abraxaslogs | [ CLOSED ]

[ Istredd rarely comes to Nocwich unless he is there to see someone, and the priority this time was to reunite with Yennefer. They met up in the Horizon after he was released from the dungeons, but it is not a substitute for in-person. There is a small number of people he would reach out to for a meet up while he was in the area, and Geralt is top of the list. Somehow that is where he now resides for Istredd. It used to be they only met for very specific reasons, briefly, but serious discussion is not the sole purpose of his reaching out.

Apparently 'just checking in' is a concept he is becoming comfortable with.

Istredd has not been here, perhaps in that first visit he curiously sought it out, but he is not the type, frankly, to enjoy himself easily. Something like the springs would be for that reason. He does arrive with his bag of holding over his shoulder and he sets it down after he spots Geralt, sliding out of his shoes. ]

Geralt.

[ He says in greeting to alert the man he's there. After so much time in Thorne and with regular bathing he doesn't think twice about stripping down in this communal space. It would only make him stand out and he doesn't see a reason to. Istredd tends to wear loose clothes so it's not always obvious that he's filled out in compact muscle a great deal over the almost two years he's been in combat training.

His clothes are very neatly stacked and then he slips into the hot springs, uncertain what to expect until he's inside, and then he can perhaps understand why this is a popular place. ]

How is Cadens and the Summoned within it?

[ His eyebrow lifts in acknowledgement of Istredd's arrival, footsteps registering some ways back. He doesn't think twice about it; they met once in the baths in the Feywilds, and he sees no reason to relocate just to speak to the mage. Though he certainly won't turn down the view.

No harm in looking.

He rests one arm on the ledge. He has not brought a drink with him, which suggests he's here for reasons other than pure relaxation, and beneath the waters, he has his left leg propped up on a naturally formed step. The steam rises around them. ]

Alive. [ Hm. Istredd smells like Yennefer. Geralt eyes him for a moment. ] Most are concerned about what comes after than what came before.

[ Problems to solve, problems yet to emerge. He's spoken to Kyle and Claude both, and neither granted much insight—through no fault of theirs. Part of him suspects even the kingdoms don't know what may be coming. Between the Singularity and the Summoned and whatever the fuck lurks in Solvunn, he can't begin to predict what will tumble first in the initial wave. Not to mention the strange activity around Aquila. ]

Yours? I hear the garrison took a blow. [ More than heard, but...mm. ]

[ Istredd doesn't notice the looking as it wouldn't occur to him, but he sits close enough to indicate their friendship, not as far away as he would have before. As if they're sitting at a tavern. He notes the drink, amused, it seems Geralt truly is here to enjoy and relax. This isn't the place for bathing purposes so he must be here for its intention. Interesting.

It's hot for him, who already runs hot, so he starts to sweat quickly, but he doesn't mind. Perhaps it'll accomplish that difficult accomplishment of relaxing him too. Istredd wears his hair long around Geralt now, since he mentioned liking it, and it gets particularly curly in the steam. ]

Ciri came to ask me about the disease, but I told her the universities there probably have the most information on it.

[ Istredd was happy to see her there voluntarily and she wasn't even angry at him to be there. They are getting along well enough these days, and to the point where she felt comfortable coming to him with her questions, rather than annoyed about it. He's very pleased about it, in truth. It was a steep climb up for the two of them. He wishes he did have all the information she sought though, that would have made him more useful.

Istredd is currently deep within the Thorne aspect of it, given that he left the dungeon only to make a plan to meet with Mace as soon as he was less suspect. He needs to get a foothold into the new power dynamic as soon as possible. It is one of the reasons he avoided going to Nott to see Yennefer. Better to do it here outside of their gaze. ]

From John, yes?

[ Istredd goes straight to it. No need to circle around, he saw John's message on the network that day too. He and Kyle were locked away and had no information themselves, so it was a relief to have someone chime in. Istredd saw it days later when he was out and much of the damage was handled. ]

Bold of them to go that direct.

Did she?

[ That's interesting. It's bothered her, he knows. The infection. Geralt is...more accustomed to this shit. Plagues have come and gone, and the truth is, Heartwood isn't anywhere near as devastating as what he's seen ravage villages on the Continent. But the deliberateness casts the disease in a new light.

And Thorne in a poor one. To say the least. Not that Cadens is better. He's seen what's lurked in their deserts.

