Velorina watch as Geralt started to look like himself as his potion wore off, while meditating Geralt can feel her eyes on him. Ciri was watching the mysterious woman herself taking in her appearance and the fancy but simple outfit she was wearing. Ciri had to admit she was very beautiful, flawless, extremely quiet but something about her cause Ciri to instinctively be extremely cautious with the woman.
It was natural for humans to view Higher Vampires as such, it was their makeup and design to be as flawless as possible to the human eyes. With keen eyes such as Witchers and other beings, they can see the monster that lay and wait in such a beautiful masterpiece.
"What are you?" Ciri ask suddenly breaking the quietness. Velorina didn't answer the girl, in fact Ciri wasn't sure she even heard her. Licking her lips Ciri clench her knees watching the fire, she knew she disobey Geralt orders to run. It was only a matter of time before the lashing starts. Glancing over back to Velorina who only watch Geralt careful, she hope by talking with the quiet woman it would lessen the blow of Geralt rage.
The Witcher let out a breath his skin back to its healthy glow. Velorina put her hand gently on his injured knee, "Are you ok?" She ask quietly. Geralt smile at her nodding his head, "I'm fine." Turning his head slightly he being to speak to his young charge, "When I say run. You run, when I say hide. You hide. And when I say get to Roach-" "I know." Ciri interrupts. She clench her hands to her chest staring at the fire, "I think there's something wrong with me." Ciri says. Geralt stare at her with worry, "You're perfectly healthy Runt." Velorina confirm for Geralt sake when she heard his heart speed up. "No. Everywhere I go people die." Ciri tells them. "Well-" Velorina stop when Geralt gave her a hard stare to stay quiet. Velorina smile smugly shrugging her shoulders.
Ciri continues, "I feel like I could, burn the whole world." She stare at Geralt in confusion, "I wouldn't mean to. Just make me feels so afraid. All the time." "Fear is an illness." Geralt reassure her in his own way. "If you catch it and leave it untreated, it can consume you." Ciri stare at Geralt and Velorina, "How did you treat it?" She ask. "You face it. Facing your fears is not easy, but I am here for you." Geralt tell her softly. "I won't let anything happen to you."
Ciri stare at Velorina who only glare at her harshly not putting comfort that she share the same statement. Geralt nudge Velorina causing the Higher Vampire to huff in annoyance. Ciri smile to Geralt, "Alright." She than went back to watching the fire with a little more peace on her face.
Velorina stare off into the night thinking about getting her next meal when Ciri once again ask more of her questions. "So." Ciri starts but was cut off by Velorina, "One question Runt. That's all I can tolerate from you." Velorina say to the curious girl. Ciri smile at the chance, Geralt wiggle in his seat in anticipation knowing at the moment Velorina wasn't tolerant of Ciri. He hope she can give the girl a chance, if Ciri played her cards right.
"Are you like Verenna?" And just like that, the card game ended. Geralt sigh to himself knowing Ciri played the wrong hand. Velorina growl at the girl, "Don't ever compare me to a low life like that scum to the earth. I don't care if you are Geralt 'Law of Surprise'." Velorina air quote, "I will drain your life force to the point where there will be no way in hell that you will see your precious love ones again you Runt!" Velorina growls one final time before disappearing in a blink of an eye.
Geralt sat with a small smile shaking his head at his girlfriend. Ciri only blink at the quick turn of events, "Sorry about her. Her species are very....prideful." Geralt tell the young girl. Ciri open and close her mouth, "I didn't mean to offend. I just." Geralt only shake his head, "I know you didn't. Give Vel time, she will one day come around." Geralt then mumbles to were Ciri couldn't hear, "Maybe."
Ciri lean forward, "What is she then? Clearly not human." Geralt nod, "She's what you call a Higher Vampire. She's above a Bruxa even if they are put in the same category, like humans and ape. Vel is much more than a Bruxa ever wish they could be." Geralt explain briefly. Ciri was still confuse, "How? You called Verenna a monster. Isn't Velorina one as well?" Ciri ask. Geralt nod his head, "Yes she is. She's just as dangerous if not more so, but like I said. Velorina species is in a completely different league. They blend in so well that it's even hard for us Witcher to tell them apart from humans." Geralt continue, "Our medallions don't even vibrate when they are around. You can spend your whole life time around them and will never know you're in the face of danger." Geralt finishes.
