Shifting Shadows

The Free City

*I guess the good news was they they had given up their search, I could rest easy that they were in fact not on my tail anymore...*

The journey to Novigrad passed quickly, soon enough the clattering of our horses hooves could be heard on the cobblestone bridge leading up to Glory Gate. The walls of the city spanned high, towering over us, the red and brown bricks reflected the burning sun which had been warming our backs. A slight shiver ran down my spine as memories of my childhood began filling my head, a small smile spread arose on my face as i looked all around me. This place really hadn't changed over all these years. The water surrounding the city was clearer than ever shimmering in the dying sunlight. We slowed down the pace nearing the gates the bustling life of the city could now be heard, children running, carts bumbling along the roads, horses neighing and the chatter of crowds. Triss turning back motioned me to follow her into the city, with slight hesitation i prodded Ghost's sides with my heels. We set off into motion.

We made our way through the narrow streets into The Bits, in front of us a three story house with some small steps leading to the door. I assume this is where she lived. Not bad. Definitely much better than the hut me and father stayed at. Jumping off our saddles and reining in the horses I followed Triss  into the house. The stench of stale bread and old vegetables hit me in the face, something I definitely wasn't used to. I smiled at her as i closed the door shrouding us in darkness- soon enough Triss lit some of the oil lanterns relieving us from the dark and the contours if the room could be seen. The silence was soon enough broken,
"Cmon Y/N ill show you where you'll be staying" her smile warm and inviting, we raced up the stairs to the too floor a small hay laden bed with pillows and covers waited for me. I collapsed on it and sighed. This was much better than the saddle or cold ground- I wrapped myself in the covers smiling a hearty grin. I could see Triss smiling also, between giggles she managed to utter out-
"Let me get you something to eat and some warm milk with honey" her red head soon disappeared down the stairs and all that was left was the sound of her rummaging around cupboards and the clattering of silverware. I lay on my back staring at the ceiling. I should probably get changed.

I rolled out of the very comfortable bed and took off my very dirty and ripped trousers replacing them with some soft long shorts, my grey linen shirt was off too, a tightly wrapped bandage around my chest. A reminder of the crossbow bolt that had struck my shoulder. It must have healed by now? Right? Gently I unwrapped the tight bandages throwing them aside, bad timing. Just as i did that a loud terrified gasp resonated in the room. Turning around i saw Triss. Her hands over her mouth in shock. The sandwich and hot milk with honey now set aside she ran towards me placing her rather cld hands on the scabbed, but mostly healed, wound. Her voice filled with worry-
"What happened??"
My eyes widened, do i tell her the truth? Would she rat me out to the Witchers though? My mind was filled with questions. I stumbled on my words
"I- uhm, well I had a run in... with...uhm"
I didn't know what to say and in the end blurted out
"Some bandits, yes, bandits"
Nodding my head trying to also convince myself that that was what had happened. She whispered something under her breath and a warm tingling sensation filled my shoulder where the crossbow damage was.
"Nasty wound that, glad you patched it so well"
I could hear the distrust in her voice, did she see through my lies? Oh well. She didn't mention it again as i looked in the cracked mirror. It was gone. No gaping wound, just a light pink scar of where it had once been. My eyes widened. She was a sorceress. That was the only explanation right? Why else would she go to the Witcher's Keep AND be able to heal me with the touch of her hand.

I slid a white cotton shirt over my head and grabbed the food and warm milk. I was exhausted and all i needed now was a good night sleep without the worry that someone was after me. I finished off the mug of warm milk and lay down on the bed. Still heated from me laying in it earlier, my body buried in the thick covers and my head engulfed in the pillow. I felt the mattress dip slightly as Triss sat down in one corner. Her hand running through my (Y/H/C) hair gently humming a little tune. I closed my eyes and soon enough i was fast asleep drifting in the land of sleep.

The day had come quicker than I expected it to, but that didn't bother me. Quickly stretching i got changed into the clothes Triss had left me on the chair. But she was nowhere to be seen, perhaps she went out and didn't expect me to wake up quite so early. Skipping downstairs i grabbed a quill and some paper and scribbled down:
"Morning Triss, Im off to see dad Ill be back before supper don't worry about me"
How do I sign it off? I decided to go with:
"Love you, Y/N"
Perfect. Slipping my shoes on I darted outside looking for Ghost. My boy. Right where we left him yesterday. I rubbed his neck and gave his snout a kiss before hopping on and heading off towards home. A wide smile across my face. Finally home after so many weeks. The wind in my hair filling my lungs. The scenery became more and familiar, soon enough the small cluster of houses and barns that i grew up in came into view. I could not hide my excitement anymore. Jumping off Ghost i raced towards my home. However something was off. Terribly off...