Dinner

It was now three hours later and Ciri decided to stay at least for dinner. She was convinced by the innocent puppy eyes that Zoe threw at her when she refused the money and after that didn't want to stay. All three of them were sitting at one table, eating some mashed potatoes along with some chicken meat. Zoe and Ciri were talking while little Sophie played with her spoon and her food.

" Look ! It's a bird ! " Sophie yelled as she flied around with the potatoes on her spoon. They both giggled amidst their converstation.

" So how long have you two been alone ? " Ciri asked as kindly as she could since she didn't know if this is a sensitive topic.

" Well, it's going to be a year now. Our mom died a long time ago from some sickness, about two years after Zoe was born. Our father was a trader and one day he just didn't return from the road and well my husband... He was recruited into the army. Who knows where he is now. "

" I'm sorry to hear that. "

" Yeah, thank you. We knew that once dad wasn't coming home for weeks that something happened to him. Whether bandits or whatever else. We told him to hire security or something at least, he had the money but he would always wave us off. Yeah... "

" And what about your husband ? What was his name ? "

" Fulker. I was... **** to marry him. By my father. "

" That sounds terrible. "

" I mean kind of. He was a son of father's friend and since we were about the same age they put us together. Dad meant no harm he just wanted to have someone who would take care of us while he was traveling. And even Fulker wasn't bad. Just a little lazy. He was from a richer family so he had servants for most things. Well, I am sure that out there in the army he has no servants. "

" I am done ! " The little Sophie jumped up with her empty bowl.

" Well done princess ! You know what, how about you show Ciri your dolls and all the other toys while I prepare your bed ? "

" Yeaaaah ! " She grabbed the witcheress by her hand and while no monster or bandit could defeat her she was definitely overwhelmed by the little girl who seems to have already forgotten about today's experience.

They played together for a while and Ciri also told her about her friend Gretka that lives in the Crow's Perch. Then Sophie was called by her older sister and then put to bed where Zoe told her a story about a kingdom and a beautiful princess. After she fell asleep, Zoe stepped out of her room and closed the door as she went to join Ciri who was sitting on a bench.

" Hey, you sure you don't want to stay ? It's getting pretty dark outside. I mean I know you can handle yourself but still. "

" I should go. I quickly need to get to Novigrad. My friend needs help. "

" Are you sure ? Is there no way to convince you to stay ? " Zoe walked into the pantry and pulled out a bottle of wine. " This is one of the last bottles I have. I sold the rest but decided to keep a couple for special occasions. Will you share it with me ? I don't want to drink alone. "