Yennefer of Vengerberg (all spoilers)

[Ljesnjanin]

The word 'toxic' is the favorite word used by yen-haters to describe y&g relationship

That argument is completely irrelevant...Geralt is immune to toxins...

 

[xxgwxx]

What can i say those are stories from Dandelion and he is Adult

Spoiler

Kind of

retarded adult

 

[Krull32]

How are you folks?

Hey,
Good and you ?
Yep..a bite more speed here and there...nothing special

That argument is completely irrelevant...Geralt is immune to toxins...

Well, not complete immune
too much can kill him

 

[UndiscoveredAdv]

Hey,
Good and you ?
Yep..a bite more speed here and there...nothing special

Not bad at all, I'm on my second playthrough of the game, and I'm still noticing things I've never seen before! This game doesn't stop blowing me away, even now. There's some awesome screenshots on this thread by the way, kudos!

 

[Gilthoniel]

Wow, a week or so without internet and it's like I've missed years on this forum! I don't know whether I have it in me to read 100s of pages! How are you folks?

Hey good to see you back...well we are fine... @swordsandroses posted a nice discussion comments - we were talking like in 20 pages about Yen and Ciri so uhm yeah

Okay guys, it's time for another book to in game Yen analysis session.

Previously, we've discussed Yen's character introduction from the book and Sapkowski's take on Yennefer.

1. Whether the game Yen's introduction in White Orchard and Vizima produced the same effect like her book introduction is arguable at best.
2. Did CDPR's subtle hints at her importance, such as occasional journal entries, flashbacks and a dream, produce a sufficient emotional bond between players and Yen? Arguable at best of times, in my honest opinion.
3. Did they manage to blow us away with her first impression and explored her bond with Geralt enough to tickle player's deeper interest? Maybe.

I'm hoping this sort of constructive talk helps CDPR understand our point of view and reasons behind our requests for more Yennefer content.


In today's session, I'd like to begin the analysis of Yen's relationship to Cirilla, something that's a far bigger issue in game than both Yen - Geralt or Yen - Triss lack of content.
So please stay with me and enjoy some wonderful moments from the books, between a mother and her daughter.

Spoiler

Wrapped in a towel, Ciri sat down on the small chair at the magician’s knees. Yennefer brushed the girl’s hair, every now and again snipping off a disobedient wisp with a pair of scissors.

“Are you angry with me?” asked the girl reluctantly. “For, for… going to the tower?”

“No. But Nenneke doesn’t like it. You know that.”

“But I haven’t… I don’t care about Jarre in the least.” Ciri blushed a little. “I only…”

“Exactly,” muttered the enchantress. “You only. Don’t play the child because you’re not one any more, let me remind you. That boy slobbers and stammers at the sight of you. Can’t you see that?”

“That’s not my fault! What am I supposed to do?”

Yennefer stopped combing Ciri’s hair and measured her with a deep, violet gaze.

“Don’t toy with him. It’s base.”

“But I’m not toying with him! I’m only talking to him!”

“I’d like to believe,” the enchantress said as she snipped her scissors, cutting yet another wisp of hair which would not allow itself to be styled for anything in the world, “that during these conversations, you remember what I asked you.”

“I remember, I remember!”

“He’s an intelligent and bright boy. One or two inadvertent words could lead him on the right track, to matters he should know nothing about. No one, absolutely no one must find out who you are.”

“I remember,” repeated Ciri. “I haven’t squealed a word to anyone, you can be sure of that. Tell me, is that why we have to leave so suddenly? Are you afraid that someone’s going to find out I’m here? Is that why?”

“No. There are other reasons.”

“Is it because… there might be a war? Everybody’s talking about another war! Everybody’s talking about it, Lady Yennefer.”

“Indeed,” the magician confirmed coolly, snipping her scissors just above Ciri’s ear. “It’s a subject which belongs to the so-called interminable category. There’s been talk about wars in the past, there is talk now and there always will be. And not without reason – there have been wars and there will be wars. Lower your head.”

“Jarre said… that there’s not going to be a war with Nilfgaard. He spoke of some sort of analogies… Showed me a map. I don’t know what to think myself any more. I don’t know what these analogies are, probably something terribly clever… Jarre reads various learned books and knows it all, but I think…”

“It interests me, what you think, Ciri.”

“In Cintra… That time… Lady Yennefer, my grandmother was much cleverer than Jarre. King Eist was clever, too. He sailed the seas, saw everything, even a narwhal and sea serpent, and I bet he also saw many an analogy. And so what? Suddenly they appeared, the Nilfgaardians…”

Ciri raised her head and her voice stuck in her throat. Yennefer put her arms around her and hugged her tightly.

