The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (dev. CD Projekt Red)

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (dev. CD Projekt Red)

-----

"That's the spirit. We all have to make the occasional sacrifice for the greater good." Gealt responded with a sharp little grin.

He followed as Regis led the way, getting the boxes up the stairs and into the little room that Regis had been renting. It wasn't a bad little spot, truth be told, he'd certainly seen worse. It was cosy and clean and that's all anyone could ask for.

He set the boxes down next to Regis and made a low sound in his throat, a sound of agreement. "Well, if we're tagging along together then it isn't so bad, you'll be there to fix me up anyway."

-----

That was wholly true. People expected Geralt to be strong, his nature wasn't as easily hidden as Regis' and the man's current form gave off the impression of a certain wiry strength, but nothing significant.

Geralt had already caught the scent, but as Regis pointed it out he inhaled deeply, holding the wonderful scent in his lungs. He made a low sound in his throat, appreciative and thoughtful.

"Well, if that's true don't put her off too much, at least until after we've eaten. I can't remember the last time I had a really good meal and I'm keen to eat."

-----

Geralt considered Regis for along moment as the man spoke, as he lounged beneath the shade of the tree, taking a little time to enjoy the coolness after the heat of the sun. He looked so alive. It was still quite startling after Regis had been nothing more than a dark smear against stone.

"Lets hope we've just about exhausted that level of trouble. Normal levels of trouble and monsters would make a nice change."

His voice was gruff, a little rough around the edges as he responded to the playfulness though a part of him wouldn't be the least bit surprised if that wasn't the case. There was probably still some trouble lurking for them out there, but he could do without the 'end of the world' bit for a while.

"You think?" He asked, not always so certain himself, but he tried and he supposed that counted.

⸻

"Oh? Is that so?" asked Regis, teasing in response to his compliments. "If that's the case, then why have I only seemed to lure in an old maid? Surely, I could have done better... Not that this town seems to offer better..."

When Geralt continued, mentioning the dangerous life he led, Regis leant back against the shady tree's trunk. He felt rather lazy this afternoon. He set his satchel aside, placing it down in the grass beside him.

"I daresay we're a terrific combination, you and I, Geralt. I'm more than capable of taking care of you. Hopefully, this time around, the outcome of future situations will be better than our other past ones. Whether it's me being driven to the brink of madness, dead in the eyes of others and a mere pool upon the floor and a shadowed outline against a crumbling column, or as recently as a few years ago—having to end the life of the man who saved me—let us pray that things will be different. We've earned it, my friend. Don't you agree?" He paused for a moment, eyes softening as he glanced in Geralt's direction. "I'm looking forward to this chance. To see her, to know her, to see the easy familiarity and joy in your eyes when you talk to her. You are a good father."

-----

The praise made him feel weird. He wasn't used to people giving him such accolades and certainly not with such affection and sincerity. And he'd certainly never been called a hero before.

Initially he'd been so against having anything to do with Ciri, what was he supposed to do with a child? He had no desire to collect the debt and certainly no interest in training another Witcher, that life was dying out and it wasn't the life for a child. But as always, destiny and fate had had plans and he'd been swept along for the ride.

Of course he'd ended up fighting with everything he was for Ciri, to keep her safe and protected. He'd even fallen in love with the spirited, stubborn girl. And he couldn't be prouder of the woman that she now was.

He made a low sound in his throat, "You had your own part to play in the whole thing, Regis. Don't downplay it."

He shifted against the wall arching a brow at the words. "Sounds like a plan. But scaring her off? How would I do that, exactly?"

His very presence would probably accomplish that, to be fair.

-----

Geralt considered Regis for along moment as the man spoke, as he lounged beneath the shade of the tree, taking a little time to enjoy the coolness after the heat of the sun. He looked so alive. It was still quite startling after Regis had been nothing more than a dark smear against stone.

"Lets hope we've just about exhausted that level of trouble. Normal levels of trouble and monsters would make a nice change."

His voice was gruff, a little rough around the edges as he responded to the playfulness though a part of him wouldn't be the least bit surprised if that wasn't the case. There was probably still some trouble lurking for them out there, but he could do without the 'end of the world' bit for a while.

"You think?" He asked, not always so certain himself, but he tried and he supposed that counted.

-----

It wasn't long before Geralt became aware of eyes on him, his instincts kicking in and it only took him a moment to zero in on the culprit.

He didn't think he'd lay eyes on his friend again if he was being completely honest with himself. There had been no goodbye before, but there had been no promises made either. In fact, a part of him had even considered that if it hadn't been for that contract in Toussaint he never would have known that his friend was even alive. That struck a chord somewhere deep inside him, but he couldn't, wouldn't consider it too deeply.

He arched a brow when he caught Regis' gaze, the very corner of his mouth pulling up into a smile. "Fancy that," he mused, voice gruff, he knew that even over the crowd Regis would be able to hear him. "Small world after all."

He didn't yet move from his shady spot, leant against the wall with his arms crossed, he was pleased to see Regis, but he'd leave the door open for Regis to approach if he chose. For someone so incredibly loyal the man could be flighty sometimes.

⸻

Regis, while on his travels, often thought of his weary witcher and wondered how things were going for him. His ravens told him enough. He was safe. He was alright. If need be, Regis would have flown to him. He would always be there to help if it was required. The years passed, though, and time slipped away from him.

Humanity flew by. They moved so quickly, and Regis wondered if it was because time moved so slowly for him, the opposite of humanity's view of things. The world turned, the days progressed, and life was still as fleeting. Things were different for a vampire.

True, he never healed from the knowledge of that final day and the few before it. He had ended a friend's life. Not just a friend, but one so closely tied to him. He had saved him. He should have tried harder. The words rang through his mind on the loneliest of nights.

He had been in Nilfgaard since leaving Geralt. He hadn't strayed from the area. There were far too many humans to help. He had a shop set up, renting a space from a fellow herbalist and healer. He spotted a familiar face as he was out running errands, a scent catching his nose that he never thought he'd encounter again. His eyes scanned the crowd before landing on Geralt, idly wondering if he had spotted him yet.

These days, Regis looked far better. His resurrection, while it might not have been complete, was successful. His hair was darker, body more filled out and less thin and bony. He'd gained some weight, felt healthier, and looked less like death warmed over.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (dev. CD Projekt Red)