abraxaslogs | WELCOME TO THE FREE CITIES!

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WELCOME TO THE FREE CITIES!

WELCOME TO THE FREE CITIES!

Welcome to The Free Cities! The portal exits outside the capital city of Cadens. The first impression of the city is its sheer size. It sprawls out across the landscape like a great hulking beast at rest. The wall that encircles it barely contains it, the buildings of Cadens practically bulging against its restraint.

The air here seems thicker somehow, tinged with a scent that’s acrid and smoky. Smog hangs high over the city, belched out by smokestacks that tower over the industrial district. The desert stretches out behind it, dotted with towers and dust clouds that disappear into the horizon. Multiple gates lead inside and each is staffed by soldiers in unfamiliar uniforms that wave a steady stream of people through without appearing to pay much attention. People are coming and going almost all of the time, to and from the outposts and areas of activity around the city proper. It’s difficult to tell just what’s out there beyond the impression of tall metal structures and a great deal of labor. Wagons carrying travelers to Libertas and Aquila roll out from the Travel Post outside the city wall.

Anyone who can sense magic will notice a much lower concentration here. No one will be stopped or questioned at the gate, even if the soldiers seem to take note of the fugitives from Thorne.

The activity and sheer number of citizens can be overwhelming. It’s crowded and loud and feels constantly in motion with everyone talking and yelling over each other. It’s easy to get swept up in the ever-moving throng or find oneself ducking into the mouth of a narrow alley just to breathe.

Anyone who’s willing to make their way to the northern part of the city and Portham Hall will find Prime Minister Marlo Reiner available to receive them.

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[Ah, did Jaskier flee before the end, then? He can't blame him for doing so, given the circumstances. He also can't help but feel some relief to hear that he doesn't consider the act worthy of condemnation - at least, not enough to say. More than that, the fact that Jaskier sites Estinien escaping unscathed as a primary benefit...

He feels warmed by the idea. As complicated as everything surrounding this is, the familiar welcome despite it is comforting - even if he worries about how long it will stay that way.]

The conflict did not last long and my injuries were slight. I think there was little to be gained, in the end. The magic incapacitating our captors also seemed to protect them from harm.

[He'd known it probably wouldn't work, but he'd felt compelled to try regardless. If only so he wouldn't regret having overlooked the opportunity later.]

That man... 'Oliver'. Relena says he was the one that saved her from being irreparably damaged by the queen's experiments. I was right, as it turns out. They did have more sinister intentions for keeping their 'failures' imprisoned.

[The relief in Jaskier's face is genuine. And if Estinien is with Himeka with no mention of her health, she must be uninjured -- or mostly, at any rate -- as well. Gods, though. They're ages away. Even if he got himself hands on a horse at some point, that was a journey, if the maps in the Thorne castle library were anything to go off of.

Jaskier huffs at that, flicking another grape that bounces perfectly off a stake holding up the vines and onto a bird's head. It clucks at him with indignation.] Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. Yet it is intriguing that they were still so protected in such a vulnerable moment.

[So Ambrose is fine. And the rest of Thorne. His shoulders tighten a little. Plenty of people to search for those gone missing. If it's important enough to come after them.]

Relena? [He muddles over the name for a moment. Ah! Himeka mentioned her as well! One of their companions, if he recalls.] Wait, this is the first I've heard. What experiments? Is she all right?

[He smiles faintly as Jaskier's grape tossing, finding it amusing, but it can't last for long. Regrettably, there are grimmer things afoot.

Estinien isn't sure if their protection was a simple result of their stasis preventing change of any kind to their form, or if it was an intentional addition by Oliver and his companion. He supposes he can understand why they might. After all, the death of Ambrose could have been partly attributed to them if that were the case, and maybe they are trying to remain more neutral than that.]

Mayhap Oliver was uninterested in having his hands sullied by our actions.

[It's an annoying idea, but not one that he can fully disagree with. If they are representatives of the Singularity, that may cause some complications. Not that Estinien wouldn't have taken the opportunity regardless.

At any rate, the business with Relena is more important. For a moment he forgot that this wasn't common knowledge - Relena has been freely sharing it in Solvunn, but he supposes that wouldn't necessarily include anyone who went elsewhere.]

