At the Edge of the World

  • dezz

    dezz (100)

    :
    Ghoul of 2016
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    Egon breathed out through his nose, his eyes slowly closing to hide his annoyance, before he opened them again and took a seat at the table with Geralt. Who knows how long they would be on this island, if he decided to stay. Egon turned his head to look up at Anfrih, scooting over on the bench before he flicked his eyes down to the seat next to him. "I'm sorry we weren't in time for you to see your friend with Geralt." He hoped she would take his hint and come sit down next to him.

    The witcher was also beginning to relax a little, the tension he had been holding from their little argument a few nights ago had almost completely disappeared. However, he wasn't excited at the idea of being stuck on this island for an undetermined amount of him, but he knew with Anfrih being so close to seeing Verris again, he was sure she wouldn't agree to leave with him until she saw the girl at least once. Egon wasn't even sure he could ask her to do that, so he made a promise to himself to at least stay patient for a little while.

    "Do you know how long you might be waiting here?" Egon frowned, turning his attention to Geralt. He leaned his elbow on the table as he stared a hole into his friend's head, knowing damn well Geralt shouldn't be feeding into this destiny talk. He wouldn't actually open his mouth and say that, though. The last thing he wanted was to piss off both Anfrih and Geralt. "Perhaps in the meantime, we can still find some work around here." He crossed his arms over his chest before looking around the tavern. If he would be staying here, he would need money to drink on.

    @ katahdin
    January 25th, 2020 at 05:01am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ dezzy

    Anfrih frowned at Geralt's brief explanation, shoulders sagging in defeat. Did that mean that she wouldn't see Verris for weeks? Months? Years? She was lost in thought for a few moments before she noticed Egon's signal to sit, letting out a little sigh as she moved to sit on the bench next to him, although she made sure to sit far enough away so that she didn't accidentally bump into him. She was sure she'd angered him at the tavern the other day, and she didn't want to do anything to upset him further, afraid he might decide he'd had enough of her and leave her behind.

    Geralt simply shook his head at Egon's question, choosing to ignore his glare. He was sure they'd have a talk later, after the girl had gone to sleep or something. "She promised she'd see Anfrih soon, although Im not sure what she meant by it. Perhaps she'll invite her into the school?" He shrugged, downing the last of his mug of ale. "The mages who run the place know I'm here, so if she decides to send for us they know where to look. It's just a matter of waiting." He hated being stuck as much as Egon did, but he knew he couldn't abandon Verris a third time, especially not to a bunch of corrupt mages.

    "Maybe I could convince her to leave sooner." Anfrih offered, sneaking a scrap of Geralt's bread when his attention was on ordering another ale, although she was sure the Witcher had seen her and was just choosing to ignore it. But she was staring and exhausted, and felt like she might fall ill again if she didn't eat something. "I could go over there and see if they'd let me speak with her."
    January 25th, 2020 at 06:23am
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

    :
    Ghoul of 2016
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    Egon watched as Anfrih slid her hand across the table to steal a piece of Geralt's bread while he waved down a bar wench. Egon glanced away from Anfrih to wave his hand toward the girl to get her attention after Geralt demanded another drink. He scooped some copper out of his pocket and handed it to the girl, ordering himself an ale and whatever food his money would bring him for Anfrih. He may be finding it hard to speak his emotions to her at the moment, but perhaps his actions would speak louder than any words could anyway.

    "I doubt you'd make it to the door step." Egon sighed, glancing over at her. "They don't allow anyone off of this little chunk of isle, you'd have to sneak off to Aretuza and then probably sneak inside. I'm surprised Geralt was allowed anywhere near the doors." His attention was also a little piqued his interest when Geralt mentioned Verris would see them soon. Was the lass planning on sneaking her way out of the academy and finding Geralt?

    It wasn't long before the waitress returned with their ales and a plate of fish for Anfrih. Egon wasn't surprised considering where they currently were. "I hope you like fish?" Egon looked over at Anfrih when the plate was sat down in front of her, "I guess I should've asked first, but go on, eat." He wrapped his hand tightly around his tankard of ale, bringing it up to take a large swig. "I should go get us a room for the night, then." Egon sat the tankard down before standing up straight, hoping he had enough to cover the charge.
    The young princess had been terrified when trying to sneak out of the academy that night. She had planned on waiting longer than just one night, but she had been lying awake in her bed, unable to sleep. Knowing Geralt was so close to her, was too much of a temptation to ignore. Braving the dark night, and eluding the many guards that stood stationed around the perimeter of the building, it had taken the princess about an hour and a half to get to Loxia on foot and then by ferry. She hoped when Geralt said he would stay close that he meant close and Loxia was the only place for visitors to find a place to rest their head on the Isles.

