Anielica

Elena

Elena couldn't help but notice the worrisome glances exchanged between the punters at Geralts presence. However, it didn't stop one man from approaching her table. "Hello," his voice was quiet and bashful. He was short and malnourished. "Hello," Elena replied, smiling encouragingly at him. He blushed and shuffled awkwardly in front of her. "May I sit with you?" He asked.
"Of course. As long as you're not scared of Witcher's that is," Elena said mischievously.
He shook his head quickly and took a seat across from her.
The mans name was Ivas. He worked as a miner, and lived in this village with his wife and newborn child. They had also been joined by a young girl named Shireen. She had long, dirty blonde hair; big green eyes, and when she smiled a dimple popped out on her chin. She was sitting next to Ivas.

As usual, Elena hadn't heard his approach.
"Am I interrupting?" Geralt asked flatly, arching one dark eyebrow. His face was serious, but she could see the humour in his eyes. She watched as the newcomers shifted uncomfortably and looked anywhere but at Geralt.
"Geralt.." Elena said, drawing out his name, trying to sound scolding. "Please, be nice! Meet my new friends; Ivas and Shireen."
"Hmmph," he gave a brief nod of his head.
He was standing beside her, towering over them all, arms crossed over his broad chest.
He made no intention to sit. It suddenly occurred to Elena that Geralt had left his bounty unattended in the stables with Roach. He would have sold it by now if he hadn't wanted to get her somewhere safe first.
"Geralt, I'll be safe here while you take care of business," she said cheerfully.
His eyes flickered between her two guests, mistrust clear in his face. "No one here will hurt me," she reassured him.
"We'll look after her, Witcher," Shireen said, her high pitched voice ringing with promise.
Geralt sat down close beside Elena, turning his body to her. "I won't be gone long," he whispered to her, his face inches from hers. His topaz eyes boring into her own. "Please, don't do anything unusual. And for god sake, keep your powers under control."
Elena reached up to place a hand on the side of his face. "You have my word," she said soothingly, trying her best to reassure him. Her fingers running over the coarse stubble of his jaw. He sighed deeply, leaning into her touch ever so slightly. Then suddenly he rose to his feet. "If there is as little as a hair of her head misplaced when I get back, there will be hell to pay," he growled, addressing the pair in front of her. They both nodded solemnly and swore again to protect her.
He turned to look at her once more, and then left. He didn't look back.
Elena felt a pang of worry in her chest as she watched his silver head disappear out the door. She prayed silently that he would come back to her soon, and unhurt.

Her companions were cheerful enough, and kept her mouth busy, but her mind was on Geralt. The night passed painfully slow. It felt as if he had been gone for hours.
In quieter moments, her mind would wander back to the lake, and she'd be kissing Geralt. Her face flushing at the memory of his mouth skimming across her cheek. She hoped it wouldn't be the last time he touched her like that.
He'd been acting rather unusual since their kiss. Like he was holding himself back from her. She couldn't understand why. Why resist something that felt so right?

Elena hadn't been altogether idle while she waited on his return. She managed to get a room for them for the evening. The server had promised her fresh sheets and a skin of wine would be waiting for them. Elena could hardly wait. A good nights sleep and Geralt beside her. Her body was utterly exhausted from the excitement of the day. It felt like leaving for their adventure was days ago.
She couldn't help but wonder what tonight would bring for her and Geralt. Secretly, she was hoping for more kisses.

Shireen was the first to leave her. Elena could tell she was hesitant to leave but she insisted.
At long last, Geralt finally returned. Her whole body relaxed at the sight of him, letting out a breath she hadn't realised she was holding.
His eyes immediately finding hers, his stern expression softening slightly.
Elena stood up to meet him, as he closed the space between them quickly. He stopped a foot in front of her.
"I got us a room," she told him.
"Ah," he sighed. "Good. Let's go." He took her by the hand and towed her towards the back of the tavern which led to a curling stair case. Elena called goodbye to Ivas, giving him an apologetic wave. She didn't wait to see if he waved back, her eyes fixed on Geralts broad back. Enjoying the warmth and reassurance of his large hand around hers.