[ Seemed the safer option, honestly. Geralt only leaves to go hunt for them as they go. Otherwise, it is a fairly straight shot to Aretuza.
John is a little surprised that the mare deigns it necessary to say goodbye to him but he can't say no. He pats her neck and rocks back a little with her nudge. ]
Careful now, your man might get jealous, eh?
[ Not likely. Especially by the almost amused snort Geralt gives. Roach would never. But he finds it interesting how attached she's become to this strange sorcerer. ]
Magic and politics. Sounds like a bad mix. Like the lady says, I'm with her.
[ Sour mood or no, he isn't about to get into a pissing contest here if he can help it. Knowing him, a little trouble is liable to happen. John follows behind her and Geralt falls into step next to her. ]
[One huge benefit with traveling with Geralt is that one never goes hungry. Yennefer can produce a meal in her own way. The old methods are just superior and with greater results.]
"Yennefer. Must this happen now?"
[Tissaia gets a backward glance and nothing else out of Yen. They pass through the large doors and there are voices, lights. The whole establishment now devoted to entertaining verses education. Her pace is steady.]
The library first, I think.
[Best place to go for information. Though the path is littered with men and women in fine clothing and lofty airs. Triss seems to appear out of nowhere with a huge smile for both Yennefer and Geralt. Shit. Yen reaches behind for a hand and is dismayed the first one she touches is John. Energy surges warm there.]
[ There's something simple about the task that Geralt enjoys. He keeps close with the two of them and doesn't pay any more mind to Tissaia than they do. ]
Seems she's going to do what she wants when she wants and woe to any that get in her way, love.
[ It's just his way but with how Yenn reacted to it as well, he's sure that the older woman won't take well to it. Still, he doesn't slow his pace until they all stop at the greeting of another witch. The accidental touch is hard to cover with a poker face and the feel of the magic in the air is brief but potent. John doesn't flinch but he breaks contact and hopes that it wasn't noticed.
No such luck in a bloody palace full of sorcerers. Damn. ]
[The Rectoress says nothing, her face tense. Stopping Yennefer is going to cause as great of a scene. Perhaps allowing and curbing the action would be best. Still, this was not foreseen.
The contact is brief. She pulls away as well. The murmurs and conversation subside and there is a distinct feeling that eyes are turned their way.]
Triss. Always a pleasure. You know Geralt of Rivia. This is John... please don't let me interrupt you. We're passing through.
[Triss gives John a dazzling smile. Geralt gets a touch on his arm. Yennefer really does not want any of this right now but here we are.]
"Yenna always keep great company."
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[ May as well play into lady flirtatious here and take some of the heat off of what just happened. John sidles in close enough to Triss. ]
Pleasure's mine, sweetheart. Only sad I can't stay for the festivities.
[ There's a few huffs of laughter at his look and his way. It makes it easy to take attention off of the near eruption of magic from their touch. Conversation starts back up.
He follows after Yennefer and Geralt as they start to go through the crowd again and away from the summit. John gives a wink at Triss before he's out of sight. ]
I see you play well with others when it suits you, mage.
[Though that is what anyone would do in the situation. Anyone that is at least familiar with courtly life. The door to the library gives way. And Yennefer has half a mind to bar it.]
Enough distractions.
[Before someone else familiar pops up. Gods hope that it isn't Istredd or Fringilla. She rubs her forehead.]
Teleportations and realms, that's what we need. Please don't touch anything more than you need to.
[ He is but that face, in particular, is not here. Not that Triss wasn't easy on the eyes. They get to the library and John stops to give a low whistle.
All of this knowledge just here at his fingertips. Many a magic user in his world would kill for this kind of access to power. ]
This is---[ A huff of amazed laughter. ]---it's amazing.
[ She wouldn't be the first person to huff over his manners. If he couldn't keep it off the table in a nunnery then he isn't liable to back off hereabouts, is he? ]
We don't have anything like this where I'm from. No schools and barely any book worth mentioning.
[ He goes to investigate the pile that's been brought to the center of the room and nods. ]
[The philandering is usually left up to a bard who is off somewhere. Flirty mages are dangerous. Maybe John knows that. Maybe he doesn't.]
No wonder no one believes there. No one knows anything.