Aye... she seems to have recovered fully. Yet, the Queen had spirited her away to use her as a test subject - all an effort to transfer the power of us summoned to a native Abraxian. The man intended to receive this gift was torn to shreds before Relena's eyes, much the same way he would have been had he crossed the threshold.

They nearly drained the life out of her, and without Master Oliver's intervention, it seems likely that she might have perished, or at the very least, had her connection to her home permanently severed. So far as I understand it, anyway. Only the beginning of their plans, I suspect.

Edited 2021-09-20 21:27 (UTC)

[Gods. He didn't think it would get morose so quickly, either. Perhaps that's the way with Estinien.

Or perhaps it's merely a result that he seems to be such a bearer of terrible news. Jaskier is clearly taken by surprise by the revelation; something he hadn't even heard tale of. Was this before their meeting? After? How had no one ever brought it up? That was --

Fuck. He has no reason nor inclination to disbelieve Estinien. Was that the real reason for the interruption during the execution? To save that poor girl?

It couldn't be. Not that singular thing. Estinien may have spoken of heroes, and though Oliver had offered them chance of escape -- escape, he found, that had no strings attached to it so far -- Jaskier, by his nature, is disinclined to believe he fully did it for the sake of selflessness.] I had no fucking idea. That's beyond the pale of what I imagined was happening behind unseen doors. I suppose... there's relief in hearing it didn't work. Fuck, if it had --

[Well. Things would be much more dire, wouldn't it?] Now it remains to be seen whether their efforts will be focused on retrieving us again... or, I suppose, summoning more to use for that purpose.

[Estinien is surprised at Jaskier's surprise - for some reason he assumed that word of her absence have traveled. All of this was after that time Jaskier had visited him in prison... Relena had been gone for weeks and Estinien had begun to accept that she may have been lost for good. It's chilling how trapped and how voiceless they'd been, down there.

He knows Kay had tried to bring it up during that meeting among the guests but perhaps Jaskier hadn't heard. It sounded like some of those in attendance were less than enthusiastic about hearing her out. His gut churns angrily, but he tries to force it down. Not now.]

That's my worry... even if we are free, there is no guarantee for those that come after. Will they all be imprisoned, now? I cannot rest easy knowing that our story will be repeated.

[He crosses his arms. He can't stand the idea of letting this happen, of letting others like him waste away in prison, if not worse, while he runs free. Yet, what can he do, when Ambrose had such power of him from the start? He wishes he could have killed that bastard. That may at least have bought them some time.]

Mayhap this intervention will stay their hand for a time... but with so little information, additional help from the Singularity's ambassadors cannot be assumed.

[Surprise strikes him again, and his brows raise into where his bangs curl over his brow. He means it, doesn't he? Estinien certainly doesn't strike the image he had when he was half a dragon, but he still maintains a bit of an intimidating stance. Or its his height.

Huh. He does mean it. He says it so... so nobly.

Like a knight. Ah.]

I don't expect an extra shred of help, honestly. [That's what it comes down to, in the end. To him, they're all on their own. Because even if Oliver released them to muck things up, there's still some underlying current of desire in the deed. Does he need them free for something, too?

Bleh. He hates all these bloody questions. Jaskier folds his arms over his chest, and the birds begin to chirp restlessly, reflecting his mood.] I hope you're not saying you mean to go back there for theoretical new recruits. I think it's quite in our best interest to stay away. At least for the moment. [Even if he already knows several bloody people with the idea of eventually going back. He can't imagine Geralt can ignore that Yennefer remains there for good.] I haven't much information yet to share, but I hope to look into ways that perhaps the mages here can prevent us from being tracked. If you mean to return, I believe preparations are in order first.

Edited 2021-09-21 06:25 (UTC)

[Estinien notices the birds becoming more restless, and it's the first time he really absorbs their connection to the ones that now live in his valley. An instinctive creation of Jaskier's, perhaps? He wonders what it means.

But he can't keep his expression from softening slightly as Jaskier expresses his concern over the idea of going back to Thorne. Truthfully, Estinien has yet to think of a way to do so that isn't downright suicidal, but that doesn't make it any easier to shrug off.

He smiles, though. It's uncertain and a bit lost, but he appreciates the sentiment.]

