[ CLOSED ]

[gynvael]

Who: Geralt + Istredd, Various
When: August
Where: Nocwich
What: A meeting + whatever else comes up
Warnings: Standard Witcher canon


(( plot with me discontinued ))

Comments

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ Istredd raises an eyebrow at Geralt. He feels like this is very obvious but perhaps it isn't, it's not like either of them are great at emotions.]

It's not about him, it's about you. You obviously care about him, and you're my friend, so I want you to be happy.

[ Istredd had so few friends in his life but that was more or less how he saw Yennefer too when they were friends. He showed it with Triss too, and with Yenna later on in their timeline, before Thanedd. If Geralt made her happy, he was happy for both of them, that's just how he operates. He shrugs. ]

And I'd help any Summoned get out of Thorne if it's what they wanted.

[ At risk to himself too, which isn't a very good idea given he's already gotten in trouble with the new regime, but Istredd understands the need to leave. John seems content enough there, not as fearful as someone like River, but he sees no better reason to cross factions than love, if that's what this is. ]

[gynvael]

[ Happy? Geralt turns, expression vaguely perplexed. Yes, he's well aware Istredd likes him fine, and Geralt has graduated from tolerating the mage to seeking out his company beyond times that are absolutely necessary. On occasion.

But Geralt is, perhaps, accustomed to demonstrations of friendship being a little less explicit, a little more unspoken. With the exception of Jaskier, he simply comes to learn who he can rely on and as time goes on, he gathers they feel the same way. And that's all that needs to be done about it. It seems a waste of time to linger on the minutiae of allyship or friendship or however one wishes to call it.

In fact, Jaskier is the only one who has truly prodded him about the question of his happiness. It remains a topic Geralt has not answered. He isn't sure he ever will.

Eventually, his reply comes, brusque as always but without much of an edge. ] You should worry about yourself.

[ A pause. ]

I know you haven't plans to abandon Thorne if you can help it. But... [ He reaches over the ledge of stone and plucks a leather pouch from his pile of clothes. The coins inside clink gently. ] There's no harm in accounting for contingencies.

[ There is duty and there is sheer foolishness. He should like to believe Istredd knows the difference. In any case, when he turns away to sink back into the water, it's clear Geralt is not interested in leaving room for argument. ]

Give it to the girl if you won't have it.

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ Jaskier and Istredd have more in common than with anyone else in the people from their sphere. They are more in touch with their emotions and have soft hearts. He is still building up the courage say something to Jaskier about what he and Lucifer discussed, and looking at Geralt now, he wonders if he'll ever have that courage. It's unlikely. They're naked and within arm distance but might as well be miles away in terms of what he's capable of saying.

He knows that Geralt is more a man of gestures than words and feelings, so he doesn't expect him to say anything particularly sentimental right then. But the fact that he gives coin says something too, and tells Istredd to worry about himself, and he smiles in response to that. Blue eyes fix intensely on Geralt for a moment, watching him move, even in a small way, and then he glances away. ]

If you want to give coin to a Summoned escape fund, I will not say no. We're still penny-pinching in Thorne.

[ Istredd and Lucifer are fairly good at saving money comparatively, and they have two people sharing funds, but he'll probably never save enough for what he truly wants to do. ]

I'm working on a side project that requires ingredients so I'm focused on that. I was thinking there may be a way to help the dragons more than our initial cure.

🎀 wrap?

[gynvael]

You'll have to speak to Jaskier about that.

[ Istredd is right that Geralt is a man of gestures, not words; he has no desire to profess himself as some sort of charitable resource for the Summoned of Thorne or to be looked upon as one. Especially when Geralt does not, in truth, get along with everyone. They are all equally summoned by the kingdoms. They are not all equally allies in his eyes.

But what Istredd does with the coin when it passes exchanges hands is not of any concern to Geralt.

The dragons? He's thought of them from time to time. The Nether. In their shared dream, the dragons seemed to be thriving. That possibility doesn't feel wholly out of the question. ]

Won't hurt, I suppose [ He rises from the water, patting Istredd on the shoulder as he steps out of the springs. ] Don't lose your head in your books. Not everything has an answer.

had to do this one little thing lol 🎀

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ Istredd makes certain Geralt isn't paying attention to him to let his gaze linger briefly. It might be his last chance, so his eyes get one quick look before they dart away. If there is any attraction or longing involved in it, it's crushed down deep.]

Many things do if you ask the right questions, Geralt. Take care.