His gaze cuts to Istredd, a sharpness to the curve of his brows. Yes. John. Who had been no doubt considering how to break the news when Geralt read it anyhow. He had hoped, perhaps, that the city guard would not be called on like the army, but there is no telling. Not anymore. And that aside, he knows John has no desire to serve Thorne. It would be different if this was something John wanted, but it isn't.

If anything, John has said he feels he has no choice. ]

Is he the only one of you who serves in the guard?

[ John has never mentioned anyone else—but Geralt has not thought to ask. Now he finds himself wanting to know. ]

Yes. I pointed out strange it was, that he was able to find and contain an illness like that to release with such specificity. But it's only been two years of studying the magic here, it's capable of more than I know.

[ Istredd can't call himself an expert at the magic in this sphere, it's been too short a time. Give him a few decades and he might be able to say as much, but he also knows nothing about New Magic, which he feels like he should understand to fully grasp the options in their current home. If he is lucky, he has that time ahead of him to learn.

What that group dream of theirs proved to him, among many things both bad and good, is that he will remain a lifelong academic. Always wanting to know more, to understand everything about the world around him. ]

Yes, as far as I know. I can't blame him for wanting to fall upon the familiar, being the same way.

[ Istredd's just lucky that his familiar led him to the libraries and classrooms, and the occasional delight of a dig at the Singularity in one visit. He serves Thorne's interests in other ways, but he's never been put in a position that he feels like John must be more frequently. If it bothers the man, he is uncertain, they are not close enough to have discussed it.

He pauses, studying Geralt for a moment. ]

So you two are ... friends?

[ Geralt just said he was trustworthy if they needed help, he didn't specify, but if Geralt trusted him, it was likely more than acquaintances. And now he's subject of conversation, so Istredd is probing. Lightly. ]

[ Geralt shrugs, noncommittal. ] Assuming he found it.

[ Who says anyone found it? They're mages, aren't they? Creating things with magic is what they do, and as far as he can tell, this illness has persisted for decades. The strain has not mutated nor adapted. Isn't that what nature does? Change over time?

But he isn't an expert, so he says nothing more on it. It's only a passing thought. Instead, his attention is caught by the way Istredd poses the question. He raises an eyebrow. This is not the first time Istredd has prodded him about John. Geralt is not exactly hiding their relationship; they've been together each month in Nocwich, and not all of their time has been spent sequestered in their room. He just doesn't think there's a damn thing to talk about.

He is, however, a touch curious about why Istredd wants to know. Or is the mage simply being nosy? ]

We enjoy each other's company.

What do you mean?

[ A passing thought to Geralt, maybe, but interesting to Istredd who likes to think through things like that. It did strike him as suspect at the time, to contain it and release so easily, but he assumed it was a magic holding situation. He hasn't considered another option. The way Geralt thinks is always fascinating to him and he often learns things if he can see it from a different angle.

Istredd is being nosy. It's just difficult to parse what he knows of John with what he knows of Geralt. Then again, who is he to talk, it's not as if he and his partners necessarily make sense to everyone else. They're opposites. ]

Sorry, I'm just surprised, I didn't think he was your type. Not in a bad way, John's a good and kind man. [ And here is Istredd overthinking, as he's prone to do. ] And not to say you wouldn't find a good or kind person attractive.

[ Now he's making things awkward for himself. There is no saying what his reasons may be for prying, but he does show interest in the lives of his friends. He likes to listen to them talk about their partnerships, but he and Geralt are unlikely to do that, given they share one, and Geralt isn't much of a sharer. ]

It doesn't matter. I was prying.

A plague mutates. But a curse...a curse doesn't change. And mages do like a good curse.

[ The line between magic and science is a thin one on the Continent, and certain advancements from the Free Cities suggests this sphere is no different. Perhaps the problem is that their researchers have been seeking a medical cure when what they need is a magical one. Perhaps a nation intent on avoiding magic has become blinded to a common solution.

And the Free Cities is short on mages even amongst the Summoned who might detect such things. They have doctors, scientists...but none skilled in magic. Wanda and Himeka are in Solvunn; Istredd and Yen are in Thorne.

When the conversation turns to John once more, Geralt tilts his head. His type? Amusement flickers across his face. What would Istredd know or care about his type? He could dig further by asking if Istredd is trying to claim Jaskier is neither good nor kind, but he decides to take pity. The springs are putting him in a charitable mood. ]

He's honest. [ He is all of those other things, too—good and kind—but more than anything, John is painfully sincere. ] Doesn't waste my time with bullshit.

