Chapter Text
Riding down the dark dirt path, with only the crescent moon providing the stingiest sort of a illumination. Not that the rider needed it, he could see perfectly clear in the shallow darkness. The night air wasn’t cold but was cool enough so that only a few people would be out on this type of night.
The Witcher’s heart leaped at the sight of the tavern in the not so far distance. Tapping his heels into the black war horse’s sides, making the purebred Kaedweni steed trot towards the inn faster. Reaching it rather quickly, he got off the stallion and tied it to a hitching post. Hoping for some fresh cold Cintrian Faro and some hot food, preferably chicken.
But before Eskel could push his way through the large wooden door, his medallion started vibrating furiously. Sending trembles along his body that tug on his desire to go in even more so. Pushing open the door, the warmth of the inn washed over the monster hunter. But Eskel couldn’t basket in the coziness of it, as a familiar lilac and gooseberry fragrance assaulted his senses. Making his blood quiver and his heart shudder in anticipation.
Eskel instinctively followed the scent like a rabbit with a carrot on the stick, moving through the tavern with intent, he came upon her table. She sat there, watching him approach with a comely smile and with a fine silver chalice in hand, like she knew he was coming here and to her all along.
“Ahh, Eskel, I certainly didn’t expect to see you here. But I must say I’m mildly pleased that I have.” The Sorceress greeted him mannerly, dressed in her signature colors of black and white.
Wearing tight black cotton trousers with a single white stripe running down the side of both legs, knee high black boots with heels. Complimenting her incredibly thin and slender waist and legs. A velvet black blouse style with a V-shape, displaying some of her pale smooth skin. Capped off by long black velvet gloves, with purple stitching outlining them.
The Sorceress known as; Yennefer of Vengerberg was uncannily alluring. And just might be the most gorgeous woman on The Continent.
It made perfect sense why it was in the works of poets, minstrels and bards of so many.
But like always. It was those cold, sparkling radiant violet eyes that were more penetrating than any blade could be. That struck the Witcher harder than a blow from a dragon could.
“Hello M'lady, I certainly didn’t expect to find a woman of your stature in a tavern in Velen. This place seems a...bit below your status.” Eskel greeted back courtesy, taking off the hood of black cloak he wore and bowing a little.
“I had to have a discussion with a Crone. It was a…colorful conversation to say the least. So much so, I had to have a drink afterwards before moving on to Novigrad. But that’s not important right now, please join me.” The Sorceress offered with a brisk voice, with an underlying sweetness to it. It sent goosebumps up and down Eskel’s spine as he took her up on the offer.
He was kind of surprised by the offer. He and Yennefer, while civil and respectful towards one another. He wouldn't necessarily call them friends. More like favorable associates, tied together by the love of mutual loved ones. But even with that tentative dynamic of their relationship. He was always in astonishment of her, like a teenager with an infatuated crush on an order woman out of his depth.
The Witcher had seen other sorceresses and sorcerers display their powers on multiple occasions, from the famous to the infamous. Like Triss Merigold, Philippa Eilhart, Keira Metz, Istredd, Vilgefortz and Rience.
Even his niece, the fabled Lion Cub of Cintra. Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon (better known as Ciri), exhibited her own aptitude at the art of magic.
But in Eskel’s humble honest opinion, Yennefer was a category of her own with the level of prowess she showcased.
“Thank you, Lady Yennefer, that’s very kind of you.” Eskel said genuinely, taking off the cloak in order to get more comfortable. But keeping his swords on his back, which also made him feel even more comfortable.
“You're obviously hungry, let’s get some food into you.” Yennefer said in a tone that left little room for discussion. And If right on cue, the waitress walked up to the table to take the Witcher’s order. It was like the mage’s words summoned her. She told the young blonde waitress his order, then the young blonde quickly left to go have it fulfilled. The act made Eskel's heart flutter mirroring a hummingbird, how did the sorceress know that? It was as if she read his mind, which she did, but the Witcher didn’t mind at all. Surprisingly, he kind of liked it, which made him feel odd. But not in a way he found negative.
