Escape

Things moved quickly, far quicker than I anticipated. Triss didn't tell me how much gold Ingrid had given her, and I didn't ask. It wasn't my business to know. But the day after our morning in the tub, discussing that we had to get things moving, I was warned that things might start moving quicker than anticipated, simply because the coin had opened doors, but it would also attract the attention of witch hunters. She was confident the net wasn't anywhere near closing, but they were desperate to find the mages that escaped their clutches, leaving no stone unturned in their hunt.

I didn't involve myself in what she was doing as I knew I would attract attention, though I told her that, when it came time to make the final move, I would involve myself completely to ensure everyone escaped safely. That earned me one of those smiles and a hell of a kiss in gratitude.

She used her room in The Bits as a base, spending more time with me at the Rosemary and Thyme in the hope that the former didn't attract too much attention. Coming and going constantly would draw the wrong sort of attention. And despite all the precautions she was taking, it would only take someone reporting on her to have hunters and guards descending on her base.

Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened. She sent a messenger with a letter, stating she was getting ready to move. A ship was in port, ready to take everyone to safety. The mages she had rescued were being prepared for departure. She simply wanted me by her side before leaving her base for the last time.

Donning my armour and weapons, I headed downstairs, Zoltan and Dandelion waiting for me by the front door. "Is this it?" Dandelion asked.

"Aye."

"Do you want any help, Ragnar? I can rustle up…"

"Thank you, Zoltan, but this has worked due to the fact few of us know. Triss has this all organised. I'm confident it will work. Perhaps not without a hitch, but hopefully without the needing to spill too much blood."

"Will you be returning here?" Dandelion wondered.

"Aye. Whatever happens, Triss won't be leaving. Or, at least, I hope she isn't. Every conversation we've had suggested she's staying, but knowing that true safety is on the ship…"

"She'll stay, Ragnar," Zoltan stated confidently.

"Dandelion, if we ever attract…"

"Coin ends up in the pockets of the right people, Ragnar. Trust me, you'll never have an issue staying here at my tavern."

"Thanks." Zoltan offered me a shot of something, accepting it gratefully and necking it. "Okay, I'd better go."

"Good luck," the two men stated in unison.

Everything would happen under the cover of darkness, but I left the Rosemary and Thyme when there was still light in the sky. I walked along confidently but even I felt the onset of nerves. Triss had been busy for weeks taking anyone with magic into her care. Not just mages either. Anyone the witch hunters considered the enemy had found safety wherever Triss was keeping them. Walking towards her base in The Bits, I sensed something wasn't right when passing under the archway. The streets were deserted and they were always full of people.

I should have known the witch hunters would eventually come sniffing around. I doubt Triss gave herself away. Someone squealed, though whether willingly or not didn't matter. Her base was now blown, so it was best she would be leaving it for the last time. Despite my size, I could sneak up on people, stopping around a corner, listening into their conversation. When one of them called her 'the ginger bitch', I'll admit I let the anger flow a little bit.

Rounding the corner, sword already in hand, the trio turned towards me. "Want to rephrase that?"

"What's that?"

"I think you three need a lesson in manners." I waited for hands to move to their swords before I swung. Each was at least armed when they died, but the first two barely had time to lift their weapon to block or parry my swing or thrust. The third managed to parry a couple of thrusts, but he couldn't handle the power of my swigs, and I almost hacked him in half. I spat on their bodies before I walked inside.

Hearing commotion upstairs, I bounded up two at a time, finding Triss in conversation with the couple she had rented the room from.

"What's going on?" I asked. I used the sort of tone that made them look at me with a little fear in their eyes.

The landlady didn't speak. The landlord did try to puff himself up. "You just killed three men on our doorstep, you idiot!"

"It was a just kill. And if you don't shut up…"

"Ragnar!" Triss stated, glaring at me. I glared back but relented first. "Look, we never meant to put either of you in any danger. We can handle the bodies outside before we leave."

"Give us the necklace and get out of here," her landlady demanded.

