Reincarnation ➵ The Witcher

xvi.

THE large stone tower came into view. Edith had to crane her neck in order to see the whole building that was towering over the trio. The wooden doors acted as repellents, and Edith felt herself tense in unease. Coming from a town that didn't accept any type of sorcery, this was a strange change. She wondered if the wizard would be anything like the stories she'd read about, and hoped they were.

"Here we are," Marilka announced, and Edith edged herself closer to Geralt in fear of the unknown. He glanced briefly at her, and sighed knowingly.

"Hold Roach," he instructed the girl, eyes narrowing as the horse let out a stubborn whine, "be nice."

Edith narrowed her eyes, "That horse is the spawn of the Devil." The Devil being a certain white haired prick.

"Hey, Roach." Marilka cooed from behind them, both Edith and the Witcher approaching the large wooden door expectantly. Edith's eyes widened as Geralt approached for the handle of the door, the low resonating sound of humming greeting him immediately with the image warping strangely.

"This is some voodoo shit.."

"Be quiet, Edith."

"You be quiet, you white haired prick." Edith watched as Geralt gazed back towards the girl, forcing his eyes not to roll at Edith, before her jaw collapsed as the door engulfed his figure in one large step. Edith debated not following after him, but she did so anyway. Her gaze was momentarily shrouded in darkness before she stepped out slightly behind Geralt's figure.

Edith prevented herself from gasping in disbelief. The area looked like something out of a novel, an incessant glow settling over the place in a comfort. The picturesque view of greenery greeted her as if she was Mother Nature, and the calling of birds sung in a melody. Edith looked away from the nakedness of the females though, despite their almost inhumane beauty.

"What is this place.." Edith questioned her companion, mood in a complete awe.

"Nothing more than an illusion, girl."

Edith's gaze noticed the pink blooming tree infront of the illusion, and her eyes shone in the beauty of it. However, she knew it wasn't real and a pang of disappointment was felt in her heart. Of course nothing beautiful could live in this horrid world. Why would it?

"Greetings," A man came from the side of them, a staff held in his hands, his eyes pinpointed onto the Witcher with his robe following behind him, "I am Stregobor, Master Stregobor. Sorcerer."

"I have a kikimora for Master Irion."

Stregobor smiled, "Yes, well, forgive the confusion," Stregobor looked around, the area, knowledge hidden in his gaze, "Irion created this tower, but he's been dead 200 years." 200 years? Well, shit.

He continued, "So, in order to honor him, I've taken his name as my.. personal sobriquet."

"How kind of you." Edith replied sarcastically, and Stregobor's gaze switched to hers as recognition briefly flew through him.

"Edith Flayers.. how peculiar."

Geralt interrupted, "He create this illusion, too?"

"No, this is, uh.. this is.. my own creation." He gazed out, and Edith couldn't help but think he was crazy, "Helps pass time more delightfully."

"Pig." Edith whispered under her breath, and Geralt shot her a warning glare.

"Because you're in hiding, Stregobor." Geralt began.

"How very clever of you.. Witcher."

Something about this guy definitely gave Edith the heebie jeebies, and she could see why. Stregobor began walking, and the pair followed him with Edith hesitating a little. The sorcercer held more knowledge than she could probably count stars in the sky, and that put her on edge. Massively on edge.

"Not often do we see your likeness here in Blaviken."

Edith cut in, "I can see why."

Geralt frowned, "Not many of my likeness left."

"Hm.. I'd offer you my condolences but I seem to remember Witchers don't feel.. anything." Stregobor gazed heavily at Edith, and she raised her eyebrows in confusion.

"I'm grateful destiny brought you both to me."

Edith snorted, "Small chance destiny exists."

"Is that why you are here again, Flayers?" Edith had no clue what the hell this guy was talking about, but Geralt knew. And Geralt would keep the knowledge away from Edith's view for as long as possible.