All eyes turned to look at Geralt and Jaskier as they walked into the tavern; Geralt had taken on a job, and a tavern always seemed like the best place to start.
"You know, just one time I would like to walk into one of these places, and everyone would just ignore us." Jaskier whispered, as Geralt stood, scanning the mass of villagers. His yellow eyes finally falling on a figure that sat at the very back of the tavern, dressed head to toe in black, a large hood conveniently covering any facial features.
"What do ya want Witcher? Ain't no one fa ya ta fight round ere. And even if there were, ain't no one got tha gold ta pay ya." A large man called out, as he stood up from his table.
A murmur went through the patrons, Geralt's eyes never leaving the figure as a pale delicate hand, reached out from under the black cloak that clothed it and took hold of a glass of wine that sat in front of them.
"That's not what we've been told. I've been hired to kill a witch." Geralt declared, watching as the patrons looked at one another nervously. Some of them inadvertently looking over at the figure dressed in black.
"Witch? Who told ya that me dear?" An elderly woman asked from behind the bar.
"We ain't had a witch round these parts since forever, ain't that right Matthew?" The woman stated, looking over at the old man that was collecting empty tankards from the tables.
"Ay love, ain't been no witches round these parts since....... well since I were a lad." The old man agreed with a smile, as he carried his full tray back to the bar.
"Who told ya there were a witch anyway?" Another man called out, as he looked around the other men he was drinking with.
"I have been hired by the lord, he's the one that tells me that you are plagued by a witch." Geralt told the man, finally making his way to the bar, closely followed by Jaskier.
"Ya don't want to listen ta that crazy old coot." The woman behind the bar chuckled, handing Geralt and Jaskier two drinks.
"That old man lost his mind a long time ago." She continued, as she took a cloth and began to clean the stack of dirty glasses.
"Well, that crazy old coot has offered me a large amount of gold to kill a witch by the name of (Y/n). Sounds a little strange that he should be able to give me a name and everything; don't you think? And he was quite adamant that I would find her in the village." Geralt told the woman, his eyes darting back to the figure, as another murmur went around the tavern.
"(Y/n)? Ah! Well that explains it." Yet another man called out, as a collective laugh rippled through the establishment.
"Old man lost his mind and his senses when the poor lass turned down his advances." The barmaid explained, as Geralt downed his drink. His eyes focusing on the figure that a number of the patrons now seemed to be surrounding protectively.
"Look Witcher, (Y/n) was no witch, she was the furthest thing from it; she was a healer, and she watched over the people and the village; and that old man in the big house took a likin to er." The landlord began to explain, handing Geralt another drink.
"Dirty old man was old enough to be er grandfather." The old woman added, only to be hushed by her husband.
"The lord made her a proposition, and when she rightly turned him down, he took against er. Started claimin that she was a witch. That she was causin all manner of problems; he even claimed that she put a curse on him." The man explained, as he looked out at his patrons.
"Well can I at least meet this (Y/n) so that I can make sure that your story is true?" Geralt asked, noticing as the face of the landlord seemed to fall into a strange sad expression.
"Can't do that I'm afraid. The lord took it on himself ta send a pack of his dogs out ta follow (Y/n) as she rode one day; they chased er down. Er horse bolted, and she fell, poor lass broke er neck." The barmaid explained, pretending to wipe away a tear.
"So, ya see Witcher, ain't no business round ere fa ya." The landlord told Geralt, his eyes watching as the dark figure quietly left the tavern.
Before Jaskier could finish his drink, Geralt grabbed the bard by the collar and dragged him from the tavern, following the figure out into the cool night.
"Hey! Stop!" Geralt called out, as he tried to catch up with the quickly moving figure.
"Stop (Y/n)!" Geralt called out again, watching as the figure stopped and turned around to face him and Jaskier. Geralt drawing his silver sword from its sheath. The figure pulling out a long staff from under their cloak.