An interesting theory. I may look deeper into that. If that is possible here, who knows what other curses could be developed. Or if they're looking in the wrong place for a cure.

[ Istredd could see the Free Cities relying on technology or their own sciences instead, which would be a logical reaction if they thought it was an illness. He is curious enough to follow up on it. Geralt's point of view is always an interesting one. Lucifer has pointed out to Istredd before that he often seeks thoughts from people who think like him, so they miss an alternate perspective.

Typically this is not a project that would draw him in, but the attack from Thorne was a brutal one, and Istredd's intellectual interest should occasionally be used for good too. Perhaps it is a thread worth pulling at.

He would rather talk about that than get himself entrenched in his embarrassing personal questions. Istredd perhaps overstepped in asking, his curiosity as usual causing problems, but there's a personal edge to this that he wasn't fully aware of until now. He nods though, as Geralt is at least answering him rather than telling him to fuck off. ]

I can see why that would appeal to you. I like plainspoken people myself.

[ Istredd himself is not very plainspoken, he knows he's attracted to people who are the opposite of him, who display characteristics he wishes he had himself. ]

I'll look out for his interests for you.

[ They've been accepting Summoned blood for research purposes, or so they say. Geralt does not believe they're lying insomuch as he thinks it's unlikely they will stop at a cure. Once they've made one advancement, they will seek more. Handing over his blood feels reckless at best.

Though he won't speak for what others decide.

His gaze lingers on Istredd. The mage may not be quite so straightforward in speech, but he wears his heart on his sleeve. It's a different sort of plainness. He certainly isn't difficult to read.

Which is what Geralt could do. But, he has a simpler method: ]

What interest is John to you?

[ There's no accusation; he's only curious. ]

[ Istredd may be one of the easiest people to read, although others in Thorne don't think so. It's because he has perfected the passive expression and he usually presents himself in a very particular way in Thorne. He sees himself as someone who must be calm and self-possessed and responsible for the others, so he takes on that role.

Geralt knows him from the continent. It's a different type of relationship. And perhaps that is what this is about, in a strange way. ]

None in particular, I like him too. We're not close, but he's always been someone I knew I could count on.

[ Blue eyes fix on Geralt and he tilts his head thoughtfully, trying to make sense of his own motivations. They're not apparent to Istredd. His feelings don't always make sense, a frustration to be certain. But he tries to clarify, so he doesn't seem like more of an idiot than usual to Geralt.]

I think I sometimes compartmentalize my life in Thorne and my life with the rest of you in different categories. We have history, I think of you separately from Thorne. It was a surprise crossover, that's all.

Edited 2024-08-21 01:11 (UTC)

[ Mm. Frankly, he imagines they'd be hard-pressed to find someone who would not like John.

They have got a history. Not a long one, but still more connected than their brief interactions on the Continent would imply. Yen. Stregobor. Triss. And wherever the fuck the monoliths belong in all of that.

He does not owe Istredd an explanation. Nor anyone. But a part of him is fond enough of John, and he has had enough to drink, that he finds himself offering more. ]

I met him at the masquerade in the Feywilds. [ The Fey have since gone silent, which he imagines is for the best. He does not care for their tittering and games and hidden agendas. ] In our dreams, he was injured after Thorne fell. I worry prophecy may become reality.

[ It's a significant history in Istredd's eyes, but that is more to do with the importance of the moments they shared to him. The monoliths, the coup at Thanedd, the protection he's had for Ciri on behalf of her parents. There is a separation in his mind between people from their sphere and those he meets here. Although his friendship with Geralt only exists here, it would not have happened in their sphere. And he values it.

He feels valued in return when Geralt shares because he knows it is only on Geralt's terms when he does, and opening up even a small amount matters. A part of him understands the pleasure he derives from being let in is unique to Geralt too. Istredd has a thing for withholding people giving him just a little. ]

It's unlikely. The vision has already been proven incorrect due to Sidwell's coup. But perhaps you can convince him to leave the guard. I would, were a loved one to request it.

[ True. In the strictest sense. But the barest technicality is not what he refers to. Destiny brought he and Ciri together, but it could have happened any number of ways. Has happened many ways. In the woods outside Sodden. Here, in another sphere.

Just because the path has changed does not mean everything changes.