[The face she makes it's like there was an offending odor. Never mind that they have work to do. Hopefully without interruption. There are plenty of texts to thumb through. Alas nothing topical. Some have to be plucked through. And some handled with care because they're on the verge of crumbling having been broken and mended more times by chaos than anything.]
Truer words. Most times all this is looked on as taboo and dangerous. The religious types think it's all devil worship and banging on the gates of hell. All a big yawn really.
[ He can't blame her for that reaction. How many times has he nearly rolled his eyes right out of his head at someone's blatant lack of belief? Especially when the evidence is smacking them in the face.
He carefully opens up an old tome, touch reverent as he does. It's not hard to star making heads or tails of. May as well get to work. ]
[ The kind that can't be taken back. The kind that leave a mark. The kind that have already damned his soul. They each carry their own devils in details.
Geralt snorts at the mention of portals and John can't help the huff of almost laughter. The Witcher frowns (when doesn't he) and continues searching through pages with a delicate touch most would be surprised of. ]
And some still frown on simpler means of getting around. Like horses.
You live to tell the tale. And you know better. Mistakes do happen, yes.
[In that way that she does, Yennefer speaks as if she's unfamiliar with the concept. Geralt knows better. And his own countenance in micro expressions might give away knowing better. Yen tucks hair behind her ear and ignores the both of them.]
Simpler means are just that. And I frankly don't enjoy the smell of horses. Their company is quite fine I suppose. Not my favorite.
[Are they fighting or flirting? Who can say? The three together pouring over aged magic texts has to have it's stimulation somehow.]
Living to tell the tale isn't all it's cracked up to be. Mistakes don't always wash as easy as dirt.
[ John says that from experience. His own mistakes cost him and his best mates their souls. There's no undoing that he's found. He casts a glance in Geralt's direction as Yenn talks and sees the small flickers of expressiveness hidden in small ways. ]
And still you suffer riding with me.
[ John would put money on flirting. He hears a brief bit of commotion beyond the doors and then they open to reveal a man in fancier get up like the other mages and such out there. John saw him in passing and didn't pay him much mind.
He doesn't seem to appreciate his presence there much. Before he can ask the gritted out three syllable tone comes from Geralt. ]
Stregobor.
[ So the big man isn't his greatest fan. Best to leave the dramatics to them. ]
[Her violet eyes dart to John at that. Mistakes is what the past holds for him and she says nothing on it. It's already enough to broach the subject in such a way. The atmosphere changes and the air stills with the presence of the arch mage.
Yennefer has seen him before. There's no love harbored for him in her heart after falling out with Istredd not once but twice. She looks to Geralt and blinks.]
John, this is Stregobor.
[For the barebone sense of decorum. That's about all she says turning her attention back to the texts.]
We are busy at present. There are other alcoves in this library you can occupy.
[ The arch mage swans in like he owns the joint. Like there aren't at least ten other mages of varying levels that could put him on his ass out there, not that John thinks they would dare. That's not even counting Geralt who looks about ready to see how far into his gut he could get one of his swords.
Clearly, he only has eyes for John and he puffs up a bit, hands shoved in his trouser pockets as the other man comes close to rake his gaze over him. ]
What is this rabble you keep company with and dare to bring to this sacred place?
[ Sacred indeed to the lining of your pockets. You've lost no love for pretty young things to look at, have you? Geralt wants nothing to do with the man lest he have the opportunity to end him. Perhaps speak back the words he said to him so long ago about lesser evils. ]
If you're meaning me, mate, then I'm flattered. But I hate to tell you that he's really not my type. Not even a glamour could do anything for that.
[He is among the eldest of the brotherhood, so naturally it inflates his importance. There are more powerful. No one is talking about his great accomplishments to be sure.
Stregobor's proximity to their research is also detrimental. The last thing they need is external meddling. Yennefer closes the book she has in her possession.]
John is a mage like us. Visiting.
[Which is much more information than he deserves. The quip has her blinking and a bit of a laugh breaks her annoyance. She has noticed the crackle in the air of thunderclouds building. Tales of the Butcher of Blaviken aligning with the crusade of Stregobor's, it isn't difficult to draw the lines. Yennefer has not dipped deeply into Geralt's thoughts of that time, of that day. Facts speak more loudly and plainly.]
