In the Mists

Triss. Jutta. Cerys. That was who was waiting on the bed the night before I was to leave for the Isle of Mists. I still had to pinch myself at times as I knew I was a lucky man, that the gods favoured me for some reason. I had tried to live a good life, for the most part, but still wondered what I had done to deserve such gifts.

Then there were the women in my life and, at times, wondered how they tolerated it all. Particularly Triss. I knew I should have been happy with her and her alone. But she's accepted me for what I was like, and she had proven open-minded herself. Had never been with another man during our time together, time and again stating I was the only man she wanted. Women though? She'd had plenty of lovers. She knew all of mine. I knew all of hers. But despite all that, we were committed to one another above everyone.

Jutta simply smiled at me as she leaned back next to Triss, and I think the nightgown she was wearing was something borrowed from Triss, as it offered a view of her cleavage, and showed off her perfect legs, and offered a glimpse of the panties she wore underneath. Cerys had a look in her eyes that she just wanted to be fucked immediately, though what did amuse me was the fact she too wore a borrowed nightgown. Triss would sometimes wear them to bed, though she knew I loved her in just a bra and panties, but despite the fact she found me very warm, she would still get cold during the night at times.

"So, do you have plans for me?" I wondered.

"You're leaving early in the morning, Ragnar, so you can't spend all night fucking us," Triss replied.

"Speak for yourself. He can fuck me as long as he wants," Cerys murmured.

Jutta giggled. Triss gave her a sideways glance. "You'll have your chance soon enough, but Ciri is the most important thing at the moment."

"I know. It's the other reason why I'm here." She sighed. "Guess we can enjoy each other once the Wild Hunt is dealt with?"

"That's the plan. Now, I don't want to ask Ragnar who he would like to be with, as I'm sure he'd say all three of us, then it's just going into hours of group sex."

"What I really want is a bath first. I've spent days on the road."

"That can be organised."

Fifteen minutes later, I was naked relaxing in the massive tub, joined by my three lovers, all of them now naked alongside me. Triss rested back between my legs, Jutta to my left, Cerys to my right. They asked about my time away, admitting that I'd stopped in Oxenfurt to see Shani. Triss asked after her as always, hoping that they would meet each other again soon. Jutta and Cerys didn't know who she was, so I explained in brief detail who she was to me and also the fact we had sex.

"You fuck Ves?" Triss asked.

"Um… yeah… But it was different this time."

I explained what happened, both with her disappearing, then the fight in Mulbrydale, my conversation with Roche, then what happened with Ves that night, focusing on her confession. "And what about Keira?" Cerys wondered, "She certainly looked… interested…"

"We've had sex before," I replied.

Jutta giggled again. "Gods, Ragnar, how do you find time for anything else?" she asked.

"I generally keep the sex for the evening… sometimes the morning. I can generally focus on other things during the day."

"What about now?" Cerys wondered, and I heard the concern. It was actually rather sweet in my eyes.

"The way we parted, I don't think I'll be going down that road again. I think she's aware of that too. I suggested she come here simply for her own safety."

"So you don't want to fuck her?" Triss wondered, and even she seemed rather surprised.

"No," I replied simply, "Why would I even give it a thought when I have you three with me now?"

Triss turned around and I found myself kissing three women at once, or so it seemed, and underneath the water, I was being felt up by all of them at once. The three came to an agreement, and it was no surprise that the three stood up and stepped out of the tub, following them as we then dried off, before… the three then pleased me together. All of them looking up as they sat on their knees, nothing but smiles, almost devoted to me. Triss had been for years by now, but Jutta and Cerys… I knew Jutta had fallen for me almost immediately, but the way Cerys looked at me, I was already left wondering if she was really thinking…

Cerys was eventually eager to blow me, Jutta and Triss happy to watch her head bob up and down on my cock. She was surprisingly good, very good, though Triss whispered that she would put her through some more 'training', suggesting there were cucumbers around that could be used. I burst into laughter at the idea.

When I was closed to climax, I warned her as I warned anyone blowing me, but she looked up and I could see the smile in her eyes, and the desire to please me. I ran my fingers through her hair before I released a loud groan as I felt myself erupt. Cerys kept blowing me through my orgasm, and when I was finally empty, I felt her tongue clean me up before she sat back, showing me her empty mouth.