"Touch her or anything of hers and I'll break your fucking fingers and, trust me, I'll only start from there. Triss, grab your shit. We're going."

She glared at me again, but this time, she looked away as I have no doubt I looked beyond furious by now. She grabbed a small bag, no doubt not wanting or needing to take anything else. Heading downstairs, I heard the couple follow us down at a distance. She placed the key for the house on the table, turned around and thanked them, hearing the genuine tone in her voice, before she walked outside. I turned back to them at the threshold.

"Thank you for protecting her," I said sincerely. It surprised them, the fact my anger could disappear so quickly. I'd always managed to cool off within seconds when required. "You went above and beyond. I'll ensure nothing comes back on you."

I shut the door, Triss looking down the three bodies. "They were this close," she whispered.

"Figured I'd kill them first, otherwise they would have just been waiting out here for us."

She looked at me, unhappy for a moment. "They deserved the necklace, Ragnar."

"But I…"

She stepped towards me, taking my hands in hers. "It can be replaced. They took a great risk and they've never handed me in. Says a lot about them."

"How bad is it out there?"

"Albert was the last straw, I think. Noticed the patrols the past couple of days?" I nodded. The numbers had been ridiculous, and it was obvious the guards were now working hand in hand with the witch hunters. "They've been going street to street, house to house. Remember Farcorners? Think of that on a city-wide scale. They've been sweeping up anyone even remotely suspicious."

"Okay, we're here in The Bits. What are we doing first?"

She sighed. "I should get all the mages to the docks as soon as possible, get them on board the ship. But Berthold and Anisse have yet to show up at the meeting point. I've been back and forth from the Kingfisher the past couple of days, but there's been no sign of them."

I could understand her predicament. Save two, but could it be at the cost of everyone else? The witch hunters were obviously closing in. If we just delayed by an hour to head across town, everything could collapse. Triss looked at me, almost frozen to the spot. "I don't know what to do," she admitted.

"If they haven't met you by now, Triss, there's a good chance they won't be coming either way. If we head across Novigrad to save them, knowing the rest have arrived as agreed…"

"Berthold," she muttered, "He never really believed. Insisted they could ride this out, somehow survive Novigrad and its purges. Damned fool." She sighed again. "I don't like leaving anyone behind, but I can't sacrifice everyone else just to save them. Come on, Ragnar. Let's get to the Kingfisher."

I took her hand, though I noticed she had the hood pulled over her head and practically halfway down her face. I hated that she had to do that, and knew life for her, if she chose to stay with me, would be night on impossible for her. Walking the streets would be… I had a feeling heading to Skellige immediately might be the best idea.

We kept to the side streets, and whenever we saw an approaching patrol, we would turn into an alley. More than once, we started making out, hoping not to attract too much attention. There was one or two comments as they passed by, but they left us alone otherwise.

The route we took wasn't direct and took far longer due to avoiding patrols. I did wonder if she worried about leaving those mages behind, but they would have known that time was running out. I felt a little guilt, I was sure Triss felt a whole lot more, but when needs must, occasionally the difficult decision has to be taken.

The streets around the Kingfisher were thankfully clear, taking a rear entrance, entering to find it deserted. A slight surprise, as it usually only closed during the early morning. The regular innkeeper was behind the bar and was obviously waiting for us.

"Triss! Thanks be to Melitele!" he stated quietly, before looking at me, "Ragnar?"

"He's helping, Olivier."

"Yes, yes. Of course. I wasn't sure if…"

The two discussed people who had managed to arrive from various locations around Novigrad, or other villages in the region. Given that Redania was experiencing a reign of terror, not just Novigrad, it was little wonder that mages were flooding in from everywhere in the hope they could escape. Olivier led us towards an anteroom, climbing down a ladder into a hidden cellar, hearing the trapdoor above us close and latch.