I am more than capable of seeing both John and Geralt around. Unless there is something worth while you have to say, leave us.
[ Rotting corpses have inflation issues as well. He has more in common with those than all else. Geralt turns his attention back to the book in his hands, sparing no other glance or word for the arch mage.
John quirks a grin back in Yennefer's direction at her startled laugh and the big man's snort. Once he's gotten a good look at the git he heads back over to where he was sorting through things with the rest.
Before Stregobor can argue, Tissaia brings up the fact that they are due back to discuss matters of greater importance. This is hardly anything worth fussing over and she'll waste no more of her own time with it.
Yennefer can thank her later for the exit if she wishes. She'll likely return to assess this John herself. ]
[Watching the power strain of personalities as it flows in the room from Tissaia to John and Stregobor and back keeps the glimmer of amusement in Yennefer's eyes. She looks to Geralt who is equally irritated. John openly wears his humor on his face. The door shuts and she indulges a low laugh.]
I cannot wait to leave this place.
[Though here they are. The options are so few. Yen shakes her head.]
...are we getting anywhere yet?
[It's too soon to tell. And with that interruption, who knows how long it will take.]
[Yennefer nods her head in the direction of the door. That may have been one of Tissaia's more charming moments. As to Stregobor, no one in this room with any mind likes him. The momentary lightness makes her forget that there is more at stake that merely getting John home. Somewhere in this is the key to what she's been looking for all this time.]
Three people looking is better than one.
[Better doesn't mean successful.]
Any other suggestions? This is the place of knowledge the only other thing is--[She quiets and considers the option. The Source. Tor Lara and the pool of eels. Casting any magic there would be very, very powerful. Also very dangerous.]
[ Reminds him of Faust. Rotten bastard he was, even before he Rising Darkness afforded him power he didn't deserve. ]
If you know of a place better than this that might give us answers, don't hold back. I'm not looking to stay in your collective hairs any longer than you want me here.
[ Though Geralt still has questions. He rarely considers flights of fancy but this man is impossible. Some light shed upon things could be beneficial. Especially for Yennefer. ]
[ Geralt hums a nod and a quirk of a smile escapes him. He takes her hand and John can't help the tug of feeling in his chest at watching the display. Unlikely pair and all, they seemed.
Once they leave the room, making their way through the throngs of people still gathered. John lags behind only a step or two, almost through the thick of it and out the other side, but a man takes his arm suddenly, making him tense. ]
You. The stranger here. [ There's a connection there, even through the clothing. John's felt the kind of power before but never without skin to skin contact. ] Not so strange after all.
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John is a little surprised that the mare deigns it necessary to say goodbye to him but he can't say no. He pats her neck and rocks back a little with her nudge. ]
Careful now, your man might get jealous, eh?
[ Not likely. Especially by the almost amused snort Geralt gives. Roach would never. But he finds it interesting how attached she's become to this strange sorcerer. ]
Magic and politics. Sounds like a bad mix. Like the lady says, I'm with her.
[ Sour mood or no, he isn't about to get into a pissing contest here if he can help it. Knowing him, a little trouble is liable to happen. John follows behind her and Geralt falls into step next to her. ]
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"Yennefer. Must this happen now?"
[Tissaia gets a backward glance and nothing else out of Yen. They pass through the large doors and there are voices, lights. The whole establishment now devoted to entertaining verses education. Her pace is steady.]
The library first, I think.
[Best place to go for information. Though the path is littered with men and women in fine clothing and lofty airs. Triss seems to appear out of nowhere with a huge smile for both Yennefer and Geralt. Shit. Yen reaches behind for a hand and is dismayed the first one she touches is John. Energy surges warm there.]
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Seems she's going to do what she wants when she wants and woe to any that get in her way, love.
[ It's just his way but with how Yenn reacted to it as well, he's sure that the older woman won't take well to it. Still, he doesn't slow his pace until they all stop at the greeting of another witch. The accidental touch is hard to cover with a poker face and the feel of the magic in the air is brief but potent. John doesn't flinch but he breaks contact and hopes that it wasn't noticed.
