A.N.- Oh me goodness people actually read this... I started this as a random pet-project. Cool. Well if you like it then by all means read on. And share!
Oh and this may be one of the last chapters to have first person view... first person is hard to write lol . Also schools are shutdown here in Canada... so I'll likely be writing more. and updating of course.
xoxoxo
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We had been riding for a little over a week. Slowly I'd gotten used to riding and once again had a routine. For someone who was lost in a world completely foreign, this pattern was rather comforting.
Ride, find a job, practice sword fighting, ride on, camp out repeat.
And it helped dissolve the odd times when items from my world randomly appeared. On the second day we traveled a penny lay at my feet in the morning. It started as small things but every few days a new thing appeared. Larger things. It was starting to unnerve me but Eskel tired to keep my mind off it.
He had kept his promise and trained me. The first few days were rough. Just getting used to holding a sword was hard. Who knew it was so heavy.
Slowly, and with Eskel being a grueling instructor, I had improved. I couldn't best Eskel--I'm convinced no one can--but I did manage to hold my own. A few nights by a swamp had proved that. One less drowner to haunt the world.
The days had been mostly sunny. A few showers had not ruined the ever encroaching promise of green. Spring was in full swing. Unfortunately that all ended when we rode south towards Ard Carighe.
The sky became a gloomy grey. Cold winds ripped through the fresh blossoms tearing them to shreds. Small drops of rain began to patter into the worn dirt road.
I pulled my now patched jacket even tighter around myself. Shivering I leaned closer to my horse. We were in the last major town before Ard Carighe and the storm was already beginning to worsen. Eskel, stoic as ever, nodded towards an inn.
"We'll have to stop for the night." He led the horses over the the stables. Tossing a coin to the scrawny stable-boy who immediately jumped and took our horses.
Grabbing my pack I followed Eskel closely. Stopping just short of the threshold, I flinched. The clamor of the crowds inside was overwhelming. Wooden chairs scraped against the floor. Clinks of drinks. Coins jangled. Shouts and laughter.
So far we had only been camping out. A few nights it had even rained. But I had not really been in an inn with so many people. Even the hiking trip was just a small crew. After what had happened years ago, I was still not sure if I can do it... Forget it Cass! The past is the past. I shook my head.
Eskel was looking back at me. With a deep breath, we stepped into the inn.
The ruckus we could hear from outside slowly died down. Silence. Nudging one another people began to stop talking. A hundred pairs of eyes immediately hit us, and I shrank.
"You know Eskel, camping out is still a viable option..." I squeaked, trying to hide behind his large frame.
He grunted and promptly walked up to the fat innkeeper at the bar. Not wanting to be alone here I tried to become his shadow.
A table of gamblers nearby sneered and returned to their game. Muttering. A few groups returned to their topics but in lower tones. Barmaids stunned but a moment returned to taking orders.
The general noise and hubbub returned slowly till it was a din.
I realized I had stopped and was staring. Swiftly I caught up to Eskel. The innkeeper was openly frowning. Displeased by something. His apron covered in grease was discolored.
"--for the last time we don't serve your kind here. Now be off with you." His flat voice was shaking slightly.
"Listen. It's a storm out there. I'll pay." Eskel practically loomed over the man. Both swords strapped to his back glinted in the candle light.
"N-n-now you see here-"
"One night." Eskel bore into the man. Eyes bright.
Beads of sweat began to roll down the fat innkeepers face. Using a fat warty hand he tried to wipe it away with his apron. "I don't want trouble."
"Again, one night." Adamantly Eskel keep the slimy man's gaze. "Or you will have trouble."
"Alright already!" The fat man rose his arms to the air in defeat. "But-"He paused. "It'll cost you." His beady eyes shone in the tavern light falling on the pouch of coin Eskel pulled out. A rat.
"How m-"
"Two-hundred fifty orens for the night." He grinned and ugly grin. Yellow rotten teeth.
"That's flat out robbery!" I interjected. I may not know much about this world but most things cost waaaaaay less.
Leaning over the counter he scowled at me. Beady eyes looking me up and down.
"I need to make my money too. After all you'll only be using the room for, what, an hour. Maybe two."
"Pardon?" I was left speechless.
The slimy man gave a sneering smirk and leaned back on his heels. "I'd give it three hours tops before you're onto another man. I may drop the price if you come to my room afterwards."