"I would put that sword of yours away if I were you Witcher; because if you don't, I promise you that you'll regret it." A beautiful voice called out, the sound seeming to drift perfectly through the ether.
"What are you?" Geralt demanded to know, as he stepped closer, raising his sword ready to strike.
Suddenly Geralt stopped dead in his tracks, as the figure finally revealed what hid beneath the hood. As the material was removed, locks of hair, as white as Geralt's fell down her back. A pair of brilliant blue eyes glowing in the dark evening light. To say the woman was beautiful, would have been doing her a terrible disservice, and in all his travels, Geralt knew that he had never seen anything so breathtakingly perfect.
"I am like nothing you have ever seen before. Geralt of Rivia"
As she spoke, she brought down her staff, and as it hit the ground, the earth underneath the two men, cracked and began to shake. She raised her hand, and the small torches that were dotted around the village began to throw off blazing balls of fire towards Geralt and Jaskier. With a soft word, the winds gusted strong enough to nearly knock the large Witcher from his feet, and torrential rain began to fall from the sky.
"She can't be." Geralt muttered to himself, as he and Jaskier tried to fight against the elements that the young woman had bought down on them. The rain only easing a little as she disappeared into the woods that surrounded the village.
"WHAT DID YA DO WITCHER?" The landlord called out, as he and the other men rushed out of the tavern, covering themselves against the wind and rain.
"GET OUT OF ERE, BUTCHER!" A man shouted, as the locals began to throw rocks and stones, chasing the Butcher and the bard out of the village.
>>------------------------------<<
"Well, are you going to tell me what all that was about?" Jaskier asked, as he and Geralt finally settled down around the campfire.
"I can't believe it myself, but there is only one explanation for what she is, and that is an elemental. But I've never seen or heard of one like her before." Geralt explained, grabbing a burning brand and stoking the fire.
"Elemental? What's an elemental?" Jaskier asked, as he strummed softly on his lute, trying to think of the right words to describe the woman that they had just met. The best words to rhyme with elemental.
"Elementals are mythical beings that control the four Empedoclean elements of earth, air, fire, and water. Usually each element is ruled over by its own creature: Gnomes control the earth; Undines, water: Slyphs the air; and salamanders, fire. But this (Y/n) seemed to be able to control all four with only a mere movement of her hand. Whatever her story, she is an exceptionally powerful being." Geralt told Jaskier, as he lay back on his bed roll.
"Is she dangerous, I mean, should we kill her like the lord wanted?" Jaskier asked nervously, confused when Geralt chuckled.
"I am sure that she could prove extremely dangerous if provoked in the right way. But given what the villagers told us about her, and how they protected her, I believe what they say; that the old man is besotted with her, and that I was hired so he could have revenge on the beautiful creature that dare turn him down. But to answer your question; no, I'm not going to kill such a woman. And I'm quite sure that it is not the last time that we have seen our Elemental." Geralt said, sighing softly as he turned away from Jaskier.
"At least I hope its not the last time we've seen her." Geralt whispered to himself, as he slowly closed his eyes, the image of her face lingering in his mind.
>>-----------------------------------<<
Geralt and Jaskier had been travelling for days, making their way from one village to another to enquire about the possible whereabouts of the powerful elemental. But each time the pair asked about the young woman, the two men would be chased away by angry villagers, who all seemed to know, and want to protect the beautiful creature.
"If we aren't going to kill her like that lord wanted, why are we still trying to find her? Isn't all this more trouble than it's worth." Jaskier complained, as he picked yet another rancid piece of tomato skin from his hair. The bard shivering, as he and Geralt yet again found themselves camped out in the cool evening air.