I've been trying to find out much the same in Solvunn - though you might have better luck in the Free Cities if they are more practiced in spurning Thorne's advances. You're right, though. I know there would be little hope of saving anyone, as it is now. And yet...

[He exhales, a shivering tension on his breath.]

Every day, I prayed that something would change, that I might find the strength to save myself and the others. Yet, 'twas only the mercy of a stranger that saved us in the end... and for reasons that are withheld from us.

...I cannot merely be a leaf blown about in the wind. In the absence of a champion, we must become our own saviors.

It's true there seems to be a bounty more mages here than I imagined. When we can scrounge up enough coin, I mean to seek out someone to help.

[Which isn't to say he isn't doing nothing, but it feels awfully a bit like he isn't. Or isn't doing enough. He's a bit bitter about having to work for meagre coin again, like he's only just graduated from the academy.

Alas. It isn't Estinien's problem, and he was enjoying his moments among the vines only a short time ago.]

I don't think you should put any energy in lamenting that it wasn't you coming through with a swift rescue. I'll take mercy wherever I can get it. [He moves closer, patting Estinien on the arm. He must be having a rough go of it with so much guilt on those rather broad, delicious shoulders.] I can't claim to have any such noble cause, but I'll be glad to aid you, even this far, if I can.

[Jaskier has somehow gotten to the point where Estinien doesn't even give him a weird look when he pats him or touches his shoulder, which is something. Instead, he sighs, relaxing a bit as he crosses his arms.]

'Tis not... exactly pride that fuels my discontent. It... simply would have been preferable to know that... some action of mine had any effect of the result. That I was in control in any way.

[If they had fought or schemed their way out, it may have set him at ease, or at least felt like a proper victory. As it is, their escape was seemingly only a matter of happenstance, and the benevolence of a disconnected stranger.]

We've had control over little since being summoned here. Even in this place, where we can do anything at all... I cannot yet feel as if this power is truly ours.

[Oh, he wants to kiss that stupid forehead of his. Except he can't reach. Which is a shame, on top of the suspicion he does not think Estinien would appreciate it.

He can understand what he means, far from a fighter himself or no. It's not merely that they feel powerless. In the end, they sort of are. That much was clear even from the dungeons underneath Thorne, where magic was impossible. Where they could even muddle with Geralt's mutations, a feat, the Witcher has assured him, that should have never been possible.

Instead of that, Jaskier shakes his head with a sigh, his shoulders rising and falling.] You aren't wrong to think so. There's so little we could affect. Even with all that work. That planning.

[Not that Estinien knows about his plans to jailbreak Geralt and, if possible, the others, but... perhaps he should not explain his initial plan only involved Geralt.

He lifts his head again.]

There is a small something. [He pauses as his fingers worry together and he takes a few steps away, deciding if he wants to bring it up or not. (Even if he's already began.) It's still so new to him, a bud -- hah -- that may offer no fruit, even in time. He turns back sharply, and offers his hand out; as his fingers stroke over their same palm, ivy begins to grow, twirling about his fingers and falling down. The poison sort he remembers from his childhood, bringing terrible itches after a foolish exploration into the forest.]

This. [It, of course, doesn't look like much. Like Horizon magic. It isn't even the first plant he's made here, obviously. There are the vines surrounding them, after all.] It isn't only something that exists in the Horizon. When we arrived in Cadens, I, ah... stumbled upon the discovery. [Please say you're catching on, Estinien, because saying I can grow plants sounds sort of stupid and terribly fanciful.] I could not before. I have never been taught. It's not the sort of magic I was granted in this land. I believe -- and take it with a grain of salt, as it's only a hypothesis -- that it is something the Singularity gave to me. And if that's true, I am not so sure anyone could... affect it. Not in Thorne, at least.

[The ivy withers and dies as he closes his hand.] That's the hope, though I don't know if the knowledge brings any balm. In the end, it may not be truly mine, either. It simply feels... different. The way my heartbeat is my own.

[Or he's being terribly poetic for no reason. It's only that this magic, he did it without meaning to. Without thought. He hadn't even known he could. But when he tries to use it, it comes. Easily, without thought.

Fuck. It's not much, but it's something. Isn't it?]

