Of Monsters and Men

Chapter 8 - Dear Friend

Summery: Trying to help Ciri understand herself better have you made it to the Temple of Melitele where you meet someone you had not been expecting.
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Your life just can't seem to ever settle down now can it? Probably not, but then again you've never truly been one to just pack it up and find a nice little place in the hills away from everyone where you'd stay to live out the rest of your days. Though that would be nice at times, that's not you when it comes down to it.

However, and as always, you're traveling over the perilous land of the Continent with the goal in mind of bringing Ciri to this temple where hopefully someone within may find a way to better help her. She still doesn't understand her own gifts. And hell, neither do you nor Geralt.

Being a parental figure for the very first time is one fucking weird and stressful endeavor you're still not so certain is a good idea. Clearly too late for that, but alas, it is not all terrible as you had once thought. But the cost of Cirilla's safety so far has admittedly been a hectic one that's pushed you far more then you'd ever been expecting.

But like your mother who raised you through her wisdom and strength can you try and do the same with Ciri. You did have a pretty damn good childhood after all, your teenage years even better. Unfortunately Ciri can't exactly say the same, but you're determined to change that. She will find peace within herself, you'll make damn sure of that.

You've kept her alive this long after all.

Geralt found her in the woods, you both protected her from Nivellen's secrets, brought her safely to Kaer Morhen, protected and trained her there. And killed the chernobog when it's heart was set on murdering the poor princess, and now you and Geralt are leading her to the Temple of Melitele.

You can tell she is still conflicted inside about herself and everything else, but her power must be understood. And Triss can only do so much, Geralt doesn't know anything really, and you know fuckall about powerful magic. You may be able to sense it, smell it even, but you're no mage when it comes down to it. So this trek to the temple is a necessary part of raising Ciri and helping her to figure her shit out.

You just hope nothing weird happens. But when do you get so lucky? Not often enough is the correct answer.

Stepping over a grey rock sticking out of the grass can you see the bright blue sky above when you three make it out of the forest. You can still smell that fucking chernobog's blood on Geralt's sword despite it being cleaned and seated comfortably in his travel case. Not to mention the scent of Roach on your hands from where you pet her one last time.

You still feel bad about that. She was in the way and....next thing you knew she was on the ground with three deep claw marks in her side. It wasn't a pretty sight, and you'd rather block that from your memories forever.

"Y/N." Says Ciri, trying to gain your attention, "You have a little...a little blood." She points a finger towards her nose.

You immediately touch the skin underneath your nostrils, crusted blood is felt, "oh, I hadn't even realized. Thank you." She gives a mutual nod as you lick your finger to rub off the dry blood so you don't look like a mad woman of the woods.

The last thing you need are some random people to try and pick a fight with you out of brave fear or downright stupidity. People on this Continent do the oddest things when they feel threatened.

"I'm sorry." Begins Ciri as the three of you walk up a small hill, "About Roach. About all of this.."

"Don't be. I'm proud of you, Ciri." Replies Geralt, "What you did back there was courageous."

"I'm proud too my little lioness. Standing on a rock in the open as bait for a chernobog is no easy feat. Very admirable."

She gifts you a small smile from over her shoulder as she leads the way up the hill, "I had that feeling again when the chernobog came for me. The pull. But I...I don't think it wanted to hurt me."