I could hear the relief from the other mages at her appearance, but also the faith they had in her to get them to safety. I knew Triss better than anyone, and could see she was as stressed as I'd ever seen her. The pressure on her shoulders, the number of lives she now held in her hands…

I'd never been prouder, nor more in love with her than I was in that moment. She seemed to know the name of everyone was passed, making sure that they were okay, ready to leave, and despite all the danger, excited about the new life they were going to experience once on board the ship and sailing away to safety.

As she walked around, I noticed someone I simply didn't expect to see there, walking up to him as he turned to face me. "Djikstra."

"Ragnar."

We stood, looking at each other in silence before I had to ask, "What are you doing here? Care about mages that much?"

He stepped closer, I figured trying to intimidate. Instead, all he did was lower his voice. "Radovid is a fucking madman, Ragnar," he growled, "And the hierarch is no fucking better. I know what you think about me, but look around. These are innocent people. You see any dangerous people here?" I just looked at him and smirked. "Ha ha, very fucking funny."

"Djikstra, you don't lift a finger without it being of some benefit to you. I'm not the smartest man around but I'm not that dense or dumb either."

He met my eyes again and he smirked. "Well, I will admit that I am looking forward to having friends in Kovir, particularly at King Tancred's court." I snorted. I couldn't help it. "But that is a side benefit, Ragnar. Aren't you sick of the pyres?"

"I am."

"That's why I'm doing this. Yes, there are some dangerous fucking mages out there, and you know who I'm talking about, but most of them are harmless and don't deserve to burn because of it."

Triss gave a little speech. I think she needed to say something, to ease the pressure on her shoulders. She told them straight. They were not out of the woods yet. From where we were, getting to the docks wouldn't be easy. The witch hunters were prowling the streets, looking for anyone. They had a ship. They had coin. They had a destination. But they needed to get to the ship. Triss admitted she was tired of hiding. She was willing to help fight their way to freedom.

"Ragnar will clear a path through the sewers. If you want to see the power at his disposal, you need only keep an ear to the ground. You might just hear it."

All eyes looked at me. I crossed an arm over my abdomen and performed a half bow. "Your safety and eventual escape is my number one priority. The sewers will likely not be full of witch hunters, but we know other monsters may lurk and prowl. I will handle them. You will follow once it is clear. Follow only the path we forge. There can be no delays."

"I will assist Ragnar with the path clearance," Triss added, "Djikstra, if I may ask, can you go to the port and ensure the ship is ready for departure? It must depart as soon as everyone is on board."

"I will lead immediately, Miss Merigold. And… good luck."

"Thanks."

Unsheathing my sword, I led Triss into the sewers themselves. I glanced back and her face was one of grim determination. She also looked completely exhausted. I didn't blame her one bit.

Thankfully, we ran into nothing but drowners to begin with, having already oiled my blade ready for necrophages. I'd learned enough over the years to know, if you're near water, you generally run into drowners and, if you're really unlucky, grave hags. No idea how many drowners we did kill, but our progress wasn't as quick as we perhaps wanted. Geralt could deal with such matters far quick, with all his swordplay and footwork. I was more of a blunt instrument.

No idea how long we'd been walking and fighting, certainly leaving plenty of drowners on the ground behind us. What I didn't expect to run into was a blockage. I had assumed there would be a clean path all the way to the docks, just having to deal with whatever inhabited it, but the fact part of the tunnel had collapsed did not bode well. Triss stood beside me, her shoulders slumping.

"That's it. All is lost," she muttered.

I sheathed my sword immediately and just held her. It took a few seconds for her to hug me back, but when she did, she released a sigh I knew she'd been holding back. "Thank you," she whispered, "Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome. Now, the Triss I know figured shit out. So, the collapse is bad, but I'm sure there's a way forward. Let's look around."

While the walls around us may have looked thick, I didn't think sewers would be built to the same standards as most of the building above us. So I walked along the walls, holding a hand close to the brickwork, hoping I could perhaps feel air flowing through. It took a few minutes but I eventually found something, knocking my knuckles against a few bricks, and there was no doubt the wall was thin.

"Triss, possibility here."

She walked over and grinned. "What are you going to do, Ragnar? Just charge at it with your shoulder?"