    Heading into the first tavern she found, Verris was overwhelmed with the amount of people who were packed inside. Keeping a hand at the neck of her cloak and making sure to keep her hood down, she snaked her way through the people, searching for any sign of the white-haired witcher. To her surprise, her friend Anfrih was the first to catch her eye.

    Hurrying over to the table, Verris wrapped her arms around her best friend and protector, overjoyed to find her in good health, even if she did look a bit exhausted. "Anfrih, I've missed you so much." The princess wrapped her arms around her friend tightly, fearful of letting go, until she caught a glimpse of Geralt. He was keeping his word, part of her had wondered if he would've left anyway.

    @ katahdin
    January 25th, 2020 at 07:11am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ dezzy

    Geralt was surprised to see Egon spend his coin on someone other than himself, although he had noticed the other Witcher's fondness for the girl. If he hadn't thought it would end in a nasty fight, he might have teased his friend about it. But Egon was in a bad mood, and he was sure that with the coin he assumed he had taken from the girl, he'd be spending quite a few nights in the brothel down the street while they waited for the princess to come with them.

    When the meal was pushed toward her she opened her mouth to protest, knowing Egon hadn't eaten since she'd been with him, but she did like fried fish, and she was hungry enough to ignore her instinct to protest and insist he eat something. She'd just have to repay him later. She nodded a little as he spoke before digging into her meal, humming in satisfaction as she scarfed it down. Her meal was interupted thought when she spotted Verris coming toward their table, standing quickly to embrace her friend in return, although Verris was squeezing her tight enough to hurt, especially with all of her injuries.

    "Verris! I'm so happy you're alright. You're not hurt, are you?" She asked worriedly, stepping back to look at her friend carefully. She still felt obligated to protect her, even if it wasn't her job anymore. She ushered the princess to take her seat while she promised to get her something to eat, weaving her way through the crowd as she tired to find the bar wench who had served them before

    Geralt looked at Verris as she sat, taking a sip of his ale as he picked at his meal. "When you said soon, I thought it'd be another week or more." He teased quietly, not wanting everyone in the tavern to overhear their conversation. The last thing he needed was someone realizing Verris had snuck out of Aretuza and alerting the mages there.
    January 25th, 2020 at 08:04am
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

    :
    Ghoul of 2016
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    Verris let her hands linger on Anfrih for a moment, worried that she may never see her again. Lots of things could happen before she could join Geralt, had become more apparent to her as of late. She tried to hang on to Anfrih, but her friend broke away from her, speaking about going to get her something to eat. Before she could even argue, her friend had disappeared into the crowd of people. Verris would have no way of paying her back, but that was how her friend had always been, more worried about the princess than herself. Verris hated it, but was more than grateful to her friend.

    The girl moved around the table, before taking the seat next to Geralt, wanting to be closer to the witcher. "I thought it would be, too, but I was upset we didn't get to talk for very long the other night." It appeared to be her own way of telling Geralt she had missed him, but she knew better than to actually speak those words. Verris didn't want to be met with an awkward silence from the slayer. "Perhaps after I speak with Anfrih, we could talk privately?"

    It was an odd sensation she felt her in chest when she looked up at Geralt, forgetting temporarily about the butterflies that fluttered around inside of her stomach when she was close to him. Her chest seemed to tighten up when he looked down at her, his blazing eyes burning a deep orange. They were enough to send goosebumps all down her arms and cause her to shiver. She couldn't just sit and wait in Aretuza for a few more days, weeks, when they had barely able to speak for ten minutes. Verris wasn't sure if Geralt had intended on showing as much emotion as he had in that courtyard, the genuine relief on his face and the way his eyes locked onto hers when they reunited would forever be burned into her memory.
    Egon had disappeared from the table moments before Anfrih had, giving himself just a few seconds to watch as the two girls met again for the first time in... Blinking, the witcher stood in surprise realizing just how long it had been, a little over half a year. He gave Geralt a shifty glance, before leaving the table and heading to the front of the tavern to speak with the innkeeper. The tall, sturdy man actually found he was thankful that the bar was packed tightly, the more there were packed inside, the easier it would be for the two witchers to go unnoticed.

    "How much for a room? For two." Egon pounded his fist on the counter to get the attention of the woman. She was older, her hair was graying and she was starting to slump forward. When her eyes looked over the man, he promptly gave her a forced smile, but how annoyed he was clearly was written across his face.

    "Two witchers in one night?" Her voice came out shaking and slow, before she trudged up to the counter and held out her wrinkly, small hand. "10 silver." Egon wasn't surprised at the doubled price, he never was anymore.

    Egon grunted, rolling his eyes as he shoved his hand back into the pouch he carried on his waist, before pulling out the silver coins. "Who said old women were sweet?" Dropping the coins into her hand, she tossed a key across the counter at him and he quickly caught it, before turning to leave from the entrance of the bar.

