a curse."

---

"I'm a woman of a vast amount of skills and an endless amount of hobbies, Jaskier, I always find a way to tie in all my enjoyment in one place." Hevi looked up at the sky, taking a big breath in and smiling widely as she exhaled. "I keep a mirror on the trees so I can see the castle entrance at all times, and me and the Princess have a little system.." She pointed to the thin lines of string hanging above their heads, going from different trees all to one window in the castle. "If there's trouble inside that I cannot see, The Princess slides one of her rings down the string."

At the word of the song, she smiled over at Jaskier, the sun hitting her face felt like heaven. Then all of a sudden, something clicked as she widened her eyes at the man. "W-Wait, can you say 'when a humble bard graced the ride along with Geralt of Rivia, along came this song'?" In realization, her smile became wider. "You're the bard who wrote that song! It's been stuck in my head for days now, a man was singing it down the market."

As she beamed with joy, she looked down at her hand and realized it was still holding onto Jaskier's tightly. She slowly let go, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly hiding the embarrassment on her cheeks. "S-Sorry, didn't realize I was still holding your hand... I was a bit caught up in the moment."

How can one man make her feel like a valued person, happy, and a stuttering embarrassed mess after only a few minutes of meeting him? There was something about him, Hevi would lie if she say she didn't feel a twang as she pulled her hand away - but she also felt a spark from the second she grabbed it to show the garden.. Destiny? No, while Hevi believed it in, she'd be skeptical to think destiny would be kind to her.

@ dezzy

Hearing her quote one of his songs had his stomach doing summersaults. She had heard one of his songs! He cleared his throat and felt his cheeks heating up from embarrassment. "I would but... It probably sounds stupid without the music." Jaskier couldn't believe he was to nervous to actually sing. It was his career, the only way he made a living and here he was, too embarrassed to get one line out because a pretty face was watching him.

Besides, if it wasn't for the man the song was based off, she would never have heard of his song.

Jaskier let his hand remain just hovering in the exact same spot where she had pulled hers away, almost as if to beg her hand to return. "Don't apologize." He slowly moved to push his trembling hands into the pockets of his trousers, letting his eyes wander upwards to see all the thin lines of string Hevi had pointed out. It was completely amazing the pair had been capable of coming up with an idea like that.

Hevi had been telling the truth when she spoke about how close the tavern was to the castles gates. It didn't take them long at all to find themselves entering the packed pub house. All Jaskier needed was to get a mug of ale in his hand to help him regain a bit of confidence.

---

"How can you be sure it isn't insanity?" It was almost as if she had already come to believe she was crazy, but what other option was there if not a curse? She was too afraid to say it, but it looked like the Witcher was clueless and if he was clueless how could it be caused by something supernatural?

The door slowly opened and into the room appeared a young girl with a tray. "I brought you some tea, princess." Off the silver tray the girl lifted up a small tea cup and rested it on her bedside table. Then, turning to the Witcher, she barely gave him a glance before running out of the room. It seemed everyone was terrified of him.

Relieved to have been brought the tea, Ifri picked it up quickly. Her mouth was so dry she welcomed the warm drink immediately. She lowered it from her lips and held the beautiful tea cup in her hands. It was a small white cup with multiple different colored flowers and birds painted all around it. It was the first tea cup her mother had ever given her when she first started enjoying the taste.

@ beam me up scotty

@ dezzy
The Witcher's gaze darted to the servant who walked in, out of habit narrowing his eyes at her before she hurried away watching her speed off. "Hmm." He grumbled, taking his eyes away from the door before looking back at the Princess. He watched as she seemed to smile at the taste - must of been a drink she had often, a blend that suited her taste.

"It isn't insanity." Geralt said, looking back up at Ifri. "Nobody with insanity can remember visions they had the day before. This is too frequent and regular to be a curse." He explained with a slight raised brow, narrowing his amber orbs at Ifri. "Did the healers not say that?"

Something was adding up now, but it was a thought too insane to even think possible - but Geralt knew that sometimes even the most craziest thoughts turned to be the truth; so he kept it close. He knew healers came and saw her, a lot of them at that, but he only saw 3 medic shops and practices on the way up; unlikely a King would hire healers from other kingdoms or from the streets as that is not a safe idea for royalty. If the same outcome was ''she has a curse from a witch'', surely the King would stop at the first healer... Or maybe, for some reason, he needed more convincing?

