First Touch

Walking out the cave, I could only trust the decision Geralt had made. It wasn't my place to decide. Every decision he was making was in regards to finding Ciri. I knew many of the choices he made were not easy. Hell, most choices I ended up making were not easy, possibly leading to the deaths of people I knew and loved. As we mounted up, he continued to say little until we were back on the path to Crookback Bog.

"Couldn't trust it, Ragnar," he finally said, "There was just something unsettling. And when my medallion starts humming, it tells me something is wrong. I don't believe that was just some ordinary spirit. I have no doubt it was powerful."

"Geralt, when it comes to things like that, I follow your lead. You have much more experience dealing with these matters."

The ealdorman of Downwarren was pleased to see us return, and even happier to hear that the spirit had been taken care of. Geralt admitted he had considered releasing it, but in the end, he trusted that less than the Ladies of the Wood. He then disappeared for a few minutes, returning with a bandage around his head, offering an ear.

"The fuck?" I asked myself quietly, glancing between him and Geralt.

"Tis our pact. Ye're a stranger, ye don't know life here. It's honest pay for their protection."

"So all those ears in the woods…" Geralt stated but trailed off.

"Put it out yer mind, master. Ye soon be leavin', and we must tarry on. Our young'uns, and their young'uns after them. No gods nor masters watch over Velen. The land is no man's. He who wants to

survive must seek his own protectors."

I had nothing to say to that. I'd been a decade and more on the Continent but still didn't understand most of it. Geralt understood more, but even the Ladies of the Wood took understanding. Whatever they were, the people seem devoted to them. Mounting our horses, we returned south to meet with the ladies themselves, Geralt assured they would keep their word and give him the information we sought.

Entering the orphanage once again, the buildings were ominous in their silence. No sight nor sound of the children at all. "Fuck," Geralt muttered. I felt my stomach drop at the same time. But maybe, just maybe, it wasn't as bad as we feared.

Dismounting, I unsheathed my sword immediately, Geralt clearing his throat. Meeting his eyes, he shook his head. "I don't trust them, Geralt. And if they've done anything to those kids…"

"Then there is nothing you can do about it right now."

"Geralt, I'm generally not an arrogant son of a bitch. But I'm the fucking…"

He stepped closer and grabbed my wrist. "They are stronger, Ragnar," he growled, "Trust me on this one. I know the power you have. Look around, remember what we've heard, think of how we've felt in these woods the entire time, the sense we were being observed, that prickling feeling up your spine. They have powers even I don't fully comprehend. Put your blade away. We don't need to provoke a fight just yet."

"But the children…"

"Were the price the spirit demanded but one that could not be paid. If a spirit that powerful has been trapped, what do you think would have happened should we release it? Remember that pesta you ran into on Fyke Isle? I have no doubt that spirit would have been incredibly powerful, and also destructive."

I sighed, sheathing my sword. "Don't like this, Geralt. I know I'll never…"

"Me too, Ragnar. Sterile, remember? But at least you could if you didn't just want to fuck sorceresses." He paused and smiled, giving me a gentle elbow. "But I see the attraction."

I stood back as he laid an ear on a rock in the centre of the clearing. It didn't take long for the ladies to appear, and Geralt muttered they looked nothing like they did in some tapestry within the main building. They were… hideous looking things. Utterly grotesque creatures. I would forever refuse to consider them human.

"Crones," Geralt muttered, "I've heard of them before."

The old lady, Gran, was still around, summoned by the Crones to deliver the ear. She looked… crestfallen, even heartbroken, and it was that which confirmed to me that the children were gone. But it was when Gran was handing the ear over that one of the Crones used a spell, and a mark appeared on the right hand of Gran. A mark Geralt recognised immediately.

"This is Anna Strenger, the wife of the baron of Crow's Perch," he stated. At least that meant our search for his family was now over.

The Crones did not deny that fact, they claimed Anna now belonged to them, that Anna had agreed to serve them as they had helped her. Suddenly, everything was making sense. When escaping from Crow's Perch, heading for Oxenfurt with her daughter, it was a creature the Crones had sent that had kidnapped her. No doubt Tamara had no idea that her mother had agreed a pact with the Crones.

Geralt could see me getting a little… antsy. I had no love for Philip Strenger, but Anna did not belong with the Crones. If she belonged anywhere, it was safe with her daughter, far away from anyone, or anything, that would harm her. My hand went to the hilt of my sword. First the children, now Anna. Gods only knew what else they were doing at that exact moment.

