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[monstrocities]

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[monstrocities]

You know Ciri isn't all soft. And I think she'd like that. She's always telling me that I can't beat everything just by hitting it really hard. It's worked well for me so far.

A sister cat? Interesting.

[ Geralt's heard rumours about little girls going through the trials, but he hadn't known any of them to survive. Perhaps if things go well this winter with Aiden, they can meet up with her on the Path and Ciri can meet her. If things go well. And if Geralt thinks he can trust her. ]

[pricklywolf]

Only because me and Coën took her out to the training course!

And I guess because you took her in and trained her.

[He's in a good mood now, and actually looking forward to having his brothers meet Aiden. Outside of Vesemir, he knew Geralt would be the most difficult one to persuade.]

I've met her. She would be good for Ciri.

[monstrocities]

You should see how well she's doing now.

[ Geralt knows that he sounds like a proud father, and Lambert will absolutely tease him about it, but he doesn't care. For all intents and purposes, Lambert is an uncle now. ]

And Ciri will be ecstatic to meet another girl witcher.

[pricklywolf]

Look at you, proud Papa Geralt! We'll see how well she does this winter.

We'll track down Dragonfly in the spring, if all goes well.

We just have to worry about Papa Vesemir...

[monstrocities]

You're right to be worried about the Old Man. You know how much he hates Cats.

I'll see you at the mountain's base in a few days. We need to get Jaskier better winter clothes now that he's joining us.

[pricklywolf]

Yeah yeah, I know. We'll be waiting for you and the little songbird.

[And they are, when Geralt and Jaskier make it to the head of the trail. Lambert has left a small signal to let Geralt know he's nearby.]

[monstrocities]

[ Geralt finds the signal and follows it, guiding Jaskier toward where Lambert and Aiden are camping. He calls out a greeting when they get close even though he doesn't think that he could surprise Lambert and his cat. Especially not with Jaskier, who is clumsy and loud compared to a witcher. ]

Lambert, it's good to see you. This is Jaskier.

[ Geralt steps forward to clap his brother on the back, glad to see him healthy and whole after a year on the path. ]

-

[ Jaskier also steps forward, taking Lambert's hands in both of his and giving them a squeeze. ]

Thank you so much for extending the invite to me, Lambert. It would have taken Geralt many more years to think to invite me here for the winter. He was some how convinced that I wouldn't want to visit a secret ancient keep full of knowledge otherwise lost to time. I, a master of the seven liberal arts.

-

That's enough, Jaskier. I can still leave you here.

[pricklywolf]

[Lambert and Aiden hear Jaskier before they hear Geralt's greeting. Lambert stands from their small fire to go and meet him at the edge, gripping Geralt tight despite his penchant for being an ass. He's glad to see his brother alive and well.]

It's good to see you, Wolf. Bard--

[He laughs as Jaskier talks, letting the bard do as he wishes, before he gestures to the dark-haired man standing beside him.]

I'm glad you agreed, else our plan would fall apart before we even got there. This is Aiden.

-

[Aiden steps forward to first greet Geralt, then Jaskier, grasping their wrists and subtly checking for hidden daggers under the guise of manners, just the way he was taught.]

Can you believe, Jaskier, our Wolves are alike~? Lambert took ages to invite me for winter. Though, I've heard plenty about you, Geralt. And the others. He's fond of you lot. And yes, I brought your White Gull.

-

Who else am I supposed to tell you about? The whores? You know as much as I do about them.

[monstrocities]

We'll drink the White Gull tonight, [ Geralt says, moving to start setting up camp while Jaskier continues to complain about having never been invited to Kaer Morhen again. ] I need it.

-

I've heard much about Lambert but none about you, Aiden. So you're a cat witcher? How is that different than being a wolf witcher? How did you and Lambert meet? Why are we sneaking into the keep? Are we sneaking me in as well? Vesemir does not seem the type to enjoy having guests.