"No, I have something else. Cover your ears."

Once she did, I took a few steps back and aimed.

FUS – RO – DAH

The wall fell apart, brickwork flying back. I heard my Shout echo up the tunnel, no doubt the mages wondering what the hell they'd just heard. Triss took the hands from her ears and gazed at me. "Still amazed by that, you know?"

Walking through the gap in the wall, I heard Triss gasp as she was adamant we'd just found a hidden library. I gave her a few minutes, simply watching her eyes light up as she picked up one book after another. Didn't recognise a single author she mentioned, but she was amazed that many were first editions. She figured the library was ancient, the books kept in good condition by the fact it was relatively dry.

As she continued to gaze upon the shelves, I went looking for an exit. Took a few more minutes, but I found another thin wall, warning her before I used my Thu'um again. "Going to take any books?"

"No, I have a feeling it was important to someone. Wouldn't feel right. Just hope the witch hunters don't find it and burn everything. So much has already been lost."

"I remember seeing what they were doing at Oxenfurt Academy."

"Ah, did you happen to run into a certain someone while there?"

"Shani was there."

"Fuck her?"

"Of course."

Triss laughed. It always amazed me how relaxed she was about all that. Then again. Aela, Serana, and all my other lovers all knew each other, and we had ended up basically living together. Either I just happened to meet very open-minded women or there was some greater force looking out for me. No idea who or what though.

We ended up in a different tunnel, or maybe it was the same tunnel. Thankfully, Triss figured out rather quickly, having left little signs on the wall, that we were back on the right path, though I'm sure we both sighed with relief at that. We killed a few more drowners before we heard the sound of rats in the distance. The sort of noises that would make your skin crawl. Killing rats with a sword wasn't really effective, so I sheathed that for a moment, Triss and I sharing what could only be considered an evil grin… then we burned the little disease ridden fuckers.

Moving on quickly, as the stench was gag inducing, the number of drowners decreased but we started to come across corpses, and it was obvious the rats had been chewing on them. Triss could figure out where we were from a sign she'd left on the wall, stating we were near Cleaver's headquarters, and he had a habit of dumping corpses in the sewers.

Starting to find more corpses further away from the dumping ground was a concern. Even Triss was worried about that, as it was obvious it wasn't just drowners having their usual feast. Stopping to inspect one of the bodies, finding bite marks on the neck told me immediately what we were dealing with.

"Vampire," I stated, looking at up at Triss, "Trust me, don't have to be a witcher to figure that out. Killed plenty of them back on Skyrim."

"Know how to deal with them?"

"Don't always need silver. And, if we're desperate, you burn the fuckers."

The tunnel was littered with corpses, signs the vampire had been feeding well lately. And many were fresh, suggesting the kills had been recent. Most had bite marks, but a couple had been properly cut to pieces, suggesting this vampire had claws. Big, sharp claws that could cause problems.

"Ragnar?" Triss asked, now very concerned.

"I don't know what sort of vampire it is. Soon as we see it, I'm using my Thu'um."

I didn't see it to start with as it was one of those vampires that could turn invisible. Cheating bastard. Soon as it was visible, I unloaded my Thu'um upon it, enjoying the cries it made as I followed my Thu'um with a few clean strikes of my sword, Triss helping out by unloading bombs of fire upon it. Backing it against the wall, it lashed out with its claws. It came rather too close one time, which just pissed me off.

So it took the full force of my Thu'um it its face.

YOL – TOOR – SHUL

The vampire beast dropped to the ground. Whether it still lived or not, I wasn't sure, so to be sure it was definitely dead, I chopped down and took its head.

"I love you, Ragnar," Triss stated sweetly.

I looked at him, taking a couple of deep breaths, and felt the grin form. "You always get emotional watching me fight."

"That, and turned on."

"Even now?"

"Despite everything, even now, Ragnar."