“So, Eskel dear, why are you in Velen? Fulfilling a contract? Passing through? Or both?” The Mage asked in a voice with a hue of charm to it. Making a tantalizing tinglingly fester within him. Eskel grabbed the cup of water, hoping that it would cool his heating body down.
“I was actually. A pack of Drowners and Mucknixers grew bold enough to attack a small village. Killing a few men, women and a lot of their livestock. I was passing through, when one of the kids of the village asked me for help. So I did.” The Witcher stated calmly.
“I trust you're not injured and you were properly compensated?” The Sorceress questioned with just a tint of concern in her voice and sparkle in her eye. Taking a sip from a distinguished silver chalice that was decorated with green aventurine stones.
From the scent of it, Eskel guessed it was red wine. It smelled very vintage and expensive.
“Yeah I’m fine, just a few nicks and bruises. Nothing to fret over, a healer lived in the village. Gave me a once over before I left. The job was lightwork and paid pretty decently too.” Eskel replied back casually, for some odd, silly reason. He wanted to impress the mage. Feeling like a young boy trying to get the admiration of an older, more eminent lady.
“Mmm, that is very wonderful to hear. But still...I would very much appreciate it, If you allow me to give you a once over. It will make me feel better, If you did, Eskel.” Yennefer spoke in a voice that many would perceive as bewitching.
But before The Witcher could answer, his food and drink came. The Raven hair sorceress told him to eat his food first, then they would continue talking more when he was done. Asking the young bar maiden for more wine, she returned shortly refilling the chalice. Leaving the two alone to attend to other patrons. The Sorceress gently rotated the cup in her hand while mumbling a few words. Turning the common wine into something much finer wine.
Yennefer watched the brown haired Witcher eat with a small fond smile on her face. Much like a cat will do with a mouse, toying with it before devouring it. Leaning back in her chair, her chin resting in the palm of her hand.
Despite her icy, dismissive and presumptuous treatment of him, she had always found the cicatrix Witcher fascinating and...reputable. Eskel was a calm, kind-hearted, polite and amiable individual, who had an enigmatic air about him. He and Geralt were similar in many ways, yet he was his older brother’s complete foil. A Crimson Wolf to his White Wolf.
The Witcher ate the chicken, mash potatoes and steam vegetables that Yennefer ordered for him with haste. The urge to hurry and continue to speak with the enchantress. Egged him on more so than the hunger did. Feeling a sense of pride at executing good table manners in front of the lady while doing so.
Eskel whipped his hands and mouth on the rag on the table, taking a large gulp of his cool water. Then did the same with his beer, which was cold and frothy. For long moments neither one of them spoke, just gazed at each other. Like both of them were trying to figure out the meaning to the other.
It was the mage that broke the palpable quietness between them.
“You dislike me a great deal, don’t you, Eskel?” Yennefer asked coolly, her violet eyes burrowing into his amber ones. She smirked with pride as her words had the Witcher's rubbing his cheeks scars, she noticed a long time ago. That it was tic of his when he was worried, uncomfortable or considering something.
“Umm…no, not…a…not necessarily. I don’t have anything personal against you, Lady Yennefer, with time I have even come to respect and...like you, somewhat. I do, however, greatly dislike how you treated my brother during that chaotic thing you call a relationship.” Eskel said, his metallic voice had a straightforwardness to it. The Witcher took another drink from his beer.
“And yet…unlike that younger brother of yours, you still treat me with cordialness and politeness. Why is that?” The Mage asked, her tone still even and cool. She took a slow long sip from her chalice, waiting on the answer.
Eskel took another chug from his beer before answering, not trying to stall. For he already had the answer in hand. He was just thirsty.
“Because...you're still a lady and a lady, even if they are a sorceress with a cold, self-centered and temperamental attitude. Needs to be treated with at least a modicum of respect and decency. Besides, you’re Geralt’s lady and Ciri’s mother, that alone earns you respect and decorum.” The Witcher answered honestly and plainly.
While the sorceress kept her expression neutral, her insides were blushing slightly. Yennefer hadn’t expected the words from the Witcher to be as flattering as they were. It made her feel faintly more attractive to him. Even if some of his info was a bit outdated.
