[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. ]
[Lambert and Aiden have a similar arrangement, but Lambert still pouts about Jaskier undermining him.]
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At least someone here has manners and compassion. You know the Caravan heads south during the winter, puppy, I'm not built for the cold! [Aiden much prefers crossing down into Ofir and spending his winters hunting desert creatures, but...he couldn't resist spending more time with his Wolf.]
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Then next winter, we'll go south, you can introduce me to your family and I can embarrass you for the season~
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You'll mostly be embarrassing yourself. [He deals his first hand, looking up at Geralt with a smile.]
Oh, neither am I, [ Jaskier assures him. ] Once, I invited Geralt to the coast for the winter with me - can you imagine it? Him splashing around in the warm sea, me in a sun hat, drinking wine and watching? It sounded divine to me, but Geralt had other ideas.
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Jaskier, please, I don't want to talk about this. [ The mountain had been a long time ago, and Jaskier had forgiven him, so why do they need to speak of it again?
He looks at his cards and keeps his face blank, sure that this time he'll win. ]
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Yes yes, dear. Well, perhaps next winter we can go. You don't need to meet my family though. Hells, I wouldn't want to meet them if I didn't have to.
being an adult is so fun and cool wow i can't believe i was missing out in my youth /s
[Lambert perks up at the mention of the coast, eyeing his brother wolf. Normally, he's got a penchant for digging at something until someone snaps, but he doesn't want this little get-together to go south before he can get his Cat up the mountain.] We could all go next winter. Not like the coast has gone anywhere, right?
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Already backing out of meeting my family, Lambchop~? [He's teasing. There are only a couple of Cats Aiden truly cares for. From what he's heard of the Wolves of Kaer Morhen, the dynamic in his own school is quite different.] A winter season by the sea sounds divine.
[He watches Geralt, waiting to see how he'll play this hand.]
[ Jaskier grins at Lambert and gives Geralt's thigh a little squeeze. ] The is indeed remaining right where it is, as far as I know. You're both welcome to join us. I do have a small manor on the coast in Kerack.
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Jaskier, please, [ Geralt murmurs as she plays his hand, making a mistake because of the distraction. ] Can we talk about this later? [ Geralt thinks about the mountain every single day, and regrets it every time it crosses his mind. He knows that Jaskier's forgiven him, but he hasn't yet forgiven himself. ]
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Yes yes, fine. Aiden, your family is also invited, if you'd like.
No, my family is most certainly not invited. I wouldn't dream of inflicting them on you, Jaskier. [Aiden flashes a winning smile at the bard, winking at him for good measure. Then his focus is right back on the game as he notes Geralt's mistake, gladly taking advantage of it.] I believe that's two rounds I've won now, great White Wolf~
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Oh, sure, but you're inflicting the whole lot on me? I see how it is. [Lambert isn't really upset. But he pouts all the same.] You'd better share that wine, at least.
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Puppy, that's no way to talk to the guest you're dragging up a cold, awful mountain. I won, but our new friend made a good distraction. He's the only one I'm obligated to share with~
[ Jaskier cocks his head to the side at that, wondering once again what he's gotten himself into with all of these witchers. But then, he adores Geralt, and he would do nearly anything for him. He's glad to be spending the winter together, where they can be safe and warmed, and have a bed, for an entire season. ]
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Fuck, [ Geralt curses when he loses again. He glances up at Jaskier and makes a face. ] You're being a nuisance, Bard.
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I'm always a nuisance, [ Jaskier responds with a shrug, holding his cup out for some wine. He nods his thanks and takes a sip. ] Besides, Aiden is right. You should be nicer to me, or you might find yourself in a cold, empty bed. You two will let me share yours, right?
What we could do-- [Aiden quickly packs up his cards, storing them in a nice leather pouch as he moves to seat himself beside Jaskier.] --is leave our Wolves to sort themselves~ We shouldn't be rewarding bad behavior, after all. Dogs need to be trained.
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We're done with training! Besides, I'm being perfectly well-behaved, by my standards. [Lambert knows the game Aiden's playing at here. It's familiar, flirting with another just to get a rise out of him, because at the heart of it all, he knows Aiden loves tempting him into being possessive.] We can certainly take care of the master bard, though. Not opposed to that at all.
Jaskier can does as he wishes, [ Geralt states, but the glower on his face says otherwise. He's bringing the bard home to meet his family, not for him to fuck them.
Then again, he and Jaskier have never been exclusive. Jaskier fucks who he wants, and Geralt fucks Jaskier and Yennefer occasionally. He wouldn't like Jaskier going to bed with Lambert and Aiden, but he wouldn't stop him from doing it either. ]
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[ Jaskier looks between the three other men, very clearly amused. He lets a smirk settle on his lips as he leans closer to Aiden before finally saying, ] Unfortunately I'll pass on the offer, for now. I'd like to keep my wolf happy and satisfied for the season.
See, Lambchop? You and Geralt are more alike than you think~ [Aiden doesn't elaborate, letting the pair of Wolves suss out what he means on their own. He doesn't make a move to leave Jaskier's side, though.] And you and I, master bard, are like peas in a pod.
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[Lambert can't help but roll his eyes at his companion's cheesiness.] Next, you'll be reciting poetry for us, kitty.
[ Jaskier brightens at the topic of poetry, moving even closer to Aiden to speak. ] If it's poetry you're after, I did convince Geralt to carry several volumes with us for the winter. As much as he thinks I can survive on his bedroom talents alone, I will perish without the arts to sustain me.