    His eyes found Anfrih, waiting quietly down at the other end of the bar, no doubt waiting on whatever food she had just ordered for her friend. Making his way through the crowd to her, he stepped up behind her before she noticed him and he gently rest his hand on her shoulder, before showing her the key. "We have a place to rest tonight." His stomach was still all tied up in knots, still tasting the words, 'for two'. Did he like the way that sounded rolling off of his tongue? Knowing just upstairs there was a room waiting for them with a bed large enough they could both sleep together on it? He hadn't even thought about asking Anfrih how she would feel about that, he had just hoped she would be okay with it. If she wasn't, he had no qualms with sleeping on the floor or in a chair again.

    @ katahdin
    January 25th, 2020 at 06:01pm
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ dezzy

    Geralt was glad to see the two girls reunite, knowing how much the two cared for each other. He hoped that Anfrih wouldn't insist on tagging along with him when Verris finally decided to leave with him, but he supposed there were worse traveling companions. At least she could fight. But from the way he'd seen Egon acting around her, he guess that if Anfrih decided to stick around, so would the dark haired Witcher. They'd have to have a conversation about their situation later, knowing it was very complicated.

    He looked over at Verris as she moved to sit on the bench next to him while her friend ran off to get her something to eat and Egon disappeared to get a room, shifting a bit as he grabbed his ale to take a swig. He'd had his arm resting across the back of the bench when she sat down, and now that she was sitting he couldn't move it out of her way without bumping into her, so he decided to just leave it. He was also surprised to hear that she'd wished their reunion could have been longer, and was even more surprised to say that he'd felt the same. It felt insane to say, but he'd missed her. Not that he'd tell her or anyone else, but he had, and that little fact was eating away at him.

    With a nod he finished his ale, setting the mug down on the table. "Of course. I've got a room upstairs, and I have a feeling Anfrih will retire early tonight, she's had quite the rough few months from the looks of it."
    Anfrih had worked her way through the crowd to the bar, asking for bread and a plate of something she knew Verris would enjoy, paying the woman before leaning against the counter while she waited. She focused on the grooves in the wood, blocking out the sound of the men around her trying to get her attention and saying all sorts of vulgar things. When she felt a hand on her shoulder she whirled around, ready to break the nose of whichever unlucky man had touched her, but relaxed when she realized it was just Egon.

    She frowned a bit as she looked between him and the key as he explained that he'd gotten them a room, stormy eyes finding his after a few moments of thought. "I thought you'd be bunking with Geralt? I don't mind, I can pay for my own room." She said simply, turning back toward the bar when the woman behind told her it would be a little longer on the meal. She turned back to Egon with a sigh, looking up at the dark haired Witcher. "But, I guess if you insist on sharing a room with me, you should let me buy it next time. At least that way we won't get overcharged." She cracked a small smile, hoping her teasing would cheer him up a little.
    January 25th, 2020 at 06:37pm
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

    :
    Ghoul of 2016
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    it and he lowered the key from her view before he began to twist it around his hand. She really thought he'd want to post up with Geralt over her? He knew he had been silent to her for the past few days that they journeyed, but that didn't mean anything had changed. On his end, anyway.

    "You may be right about that." Egon chuckled under his breath, speaking of the coin, his eyes lowered to watch the key turn over repeatedly in his hand. "But, I'm not insisting anything. We don't have to share if you don't want to." He lifted his head to be eye level with her, before he laid the key in front of her and moved his hands to his sides. He knew she was teasing at him, but he wanted to hear her say that she wanted to be with him, or that she wanted to share a room, at the least. He wanted to hear her say anything that would confirm there was no more tension between the two. Any tension that would make anything awkward between them.
    Verris wasn't sure if she was overthinking things, but she seemed to feel an overwhelming sense warmth and comfort just by sitting a few inches away from Geralt, his arm gently resting behind her back. It was nice... She looked up at him and nodded slightly when he mentioned Anfrih, "She does look very tired... I feel horrible that this has happened to her because of me." Verris knew it hadn't been her choice that her father sold her off to a mage, thus sending Anfrih through... whatever it was apparent she had went through. Had she just left the kingdom immediately after she was sold? Or had something else happened?

    Parting her lips slightly, Verris tried to clear her mind by focusing on the witcher by her side. The flames from the torches on the walls sent shadows dancing across his face, his bright eyes illuminated in the darkness. He was so handsome and she it was hard to deny these feelings that were coming up.

    @ katahdin
    January 26th, 2020 at 06:18am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ dezzy

    Anfrih looked up at him as he lowered the key, smiling a bit as she got him to chuckle. She was relieved to hear him laugh, to see him smile just a bit. The past few days had been awful. Being near him but not having him speak to her was worse than not seeing him for years. She was also grateful to hear him say that he wasn't insisting on anything, that he wasn't going to force her to stay with him if she didn't want to. She watched as he set the key down on the counter in front of her, turning back to meet his amber eyes with her stormy ones.

