[ no, sam doesn’t see it necessary to push her just yet. he’s not even sure he’s going to push her on it at all. geralt had asked him to look after her, and that’s what he planned to do. at the moment, that means going with her to get a small table in a tavern he knows well, to order a few drinks and some food she says she doesn’t want to eat.

and now, it also means that they are here - at this table, in this crowded tavern - and honestly? sam could also go for a drink. when the barmaid finally steps away with their orders and ciri turns to him with her question, he nods. ]

And Alina. [ because he needed another set of eyes and ears, of capable hands, in the apartment before he could actually leave. ] Jaskier was awake, too. Geralt was… [ passed out sounds a little too intense. so sam takes a breath. ] He’s sleeping. Kind of felt like he needed it. But they’re both okay, and worse comes to worse, I sent Red back to watch them. [ sam points out the small window, to the street. ciri may or may not have noticed, but as soon as sam had caught up with her, red disappeared again. he was getting his work in today too. ] And we’re not far- I can run back pretty quickly.

[ the barmaid sets two mugs of ale down on the table, and sam gives her an easy smile - a thanks, with some recognition, before he slides one in front of ciri and takes a large drink himself. ]

You know- a drink was a great idea.