“Unfortunately,” she said quietly, “unfortunately, you’re right, my ugly one. If the ability to make use of experience and draw conclusions decided, we would have forgotten what war is a long time ago. But those whose goal is war have never been held back, nor will be, by experience or analogy.”

“So… It’s true, after all. There is going to be a war. Is that why we have to leave?”

“Let’s not talk about it. Let’s not worry too soon.”

Ciri sniffed.

“I’ve already seen a war,” she whispered. “I don’t want to see another. Never. I don’t want to be alone again. I don’t want to be frightened. I don’t want to lose everything again, like that time. I don’t want to lose Geralt… or you, Lady Yennefer. I don’t want to lose you. I want to stay with you. And him. Always.”

“You will.” The magician’s voice trembled a little. “And I’m going to be with you, Ciri. Always. I promise you.”

***

“How long are you going to edu— Teach me for?”

“As long as you want.” The magician leaned over, opened the chest of drawers, pulled out an old leather bag, a belt, two boots trimmed with fur and a clay demi-john in a wicker basket. Ciri heard her curse under her breath while smiling, and saw her hide the finds back in the drawers. She guessed whose they were. Who had left them there.

“What does that mean, as long as I want?” she asked. “If I get bored or don’t like the work—”

“We’ll put an end to it. It’s enough that you tell me. Or show me.”

“Show you? How?”

“Should we decide on educating you, I will demand absolute obedience. I repeat: absolute. If, on the other hand, you get tired of it, it will suffice for you to disobey. Then the lessons will instantly cease. Is that clear?”

Ciri nodded and cast a fleeting glance of her green eyes at the magician.

“Secondly,” continued Yennefer, unpacking her saddle-bags, “I will demand absolute sincerity. You will not be allowed to hide anything from me. Anything. So if you feel you have had enough, it will suffice for you to lie, pretend, feign or close in on yourself. If I ask you something and you do not answer sincerely, that will also indicate an instant end to our lessons. Have you understood?”

“Yes,” muttered Ciri. “And that… sincerity… Does that work both ways? Will I be able to… ask you questions?”

Yennefer looked at her and her lips twisted strangely.

“Of course,” she answered after a while. “That goes without saying. That will be the basis of the learning and protection I aim to give you. Sincerity works both ways. You are to ask me questions. At any time. And I will answer. Sincerely.”

“Any question?”

“Any question.”

“As of now?”

“Yes. As of now.”

“What is there between you and Geralt, Lady Yennefer?”

Ciri almost fainted, horrified at her own impertinence, chilled by the silence which followed the question.

The enchantress slowly approached her, placed her hands on her shoulders, looked her in the eyes from up close – and deeply.

“Longing,” she answered gravely. “Regret. Hope. And fear. Yes, I don’t think I have omitted anything. Well, now we can get on with the tests, you little green-eyed viper. We will see if you’re cut out for this. Although after your question I would be very surprised if it turned out you aren’t. Let’s go, my ugly one.”

Ciri bridled.

“Why do you call me that?”

Yennefer smiled with the corners of her lips.

“I promised to be sincere.”

I've highlighted in bold some of they key quotes that essentially mark their honest feelings between themselves, even in the early stage of their family.

This is Sapkwoski's vision and foundation for the whole series. He didn't think Yennefer is less important in that family trio. So why did CDPR?
They've masterfully shown the bond and relationship between Geralt and Ciri, yet omitted to let Yen have her family time. Except for one passionate hug to Ciri and as a silent companion to Avallac'h's cave.

There could have been some really touching moments in Kaer Morhen. It is really hard to swallow Yen wouldn't drag Ciri to the side for some private time and Geralt joining in. Even for an hour or two.

For example, in the guest room, Yen is brushing Ciri's hair and maybe giving it a trim, just like she used to, while Geralt's sitting opposite of them, maybe inspecting Ciri's sword while listening to their conversation.
Yen is an emotional mess as she absorbs every word from Ciri, who is telling them both about her travels and adventures. Maybe even go into explaining Avallac'h and the WIld Hunt a bit more. Which is when they snap out of it and realize they have to prepare for battle.

Anyway, that's just my take on it. Would love to hear what other people think.

 

[Ljesnjanin]

How are you folks?

Dead.

And waiting for some necromancy.

---------- Updated at 05:13 PM ----------

Well, not complete immune
too much can kill him

Yenn is not too much...