Ciri was still confuse about it, "Don't stress about it. There's more to them that even I or the books don't know. Velorina included. She's still a mystery even to me." Ciri notice the different tone Geralt took when talking about the woman, "Are you two-" Ciri smile slyly to him. Geralt nod, "Yes." Ciri giggles, "What a relationship you two must have." Ciri picturing the two grumps and couldn't imagine the conversations they have. "Velorina is more of a jokester when she's around those who she enjoy. Can be a bit childish at some points." Geralt softly tells her. Ciri couldn't picture it. "I hope one day. We can be friends." Ciri stare off in the dark forest. Geralt grunts, "Let's hope."
The following day Ciri and Geralt finally made their way to Geralt home. The Witcher School Kaer Morhen. Geralt help Ciri off of Roach as he tied up his horse, "This is your home?" She asked while looking around the ruins that was barely standing. "How many did you say there were?" She asked again. "I didn't." Geralt answers.
Ciri went back to looking around in wonder, "Last I checked we were 20. Now, maybe less." Geralt told her with a light shrug as he made his way to the doors, the duo heard chatter among the living space. "You sure we safe here?" Ciri ask. "Keep up." Geralt didn't put much comfort forward.
After the warm welcome Geralt receives from his fellow brothers both him and Ciri took a seat at the table listening to Lambert tales of who know what regarding a field hand. Another Witcher made his grand appearance looking worst for ware, "Eskel!" Everyone greets holding up their cups. Geralt smile seeing his old friend return, hugging the man he ask. "Are you alright? You look day-old shit." Eskel laugh pulling away, "You should see the other guy." Eskel pat Geralt shoulder.
Walking around him Eskel drop his parcel, "The bout lasted six hours. I'd have got the fucker too. If I hadn't lost my elixirs." Eskel grumbles. The other Witchers stare at the parcel that he dropped, "Took her hand though." "Is that a Leshy?" Lambert ask kicking the hand slightly. "Walked like one. Talked like one. Sort of?" Eskel turn around staring at his fellow brothers in confusion, "Sort of?" One asked.
"I haven't crossed a Leshy in a while." Geralt said to himself. "Not in Kaedwen." "Well count yourselves lucky. Unless you're aching for the sting of one of their fucking roots." Eskel growls clenching his shoulder slightly. Geralt seeing the act, "Fire through the heart is the only thing that puts one down." Vesemir explains to the room. He then look to Eskel with a questionable stare, "Six hours in that didn't occur to you?" He asked.
Eskel ignore the laughter when he spotted Ciri giggling along, walking slowly towards the stranger Eskel was very curious. Ciri swallowed turning away taking a sip of her own drink, "Who the hell are you?" He ask bending down staring at her. Ciri put her drink down lifting her head, "Princess Cirilla of Cintra. Pleasure to meet you." She introduce herself snarky.
Geralt found himself outside practicing his swordsmanship on top of training pillars, Velorina watch from the rooftop laying on her back with her leg cross over the other kicking her foot gently. "When you told me, you called the Law of Surprise." Vesemir start. Geralt pause his training listening, "I told you, "Big mistake." Geralt only continue to listen, "You said, you promised you wouldn't claim the child. I said "Good. Still a big mistake." Velorina had to agree with the old Witcher. "I had to save her." Was all Geralt said.
Vesemir only smile, "I know. And you knew I would call you out on it." "Yeah." Vesemir still with his hands on his hips, "You brought her here anyway." Geralt sigh nodding his head, "Not only that." Vesemir stare up at the Higher Vampire who wave down at him with a smile. "You also brought a beautiful woman." Geralt smile up at his girlfriend who blew him a kiss.
Vesemir decided to ignore Velorina. Geralt already told him all about her as well, it was his first time seeing said woman in the flesh. The two sat down to continue their conversation, "So you're telling me she escape Nilfgaard? Survived the whole slaughter of her kingdom, how?" Vesemir ask. Geralt one shrugged his shoulders, "I asked. She lied." "Hmm. It's not like you to let it go." Vesemir examined. "Witchers watch for answers. I think you might have said that one." Geralt said cheekily. "Oh, what was I thinking?" Vesemir said to himself. The two share a laugh, "I brought her here so she can be safe." Geralt told him.
