Leaving the keep

Geralt descended the stairs two at a time, finishing buttoning up his leather armored vest and his sword belt around his waist, all the while trying not to fall and break his neck. He made it to the foot of the stairs and pushed open the door leading to the main habitable area left in the fortress, the social hall. Geralt looked around and saw that no one else was around, as he made his way to large wooden doors barring the way out. He pushed them open and let a flood of sunlight enter the large room behind him. “Well if it isn’t Geralt.” Eskel said walking up to him with a grin. Eskel and Geralt shared a quick hug as Geralt turned to Ciri, who had grown to around his height and had a big smile on her face.

“Quite a show you put on for us this morning.” She said innocently.

“Shut up.” Geralt said as both Ciri and Eskel broke into chuckles. Geralt walked over to the stables and placed his saddle on Roach’s back. Ciri walked behind him and when she saw him heading to the stables she looked curious. “Not this time Ciri, you’re time with us is almost up, your father will be expecting you in Nilfgaard soon.”

“Bah, he’s not my father, no matter what he claims.” Ciri spat. Geralt turned around to look at her.

“We made an agreement Ciri. It is important for a future Empress to keep up her end of a bargain.” He said to her.

“You always know the right things to say Geralt. I wish I had become a witcher, instead of some future Empress. Politicking is hardly fun at all.” She complained making Geralt laugh at her gently.

“Oh Ciri, we’re going to miss you. This place seems so empty without you.” Geralt said as he wrapped Ciri up in a hug. Ciri let herself be hugged for a few moments before pushing away and smoothing out her clothes. She wore the traditional sword practicing leather, with gray plain clothes underneath. She had her ashen gray hair back in a ponytail, Geralt wouldn’t have allowed that in a practice round, but Eskel was too lenient with her.

“Where are you going anyways?” Ciri asked. That scar on her face really suited her, Geralt thought.

“Skellige, I have to meet with Queen Cerys.” Geralt said.

“Be careful Geralt, there is still a lot of tension between the Islanders and the Empire. The Skelligers have promised to stop raiding the Nilgaardian ships and towns, but they haven’t stopped yet. I have heard when I was in court that a faction opposing my father had ‘taken steps’ to deal with ‘the Island scum’ as they say. I have no idea what it means, and when I brought it up with my father, he said he didn’t give the order.” Ciri said. Ciri was truly a woman now; she had grown into her form, hard with muscle, but with soft curves visible from the untied front of her tunic and what may lie underneath. “Geralt?”

“Mmm?” Geralt questioned.

“It seemed as if you zoned out there for a bit.” Ciri asked slightly concerned.

“I was just picturing my route is all. I better go, take care of Yen and Eskel while you’re still here.”

“I will.” She said as he swung one leg over Roach and trotted out of the open portcullis.