 

[Krull32]

There's some awesome screenshots on this thread by the way, kudos!

yep, and in the last days we got so many of them.
Thanks to 0nakita

Yenn is not too much...

of course not

 

[wichat]

Toxic... very toxic... These athirst eyes of love... when he's not looking

 

[TreesAreCanon]

That argument is completely irrelevant...Geralt is immune to toxins...

Shame he isn't immune to violet eyes and lilac and gooseberies.

 

[Krull32]

Toxic... very toxic... These athirst eyes of love... when he's not looking

Right .
In her best "views" he always looks away
Shame on him !

 

[UndiscoveredAdv]

Hey good to see you back...well we are fine... @swordsandroses posted a nice discussion comments - we were talking like in 20 pages about Yen and Ciri so uhm yeah

Excellent analysis, that part of Blood of Elves made me fall in love with Yennefer, I didn't like her all that much beforehand. I agree, seeing her interact with Ciri to highlight their unique and deep bond, and some scenes showcasing the 'family' of Ciri and Geralt would have been wonderful. I admit, in a game that's so deep and rich with its characters that element is almost conspicuous in its absence.

 

[Sephira]

Wow, a week or so without internet and it's like I've missed years on this forum! I don't know whether I have it in me to read 100s of pages! How are you folks?

I'm slowly melting in heat, tried to continue a book I'm reading but I gave up after 13 pages. Apart from that, I'm fine.

You? (and don't be scared of 100+ pages to read... we feel you)

 

[carlos2033]

Right .
In her best "views" he always looks away
Shame on him !

Because he is The Glicher

 

[Krull32]

Because he is The Glicher

He is dumb to be honest ^^
if you think about "the View" of her ( my favorite ^^) she throws at him after the brawl in skellige...
and he didn't even recognized it...
Damn, Geralt ?!

 

[Slowdive]

WTF is with the word TOXIC...I see it every damn time - in every info in the game - they were toxic bla bla - when they were toxic? Like in the Last Wish and The Sword of Destiny...after that? NO!

btw. I don't like Britney Spears....

Come on. It's alright that Triss calls it toxic. Easy to understand why.
How many people in the books wished Geralt and Yennefer love and happiness? I don't remember.
True love is always a reason of mass jealousy and envy in real life. It even brings me a pleasure to see how people in the games poorly try to point Geralt about it. Did Bookgeralt care about what masses're talking about him, Yen and Ciri? He gave no sh1t. So why then Gamegeralt has to feel a discomfort?
Just remember this one:
"Yes, he said in his thoughts, yes, you are correct. There's only her, her at my side, here

and now, and this is all that matters. Here and now. And where she was before, with whom

she was, doesn't matter in the slightest. Now, she is with me, here, among you. With me and

no one else. That's what I'm thinking about; thinking about her, all the time, feeling the scent

of her perfume and the warmth of her body. And you can choke on the envy." ©

That's my Geralt in the game. Good old Geralt.

 

[wichat]

Colder than the Frozen White.....

 

[Tjerra]

Tfu, I'm still 40 pages behind. Well, ok, it's 20. Should I skip them or did something important happen? How many great artworks would I miss?

hmm in Russian translation it's different. She says that she call her duckling because there is a fairy tale about it. Need to see original text to say who is right. But I guess Russian is more closer to original and there is fairy tale about duckling who became pretty swan

Ciri żachnęła się.
- Dlaczego mi tak nazywasz?
Yennefer uśmiechnęła się kącikiem ust.
- Przyrzekłam ci szczerość.

Don't know if there's another part explaining the duckling thing later on, but that's the exact quote in Polish. I know that fairy tale, too (apparently we have the same fairy tale in Russia and in Germany, so I consider this to be a more European one), so maybe there's another part refering to it. I'm re-reading the saga right now, so maybe in one week I could tell you

 

[Krull32]

Well, ok, it's 20. Should I skip them or did something important happen? How many great artworks would I miss?

Maybe a few.

 

[Zyvik]

Yeah,when Yen-haters describe Yen and Geralt's relationship they just love to use words 'toxic' and 'abusive'.Oh and let's not forget the epic 'Yennefer treats him like a dog'.Keira,darling,I love you,but I'm ready to hate you now for giving the haters ideas.:angry:

 

[Krull32]

Yeah,when Yen-haters describe Yen and Geralt's relationship they just love to use words 'toxic' and 'abusive'.Oh and let's not forget the epic 'Yennefer treats him like a dog'.Keira,darling,I love you,but I'm ready to hate you now for giving the haters ideas.:angry: