Oh, my dear Lambert, I assure you that I am worse, [ Jaskier tells him, grinning widely. ] I never would have survived as a master bard if I didn't have a certain flair for the dramatic. Besides, I think you well know that Geralt has emotions, he simply pretends not to. I assume that you're the same, Lambchop. [ Jaskier refuses to believe that Lambert isn't hopelessly in love with Aiden. It's obvious that he is. They may take other lovers, but the feelings are still there. If they weren't, Lambert wouldn't be sneaking that Cat into Kaer Morhen and Jaskier never would have received an invitation. ]
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Jaskier's right. He's worse. It doesn't matter how dramatic Aiden is, Jaskier has him beat tenfold.
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Thank you, darling, [ Jaskier responds, patting Geralt on the chest. ] Now. The plan is to head up before you, I understand. But what is the plan tonight? I can play for all you lovely people until my fingers freeze off because it's colder than Militele's tit out here, or Geralt has been itching for a good opponent for a game of gwent.
I'll let you have that one, master bard. My acting skills only go as far as a good disguise. [Aiden continues ignoring Lambert, knowing he can do so until the redhead breaks and comes begging for attention. Or at least until he gets too cold to keep pretending he doesn't have feelings.] I wouldn't mind hearing something lively, if you'd like to play. I've heard renditions of your music from less-talented performers, but I'm sure nothing compares to the real thing.
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[Lambert watches as Aiden turns his charm on, barely keeping his jealousy in check. He knows that Aiden is only trying to rile him up.] You could play against Geralt, kitten. He knows all my tricks, you'll give him more of a challenge.
[ Jaskier sees what Aiden's doing, and he's happy to lean in. If Lambert is as prickly as Geralt has said, it will be great fun to tease him over the winter. ] Of course I can play for you, at least until my fingers are too cold, bit vhilly down here at the base of a mountain, you know? Geralt, did your Witcher ancestors not consider how fucking cold it is up here? Anyway. Yes, what's your favourite song?
[ Geralt's finished setting up camp, so Jaskier reaches for his lute and sits down on one of the logs that is conveniently placed next to the fire pit. ]
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[ Geralt looks over at Lambert and arches an eyebrow. They've known each other for several decades now, so Lambert will know what it means.
Perhaps introducing Aiden and Jaskier was a mistake. ]
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I can hear you thinking, Geralt, my darling. And yes, this was a great idea, [ Jaskier sing songs at him from his spot on the log. ]
Our ancestors didn't consider how cold it would be here. [Lambert hates the cold, has always hated it.]
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Well, what's your favorite, Jaskier? That's the song I most want to hear. [He glances subtly at Lambert, making sure his wolf is paying attention to him.] Though...I'm a bit of a sucker for a good romance~
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[Lambert catches Geralt's meaning and simply shakes his head. He can already tell this might have been the worst mistake of his life. Two very attractive, very flirtatious men, in Kaer Morhen together for a whole season. It could be good, but more than likely it would be a disaster. Already, he wants to apologize and pull his Cat close to himself.]
Aiden really is soft for the romantic stuff. Ask him why we didn't simply part ways after that first hunt~
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[Aiden tries to hide the way the memory makes him smile.]
[Jaskier shoots a grin over at Geralt, because he knows exactly which song he'll sing, if Aiden is looking for something romantic. He starts playing the first few chords of Her Sweet Kiss even though Geralt growls. The thing is, Geralt growls at him all the time so this isn't anything new.
But then, there's mention of a true romance, and Jaskier is intrigued. ] Oh, do tell, please. Perhaps I can write you your own romantic ballad. Two witchers from rival schools falling in love on the Path despite all odds, and despite one of them being overly moody. How delightful.
Don't you think so Geralt? It's much better than our own love story.
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Don't have a love story.
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You say that with your mouth, but here I am, accompanying you home to your ancestral home for the winter. [ Jaskier flaps his hands at Geralt and then he refocuses on Aiden. ]
{Lambert knows his brother can be prickly, but he doesn't expect Geralt to outright growl at his bard's playing. Then Jaskier is begging for a story about romance, and offering to write a song for him and Aiden, and his stomach goes a little queasy.]
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It would be lovely to have our own ballad, but...we'd rather not have our story out for the whole of the Continent to hear. [Aiden knows Lambert likes to keep knowledge of such intimacy only to those he trusts.] We'll tell you if you swear on Geralt's life that you won't go spreading our story. But first, I want to hear that song!
[ It's not Jaskier's songs that Geralt dislikes. In fact, he quite likes Jaskier's music although he'd never actually tell the bard that. It's that this song in particular is about him and Yennefer, and he'd very much rather not think about the sorceress at the moment. They'd left things on a sour note the last time they'd seen each other and Geralt doesn't need to be reminded of that, even if the song is objectively very good. ]
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Perhaps a song for just the two of you then? I don't have to perform it publicly to write it. Go on, tell me more about your meeting. [ Jaskier fiddles with his lute, prepared to launch into a song for them if Aiden and Lambert would prefer that. ]
You'd really write a song just for us? [Lambert trusts Geralt, and Geralt trusts his bard. Therefore, Lambert should be able to trust the bard.] It'll give you something to do during the winter, at least. If you're not too tired from all the chores~
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I doubt your old master is going to put a human to work up there on that old ruin. And if he does, you and I will take on Jaskier's work so he can enjoy his time up there.
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[Lambert pouts, but he doesn't argue with Aiden. He knows he's already pissed off the Cat enough for the day. Likely for the week.] It wasn't...very romantic, really. I bought him a pint at the tavern to say thanks for sharing the pay.
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Yes, and then you turned up at the next four villages I stopped in, puppy. [Aiden gives him a toothy grin, exposing his slightly too-long incisors.] I could tell you were tracking me, and I let you.
Ahh sorry, I was sick and then it was Canadian Thanksgiving
[ Jaskier thinks about it for a moment and then nods, ] I have plenty of songs that have not been performed in front of a crowd. Most of them unfinished, but some more private in nature. [ Some also feature some more private moments between him and Geralt. He only plays those for his Witcher. ]
However, I would be happy to perform it over the winter for your brethren. With your permission of course.
[ He listens as they describe their first meeting, taking note of anything he can work with. There’s something there - the chasing, the letting oneself be chased… It’s all much more romantic than either of them make it seem. More romantic than he and Geralt, as well. That’s why he wrote the one song, the one that Geralt hates, about his Witcher and the witch. It’s no wonder Geralt growled earlier when he’d started playing it. ]
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[ Jaskier is good at helping out at camp, if a bit lazy sometimes, so Geralt has no doubt he’ll help out once they get to Kaer Morhen. Instead of saying anything, he just claps his hand on the bard’s shoulder and finishes setting up. He hopes that Aiden will be up for a game of gwent after this talk of romance. It’s been a while since he’s had an opponent that he doesn’t know. ]
No worries! I've also been sick. ;w; my cough won't go away and I'm so tired
I...I mean, maybe, if Vesemir doesn't try to kill Aiden. [Lambert laughs, trying to pass his nervousness off as a joke. He glances at the Cat, then back to the bard.] If it's good, yeah, you can sing it for them.
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Oh, puppy, it'll be good. Don't worry that empty little head of yours~ [Aiden digs through his pockets, producing his Gwent deck as if he can read Geralt's mind.] Care for a round? We can leave your bard to it.
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[Lambert scowls at the empty head comment, but he doesn't argue. Instead, he turns his attention fully to Jaskier, ready to help him write their special song.]
Re: No worries! I've also been sick. ;w; my cough won't go away and I'm so tired
Oh, it will be good, [ Jaskier assures them. He has no doubt that his talent surpasses most, if not all, living bards. He can't even remember how many offers he's had for permanent positions in various courts around the continent, neither can he remember how many contests he's won. He assumes it was all of them, but he's sure that Geralt would be quick to correct him on that one.
He takes out his notebook, ready to get down to it. ]
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[ Thank the gods Aiden wants to play Gwent. Geralt is not a romantic, no matter what Jaskier might say when they're being soft together in private. The point of that is the privacy, and he doesn't need to hear about this love story. ] Yeah. [ He says it simply, and takes out his own deck. ] You want to make it more interesting? [ He has a few bottles of sweet wine that he'd gotten at the last festival he and Jaskier had been to that he could bet. ]
[Lambert settles in near the fire, both to keep the human warm and to keep himself warm. He's always hated the cold. Geralt seems preoccupied enough with the game Aiden has offered that Lambert feels he can be candid with the bard. He watches him get ready to write, thinking over how he wants to tell.]
So, we teamed up to take down that ogre in Ellander, yeah? And got paid and went to the tavern and...he was just so interesting, I couldn't help but follow after him to learn more. Didn't hurt that he's so pretty, but it was his personality that made me want to know more about him. The old man and my brothers always told me Cats were trouble, that they couldn't be trusted, they were all treacherous and ill-intentioned, but...Well, look at him. [He gestures to where Aiden is sitting, shuffling through his cards and smiling like he's about to play a game with an old friend.] He's a good man. Saved my ass more than I can count, too. Taking him to bed was inevitable~
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More interesting? A wager, you mean? [Aiden has a couple of bottles of exotic wine from Ofir, he thinks he could part with one or two if he loses.] Sure.
[He's also trying not to listen in to the conversation nearby, but eavesdropping is akin to breathing for the Cat witcher. Hypervigilance is what has kept him alive this long. He smiles to himself as he pulls out his wine to set aside.] Will this do?
I don't actually know how to play gwent, i;'m sorry!
[ Listening to Lambert talk about Aiden makes Jaskier smile a bit as he plays with verses in his head. It sounds familiar, but also different from what had happened with he and Geralt. He'd done the following, after all, unable to let the witcher leave town without learning more about him. It seems like Lambert had been bitten by a similar bug. ]
Well, we can't always judge someone because of something their affiliated with, now can we? [ Hell, Jaskier is a testament to the fact that one is not always similar to their family, or where they come from. ] I hope that your Vessemir is accepting of him.
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[ The wine that Aiden offers up looks to be good quality, so Geralt accepts the wager with a nod. Aiden looks to be a formidable opponent, and Geralt isn't about to underestimate a witcher with a deck that looks just as well loved as his own. ]
I don't either, don't worry! I just know it's cards and you play like 3 rounds??
[As the bard writes and softly hums to himself, Lambert watches him intently. It's new and interesting. He'd never expected to find a bard interesting, but this one is just fascinating. He laughs at that bright ray of hope, though.]
Once you meet Papa Vesemir, you'll see why I was nervous to bring my Cat around. Aside from the whole tournament grudge, Vesemir and I don't exactly get along. He still thinks I'm an ungrateful whelp, and I believe he should've let my dear old dad die in that nekker nest. [He spits to the side, like he's spitting out the idea of the existence of his own father.] Don't put any of that in the song, though.
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Puppy, you might get on better with him if you let go of that grudge. If he hadn't've saved your father, I never would've met you. [Aiden doesn't look over, only says his piece and looks to Geralt for the cue to begin the round.] Maybe if he shows your master how, he can let go of that grudge against my school. Most of those involved are dead now.
[ Admittedly, Geralt hasn't spoken too much about Vessemir, aside from a few stories here and there. Geralt hasn't really said too much about Kaer Morhen at all, which makes him even more excited to be spending the winter there. He's going to learn so much about Geralt, just being in the place that shaped him.
He looks over at Aiden calling Lamber Puppy and smirks. ] I won't put a word about your family in the song, but what about that little nickname? It's charming, really. I think that everyone will enjoy my rendition of the Puppy and the Kitty Cat.
[ At the sound of Geralt's huff of a laugh, Jaskier preens. He's so absolutely gone on that man, and he's not even a little bit embarrassed about it. ]
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There are some still alive? [ Geralt murmurs as he organizes his deck. He's been there during the sacking; it's the reason why there are so few wolf witchers now. It's why it's only Eskel, Lambert and him. Leave it to Lambert to find a Cat to get attached to. Then again, Geralt had found himself a bard, and as hard as he'd tried to rid himself of Jaskier, the man is tenacious.
Geralt can't say that he minds. Not anymore.
He sets his cards down and arches an eyebrow at Aiden. He's determined to get that wine. It's one of Jaskier's favourites.]
[Lambert's cheeks feel hot, but he chalks that up to how close he's sitting to the fire. That's definitely the only reason his cheeks feel hot. Not because he's embarrassed, definitely not that. Witchers don't get embarrassed.]
Won't that get confusing? I mean, dogs and cats don't really--They fight, you know? And I'm a Wolf, not a dog.
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Wolves have pups, too, Puppy~
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My point is, is this a song about animals now? [Lambert cocks his head to the side, much like a puppy would when it's confused.]
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[Aiden laughs to himself, shaking his head a little and laying out his first attack.]
Guxart is still alive. He and Vesemir shared a cell in a Kaedweni prison, I believe. He wasn't the one behind the betrayal, though. Guxart told me the ones behind the betrayal were all betrayed themselves and killed by Kaedwen's soldiers. I'm sure a couple other older Cats are still around, but...[He shrugs as he trails off, unconcerned about the politics behind something he was too young to have been involved in.]
They don't always fight. Besides, can't you see it now? An epic tale of star crossed lovers taking the form of two animals that hate each other. A love doomed from the beginning - not really, of course, the two of you are adorable. But think about the song!
[ Jaskier is more than willing to embellish here, but from the look Geralt shoots him, he should possibly rethink that and only stick to the facts. Maybe he shouldn't mention the cat and dog thing at all. ]
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Jaskier. We've talked about your exaggeration. [ Geralt says, looking back at the game in front of him. He lays down his cards and looks at Aiden challengingly. ]
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Fine, fine. Geralt is right. I wouldn't want to doom you before Aiden comes home to meet the family. So how about instead I write the song about collegaues that fell in love on the job. You are in love, aren't you?
Well, it does sound interesting. And if you only mentioned the lovers as animals, you could get away with singing it in taverns. I bet people all over the Continent would enjoy it. I guess. I dunno, I'd wanna hear it first.
[He is not avoiding answering that question, he's just...stalling...And disagreeing with his brother wolf. He was definitely going to answer that last question.]
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[Aiden knows that talking about feelings is difficult for Lambert. For all of the Wolves, really, based on what he's heard of Kaer Morhen. He's still curious what his lover will answer. He does a good job of hiding it by playing another move and tipping his head to Geralt with a little smile.]
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We...are. I think. In love. [He admits it quietly, cutting his eyes away from the bard and trying to make himself smaller. It's uncomfortable and he's had to work hard to overcome that feeling when he's alone with Aiden, but he feels obligated to tell the truth.] I am, I know, and I think...he is, too. Dunno why, he could do leagues better...[He shrugs, looking back to Jaskier to try and move the conversation along from this topic.] What about you and Geralt? He does care about you. A lot, if he's bringing you home.
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How many of your master bard's songs are embellished, I wonder. There are a few I've heard that are obvious, me being a witcher and all. Good thing humans don't know monsters as well as us~
[ Jaskier just grins over at Lambert as he scribbles some notes down and adds some ideas about the key. It's exciting to have someone actually want him to write a song about them. Geralt just kind of puts up with it, even though it's helped them both out. ] We'll just have to see how it turns out, then.
Now, should we swipe one of Geralt's bottles of wine and heckle our men? [ Because Geralt is his man even if it had taken them a long time to get to that point. ]
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I can hear you, Jask, [ Geralt calls out as he lays down some cards. ] Just take one of the bottles from Roach's saddle bags. Lambert can replace it.
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[ Jaskier does fetch a bottle of wine and pours each of them a healthy helping into their rugged travel cups. Taking a good swig of his, he says, ] Oh, it took us ages to finally get there, but Geralt does care about me deeply. I would go as far as to say that he loves me, but you know how he is with words. [ Jaskier doesn't know the situation but he thinks that if Aiden wanted to be with someone else, he would be. ]
I'm excited to meet the family, see where Geralt grew up. [ He's more excited to have somewhere safe to sleep for a season, and a real bed. It's always a toss up if they'll actually be able to get a room. ]
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I would say all of them, [ Geralt admits. He doesn't quite smile, but he does quirk his lips up very slightly. ]
[Lambert very studiously doesn't say anything about Aiden being his man. He's said enough already. The wine is a very welcome distraction, even if Geralt says he has to replace it. He won't. Aiden's going to win this little game, anyway, and Geralt will have to fork over his stash. He drinks deep, watching his brother and his lover.]
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I'm excited to see it, too, despite what Lambchop's told me of growing up there. None of us grew up in great environments, what with the whole system being based around abusing children and mutating them. [He shares Lambert's sentiments, that their childhoods were well and truly fucked up, but he's not bitter about it. Life as a witcher led him to his love.] The Cats had a similar fortress, Stygga, long ago. It was overtaken by humans before I came into their care. I grew up in the Caravan. I think I'm more excited to see the fortress than meet the family...
[He lays down one final card, then gives Geralt a challenging look.]
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Can't speak for Papa Vesemir, but I know Eskel will like you, seeing as Geralt seems to.
[ As much as Lambert doesn't say it, Jaskier knows that Aiden is his man. Even if they fuck other people here and there, like he and Geralt do, Aiden is still his man. It's obvious in the way that they look at each other. This is going to be a great song.
He scribbles some more notes in his little notebook and then sets it aside for the night. Now is the time for drinking and being merry. ]
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[Glancing at the card, Geralt lays his own down. If he loses, he'll just ask for another game, he's not too concerned. What he is concerned about is Lambert and Jaskier drinking all the wine. ]
Pour some for us too.
[ He flips his card over, and sees that he did indeed lose. ]
Best two out of three?
[ There's no way that the Cat can beat him again.
He can't imagine growing up in a caravan and training to be a witcher. He frowns thinking about how the Cats could have made that work at all. ]
It is comforting, returning to the same place every winter.
[Aiden doesn't have to ask. Lambert pours him some before Geralt says anything. He's used to anticipating his Cat's needs, and he likes the little smile Aiden gets when he delivers. Aiden anticipates his needs, too. Lambert had thought, at first, it was just something that came with traveling with a companion for a season or two, but he's come to understand lately that it stems from something deeper.
The same thing that had possessed him to ask Aiden to winter with him.]
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Oh, and when I win again, will it be best three of five~? [Aiden shuffles his deck as he teases Geralt.] I liked growing up in the Caravan, honestly. I saw more of the Continent with people I mostly trusted before having to venture out on my own. I have always wondered what it was like to have a stable shelter, though.
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[Lambert shrugs, gesturing at Geralt.] Eskel's a lot like him. Papa Vesemir always says they're like "two drops of water". [He drops his voice to the pitch he uses to imitate their mentor, then chuckles to himself about it.] Eskel's the nicer one, though. Looks scarier, but he's a lot nicer.
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You say that because he was the one that let you get away with more when you were still a kid~
[ Jaskier catches it all with a small smile on his face. He'd heard from Geralt in not so many words that Lambert was the most moody of all of them. It had been hard to believe considering Geralt, but it's nice to see the witchers being so soft with each other. ]
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Who says you're winning again? [ Although Aiden had been a tough opponent, so it's a toss up as to who might win. ] But no. My bard is probably getting cold, might have to go warm him after this.
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You know, now that you mention it, it's quite nippy up here. And we're going to be staying on top of a mountain all winter?
I say I'm winning again~ But if you want to use your bard as an easy out, that's fine, too. [Aiden grins at him.]
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You'll be fine, bard. It's on top of a mountain, but you'll be in a big drafty keep! [He laughs at his own little joke, elbowing Jaskier as he does.] You'll be fine, don't worry. Plenty of furs and fireplaces to keep you warm. And it sounds like Geralt has no problem helping, either~
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Furs and fireplaces only keep you so warm. It's the physical activity that'll really get you through the winter. Which explains why Lambert hates the cold so much~ Poor sap hates doing work.
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[Lambert gives him a scowl.] See if I help you warm up when the deep snow sets in...
[ Geralt arches an eyebrow at Lambert and shuffles his cards a little. ] Jaskier can sleep wherever he wants. [ Although Geralt knows it will primarily be with him, he expects Jaskier to make his rounds with Eskel and Lambert and Aiden if he wishes. ]
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Oh, I intend to, [ Jaskier adds with a grin. He and Geralt are together, absolutely, but they aren't exclusive. Jaskier knows that Geralt loves both he and Yennefer, and Jaskier loves everyone, so the arrangement works well for both of them. ]
I'll help you warm up the bed, Aiden. Don't worry.
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[ Geralt nearly spits out his drink at that, especially because he can picture the look on Lambert's face. His bard never ceases to surprise. ]
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Jaskier's right. He's worse. It doesn't matter how dramatic Aiden is, Jaskier has him beat tenfold.
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Thank you, darling, [ Jaskier responds, patting Geralt on the chest. ] Now. The plan is to head up before you, I understand. But what is the plan tonight? I can play for all you lovely people until my fingers freeze off because it's colder than Militele's tit out here, or Geralt has been itching for a good opponent for a game of gwent.
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[Lambert watches as Aiden turns his charm on, barely keeping his jealousy in check. He knows that Aiden is only trying to rile him up.] You could play against Geralt, kitten. He knows all my tricks, you'll give him more of a challenge.
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[ Geralt's finished setting up camp, so Jaskier reaches for his lute and sits down on one of the logs that is conveniently placed next to the fire pit. ]
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[ Geralt looks over at Lambert and arches an eyebrow. They've known each other for several decades now, so Lambert will know what it means.
Perhaps introducing Aiden and Jaskier was a mistake. ]
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I can hear you thinking, Geralt, my darling. And yes, this was a great idea, [ Jaskier sing songs at him from his spot on the log. ]
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Well, what's your favorite, Jaskier? That's the song I most want to hear. [He glances subtly at Lambert, making sure his wolf is paying attention to him.] Though...I'm a bit of a sucker for a good romance~
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[Lambert catches Geralt's meaning and simply shakes his head. He can already tell this might have been the worst mistake of his life. Two very attractive, very flirtatious men, in Kaer Morhen together for a whole season. It could be good, but more than likely it would be a disaster. Already, he wants to apologize and pull his Cat close to himself.]
Aiden really is soft for the romantic stuff. Ask him why we didn't simply part ways after that first hunt~
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[Aiden tries to hide the way the memory makes him smile.]
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But then, there's mention of a true romance, and Jaskier is intrigued. ] Oh, do tell, please. Perhaps I can write you your own romantic ballad. Two witchers from rival schools falling in love on the Path despite all odds, and despite one of them being overly moody. How delightful.
Don't you think so Geralt? It's much better than our own love story.
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Don't have a love story.
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You say that with your mouth, but here I am, accompanying you home to your ancestral home for the winter. [ Jaskier flaps his hands at Geralt and then he refocuses on Aiden. ]
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It would be lovely to have our own ballad, but...we'd rather not have our story out for the whole of the Continent to hear. [Aiden knows Lambert likes to keep knowledge of such intimacy only to those he trusts.] We'll tell you if you swear on Geralt's life that you won't go spreading our story. But first, I want to hear that song!
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Perhaps a song for just the two of you then? I don't have to perform it publicly to write it. Go on, tell me more about your meeting. [ Jaskier fiddles with his lute, prepared to launch into a song for them if Aiden and Lambert would prefer that. ]
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I doubt your old master is going to put a human to work up there on that old ruin. And if he does, you and I will take on Jaskier's work so he can enjoy his time up there.
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[Lambert pouts, but he doesn't argue with Aiden. He knows he's already pissed off the Cat enough for the day. Likely for the week.] It wasn't...very romantic, really. I bought him a pint at the tavern to say thanks for sharing the pay.
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Yes, and then you turned up at the next four villages I stopped in, puppy. [Aiden gives him a toothy grin, exposing his slightly too-long incisors.] I could tell you were tracking me, and I let you.
Ahh sorry, I was sick and then it was Canadian Thanksgiving
However, I would be happy to perform it over the winter for your brethren. With your permission of course.
[ He listens as they describe their first meeting, taking note of anything he can work with. There’s something there - the chasing, the letting oneself be chased… It’s all much more romantic than either of them make it seem. More romantic than he and Geralt, as well. That’s why he wrote the one song, the one that Geralt hates, about his Witcher and the witch. It’s no wonder Geralt growled earlier when he’d started playing it. ]
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[ Jaskier is good at helping out at camp, if a bit lazy sometimes, so Geralt has no doubt he’ll help out once they get to Kaer Morhen. Instead of saying anything, he just claps his hand on the bard’s shoulder and finishes setting up. He hopes that Aiden will be up for a game of gwent after this talk of romance. It’s been a while since he’s had an opponent that he doesn’t know. ]
No worries! I've also been sick. ;w; my cough won't go away and I'm so tired
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Oh, puppy, it'll be good. Don't worry that empty little head of yours~ [Aiden digs through his pockets, producing his Gwent deck as if he can read Geralt's mind.] Care for a round? We can leave your bard to it.
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[Lambert scowls at the empty head comment, but he doesn't argue. Instead, he turns his attention fully to Jaskier, ready to help him write their special song.]
Re: No worries! I've also been sick. ;w; my cough won't go away and I'm so tired
He takes out his notebook, ready to get down to it. ]
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[ Thank the gods Aiden wants to play Gwent. Geralt is not a romantic, no matter what Jaskier might say when they're being soft together in private. The point of that is the privacy, and he doesn't need to hear about this love story. ] Yeah. [ He says it simply, and takes out his own deck. ] You want to make it more interesting? [ He has a few bottles of sweet wine that he'd gotten at the last festival he and Jaskier had been to that he could bet. ]
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So, we teamed up to take down that ogre in Ellander, yeah? And got paid and went to the tavern and...he was just so interesting, I couldn't help but follow after him to learn more. Didn't hurt that he's so pretty, but it was his personality that made me want to know more about him. The old man and my brothers always told me Cats were trouble, that they couldn't be trusted, they were all treacherous and ill-intentioned, but...Well, look at him. [He gestures to where Aiden is sitting, shuffling through his cards and smiling like he's about to play a game with an old friend.] He's a good man. Saved my ass more than I can count, too. Taking him to bed was inevitable~
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More interesting? A wager, you mean? [Aiden has a couple of bottles of exotic wine from Ofir, he thinks he could part with one or two if he loses.] Sure.
[He's also trying not to listen in to the conversation nearby, but eavesdropping is akin to breathing for the Cat witcher. Hypervigilance is what has kept him alive this long. He smiles to himself as he pulls out his wine to set aside.] Will this do?
I don't actually know how to play gwent, i;'m sorry!
Well, we can't always judge someone because of something their affiliated with, now can we? [ Hell, Jaskier is a testament to the fact that one is not always similar to their family, or where they come from. ] I hope that your Vessemir is accepting of him.
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[ The wine that Aiden offers up looks to be good quality, so Geralt accepts the wager with a nod. Aiden looks to be a formidable opponent, and Geralt isn't about to underestimate a witcher with a deck that looks just as well loved as his own. ]
I don't either, don't worry! I just know it's cards and you play like 3 rounds??
Once you meet Papa Vesemir, you'll see why I was nervous to bring my Cat around. Aside from the whole tournament grudge, Vesemir and I don't exactly get along. He still thinks I'm an ungrateful whelp, and I believe he should've let my dear old dad die in that nekker nest. [He spits to the side, like he's spitting out the idea of the existence of his own father.] Don't put any of that in the song, though.
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Puppy, you might get on better with him if you let go of that grudge. If he hadn't've saved your father, I never would've met you. [Aiden doesn't look over, only says his piece and looks to Geralt for the cue to begin the round.] Maybe if he shows your master how, he can let go of that grudge against my school. Most of those involved are dead now.
We'll make it up as we go aha
He looks over at Aiden calling Lamber Puppy and smirks. ] I won't put a word about your family in the song, but what about that little nickname? It's charming, really. I think that everyone will enjoy my rendition of the Puppy and the Kitty Cat.
[ At the sound of Geralt's huff of a laugh, Jaskier preens. He's so absolutely gone on that man, and he's not even a little bit embarrassed about it. ]
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There are some still alive? [ Geralt murmurs as he organizes his deck. He's been there during the sacking; it's the reason why there are so few wolf witchers now. It's why it's only Eskel, Lambert and him. Leave it to Lambert to find a Cat to get attached to. Then again, Geralt had found himself a bard, and as hard as he'd tried to rid himself of Jaskier, the man is tenacious.
Geralt can't say that he minds. Not anymore.
He sets his cards down and arches an eyebrow at Aiden. He's determined to get that wine. It's one of Jaskier's favourites.]
Just like real life! :D
Won't that get confusing? I mean, dogs and cats don't really--They fight, you know? And I'm a Wolf, not a dog.
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Wolves have pups, too, Puppy~
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My point is, is this a song about animals now? [Lambert cocks his head to the side, much like a puppy would when it's confused.]
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[Aiden laughs to himself, shaking his head a little and laying out his first attack.]
Guxart is still alive. He and Vesemir shared a cell in a Kaedweni prison, I believe. He wasn't the one behind the betrayal, though. Guxart told me the ones behind the betrayal were all betrayed themselves and killed by Kaedwen's soldiers. I'm sure a couple other older Cats are still around, but...[He shrugs as he trails off, unconcerned about the politics behind something he was too young to have been involved in.]
Exactly!!!
[ Jaskier is more than willing to embellish here, but from the look Geralt shoots him, he should possibly rethink that and only stick to the facts. Maybe he shouldn't mention the cat and dog thing at all. ]
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Jaskier. We've talked about your exaggeration. [ Geralt says, looking back at the game in front of him. He lays down his cards and looks at Aiden challengingly. ]
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Fine, fine. Geralt is right. I wouldn't want to doom you before Aiden comes home to meet the family. So how about instead I write the song about collegaues that fell in love on the job. You are in love, aren't you?
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[He is not avoiding answering that question, he's just...stalling...And disagreeing with his brother wolf. He was definitely going to answer that last question.]
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[Aiden knows that talking about feelings is difficult for Lambert. For all of the Wolves, really, based on what he's heard of Kaer Morhen. He's still curious what his lover will answer. He does a good job of hiding it by playing another move and tipping his head to Geralt with a little smile.]
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We...are. I think. In love. [He admits it quietly, cutting his eyes away from the bard and trying to make himself smaller. It's uncomfortable and he's had to work hard to overcome that feeling when he's alone with Aiden, but he feels obligated to tell the truth.] I am, I know, and I think...he is, too. Dunno why, he could do leagues better...[He shrugs, looking back to Jaskier to try and move the conversation along from this topic.] What about you and Geralt? He does care about you. A lot, if he's bringing you home.
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How many of your master bard's songs are embellished, I wonder. There are a few I've heard that are obvious, me being a witcher and all. Good thing humans don't know monsters as well as us~
Still haven't played Gwent, oops!
Now, should we swipe one of Geralt's bottles of wine and heckle our men? [ Because Geralt is his man even if it had taken them a long time to get to that point. ]
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I can hear you, Jask, [ Geralt calls out as he lays down some cards. ] Just take one of the bottles from Roach's saddle bags. Lambert can replace it.
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[ Jaskier does fetch a bottle of wine and pours each of them a healthy helping into their rugged travel cups. Taking a good swig of his, he says, ] Oh, it took us ages to finally get there, but Geralt does care about me deeply. I would go as far as to say that he loves me, but you know how he is with words. [ Jaskier doesn't know the situation but he thinks that if Aiden wanted to be with someone else, he would be. ]
I'm excited to meet the family, see where Geralt grew up. [ He's more excited to have somewhere safe to sleep for a season, and a real bed. It's always a toss up if they'll actually be able to get a room. ]
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I would say all of them, [ Geralt admits. He doesn't quite smile, but he does quirk his lips up very slightly. ]
I LIIIIIIVE
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I'm excited to see it, too, despite what Lambchop's told me of growing up there. None of us grew up in great environments, what with the whole system being based around abusing children and mutating them. [He shares Lambert's sentiments, that their childhoods were well and truly fucked up, but he's not bitter about it. Life as a witcher led him to his love.] The Cats had a similar fortress, Stygga, long ago. It was overtaken by humans before I came into their care. I grew up in the Caravan. I think I'm more excited to see the fortress than meet the family...
[He lays down one final card, then gives Geralt a challenging look.]
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Can't speak for Papa Vesemir, but I know Eskel will like you, seeing as Geralt seems to.
Re: I LIIIIIIVE
He scribbles some more notes in his little notebook and then sets it aside for the night. Now is the time for drinking and being merry. ]
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[Glancing at the card, Geralt lays his own down. If he loses, he'll just ask for another game, he's not too concerned. What he is concerned about is Lambert and Jaskier drinking all the wine. ]
Pour some for us too.
[ He flips his card over, and sees that he did indeed lose. ]
Best two out of three?
[ There's no way that the Cat can beat him again.
He can't imagine growing up in a caravan and training to be a witcher. He frowns thinking about how the Cats could have made that work at all. ]
It is comforting, returning to the same place every winter.
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Tell me more about Eskel? I've never met him.
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The same thing that had possessed him to ask Aiden to winter with him.]
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Oh, and when I win again, will it be best three of five~? [Aiden shuffles his deck as he teases Geralt.] I liked growing up in the Caravan, honestly. I saw more of the Continent with people I mostly trusted before having to venture out on my own. I have always wondered what it was like to have a stable shelter, though.
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[Lambert shrugs, gesturing at Geralt.] Eskel's a lot like him. Papa Vesemir always says they're like "two drops of water". [He drops his voice to the pitch he uses to imitate their mentor, then chuckles to himself about it.] Eskel's the nicer one, though. Looks scarier, but he's a lot nicer.
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You say that because he was the one that let you get away with more when you were still a kid~
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Who says you're winning again? [ Although Aiden had been a tough opponent, so it's a toss up as to who might win. ] But no. My bard is probably getting cold, might have to go warm him after this.
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You know, now that you mention it, it's quite nippy up here. And we're going to be staying on top of a mountain all winter?
Sorry it's been a rough lil bit!
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You'll be fine, bard. It's on top of a mountain, but you'll be in a big drafty keep! [He laughs at his own little joke, elbowing Jaskier as he does.] You'll be fine, don't worry. Plenty of furs and fireplaces to keep you warm. And it sounds like Geralt has no problem helping, either~
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Furs and fireplaces only keep you so warm. It's the physical activity that'll really get you through the winter. Which explains why Lambert hates the cold so much~ Poor sap hates doing work.
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[Lambert gives him a scowl.] See if I help you warm up when the deep snow sets in...
no worries, I got busy!
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Oh, I intend to, [ Jaskier adds with a grin. He and Geralt are together, absolutely, but they aren't exclusive. Jaskier knows that Geralt loves both he and Yennefer, and Jaskier loves everyone, so the arrangement works well for both of them. ]
I'll help you warm up the bed, Aiden. Don't worry.
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[ Geralt nearly spits out his drink at that, especially because he can picture the look on Lambert's face. His bard never ceases to surprise. ]
Yay for adult life! ( ﾟヮﾟ)
GOddddd adult life got me down
being an adult is so fun and cool wow i can't believe i was missing out in my youth /s
the most fun,
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ack sorry! Got busy