Who: yennefer + others When: july Where: nott + nocwich What: after the events of the coup and yennefer's escape to nott, she is making due in what she suspects will be her new normal. Warnings: will update if needed.
[ there hasn't really been an opportunity to be. even after yennefer awoke with those new memories, even after they all came to a point where this - where ciri and her, where she and geralt and ciri (and jaskier) were all what they are. family. them. even after all of that, there was little that they could do.
yennefer was still under the thumb of the queen. distance, and their politics, kept them separate except for stolen time within the horizon. even when they could see each other in person, it had been under secrecy, protected from any possible prying eyes. this moment - this time - is the first that yennefer feels like she can breathe.
really, she's content to stay like this for as long as ciri is content to lean into her, noticing the sheen to ciri's hair with how close she is. the firelight of the tavern glints off it, and yennefer's eyes follow the firelight for a few moments before she seems to sigh, to squeeze ciri a little tighter.
it's the mention of recovering, of war, that... it doesn't ruin the moment, exactly, but it does bring everything outside of this specific space back into focus. she doesn't separate herself from ciri, exactly, but she does pull back enough to look down at the top of ciri's hair, to use one of her hands to reach up and tuck some of it away, to brush out another part. ]
I was worried, when I heard of the cases of Heartwood. But these territories do have a knack for returning to their ways of life.
[ she huffs a bit of a laugh at the collection of questions, finally extracting herself from around ciri to reach for her drink. ]
Well enough. First decent bath I've had in weeks was just about an hour ago. [ does it make her look any less harried? any less exhausted? no. life on the run, for all that it's afforded her, is not easy. ] But I have made my way. And no- I'm not in need of coin. [ she gives ciri a look, a very maternal one. do not worry about me. truth be told, she actually isn't suffering for coin - her side hustle of under the table sales of potions back in nott has afforded her enough to survive. enough to pay her way.
it's no courtly life, and yennefer's clothes are enough of a tell of that, but she also looks more relaxed than she's been in... well. years. ]
I've decided to stay in one of the inns here, for the weekend. Back in Nott I've found a bunk in a boarding house. [ and whether or not ciri gives her a look, yennefer is already waving it away. ] It's temporary, until I know no one's come looking for me or the others. It'll do for now.
[ Ciri laughs dryly; there's no humor in the sound, more a sort of resignation. ]
We're immune. The Summoned. It doesn't affect us.
[ A more genuine smile comes over her when Yennefer rejects the offer of financial help, though. Ciri nudges her again with her shoulder. ]
All right. Just making sure. You know you have people to rely on.
I'm glad we get to see each other here, at least.
[ It's not entirely safe, but nowhere is. With the Free Cities and Thorne at each other's throats more aggressively than even before, it's unlikely anyone will have the resources to spare or be stupid enough to do anything on neutral Nocwich territory. ]
It's only too bad they won't just let you stay here...
[ her eyes linger on ciri at the dry laugh, understanding what she means by it, in some ways. still, the fact that the people she cares about are safe is all yennefer really needs to know.
the nudge at her shoulder is what produces yennefer's own genuine smile, shrugging once. ]
I'm aware, yes. But for now I have made my own way- and that way does allow me portals here, which is what matters most to me at present. [ yennefer reaches over to ciri, tucking some of that iridescent hair behind the other girls ear. it's a small gesture, but yennefer isn't entirely sure she'll be able to stop them, now that she has the ability to show this. to do this outside of the confines of the horizon.
she huffs a small laugh. ] Maybe they will, in time. This Continent is changing, and perhaps some of the restrictions will too. For now I'll take advantage of having a portal out of Nott.
[ the serious nature of ciri's expression has yennefer pausing, briefly, before she gives a single nod. ]
You are correct about that, yes. [ her eyes follow ciri's hands, something almost like a smile playing at her own expression. it seems almost as if yennefer is looking much further than just to ciri's hand, to her hair. for a single moment, yennefer's eyes look a bit far away, before focusing back into the moment. ]
You mean beyond overtly complicated personal connections? [ a snort, and then yennefer takes a breath, sitting up for a moment and looking directly at ciri so that she might be aware of the whole of what happens.
it's subtle, but it's obvious that something shifts - or, rather, that everything shifts. like a gentle breeze or sway, yennefer's hair changes texture and color, her eyes, nose, and jawline its shape. if ciri blinks for a bit too long, it might seem as though someone else entirely - though similar in height and build - has sat next to her, wearing yennefer's clothes.
then the stranger smiles, and it looks a little too much like yennefer, as she reaches for her drink and brings it to her lips. ]
It's proven useful, in Nott, while keeping my head down.
[ She blinks, a little startled, but doesn't say anything right away. It's unnerving to watch, but certainly Ciri can immediately tell how it'd be very useful, especially right now. ]
That is helpful.