"No. I told you, I'm not going to kill her. And we are still trying to find her as I want to know more about her. I want to know how she can control all the elements when I have never heard of anyone or anything else being able to. She's closer than we think. She's here, I'm sure of it. She is probably even watching us now. All I have to do is make her see that we don't mean her any harm." Geralt replied, as he turned his gaze to look out into the forest and lake that lay next to their campsite. The sun slowly setting and lighting up the sky in a warming red hue. The Witcher sure that for some reason he could feel that the elemental was somewhere close. Watching the two of them as they struggled to find her. Always one step ahead.
>>-----------------------------------<<
Geralt looked through the dying flames of the fire, his eyes falling on the softly snoring Jaskier. The bard huddled up with his hands gripping tightly on to his lute. Seemingly ready to spring to action at the slightest sound, so that he could sing. Geralt shook his head and chuckled. He had no need to fear that wild animals would come anywhere near the camp, for if Jaskier was ready to burst into song, it would surly scare anything away. The Witcher wondering if the next time he was faced with perhaps a Gravier or Nightwraith, he should just point Jaskier at them and get him to distract them by telling them all about his songs.
Quietly, Geralt took a brand from the fire and made his way down to the lake. Dawn was at least another few hours away, and despite the fact that he didn't need to sleep, Jaskier's soft snore seemed to be having the strangest cathartic effect on him. The Witcher feeling the need to stretch his legs and rouse himself a little. Splashing the freezing water onto his face as he found himself at the lake. The frigid liquid bringing him back to his senses, as he caught his reflection in the gently lapping black mirror water. The flaming brand that he had pushed into the dirt by his side, casting his likeness onto its icy depths.
"Where are you?" He said softly, hoping somehow that the elemental could hear him. Slowly closing his eyes and letting out a deep sight
"If only you knew how much I wanted to find you. How much I have to ask you." Geralt continued. His gentle voice carrying through the ether, to a woman that had been watching he and Jaskier for days.
As Geralt slowly opened his eye he fell backwards, unable to believe what he was seeing; for there, on the surface of the lake fought two great wolves, one made of water, and the other of fire. The two huge animals battling for supremacy, each and every clash of their great paws, sending plumes of steam into the cool night air.
"Breathtaking isn't it, what the elements can become. What they can be made to do." A beautiful voice that suddenly seemed to appear from the thin air asked from behind him.
The Witcher spun around, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilts of his swords. His eyes widening, as they fell on the face of the exquisite elemental. Her staff raised high, ready to hit the ground if the silver blade should be pulled from its scabbard.
"Did you learn nothing from our last encounter? I had been informed that you were no fool, Geralt of Rivia. But if you insist on drawing your sword, I will know that the white wolf is little more than just that." (Y/n) declared, as slowly Geralt withdrew his hand. Watching with concern, as the fire and water lupines no longer fought one another on the lake. But instead prowled around him.
Slowly, the elemental placed her staff gently to the floor, and walked over to him. The two standing face to face as (Y/n) looked him up and down. The pair of huge wolves coming to rest by her sides.
"You are handsome, I had been informed that that was the case. And I must admit that I have never met another man that I find quite so appealing." (Y/n) confessed to a shocked Geralt. His eyes closing as he felt the warmth of her hand brushing over his cold wet cheek.
"I have been watching you and the funny little one that follows with you. I must apologise for the villagers. You see I watch over them and have done for a very long time. I protect them, and in turn, they protect me." (Y/n) explained, drawing close enough to Geralt so that their bodies were touching.
"What are you?" Geralt asked, opening his eyes and staring into (Y/n)'s glowing blue orbs. His frozen hand softly brushing over the skin of her face.
"I am the daughter of the four houses. The holder of the elements; the mistress of the winds, the lady of fire, the mother of the earth, and the spirit of water. I am known as all, and control all, Geralt of Rivia. Butcher of Blaviken. So, tell me, why do you and your strange friend seek me?" (Y/n) enquired, as her lips ghosted across his.
Before Geralt could answer, the sound of a screaming Jaskier broke not only the silence of the night, but also broke (Y/n) and he apart. The bard rushing towards them with his lute raised high above his head.