"We've trained her well, Ragnar," Triss whispered.

"I'd do anything for him," Cerys added.

"Gods, she's got it bad," Jutta giggled.

"I've loved him for years. Now I get to have him." Cerys smiled but her bottom lip trembled. Before anyone could move, she started to quietly cry. I immediately got down to my knees and held her. "Sorry," she whispered, "But when you left…"

I glanced at Triss, not surprised she was a little emotional. She adored Cerys as well, hugging both of us. Jutta joined in. Again, I felt like the luckiest man anywhere, to have the three of them with me like that. "Ragnar, you and Cerys should make love," Triss said quietly, "Jutta and I will take a seat on the balcony and enjoy a few drinks."

"You sure?"

She kissed my cheek. "If she needs anything right now, she needs the Dragonborn."

Triss and Jutta stood up, leaving Cerys cuddled into my body. Lifting her head with my finger, her bottom lip trembled again when she met my eyes. "I'm so confused, Ragnar," she whispered, "I want to be queen, but I want to be with you more than anything. I know, when you visit and then you leave, I… won't be able to handle it. But I know you can't stay. And I can't ask you to because I know your life is elsewhere."

"Cerys, you're destined…"

"I'm not. While I would love to lead my people. I want you more than that. I see a future with you, with Triss, with Jutta, with anyone else to be honest." Then she grabbed my hand and rested it against her body. "And what I want more than anything is to carry your child, just like Jutta."

I met her eyes and could only ask, "You're serious?"

"I would give birth to a child of the Dragonborn. Can you imagine the sort of warrior we would raise? Shake Skellige to its core!"

"Are you sure, Cerys?"

She nodded immediately. "Then who becomes ruler?"

"Probably Hjalmar. He killed that giant. That will earn him the respect needed." She sighed. "I wanted to be queen, but I'm not sure if they'd ever respect a woman. I love my people but they're not exactly the most open-minded. You know they are quite traditional and steadfast in their beliefs."

"Cerys, I think you would make a wonderful queen. A great queen. Similar to… Calanthe of Cintra. Without the suicide at the end, hopefully."

"You really think that?"

"Absolutely. I love you, Cerys. But, more importantly, I believe in you too."

We made love straight away, there on the floor. Feeling her legs wrapped around me, gently thrusting into her, she begged me not to stop until I simply couldn't keep going. Feeling her fingers dig into my back, our lips rarely parted, and when they did, all we did was gaze into each other's eyes, and the love I saw in hers was similar to other lovers I was with.

The only reason we eventually stopped, fairly sure I came in her three times but kept on going each time, we that Triss and Jutta eventually wandered in to find us still making love, telling me that I really should get some sleep as I did need to leave in the morning. When asking how long it had been, Triss laughed and stated it had been a couple of hours. "How are you not sore, Cerys?" she wondered.

"I've loved every second," she whispered, feeling her fingers run through my hair, dragging me down to kiss her again, "Just want to feel him cum once more, then I'll let him go to sleep."

Joining Triss and Jutta in bed half an hour later, they both laughed as Cerys as she practically passed out as soon as she laid down. Triss and Jutta cuddled into me and Cerys, Triss to my right, Jutta cuddling into Cerys. "Think you wore her out," Triss whispered into my ear.

"I'm rather tired myself. She didn't want me to stop for a second!"

"She's missed you terribly. It's why she's thinking…"

"I don't want her to give up on her dream for someone like me."

"Maybe you're her real dream, Ragnar."

"Surely she can do…"

Triss put a finger to my lips. "Ragnar, you are a good man. A great man. And this young woman currently snuggled into you, fast asleep, practically worships the ground you walk on. You are what she wants. She's not giving up anything if she chooses to be with you."

"She'd make a brilliant queen though."

"I think that too, but it's her choice in the end. It's her decision, Ragnar. I can hear that you want the best for her. Maybe the best for her, what she truly wants, is to remain with you."

"I do," Cerys stated sleepily, "More than anything."

I sighed, once again feeling my arrival had maybe changed things, for better or worse, I couldn't tell. Maybe if Cerys was truly happy, then I should just accept it… And if she truly was happy to accept life as it would be, then maybe I should be just as happy in return. I loved her deeply, as much as Triss and Shani, and I fell in love with Jutta a little more each time I saw her, as despite our first meeting taking place in the arena, she was just absolutely fucking adorable, so lovely and loving. I already knew Triss loved being around her.