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Jaskier, we have a library at the keep, [ Geralt reminds him. His bard can be so dramatic sometimes. There are plenty of volumes of poetry and of music. More than enough to keep him entertained for a season. ]
[Aiden leans in conspiratorily.] I do love a good book. I've brought a couple of my own. I occasionally dip down to Ofir, and I've brought back a book of their old poetry. Perhaps we can trade once we finish what we've brought.
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Geralt just said, our library is stocked. [Lambert rolls his eyes at the dramatics of the bard and the Cat.] It's got all the boring old shit you two love.
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You love it, too, puppy. [Aiden grins, cutting his eyes over to the redheaded Wolf, before looking back to Jaskier.] You'll have to get dear Lambchop to sing for you this winter. He likes to pretend he doesn't care for the arts, but I've heard him singing to himself quite a bit, and I've also caught him reading books other than bawdy smut~
I would love to trade poetry with you, [ Jaskier replies, overtly flirty with Aiden. He ignores the other two for the time being because obviously he's going to peruse the library over the course of an entire season. ]
Oh, I think it's more than just us that love old shit. I've seen Geralt read on many occasions. And not only books about monsters.
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The two of you can be out dinner time entertainment, [ Geralt adds, a teasing smile ghosting his lips. ] Unless of course Vessemir kicks you out of the keep for all that caterwauling.
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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)
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At least someone here has manners and compassion. You know the Caravan heads south during the winter, puppy, I'm not built for the cold! [Aiden much prefers crossing down into Ofir and spending his winters hunting desert creatures, but...he couldn't resist spending more time with his Wolf.]
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Then next winter, we'll go south, you can introduce me to your family and I can embarrass you for the season~
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You'll mostly be embarrassing yourself. [He deals his first hand, looking up at Geralt with a smile.]
GOddddd adult life got me down
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Jaskier, please, I don't want to talk about this. [ The mountain had been a long time ago, and Jaskier had forgiven him, so why do they need to speak of it again?
He looks at his cards and keeps his face blank, sure that this time he'll win. ]
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Yes yes, dear. Well, perhaps next winter we can go. You don't need to meet my family though. Hells, I wouldn't want to meet them if I didn't have to.
being an adult is so fun and cool wow i can't believe i was missing out in my youth /s
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Already backing out of meeting my family, Lambchop~? [He's teasing. There are only a couple of Cats Aiden truly cares for. From what he's heard of the Wolves of Kaer Morhen, the dynamic in his own school is quite different.] A winter season by the sea sounds divine.
[He watches Geralt, waiting to see how he'll play this hand.]
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I'll meet your family, kitty, don't worry.
the most fun,
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Jaskier, please, [ Geralt murmurs as she plays his hand, making a mistake because of the distraction. ] Can we talk about this later? [ Geralt thinks about the mountain every single day, and regrets it every time it crosses his mind. He knows that Jaskier's forgiven him, but he hasn't yet forgiven himself. ]
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Yes yes, fine. Aiden, your family is also invited, if you'd like.
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Oh, sure, but you're inflicting the whole lot on me? I see how it is. [Lambert isn't really upset. But he pouts all the same.] You'd better share that wine, at least.
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Puppy, that's no way to talk to the guest you're dragging up a cold, awful mountain. I won, but our new friend made a good distraction. He's the only one I'm obligated to share with~
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Fuck, [ Geralt curses when he loses again. He glances up at Jaskier and makes a face. ] You're being a nuisance, Bard.
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I'm always a nuisance, [ Jaskier responds with a shrug, holding his cup out for some wine. He nods his thanks and takes a sip. ] Besides, Aiden is right. You should be nicer to me, or you might find yourself in a cold, empty bed. You two will let me share yours, right?
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We're done with training! Besides, I'm being perfectly well-behaved, by my standards. [Lambert knows the game Aiden's playing at here. It's familiar, flirting with another just to get a rise out of him, because at the heart of it all, he knows Aiden loves tempting him into being possessive.] We can certainly take care of the master bard, though. Not opposed to that at all.
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Then again, he and Jaskier have never been exclusive. Jaskier fucks who he wants, and Geralt fucks Jaskier and Yennefer occasionally. He wouldn't like Jaskier going to bed with Lambert and Aiden, but he wouldn't stop him from doing it either. ]
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[ Jaskier looks between the three other men, very clearly amused. He lets a smirk settle on his lips as he leans closer to Aiden before finally saying, ] Unfortunately I'll pass on the offer, for now. I'd like to keep my wolf happy and satisfied for the season.
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[Lambert can't help but roll his eyes at his companion's cheesiness.] Next, you'll be reciting poetry for us, kitty.
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Jaskier, we have a library at the keep, [ Geralt reminds him. His bard can be so dramatic sometimes. There are plenty of volumes of poetry and of music. More than enough to keep him entertained for a season. ]
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Geralt just said, our library is stocked. [Lambert rolls his eyes at the dramatics of the bard and the Cat.] It's got all the boring old shit you two love.
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You love it, too, puppy. [Aiden grins, cutting his eyes over to the redheaded Wolf, before looking back to Jaskier.] You'll have to get dear Lambchop to sing for you this winter. He likes to pretend he doesn't care for the arts, but I've heard him singing to himself quite a bit, and I've also caught him reading books other than bawdy smut~
ack sorry! Got busy
Oh, I think it's more than just us that love old shit. I've seen Geralt read on many occasions. And not only books about monsters.
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The two of you can be out dinner time entertainment, [ Geralt adds, a teasing smile ghosting his lips. ] Unless of course Vessemir kicks you out of the keep for all that caterwauling.