[ Another pause, contemplative. Ciri reaches for her drink as well, turning the cup around in her hands a few times before taking a sip. ]
When you... do that. [ The power Yennefer had just shown her. ]
What does it feel like? Not physically, I mean. The magic. Does it feel like yours?
[ She leans in a little closer. ] Recently, I opened portal. Didn't mean to. But my horse came through when I was looking for her and I was able to open a portal to bring her to me. It felt like my power, yet not.
[ she can tell that ciri is startled - and yennefer doesn't blame her. the feeling of the magic along her skin isn't dissimilar to the illusions they were taught back at aretuza, but it is different. the application, the degree at which it holds. yennefer has taken time to practice it, to hone it, and the singularity centuries have given her a kind of false familiarity, where the feeling is concerned.
yennefer very nearly drops it, not wanting to make ciri any more uncomfortable, but that is just about the time ciri starts to speak, to ask her question, and yennefer stops herself before she does. what does it feel like?
it's an interesting question, and yennefer - in a way - turns a little more fully to face ciri. does it feel like yours? ]
Any magic you control is yours. [ yennefer states, simply, at first. but she does think she knows what ciri is saying, and there's a kind of curiosity that lights up the stranger's eyes. ] But it does feel different- it is not the same chaos I'm used to. There's something... altered.
Is this the first time your power has felt different?
[ Considering how she's felt about her magic all her life, Ciri's not exactly comforted by this answer. But it is good to hear Yennefer acknowledging she at least understands what Ciri means.
She purses her lips, chewing over her answer before responding. ]
...maybe it's the first time I've really noticed it?
To be honest, there's not much I use on a regular basis, outside of the Signs Geralt taught me.
[ Even Ciri is aware this is more just a way for her to control her innate access to chaos rather than true Witcher Signs the way Geralt uses them, but the point stands. ]
[ yennefer isn't surprised by ciri's reaction. her relationship to her power, her chaos, how that's shifted being here. the singularity in many ways feeds into them in the same way their chaos had back on their continent, but also in so many new, and different ways.
she nods. ]
It's a subtle feeling- harder, if you're not accustomed to them. But you haven't been practicing. [ she can't help the way her voice sounds... not chastizing, because that isn't really her place.
but some old habits die hard, and her brow does arch. ] Other than Signs. [ she nods, then takes another sip of her drink. ] With how much time we spent near the Singularity, it's not a surprise that we would pick up on its magic. Gather some of it for ourselves.
[ Ciri falls into old habits too: her shoulders tense up, and the set of her jaw hardens, that stubborn look in her eyes she's always had sharpening. Her lips purse slightly, not quite a pout. ]
I haven't needed to practice. [ Meaning: she hasn't been using her magic. As Yennefer knows. ]
I don't want the Singularity's magic. [ It comes out more petulant than she realizes, a low hiss since they're in public. ]
[ there it is. yennefer doesn't smile, doesn't say I know, but she doesn't really need to. ]
Of course not. [ yes, as yennefer knows. but she won't press it, some part of her knowing that she could have... more. anything.
it's a familiar feeling, this regret.
the tone to ciri's voice draws yennefer's attention, pulls a kind of stillness out of her. because she gets it, in a way. being forced into something, being forced to do anything. ]
You don't get to make that choice. But you do have the ability to control it. You know that.
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no subject
yennefer was still under the thumb of the queen. distance, and their politics, kept them separate except for stolen time within the horizon. even when they could see each other in person, it had been under secrecy, protected from any possible prying eyes. this moment - this time - is the first that yennefer feels like she can breathe.
really, she's content to stay like this for as long as ciri is content to lean into her, noticing the sheen to ciri's hair with how close she is. the firelight of the tavern glints off it, and yennefer's eyes follow the firelight for a few moments before she seems to sigh, to squeeze ciri a little tighter.
it's the mention of recovering, of war, that... it doesn't ruin the moment, exactly, but it does bring everything outside of this specific space back into focus. she doesn't separate herself from ciri, exactly, but she does pull back enough to look down at the top of ciri's hair, to use one of her hands to reach up and tuck some of it away, to brush out another part. ]
I was worried, when I heard of the cases of Heartwood. But these territories do have a knack for returning to their ways of life.
[ she huffs a bit of a laugh at the collection of questions, finally extracting herself from around ciri to reach for her drink. ]
Well enough. First decent bath I've had in weeks was just about an hour ago. [ does it make her look any less harried? any less exhausted? no. life on the run, for all that it's afforded her, is not easy. ] But I have made my way. And no- I'm not in need of coin. [ she gives ciri a look, a very maternal one. do not worry about me. truth be told, she actually isn't suffering for coin - her side hustle of under the table sales of potions back in nott has afforded her enough to survive. enough to pay her way.
it's no courtly life, and yennefer's clothes are enough of a tell of that, but she also looks more relaxed than she's been in... well. years. ]
I've decided to stay in one of the inns here, for the weekend. Back in Nott I've found a bunk in a boarding house. [ and whether or not ciri gives her a look, yennefer is already waving it away. ] It's temporary, until I know no one's come looking for me or the others. It'll do for now.
no subject
We're immune. The Summoned. It doesn't affect us.
