I thought I’d continue the short story I wrote about Triss and Geralt in Kovir. So commence part 2.
The storm had raged throughout the night leaving behind a few puddles and morning dew spread over the hills. The rays of sunlight split the room and despite the curtain’s best efforts, had awoken Geralt from his sleep. He turned over expecting to see Triss still sleeping beside him, though the room was empty. “Triss?” Geralt, a bit confused sat up. The empty room didn’t respond. Geralt quickly got dressed and went down stairs.
“Good morning” Triss said watching as Geralt, still half asleep struggled to walk down the stairs.
“You’re up early, or did I sleep in” he questioned, turning to Triss. She was sitting near the door lacing up her boots.
“A bit of both I imagine, can’t blame you, neither of us got much sleep last night” responded Triss with a smile.
“True. Just let me get some of my gear and we can leave” he said returning the smile.
“You’re going into town too?”
“No, but its close to the mines. I’ll drop you off on the way, if you want?”
“I’d like that”
Geralt returned to the bedroom and his retrieved his hunting gear, ogroid oil, sallow and grapeshot not to mention his two long swords.
“That should be all I need for the contract” thought Geralt, he was more excited then he had expected for a simple nekker contract.
“Lets go” locking the thick wooden door behind him and he turning to see Triss waiting with Rouch.
The gates to main king’s grand estate were within eyeshot. His land was deserving of that title and even more. The courtyard was littered with expensive fountains and rare plant life, for which even a man as well travelled as Geralt was unfamiliar with. Beyond the courtyard lay a castle build as if it were to emulate the power the king wielded in the north. With towers that reached to the sky to the hundreds of guards on petrol day and night, this would be enough to sent any invader crying home.
“Hope were not late” said Triss holding onto Geralt’s waist as she sat behind him, while he steered Rouch along the path. “It’s never a good idea to leave a sorceress waiting, I would know” smirked Geralt
“No, no it isn’t” whispered Triss wrapping her hands around his waist, sequencing tightly.
When they reached the gate Triss handed over the permit to the guard. He was large, a bit too big for his armor in fact and sweating profusely.
“Miss Merigold.” The guard nodded
“A Miss Eilhart is waiting for you near the hall” he continued before returning the permit.
“Great” Geralt mumbled under his breath.
“Thank you” Triss responded to the guard, giving Geralt a look.
Philippa, as the guard had said was waiting, her gaze, though technically non-excitant followed Geralt and Triss as they approached.
“It’s good to see you Philippa”
“Morning Triss”
“No greetings from my favorite witcher” She said in a sarcastic tone.
“Philippa” Geralt nodded
“I might not be able to see but I can still sense the displeasure in your voice”
“She might be blind but she’s still just as revered as she was years ago” warned Triss
“Oh Triss you haven’t even seen me with a cane in my hand, but maybe you can ask your beloved Geralt, I’m sure he remembers.” Philippa responded, smiling at them both.
“I’d rather not relive that memory” interrupted Geralt
“Smart boy, now come along Triss the council is waiting” advised Philippa
“Ok” Responded Triss
“Geralt, I better see you in one piece when you get back” she said looking back at him
“Don’t worry Triss, I’ll be fine” They kissed goodbye before Triss hurried into the halls with Philippa.
Geralt returned to the gate where Rouch had been waiting although there had been an issue with the guards. The heat from the morning sun had caused the large guard to collapse from exhaustion, knocking Rouch and spilling some of Geralt’s gear onto the ground.
“I’m sorry Master Witcher Sir, I fell. I swear it’s the hea” pleaded the guard
“If anything is damaged, you’ll pay for it in blood. Now… be quiet” interrupted Geralt, staring the guard into submission. The guard swallowed any pride he had left and nodded.
As Geralt collected his gear he found a memento he had long since forgot was hidden deep within his personal belongings. The rose of remembrance he had found while searching for Triss in Novigrad. Though it was still withered just the memories it held were enough to make Geralt smile.
“Mmm… master witcher” quivered the guard still to scared to get up off the ground.
Geralt’s tone changed “What” he responded putting the rose in his front pocket.
“Your gear is it?” questioned the man, fearing the worst
“Broken… yes, some of it, a few potions to be specific.” Replied Geralt
“Oh no please, sir I’ll pay, I don’t have any coin now but I’ll get some. I swear it” begged the guard.
“Fine, I have business else where. I don’t have the time for this now.” agreed Geralt.
“Thank you masterful witcher” thanked the guard, nearly crying with gratitude.
“Next time I see you, you better have my coin or there will unpleasant consequences. Do you understand?” asked the witcher, as he climbed onto Rouch.
“Yes, yes. I understand, it won’t be an issue” said the guard as he returned to his feet.
Geralt grew tired of playing the ‘scary witcher’ and road off to the mines.