"Stop thinking," Triss whispered, "Get some sleep. Worry about this once everything is over. For now, just enjoy life as it is. All you need know is that you have plenty of women that love you, Ragnar. There is a reason why we do."

Waking the next morning, I dressed myself quickly, my three lovers wrapping themselves in gowns, joining me as I headed downstairs. Geralt and Yennefer were already at the table, eating breakfast. Thankfully, there was meat and bread to make myself a sandwich, enjoying two of them, washing it all down with juice.

"Ready?" Geralt asked. I simply nodded. "Yen will take you to Kaer Trolde first. I'll join you a couple of minutes later.

"A ship is at the docks waiting for you," Cerys explained, "Da knows what is going on."

Vesemir, Eskel and even Lambert wished me good luck, Keira kissed my cheek, before I shared a long embrace with Cerys and Jutta, everyone then giving Triss and I some privacy. She hugged me as tightly as ever before we shared one hell of a long kiss. Finally breaking apart, simply to breathe, she ran her fingers down my cheek. "Find Ciri and bring her home," she whispered.

"I don't plan on returning until that's the case. And I'm sure I speak for Geralt."

"Ready?" Yennefer asked. I met her eyes and nodded, a last soft kiss with Triss before Yennefer opened a portal, and without a backwards glance, I stepped through alongside her. We arrived at the docks of Kaer Trolde, a few people looking at us in surprise, though I think they recognised who we were and simply returned whatever they were doing.

I thought Yennefer would just open a portal and go home but she stepped towards me, the embrace quite a surprise. "Two things, Ragnar."

"Name them."

"Bring Ciri home."

"Done."

"And come back alive." That made me lean back and meet her eyes. "Not for me. For them. All of them."

"I don't plan on dying yet, Yen."

She kissed my cheek, wished me good luck, and disappeared through the portal. Within a couple of minutes, she re-appeared with Geralt, leaving them to wish each other goodbye. They took their time, as they both worried about Ciri, but I knew Yen worried about Geralt. She tried not to show it, but I had a feeling, now free from the djinn and the last wish, she now truly knew how she felt about Geralt, and was perhaps no longer so afraid to show how in love with him she was.

Glancing when I heard the portal opened, they shared one last brief kiss before she disappeared, and Geralt walked toward me. Without a word, we stepped onto the small ship, Geralt taking control as I unfurled the sail. Slowly but surely the ship moved, eventually leaving the harbour and heading out into the open sea.

The weather was just like I expected. Driving rain. Heavy winds. The sea was angry. It was as if the gods were trying to stop us. "Oh, fuck off, you bunch of cunts," I stated to the amusement of Geralt.

"Think your Divines are toying with you?"

"I sometimes think I'm just their plaything."

The journey across the sea to Undvik took hours. We were battered, our small ship tossed about by the waves at times. I swear it was only through prayer to the very Divines toying with me that we somehow didn't get thrown overboard or capsize. As Geralt held firm with the tiller, I was constantly working the sail. There were times when I thought the wind was just going to rip the sail off our ship or a lightning strike would set fire to the ship, causing us to abandon ship.

We were beyond drenched quickly, both of us frozen to our cores within minutes, but there was little option but to endure, to keep going. I knew Geralt wouldn't give up. He would die trying to reach Ciri. To be honest, so would I. He loved her like a daughter. I adored her to bits. I hadn't seen her in years, left wondering how she'd grown, what she looked like now, and just what she'd been doing since. I hadn't really given it all that thought since Emhyr had given us this task, pre-occupied with other things. But now seeing her was tantalisingly close.

It was only when night fell that the weather cleared, and we were treated to a full mon and the twinkling of a million stars. We were both still sodden, the wind still strong to guide us ahead. There were few lights but Geralt's eyesight meant we didn't run afoul of rocks or reefs.

"There," he stated when it must have been around midnight, "The fog… That's not natural."

"You reckon?" He grunted a response. "Here, take this," he suggested, handing me the phylactery, "Open it. What's in it will guide the way."

"What's in it?"