“Thank you, Eskel, I appreciate you being candid with me. That trait is one of the things that makes you perfect for the job I have.” Yennefer said calmly, like she was considering something. She leant forward a little in her seat, keeping her gaze on the slightly curious witcher.
“A Job? For Me?” Eskel asked in sheer wonder, whatever could Yennefer of Vengerberg possibly want to hire him for?
“Yes, Eskel, a job. Fit for your exceptional talents, I need you to be my bodyguard for at least twenty-six months give or take. Suffice it to say, I will reward you handsomely in a myriad of ways, for your services and time. If you agree that is.” The Raven Hair said evenly.
Eskel was silent, so many thoughts and feelings raced through him. He couldn’t process and narrow down one thing. But a foreign sense of gratification was steaming within him, he never expected anybody. Especially a woman of Yennefer’s caliber, needing him for anything. Eskel couldn’t help but feel that these feelings were layered in an underlying fraudulence.
Finally he let out a sound between a snort and a laugh, folding his arms across his chest.
“Yennefer, I fought beside you more than once, so I have first-hand knowledge on how strong you are. You’re a warrior, more than capable of taking care of yourself. You don’t need anybody. Besides, even If you needed a bodyguard and they had to be a Witcher, I’m sure you could find one more suited for your task.” Eskel said full of skepticism.
“Your words continue to flatter me, Eskel dear, truly they do. And while I do tend to agree with you, I would feel more...comfortable having someone safeguard me. Someone I know I can trust absolutely. A professional. And as for the Witcher you're referring to, he and I are no longer together in the romantic sense.” Yennefer said courtly, not letting fever seep into her voice, she could feel the itch to do so.
Yennefer could tell by the doubtful expression Eskel wore, that she would need to go into further detail.
“Yes, I know. In the two decades of Geralt and I tumultuous relationship, we have broken up and made up, by my count, at least thirteen times. But…this…time, this thirteenth time was different. There was a finality to it that the previous others didn’t have, a bittersweet reality that Geralt and I will always be linked to each other, rather it be by Ciri or some other cosmic means. But not romantically, not anymore.” Yennefer spoke softly with the emotion she tried to keep at bay.
Eskel remained silent, but his expression changed. No longer was it skeptical, but understanding and sympathetic. Which prompted the sorceress to continue.
“Me and Geralt, broke up about nine months ago and, while I have no doubts he’ll help me If I asked him. I’m sure you can understand why I want to refrain from making such a request.” The Sorceress said with more emotion leaking into her steady tone.
Gold feline orbs composedly regarded the sorceress, whose violet eyes survey patiently watched him back. The clamor of patrons seemed to fade into muffle as wolf and raven looked at one another for prolonged moments.
Finally, Eskel cut the silence between them with a sigh.
“Alright. Then what are the parameters and rewards of this job? Eskel asked in faint reluctance, gently rubbing his scars.
Violet eyes glittered happily and a well pleased smile on narrow lips, Yennefer even clapped her hands together in satisfaction.
“Wonderful, Eskel!! I’m so delighted and appreciative that you accepted. But let’s talk details at my lodgings, it is obviously a more private and agreeable location.” The obsidian hair sorceress proclaims in a whimsical voice, with another no argument outlining the tone circling her words, paying for both of their meals and drinks before Eskel could even touch his own orens.
Getting up from their table the Witcher and sorceress put on their nearly identical black cloaks, the white frilly cuffs on Yennefer’s making the difference. Eskel’s heart picked up in beats with each step he took as he followed his new employer out of the tavern.
The warmth of the inn seemed to make the air more chilly on the pair's skin when they stepped out into the night, the clouds had floated so the moon could now beam more freely. The Sorceress and witcher moved towards their horses, Yennefer’s was a black mare with white patches over her body.
Getting on their mounts, Yennefer started leading them down the dirt road to her place, Eskel followed behind her closely, gazing at her intently. Finding himself entranced at how radiant the mage looks in the moonshine, the pale beams gleam on her raven locks in a mesmeric way that Eskel was trying to determine was magical or not.