[ It's been a few weeks since their little sojourn into the future, and Cid is just now starting to feel like he's sorted himself out again. He's made it his business to follow up with new acquaintances as best he can but, even so, it takes him a while to track them all down when their names or appearances have changed and there's no small quantity of false memory to muddle through.

He's been keeping half an eye on the caravans and their guards in between his other work but, if he's honest, he runs into Ciri entirely by chance. Once they've traded pleasantries, she's kind enough to agree to a late lunch at Sarstina — or perhaps, just willing to indulge his request — and they tuck themselves away in a quiet corner to chat.

They're unlikely to be overheard with the usual din of the tavern, but even then Cid pitches his voice for just the two of them. ] You've no obligation to answer me, but I think you'll understand why I ask... The portals, and the riders — how much of that was more than just a dream?