[ She watches him open it with her lip between her teeth, barely breathing, excited and a little nervous and fighting back a grin until she can be sure. But she was already sure, and Ciri is rewarded soon enough for her efforts by Jaskier's stunned expression. He handles the instrument as though it might vanish from his hands, with such care and tenderness that he doesn't even need to say a word of appreciation for Ciri to feel how much he likes it.

She lets her smile free, beaming from ear to ear, flushed bright. ]

I expect you to break her in good and proper with a string of exciting new performances soon enough.

[ With Geralt and Ciri both relatively well established in the city by now, it's not a matter of Jaskier needing to help keep them afloat. She just wants to see him happy performing again. Really loving it again. He's clearly feeling better week by week, and this is just another step.

Besides. He did need a good lute. ]

Consider it an investment from a patron of the arts.