I don't suppose you're also waking up in piles of orchids on occasion, are you?

Edited 2021-09-26 07:52 (UTC)

[Estinien does remember Jaskier saying that he felt as if he'd returned with something from the Horizon, but wasn't quite sure what it was yet. A string waiting to be plucked, he thought. Is this the result of that feeling, then? While it's an act that's completely unremarkable within the Horizon, but can help but move a bit closer to squint at it, wondering about how it's been manifesting in real life.

While it wouldn't necessarily have strong battle applications, unless his use of it is far more developed than he's displaying, Estinien does not seem to doubt its usefulness for even a moment. He can think of so many situations that being able to grow plantlife so quickly could have been of use... especially from the perspective of someone whose nation had been reduced to a wintery hellscape that could only support such life in select areas.

He reaches out and touches the plant because he's curious, before Jaskier sends it away. At the least, imagining Jaskier waking up in a bed of flowers is more than a little amusing.]

A useful skill. [And he's very serious about that.] I know of none that wield such magicks.

[Yet, it does lead him to wonder about his own differences. He frowns to himself thoughtfully. To this day, he's unsure what to attribute his changes to.]

Something has changed in me as well, but... I have been unsure if 'twas caused by the horizon, or if 'twas simply the inevitable conclusion of my being.

[If it's the latter, he feels a bit grim about it.]

It did not manifest until Ambrose's curses were removed, but... [He hesitates.] I'm sure you remember... how I presented myself in the Horizon. And how I looked when striking at the High Mage.

[Half dragon half man. He had no idea it would become so literal.]

From the moment my power was returned, it overcame me... as if driven by my emotions. Though it's since faded, and I look as I did before... I haven't been sure if it's the effect of the Horizon, or the simple result of the dragon's blood and soul that has resided within me for some time now.

[Driven out of control by his general lack of composure.]

You think so? [It's the thing he actually wants to hear, which is so fucking rare to ever actually hear.] Oh, well, of course. I hope so.

[And he the only one with it? That didn't mean he was the only one, yet -- well, fuck. What was it that caused it to manifest? He wasn't exactly close to a greenwitch. Even the birds had simply been a whim, a spell he'd seen another perform that he's pushed into deeper.

His eyes zero in on Estinien's.] Oh? [Oh. Fuck, he's right. Jaskier had been a little busy, after all, but --]

You became a dragon. [Or something resembling one. That was it? A new magic? Or -- wait, this elf is walking around with a dragon soul?

What the fuck.] Er. Well, I can't say I know much about dragon blood or souls... but I find it very suspicious it should occur now, about the same time mine own magic flared. I only discovered this once I'd fallen through the portal. Which was terrifying, so --

[All right, he only actually figured it out later, but certainly Geralt had noticed it in that moment.] How poetic. Emotions being the trigger. That's my only guess. [He pauses. Okay, understandably this is a lot to take in, but he can't really let that be said and just drop it completely.] So you have... a dragon's soul? I'm guessing that is not metaphorical. You know, the dragon thing is very attractive. You could walk around as one just as easily here.

[Estinien would guess that it was simply part of Jaskier's aetheric nature, maybe some kind of talent for creation magicks? Unfortunately, nobody seems to know what he's talking about when he discusses those things. Besides Himeka, anyway.

As for the rest, he'd been anticipating Jaskier finding his explanation confusion, but he could not have predicted the particular direction the man took that in. One moment they are on to discussing the logistics of emotional magic, only to skip right back to the Dravanian in the room, so to speak.

That last comment is so absurd to Estinien's sensibilities that he doesn't even know how to react, considering that those same draconic features cause him considerable dysmorphia. How could they not, when he grew up seeing them as a symbol of the most evil of corruptions, and went on to having a particularly terrifying experience with being transformed against his will? He knows the truth behind those concepts now, and yet it seems to make no difference to the place in his gut that turns whenever he thinks of it.

But Jaskier finds it 'attractive', does he? They had a word for that in the Ishgard of old. Estinien looks genuinely started for a moment, before laboriously composing himself, diverting the topic at the first opportunity:]

You'd be hung for saying that, in the culture I was raised.

