The Red Eyed Raven

The Black Rose

Year 1180

"Negra! Negra! Negra where are you?! NEGRA!" I hear uncle Vesemir shout, making me shuffle in my spot as much as he tries to find me. Looking over from my hiding spot, which was on top of one of the towers, I see him looking over boxes and bushes to try and find me. As I try to take a closer look I feel two small hands grab my waist and pull me back. Causing me to gasp and shreak in surprise. Looking at the culprit was my best friend Geralt, with his doe brown eyes and his messy blonde hair. Geralt arrived a few years ago, and was shy at first, and was very clumsy. Uncle Vesemir suggested for me to be friends with him since we are close at age, him being 12 and me being 11, and since then we have been inseparable.

"What are you doing up here?" he asks loudly, which I shushed him placing my hand on his mouth. He looks at me with confusion, but I place my finger to my lips as I leaned over the wall to see Uncle Vesemir still looking around. I sigh in relief, but then gasp as I felt a wet and slimy substance on my hand. Pulling my hand back, I hastily wipe it on my pants.

"Why are we hiding? What did you do?" Geralt whispers

"What makes you think I did something? Maybe I like hiding from Vesemir, or I enjoy the view from the Tower." I whispered back, which he just glared at me with a look that I know all too well. Every time I got in trouble, Geralt or Uncle Vesemir would give me the look of 'I know you did something, so don't try to lie'.

"Fine, fine. I'm hiding from Uncle Vesemir because last night I overheard him talking about how I am ready to start the Trial of the Grasses." I confessed

"What?! but the Trial is not till next month, why would they want you to take it now?" Geralt stated, making me shush him again.

"I heard another person in the room, said that its because of my Blood and heritage. And because my training and intelligence is higher than all of you boys combined. Which doesn't make sense since everyone knows the weakness for a Manticore and the right potion to take on a Basilisk." I stated looking back at Geralt who just shook his head, stating that he had no idea what those were. I groan and sighed, pulling my knees up to my chest looking at the view of the forest. Wanting to run away.

"I'm scared, Geralt. What if I don't survive this? What if something goes wrong and I turn into Striga or something." I said with anxiety creeping into my stomach. I place my head in my hands, trying to hide away from the world. Until my body stiffened at the sound of a deep yet calm chuckle. Looking up, Uncle Vesemir stood above me, his arms folded smirking down at the both of us.

"Now what makes you think you'll turn into a Striga? You would have to be a newborn to turn to one." He states, kneeling down at our height. My dark brown eyes meeting his golden cat like ones.

"I'm the first girl to ever be on the trial in centuries, who knows what will happen." I said in a soft tone. Uncle Vesemir places a hand on my shoulder and gives me a soft smile.

"You're right. We have no idea what will happen, but we do know that you will make it. Not because you aren't ready, or that your little girl, or the direct descendant of the first witcher, but because you are my daughter. You will make this out alive, with me and Geralt right beside you to give you strength." I look over at Geralt who nods in agreement, looking back at Uncle Vesemir I jump into his chest and wrap my small arms around him. Holding him tight as tears fell from my eyes, as he pulled me closer to his chest. Then another pair of arms were wrapped around me, peaking through I saw Geralt hugging my back, tears running down his face. I smiled and sunk more into their embrace. This is my Family, my home.

~~

Year 1221

Left, Right, Back, Kick, Punch, Strike.