No such luck in a bloody palace full of sorcerers. Damn. ]
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The contact is brief. She pulls away as well. The murmurs and conversation subside and there is a distinct feeling that eyes are turned their way.]
Triss. Always a pleasure. You know Geralt of Rivia. This is John... please don't let me interrupt you. We're passing through.
[Triss gives John a dazzling smile. Geralt gets a touch on his arm. Yennefer really does not want any of this right now but here we are.]
"Yenna always keep great company."
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Pleasure's mine, sweetheart. Only sad I can't stay for the festivities.
[ There's a few huffs of laughter at his look and his way. It makes it easy to take attention off of the near eruption of magic from their touch. Conversation starts back up.
He follows after Yennefer and Geralt as they start to go through the crowd again and away from the summit. John gives a wink at Triss before he's out of sight. ]
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[Though that is what anyone would do in the situation. Anyone that is at least familiar with courtly life. The door to the library gives way. And Yennefer has half a mind to bar it.]
Enough distractions.
[Before someone else familiar pops up. Gods hope that it isn't Istredd or Fringilla. She rubs her forehead.]
Teleportations and realms, that's what we need. Please don't touch anything more than you need to.
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[ He is but that face, in particular, is not here. Not that Triss wasn't easy on the eyes. They get to the library and John stops to give a low whistle.
All of this knowledge just here at his fingertips. Many a magic user in his world would kill for this kind of access to power. ]
This is---[ A huff of amazed laughter. ]---it's amazing.
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This is a school. I told you.
[And a vague wave of her hand has a cluster of books gather on the nearest surface.]
What good is a school without books? There must be something. Earth you said, is that right? You're from Earth?
[Does that ring any bells anywhere, books? Geralt? The wind? Anything that will answer.]
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We don't have anything like this where I'm from. No schools and barely any book worth mentioning.
[ He goes to investigate the pile that's been brought to the center of the room and nods. ]
Earth, yeah. That's my world.
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No wonder no one believes there. No one knows anything.
[The face she makes it's like there was an offending odor. Never mind that they have work to do. Hopefully without interruption. There are plenty of texts to thumb through. Alas nothing topical. Some have to be plucked through. And some handled with care because they're on the verge of crumbling having been broken and mended more times by chaos than anything.]
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Truer words. Most times all this is looked on as taboo and dangerous. The religious types think it's all devil worship and banging on the gates of hell. All a big yawn really.
[ He can't blame her for that reaction. How many times has he nearly rolled his eyes right out of his head at someone's blatant lack of belief? Especially when the evidence is smacking them in the face.
He carefully opens up an old tome, touch reverent as he does. It's not hard to star making heads or tails of. May as well get to work. ]
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[She's not going to mention that she was struck by lightning once. You know. The little details. That was literally decades ago.]
Though some really, truly frown upon certain benefits and practices. Like portals.
[Gosh golly who are we talking about here. Yen smiles to herself as she turns a page.]
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[ The kind that can't be taken back. The kind that leave a mark. The kind that have already damned his soul. They each carry their own devils in details.
Geralt snorts at the mention of portals and John can't help the huff of almost laughter. The Witcher frowns (when doesn't he) and continues searching through pages with a delicate touch most would be surprised of. ]
And some still frown on simpler means of getting around. Like horses.
[ A dry comment. ]
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[In that way that she does, Yennefer speaks as if she's unfamiliar with the concept. Geralt knows better. And his own countenance in micro expressions might give away knowing better. Yen tucks hair behind her ear and ignores the both of them.]
Simpler means are just that. And I frankly don't enjoy the smell of horses. Their company is quite fine I suppose. Not my favorite.
[Are they fighting or flirting? Who can say? The three together pouring over aged magic texts has to have it's stimulation somehow.]
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[ John says that from experience. His own mistakes cost him and his best mates their souls. There's no undoing that he's found. He casts a glance in Geralt's direction as Yenn talks and sees the small flickers of expressiveness hidden in small ways. ]
And still you suffer riding with me.
[ John would put money on flirting. He hears a brief bit of commotion beyond the doors and then they open to reveal a man in fancier get up like the other mages and such out there. John saw him in passing and didn't pay him much mind.
He doesn't seem to appreciate his presence there much. Before he can ask the gritted out three syllable tone comes from Geralt. ]
Stregobor.