    "Of course I want to, Egon." She whispered as she gazed up at him, taking the key and pressing it back into his hand, although she kept her hand pressed into his, savoring the touch. She looked like she was about to say something else, but was interupted when the woman behind the counter brought the plate of food she'd ordered for Verris, plopping it down on the counter before heading off to deal with another customer. Anfrih offered him a faint smile as she pulled her hand from his, turning to grab the plate of food. "I best get this to Verris while it's hot." She murmured, meeting his eyes one more time before sliding past him to get back to Geralt and Verris. She was surprised to see her friend looking so comfortable and relaxed so close to the Witcher, the pair looking more like old friends than two people who had really only met twice.

    Setting down the meal in front of the Princess she took her seat again, digging back into her own meal, even though it was cold. "I hope the meal is alright for you. If you want something else, I can always go back and request it." Most of her life she'd been serving the princess in one way or another, so it was a hard habit to shake.
    Geralt hummed as she expressed guilt over her friend's situation, shrugging slightly as he slipped his ale. "It wasn't your fault, it was your father's." He said simply. He'd already despised the man, but now he was certain that if he ever saw the king again, he'd rip him apart for what he'd done to his own daughter.

    "I'm sure Anfrih feels guilty for not having prevented a lot of what happened. But don't worry about her too much, she's got Egon to watch over her." It was odd to him that both Witchers had somehow become stuck with the two women in one way or another, whether by choice or by destiny it was hard to say. He glanced over at Verris, eyes sweeping her body to make sure she wasn't injured, but also taking the moment to admire just how beautiful the young princess was. He was sure he'd have to fight off a number of drunk and horrible men for getting too close to her in the future.

    He looked up when Anfrih returned with a plate of food for Verris, watching as she returned to her own meal before lifting his head to scan the crowd for Egon, sure that the dark haired Witcher wouldn't be far behind Anfrih.
    January 26th, 2020 at 09:27am
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

    :
    Ghoul of 2016
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    Verris thanked Anfrih as she sat down, pulling the plate closer in front of her. The food in Aretuza wasn't horrible, and she wasn't very hungry, but it was too late now to refuse. "Anfrih, I don't think I'm a princess anymore, you don't have to wait on me." The young girl spoke it quietly, afraid it might sound rude or selfish in some way, that's now how she meant it. She had always wanted Anfrih to leave Redania, go on her own adventures and live her own life, whether that was by her side or not. Verris had planned for so long for the pair to escape that shit-hole of a castle, they had gotten what she wished for, even if it wasn't exactly the way she wanted it. "But, thank you." She gave her friend a little smile as she picked up a piece of the bread on the plate she had been gifted.

    She was just so happy to see her friend in good enough health and in good hands. Her eyes flickered over to Egon as he came walking up to their table, a fresh tankard of ale in his hand. He plopped down onto the bench, with so little as a huff towards them in greeting. He might've seemed rough around the edges, but so did Geralt and if Verris felt like she could trust herself in his hands, surely she could trust Anfrih in Egon's.
    Egon had lingered at the counter across the tavern for a bit, feeling the little weight of the key in his hand. His heart felt like it was doing flips behind his rib cage, beating much faster than a witcher's should. Their hearts normally beat much slower than a human's and right now, he felt like he might be having a heart attack. "One more." He told the woman when she returned from the other customer she was helping, paying her before she would slam the tankard down on the counter in front of him. He was too overjoyed and relieved with how Anfrih had answered him to get pissy with the woman. He picked up the drink, turning away from the counter and going to find his way back to the table.

    "If it isn't my dear friend, Egon!" Egon stopped dead in his tracks, feeling his heart immediately calm down, his hand tightened more around the stein and he slowly turned around to face the bard, annoyance clearly written all over his face.

    "You." He sighed, looking down at Jaskier, eyeing over his stupid blue frilly outfit, the lute he carried in his left hand. Egon gave him no further of a greeting before turning around and hurrying back to the table, grunting in Geralt's direction as he sat down. "We have...company." His eyes rolled as he blinked, looking up at Geralt before pointing over his shoulder. The bard could be seen trying to follow Egon, pushing his way through the crowd of people who weren't so kind to make a path for him.

    @ katahdin
    January 26th, 2020 at 06:52pm
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ dezzy

    Anfrih paused her eating to look at Verris as she spoke about not being a princess any longer, and how she didn't have to serve her. She'd never thought of it that way, as it being her duty to serve Verris just because she was a princess. It was more out of friendship. But she supposed if Verris didn't want her to do it any longer, she'd put in an effort to stop. "Oh.." was all she could think to say before digging back into her meal. She wasn't upset by it, but she didn't think there was that much more to talk about. Once she was finished she pushed her plate aside, watching Verris pick at her food. "Are they treating you alright? They're not hurting you, are they?" She asked, wanting to make sure her friend was truly alright.