"I'm not sure. But Avallac'h gave it to us, and although I don't trust him, the one thing I know he would want is for us is to find and help Ciri."

"How do you know him?" I asked, taking the box from him.

"Long and complicated story, Ragnar."

"Is that why you don't trust him?"

"I don't trust any Aen Elle, Ragnar. And there is a very good reason, or good reasons why. And if you haven't guessed, it's all to do with Ciri."

I gave it a few moment's thought. "Is there nothing we can do to keep her safe?"

Geralt remained silent himself. "Even if we deal with the Wild Hunt, there will be others who have their ambitions for her." He paused before he added, "Including the Lodge."

"They don't want her dead."

"Not sure the Hunt want her dead either."

"What do they want with her?"

"I'm not entirely sure. It's about the blood that is in her veins. To be honest, I don't really care. All I do care about is keeping her safe and out of their clutches. Work for you?"

I opened the box and the little ball of light floated into the air. "Let's go get her."

I couldn't see anything in the fog. Geralt, with his eyesight, could certainly see better than myself. We passed through Undvik and I was left thinking our ship left the world we inhabited and passed into… somewhere else, just like Avallac'h said. We were everywhere and nowhere. Through the mist we travelled, following the little ball of light, passing numerous wrecked ships, left thinking hundreds of Islanders had perhaps travelled to the same region only to find themselves lost upon the hidden rocks and reefs.

More than once, I heard the bottom of our ship scrape along hidden reefs but we continued on, following the light as it weaved this way and that. Eventually the mist did start to clear and we could see land forming in the distance. Reaching a natural harbour, Geralt steered the ship towards the shore, and there was only a gentle scrape against sand and mud as the ship did stop with a quiet crunch. Sharing a glance, we immediately stood up and disembarked, setting foot on relatively solid ground for the first time in hours.

The little ball of light took off, and despite trying to keep up with it, we eventually lost sight of it. I followed Geralt, as he took the lead, our swords already in hand, as there was just something wholly unnatural about where we were. Our caution proved correct when we found ourselves attacked by foglets. Always hated those ugly fuckers, though Geralt was always a help, letting me know where they were, and when they would reappear. Soon as they did, Thu'um in their face, much to my amusement.

"I have my gifts, and you have yours," Geralt muttered.

"All that matters is Ciri."

He briefly rested a hand on my shoulder before we moved on. I knew he'd never admit it, but the fact I was there helping him meant the world. He knew I'd do anything for Ciri as much as he did. Hell, I think everyone back at Kaer Morhen would sacrifice themselves for her, as they knew just how important she was.

We eventually found the little ball of light hovering by the doorway of a building. Looked like some sort of dwelling, though who would choose to live in such a place beggared belief. Sharing a glance, I gestured for Geralt to open the door. Of course, it was locked. Should have known.

He banged on the door. I could only sigh. "Knocking politely would probably have helped," I muttered. He looked back at me with a glare. "Prove me wrong."

I was proven right, as whoever was inside promptly told him to piss off. I stood back, almost laughing to myself, as he somehow managed to negotiate with whoever was inside. They were not going to open the door for him now, but if he went and found three of their friends, then he would prove trustworthy enough to open the door.

"Could just use my Thu'um," I suggested.

"No. Nothing wrong with earning their trust, do this the right way. Wait here, as I'll have to use my own gifts to track them down. Keep yourself amused while I'm gone."

Exhausted as I was, I sat back against the outer wall of the building and fell asleep pretty much straight away. I only woke up when Geralt returned with, of all things, a dwarf. He muttered something about me sleeping while he was working, though I was rather amused when the dwarf sat down next to me and practically fell asleep straight away. "Did find a friend of his. But, well, he's now dead. One more to find. Doubt he's alive but you never know."

"I'll keep him safe."

He grumbled a reply, something about me being a lazy arsehole, before he wandered off. He returned alone later, stating that the other dwarf was already dead when he found him. I woke up the dwarf now leaning against me, getting to my feet as Geralt knocked on the door again. The dwarves inside were glad to hear that Geralt had managed to rescue one of their colleagues, explaining in minute detail what had happened to the other two he had been searching for.

"I'm looking for someone. A woman, ashen-hair, scar on her face."