His fat chin wagged with each syllable.
A shiver went up my spine. What a creep!
Thunk!
Glaring coldly Eskel leaned over the counter: his left hand gripping the hilt of his wickedly sharp dagger.
"Gods!" The innkeeper jumped back.
"I suggest you get your mind out of the gutter or else I'll have to teach you how to be nice to a lady." He practically growled out the words.
"Now I'll give you three seconds to reconsider the price. I remind you we expect a room with ample space, a bath, and two beds. Is that clear."
"W-well well for su-such a reasonable person as yo-yourself-"
"Go on."
"Two hundre-"
"Try again." Eskel twisted the dagger into the wood.
"One hun-"
Eskel glared back.
"Ninety...?" Wincing the man pulled back as far as he could.
"Seventy-five for the night. One night. Two beds, and a hot bath."
"Of course. And there will be a charge for food."
"Fine."
Eyes burning Eskel counted out the coin.
A barmaid who had unluckily come to our side of the bar for another pitcher of ale was thrust towards us. The innkeeper ordering her to show us to a room.
We followed the ruffled girl. I couldn't help but snicker as the innkeeper tried to scrub out the now inch deep gouge in his counter. A small grin played at the edges of Eskel's lips.
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The general din of the inn was much more subdued and I could finally relax a little.
The room was small but not cramped. It was really meant for groups that traveled together. I set my bag down on top of a small table that sat against the wall.
I guess Eskel is intimidating enough that the innkeeper relented.
As agreed two beds sat on one side of the room. Thin straw mattresses would be a nice change compared to the dirt of the roadside. A room divider of stretched cloth over wood set a corner apart for privacy. Thankfully, a large tub sat just behind it letting off steam.
Oh I wanted to dive feet first into that tub. It had been a good week since the last time I had a chance to clean up. I couldn't help but think of how grungy I was. Or how good the bed would feel afterwards.
Eskel causally dropped his satchel onto one of the beds. "Do you want to bathe first? I'll go order some food to be brought up."
"For sure!" I grabbed my bag and pulled out a clean set of clothes.
Slipping behind the room divider I stripped out of the grungy clothes. First thing in the morning I'm gonna try to wash them. So gross.
I could hear the coin purse lightly jangle and the door creak shut.
Gradually I sunk into the hot water. Savoring the warmth it had. Scrubbing out all my hair I flicked my bangs. They had grown since arriving here. Last time I'd cut them in a rage. So stupid. With old scissors. Before they had been in various angles and were difficult to pull back.
It had felt good to release all that anger, but now feeling the growth felt good.
Before all this, I didn't even know who I was. Slowly, very slowly I could see more of myself. Learn to try things.
Never had I thought I'd ever hold a sword. Learn to fight. Travel on horseback for miles. Hell another dimension was beyond me. And if I make it back alive after dealing with this Elder blood magic thing than it would be all good to me.
Sighing I finished washing and began to get out.
Suddenly I realized I'd left my one towel by the bed.
Shit.
Not able to stand the chill of the air I tiptoed towards the beds. Goosebumps appearing along my skin.
I had just grabbed the corner of the towel when I heard a snort.
Oh Shit!
"I'll take it you're done then." Eskel's rough voice hitting me from behind.
Frantically I struggled to wrap the towel around my dripping body. My whole face became hot.
Sputtering I tried to make sense of the whole ordeal. All that came out was gibberish nothings. Gee thanks brain!
Sensing my fluster Eskel tried to turn slightly to give space, but the small room would have none of it. A small pool of water that had followed me from the tub made itself known. Eskel slipped backwards catching himself on the second bed frame. "Shi-"
Crack!
The small frame gave way under the sudden force. Splintered pieces lay awkwardly on the floor. Immediately I ran up to him. But my immediate movement also meant I hadn't noticed the sudden appearance of another random item from my world, and I went face first onto Eskel.
Whumph!
"Oh-Oh my gods," I sputtered. My face burned. Holy crap! holy crap!
Not only was I just in a thin towel but I was pressed right up against Eskel's broad chest. His chest rose and fell in deep breaths. Our limbs were entangled by our attempts to catch one another. Our faces were mere inches from touching. I tried to take in a deep breath to calm myself,but my damned nose! He smelled of leather, beer, and herbs. It pulled me in. It had become such a familiar and comfort to me. My face was red but any fraction of shock on Eskel's face, if it was even there, was gone. Only slightly wide eyes remained.
