wiedzminka | ❧ IC INBOX: Abraxas

That's just because I'm used to it.

It wasn't that interesting. It was just a big ugly monster like the rest of them, took a few people to take it down, but thankfully nothing too eventful. The barracks were already half destroyed by the invisible hounds.

𝘚𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘴, 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘴. 𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴? 𝘉𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦?

𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘴, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦.

[ Arriving at the Witcher house along side two other gifts for those living there, is one marked for Ciri.

Inside the beautifully wrapped box, Ciri will discover handmade, gold hairpins in the shape of swallows. Embedded in their eyes are bright green crystals not so dissimilar to the colour of Ciri's eyes that catch the light making them seem alive. The polished gold glint in the sunlight and the eyes seems to give off a faint glow in the moonlight.

The other half of her gift will also include a pair of brown riding gloves made from soft goat leather. In the place where the embossed monogram is, there's a lion head instead mid roar. The note that accompanies it is written on handmade paper with wildflowers pressed into it. ]

𝘊𝘪𝘳𝘪,

𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘍𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵! 𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘺 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘸𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘥𝘴. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘹𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥.

𝘐'𝘮 𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯.

𝘹𝘹 𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘢

Edited 2023-12-20 00:03 (UTC)

[ Unlike his other gifts, Geralt had finished this one some time ago. Not knowing when he might return from his search for Julie, he'd placed the wooden box in Ciri's room weeks ago before leaving. It's concealed inside one of the thicker cloaks he knows she won't use until the desert nights turn chilly in winter.

The box is etched with the date that Yule begins—intended for her to open it then, though she need not wait if she'd rather not.

Inside is a folded piece of parchment and a charm she will recognize from her younger years. He isn't sure if she managed to hold onto it after they were separated, but he does know she hasn't got it here. ]

I thought it only right I return this to you, where it belongs.
Keep it close, and I will not be far.

Geralt

[ On the morning of December 25th, outside of her bedroom, Nadine will find a gift wrapped in black, white and pink. Inside, she'll find a small, ornate chest that's clearly meant to be a pretty object more than anything else. A key accompanies the chest, attached via a removable chain. When opened, it becomes clear that the chest is enchanted to hold far more than it should be able to -- at least quadruple the outside size of the box. Inside the chest is a white tin containing a dozen cookies that appear to be homemade, based on the odd little quirks in the decorating and shaping, but they are quite tasty. On the lid of the cookie tin, in familiar script, it says,

Merry Christmas.
- Julie ]

[Viktor's package arrives wrapped in brown paper, with a wax seal that indicates the sender. The insignia is likely more than familiar to her by now.

He won't present her with weapons, but gear is still fair game. Included in the package are the latest version of his night vision goggles and respirator. This iteration sees to have focused on keeping things as lightweight as possible, with a comfortable strap and improved defogging on the lenses.

A small leather case houses several vials of different colored liquids. The labels indicate the substances must have been distilled from various monster parts and can be applied to her gear--knives, clothing, boots. One applies a corrosive effect against anything that might think it's a good idea to bite, one is for waterproofing, and one improves rust resistance.

Finally, there's a device that looks like a gun, but when fired shoots out a (grappling) hook attached to thin but surprisingly sturdy metal cable instead. As an added bonus, there appears to be a silencer attached.]

Edited 2024-01-02 00:20 (UTC)

[Viktor waits for the bustle of the holidays to pass, not wanting to sour her celebrations by dredging up their shared experience in the Nether. That said, they need to speak about it sooner or later, even if he gives it some time, so things are less raw. He has no idea what an appropriate amount of time might be, so he waits for things in Cadens to settle back into relative normalcy before he sends her a message.

And hopes she knows what it's about.]

Can you come to the workshop? We should probably talk.

[ ...ominous. She does, in fact, have some idea what it might be about.

Enough time has passed that Ciri was sincerely hoping Viktor had simply decided to let it go (she doesn't even imagine he'd do something like forget), but in the back of her mind, she always knew better. It was kind enough of him to give her space. To send her gifts, and greet her as normal when they've seen each other about the last few weeks. It reassures her that he's not suddenly going to change demeanor completely if he knows the truth, or come after her for holding back. ]

I can. Later today.

[ It's a simple response, though not uncharacteristic.

True to her word, she'll show up a few hours later, letting herself into the workshop as usual when the door is unlocked and calling out as she steps further inside. ]

Edited 2024-01-13 07:54 (UTC)

[The truth is that he's never been very good at this sort of thing, but as time goes on it becomes clear that neither of them want to rip off the bandage. Given his current research, however, he would be remiss if he didn't pursue this further. And...he wants to make sure that she's all right. Viktor is just, generally, poor at asking.

