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In the stables, Geralt stares down one of the stable boys who points him the way to Roach's box. He stops so suddenly in front of it, that Jaskier runs right in his back. A gentle voice soothes the horse which doesn't really like to be in a box. She does appreciate the food though.
"It'll be alright, you need to rest as well," the voice says. That is when Roach recognizes her master and neighs friendlily.
"Good girl," he says quietly and strokes her nose while Jaskier leans against a pillar. The owner of the gentle voice steps forward with wide eyes.
"Geralt, you should be resting," Lorelay says accusingly.
"I did," he says, banning every emotion from his voice, taking the blanket and saddle to put them on Roach's back. Lorelay stares at him.
"You're leaving," she states matter-of-factly, her face blank for a moment. But something in her voice gets him to turn and face her. His eyes fall on the cloak and the nobs. His heart skips a slow beat. Yes, he really must leave now, or he can't watch this any longer. He drowns out his feelings as far as possible. They should not even exist in the first place.
"The job's done," he answers, regretting it instantly at the hurt expression crossing her face. It isn't even the truth, he didn't get paid so far, so the past days were no job but his free will. However, Lorelay doesn't need to know that; it would complicate things more.
"Did you expect me to stay and watch you getting back in that golden cage?" His words are sharp and cold, but they are on point as well. She doesn't avert her eyes, though.
"You heard the black rider; they want to stop the union between North and South. If...If I don't do my part, they win," she follows his example, trying to ban every emotion from her voice – she fails. Tears prick at her eyes, but she isn't willing to let them fall just yet. Her heart aches at his cold demeanour towards her but she understands why, well, she suspects it at least. She wishes it could all be different. She wishes she could just abandon her status and flee this caged life. Yet, there is and there won't be a future with Geralt of Rivia, not for her. As much as her heart longs for his touch, she doesn't only have Nilfgaard to defy, she, too, must honour her word, the promise of her hand to the prince. With a sigh, she blinks the tears away and looks up into his eyes. Gently, her hand touches his arm ever so slightly.
Geralt's expression is unreadable. He understands why she can't leave this all behind; he doesn't want her too. The life of a Witcher is nothing for a lady, there isn't anything he could give her – no stabile life, no home, no security, but danger, monsters and monthlong trips over the whole Continent. Even if she was willing to become a warrior, a huntress, he could never forgive himself if anything happened to her. No, as he told Jaskier before, her place is here. In her eyes he can read the unspoken apology from her heart to his.
"In another life," she promises,
"I'll go to the ends of the world with you." Finally, the tears that were sitting on her lashes fall, rolling down her cheeks as her soft voice whispers these words. Geralt closes his eyes for a moment, swallowing the lump in his throat. Before he knows it, he lifts one hand to wipe her tears away
"In another life," he agrees. He retracts his hand, covering hers on his arm. Then, he leans forward slightly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before stepping back. A cold feeling spreads within both their hearts, but it will cease – time heals all wounds they say.
Jaskier didn't hear every word, but he doesn't need to hear them to understand what is going on. They are saying goodbye! And here he is, wishing it would be different. What wonderful songs he could have written about them as a couple. Now it will have to be a tragic retelling of what happened in the forest between North and South.
The bard is about to speak up as Lorelay lifts her head, turning her attention towards an approaching figure. It is Prince Jalen with a bundle in hands.
"Lorelay," he calls out softly. The lady smiles half-heartedly at him as he casts Geralt a last look before she wanders to the prince's side. Jalen touches her hand curtly before he turns to the Witcher.
"I must thank you for protecting the Lady Lorelay well and escorting her here," he holds out a bag filled with a considerable amount of coin,
"Allow me to express my gratitude, Witcher." Geralt eyes the offering, unable to stop his gaze from wandering to Lorelay. He shakes his head,
"You're generous, Your Highness, but I don't need payment," he pauses for a moment, considering his words,
"I didn't do this for money." The prince frowns slightly, then nods.
"Then know you'll always be welcome here," he exclaims,
"Whatever you need, you shall receive it." Geralt bows his head, thanking him.
As Roach is saddled, Geralt and Jaskier are ready to leave. Lorelay and Jalen see them off, exchanging a few last words.
"You're a good man, prince," Geralt says,
"I'm sure you'll take good care of what is entrusted to you." Once again, his eyes wander over to her. He looks her over, attempting to memorize her image as he won't be coming back to see her again. However, Jaskier will surely paint her as a character in his songs. Jalen nods respectfully at the Witcher,
"We wish you good fortune on your way."
"All three of you," Lorelay adds with a small smile at Geralt, Jaskier and Roach. The White Wolf sees right through that small, her eyes reveal how she is hurting. It gives his heart a sting, but it is better this way. He will always remember the past time with her dearly. How she lit up his days, how she slept at his side, how she cared for Mikael and himself as they were wounded. Her word echoed through his mind; it will be alright. He certainly hopes it will be. With this in mind, he nods at the soon-to-be-married couple one last time before turning around, leading Roach over the courtyard and through the castle gates outside. He hears Jaskier babbling a goodbye before trailing after his friend. He doesn't look back. If he had, he would have seen Lady Lorelay wave at them, eyes sad but still a smile on her lips – like in a play that she did a hundred times over. Jalen places a hand on her shoulder, smiling at her lovingly. Indeed, in the end, it will be alright.
