Geralt lifts an eyebrow. The man's mortification is palpable. A bit piteous, actually. He huffs a breath, arms folded across his chest. Was Istredd always like this?

"I'm not who you need to convince." He isn't here to warn Istredd away from Ciri. "And you can't avoid her forever."

In the sphere, that's an impossible ask. Being of the Summoned aside, Istredd remains the most knowledgeable on monoliths. He has a relationship with Yennefer. Geralt does not care to make enemies where unneeded. Nor does he wish to treat Istredd like a problem waiting to happen. It's a waste of his time, a waste of his efforts.

If he will not kill him—and Geralt happens to not want to (for now)—then he wants to be able to trust him. Where Ciri is concerned, at least. There is something bigger in the world. Always has been, but since the abductions, it's become more glaring. Gods and ancient powers. Visions of the unknown.

It is not only about keeping Ciri safe. It's about giving her a life she deserves.

"I have not told you this so you can hide from her. I'm telling you so you can stop being a fucking idiot when your paths invariably cross again."