903 Fate

Reima looks to Nerissa, "You guys almost missed it, why're you so late?" he asks, clearly curious... Maybe they had to deal with another dark lord upstart or something?

Nerissa shrugs, "Women take a long time to get ready." she says, as if she were not a woman herself.

Moka crosses her arms, "Its not me, its this lot, kind seem to pick out a dress they want." she huffs.

Yukari "Yes, well its all fine and dandy when every piece of clothing you own is black." she hits back, "Plus, its difficult to put on a dress when you're "this" pregnant!... I'd think the one who did this to me would help me out..."

Nerissa "I passed you your shoes?"

Yukari "Not like that!"

Selina looks at them all and seems to be questioning something, "Hey dad? I thought you said only a man and woman could have children?" she asks, clearly confused.

Reima scratches his face, "Well, it's true but... Potions can do basically anything..." he says, not wishing to speak further on the subject, it's awkward enough acknowledging that Nerissa had indeed changed her name to "Nerick" for the hour or two that it took to "achieve" her desired results.

Ciri "We should get you guys seated, we should've started by now, we were stalling to wait for you." she says, receiving apologetic looks from the group.

Reima leads them to their seats, Selina happily chatting with Vienna and the shy Lumi before they're sat in a prominent position at the huge table they'd placed. People were already eating, drinking, and generally having a "Jolly" time, but quietened when Selina and the group returned to the gazebo.

With a snap of his fingers, the enchanted instruments Harry had helped him create started to play various tunes, most of which being upbeat songs you'd usually hear in a tavern.

Reima stands and raises a gold goblet filled with magical alcohol and smiles at everyone as Selina and Ciri stand next to him, "Thank you all for coming, don't worry, I'm not going to bore you all with a long ass speech I'd written beforehand. Everyone that'd be invited here is considered a close friend or family, so there's no need, you all know why you're here, so I'll just leave it up to the Birthday Girl." he says, resting a hand on Selina's shoulder to encourage her.

Selina smiles nervously at the crowd, "H-hi... I don't really know what to say, it's so great to see everyone here, everyone I love and cherish..." she stops as she seems to lose what she was saying, instead she just bows deeply towards them all, "Thank you for coming!"

...

*Clap Clap Clap Clap!*

Vamos "Hahaha! Don't worry about it lass!"

Solaire raises his own Goblet, "To the Princess, a Jolly birthday to you!" he shouts, almost everyone present clinking drinks together and causing profuse amounts of alcohol, milk, water, and other beverages to spill over the table and most of the food... Luckily the House Elves were working overtime to prevent the food getting spoiled and cleaning up the mess.

Ciri looks down at Selina and hugs the girls head to her chest, "You did wonderful." she whispers before kissing her on the top of her head.

Reima "Food and drinks for everyone, if you aren't satisfied with today then I'll take it as a personal insult!" he shouts, "Ah, and if any of the younger ones get bored, Sif is sitting in the back waiting to be fluffed." he adds, some children immediately running out and a surprised yelp of the giant wolf being heard.

Selina leaves his side to go play and talk with her friends and sisters, Reima encouraging her to do so, he didn't want her birthday to be a formal event like how the former-royalty on this continent used to.

He sat back as Ciri and Quelaag socialised with their friends and family that they'd be neglecting to see due to their various duties. He loved them dearly but he knew that every couple needed some occasional time away from one another, this was especially so if they were immortal.

*Thud*

A familiar person slumped into the chair next to him, placing a drink next to Reima's empty one.

Geralt "Sitting alone here makes me think that you're not enjoying yourself, son." he adds the last part, and it sounds just as awkward for him to say as it is for Reima to hear.

Reima takes the drink and downs it, "Just thinking, I haven't been alive nearly as long as you, yet so many things have changed... I mean, did you ever think you'd be a father?" he asks, sending a glance to Calan.

Geralt "To be honest, I thought I'd meet my end surrounded by Nekkers in some forgotten swamp. But, whether I'd be a father? I consider you and Ciri my own kin, having Calan doesn't change that."

Reima "Remember when we first met? I fell out of the tree's while you were riding past, just in time to make it for the Witcher training."

Geralt grimaces slightly at the memories of it, "Hmm, must've been fate. Don't know how we would have managed had we not met you... Sometimes I imagine how it all would've turned out, without you Nilfgaard and Redania would still be at war, if the Vampires hadn't just wiped us all out... Ciri would probably still be lost in other worlds, constantly pursued by the Hunt. Me and Yen probably would have never reconciled, and we'd certainly not have a son."

Reima shrugs, "Its lucky you found me then."

Geralt chuckles, "I found you? Or you found me? You've tread a different path from all other Witchers, and I'm looking forward to seeing what'll happen next." he says, raising the drink the House Elves had materialised next to him. "To fate."

Reima smirks, "To fate."

*Clink*