Suddenly there was a abrasive pounding at the door.
"Oi Witcher!" The innkeeper from before shouted as if his life depended on it. "I don't care what you're doin' with your whore, but mark my words! I may have dropped the price but anything broken will cost you extra!"
"Shut up you bastard," Eskel sneered back glaring at the door. "Or I'll be forced to come out there and I'll break more than the furniture."
The innkeeper took the hint and could be heard quickly scampering away.
Eskel and I looked at each other and locked eyes. We shared a moment of silence. But the awkwardness of the whole ordeal just couldn't last.
I could't help it. Bursting out laughing I went into a fit. Eskel also let out a snort which soon became an actual hearty laugh that bounced on the walls. We laughed until my sides hurt. Gradually we both untangled from each other.
"On that note, I think I'll take a bath." Pulling off his jacket and throwing it on the broken bed he stretched out his arms. Eskel then strode behind the divider. I could hear him groan as he sunk into the water.
Trying to release my mind from the weird situation of before, I picking up the item that had led to the whole situation in the first place. It a rubber duck. Weird. Now if only I could summon useful things. Soap. Food. Hell, an iPod would be nice. Any music would make the evening go nicely. Maybe cigarettes. A working cellphone with data to call home. I'd even settle for socks at this point.
"Hope I left you enough hot water," I called over tossing the rubber duck onto the table.
"Mmmmm. Still warm enough."
"Good, can't have my guide catching a cold from being chilled."
"I don't get sick."
"Like ever?"
"Part of being a witcher. We don't get sick and we tend to heal faster."
"Oh that would be awesome!" Thinking back it was true I'd never seen any of the other witchers at Kaer Morhen get sick. And Eskel seemed to heal faster than I expected too.
"I wish I never had to be sick again. No more sniffles, or worrying about sneezing everywhere...And healing. For sure." I bobbed my head drying my messy hair. "If I think of all the times I've cut myself chopping veggies. Hell it's worth it. Wonder if I'd make a good witcher too." I laughed lightly at the thought.
"No."
I tried to ask him why, but Eskel remained silent.
The conversation dropped and we were sucked into silence. I kept my back to the divider and finished drying off. Lost in new thoughts.
Eskel's really done so much for me. Its been weeks on the road. And before when we first met and lived together in the fort...And all we've done is camp out. Under the stars. In the cold. On the dirt. Removing sticks from under our sleeping rolls...
Outside.
I know he'd never say anything about it, but I'm sure this trip is uncomfortable.
Pulling my nightshirt over my head I couldn't help it but...
"Hey Eskel."
"Hmmm."
"You've been very kind. And you know I like to think of you as a friend."
He was silent for a moment.
"As I you."
"Well, now I was wondering... Oh rather I was thinking, and of course this is just an idea, but-"
"What?"
"Well you sort of decimated your bed."
" And," he urged.
"Well, after all you've done, and we've been through. Well I'm just thinking it would be unfair to kick you to the floor. So," I gulped taking a deep breath. "Iwasthinkingwecouldjustsharethebed." I paused leaning back a little.
"What?" I could hear Eskel slosh in the tub.
"I was thi-"
"No I heard you." His voice was low. "It-"
Squeezing the towel I still held I looked back towards the divider. "It's stupid. I know," I muttered.
He rose from the tub, water splashing. I could see his form behind the screen reaching for a towel. Even in the low light- damn. I bit my lower lip.
"Not what I was going to say."
Leaning from around the divider his thick brown hair, still damp, flopped forwards. Forcing it back he gave a weak smile.
Good lord if this was another time another place I'd think I would give in to that smile. Gulp.
"Its a kind gesture," he continued, "but you don't have to worry about me. I'm sure I can salvage the wreck."
"For sure. For sure..." Nodding along I let out a little sigh.
He has a point. The bed actually would have been a little cramped. I do stretch out ridiculously.
Sometimes I forgot how large Eskel really was. Hell, he towered over me by a good foot.
Now dressed in a loose tunic, Eskel set to work moving the broken wood aside and salvaging the straw mattress as best he could.
After he was satisfied it was usable we devoured our nearly forgotten food. The ale going down smoothly sending a warm feeling into my toes. Yawning I crawled into bed. Hopefully I could get some real sleep. Hopefully we could find a sorceress to help me get home and stop these random items from appearing.