"Easy there, dragon," one of the Crones warned, "Don't be making rash decisions."

"Where are the children?" I demanded.

"Safe," another Crone replied.

"Safe where?" I asked, "Tell me!"

"Control your friend, white one, lest the dragon finds himself on a leash as one of our playthings."

Geralt made a gesture, but he gave me a few seconds to calm down, as I glared at the three Crones. I could easily use my Thu'um, but I had a bad feeling it would do absolutely nothing to them. I finally took a deep breath, removed my hand from the hilt of my sword, left my arms hanging loose at my side.

The Crones had remained relaxed throughout, returning to ignoring me as Geralt broached the crux of the matter, asking about Ciri. A favour done was a favour owed, and the Crones explained what happened to Ciri.

What they told us… working for the Wild Hunt, or at least with if not for… But it wasn't just that. They freely admitted that they wanted to… eat her. Hand to the hilt of my sword again, straight away. Geralt remained still, giving nothing away, but he was like a coiled spring. He would only leap into action when absolutely ready to strike.

When they were done spinning their tale, and bizarrely I don't think a single word uttered was a lie, Geralt crouched down, running his palm in the dirt, before he stood back up, slapping his palms together to clean them. No doubt his veins coursed with anger and adrenaline, wanting nothing more than to strike all three of them down without mercy. I already had visions of doing the same thing.

"You tried to kill her," he stated, his voice so low, the anger was taking on a form of its own, "Tried to butcher her like an animal and eat her."

"Her blood, the taste brought back memories of our youth," the first Crone stated.

"Elder Blood. Extraordinary girl. But you know that," the second Crone added.

"Such a shame she fled," the last Crone finished.

Geralt made a gesture, for me not to move a muscle. I knew why. He didn't want a fight just yet. But I had a feeling the Crones had just made his list. Somehow, we'd try and take them down. "I'll find her," he stated, "We always find each other. And once we are re-united, we will return here together, and we will kill you."

Fog immediately started to surround us, Geralt taking out his sword, following his example immediately. But there was no danger in the mist, simply the taunts of the Crones as they used the fog to disappear. I ignored most of them, wanting to return my own warnings, but it would have been a waste of words. Geralt simply observed, waiting for anything that might appear through the gloom, but in the end, all we heard was cackling and laughing before there was silence, the fog disappearing to show an empty clearing.

Returning to our horses, I asked, "What about Gran?"

"We can't take her right now. No doubt there will be some curse or link to the Crones. We make our report to Strenger then we move on."

"And Gran?" I asked again. He turned to meet my eyes. "We leave her here for now, Geralt. Fine, I can deal with that. But I am not leaving her here to remain forever. We return to Strenger, make our report, then see what he says. Because, I promise you this, if he wants to march here and take her back, I'll be prepared to help him." I paused and added, "And his daughter talked about trying to find her as well."

"Go to Oxenfurt and let her know where her mother is. I'll return to Crow's Perch and update the baron. She won't agree to go to Crow's Perch so have her and her people meet us at Lindenvale."

"Okay. I'll let you know when I've made contact with her. Still got the xenovox?"

"Aye. I'll keep an ear out."

We rode north, staying together until we had passed by Lindenvale, with the road branching east or west. Sharing a last glance and nod, he headed west, I headed east. It was dark by the time I made it to the bridge leading over the Pontar towards Oxenfurt, leaving my horse outside the tavern, heading straight for the same house I'd found Tamara originally.

"She's still here," I was told to my immense relief, this time allowed to enter and head upstairs.

Knocking on the door of the bedroom, she opened it, definitely surprised to see me again. "I found her," I said straight away. The hug surprised me just as much in return, returning the embrace before I let her go, smiling as her cheeks took on a rosy colour.

"Come in… Ragnar, correct?"

"Aye," I said as I stepped into a well-furnished room. Taking the offered seat, she returned quickly with a drink for me, which I thanked her for, watching as she took a seat next to me. "How many details do you want?"

"Just the basics."

"Your mother made a pact with some witches. Ladies of the Wood. They reside in a place called Crookback Bog."

"We must head there immediately!" she stated, making to stand up.

