Hello, Gwynbleidd...

Chapter Eighteen: Pretty when she smiles...

Jordan and Geralt had just ended up sparring...

Both left sleeping on the floor, a few feet from each other, both snoring, Jordan half covered by a blanket...

She awoke to a little girl poking her in the face. Jordan jolted and sat up, "Mom...!" she gasped, panting as she had left a fond memory of home behind upon returning to consciousness.

Jordan looked to the little girl, wide eyed and blinking. The girl wore a pink tunic and brown trousers, her brown hair in a braid, "Are you Gretka?" she asked, trying to restore a calmer pace of breath.

The girl nodded, "Yeah...I was told by the stable master- who was told by the Baron, to tell you that there's a horse waiting for you outside when you're ready to go," she smiled innocently and Jordan nodded back, touseling Gretka's hair.

"Thank you. I'll just leave a note and breakfast for the silly boy over there and then be on my way," Jordan said, standing up, "You wanna help me cook?" she asked and Gretka gladly accepted...

***

Geralt awoke to the smell of smokey bacon, cheese and eggs. He sat up and found that Jordan was gone. He got up and headed for the kitchen, hearing singing, childish laughing and a rasping repetition of the two syllables, "U-ma..."

He stopped and stood in the kitchen doorway, watching an entertaining sight. Jordan still wore her sleeveless sleep tunic and shorts with no shoes. She danced idly while singing a soft tune as she cooked breakfast.

Gretka was doing a silly waltz with the little Uma and they were both giggling and laughing away...

All of them jumped however when Geralt spoke up, "Never heard that song," he said and Jordan smiled while Gretka pouted...Uma just picked his nose.

Jordan dished out some food for him, bringing him his plate, "You wouldn't have. It's from my home," she said, "I was hoping to leave a note and slip away, but I suppose we should've been more quiet for that," Jordan sighed, crossing her arms.

Gretka pursed her lip, "But then we wouldn't've had any fun before you left," she said with a kind of sad puppy dog eyes.

Jordan just sighed and knelt down in front of the girl, "I tell you what, lovey. When I get back, I'll bring you a present," she promised, kissing her forehead before standing once more and looking to Geralt, "And you, behave yourself and try not to get yourself killed in the short time I'll be away," she suggested, "Yen would be distraught. And you know I'd comfort her, but I don't really think I'm her type," Jordan smirked before going to get dressed...

***

Jordan left not an hour later. Geralt stood by with Gretka, watching her ride off...

Gretka just stared up at Geralt, "Are you two brother and sister?" she asked.

Geralt looked down at her, "Nope. Not related in anyway," he replied.

Gretka grew a cheeky little grin, "I knew it," she giggled, "Ciri told me all about Jordan! Said she's a powerful lady," she said, "Why she picked me right up on her shoulders this morning, she did! Like I was light as a feather!" Gretka said with such excitement, "She even balanced a bowl of blueberries on her head so's I could eat 'em while she cooked your special breakfast," she giggled again at the thought and Geralt smiled.

"She is a very strong person," he said, walking back into the keep with her, "What's​ with the sudden excitement?" Geralt inquired and Gretka grinned like the cat that swallowed the canary.

"Because she's also very pretty, don't you think? Her hair looks like snow. And- and her nails look like dark metal! She's especially pretty when she smiles, too, isn't she?" Gretka asked and Geralt raised a brow at this.

"She is..." he paused, quite confused, "She's also not staying around long, Gretka. She has a family. So, if you're trying to-" the little girl cut him off.

"If you asked her to stay, I bet she would. Or you could go with her!" Gretka said with determination, "When you see her, you should tell her that she's pretty and give her flowers!" her thought was almost an order.

"No," was his simple reply.

"Why not?!"

"Because I don't like her...like that," Geralt said awkwardly, but it was the truth.

"But she's​ always smiling at you!"

"Doesn't mean anything."

"Does too!"

"Does not."

"Does TOO!"