abraxaslogs | [ CLOSED ]

[ 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 🎀