The looks on the dwarven faces caused my heart to drop into my stomach. "Dreadfully sorry," one of the dwarves muttered.

"Why are you sorry?" Geralt asked, not seeming to understand.

"She's cold. Spirit's left her," one dwarf stated.

"Must have passed shortly before we found her," another added.

The five dwarves cast us some sad glances as they walked by as I told them we had a boat nearby that could take us all back to the mainland. Standing in the doorway, Geralt glanced back at me, and for the first time, I saw nothing but confusion in his eyes. Surely we hadn't come all this way…

He took a couple of steps forward as I remained in the doorway. Candles provided illumination. There were wardrobes and cupboards. Table and chairs. A desk. A fireplace in which a fire burned. And there was also a bed upon which a figure rested.

I watched as Geralt slowly approached. When he sat down on the bed, the body didn't move. There was no reaction at all. He looked at me again. I could barely meet his eyes. Then he picked up her body. Her lifeless body. Watching him hug her… I had to turn away… We'd come so far…

I walked towards the nearby fence. I didn't know how to feel. Upset? Angry? Distraught? I didn't know. I'd never failed in such a manner before. My mind was a muddle. I wiped at my cheeks as I leaned against the fence and simply sighed. I had no idea what we would do now. I knew how Geralt would feel. Having to explain it to Yennefer, how I'd failed to keep my word… Then I thought of Triss… She would curse me for failing… Vesemir would…

My eyes were then covered by something and I heard a soft voice. "Guess who?"

I turned around so fast, I almost fell over. She looked at me with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes. Geralt stood in the doorway. Witchers were emotionless, my arse!

I hugged her so tightly, she soon giggled that she couldn't breathe. But she hugged me back just as tightly. "Thank you," she whispered.

"For what?"

"For being his friend. And for finding me." I… cried. I have no problem admitting that. I heard her choke back a couple of sobs in return. "Yeah, he cried too," she whispered, "Would never admit it though."

I finally leaned back, feeling her thumbs wipe my cheeks clear. She… was beautiful. And now a woman, not the girl, nor the younger woman I'd once known. Her eyes were unlike any I'd ever seen. The scar I knew she wore with pride had healed well. She was taller than I remembered. She looked at me with interest. "Ragnar Dragonborn, are you crying?"

"I want to sob like a baby right now. It's been a long time, Ciri."

She kissed my cheek and hugged me again. "Too long, Ragnar. Far too long," she said quietly.

Geralt eventually cleared his throat, gesturing with his head that we should head inside. As they took a seat by the fire, I searched for something for us to drink, as we definitely needed to toast our reunion. I still felt tears drip down my cheeks. It was just the sheer relief that she was alive, and the fact we'd managed to find her.

Pouring us each a drink, I handed one to each of them as we gathered in a semi-circle. "Quite the trick you pulled," I stated with humour.

"Sorry I worried you."

"You're alive and safe. That's all that matters."

I then took a back seat, letting father and daughter reunite. They must have talked for an hour or more. I offered words here and there, but it simply wasn't my place. Geralt would never admit it but he was absolutely overjoyed to see her again. As much as I was. I knew I smiled the entire time. Ciri was relieved more than anything.

Though we knew parts of her story, she explained in great detail where she'd been since I'd last seen her, and also what had happened since her return. It was even more hair-raising when she explained it compared to the story we'd been told by others. We both knew how talented and special she was, but it seemed to be a miracle she was with us then and there. Even she admitted that she had been lucky more than once to survive.

She could fill in gaps for us though. "What does Avallac'h want with you? Why is he helped you?" Geralt asked.

"He doesn't do it for me, it's about my power. As if it could ever be about anything else. Avallac'h tried to teach me how to control my ability. He was also making sure I didn't fall into Eredin's hands."

"Okay, what does this Eredin want?" I wondered.

"What everyone wants. Control of my powers. His home world faces annihilation. Eredin's decided to invade ours. Brilliant, wouldn't you say? Can't achieve much on his own, so he needs to bring an army. Except his navigators can't possibly move him and thousands of Aen Elle between planes. Their abilities won't allow it."

"But yours will," Geralt added.

"Exactly. And if I die in the process... Well, that's a necessary sacrifice."

"Over my dead fucking body," I growled.