    She looked at Egon as he came to sit down beside her, although she frowned at his sour mood and the news that they had company, shifting in her seat to see who he was pointing at. A small smile spread across her lips when she saw the bard, recognizing him instantly, before she turned back to face Egon, bumping her knee lightly into his under the table to try to cheer him up. "I could punch him again, if you'd like." She whispered as the bard came up behind them and greeted Geralt.

    Geralt had been sitting quietly as he watched Anfrih and Verris speak, studying their reactions to one another. It was clear that they cared for one another, but with Verris' new station in life, they'd both have to adjust their friendship a little. He looked up when Egon sat down with a grunt, eyes quickly spotting Jasiker making his way over to them.

    "Fuck." He sighed as he reluctantly moved his arm from where it rested behind Verris gripping his tankard with both hands. He liked the bard, even if he could be a pain in the ass. But he knew Egon didn't like him, and with both Verris and Anfrih with them, he was sure Jasiker would do something profoundly annoying to both Witchers. "Hello, Jasiker." He said when the bard finally reached their table. "Which noblewoman's bed have you been kicked out of this time?"
    January 26th, 2020 at 07:10pm
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

    :
    Ghoul of 2016
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    Egon smirked over towards Anfrih, the thought of her punching the bard square in the jaw a good enough thought to bring a smile to his face, if only for a second. "He'd probably like that too much." He teased back, bringing the tankard up to his mouth as he did his best to ignore Jaskier. He knew it wouldn't be long before the bard became to unbearable though, he had such a large mouth and never seemed to stop talking... And he was always talking about something you certainly didn't want him running his jaws about... Egon was already coming up with ways to excuse himself from the table.

    Jaskier scoffed towards Geralt, propping his lute up against the table and placing his hands on his hips. "I am appalled, Geralt-" The look of shock and offense on the small man's face was enough to make Egon roll his eyes, "-I can't believe you..." Jaskier stopped talking when he realized the look on Geralt's face. He wasn't fooling anyone. He sighed and plopped down on the bench next to Geralt, forcing him to scoot over, pushing him closer to the princess. "I guess it doesn't really matter does it? But if it does, it was a bishop's wife up in Verden."

    Jaskier tossed his hands onto the table, smacking the top like it was a drum as he looked around the table. "And who are these two lovely ladies? Have you two fallen in love?" The bard teased, his bright eyes moving between Geralt and Egon, "After all, I don't think I've ever seen you sitting with women in a tavern." He pushed himself back up from the table as he moved to the other side, introducing himself Anfrih and Verris.

    "I'm sure you've heard of me, but name's Jaskier." He moved closer to the girls to get good looks at them, "Wow, beautiful, absolutely stunning. Good job, witchers!" The bard was excessively loud as he scooted back onto the bench, this time next to Verris.

    The young girl looked over at the bard in complete shock, before looking back towards Geralt, a look on her face as if to ask him, is this guy serious? Her heart was fluttering in her chest, her face turning blood red at the mention of the pair being in love. She didn't think it was possible for a stranger to make her feel this uncomfortable.

    Egon slammed the tankard down on the table, unable to hide any of the emotions that were written across his face. "Do you ever shut up, bard?" He hissed, jerking his head in Jaskier's direction.

    @ katahdin
    January 27th, 2020 at 06:51pm
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ dezzy

    Anfrih snickered a little at Egon's teasing, her nose scrunching up as she tried to hide her amusement. She was glad that he wasn't upset enough to not see humor in this situation, but she could tell that the bard put him on edge, and she wouldn't be surprised if he was the one to punch the bard by the end of the night. It seemed Geralt also was annoyed by the Bard's presence, although much less than Egon. Although the white haired Witcher certainly did look annoyed as Jaskier slid into the bench next to him.

    "Still haven't learned your lesson yet, have you?" Geralt asked, taking a sip of his ale as he looked over at the bard, his look of amusement at Jaskier's story being replaced by one of annoyance as he began to ask about Verris and Anfrih. "This is Verris of Redania, and her guard Anfrih." Geralt introduced them simply, sparing the details about how they'd come to be sitting in the tavern together. He didn't need the bard shouting about their business anyway. He huffed in annoyance when Jaskier moved to the other side of the bench to be closer to the women, although he wasn't surprised. He glanced down at Verris as she was forced closer to him, giving her a brief apologetic look before focusing back on his ale, rolling his eyes at Jaskier's comment about being in love.