The workshop is always open to her, and he knows there's no expectation for him to meet her at the door. He's on his feet regardless, in the back of the workshop at the kitchenette. Viktor pokes his head into the door frame when he hears her come in.]

Hi. [Thanks for coming goes unsaid--it feels slightly hollow, because they both know what she's here for. That said, he can at least offer her some hospitality.] I was just putting the kettle on. Would you like anything?

[ Ciri joins him in the tiny kitchen, leaning with her shoulder on one side of the doorframe, arms crossed, to watch him. ]

Sure. Tea to start. We'll work our way up to something stronger as needed.

[ She's antsy. Waiting politely to get to the point at hand has never been her style; she gets anxious -- and annoyed -- pretending otherwise. Her tone remains carefully neutral. ]

You have questions.

[Ordinarily, that might be a joke, but given the fact he knows this will be a difficult conversation for her, he doesn't make a quip about it. Viktor will show her where the cabinet is if and when she feels she needs it. For now, however, he'll prepare two mugs and two tea bags, ushering her to one of the workshop tables once he's poured in the hot water.

He has to do it in two trips, but eventually he's pulling up a stool and leaning forward to put his elbows on the table. On his face, concern.]

I just want to make sure that you're all right. [He doesn't think he needs to tell her that he's not upset. Viktor doesn't doubt her trust in him, but some things must be discussed with those who understand. Geralt is that person, for her.] I was worried that you're in danger.

[ She sits, taking the mug of tea with a mumbled thanks, and waits for him to get settled.

The short laugh that escapes in response is automatic, a reaction more out of surprise than humor. That's not what she expected him to say. ]

Both can be true, I suppose. I'm all right, though. To put that worry at ease.

Honestly... I'm used to being in danger. It's been a constant for me most of my life.

[ She does not elaborate; she already told him he'll have to ask the questions. However she chooses to answer -- that's another story. But Ciri has decided to be as honest with Viktor as she can be without putting them both in greater danger, and without betraying Geralt's trust. ]

I know you are. But that doesn't make it right.

[No one should have to live their life in fear--not that Ciri exists in such a state, but he can imagine how it must be, to always be looking over one's shoulder.]

Who was the first person who spoke? The one who wasn't Geralt.

[That voice, he knows. The other was unfamiliar to him. If she doesn't want to tell him, he doesn't necessarily blame her, but she did assume that he has questions. And she recognized what it was saying.]

[ The questions she expected were around her conversation with Geralt. The one involving him, implying she hadn't shared everything she knew about what had happened to them at the Singularity--

It visibly takes her by surprise when he asks her about the other voice. She doesn't tell him whose it was (her own, though younger). But she does respond. ]

...it's a prophecy. Supposedly involving me.

A prophecy too many powerful people put too much stock in. People who would do anything to see it realized.

[He'll get there, eventually--but his own feelings with regards to the way she withheld information seem negligible, in comparison. And he can't deny that he isn't curious about this, even if he doesn't necessarily put stock in prophecy.

Even if she doesn't either, it might not matter. Not when others fight so hard for it, as she says.]

Do you believe it?

I don't know. I believe the prophecy exists. Maybe it has something to do with me. But these things aren't clear cut--

And besides. [ She shakes her head sharply, unable to help the note of agitation rising in her voice. ]

It doesn't matter what I believe, or what I want. That's the whole point.

There are those who will act on it, regardless.

[He nods, understanding. Viktor has never felt beholden to some sort of destiny—-if he did, he might have just given up and accepted his inevitable death and obscurity as the logical conclusion of his upbringing. He has fought for everything he has now, and he knows that Ciri is the same.

So perhaps being here has afforded her some amount of safety, from those who would use her to their own ends. It follows that Geralt would shelter her from that, in a new world where she’s not beholden to this prophecy, but that doesn't really sit right with him, either.]

And…what about Geralt?

[Their relationship has always been professional, but it certainly soured after their disagreement about the trackers. Viktor had a similar point of contention with Jayce—-that his partner would not be able to protect him from everything. At a certain point, everyone needs to make their own choices.]

Edited 2024-02-10 18:17 (UTC)

What about Geralt?

[ She doesn't know that Geralt had spoken with Viktor about it, specifically, but she does remember well how Geralt felt about their risky plan with the trackers. She has some sense that Geralt finds Viktor someone to be wary of. In a way, she doesn't disagree; Viktor's capabilities make him just as dangerous if he put his mind to it as they make him beneficial to the community, in the same way anyone with significant skill and willpower could be. But she knows Viktor well enough, she thinks, to trust that his goals are never going to involve harming others, especially not people he cares about. She knows he fears the Free Cities trying to weaponize his work, and that is a fear she identifies with on a personal basis. ]

Does Geralt believe any of it? The answer is the same. It doesn't matter, so long as he thinks I'm in danger.

