Shifting Shadows

The Seer of the Nameless

*He looked over at me and stuck out his stubby hand in greeting,

"Baron, Bloody Baron if you will"...*

A moment of hesitation was soon ended, I grabbed his hand a shook it in greeting before promptly introducing myself. Conversation followed nicely between the two of us and soon enough our little corner was filled with drunken chatter and laughter over trivial matters, food and more drinks arrived at the table, must've cost a small fortune, a large turkey of some sorts surrounded by mountains of salads and roast potatoes. My stomach growled with excitement as I eyed the food delivered to the table. The Baron clasped his hands and with that exclaimed,

"Let's eat then shall we!"

Everyone began digging in, the food tasted so damn good, especially after weeks upon weeks of bland sludge. I could feel myself shaking from happiness. I can only suppose The Baron could also feel me shaking as another conversation arose and so the night continued, he asked about my past and how I ended up here, was a long story to tell but, even though he was as drunk as a fiddler, listened carefully asking questions and joking about my mishaps along the way. Talking with him seemed so easy, he didn't judge nor did he question any of my definitely questionable decisions.

The inn was soon illuminated with candlelight as the sun set out its last rays of sun across the fields and distant mountains, the room glowing and the blurred shadows of men and women alike dancing across the walls as the flame flickered its firey dance on the candlewick. As the night progressed the inn grew quieter and quieter as more townsfolk left for home. It wasn't long until The Baron stood up from his bench and rubbing his stout hands suggested that we should be going. A feeling of unease grew inside me, I had nowhere to stay for the night. And there was no way I was going to sleep in the forest again, especially after the incident at Kaer Morhen. Without giving away my unease I got up and nodded wishing them a safe journey back,

"Best of luck, make sure you get home safely. Twas a pleasure sharing this evening with you"

A forced smile on my face as to not seem too rude to my newly formed friends. A loud joyous belly laugh erupted from The Baron and his men. What were they laughing at? Did I miss the joke? I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly. Wiping the tears from his face, The Baron exclaimed,

"My child" each word interrupted by a giggle of genuine laughter "we're not letting you sleep outside like a dog" he offered me his hand as we walked outside "you're coming with us to Crows Perch, stay as long as you need"

I couldn't refrain from smiling at the kind offer.No words of thanks were needed, he knew how grateful I was. I was definitely going to take him up on staying as long as I needed. Hopping on our horses we slowly made our way across the dusty paths to Crows Perch. Soon enough I saw it, surrounded by a deep moat of murky water on the hill. A shakey bridge connecting the island to mainland, it creaked and swayed as the horses cautiously trotted over it and onto the path inside the forts village. The village path was muddy from last nights rain and the squelching of the parade of hooves could be heard along with the barking of dogs and hissing of cats. Cats never liked me too much I must admit. Large wooden doors creaked open as we rode up to them by a set of guards and we made our way through and near an armourer and blacksmith. Sliding off our horses we led them towards the stables and let them rest overnight, poor Ghost was worked hard after running from Triss in Novigrad, he deserved the rest. I patted his neck a few times and kissed his nose before running out to catch up to The Baron.

"Thank you for taking me in" awkwardly thanked him as I looked at my feet

"No worries kid" after a moment of thought he added "I don't think I caught your name"

"Y/N" I had totally forgotten to introduce myself, or perhaps I have and he was too drunk to remember, either way now he knows.

We walked up some steps into a building, he led me into a cozy lantern-lit room with a bed a table and few bookshelves stacked neatly with a wide selection of books and novels. A large bed stood in the corner of the room, for once a bed with an actual mattress rather than blocks of cold straw and whatnots. I sat on the bed and looked over at the small bedside table- a large platter of fruits, cheeses, and bread and beside that a nice large glass of water. All I need for the night in case I get the munchies at an ungodly time. The Baron stood leaning against the doorway, he smiled seeing my childlike joy at the bed and the food beside it, gently closing the door and before he left he told me,

"I shant disturb you further Y/N. There's a bath of hot water behind that screen and a set of fresh clothes in the dresser"

The door clicked shut, and with that I began undressing and slipping into the bath of hot sudsy water. I felt the weeks buildup of dirt and mud slipping off my body as I happily soaked in the water. Closing my eyes and enjoying the moment of silence, I felt totally at peace. By the time I got out the bath my hands were so pruned they looked like raisins. I grabbed the towels which were slug over the screen, dried myself off and picked out a fresh set of clothes out the drawer.

Slipping into the warm clean bed I placed my head in the mountain of pillows. I felt myself slipping into the world of sleep and dreams. It would be downhill from here I told myself as I drifted off...