    Anfrih was also rolling her eyes as Jaskier made his way around the table, picking at the bread on the table as she watched the bard. She was about to suggest that he keep his voice down, or else she'd remind him that they'd met before by punching him again, but was interupted when Egon slammed his tankard down on the table, causing her to jump a little in surprise, frowning as she looked over at him. Geralt huffed, giving the bard a hard look. "If you're going to keep shouting I won't stop Egon from beating you up. But if you keep your voice down and the teasing to a minimum, you can stay."
    January 27th, 2020 at 09:09pm
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

    :
    Ghoul of 2016
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    The bread Jaskier had been stealing dropped from his hand back onto the wooden table as he rose them into the air, as if to scream he was innocent. He looked between Geralt and Egon, a perplexed look on his face as he sat back down next to Verris. He leaned in close to the princess and whispered, "How do you deal with them when they always act this way?" It wasn't to be taken serious, at least, Jaskier ended up laughing a little afterwards. "Always sitting in a dark corner of a tavern, brooding."

    Jaskier returned to picking up the bread and even attempted to shove some into his pockets. Verris raised one eyebrow, watching the slender man eagerly rip into one of the pieces and she wondered why he was acting like a rabid animal. Had it been so long since he last ate? She was beginning to realize just how cruel this world must be to more people than she realized.

    "He doesn't always sit in a corner and brood." Verris piped up, teasing Geralt, but at the same time trying to be a bit more friendly to the bard. Jaskier did seem very over the top and Verris imagined she could only handle him in small quantities, but she didn't believe there was any reason to be intentionally mean to anyone. "Are you that hungry? You can have some of my food, if you want?" Verris gave a cautionary look towards Anfrih, not wanting to upset her when she did pay for the princess's meal.

    The bard looked towards her and gave a soft smile before picking up a piece of the sliced up turkey, "Well, thank you. Aren't you so sweet." Jaskier seemed to relax a bit and Verris hoped that was the last of his loud outbursts.

    @ katahdin
    January 28th, 2020 at 05:27pm
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ dezzy

    Geralt let out a small snort that almost could have been considered a laugh at Verris' teasing, taking another sip of his ale as he watched Verris and Jaskier speak. He was glad that the bard had calmed down, not liking the extra attention he tended to draw in. It was bad enough that there were two Witchers sitting at the back of the tavern, but having an overzealous bard screaming about their business certainly made it harder to blend in.

    Anfrih watched Jaskier and Verris, a bit nervous that the bard might try something, but now that he'd calmed down he seemed much more manageable. She didn't mind Verris sharing her food either, glad that it was at least getting eaten by someone. "So, Verris, when do you think you'll be ready to leave?" She asked the princess curiously. She didn't want to get into specifics about her situation with Jaskier right there, especially when Geralt hadn't offered him up the whole story, so she decided to stick to being vague. She shifted a bit in her seat as she picked at another piece of bread, sore from riding for so long, wishing she could take a hot bath to soothe her aching muscles.

    Geralt was also curious to know the answer to Anfrih's question, glancing down at the princess as he waited for her response. He knew they didn't have the coin to stay in this tavern waiting for her for months, and he could only hope that she'd say something like a few more days, even if he doubted that was the case. He'd have to work a deal out with the innkeeper, or send Egon and Anfrih out to kill a few monsters to get them enough coin to continue to afford the room while he remained near Aretuza in case anything happened.
    January 28th, 2020 at 07:40pm
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

    :
    Ghoul of 2016
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    Verris shifted in her seat, looking up at her friend even though she felt the weight of Geralt's stare on her. "Well, they've been talking about some ceremony in two weeks time. So before that." Her training was almost complete, but she chose to keep the nature of the ceremony vague, more in fear of Geralt's reaction that the bards presence.

    She remembered back to when he spoke about the brotherhood owning her and she knew there was some ritual right before the ceremony. Tissaia had been speaking with her about certain enchantments she would be able to receive. She was sure that's what Geralt had meant. Other than training her, once she they gifted her the chance to change anything about herself, she knew there was no going back. No escaping them. She had to leave before that. She hoped she could.

    Egon sensed the way the girl stiffened when she answered the question. He knew he didn't know her well, but he couldn't help think she seemed a bit off, nervous to speak. He let his gaze shift to Anfrih, wondering if her friend would notice anything off, before he stared directly across the table at Geralt.

    "We better be finding a way to make some coin, in that case." His tone was tough as he brought his tankard to his lips.

    @ katahdin
    January 30th, 2020 at 01:05am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ dezzy

    Geralt grunted in response to Verris saying she expected her training to be done in two weeks time, finishing off his ale. He certainly didn't have the coin for that. And neither did Egon. He sighed as he looked across the table at his friend, nodding in agreement when he said that they needed to find a way to make money. "Perhaps we can see if any of the surrounding villages need a witcher." He suggested, glancing at Anfrih. He was sure she'd be excellent help in taking down a monster if need be, and he expected Egon to insist that the girl tag along with him. Three fighting a monster was definitely easier than one or two. He almost made a comment about having Anfrih sell herself to make coin, sure the girl would bring in quite a bit of coin, but something told him that that would upset Egon greatly.