Still, he sees no reason to dwell on an uncertain future. Instead, he addresses a more concrete point that Istredd raises. ]

We've spoken of it. The decision is his. [ He recognizes a bare handful of weeks is not enough time for John to come to a firm conclusion. ] And he knows he has a place in the Free Cities should he want it.

[ Hm. He glances sidelong at Istredd. ]

As do you.

[ Not that he expects Istredd to take it. But it's there. ]

I cannot go. I have responsibilities to the Summoned in Thorne and Lucifer has enemies in the Free Cities.

[ Istredd does not know if he and Dean and Castiel can live within a space without wanting to kill one another. He doubts it. He and Lucifer have discussed places they could go if they must leave Thorne, but the other territories have enemies. That is why Istredd stole him away to the Nether as gods. Safe from everywhere else.

It makes Istredd's options more limited, but he would not leave Lucifer for any reason. The responsibilities to the Summoned are serious too and part of why he could not go to Nott. He swore to protect them as long as he could. ]

It is a nice idea though.

[ He could see building a life there, although it would be starting from scratch. But there is no use in thinking about the impossible.

Istredd reaches out to put a hand on Geralt's shoulder, not minding that they are in an intimate space and naked. They are friends and he wants to reassure Geralt to the best of his ability. Some of his interests in Thorne surround Geralt and Ciri already, he might as well add one more task for them to the list.]

I will look after him, Geralt, I promise. And if he wishes to leave, I will help find a way for it to happen, although Sidwell is no doubt watching us closely.

[ And if caught, John will no doubt be punished for it, although unlikely to be past a dungeon for a time himself. Istredd has no idea how they would get anyone out. If he had a more concrete idea, he would have already tried to save others who needed it. ]

There is a girl dear to me I would like to help leave, River, but I don't think I can.

[ An expected answer. Geralt inclines his head in acceptance. Lines are drawn firmly in this world. He can't blame Istredd for not wanting to take the risk. Besides, they've each found their place. ]

I'm not asking you to, [ he replies simply. ] But I imagine he would appreciate it.

[ John can look after himself. Geralt's concerns are merely that. It's less the danger, more the idea of John being in a position he had not asked to be in, doesn't want to be in. People like them will never live outside of harm's way, but it should be John's choice. It should be for something he believes in. Not some bullshit war.

His attention flicks back to Istredd. ] I know her. [ He does not elaborate. ] Though I can't say the Free Cities will be much better for her.

[ Or he'd have offered already. He came to know River in their visions, but even prior to that—it's clear she has a fragile mind. And an easily exploited one. A crowded city, ever-watched by its soldiers, is no place for a girl like her. ]

I don't want any of us to stay caught in Thorne if we're here for a long time.

[ Istredd included. He and Lucifer fled for the Nether in the vision for a reason. He is already sick of Thorne's shit but as long as they are Summoning people and they need someone to look out for them, Istredd cannot leave. And he needs to keep a connection to protect the Singularity. It's logical reasons for him to stay, not emotional. If the Nether opened their doors tomorrow, he would have a real conundrum on his hands, because he would be tempted to go.

It's not possible any time soon. He doesn't know if the others in the Free Cities and Solvunn feel as much like they want to flee, but he doubts it. As he told Lucifer once, the Thorne Summoned are trapped in a way unlike the others, in his opinion. ]

I think Solvunn would suit her. If I could get her to Wanda ....

[ Istredd sighs and puts his hands through the water, splashing his face and moving the droplets through his hair and beard. A small gesture but it's warm and comfortable in there. He has many things on his shoulders weighing him down and he struggles to relax even here. Something he should put more effort into doing. ]

If we can get him to the Free Cities, you would both want that?

Edited 2024-09-04 21:26 (UTC)

[ Mm. No. He does not want any of them to be caught in any territory. The higher tensions climb, the more they feel distinctly trapped in their respective homes. It is not a feeling he enjoys.

He only nods. Solvunn. He isn't fond of them, either. Not one of these places strike him as particularly trustworthy, but as far as choices go, he knows River would do better there than she would in the viper's nest of Thorne's court. ]

If he should want it. [ It's not about what he wants. He tilts his head. ] Why all the concern about John?

[ Not that he imagines Istredd doesn't care. But as far as he knows, Istredd and John are acquaintances more than friends. ]

[ 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. ]

[ 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.

Edited 2024-09-12 20:38 (UTC)

[ 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.

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.

[ 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.

[ CLOSED ]

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🎀 wrap?

had to do this one little thing lol 🎀