[His tone has a distinctively humorous edge to it, but it also makes it clear that what he's saying is absolutely true. He's going to say this all at once, mostly because he doesn't want to have to explain it again.]

My people were at war with dragons for centuries. 'Twas... an unjust conflict, from the very root... with unthinkable cruelty done to either side before it reached its end.

[Though he is trying to be simply factual about this information, there are clear pangs of regret and sorrow tied up in all of it.]

I was forged in its fires from a young age, and ultimately, it became my quest to bring an end to the dragon who led the horde - the Great Wyrm Nidhogg. To bring myself to his level, I indulged in the power of his severed eye, the wellspring of a dragon's strength... only for that power to consume me, and for him to take my body for his own with his dying gasp.

[He pauses, looking out at the field of grapes, swallowing the lump in his throat.]

'Twas only then that I realized... that his pains were mine own. We were twin souls, consumed by rancor in our efforts to find justice for all we had lost. We became as one, for a time, but when his spirit finally left for the unknown and my will returned to me... his power still surged through my veins, and his memories, his emotions... live in me still.

He has been with me since that day, but he feels... especially close, when that form overtakes me. I know not what to think of it.

[Oh, Estinien walked right into that. Jaskier gives a smug smile, and a wink.] Ah, no need. I'm already quite hung.

[He had to. And besides, if finding a bit of attraction in another is a sin, then that religion makes one's life very boring indeed. Unfortunately, Estinien begins with a explanation that displays how very inappropriate that comment was, but it's far too late to take it back. So instead he grants him all the silence he needs to explain.

Oh. This is, er. Embarrassing.

It only gets worse, that feeling, as he continues. Uncomfortably, a weight grows in his stomach. It's a bit too close to indigestion for his liking. He should keep future sexual innuendos away from people's cultures.

He's definitely listening. Definitely. And not stewing in the faint flush in his cheeks, between a soft clearing of his throat. Oh, gods, he's so serious about all of this. Nidhoggs. Eyes.

Oh, no. He's getting emotional.

At the end of it, Jaskier crosses his arms and sets aside his own public embarrassment for this very serious bibliography that Estinien so readily provides. It continually surprises him, that someone with his... moody inclinations would be eager to share anything of his past with him.]

Whew. That is... a lot! [A bit of an understatement, that. One arm remains across his chest, the other's elbow propped on it as he gestures.] Well, if you want my take, it sounds as if a shard of this Nidhogg may have recognized a kindred soul and decided to stick about. I imagine being a dragon soul is a rather lonely business.

[He has, of course, no idea how souls work. That's far too religious a talk for him to get into.] Or perhaps you're the one who recognized your kin. I know, from my studies, it is never for our benefit to push away any part of ourselves. Not that they necessarily be indulged at every turn, but... understanding could only benefit. [He regards the elf for a moment, the birds having quieted during this serious talk.] Considering all of that, I imagine you are a bit more wary of your ire than most. Don't you think, in this space, it should be beneficial, if not safe, to edge against those parts of him?

[This is definitely above his paygrade, yet he cannot leave Estinien with a "wow, that shit sucks" and be done with it. For a strong, noble elf, he does have a tendency to look... lost.]

[It's not something he feels entitled to keep secret, when it comes up. It seems wrong to discuss his connection with dragons without being frank about its origins, as not to play at being some sort of champion for their cause when he began that journey as a butcher. It's hard to explain any of this without getting to the root of it, and concealing his past feels unjust... even if it was immediately following a somewhat assinine dick joke. Thankfully, even in Ishgard, such jokes were not uncommon in the military.

All the same, he would not have gone into as much detail with just anyone. Maybe he's getting too comfortable sharing these sorts of feelings with Jaskier, who has already seen him in a vulnerable state. In some ways it's easier than purely relying on Himeka, who has to spend more than enough time being concerned about what he's doing.

Though he may have found Jaskier's invitation to experiment with his draconic form a bit more convincing if the man hadn't just admitted to finding it sexually attractive. He crosses his arms.]

Your enjoyment of it being only secondary, I assume?

[He's mostly being wry, but he also has zero problem intentionally putting Jaskier on the spot, leading him to present it with a certain pointedness.]

[Nooo!! They were supposed to be on dragons now, not ringing back around to him being an ass! Dammit, his advice had sounded so good, too. Like he knew what he was talking about.

