Arya

Avion

✿ The Witcher

A/N: It's been 11 months, Arya and Oliver had a baby.

Julian's pov

"Spruce bark," Cheriss used a blade to collect the bark. "It's good for treating infections and colds."

"You hunt, you trap, you bring people back from the brink of death." I stood behind her.

"You mean the ladies at court can't do all that? Or read a man's past and future by touching them?"

I chuckled. "They're more interested in dancing and embroidery. But I think your skills are far more useful." We walked and she collected some more bark off of other spice trees.

"Well, im glad you think so. For the longest time, I prayed my gift would be taken from me."

"Why?"

"When I was a little girl, I saw the men in my village drag a woman by her hair, strap her to a post and...plunge her into a freezing river until she drowned. She was a midwife. But when one of the babies she delivered was stillborn, the mother accused her of using witchcraft. Said she told the baby's soul for the devil."

"Women who stick out are apt to be killed. I suppose that's why you've carved out a quiet life for yourself."

"I've found it's best to avoid people altogether."

"Must be lonely."

"You get used to it." She smiled.

"You're a gifted seer, and there are places where your talents would be appreciated. Do you know of Avallon?"

"I heard of the place."

"Malaria has been looking for someone to help him. One physician simply isn't enough for the people."

"Me? At court?"

"The Queen accepts people like you. You wouldn't have to hide who you are or what you do."

"She married a man who kills people like me. I doubt the court ladies would welcome me into their embroidery group."

"You don't need them. You'd have me. At least visit the castle, and see if it's a place where you could be happy. I know I'd be happy if I could see your face every day." I took a step forward and she leaned in to kiss me.

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"This is where the royal family take their meals when it's not a special occasion. It's a bit ostentatious."

"It's not that. I'm just more interested in seeing your quarters. Your bedchamber. Perhaps we could finish what we started in the woods?"

"My lord," he bowed his head. "The king urgently requests your presence."

"Excuse me." I left Cheriss and walked with the guardsmen.

Arya's pov

"By the time we realized we were under attack, Trophets men had overwhelmed us. They took the barrier and East City in a matter of hours." Delaney spoke up.

"Go with my men," Julian ordered. "We'll need details of everything you saw and heard." Delaney left the room.

"So it's confirmed. Trophet means to take Avallon. East City is the main supplier of our weapons to our troops. Take it was a smart tactical move, but why would Prophet announce that he's coming for us?"

"Trophet isn't here to take Avallon or us. He's here to take me. And he's announcing it to intimidate us, "I stood from the throne.

"Maybe he hopes to demoralize the soldiers we have into deserting."