    "You can have my coin, I promised to give it to you for finding Verris, anyway. It won't be enough to cover two weeks, but it'll help." Anfrih offered, digging the purse out of her pocket and setting it on the table between the two Witchers. She didn't really like the way Verris was telling half truths, but she knew that she must have her reasons for it, and so she decided not to push her on it. Maybe later, if she got to talk to her privately. With a little groan she stretched, rubbing at her eyes sleepily as she finished her piece of bread.

    "I think I'm going to go try to find a bath, and then head to bed.. Be safe Verris, I'm sure I'll see you again in the next two weeks." She offered her friend a smile, squeezing the girl's hand before standing from the table. She took the key to their room from Egon and grabbed her bag before heading up the stairs at the back of the tavern, looking forward to getting clean after however many days of riding.
    January 30th, 2020 at 02:36am
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

    :
    Ghoul of 2016
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    Verris looked up at Anfrih, giving her friend a small wave, "We will. Goodnight." She would make sure that she saw her friend again before it was time for her to leave the academy, especially since she felt horrible that they were having to scrounge up money together to stay in the isles. She wouldn't be surprised if one night she snuck out from the academy and found they had disappeared. A voice in her head was whispering to her now, telling her she should prepare for that possibility. How could she ask them to sit around and wait on her for so long when she couldn't even help them in any way?

    Egon's eyes flicked around the table, going from Geralt, over the princess and finally landing on the bard, who was still trying to sneak food off of the table into his bag. "I think Anfrih's on to something..." He wanted nothing more than to excuse himself from the table, away from Jaskier before he could try to make himself look any more like an ass. He threw the rest of his ale back before letting the tankard slam on to the table. Rising to his feet, he bowed his head towards Verris, muttering something under his breath that was probably a mockery to the crown, before telling his friend to rest easy.

    Leaving the table, he followed Anfrih up the stairs to the second floor of the tavern, hoping she had disappeared off to the room before trying to find a place to freshen up. He turned down the hall and found his way to the third door on the left, the room that was supposedly theirs. "Anfrih?" He knocked against the door before finding it unlocked. He pushed it open and peeked inside, seeing her rummaging through her leather bag. Entering the room, he shut the door behind him and let out a relieved sigh. He was happy it was just the two of them again. "So, your friend looks to be in good health..." Egon would be lying if he said the thought to leave hadn't crossed his mind. He wanted to try to convince Anfrih to run away with him now, that they could leave the isles and just go wherever their horses took them. He wanted to tell her that she was in good hands, just as she had always been, but he didn't see it going over very well at the moment.
    Verris cleared her throat when the strange witcher left the table, grinding her teeth when she heard his mockery, the way princess slid off of his tongue as if it was poison. Shaking her head, she looked back over to the bard, tapping his fingers gingerly against the table.

    "So, what does the night have in store for us?" Jaskier caught the girl staring at him and he tossed his arm over her shoulder, jolting her into sitting up straighter. He leaned forward, looking around her and over to Geralt, "Hmm? The night is still young! I'm sure we could find some trouble to get into... How about I follow you little lovebirds under the full moon, with my lute? By the end of it, I'm sure you'll want to tip this ol' jester?" He squeezed Verris' shoulder, hearing how Egon had referred to as royalty. The bard couldn't help but think she must have some coin on her, and it was in every fiber of his being to try and seduce, serenade or sing coin straight out of a woman's purse.

    Verris let her eyes linger on Jaskier for a moment before in aggravation she just stared forward towards the wall across the tavern in front of her, before returning her gaze to him. "There is no us, bard." She grabbed his hand off of her shoulder and tossed it aside, before standing to her feet and smoothing out her dress. "Geralt, I have to return to the academy soon, but I have a little more time to spare if you'd like...?" She was worried how it might sound, if she was asking him to retire with her to his room, but she wanted to get as far away from the bard as she could... and have some alone time with him.

    @ katahdin
    January 30th, 2020 at 04:55pm
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ dezzy

    Anfrih had already taken off her armor and jacket by the time Egon arrived, leaving her in her filthy shirt and pants as she knelt by her bag, rummaging through it to find the clean change of clothes she knew she had. She'd also undone her neat braid, hair hanging around her face as she looked up at him when he entered, offering the Witcher a faint smile. "Yes.. I'm glad to see she's doing alright, but I can't help but feel like she's hiding something still.." she sighed as she stood, holding her change of clothes in her hands as she kicked off her boots.

    "At least we'll be leaving in a week or so." She tried to sound cheerful, taking a few steps toward the door that led to the little bathing chamber in the room adjacent, pausing near the door to look back at Egon. "There's a bathtub in here that's all ready to go.. If you want to bathe, you could have it first, I don't mind waiting." She offered softly, a faint blush heating up her cheeks as another idea entered her mind. "Or we could share.. I mean, it's more practical, instead of having to heat up new water once you're done, and I wouldn't look, I swear." She promised, rambling as she focused her eyes anywhere but on the Witcher, knowing she probably embarrassed herself terribly.
    Geralt wished Egon a goodnight as he departed, but didn't appreciate the way he'd spoken to Verris. He figured it was probably just pent up frustration over the situation the dark haired Witcher was finding himself in, and he hoped he'd get over it soon enough. Looking over at Jaskier as he began to speak, he glared as he threw his arm so carelessly around the princess, so obviously trying to woo her into giving him money.