I took her hand and we moved on, Triss sure of herself that we were heading in the right direction. It was at least another ten minutes before she heard the squawking of seagulls. That seemed to re-invigorate her, squeezing my hand, trying to hurry ahead. Coming to a close gate, I opened it carefully, chancing a look around. The coast was clear and we headed out, relieved to see Djikstra waiting at the dock for us. He looked concerned until seeing us, and I was rather grateful he seemed to sigh with relief.

"Took you bloody long enough, Ragnar."

"Aye, tunnels needing clearing. Least they'll get through okay now."

"How's the ship?" Triss asked.

"Creaky piece of junk. Wood's rotting, sails are prone to rip like an old pair of knickers, and…"

Triss grinned at him. "Will it make it to Kovir, Sigi?"

"Yes, it will. Long as the seas are calm. Otherwise, it'll just…"

He trailed off. Triss glanced at me. "I'll signal everyone to make their move."

As she wandered off to do whatever it was she needed to do, Djikstra thought he'd tempt me into conversation. "Need any help? Can I play the violin for you, fetch some flowers or bonbons?"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Triss, you dullard. You seriously think she's going to stay with the city guard and witch hunters breathing down her neck? She's public enemy number one after this stunt."

"Triss will make the best decision for herself. I would love her to stay, and she wants to stay. But if she needs to go…"

"Good god, you are stupid sometimes, Ragnar."

Before I could offer a retort, or perhaps punch him in the face, Triss hurried back, fear on her face. "They're coming!" she cried, "Witch hunters!"

I unsheathed my sword. "Get the mages on the boat. Djikstra, help her. I'll take care of them."

"What are you going to do?"

"Something I've been wanting to do since walking through those fucking walls the first time."

The witch hunters were assembling nearby, no doubt hoping for a sign of Triss or any other mages. Noticing me approach, particularly with weapon in hand, I could see them getting ready. I stopped to pick up a line of rope, walking forward with it. About five metres away from them, I laid the rope on the ground in a line, separating me from them, before I stepped back around a dozen paces.

"Anyone who remains on your side of the rope will live though this night. My fight is not with you. If you choose to step over this rope, your life is forfeit and, trust me on this one, you won't see sunrise tomorrow morning." I kept my sword at my side and gestured. "You may do as you please."

They charged at me. All of them. I smirked. Soon as the first foot passed the rope, I released the full force of my Thu'um again.

ZUN – HAAL – VIIK

Most of them stopped immediately, finding their hands suddenly empty of their weapons. The look of fear that quickly appeared on most of their faces made me grin.

MUL – QAH – DIIV

In their eyes, I would have appeared like a dragon. I'm fairly sure more than one witch hunter pissed themselves at that very moment. I released a loud roar that would have been heard across Novigrad. And that's when I used the final Thu'um on my mind.

FAAS – RU – MAAR

The ranks of the now disarmed witch hunters broke and ran. I made sure I breathed fire towards them as I chased them away.

Once I'd returned to normal, I turned back towards the docks, chuckling to myself about the looks of terror on their faces. They'd all seen my face, but I had a feeling most would hope they'd think it was nothing but a bad dream. I had a feeling that also ended my time in Novigrad, at least for the time being, so perhaps leaving myself would be a good idea.

Mages were now running towards the ship, taking the few belongings they could carry. There were more than I had imagined. Djikstra and Triss were talking, the former leaving her with me. Taking my hands in hers, she kissed me, and I was left thinking…

She laughed. "Ragnar, I'm not going anywhere. Just let me go say goodbye and then we can watch them leave." I sighed with relief. "We spent more than six months apart after being together nearly every day for years. I don't aim on being apart for that long ever again."

"What do we do?"

"We'll survive somehow."

She walked to the ship and I think Djikstra thought she was leaving as he started to waffle on about some story. But when Triss walked back down the gangplank and the ship was prepared to finally cast off, I felt the gentle dig in the ribs. "You never doubted, did you?"

"Nope."

"And here I was about to tell you about my failed love affair with Philippa Eilhart."

"That still rankles, doesn't it?"