[ A more genuine smile comes over her when Yennefer rejects the offer of financial help, though. Ciri nudges her again with her shoulder. ]
All right. Just making sure. You know you have people to rely on.
I'm glad we get to see each other here, at least.
[ It's not entirely safe, but nowhere is. With the Free Cities and Thorne at each other's throats more aggressively than even before, it's unlikely anyone will have the resources to spare or be stupid enough to do anything on neutral Nocwich territory. ]
It's only too bad they won't just let you stay here...
no subject
the nudge at her shoulder is what produces yennefer's own genuine smile, shrugging once. ]
I'm aware, yes. But for now I have made my own way- and that way does allow me portals here, which is what matters most to me at present. [ yennefer reaches over to ciri, tucking some of that iridescent hair behind the other girls ear. it's a small gesture, but yennefer isn't entirely sure she'll be able to stop them, now that she has the ability to show this. to do this outside of the confines of the horizon.
she huffs a small laugh. ] Maybe they will, in time. This Continent is changing, and perhaps some of the restrictions will too. For now I'll take advantage of having a portal out of Nott.
no subject
The continent isn't the only thing that's changing, Yen.
[ She lifts a hand to where Yennefer had just tucked her hair back, not undoing her work but indicating it with obvious intent. ]
We are changing. I know we have been for some time now, but in the last few weeks, it's been made... abundantly clear.
And what of you? What souvenirs did you bring out of the crater?
no subject
You are correct about that, yes. [ her eyes follow ciri's hands, something almost like a smile playing at her own expression. it seems almost as if yennefer is looking much further than just to ciri's hand, to her hair. for a single moment, yennefer's eyes look a bit far away, before focusing back into the moment. ]
You mean beyond overtly complicated personal connections? [ a snort, and then yennefer takes a breath, sitting up for a moment and looking directly at ciri so that she might be aware of the whole of what happens.
it's subtle, but it's obvious that something shifts - or, rather, that everything shifts. like a gentle breeze or sway, yennefer's hair changes texture and color, her eyes, nose, and jawline its shape. if ciri blinks for a bit too long, it might seem as though someone else entirely - though similar in height and build - has sat next to her, wearing yennefer's clothes.
then the stranger smiles, and it looks a little too much like yennefer, as she reaches for her drink and brings it to her lips. ]
It's proven useful, in Nott, while keeping my head down.
no subject
That is helpful.
[ Another pause, contemplative. Ciri reaches for her drink as well, turning the cup around in her hands a few times before taking a sip. ]
When you... do that. [ The power Yennefer had just shown her. ]
What does it feel like? Not physically, I mean. The magic. Does it feel like yours?
[ She leans in a little closer. ] Recently, I opened portal. Didn't mean to. But my horse came through when I was looking for her and I was able to open a portal to bring her to me. It felt like my power, yet not.
Like... in that 'dream.'
no subject
yennefer very nearly drops it, not wanting to make ciri any more uncomfortable, but that is just about the time ciri starts to speak, to ask her question, and yennefer stops herself before she does. what does it feel like?
it's an interesting question, and yennefer - in a way - turns a little more fully to face ciri. does it feel like yours? ]
Any magic you control is yours. [ yennefer states, simply, at first. but she does think she knows what ciri is saying, and there's a kind of curiosity that lights up the stranger's eyes. ] But it does feel different- it is not the same chaos I'm used to. There's something... altered.
Is this the first time your power has felt different?
no subject
She purses her lips, chewing over her answer before responding. ]
...maybe it's the first time I've really noticed it?
To be honest, there's not much I use on a regular basis, outside of the Signs Geralt taught me.
[ Even Ciri is aware this is more just a way for her to control her innate access to chaos rather than true Witcher Signs the way Geralt uses them, but the point stands. ]
no subject
she nods. ]
It's a subtle feeling- harder, if you're not accustomed to them. But you haven't been practicing. [ she can't help the way her voice sounds... not chastizing, because that isn't really her place.
but some old habits die hard, and her brow does arch. ] Other than Signs. [ she nods, then takes another sip of her drink. ] With how much time we spent near the Singularity, it's not a surprise that we would pick up on its magic. Gather some of it for ourselves.
no subject
I haven't needed to practice. [ Meaning: she hasn't been using her magic. As Yennefer knows. ]
I don't want the Singularity's magic. [ It comes out more petulant than she realizes, a low hiss since they're in public. ]
no subject
Of course not. [ yes, as yennefer knows. but she won't press it, some part of her knowing that she could have... more. anything.
it's a familiar feeling, this regret.
the tone to ciri's voice draws yennefer's attention, pulls a kind of stillness out of her. because she gets it, in a way. being forced into something, being forced to do anything. ]
You don't get to make that choice. But you do have the ability to control it. You know that.