    "Fuck off, Jaskier." Geralt mumbled as he finished his ale, tossing the bard a few silver coins from Anfrih's coin purse before pocketing it as he stood with Verris. He was sure he'd see the bard later, whether tonight or in the morning, but for now he needed to make sure that the princess got safely back to Aretuza. "I'll escort you back, Verris." He offered, stepping away from the table and gesturing toward the door, fixing Jaskier with a hard look. "Follow us and I'll toss you and your lute into the sea." He threatened before turning to lead Verris from the crowded bar and to the streets outside.
    January 30th, 2020 at 07:26pm
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

    :
    Ghoul of 2016
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    Egon was about to comment on what he thought Verris was hiding. He did know quite a bit about mages and sorcerers and he thought he had a pretty good idea... However, his thoughts quickly raced elsewhere when Anfrih mentioned bathing together. Clearing his throat, he looked down at Anfrih, admiring how her face was blushing pink, no doubt she was a little embarrassed by what she asked.

    He walked closer to the door frame that Anfrih lingered in, he motioned her inside with a faint smile, before following her. "Are you sure?" Egon couldn't help wonder if Anfrih had been serious, though he didn't quite wait for an answer before he was unbuckling the armor from his shoulders. It was embarrassing to think about just how long it had been since Egon had been with a woman, it was also embarrassing to think about how long it had been since he had washed up. The witcher decided to not think about either as he pulled his shirt from over his head, bundling it up in his arms before letting it fall to the floor.

    His torso was littered with pale, thick scars. They ran along his sides, his back and over his chest, some long and dragging over his skin, while others were smaller, the perfect size of a stab wound. He had cheated death many, many times, but had the markings to show for it.
    Even though the bard had started to get on Verris's nerves, she couldn't help but imagine the ballad the bard would make up if he did follow them. She also found herself laughing under her breath at the image of Geralt actually tossing him into the sea. Once the pair stepped out into the cold night, Verris let out a short breath, watching as it came out ghostly white. It was freezing and the mists from the water weren't helping.

    "I'm sorry I cannot leave yet... If you can't afford to stay, I'll understand." Verris felt the need to apologize to him, even though she hadn't asked him to stay, he had offered. She still felt like it was her fault that he felt the need to stay, to protect her. He had never shown that he actually seemed to like her, just that it was destiny that brought them together again and again. She didn't know how to tell him he didn't have to stick around just because some unforeseeable force said so. That was partially why she had to stay and finish her training. Verris wanted to be able to protect herself.

    @ katahdin
    January 31st, 2020 at 03:47am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ dezzy

    If Anfrih's heart hadn't already been beating a mile a minute, it certainly would have been as Egon stepped forward to follow her into the bathroom. She too cleared her throat a little at his question, setting her clean clothes on a little stool by the tub, which was filled with steaming water. "Yes.. It's more practical than filling this thing up twice with hot water. And there should be enough room for us to sit back to back, so I won't see anything, I promise." She explained as she fidgeted nervously, grabbing the pair a few towels and some soap from the cabinet in the corner, although when she turned around and saw him unbuckling his armor and pulling off his shirt.

    She mentally scolded herself for staring, but she couldn't help it. He was gorgeous. Setting their towels and soap down by the tub she hesitantly stepped toward him until she stood only a few inches away, gingerly reaching up to gently brush her fingers over one of the scars on his chest. "Will you tell me about them sometime?" She whispered curiously. She didn't want to press the issue if he was uncomfortable with it, but she wanted to know. She couldn't imagine how many times he'd managed to avoid death, and the thought of him going through that pain again scared her more than she cared to admit.
    Geralt couldn't help but smirk a little as he heard Verris' laugh and half of Jaskier's whining reply, shutting the door to the tavern after they stepped into the cold night air. He noticed how she shivered, and he scolded himself for not staying inside, but Jaskier wouldn't have left them alone if they had, and he felt better knowing she got back to wherever she'd snuck away from safely.

    "There's no need to apologise. I'll figure something out." Geralt said simply as they walked, eyes scanning the village for any signs of danger. "Egon and I will find a way to make coin, and I'm sure Anfrih will be happy to help. Just focus on being safe, and we'll leave whenever you're ready." There wasn't more to it than that, in his mind. If Egon wanted to leave with Anfrih he wouldn't stop him, but he was staying in this awful town until Verris was ready to leave with him.
    January 31st, 2020 at 04:11am