[ He keeps going, plying them both with questions as he watches Geralt set their things up. It's not that he's incapable of doing it himself, it's just that Geralt really likes doing it for him. ]

-

Jaskier, that's enough, [ Geralt says from where he's setting out their bedrolls next to each other, close for warmth but also because they always sleep close to each other. At least, they have since they started sleeping together. ]

[pricklywolf]

[Lambert watches Geralt, ignoring Jaskier's questions because he's simply not interested in them. Besides, Aiden is doing his best to answer them as fast as they come. He can sympathize with Geralt's need for drink. So he grabs one of the bottles and passes it over to his brother.]

-

Of course, you're only just--Well, they're different schools. Di--We met on a hunt. I--Uh, no, we're only sneaking me into the keep.

[He looks to the other two witchers for help with the chatty bard, sighing in relief when Geralt shushes his bard.]

Our schools teach different styles of fighting and hunting. Wolves rely on strength, whereas Cats rely on stealth. I believe our mutation processes are different, as well, but that's...difficult to know. I think you would be very interested in hearing how I met Lambchop~

-

[At the mention of his nickname, Lambert finally looks up at the pair.]

There were two contracts on the same ogre. My contractor wanted the curse broken, Aiden's wanted the ogre dead. Except...the ogre killed my contractor.

-

I felt bad for him. He looked like he'd had a rough go of things, and so I offered to share the job.

[monstrocities]

[ Geralt is also interested in the story, but he feigns indifference as he continues to set up his and Jaskier's things. He's amused about the line of questioning, since Geralt had never once mentioned having to sneak Jaskier into the keep. ]

-

[ Jaskier listens, looking between as they tell the story. ]

So was it love at first sight, then? [ he asks. There can only be one reason for them having to sneak Aiden into the keep: because they don't want to be separated for an entire season. It's cute, really. Jaskier is sure he'll get more of the story out of them, and perhaps write a song or two about the lovestruck witchers. ]

You see, Geralt, these two are capable of showing their feelings.

-

[ Geralt arches an eyebrow and shoots a knowing look toward Lambert. All he says is: ] hm.

[pricklywolf]

[Lambert bursts into a fit of laughter at the notion of a witcher being in love.]

You've traveled with Geralt for, what, a decade at least? And you still think we have feelings?

-

[Aiden scowls at the redhead, knowing Lambert is putting on his usual act to seem like he has no weakness.]

Oh, is that so, my ferocious wolf pup? I suppose you wouldn't care one way or the other if I headed south again this year, then. And I actually believed you when you said you spent most of your winters worrying for my safety...

-

I do worry for your safety! Kitten--

-

[He sniffs, turning his back to Lambert and focusing solely on Jaskier.]

Cat witchers have feelings. In fact, our mages experimented on us to make them stronger. That's how we got our bad reputation.

-

Dramatic whoreson...[He looks to Geralt, a quiet plea for help on his face.] Is the bard this dramatic?

[monstrocities]

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. ]

-

Jaskier's right. He's worse. It doesn't matter how dramatic Aiden is, Jaskier has him beat tenfold.

-

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.

[pricklywolf]

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.

-

[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.

[monstrocities]

[ 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. ]

-

[ 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. ]

-

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. ]

[pricklywolf]

Our ancestors didn't consider how cold it would be here. [Lambert hates the cold, has always hated it.]

-

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~

-

[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~

-

[Aiden tries to hide the way the memory makes him smile.]

[monstrocities]

[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.

-

Don't have a love story.

-

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. ]

[pricklywolf]

{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.]

-

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!

[monstrocities]

[ 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. ]

-

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. ]

[pricklywolf]

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~

-

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.

-

[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.

-

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

[monstrocities]

[ 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. ]

-

[ 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

[pricklywolf]

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.

-

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.

-

[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

[monstrocities]

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. ]

-

[ 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. ]

[pricklywolf]

[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~

-

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!

[monstrocities]

[ 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.

-

[ 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. ]