I gently grabbed her wrist, which earned a curious glance. "Tamara, these are not enemies you just go marching towards, demanding her release. They are powerful creatures. It's not only about numbers. No matter what happens, there will be a fight, but the most important thing is that your mother is kept safe. Would you like to wait here?"

"I can. Thank you."

She disappeared though returned within twenty minutes, stating we would meet them at the bridge the next morning and make our moves from there. I was ready to just leave and head to the tavern, or at least to Shani's place, when she asked, "Would you like to stay a while?"

I couldn't help smile as I heard the tone. I would have laughed, but I think she might have taken that the wrong way. "How old are you, Tamara?"

"Nineteen."

"And you worship the Eternal Fire?"

"It has given me strength during this time of crisis."

"Hmmm."

She stepped towards me. "I am to become one of them. A witch hunter. It requires… devotion. Absolute devotion. Know what I mean?"

"Aye. I know what you mean."

"Father's men… they would watch me. I know they did. None would have dared lift a finger though. He'd have murdered them with his bare hands. But my father is no longer around. There is only you and me here now, Ragnar."

I couldn't help chuckle to myself. "So I'm guessing you're a…"

"Virgin? Yes. Even if I wanted to be with someone, and trust me, I did proposition more than one soldier. Hoped one would eventually say yes then father would find out, see that his precious little girl can… well, not one of them ever agreed. Even the older men."

"So I'm just a convenient cock?"

She rested a hand on my chest, looking up at me with doe eyes. I'd received the same look from more than one woman. "I've heard of your before. I don't clam to know all about you, but the poet Dandelion… I'm sure there are elements of truth to his stories, yes?"

I chuckled again. "I have enjoyed the company of various women over the years."

"Do you have a friend in Oxenfurt?"

"I do."

"Would you like to stay here with me instead tonight? Just one night, Ragnar. After that, you will continue in your search, I will head off towards my new life, but maybe it will be something we can both look back on fondly."

I sighed… then I leaned down and gave her a soft kiss. I felt her smile immediately, probably thinking she'd 'won'. I would have stayed as soon as she asked me to. She was definitely cute, and no doubting she was brave, as I had a feeling she had organised everything for her and her mother to escape. Her age belied a cunning and strength of character that one could only consider impressive.

When I picked her up, it was the first time I heard her laugh, carrying her across to the large bed, placing her back on her feet as I started to slowly undo the clothing she was wearing while continuing to kiss her. I don't think I was her first kiss, but even with that, I could sense her inexperience, but also her nerves. She spoke confidently, but it's one thing talking and thinking about it, then there is actually going through with it.

Once I had her down to her underwear, which was plain but looked good on her, I noticed her shaking slightly. So I hugged her again. "Nervous?" I asked softly.

"Yes. Of course I am!" she replied, laughing to herself, "Don't want to stop though. Want… need to go through with this."

"At any time, if you want to stop…"

"I know, Ragnar." She looked up, and it was perhaps the first genuine smile on her face. She was rather pretty when she smiled. "I won't want to stop. But… well, you had a first time as well."

"My first time was with a whore. When I say it like that, it doesn't sound great. Thing is, I became a regular after that first time, visited her a couple of times a week. Eventually ended up becoming friends."

Lying her back on the bed, I quickly undressed until I was down to my underwear. She blushed when I leaned down over her. Her eyes, though, they definitely liked what they saw. Gently caressing her cheek, she almost giggled as I leaned down to kiss her. This one, she was much more confident, slowly opening her mouth. As we made out, I ran a hand slowly down her body, feeling her rather large breasts, managing to get a hand under the cloth to feel one of her hard nipples, making her gasp when I gave one a gentle squeeze.

That made me smile as I moved my hand down her soft body, running it under the band of her panties, feeling hair about her pussy before I felt how wet she was. That made me smile as I gave her a gentle fondle, and that made her whimper, needing to break the kiss. "Oh my," she whispered.

"I assume you've touched yourself…"

She giggled. "It's different when someone else does it…"

"Want to know what I'm going to do?" She nodded eagerly. "I'm going to take off your bra and panties…" She helped me by immediately taking off her bra, revealing a pair of full breasts, far larger than I thought they'd be, "Then I'm going to use my mouth all over your body." I leaned down and kissed her. "Then we'll make love," I added, "And I promise to be gentle to start with."

She smirked. "To start with?"

"Well, I can feel your excitement. I have no doubt I'll be getting rather excited too."

"Can I see you?"