Ciri glanced at me and smiled, reaching across to grab my hand. "Thank you," she said again.

"While we could sit here all day, catching up, we really should get back to Kaer Morhen. Long journey and all. At least we've got a boat to get us back to Kaer Trolde," Geralt stated.

"Conventional means of travel. They're just better. Though a portal would be quicker..."

"And draw Eredin to us immediately. Rather not risk it. Besides, I hate portals."

It was obvious that Ciri was overjoyed to be reunited with us, a spring in her step as we headed back towards the beach where we had left our ship. What didn't please us was the fact that, upon arriving at said beach, the ship was no longer there. We could see it disappearing through the mist.

"Those little fucking…" I muttered, "Guess we need another boat."

As the three of us stood there, probably looking a little stupid as our ship disappeared, I shared a glance with Ciri, and all she did was shrug. Geralt was looking up and down the beach for anything seaworthy, but I had the idea that we were well and truly fucked for the time being.

Until the air took on a noticeable chill. And if a Nord notices a drop in temperature, that's when you know trouble is brewing. When it started to snow, Ciri's eyes went wide. And that was the first time I saw fear. Geralt looked at me. No fear. Only anger and determination.

"The Hunt," he growled.

"Do we fight?" I asked, "I unleash my Thu'um…"

"Against an army?"

"Taken on worse."

Ciri shook her head. Geralt seemed to agree. "They're like nothing you've faced, Ragnar. Trust me on this one. Please, for Ciri."

He knew how to make a point. "Okay. What do we do? And we'd better do it quickly."

Geralt looked at Ciri. "Take us home."

"They'll know where we've gone, they'll know how to find me."

"Good. Then we fight them on our turf," I stated, "And then they can meet the fucking Dragonborn."

Ciri took my hand in her right and Geralt's hand in her left. Then she teleported us home.

*****

It was one hell of a reunion. Vesemir hugged her first. His handshake with Geralt was as I would expect. He shook mine and met my eye, warrior to warrior. "I know what Geralt would do for her. You've gone above and beyond, Dragonborn."

"This is my home. You are my friends. Ciri is… special."

"That she is."

Yennefer hugged her for so long, it was actually a beautiful thing to watch. She was someone who rarely showed emotion in front of others, but when it came to Ciri, everything was on show. She then hugged me next, giving me such a kiss on the cheek, I think I nearly blushed. Then when she kissed Geralt…

As for Triss, she hugged Ciri tightly then I found myself practically enveloped by a redheaded sorceress. "You are so getting fucked tonight," she whispered into my ear.

Ciri cleared her throat. "Heard that."

Triss didn't care, hugging me tightly until Yennefer finally cleared her throat, suggesting we should head back to the keep. Cerys couldn't contain herself, sprinting towards her friend, the two young women squealing as they hugged. And, of course, that's when Cerys had no problem admitting what had happened between us. Geralt burst into laughter, surprisingly suggesting they give the two young women privacy. Then he glanced at me, a look on his face I didn't quite understand until later.

"You were intimate?" Ciri asked quietly.

Cerys glanced back at me, the smile on her face was such she didn't need to say anything. "She's not the only one. You'll meet Jutta shortly," Triss added.

"I knew a little of his reputation," Ciri admitted, "Is it as I imagined it probably was?"

"Oh, the things we could tell you, Ciri," Triss stated with a laugh.

"Who is Jutta?"

"Someone you will meet and then adore within a couple of minutes, Ciri," Triss replied, "She is absolutely adorable. And head over heels in love with someone."

"God, what have I missed out on here?" Ciri asked.

"I lost my virginity," Cerys whispered, glancing back towards me.

"Really?" Ciri asked, glancing back at me, "Was it… um…"

"Best night of my life!"

Ciri glanced back at me upon that revelation and I suddenly had an idea why Geralt looked at me in such a manner, and then wondered why he wasn't already warning me to never, ever, ever even consider such a possibility…

Entering the keep, everyone else was waiting to see Ciri. Zoltan… he could be as gruff as the best of them, but laying his eyes upon Ciri, he teared up as they hugged. He'd always had a soft spot for her. She was surprised by the arrival of others, and I thought the presence of Letho would cause issues, as Roche and Ves were giving him glares, but although clearly unhappy, they seemed to realise we were all there for a reason. Ciri and Ermion shared the embrace of affection anyone would have expected considering he'd helped raise her as much as anyone.

