Gems in his Hoard

Amethyst

They traveled steadily forward towards the Blue mountains. Jaskier had immediately taken up scouting duties. Now, however, he could fly farther, safe in the knowledge that Ciri would be protected from harm in his absence. Jaskier had no doubt that Geralt would protect her with his life. He always was honorable like that.

At night, Geralt meditated instead of sleeping, keeping watch while Ciri slept on his bedroll. As before, Ciri wrapped herself around Jaskier's body using his warmth at a sort of heater.

Jaskier didn't mind this arrangement, but he knew that eventually Geralt would need actual sleep. He could go without sleep much longer than the average human, especially if he was meditating. Meditation helped to stave off some of the fatigue. But could not replace sleep altogether.

But someone had to keep watch. And not only did Geralt not know him well enough to trust Ciri's life to him, but Jaskier was also busy keeping Ciri warm at night. This was important as the nights were only growing colder, and they didn't want to draw Nilfgaard's attention by lighting a fire.

Thankfully, Geralt's lack of sleep didn't have time to become much of a problem before a solution presented itself.

Jaskier was scouting ahead. Flying from tree to tree as he usually did when saw two figures up ahead. They were directly in Geralt's path. He swooped in closer to investigate, taking care to move soundlessly to avoid being spotted.

As he grew nearer, the figures became more distinct. They were two women. They looked disheveled.
The black haired woman seemed exhausted. She was leaning heavily on the one with auburn curls. Then he got close enough to see their faces.

He would recognize those violet eyes anywhere. Yennefer. She definitely looked the worse for wear, but there was no mistaking it for anyone but her. He did not recognize the woman she was with, but they must be close for how Yennefer was allowing her to support her.

Jaskier's heart clenched in his chest at the sight of her. He knew Geralt would never be his, not truly. But seeing them together, playing happy family with Ciri, would be a special brand of torture to his already  tattered heart. But he knew that Geralt would want her with them, especially since she looked almost ill. So he flew down to meet them.

They both stopped dead in their tracks when he landed on the forest floor in front of them.

"A dragon?" The auburn haired woman questioned in astonishment.

"Careful, Triss" Yennefer bit out. "Dragons have human forms. This one could be working for Nilfgaard."

Jaskier shook his head furiously. He stomped his feet and snorted, frankly a bit insulted at the insinuation that he would ever work for Nilfgaard. He would never! They had tried to kill part of his hoard!

"He doesn't seem to like that." The woman, Triss, observed.

Jaskier bounced forward and trilled.

"Well, if he's not, then he can turn back human and tell us himself!" Yennefer snapped.

Jasker hung his head and shook it sadly.

"Yen. Let's sit. You could use a rest after Sodden, and it'll give me a chance to see if I can communicate with the tiny red dragon."

Yennefer sighed and nodded. She sank heavily to the ground with her back against a tree. Triss then crouched down and carefully approached Jaskier, her hand outstretched towards him.

Jaskier met her halfway, chirping and rubbing against her hand.

"Hello." Triss whispered softly. "I am going to attempt to enter your mind so that we can communicate with each other."