"Look, I knew she was fucking you at one time or another, but… Ah, fuck it, when I made my intention known, know what she said to me?" He put on a bad impression of her voice. "I'm really sorry, Sigi, but I prefer women." He sighed. "I knew that was bull fucking shit, but guess she actually cared about my feelings or something."

"I know you don't like her…"

"I hate her with every fibre of my being, Ragnar. I see her again, I'll wring her scrawny fucking neck. Finish the job Radovid started when he took her eyes." He then grasped my shoulder. "But what I do know is that you now owe me one hell of a fucking favour, Ragnar. And I do aim on having it returned."

"It will depend on the favour." He said one word. I nodded immediately. "You know I can't do anything now. Once the major issue at hand is resolved, then I'll make contact."

"You think about disappearing on me…"

"No, I owe you a favour, Djikstra. And you know me, all about honour."

Triss rejoined us and promptly thanked Djikstra for his help, then told him to piss off. Sweetly, of course. Djikstra laughed, wished her good luck, and after a bow, he turned and disappeared into the night. Leaving us alone, she stepped towards me, resting a hand on my chest as she gazed up into my eyes. I watched the tears slowly slide down her cheeks. I made to wipe them away, but she gently grabbed my wrist. "Let them fall, it's a good moment," she whispered.

"I thought you… you know…"

"Before you walked in that day, I was ready to go with them. The moment I saw you, everything changed. It will be hard going forward but it will be worth it too."

Taking me by the hand, she led me away from the docks, eventually arriving at a nearby lighthouse. Getting to the top without an issue, we had the light and warmth of the fire as we could watch the ship slowly but surely disappear. Triss sat on the edge, legs dangling, leaning back against me as I stood behind was on my knees behind her, resting my head on her shoulder.

"I've lived in fear for months, Ragnar. I know you've done your best, but even then, I was still frightened. Leaving my place in The Bits, or the Rosemary and Thyme… each time was a walk into the unknown. Always worried if I was being watched. Turning any corner was turning into the unknown. Obviously I'm not the only one. So many of those mages… it will take months for them to recover from this ordeal. It wasn't just their own safety. We've all lost friends and loved ones, seen them burn on the pyre, or butchered on the street."

"I mean to ask. Why Kovir?"

"After Loc Muinne, King Tancred was the only monarch who allowed mages within his borders to retain their freedom. He didn't just wholesale blame anyone with magic for what happened. So when Novigrad and Redania began their crackdown, I used any and every contact I had to get in contact with him. Thankfully, my name alone opened many doors, and he readily agreed to assist me."

"Triss, have you…"

"I was going to be his advisor, like I was to Foltest." She turned and smiled at me. "I much prefer being here with you."

"Guess he won't be too happy."

"I'll get in contact with him and explain the situation. He knows who you are. Everyone important knows who you are, Ragnar."

"I don't know if that's a good thing or not."

"Might be a good thing in the future. Might find it opens a door or two."

"Do you want to go to Kovir after this?"

"Will you go with me?"

"Triss, I'll go wherever you want."

She leaned back against me as I held her tighter. "No need to decide things tonight," she whispered, before gesturing out to sea, "That's the important matter decided." She sighed, and I think it was one of contentment. "Want to make love?"

"Here?"

"Ragnar, we've sometimes rutted on a dirt floor, a grass field, the floor of a forest, and I'm sure in places people wouldn't even dream of making love. I'm in a very good mood. Take advantage of it."

So I did, helping her stand up. We removed each other's clothing rather slowly, spending the entire time making out, though when her skin was exposed, my mouth and fingers found their way to the exposed flesh. Once we were naked together, which took quite a long time as I loved undressing her slowly, I sat down underneath the beacon, Triss gently sitting on my lap, and easily slid my cock inside her.

"I'll never get tired of this feeling," she whispered.

"Bloody hope not!"

I sat there and just let her ride me, my hands running up and down her back, maybe giving her arse a gentle squeeze, my mouth either meeting hers, running down her neck to her collarbone, and definitely leaning down to suck on her nipples, something that always mad her moan loudly. But she took her time riding me, ever so slowly letting her orgasm build and build.