You asked me once what I would do if the people I love most are taken from me. If Geralt disappeared, like so many others have. [ Like Jayce. ]

I answered: anything.

That's what Geralt would do for me, to keep me safe.

[What about him? He wants to ask about the snippets of conversation he heard, and what Geralt was implying about her abilities, but it's likely they have a more pressing issue, given their shared desire to prevent further disappearances of fellow Summoned.]

And if he believes that I am a danger to you?

[Not enough of one to act on, maybe, though he'd made his displeasure about the trackers clear. Understandable, Viktor admits, but he hadn't exactly enjoyed hearing Viktor's thoughts on the matter, at the time. He stands by what he says, regardless--Ciri deserves to make her own choices, especially with regards to the life this place has afforded her.]

[ Ciri holds his gaze. ]

Do you plan to be a danger to me?

No. Of course not.

[They're familiar enough by now that she must know he would rather die than cause harm to another person. But he understands, too, that not everyone is thrilled by his designs to reverse the Summoning ritual. If Ciri is to be protected from threats both within...and without, it follows that any opening of the gates, so to speak, might expose Ciri to those threats once again.]

But it doesn't matter what I think.

[Just like her prophecy, the truth of it matters less than how others act on the information. Ciri has power, the extent of which Viktor is not certain, and at this point he's not sure he's supposed to know.]

Indeed, it matters far more what you do and say.

[ Her gaze softens, and Ciri leans forward, her hands atop the table lightly touching her teacup, though she hasn't had any to drink yet. ]

I don't want to put you in any danger either. And I don't mean only Geralt.

You've kept certain things about our misadventure all those months ago to yourself, and I'll thank you to keep anything we've talked about today similarly in confidence. [ She knows she hasn't said much, that she hasn't explained enough for him to understand, but even this little -- for his own sake -- isn't something she wants brought up in idle chatter. Not that Viktor is the type, of course. ]

I only want to be left alone. I don't want to give them any reasons to look for me. Not the forces after me from before I came here or the military or the mages or whoever the fuck.

I want to protect the life I have here. The people I have here. That includes you, Viktor.

[ Realizing it's gotten a bit intense, Ciri leans back again with an awkward laugh, finally picking up her tea. ]

Don't worry. Geralt won't come after you in your sleep or anything.

[Viktor knows that if Geralt really thought him a danger, or wanted him dead, it probably would have already come to pass. That's not really what he's afraid of, just as she shouldn't be afraid of this conversation leaving the room. He's always respected her privacy, knowing full well that the government could capitalize on her abilities, just as they have seized his own technology.

But there is no guarantee of her safety, not as long as they exist here at the whim of the Singularity.]

The life you have here...everything we've made for ourselves, none of it is really ours. Not as long as it can simply disappear.

[She knows he's learned that the hard way. It's what drives his research now, and he tells himself it's for all of them--so that each person brought here against their will can make a choice.]

I want to protect you, too.

[In the way that he knows how, which he understands by now is not palatable to everyone, despite his intentions.]

Edited 2024-02-15 03:36 (UTC)

[ She closes her eyes a moment, letting out a slow breath. ]

...I know.

[ Ciri sets her cup back down, fingertips drumming against the porcelain. Anxious, restless. It always comes back to that.

The weighing of her choices, how much to tell, how much it would help versus how much danger it would put everyone in, how much it could hurt her and those she cares about. But can she prevent them being taken? Can she do anything preemptively, instead of waiting and hoping?

She's always reacting. Looking over her shoulder, running, responding to what happens to her.

If there's a chance to take action first, shouldn't she take it? ]

Have... you made any progress?

[Viktor can't possibly imagine what's behind her thoughtful expression. There's still a great deal about her that he doesn't know, and he doesn't know about what she's running from, either. What he's sure of is that she deserves to have the life that she wants, and that won't be possible until they control the ritual.

She seems to understand that, at least, though when she asks about his progress his gaze drops to the table between them.]

It's all theory. [He and Wanda and Strange have a plan, sort of, but they're fumbling in the dark with so many details of the ritual under lock and key.] I'm starting to think I may need to engineer it all myself.

[Which is daunting, to say the least, but he's done the impossible before--at least twice. He just needs to do it one more time.]

Edited 2024-02-17 16:22 (UTC)

❧ IC INBOX: Abraxas

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— december gift delivery

december.

dec 25th

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