Jaskier doesn't blush. But for a moment, he does need to mull exactly what Estinien is implying.

Look.

One... can steadily progress to the idea that he, ah. Would be intimate. With those that are not quite human. After all, plenty of men have gone looking for succubi. What is a dragon but a succubi with bigger horns? And a dick?]

W-well. Of course. [He regathers himself. Fine. If Estinien wants him to flirt, then by the gods, he'll do it.] My enjoyment is secondary to yours, in fact, if we're going that route. As you know, I would hate to be incinerated during the throes of passion because I wasn't being a generous lover.

[Will he have Horizon-sex to help a man come to terms with his anger and the vicious dragon soul in him? Abso-fucking-lutely.]

[Wait... what?

Estinien had been thinking of 'enjoying' it as in, with his gaze, since apparently, Jaskier found the idea of his dragon form compelling. But this... is a bit more intense than he was prepared for, unwittingly having driven Jaskier further onward than he meant to. He'd mostly just meant to tease him for his superficial interest in the concept, but, uh....

His reaction isn't so much shyness as it is perplexment, since this sort of thing is so far from his usual business, he hasn't even stopped to contemplate what that would mean or if it would be a good or bad thing. He decided he was finished with that sort of thing a long time ago, didn't he? But, he's also living in a phase of his life he'd never imagined getting to experience in the first place.

It does actually sort of fit in with his various uncertainties, no matter how Jaskier arrived at that point. His discomfort with himself extends to things beyond the sudden appearance of scales and horns.

He swallows and glances away, looking like he doesn't really know what to do with that, before finally arriving at a gentle scoff as he shifts on his feet. Well... to that he has to say. Uh.]

You're serious, aren't you?

[It feels like a bigger deal than it must be to Jaskier.]

[Oh, dear. Perhaps he read Estinien's point incorrectly.

Or he was thinking with his -- not his head. (It happens. Sometimes.)]

I am always serious with matters of the heart. And, ah, in the loins, in this particular case. [But his goal was not to make Estinien uncomfortable, obviously. Which he can read rather easily.]

But it mustn't be all that serious, either. You do know it can be fun, too? I hope?

[He holds his hands up almost in surrender.] I'm not meaning to be pushy, of course. It's simply... mm. An offering.

[With matters of the heart... pft. There's something charming about how sincere Jaskier is, and while in some situations Estinien may have been suspicious about such a sentiment, he finds he isn't in this case. It is a bit strange, though, given that he's never met someone this, uh... 'free spirited' in his entire life.

He knew that Himeka could be open her affections, but he also was well aware that it wasn't her main focus. With Jaskier, though... an ingrained part of him feels like he should be disgusted, but on an intellectual level, he sees no reason why it should be matter. He was just as free with himself when he was younger, the circumstances just made everything incredibly difficult.

So, it's should be a relief that things are different now, shouldn't it? Whose business would it be?]

Not in my experience.

[Which is perhaps the most depressing possible answer. He doesn't actually sound bummed out by it or anything, just like this was a fact about his life he's discovered long ago and felt no need to go back to. Sexual engagement was, without fail, a tiresome waste of time. At least, in the environment he grew up in.]

I take it you've had better luck.

[If he were trying to brush Jaskier off completely, he would have left it at that first part.]

[Well. Oof. That explains some things, doesn't it? His brows raise as he puffs his cheeks, then lets out a breath. Surely the visual representation of oof.

He lifts his gaze. Ah. He knows an opening when he sees one.

It's only -- look, if he believed his dick could make people happier, if only for a few moments, then he sees nothing bad about offering. He's been turned down much more than he's been taken up on his offerings, after all.]

I'm not so sure luck is the case. It may be safe to say we had different priorities. [Ever unable to keep still, he plucks a grape and rolls in between his fingers.] Despite your experience, I do promise it can be fun. Even with tails and horns included. Not that I've had the former involved before, but I can't imagine it gets in the way too much.

[The horns, maybe for sleeping in after. He could see the problems of punctured pillows.] You know, with how you speak of Himeka, I always assumed... ah, I bet you get that a lot, though, don't you? I suppose it happens with long-term traveling companions.