With everyone gathered around, I had to ask, "How long do we have?"

"A few hour's at most," Geralt admitted, "Not enough to prepare completely."

"Then I suggest we start putting plans in place," Vesemir stated, "We will make do with who is here and what we have at our disposal." He glanced at the doors leading into the keep. "Everyone take an hour to themselves, whatever you need to do. Meet back here at the table and we will make preparations. Do we have the time, Ciri?"

"Yes. Though the Hunt can move instantly, though they will know where I am, the fact I am here will make them at least slightly cautious. But they will be here soon enough and it is best we start preparations now."

"Fair enough. Ragnar, you've been on the road. Take a few minutes to yourself. You too, Geralt. Go meditate and allow yourself at least some recovery. The rest of you, I will assign tasks. Don't like it, though. This is my keep and Ciri is in my care."

I liked Vesemir in this sort of mood. No bullshit. He gestured with his head for me to piss off, and I headed straight for the stairs to head upstairs. As soon as I was walking by the fire, I stripped off my armour, then my clothes, and just collapsed onto the bed. Triss appeared within a couple of minutes, lying down next to me.

"Thank you," she whispered, cuddling into my side.

"Thought she was dead," I admitted, going into a little detail of what happened. All she did was cuddle into me a little more as I had no problem admitting I had feared the worst, and was then overjoyed to find I was wrong.

"Certainly turned into a beautiful young woman."

"Aye."

"Reckon she still has a crush on you?"

"You mean like Cerys? I mean, if she does, it'll just be even more awkward. I've known Ciri since she was a lot younger."

"Think she still has that crush, Ragnar. But now that she's a woman…"

"I'm not doing anything about it."

"She might not leave you with any choice."

"Geralt would kill me."

"I think you'd be surprised. Yen, on the other hand…"

"Triss, it's Ciri…"

"Who has adored you since the day you landed in the snow near this very fortress, Ragnar." She snuggled into me. "Though I have you now, and that's what matters to me."

"You'll always have me."

"Keep her safe, Ragnar."

"Trust me, the Wild Hunt haven't met the Dragonborn yet."

A couple of minutes later, she undid the button of her trousers, lowering those and her panties towards her ankles before straddling my lap, sighing as I felt my cock slide inside her. We didn't say anything as she leaned forward, slowly riding me, simply gazing into my eyes. Gods, she felt as great as ever. The fact she wanted to make love before battle wasn't a surprise. Caressing her cheek, all she did was smile as we enjoyed the sensation of the other.

"I love you," she whispered.

Running my fingers through her hair, I gently pulled her closer to kiss her. "Light of my life," I whispered back. That caused her to almost stare at me. "The day you walked into my life was the day I knew I was home here."

Right thing to say, as she kissed me harder and rode me faster. She enjoyed an orgasm rather quickly, though that wasn't a surprise. She could cum within five minutes if she was turned on enough. Then she whimpered for me to fuck her, grabbing an arse cheek in each hand and fucking her for a few minutes before I needed to cum too. When I did, I groaned loudly, hearing her giggle as we relaxed together, feeling her rest against my chest as I felt rather good about life for a moment.

We laid there for a few minutes until I heard a chuckle, lifting her head to see Cerys standing at the top of the stairs. "They're asking you to head downstairs," she said.

"Give me a couple of minutes and I'll be down."

Triss got off me immediately. Standing up, I gestured towards Cerys as she walked over to give me a hug. "All we need do is keep her safe," I said quietly.

"I'll do my best."

"That's all any of us can do. I'll be down in a minute."

We shared a brief kiss before she let me go and headed downstairs. Triss helped me dress, almost a ritual, particularly when it came to helping me into my armour. I noticed she was taking her time, and when I was finally ready, sword at my hip being the last thing, she met my eyes and I saw them glistening in the light of the fire.

Hugging her again, I assured her we would win. That was my promise not only to her but to everyone in Kaer Morhen. No matter what, Ciri would be safe.

"Let's go, Dragonborn," she stated, grabbing my hand. Hand in hand, we headed downstairs and towards the table. The Wild Hunt would be arriving soon.

And they would finally meet the Dragonborn.