To Thaw A Frozen Heart

~ chapter 6 ~

warning : mentions of abuse / rape / SH

I hurriedly gathered the small amount of belongings I owned, and ran downstairs to say goodbye to Stjepan. I promised him I'd return. He knew how much I always wanted to go adventuring, and when destiny presents you with an opportunity like this? You don't ignore it!

I rushed out the door to find my mare, Nox, expecting to have to race after the witcher to catch up with him - but when I burst out the door, there he was, leaning against Roach, brooding. He shook his head as I made my way over to him with a grin, clutching my belongings at my chest.

"Hello travel companion!" I said happily, as I loaded my luggage onto Nox's rear.

"No." Geralt grumbled. "Bad idea."

"Oh come onnn Geralt! All I have are bad ideas - you'll get used it" I winked. I swear I saw a flush creep across his cheeks. "Besides, why would destiny have brought us together if it didn't want me to go with you? THAT would be very silly, now, wouldn't it?"

Realising that arguing with her would be pointless, Geralt rolled his eyes and let out a huff and mounted his mare. Kicking off, he galloped past Antea and shouted a very subtle 'keep up or you'll be left behind', at which she grinned and sped up to ride along side the witcher.

They travelled for many weeks together, and the witcher could feel his hard demeanour soften slightly when he and Antea spoke. She was like a breath of fresh air. Geralt was sure he hadn't spoken this much in centuries. Her smile made him warm and her laugh was infectious. He cursed himself for getting soft.
Antea, on the other hand, was becoming more and more comfortable around the witcher, showing him her different powers and telling him her life's story, though not a pretty one.

Her mother died giving birth to Antea, which left her father devastated. He vowed to look after the child as best he could for as long as he should live, and honour his wife's life. However times in Oxenfurt were tough. The market was blossoming, and though one would think this good news for a merchant, it was not. Foreign traders brought goods from far lands which stole away the customers that Antea's father had sold to for many years. There was a group leaving to travel in a pod of merchants, and he decided to go along. Antea was only 19 at the time, only discovering her powers, and though she felt she would be lost without her father, she understood it was important for him to leave. She quickly got a job at her local tavern, and began practising her magic by herself in private. After a few years, the wages she received at the tavern were not enough to keep her living in her childhood home, so she had to sell it and move in with Stjepan - not that he minded, she was a lovely girl, in his opinion. That is where she remained ever since.
One night when she was locking up the tavern by herself, as Stjepan was out visiting his newly born niece, a man entered the establishment REEKING of alcohol. His friends followed shortly after.
Antea informed them that the tavern was unfortunately closed, and they would have to seek refuge elsewhere. The three men cackled, and slowly approached her. She slowly began to panic.
One of the men grabbed her arms, the other her legs, and the other began to unbuckle his trousers with a grin on his face. No matter how much she thrashed, the men had a solid grip on her, and she couldn't get away. Her pleas and shouts weren't heard as the man defiled her again, and again, and again. Each taking turns, Antea decided to give up. She went limp and accepted her fate. The scars she gave herself soon after still lingered on her thighs.

The pair stayed in many establishments over the weeks they travelled together, and grew closer each day, sometimes having to sleep in the same bed. Though, at first, they both would admit it was uncomfortable, over time, they grew to enjoy each other's company, often waking up in each other's arms - but they never spoke of it. Geralt found himself feeling protective over the young woman. He would do anything to keep her safe.