-----

-----

"Well, good for him. I hope he's enjoying his retirement."

Despite what people may think of him, Geralt understood exactly what Regis was saying. He had the same feelings regarding Roach - each Roach that he went through. Though it seemed callous to think of it like that, in his line of work Roach didn't always fare well, despite his efforts- Traveling for so long with an animal like that as your only companion? It forged a bond after all.

After the boxes were packed up he was taking a moment to lazy stretch his back when Regis' comment made him arch a brow.

"Now we both know that you're stronger than me. Genetically gifted an' all that." He replied, though he did as asked and moved over to scoop up the stack of boxes Regis had indicated.

-----

He rumbled a soft reply in the back of his throat, concedng the point. There had indeed been plenty of times that Regis had stitched him up. Sometimes because he couldn't reach the wounds himself, sometimes because he'd been too out of it and others, well, just because Regis had insisted so ardently Geralt had eventually given in.

He paused himself off of the wall as Regis stood, nodding his agreement to the question.

"Ananda? No mule this time?" He asked, rolling the stiffness from his shoulders before he turned back to Regis. "I'm sure Roach will appreciate the company, she never tells me but I think she gets bored of me on long journeys."

-----

"Well you keep coming back, so who's more ridiculous?" He asked dusting his hands idly as he moved across the little room to peer out of the window and into the street below. "Besides, if the attention of a certain lady are anything to go by, you still have a bit of something. Marlene is still sweet on you, she asks about you a lot, you know?"

He turned back toward Regis, resting back against the edge of the window for a moment before he moved, tugging off his gloves before beginning on the fastenings of his armour and sword straps. He didn't need to be suited and booted while he was inside like this.

"Still not sure I'm really built for laziness." He mused, reverently standing his swords against the edge of the desk.

There was the barest hint of a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth at just how doting and caring Regis was naturally. He said things so thoughtlessly, so easily and he always meant it. It was astounding, really. Surprising and refreshing. The world needed a little bit more of Regis.

-----

"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."

-----

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.

-----

"Ciri is... She's great, all grown up now and stubborn," Geralt replied with a nod, the pride in his tone clear for anyone to see. "She's everything she ever wanted to be and most of all she's free. You'll have to meet her again some time, properly this time, she'd be fascinated to speak with you."

He dropped back to rest against the wall in the spot he'd been occupying before, his arms coming across his chest once more as he eyed the man beside him. He looked better than the last time he'd seen him. Healthier, fuller in the body and shoulders, his skin wasn't as pale either and his hair had lost the salt and pepper colour that it had carried, now it was the smooth, unblemished dark it had been when they first met. It was good to see.

He smiled at the offer, not surprised that Regis' first instinct would be to help him, to stock him up and supply him for the road, to keep him hale and hardy on the Path.

"Well, you are very charming, I'm not entirely surprised that she has a bit of a thing for you. It's cute." He teased. "Where would be home for you next?"

⸻

"How is Cirilla doing? My... The years have certainly passed us by, haven't they? I'm sure she's had a great many adventures of her own by now. Quite a few stories to tell as well, and some she'd rather not share. How could she not be well-traveled? She is your daughter, after all."

His head tilted, kind eyes lingering on his friend. He patted his cheek fondly and glanced out at the town square, eyes finding the fountain and eyes those meandering past. With a sigh, he took a seat nearby, plopping himself down by the spot where Geralt had previously been. The embrace they had shared moments before left him feeling warm inside, more relaxed and comforted than he'd felt in ages. It was a welcome feeling.

"It's terrific seeing you. I'm overjoyed to see a friendly face. I have some herbs that I could give you—free of charge, of course. Potions as well, while we're at it. And yes, this is home, I suppose. I've traveled around. I rent a spot in a shop just down the road, and I help those in need. I've been contemplating moving on to another town, though. The innkeeper next door has her eyes on me, and while I'm flattered by her advances, her feelings aren't exactly returned. I've said as much to her, not that she seems to care."

His ears went red at the admission, and he chuckled as he scratched his cheek. "Blasted woman won't leave me be. It's become an irritation when I leave the shop. Gods forbid I stop at the inn for a warm meal as well. I never hear the end of it from her."

Quiet contentment.