[ CLOSED ] I've been tryna catch a fever dream

[wiedzminka]

Who: Ciri and Viktor; later, Jayce
When: early June
Where: the desert outside Cadens, the crater around the Singularity, the ocean!!, Aquila, Cadens again
What: it's an adventure!!!! that nobody asked for!!
Warnings: blood, violence (mostly against monsters, probably)



[ When Viktor reached out to her to ask if Ciri would be willing to go with him outside Cadens soon, she hadn't thought much of it. Viktor had always seemed so curious when she would come back with supplies for him, or specimens to study; and she loves talking about her work, and would often share details while he took notes, or answer question after question when he showed particular interest. It is perfectly expected, then, that he should want to explore on his own sometime -- or, rather, not on his own but with her accompaniment, considering he might have a difficult time by himself.

But Ciri doesn't ask questions. She helps find and rent a horse for the trip -- "probably just a few hours, back before nightfall," she tells the stable -- and meets Viktor at his workshop in the morning, upon the agreed time. It's early, barely sunrise, while the cool air still lingers and dew clings to the sparse vegetation.

Ciri walks up leading Nixie on one side, while her mare shoots dirty looks at the dun gelding she's picked out for Viktor, chosen for his easy temperament and the stable's promises that he's perfect for first-time riders.

Nixie's tail flicks impatiently. Ciri stops in front of the workshop, nudging her with a shoulder to push the two horses further apart. ]

You are being such a pest. [ The horse. Not Viktor.

Viktor gets a smile and a greeting. ]

Ready to go?

Comments

[wiedzminka]

[ Ciri's jaw tightens, and her breath catches for a moment when he begins, but she makes no other sound. After a little while, she speaks again, but not to tell him to stop. ]

Jaskier gave me a lead on someone who can help us get back to Cadens. Owes Jaskier a favor for a song, or some such. Between that and some of the merchants I've worked for before, if they're in the city right now-- I think we can get some basic supplies, maybe even manage to pay back our hosts here, and head out within two or three days. If you are ready to do so by then, as well.

[ Best to focus on the practical and tangible. What they can do, as opposed to what could not be controlled. ]

Without a proper weapon, I'm not sure--

[ She pauses, suddenly remembering something. It takes effort not to jump, considering what Viktor's in the middle of. Ciri takes a breath, but her voice still comes out tight. ]

I don't suppose you still have my silver dagger.

[techmaturgy]

Okay, that's--that's good. [To have a plan.] There's always repair work to be done, I can ask around town about it for some extra coin, and I'm not interested in staying here longer than necessary.

[Talking seems to be good--seems to be keeping both their minds off what he's doing and the circumstances that brought them here. Looking forward is the best they can do, now, though it's not lost on Viktor that they're very lucky. Things could be much, much worse, given the situation.

His hands are steady. His eyebrows furrow in concentration, but he can only be so gentle. Viktor is sure she feels the pull of the thread through the cuts. At the very least, he can deliver some good news.]

I have it, yes. I put it in my belt before we, uh. Ended up in the ocean.

[wiedzminka]

[ Ciri makes a noise, a choked almost-sob of a sound, blinking back tears. It has more to do with the sudden wave of relief washing over her than the stitches (though probably the discomfort doesn't help). ]

Y-yes. Thank you. For holding onto that for me.

And for helping me out back there. With the insects.

[ Her voice comes out a bit raw. Everything is still catching up, settling like stones on her chest. ]

Ugh. Those things were disgusting... They didn't get you?

[techmaturgy]

[He can tell that she's reaching some kind of breaking point. Being actively sutured up with no painkillers or anesthetic probably isn't helping. Viktor, too, has mostly bottled everything up for the moment, though he gets the sense that if her dam breaks, he might have a little trouble keeping his own composure.

So he focuses on the work, instead, neatly tying off the current suture and moving on to the next.]

Anyone would have done it.

[And stabbing is, theoretically, not very hard. He's still guilty about his general lack of physical ability putting them both in so much danger.]

Scratches, here and there. I'm fine, otherwise.

[wiedzminka]

That's not true. You were brave. And quick-thinking.

[ She's not praising him for no reason; he really did handle the situation rather well, all things considered. There's no reason for him to feel guilty.

The only reaction to Viktor starting in on the next gash is a muffled grunt, and a few beats of silence. ]

...never seen monsters like that before.

[ Like the insects. Or... the plant-things. She glances back over her shoulder as well as she can without pulling, trying to gauge Viktor's reaction. He's unlikely to know what's common, and just as unlikely to even think of Ciri being the cause of some unknown beasts' appearance. But part of her still wants to prod, just to check. Just in case he has any theories that need to be quickly redirected. ]

[techmaturgy]

Well, when the option to run away is removed from the equation, you have to learn to stab.

[That's a joke--maybe a bad one, considering the circumstance, but Viktor is realistic about his own limitations, and doesn't really like anyone dancing around them. He will also, perhaps unsurprisingly, refuse to elaborate on learning to stab.

Ciri changes the subject, and Viktor isn't sure whether she's fishing for his commentary. He decides to tread carefully.]

Anything I've seen from the desert was already dead. I suppose the geographical difference could account for it. Do you mean the insects, or the creatures that came out of the ground?

[wiedzminka]

Both. [ She replies easily enough, and it's the truth. Even though she is more interested in one over the other, despite her hesitation to actually come out and say it. ]

No surprise, though. Not many make it all the way out there. Must be all sorts of monsters no one's heard of here.

[ The plant creatures had been vicious, but not very effective. Her wrist where they scratched her itches, and the cut feels uncomfortable, but all in all, it seems any venom they might've had is mild. The insects have left minor punctures and cuts, and nothing too difficult to deal with. In the end, it was the most mundane sort of beast that left a significant mark. ]

If you do find anything on either species, let me know.

[techmaturgy]

Most of my research in the library hasn’t involved the local flora and fauna, but I can take a look.

[It is nice, to be saying things like that, knowing they’ll be back in Cadens soon. Even half a day ago, that had seemed like an impossibility. He manages to sound a little grateful, that they’re real

Still, he can tell that Ciri is troubled. He decides not to press the issue, instead focusing on the last few stitches. When he’s finished, he sets aside the bloody equipment in a tray.]

Okay. I’m going to bandage this, now.

[Signaling that, at the very least, the worst of it is over.]

[wiedzminka]

That's all right. Thanks.

[ She nods to show she heard the warning, sitting up a bit more to give him room and moving her arm as needed. Already, she's tired again, despite having just woken up. It's not the wounds -- those are mild, by her standards. But she's used her magic a lot more than she usually does, across much greater distances, and then fighting and swimming that far after all that has left her whole body feeling rather weak in a way Ciri does not appreciate. She'll eat more; that should help. Rest a few hours longer, then go searching for their transportation.

Once Viktor is finished, Ciri gingerly moves her arm, testing her shoulder, and offers him a tired but heartfelt smile. ]

Feels better already.

I'm glad you're here.

[ She hadn't meant to drag him along but, perhaps selfishly, she's relieved at least she's not alone. ]