[ So the big man isn't his greatest fan. Best to leave the dramatics to them. ]
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Yennefer has seen him before. There's no love harbored for him in her heart after falling out with Istredd not once but twice. She looks to Geralt and blinks.]
John, this is Stregobor.
[For the barebone sense of decorum. That's about all she says turning her attention back to the texts.]
We are busy at present. There are other alcoves in this library you can occupy.
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Clearly, he only has eyes for John and he puffs up a bit, hands shoved in his trouser pockets as the other man comes close to rake his gaze over him. ]
What is this rabble you keep company with and dare to bring to this sacred place?
[ Sacred indeed to the lining of your pockets. You've lost no love for pretty young things to look at, have you? Geralt wants nothing to do with the man lest he have the opportunity to end him. Perhaps speak back the words he said to him so long ago about lesser evils. ]
If you're meaning me, mate, then I'm flattered. But I hate to tell you that he's really not my type. Not even a glamour could do anything for that.
[ Geralt snorts in amusement. ]
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Stregobor's proximity to their research is also detrimental. The last thing they need is external meddling. Yennefer closes the book she has in her possession.]
John is a mage like us. Visiting.
[Which is much more information than he deserves. The quip has her blinking and a bit of a laugh breaks her annoyance. She has noticed the crackle in the air of thunderclouds building. Tales of the Butcher of Blaviken aligning with the crusade of Stregobor's, it isn't difficult to draw the lines. Yennefer has not dipped deeply into Geralt's thoughts of that time, of that day. Facts speak more loudly and plainly.]
I am more than capable of seeing both John and Geralt around. Unless there is something worth while you have to say, leave us.
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John quirks a grin back in Yennefer's direction at her startled laugh and the big man's snort. Once he's gotten a good look at the git he heads back over to where he was sorting through things with the rest.
Before Stregobor can argue, Tissaia brings up the fact that they are due back to discuss matters of greater importance. This is hardly anything worth fussing over and she'll waste no more of her own time with it.
Yennefer can thank her later for the exit if she wishes. She'll likely return to assess this John herself. ]
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I cannot wait to leave this place.
[Though here they are. The options are so few. Yen shakes her head.]
...are we getting anywhere yet?
[It's too soon to tell. And with that interruption, who knows how long it will take.]
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[ More time spent searching, flipping through pages. Both men mumble their inability to find what they are looking for. Geralt speaks up then: ]
We may be here for some time.
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[Yennefer nods her head in the direction of the door. That may have been one of Tissaia's more charming moments. As to Stregobor, no one in this room with any mind likes him. The momentary lightness makes her forget that there is more at stake that merely getting John home. Somewhere in this is the key to what she's been looking for all this time.]
Three people looking is better than one.
[Better doesn't mean successful.]
Any other suggestions? This is the place of knowledge the only other thing is--[She quiets and considers the option. The Source. Tor Lara and the pool of eels. Casting any magic there would be very, very powerful. Also very dangerous.]
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[ Reminds him of Faust. Rotten bastard he was, even before he Rising Darkness afforded him power he didn't deserve. ]
If you know of a place better than this that might give us answers, don't hold back. I'm not looking to stay in your collective hairs any longer than you want me here.
[ Though Geralt still has questions. He rarely considers flights of fancy but this man is impossible. Some light shed upon things could be beneficial. Especially for Yennefer. ]
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It's dangerous. Guests are not permitted. Not usually. Don't make a fool of me.
[She looks to Geralt first, harsh words but her lips are in a smile before she offers her hand.]
If they are in conference we should go now while they believe we're occupied.
[Outside of the library Aretuza is still at the height of entertaining. Good. More people to pass through. With luck few would pay them attention.]
Come. Hurry.
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[ Geralt hums a nod and a quirk of a smile escapes him. He takes her hand and John can't help the tug of feeling in his chest at watching the display. Unlikely pair and all, they seemed.
Once they leave the room, making their way through the throngs of people still gathered. John lags behind only a step or two, almost through the thick of it and out the other side, but a man takes his arm suddenly, making him tense. ]
You. The stranger here. [ There's a connection there, even through the clothing. John's felt the kind of power before but never without skin to skin contact. ] Not so strange after all.
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