One-of-a-kind [Geralt of Rivia x Reader]

Chapter I | Destiny Calls

I advanced carefully through the forest of pines, landing an ear to any sound that would indicate danger. The wind rustled through the thorny leaves, as the thrumming sound of my light footsteps filled the air. From time to time, I would hear squirrels or foxes roaming around in the distance. It was me, myself and I, in conclusion. My feet started to hurt really badly from the walking. I truly missed my trusty horse, Carnelian, back at Kaer Morhen. I used to take him on promenades whenever I could, any time Vesemir was absent and couldn't refrain me from doing so. We could trot or gallop for hours in valleys. We'd then come back to the fortress, where the old man waited for me resolutely. I'd frequently get sermoned or scolded; at this thought, a smile made its way at the corner of my lips. Despite having no memories of my past and being clueless of my origins, I still got to enjoy a few months of my life with Vesemir and the others. He always watched over me, to make sure I was fine, well fed and well treated. Now, I understand why he did everything. In fact, he was just making sure I was stable. That I was not on the verge of explosion, that I wouldn't cause an apocalypse. And to think I didn't even acknowledge the fear he expressed over me. It's like everything finally came in place in my mind, all the missing links or puzzle pieces. All the tests he made me do, all of the training he prohibited me to perform...

And to think I had absolutely no idea I was even useful.

I arrived to a water stream, which I presume is Gwenllech river. The calming flowing sound of the water through the rocks and numerous pebbles came to my ears. I kneeled to its border, cupping my hands together to collect a bit of fluid to drink. I brought my lips between my thumbs, and drank up. After a moment of nothingness, I stuck my tongue out in displease. I sensed an odd taste to the water. The liquid left an astringent iron aftertaste, with a touch of musky robust tang. Oh.

I wiped my mouth and my tongue aggressively in an histrionic manner before getting up and hurrying to the nearest and shortest isthmus across the river. I was required to get on the other side, since the village would be South. Besides, the water course had a fleshy bloody taste, which indicated corpses had been laying around somewhere down. I had to be careful. I'll follow the stream, against the tide, and locate the village. I hope there wasn't war or plague. There's no doubt that a lot of people were killed, considering the strong presence of residues in the water despite the long way it had come. I approached a dead tree laying by the river, and pressed my palms against its bark. I closed my eyes and imagined the growth of its trunk.

— Alda Olasta, I whispered in Elven language.

The tree began moving under my hands, its previously decomposed branches twirling and forming a solid path across the water passage. After reaching its extent, I let go of the tree as I fell onto the earth's floor, my bag rolling on my side and hitting the grass, in a small huff of effort. I cleaned my hands on the fabric of my pants, swiping off the dirt from my palms. I got up and cleaned my behind. I observed my work with a satisfied smile, a hand resting on my hip.

— This will do.

The bridge was strong and large, so I got across with ease. Once safe and sound on the other side, I looked into the horizon. From my location, I could see a bit of the civilization from afar. If my walking pace is steady, I could arrive there at dawn, just before complete nightfall. Let's hope I make it there in time and find somewhere to sleep, safely. Let's not forget some kind of danger might await me there. If I see any kind of threat, I'll just avoid the city and continue on to the next. For now, I should just keep moving.

***

After two and a half hours of walking along the Gwenllech river, I started to feel extremely exhausted. I gave in and figured I'd stop for a few minutes to gulp down an energy potion I had brought with me. I sat down on a pile of rocks and opened my saddlebag. I fished out a purple coloured elixir, and popped it open, removing the cork. I brought the tiny glass bottle to my lips, swallowing its liquid in a backward head swinging motion. My heart squeezed in an odd feeling... When I brought my eyes back down, I froze at the sight of a terrifying creature. Without a second thought, I sheathed out my sword and jumped on my feet, causing the bottle to fall onto the pebbled floor, shattering to pieces. The beast stood there for a moment before lunging at me in a high pitched screech, aiming at me with its two front legs that were as sharp as sabres. I dodged its attack, thanks to my rapidity that was still clashing with the beast's. It shook its horribly deformed bumpy head, exactly like an animal, and charged again straight at me. I avoided it once again, and it continued its launch, crashing its forehead in a loud crack against a big rock. The monster stood up defensively, its front legs forming a lethal cross in the air. It opened its atrocious jaw full of dangerous fangs and screeched, before running towards me for the third time. This time, I waited patiently for the right sequence, and jumped over him, using its enormous skull as an utility to propel me in the air. I held the other side of my weapon with both hands, brutally stabbing its neck from the back. It naturally shrieked in agonizing pain before stumbling back in attempt to get rid of its attacker. I took the opportunity to slide around its gigantic torso, driving my sword along in my descent, slashing open its stomach. I balanced on my legs, the monster's guts pouring at my feet. The smelly corpse laid before me, as I tried to figure out what type of creature this just was. It resembled a kikimora, but it was much more massive, without mentioning it had less legs. The cavernous eyes it had were oddly shaped, almost as if its nose was attached to his orbits. The head was bigger, longer and full of holes. Although, its body had the main characteristics of a kikimora, bony, spidery and enveloped in a thin and dry black skin. But its new format wasn't the thing bothering me most, it was its new abilities. How come I didn't feel its presence sooner, or heard it creep in my direction? Now that I'm thinking of it, my strength had been lowering. Since the whole vision thing hit me, I've been losing concentration and power. A worried feeling filled my stomach, thinking of how dangerous this adventure would be if I continue to lose my abilities. I absolutely need to be at my best and ready to intervene at any time. I shouldn't let my mind drift off too far, or else I might end up getting killed by a monster, in a situation similar to what just happened. I slid back my sword in its sheath.