"It's easier for me to protect her within these walls." "Long enough to watch for answers?" "Exactly. Learn who she is. What she is." Geralt continues. "And how I can help her." "You say that, but remember what happened the last time Witchers shove their noses into the drama of courts and kingdoms." Vesemir sternly told his young Witcher. "What if your princess is more than you bargained for?" He ask. Geralt scuff stare at Velorina who only continue to watch the clouds and snow, "I'm use to it already." He says with a smile.
Later that day Velorina found herself hiding in the shadows staring at the Witchers having a good time with some of the prostitute Eskel has found. She watch as Geralt finally made his appearance in the fray, her smirk quickly turned into a frown when one of them put her hands on his chest. "So this is where Witchers are hatched." The leader of the prostitute said smiling. "I hope there's a plaque to commemorate your greatness."
Geralt felt the burning eyes of his love as he tried to get out of this alive, the woman took the Witcher thinking face as an insult. " Tavern outside of Dorian handful of years ago." She remind him. Geralt felt the fire burn even more heavy and knew he had to settle the beast that was edging to tear the woman neck. "I bathed Basilisk blood from your hair." The woman kept trying to get him to remember of course he did. "It was Wyvern blood." He told her. He felt something being thrown at his head but ignored it trying to escape the woman and to find Vesemir.
"I heard that you have daughter now." Geralt sigh as the woman gossip her findings. "And I thought the softest thing about you was that you paid." She's not my daughter." Geralt tell her. The woman was surprise to hear as she rub her hands along his arm, "Oh. Well in that case I could take her in." Velorina didn't know if the woman was serious or joking, "She'd have the boys eating out of her hand" Geralt growls at the woman suggestion.
The woman laugh backing away holding her hands up in surrender, "And he says he's not a father." She whispers to him crossing her arms. Velorina sigh leaning back on the wall, looking back down the woman finally left Geralt alone.
Ciri walked out seeing the spectacle that was happening. She was surprise to find Velorina boldly inside the keep without a care in the world. "You can be in here?" She ask. Velorina for the most part, actually answers. "Of course not." Was all she said. Ciri smiles at her, "Me either." She look back down at the party. Velorina stare at the girl then back at the Witchers and Prostitutes.
The ladies watch Geralt and Eskel conversation happening, Velorina listened to everything that was said between the two. When Eskel turn around throwing a punch to Geralt only for Geralt to detain him, Ciri turn to Velorina. "What happened?" She ask. Ciri blink seeing the woman had disappeared, at the same time Vesemir narrow his eyes at the young girl. Ciri know the look and quickly made her dash out the room.
It wasn't long before the air shifted, Geralt grab his medallion as it vibrate harshly. Velorina turn her head hearing the familiar screeching and scraping, it's been a few centuries since she heard such a noise. The Prostitutes and Witcher's quickly tried to find secure places to hide out. Velorina stayed on her perch near a window watching, "Vel." She turn her head seeing Geralt with his sword welded and ready. "Hey Tea Cup." Geralt scuff, "Stop calling me that. I thought we were passed that."
Velorina smile flirtatiously, "Never." Geralt only shook his head, "Can you sense anything?" He ask. Velorina only pointed her finger, "I smell fresh blood, but also...tree roots." She told him quietly. Geralt nod walking in the direction, "Vel." He calls. Velorina turn her head, "Hmm?" Geralt turn, "Please. Find Ciri, make sure she's safe." Velorina sigh, "She's fine. She's with your prostitute." Velorina sass to him.
Geralt grunt, "Vel." He starts only for her to wave her hand, "Don't worry. You get a pass this time. I suppose." Velorina jump from her perch walking slowly to him, running her hands along his chest as she pass. Geralt felt fire where her cold hand trails, "Be careful." She says while sashaying away. Geralt had to shake his head from the clear distraction, making his way to the potion room.
Ciri look on as the door to her room open showing Velorina, "Velorina?" Ciri sigh in relief seeing the vampire, "Hey! What's going on?" The woman ask seeing Velorina entering the room without saying a word. Ciri look to Velorina for answers only for the vampire to stare back, "Are you hurt?" She ask. Ciri shake her head, "No. I'm fine." Velorina nod. "Fuck this. I'm not dying here. What's the quickest way out girl?" Velorina roll her eyes at the woman.