[Side glance at Geralt.]

Edited 2021-10-06 03:11 (UTC)

[It apparently is fun for some people, but Jaskier is right - priorities probably have something to do with it. As it is, that diversion about Himeka conveniently let's him sidestep having to give a yes or no to this proposition.

He's not done anything like that for so long... he's not even sure what he would get out of it at this point. He's taking the idea seriously, though, and he thinks he'd rather give a serious answer after he's thought about it some more.

As much as Jaskier has been saying it needn't be a serious thing, Estinien can't help but feel like it is. Maybe it would be less so if he wasn't already fond of the man.

As for Himeka, though, he raises his eyebrows. Unlike her, he isn't immediately going to laugh at the idea, but he clearly finds it odd to contemplate.]

I don't, actually. At least... not until we arrived here together.

[Nobody had ever suggested it back home. Then again, they've been a lot... closer, he thinks, since they were left alone together for so long.]

I do have the highest esteem for her - as a comrade and friend. But I've never felt our bond lacking for being simply that. There's a comfort to it... to knowing so easily where you stand.

[It's a feeling that's familial in nature, even if he'd nervous about phrasing it that way. He just... knows Himeka, and she knows him, and he's never had to wonder if their relationship should be anything different than what it is.]

Oh. Really?

[It's just him, then. Then again, Jaskier is Jaskier, and he is not unaware of how he appears to others. (And no, he did not miss the fact that Estinien is skirting the question, but he's also allowing it, too. There's no need to squirrel down an answer for this sort of thing.

The offer remains there, on the table.)]

I never consider it a lack. [His fingers drum together, then splay out.] More like a fun addition.

[He feels he needs to emphasize fun with the elf, because he needs a bit of it. It is, of course, naive to expect it considering their circumstances shortly ago... yet one can hope that the opportunity to be so light will be shortly in their futures.

The way he describes this feeling of comfort makes Jaskier wonder quite suddenly if Estinien has long been in short supply with close relationships not only lately, but in his life. With one possessed by angry dragons, that could certainly put a dent into personal connections.] Well, there's not that certain spark with everyone. Besides, according to your stories, she's a bit busy all the time, isn't she?

[That's mostly a joke.]

[He laughs easily, a little bit of that confused tension bleeding away. Right. No need to make any decisions right now. It doesn't have to be a big deal, or the focus of their mutual attention right now.]

We both are. Or... were.

[He raises his shoulder slightly, picking a grape to eat.]

We spent some years apart, on connected but distinct paths. Different missions to pursue... as is our way. We came across each other now and then, on the battlefield and not. Full glad I was, though, to join forces with her again.

[He snorts.]

If one good thing could be said of this disquieting venture, 'tis that we have been allowed to work alongside each other once more. Even if I wish she did have wiser souls to call upon than mine.

[Is that a note of regret he hears? Hard to say whether it could be for the quest they left behind, or Estinien's frustration with their situation now. It fascinates Jaskier a bit, how the opposite he is of Geralt's... well, his intentions, at least. This desire to be so terribly involved.

Jaskier gives him a smile, watching him eat. He leans into the vines and the vines shirt, as if to make him more comfortable.]

A familiar story. [Though Jaskier is neither knight nor hero, this is the quiet way he and Geralt have been for years. Separate paths that would converge for months, seasons at a time. And winter would come, with Geralt always heading to his fabled Kaer Morhen, which may as well have been a fantasy in his head with how much Jaskier knows about it. And then, somehow, they would find each other on the Path again, with Jaskier simply invading it, squeezing his way onto a Path that was not meant for bards.

It surely hasn't stopped him. Not a once. Until the mountain --]

You know, I don't think it's such a terrible thing to be glad about it. If I had arrived here alone... well, fuck, who knows where I'd be? As much as I wish my companions were where they were meant to be, I'd much rather be stuck in this misery with company. [This includes new company, as he gives Estinien a certain look.

Hm. A bit of self-deprecation. He purses his lips.] And why do you say that? Because you're a bit of a hothead? [He's being nice. But also straightforward.] I have a feeling she does not think you so easily swapped out for another. Besides, you have two souls, don't you? It's twice the fun.

[He really doesn't know how the dragon thing works. But he's supportive!]

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