With one swift movement, (Y/n) picked up her staff and crashed it into the ground. A gust of wind ripping across the lake strong enough to knock both Jaskier and Geralt backwards. Their bodies crashing to the floor.
"Your friend is fool; you should control him better." (Y/n) yelled out, her hands whipping the air into a great storm that blew Jaskier further and further away.
"Wait (Y/n), please!" Geralt shouted out, as (Y/n) and her wolves seemed to disappear into the very atmosphere itself.
"Have you lost your mind? I was about to tell her why we were following her. That I wanted to speak to her." Geralt growled at Jaskier. Stalking over to where the bard was finally being able to set himself back on his feet.
"She was about to attack you." Jaskier grumbled slightly, as he brushed himself off. Picking bits of broken twigs and leaves out of his hair.
"Attacking me? I don't know what your experience is with women. But if you think that she was about to attack me, then we need a serious talk about the ladies you have had dealings with." Geralt admonished, feeling slightly uncomfortable as the bard looked at him, a slight smirk on his lips.
"You mean, you and her? Now I see why you didn't want to stop following her." Jaskier chuckled to himself as he picked up his lute and strummed it. The words of a new song filling his head, as he made his way back to the camp with an irritated Geralt in tow.
"I stayed to find her, because she is a unique being. She could be a great ally. Now your stupidity has probably chased her away." Geralt huffed, as he sat back down on his bed roll. His mind still filled with the image of her beautiful eyes and the way her body felt against his.
"No. I think that she'll be back. If the lady has taken a liking to you, then I think that we shall see her again soon." Jaskier yawned, as he lay down on his back and plucked at the strings. The song of The white wolf and the elemental slowly formulating in his mind.
>>--------------------------------<<
"I've had enough. I need to rest." Jaskier moaned, as he and Geralt rode into yet another village.
"And this time, please don't mention your lady. I don't want to be chased out of town before I can get a good night's rest. And I'm tired of getting pelted by rotting vegetables." The bard continued, as he dismounted his horse, and led it towards the nearest tavern.
>>--------------------------------<<
Geralt sat, staring into his goblet. The image of (Y/n)'s face seeming to stare back at him from the deep red liquid. The Witcher hoping that that night wasn't the last chance that he would get to see her.
"Don't worry, she'll be back." Called out, as he finished his latest song. The bard going back to entertaining the crowd. Dancing between the tables, as the drunken patrons clapped along.
"I'm going to the room; we leave early in the morning." Geralt replied with a heavy sigh, before making his way up the stairs to his room.
"I thought that you would never get here." A melodious voice said, as Geralt made his way into the small room that he and Jaskier had been able to obtain in the tavern.
"(Y/n) you came back." The Witcher uttered happily, as he flew to (Y/n) taking her in his arms and kissing her.
"I know that no matter why you have come to find me, you have a good reason. If you have need of my assistance in your endeavours, I will go with you wherever it is you wish to take me. Just promise me that you will stay by my side?" (Y/n) told him, as Geralt brushed his fingers softly across her cheek.
"You have my word that I will never leave your side, ever." Geralt avowed, as he lay (Y/n) gently down on his bed.
>>---------------------------------<<
Jaskier groaned as he mounted his horse. His head pounding from his overindulgence in ale the night before. He had never made it to the room, instead passing out on the alcohol soaked table in front of him. So now, here he was waiting for his companion to arrive so that they could make one last attempt at finding The Witcher's elemental. A large smile coming to his face as he saw Geralt with his lady held firmly by his side. The two making their way over to where the bard was waiting.
"Looks like I can come up with another song?" Jaskier said smugly, as Geralt helped (Y/n) up onto Roach, before taking a seat behind her and holding her close.
"It would appear so." Geralt replied, kissing (Y/n) on the cheek, as the three set off to find more monsters to fight. The beautiful elemental now not only the holder of the element, but also the holder of the Witcher's heart.