Or was the convincing not aimed at him? The Witcher frowned, before crossing his arms and inspecting Ifri. "Do you have something the same to eat or drink every day?" It was a hunch, Geralt needed to ask anyway. While the thought lingered in his mind of foul play somewhere in the castle, he wasn't going to jump to conclusions yet. He needed more evidence for sure, if he accused with little evidence he'd be thrown out - more than likely without the promised coin - and she would still suffer... But why did he care if she still suffered?

Actually... Why did he feel like he cared from even such a short time knowing her? Geralt shook it off, probably ate something on the journey up that was making him think stupidly.

---

Hevi walked into the tavern, the casual chaos of a tavern filling her ears - she let out a happy sigh. Instinctively, she looked over at the bar and grinned when she saw the ginger, more rounder man. She motioned Jaskier to follow her, as she grinned over at the man.

"Ah, lassie! Nice to see you again, I'm always at ease with you here; if a fight breaks out, by the Gods you'd easily stop it in its tracks!" His accent added to the warmth of his bellied laugh, before he grabbed a tankard placing it in front of Hevi, then noticing Jaskier. "Ah ah ah, what is this Hevi? When have you even been with a man?" He reached over and shook Jaskier's hand enthusiastically, his toothy grin plastered on his face.

"Blan, can you pour my friend one too, please?" She said, rolling her eyes in annoyance and embarrassment. The older man just laughed, pouring Jaskier one of the same, before halting Hevi getting her coin out. "If you insist, Blan." With a smile, she quickly hurried Jaskier over to a table and sat down quickly, placing her head on her hands as she laughed slightly. "Apologies for him, he is close friends with my father so he embarrasses me whenever he sees fit." She laughed shaking her head, before picking up her tankard. Hevi raised it, nodding at Jaskier with a sweet smile on her lips. "To us bumping into each-other in the corridor." Winking slightly, they tapped tankards, as she rested her chin on her hands. "So, I know you are Jaskier, you wrote the amazing ballad that has spread across the world, and you travel with Geralt; but tell me more about yourself."

Inside the tavern was packed. Groups of men sat at every table and Jaskier could see a couple bar wenches carrying pitches of ale around on platters. It seemed like a rather popular place. He picked up the tankard of ale and lifted it slightly towards the bartender as a thanks, smirking at the teasing the man had done to Hevi. It had been nice to watch her face light up red for once.

Once they sat down together at a table in the far left corner and clinked their glasses together in celebration, he lifted the stout to his lips and took a large gulp. Wincing from the taste, he sat the tankard down on the table and cupped his hands together. "Would it be sad to say that's about it?" He laughed to try and cover his own self pity. "People had been booing my performances for ages until Geralt showed up."

That was a bit of an understatement. He had had a couple more ballads that had been popular, but they had been written long ago. "That's honestly why I'm traveling with him now. For inspiration." Jaskier owed a lot to his new friend. Already he had brought him along on so many adventures and he had seen so many new places and experienced many new things. All of which helped with his poetry.

"Why don't you tell me how a girl came to join the royal guard? And- and I don't mean in that a rude way. It's just something I've never seen before." The bard raised his hands up to show he meant nothing negative by it. The last thing he wanted to do was insult her.

---

Ifri thought the question of her diet was odd, but she shrugged it off as something not important. "Not really. I always have tea at midday. Lately it's been a rose blend. I think that's about the only pattern." She looked up from her cup to Geralt once more, a little relieved he seemed to believe she couldn't be insane. Some people within the castle walls already believed she had lost her mind.

Geralt was sitting like a statue in his chair, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, stretching out his jerkin a bit. He was looking down, appearing to be deep in thought, but even with his head down she could still see his glowing eyes.

"Can I ask you something?" She placed the teacup back on her bedside table. "I've only ever heard about Witchers from my father and he's not very fond of you. I hear a lot of people aren't." Ifri spoke softly, afraid to upset the man. "But I can't help but wonder how your eyes..." She didn't really know how to even ask. Her father only ever spoke about how Witchers were young boys twisted into monster slayers, but he never went further into detail.

She slid down to sit at the end of the bed to be closer to the man, so she could see his eyes better. They were mystifying to the young girl, to the point she felt she couldn't look away.

@ beam me up scotty

Geralt looked up at her question, initially blinking at her changed position. He gathered she was intrigued, most humans were - he knew she was no threat to him, so he leaned forward slightly - keeping an appropriate distance, but still closer than he was before so she could see his eyes. "Trial of the Grasses." He muttered, keeping his eyes trained on her. "If you survived, the eyes would change - among other enhancements. Not many know, but we can see in the dark as opposed to human eyes."