"Ragnar," she breathed.

"How much do you love my cock?"

"I want it all the time!" she exclaimed with a giggle.

"Feel the same way about you."

That earned one hell of a kiss, wrapping her arms around the back of my neck, resting her forehead against mine. "Love my tight pussy?" she breathed.

"Have done since that first time. My cock is always delighted being inside you, Miss Merigold."

She started to ride me faster, her orgasm no doubt now on the horizon. I listening to her breathing, felt the way her body moved, and when I felt her starting to squeeze my cock, I knew it was imminent. I kissed her again and she started to moan, squeezing my cock harder before needing to break the kiss. "God yes!" she cried out, feeling her really drive down onto my cock a number of times before she suddenly stopped, her entire body shuddering for a few seconds.

Then she relaxed against me, barely able to tolerate my fingers running up her back, giggling that she was feeling rather sensitive.

I thought she was just about ready to fall asleep before she giggled again. "Ragnar, you haven't cum yet."

"I know. Not always about me."

"Ragnar, you always make it about me." She leaned back and met my eyes. "One of the many reasons I love you, but trust me, I love making you cum in return." She looked around. "Getting on my back won't be comfortable. Want a blowjob?"

"Want a blowjob, she asks," I stated with a chuckle.

So that's how I ended up standing in Novigrad lighthouse with Triss Merigold on her knees, sucking my cock as I took in the view. She did joke about tasting herself on my cock, and remarked she could now understand why I loved going down on her. That made me look down at her in surprise, before realising she'd blown me plenty of times after I'd fucked her. "Tease," I murmured.

"Well, I have tasted plenty of pussy over the years."

That made me grin. "I swear, that's the only reason I miss the Lodge. Because, my god, did we fuck to our hearts content."

"I certainly have some rather fond memories, Ragnar. Most of them do involve you."

I could feel my orgasm approaching as she alternated between her mouth and her hand. "And those that don't?" I wondered.

"Well, as I'm sure you're aware, Philippa could eat pussy like no other."

I closed my eyes and definitely smiled. Triss did it on purpose as she definitely put in all the effort possible to make me cum. Just as I was about to, I opened my eyes and looked down, Triss looking up as she would have felt the first blast into her mouth. The delight in her eyes pleased me as always, and she swallowed nearly everything I gave her. When her mouth was empty, I lifted her up and kissed her. I remembered it had surprised her the very first time, but considering she swallowed it, I could handle any lingering taste.

Figuring getting dressed and heading home was the best idea, we kept to the alleyways and back streets, making sure we avoided any brightly lit areas. The door to the Rosemary and Thyme was shut by the time we arrived back, knocking on the door, thankful that Zoltan must have been waiting up for us. He closed and locked the door once we were safely inside.

"Everything okay?" he whispered.

"Aye. Safe and sound."

He looked at Triss. "Didn't figure you for leaving."

"No chance, Zoltan."

"Get yourselves some sleep and we'll talk in the morning. Guess it's off to Skellige next, right?"

"Hope so," I whispered back, "See you in the morning, Zoltan."

By the time we'd undressed and fallen into bed, we were both exhausted. But the desire for intimacy was still there, Triss practically yanking me on top of her, and I was quickly inside her once again. Definitely made love then, her arms and legs wrapped around me, my thrusts slow and gentle, either kissing or whispering rather sweet things to one another, certainly the sort of things we'd never let anyone else hear.

Through it all, though, she was either smiling, or the remnants of a smile lingered in her eyes. She looked as happy as I'd ever seen her. Though she might still worry about her personal safety, she'd now completed her task. It was easy to see the tension had evaporated once the ship had cast off.

Snuggling under the blankets a little later, cuddling into my side, her fingers running up and down my chest, I was rather close to dozing off. Though exhausted, I think the adrenaline was still flowing within her. "Safe," she whispered.

"Hmmm?"

"Safe," she repeated, "They are now." She gave me a squeeze. "And so am I."