"Of course." I sat back on my knees, removing her panties first, pleased to see her pussy glistening in the light of all the candles. I leaned down a moment and just inhaled her scent, something I did with every lover. Nothing better than the scent of a woman turned on by just being with you. Taking off my own underwear, I kept my eyes on my face as I revealed it.

"Oh my," she whispered again as I leaned down to kiss her, not surprised when she did move a hand down to gently grasp my cock, "Oh… that's… is it big?"

"Big enough. The only thing I will worry about it is making sure I don't hurt you."

I then shut up and kissed her again, and made sure I spent a long time getting her all hot and bothered. I'll admit I adored her breasts. For a nineteen-year-old woman, they were spectacular, and she made a lot of noise when focusing on just her nipples, though one of my hands was also feeling her up at the same time, feeling her body shudder at my touch. She knew enough to not just lie there, feeling her fingers run through my hair, making sure I looked up and smiled, enjoying every little gasp and moan that escape her.

Kissing slowly down her body, I could sense her eagerness for me to finally use my mouth on her. I kissed all around her pussy, even kissing down her thighs, making her groan slightly in frustration, before I finally spread her legs nice and wide, and licked up her slit. That made her gasp as I buried my face and just… savoured her.

She enjoyed her first orgasm… rather quickly. She covered her mouth when she did, and that's when I stopped and sat up a moment. "Don't cover your mouth," I suggested softly, "No need to be embarrassed about it."

"I'm used to masturbating with my parents across the hall."

"Just you and I here now, Tamara. So next time I make you cum, let it all out."

"Keep going. I'm feeling… tingles and… my heart beat is going so fast…"

So I kept on going, savouring her taste, enjoying all the little sounds she made, the reactions her body made. She wasn't the first virgin I'd been with, though was the first one I'd been with on the Continent. I'm fairly sure Dandelion had this idea of me, going around Skyrim, killing beasts and dragons, and deflowering virgins. To be honest, I generally avoided them, simply because I enjoyed being with a woman who… well, being blunt, knew what she wanted.

Tamara was surprisingly confident, though I liked to think I helped in some way. The fact I was so eager helped calm her down, and I had no problem giving her a little instruction, as much as she would tell me what felt really good.

And when she enjoyed a second orgasm, she released everything she was feeling. She moaned. She cried out. Her language was surprisingly vulgar. She waxed lyrical about the expertise of my tongue. Then I slid two fingers inside her, finding that spot, and watching her back arch as she begged me to keep going, I was just about ready to slide inside her.

I gave her time to relax after her third one, as that seemed to be the most powerful, and she wasn't exactly with it for a couple of minutes. Leaving gentle kisses back up her body, I relaxed next to her, looking up and down her body, chest rising and falling with each deep breath, before she finally opened her eyes, meeting mine. "Wow," she whispered, "You like doing that?"

"I love doing it, Tamara. With every lover. No greater feeling as a man, when with a woman, than making her orgasm. Still a mystery to me, how it happens with some women, and not another, but there are one or two tricks I've learned that work with most women."

"Bloody worked with me then," she exclaimed, another giggle that, I'll be honest, was a dagger to the heart. Now that she was completely relaxed and carefree, at least for the next couple of hours, she was a completely different person. Cuddling into my side, she ran her fingers up and down my chest. "You're a soldier?" she asked, fingertips trailing a scar or three.

"Warrior," I replied, "Fought in the war."

"Who for?"

"Temeria. Didn't go well, obviously."

"At least it's over for now."

"For now," I said softly, before giving her a gentle squeeze, "But let's not talk about such matters. What I'm concerned about is the naked young woman next to me, who I would love nothing more than being intimate with right now."

She looked up and met my eyes. "Please," she whispered, leaning up to kiss me.

Being someone's first time does add a little pressure, I have no problem admitting that. I was harder than steel, and rather excited at the prospect. Positioning myself between her legs, I gently spread them further apart before lining myself up, teasing her a little by running the head of my cock against her slit. She smiled at that, sensing she was relaxing, before I gently slid my cock inside her.

The moan she released was completely involuntary and made her giggle. Letting her get used to the presence of my cock inside her, I took my time starting to thrust, and it was only then that she seemed to be a bit lost at what to do. Gently grabbed one wrist, then the other, I suggested she place those on my back, and I soon felt her fingertips digging into me, which made me smile.

"How does it feel?" I asked.

