Entering the keep

Geralt and Vesemir entered through the large oak doors into the keep itself. The effects of decay were felt here as well as parts of the keep had collapsed due to age, and now the only livable quarters was the main hall, and a tower that Geralt slept in. The two Witchers mad their way to the main hall, where tables were set up to eat at on the other side of the room where they sleep. Geralt and Vesemir sat at the table and continued their conversation. "It's not good to fear the worst until you have some inkling of suspicion Geralt, otherwise the paranoia will mess with your head. If worst comes to worst, we'll get you back your Ciri, I would really like to see her again. Make sure she's been practicing what I've taught her in regards to her combat."

"Knowing her, she's been practicing every day."

"She wouldn't listen to what I was saying, it took me many more times to teach her than it took to teach you. I guess she learned her stubbornness from you."

"I caught her practicing in the night by herself training on the dummies a couple of times. Whenever you tested her, she would always pass, didn't you find that curious in a pupil who never listened to what you were teaching?"

"Hmm, so she practiced something at least." Vesemir said trying to hide his pride. "How long has it been since she saved you and Yen in Rivia then disappeared?"

"I don't know. She must be a grown woman by now, I wonder if I would be able to recognize her if I did see her." Geralt mused. "Have Yen or Triss stopped by here?"

"No, no one has come. A good thing that Yen didn't come, you know how she likes to sleep in your bed up in the tower, says it's the only comfortable one around here. When Lambert, Eskel and I were doing our spring cleaning, before they left, we went up to your room. You know, to make sure no snow blew in through the open window. Anyway, we found a couple of red hairs on the bed, most likely from your most recent tryst with Triss. Lambert had a field day, making jokes about what Yen would do to you." Vesemir chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah. I haven't seen Yen, since I was freed from the Wild Hunt, I fear she may have gotten caught up with them."

"Not to worry, Letho came by here a while ago and said that he had delivered Yen to safety."

"Letho? Did he say where?"

"No, but I decided to trust him."

"Vesemir, he's called a Kingkiller for a reason, he tried to kill all the Kings of the Northern Kingdoms."

"He did, but he is a Witcher like us. Sometimes you take on a bad contract."

"Ah! Whatever, I may as well go meet up with Dandelion and find out what he knows."

"I was wondering if you could spare me a couple of days, to help me clear out the monsters of the forest a little?"

"No problem, I would like to be out in a couple of days though, I need enough time to get some information then be back for the winter."

"You know you're own timing best, I won't keep you any longer than I need. You should go find Shani also Geralt."

"Shani? How do you know her?"

"Red hair, beautiful girl, student at Oxenfurt. Ring any bells?"

"Yes, of course I know who she is!"

"She sends letters up here intermittently by raven, asking if you're back yet. I'm guessing that she misses you."

"She'd probably be helping out the Redanian army with their medical needs. I might as well drop by, I suppose."

"Look Geralt, don't worry about Ciri, she's got many friends who would help her. And she's got you 'the White Wolf' on her side, she'll be fine. Come drink with me, we haven't had a drink together in so long." Vesemir exclaimed.

"That's because our drinking usually ends with me in my underpants in the snow outside."

"You're a couple hundred years too young to be drinking competitively with me!" Vesemir laughed and Gearlt smiled.

"One round!" Geralt assented.