As Ciri answers, a young prostitute walk over to Velorina. "I heard about you. Blue hair, tall, beautiful." Velorina only stare at the young woman, "You are a legend among the Steam-tress. Say your bite can bring." The young woman touch Velorina lips, "Extreme pleasure." She finish with a whisper. Velorina only smile at her, "You would never know love."
"Geralt may be dead already!" The woman shout to Ciri. Velorina ignore the young prostitute staring at the leader of the pack. "Look Witchers fight. We run." The woman rush her girls out of the building following Ciri direction. The young prostitute quickly turn to Velorina, "Please, whenever you need someone. Find me, I wouldn't mind helping." She whispers with a smile. Velorina stare up at the ceiling as the rest of the women quickly exit the room.
Ciri stare at Velorina who continue to look up at the ceiling, "Some night right?" She says. Velorina only rub the bridge of her nose, "It smells in here." She simply says. Ciri felt self-conscious thinking she was talking about her, "Oh, I'm-" "Smells like. Desperation, such a kick to gut sometimes." Velorina smirk at Ciri. Ciri felt her cheeks warm at the reaction on the Vampire face, not wanting to mess up again Ciri nod in agreement.
Just as quickly as the fight started it ended just as the sun started to rise casting a golden glow in the room. Ciri sat on her bed while Velorina watch out her small window with her arms cross, one leg resting against the wall. The two rats keeping a close eye on the Vampire. The door open revealing Geralt looking worse for ware but still alive. Ciri sigh in relief hugging him tightly.
Geralt grunt at the impact, returning the affection. He stare at Velorina, thankful that she stayed with Ciri til the end. His heart felt warm at the fact that Velorina stayed even if she wasn't a fan of Ciri, she stayed because of him. Because he asked her to. "It's over. We're safe now?" Ciri asked him. "Are you ok?" He ask. Pulling away Ciri nod, "I'm alright." Ciri stare at Velorina who was quietly watching the display, "I had a guardian angel with me."
Geralt smile slightly seeing Velorina shift uneasily, "I'm no angel Runt. And you better not forget that either." She growls at the young girl. Ciri and Geralt ignore her, "Follow me." Geralt orders gently to the ladies. Velorina grumbles to herself following the two out of the room. "They take me as a joke." She whines, stomping like a child.
Once Geralt led them outside he started talking, "When I first came to Kaer Morhen. Vesemir said to me that the world outside these walls is a dangerous place." Velorina was intrigued to hear about his time in the Witcher School. "But times are changing, even here." Geralt continues, "No where is safe now, you can't run from the world. You can't hide from it, but you can find power and purpose."
Geralt took a stance with his sword, look back to Ciri he waited without saying a word. He than walk over grabbing a wooden sword, "You keep your sword close. And keep moving" He held out the sword to Ciri. Ciri stare at it than back at him in disbelief once she finally caught on to what he was telling her. Geralt took a stance once again, Ciri quickly took off her coat tossing it on the ground.
Velorina watch as the two practice along side one another. Ciri coping the moves Geralt was demonstrating. Once she got the hang of it Geralt walk over to her the two of them watching Ciri repeat the stance over and over. "This was smart love." She say to him. Geralt let out a breath wrapping his arm around her pulling her close to him. He kiss her head leaving his lips close, "It's for her safety. So she can protect herself." He said softly. "I can't always be there when she need me." He turn watching Ciri, "Plus, I think it would help her. With what ever it is she's running from."
Velorina nod with a small smile leaning against his chest, "What ever you say love." Geralt stare down at her with a smile, "Thank you Velorina. For keeping her safe." Velorina bury her face in his chest more at the thanks, feeling bashful. Geralt couldn't help but to poke fun, "Little Guardian Angel." He grunt in pain when Velorina pinch his rib, "Don't like it huh?" He says with a slight laugh rubbing the sore spot. "Take that as payback for the nickname gave me."
Ciri watch the couple with a smile on her own face, she know understood what Geralt meant. Seeing the two, they did act like a normal couple. Joking and bantering with one another, she couldn't hear what was being said thanks to the snowy wind. But seeing the two interaction Ciri can see that even if Velorina is a monster by the books, something to be feared. Ciri couldn't help but to face that so called fear and smile.