She didn't reply for a few seconds. "I can't…" she whispered, and I heard the catch. Her reaction wasn't a surprise, so I leaned down to kiss her softly on the lips.

"I'll go for as long as you can manage." Lifting her chin with a finger, I added, "And I can cum and go again very quickly." That made her cheeks glow, which made me chuckle. "Beautiful, young woman such as yourself? I won't have a problem getting hard all night." That made her giggle again.

We did make love all night. The first time I came inside her, she wrapped her arms and legs around me, and needed a little weep. I just gently grabbed and turned onto my back, holding her against me. "Oh my god, it feels so weird but good," she finally said with a giggle. Then she sat up and smiled. "Oh… oh, I like this, Ragnar."

"Give me a couple of minutes, then you can ride me, if you'd like?"

Tamara Strenger absolutely loved riding Ragnar Dragonborn. Watching her ride me, her pale, soft body, those spectacular breasts swaying as she learned how to move, resting my hands at her hips though running my fingers up and down her body, little wonder she enjoyed her first orgasm with my cock inside her. No tears that time, simply a loud giggle as she continued to ride me. No idea how long I lasted until I came again, which just earned another giggle as I held onto her, thrusting with each throb.

She wanted to be on her back again, running her hands up and down my arms, learning that having her legs wrapped around me felt even better, and I started to move a little faster that time. It took a little getting used to, but she was soon loving it, our kissing deeper, more passionate, earning more than one moan of mine into her mouth, and whenever I made her whimper with desire, I felt my cock just get even harder.

After my third orgasm, that was me done in for the evening. It was a really good one, and even I had my limits. Remaining inside her until I finally softened, she immediately snuggled back into my body, though started to giggle. "I can feel cum leaking out of me," she whispered.

"We should probably clean up."

"No, I want to enjoy the feeling. Might not happen again." She went silent as I held her, my fingers caressing nearly her entire body. I heard a sniffle eventually, and just hugged her a little tighter. "Thank you," she whispered.

"I'm just glad you enjoyed it."

"I loved every second, Ragnar. I'm glad it was you." Wasn't the first time I'd heard that, but every time I did, it did make my heart swell, and simply like her a little bit more in return. "Now I know what I'm missing though."

"Well, if I'm ever nearby…"

I tickled her, making her laugh, as she spun around and met my eyes, leaning forward to kiss me, caressing her cheek as she slowly pulled back. I saw the look in her eyes. Wasn't the first time I'd seen a look from a woman after that first time. I'm sure plenty of men looked at women the same way after their first time. So I caressed her back, feeling her relax in my arms, and when she settled against me, I knew she was fast asleep.

I'll admit, even after that first and, I knew, only time, I liked her too.

We washed together the next morning, Tamara not shy for a moment, appearing to revel in her nudity. I drank her body in as the early morning light filtered through the windows. It was only when there was a knock on the door, announcing that we had visitors, that we finally dressed. Before heading downstairs, she grabbed her hand. "Ragnar…"

"I won't mention a thing."

"No, not that." She wrapped her arms around the back of my neck and kissed me hard. I couldn't help smile as she ended up pressed against the door, earning a moan into my mouth. We only broke apart as we couldn't go any further. "Thank you. Thank you for last night. And thank you for what we're about to do."

I caressed her cheek, earning one of those sweet smiles I was already getting used to seeing. "You've got a good heart, Tamara. That's what I've learned about you already."

She blinked rapidly and looked away, whispering one last, "Thank you," before we headed downstairs. witch hunters there to meet us. She recognised all of them. During our conversations, I had mentioned my concerns. She admitted privately that she had no problem with magic, and was only joining their ranks due to the favour owed for their assistance in helping her escape. "I don't like what I hear either, Ragnar," she had said, "So I'm hoping I'll only be involved in the theory of the Eternal Fire. But the price for their help was my own commitment. It still seems to be a price worth paying."

Informing them of my agreement with Geralt, they were not particularly happy to hear about it, but once I'd told them what I'd told Tamara the night before, they agreed that going in numbers would be best. Collecting my horse from the tavern, there was myself, Tamara and six witch hunters on horseback. I led the way, straight for Lindenvale, Tamara at my side, the other six in our wake. Glancing her way every so often, the smiling girl I'd seen the night before and that morning had been replaced by a grim-faced, determined young woman.

Good. Just what I wanted to see.