He paused, thinking over her first words. "Yes. Not many are fond of me. We are different, and different for some means danger. Our purpose are quests, that's what we are trained for. We don't feel like others, emotions are very hard for us to feel, if we even can." Regardless, he felt an urge of protection over her. At this distance, he noticed her light eyes and her fair complexion, even if it was paled from sickness. Her hair was long, clearly roughened up by the sleepless nights but Geralt imagined it looked lovely and well kept normally. However, each time he thought about her beauty he'd quickly snap out and repeat in his head he just felt protective.

But even then, Geralt was confused why he felt that. It wasn't this quick with Jaskier, yet with her it was almost the second she stepped into the Throne room. He could imagine if he told the bard how he'd go on and on about destiny and use his normal teasing tone whenever Geralt showed softness towards someone.

Geralt was glad he responded to Ifri so quickly, he knew it would hide the fact he was concerned about the tea. When she was finished, he'd defiantly inspect it - more than likely when he was alone, he felt no need to accuse her kingdom of this foul play. He needed more evidence, catch someone in the act.

---

Hevi raised her brow mid gulp at Jaskier, listening to him speak about himself. Taking another gulp, she placed her tankard down leaning on the table and resting her chin on her palm listening to him talk of his friend highly as inspiration - naturally, a smile came to her face.

"My family are very close to the King and Queen - when they heard of me taking well with a sword, they were eager to have me along. My family run the bakery here; I think that's where I get my kindness from. I hate seeing knights mistreat the workers there, that's why I take time to know each of them on a different level because I see myself in them a bit, when I was young anyway." She shrugged, before pausing and raising a brow at Jaskier.

"You said that was all there was to you, but I don't believe it." Her lips curled in a smile, leaning forward more ever so slightly. "What's your favorite color? Do you like animals? What made you want to sing songs? I want to know what makes this Jaskier smile, what warms his heart and makes him feel at home - not the Jaskier they know performing." Leaning back, Hevi took another small swig of her tankard before sighing in content.

"Sorry if I talk too much or pry. The only people I talk to are Ifri, the barkeep and my parents if I'm being honest. I've never felt so naturally comfortable with someone, or have I felt a connection quickly, so this is very unique and means a lot to me and... I'm rambling again, by the Gods I'll talk myself into an early grave my day." Taking a small swig again, she bit her lip subtly as she looked away in embarrassment. Of course she'd speak so fast and immaturely in front of such an attractive man.

@ dezzy

Jaskier watched Hevi's eyes without blinking as she spoke, only breaking from them to glance down at her lips. He watched as they formed every word she spoke, admiring the soft shade of pink they were. He couldn't even tell he was smiling at this point. Hearing a woman ask him such simple, but such personal questions had brought the smile to his face slowly. Never had a woman asked him what his favorite color was or what made him happy. It was such a strange day he found himself living.

"Songs make people happy. That's why I wanted to write songs. It's an easy way to bring people hope, or courage or... Really, music has the ability of evoking any emotion from a person. It's powerful. I wanted that power. I wanted to bring people hope." The bard had never found himself speaking like this, so vulnerably. He picked the tankard back up and took another large sip, before sitting it back down on the table. "And my favorite color is red." He laughed, "No particular reason for that answer."

"I love that you talk to much." He regretted using the word love so easily, but he was sure she found it endearing. "I listen to myself far too often, it's nice to listen to someone else for a change."

---

"They take away your emotions?" She furrowed her brow in confusion, incapable of understanding how you could go through life just feeling numb. "You never feel happy? Or sad?" Her lips pulled down at the corners into a frown, sometimes she wished she couldn't feel things like fear or sadness, but to give up happiness and love too? She couldn't understand how they remained somewhat human at all without emotions.

When Geralt leaned in closer, the princess felt her heart start to beat faster in her chest. The man wasn't even that close to her, but still, having a much better and closer look at his face was enough to cause her heart to flutter. He was a beautiful man, even if he didn't have his fiery eyes. "I know you are here to help me and you'd probably rather talk about what's going on, but could you tell me of some of your quests?"

The princess had never stepped a foot outside of the kingdom, let alone heard stories of monsters or tales of people's travels. She hoped she wasn't poking and prodding him to harshly. She was bouncing from one question to the next without giving him much time to answer the first. "I'm sorry, I just... Meeting you now, you don't seem to match what I've been told about Witchers."

@ beam me up scotty