We made it to Lindenvale in good time, though was concerned there was no sign of Geralt, Strenger or his men. Asking Tamara and the others to wait, I knew if Geralt had a message, he'd leave it in the tavern.

I earned a few glances from the locals as I approached the innkeeper. "Has a white haired man left a message for someone?"

He looked me up and down. "You are?"

"Ragnar Dragonborn. The men who left the message…"

"Aye. He did. Word of mouth. Said the baron wouldn't wait here. They were heading further south, and would likely camp at Downwarren by nightfall."

"Excellent. Thank you."

Heading outside, I mounted up and gestured, explaining to Tamara and her witch hunter friends the slight change in plan. It was dark by the time we made it to Downwarren, but passing sentries wearing the same uniform as the baron's men, I knew they were waiting for our arrival.

Geralt and baron were in discussion with a couple of his men when I approach with Tamara and the lead witch hunter, Graden. Strenger was obviously delighted to see his daughter, but she moved towards me when he approached her. I kept my face blank but made sure he met my eyes.

"They will know we're coming," Geralt finally stated, "I would prepare your men, Strenger. There's a good chance many won't be returning to Crow's Perch. Same goes for those witch hunters, Graden."

Geralt and I walked away, as we would camp separately. As soon as we had privacy, he turned to me. "You slept with her."

"What?"

"Ragnar, I'm not blind. You slept with her. I saw exactly how she was looking at you. The look of a woman who had felt the touch of a man for the first time the night before. You slept with her."

"I did."

"Why? If Strenger finds out…"

"I'll beat him up again. Strenger doesn't frighten me."

"Why?"

I shrugged. "She wanted to know what it felt like to be with a man. And once we got to know each other, she's actually a rather sweet hearted young woman. She didn't want to join the ranks of witch hunters as a virgin." Geralt just chuckled. "It was a good night, Geralt. That's the only thing that matters."

"Must have been. As I said, the look in her eyes, Ragnar."

"I know," I said softly, "But we knew it would only be the one night."

Sitting by the campfire once darkness descended, even I could sense the woods were alive. Plenty of noises that would have scared the life out of the ordinary man and woman. But most of it was in the mind. The Crones knew we were there, but they wouldn't resort to dirty tricks. I reckoned they would be confident enough to face all of us the next day.

Breakfast the next morning was awkward, as the baron's men and the witch hunters clearly didn't get along. To prevent any major falling out, I suggested we just leave immediately, those of us with horses mounting up, the rest proceeding on foot.

We were not alone between Downwarren and the orphanage, as there was no doubt the Crones did use a few tricks to thin our ranks. Nothing more concerning than a few drowners, some rotfiends, and even a water hag, but we lost no-one on the way, eventually entering the silent orphanage. No sooner had those of us on horseback dismounted that we found ourselves under attack again, drowners seeming to come from absolutely nowhere, and in more numbers than ever. That's when did we start losing more than one man, and the only reason I didn't use my Thu'um is that, although I trusted Tamara, I did not trust her new friends.

"Find your mother!" I yelled out, glancing to see Tamara and her father pull back, looking for Graden, meeting his eyes and nodding, understanding what I meant.

It was only when the last drowner was dead, noticing we'd lost a couple of the baron's men, and also witch hunters, that I heard uncontrollable weeping. As orders were issues to patrol the perimeter, I turned to see Tamara sobbing, and it was obvious straight away that Anna Strenger was physically okay but her mind was… cracked, if not gone entirely.

Before anyone could discuss what to do next, an enormous fiend appeared through the mist. That's when I decided enough was enough, ordering everyone to clear a path. "Get your silver ready, Geralt," I stated.

"You sure you want to do it when they are present?"

"If they think they can take me, they can try."

The fiend circles all of us, Geralt and I making sure we kept ourselves between it and everyone else. Only when it made to charge did I step forward and Shout.

YOL – TOOR – SHUL

As the fiend erupted in flames, Geralt and I charged forward, slicing the fiend again and again. Forcing it back, there was no missing it wilt due to the flames and out attacks, Geralt finally sticking his silver sword through the heart of the beast. It collapsed onto the ground, resting on its back, Geralt taking its head for good measure.

"Where are you?" I roared, turning around, looking for the Crones. I must have had a wild look in my eyes, as everyone took a couple of steps back. But the Crones had now seen my power, and they did not show their faces nor did we hear their voices again.

Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I took a deep breath before Geralt patted me on the back. "They won't show their faces now. Too many of us, plus the Dragonborn is angry."

"Oh, that doesn't even begin to describe my feelings right now, Geralt."

But I sheathed my sword and joined the others gathered around Anna. Tamara had calmed down by now, but I earned plenty of curious glances when she came straight to me, her arms holding me tight, resting her head against me. I kissed the top of her head.

Strenger looked at me, and he understood completely, removing his hat, scratching his head. "What's wrong with her?" he finally asked.

Geralt crouched down next to Anna, who was almost childlike in her mannerisms. He reached out to stroke her hair. All she did was look at him and smile. "She's been through a lot. Lost a child, was carried off by a fiend, lived in the Crones' village taking care of children who are now gone... It's left its mark, as it would on anyone."

Tamara let me go as she turned around, crouching next to Geralt. "Is there nothing we can do to help her?"

"Nothing I can think of. I'm sorry, Tamara. I deal with monsters. A fractured mind is beyond my realm of understanding."

"I know a hermit, a very wise man with a gift for healing," Strenger finally said, "Met him some time past. Lives in the Blue Mountains. I shall take her there."

Tamara looked ready to say something before she glanced at Graden. He returned a single nod, then she looked back at me. I glanced at Strenger first, and all I said was a broken man, a failed father, and a horrible husband. But there was no doubt he still had love in his heart for both, and he would move the heavens and earth to help his wife. I nodded once at Tamara.

"I shall go with you, father," Tamara stated.

"That's impossible, sadly," Graden retorted.

"Why?" Tamara asked.

"You have duties, duties deriving from your commitment to the Church of the Eternal Fire. Once we finish our work in Velen, we return to Oxenfurt."

She looked ready to argue, but the fight had gone out of her. She stepped back as the baron approached his wife, picking her up ever so gently. I wasn't the only one to see the couple of tears run down his cheeks. They were as broken as each other, in their own way. Hand on heart, I could only wish them both the best of luck. Whether she could ever be cured, I wasn't sure. I think even Geralt had his doubts.

Mounting his horse, Anna resting in front of us, he announced he would return to Crow's Perch immediately before beginning his journey. His men slowly but surely disappeared, while the witch hunters began to disperse. Geralt disappeared into the nearby building as Tamara approached me.

I kissed her. Graden noticed and was smart enough to turn around. We kissed for a long time. She cried during it, so I simply held her, kisser her, and tried to make her feel better. Not sure if it worked, but she seemed to enjoy our kiss, at least. "Will I see you again?" she asked upon breaking apart.

"I'm not sure. I'll be around, that I do know."

"I'll be in Oxenfurt for a time. After that, I'm not sure."

I took both her hands in mine, hers rather delicate to mine. "Tamara, we had a wonderful night, one I hope we'll both remember fondly." She smiled, and blushed again. "I'll carry memories of what we shared for the rest of my life. But it's been… a shit day otherwise. If I can watch you leave with at least a smile on your face, then that's a little something I can take with me."

She kissed me one last time, stroked my cheek with one of her soft hands, before she turned and walked back to Graden. The witch hunters mounted up, and after a last wave of goodbye, they filed into a line and disappeared, Tamara not turning around. Perhaps for the best.

Geralt appeared from the building to find the area now deserted. I took a seat on the nearby rock, upon which the ear had been laid, and sighed. "What an absolute shitshow," I muttered.

He took a seat next to me. "Aye, but I've learned there are very few happy endings, Ragnar. This is real life, not one of Dandelion's ballads."

"Before we decide on where to head next, I think we have one more thing to do is Velen."

"What?"

"Take care of matters at Crow's Perch. If Strenger leaves…."

"He has kept a lid on most of their excesses."

"I think we cleanse Crow's Perch of the baron's men. The only problem is who do we leave in charge?"

"We let them decide for themselves. But if he was receiving help from the Black Ones…"

"I don't like them, but they're not the evil bastards many think they are. That captain in White Orchard was a reasonable man."

"They're not all like him, though."

"Hmmm. True."

"Come on. We'll head to Lindenvale and decide from there."

We took one last look around the orphanage. I dreaded to think of what happened to the children. We both had our suspicions but couldn't voice them. But the Crones had left their mark on all our lives. I had a feeling this would not be the last time we would have to deal with them.