The Widow and The Witcher (Complete)

Chapter 8 (Edited)

Chapter 8

Julia and Renee were cleaning up after a particularly difficult client when Yennefer stormed into the room. Her eyes glowing violet she started yelling as soon as the door closed. "You have no right to hold Geralt prisoner as a slave, Witcher's are their own masters and no one has the right to own them. You must set him free" Julia could not only see the anger, but she sensed the energy radiating off Yennefer. Taking a breath to calm her own anger at the accusation she spoke in an even-toned voice. " I might own Geralt on paper, but I have never treated him as a servant. If he requests his freedom it will be granted. I don't wish to hold him here any longer than he wishes to stay" this defused some of Yennefer's anger, but both women still stared at each other not knowing what else to say.

Tobias had been instructing Harlan in the garden near the healing rooms when he heard the yelling. He knew that Renee was working with Julia today, and afraid for both Renee and Julia's safety started running to the room. As he headed into the corridor, he saw Geralt running from the direction of the stables both men met as Geralt pulled at the door and they entered both worried about what they would find. Taking in the scene Tobias noted Yennefer standing purple eyes glowing and her stance was one ready to act. Renee was standing behind Julia a hand on her back showing her support. She looked at Tobias as they communicated silently with each other. Geralt moved to Yennefer and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Yen please" Yennefer shrugged him off standing even more rigid seeing Julia look at Geralt. Not knowing what to do Tobias cleared his throat and spoke: "Ok everyone please take a breath."

Angry Violet eyes flared at him. "Can I suggest that you all go about your tasks for this evening and tonight we can meet in the library and talk it through" Tobias could see a look of gratitude from Julia. Yennefer left going to find Ciri, Geralt turned a stony glare at Tobias wanting to stay and talk to Julia but seeing her not acknowledge him but rather turn back to what she was doing he relented and silently moved away terrified that he had just lost all chances with Julia.

Julia was filled with anxiety as she paced the Library, Renee and Tobias sat near her, she was grateful for them as she would have been in a worse state if they weren't there. It had been an awkward dinner, even Ciri was subdued picking up on the tension. Now they waited for Yennefer and Geralt to put Ciri to bed and return to the library. Continuing her pacing Julia could not hold it in anymore "I'm so confused, just yesterday he was asking to court me, holding me and even last night pleaded to sleep close to me. And then this morning I see him coming out from the gardens with Yennefer leaves and twigs in his hair. What would you conclude from that? And today Yennefer comes raging into the clinic demanding his freedom. Is that all he see's, that I own him, is that why he's been so caring and affectionate to make the most of his situation?"

Renee felt awful, she had been a part of encouraging Julia to open her heart to Geralt. Putting her head on Tobias's shoulder she felt his stiffness and anger, she knew how protective of Julia he was. He put an arm around Renee while he spoke " Julia I don't know what's going on in that man's head, but we need to hear them out. Whatever happens, you know we're here for you." Julia sat her head in her hands she didn't know what to think, her heart ached and so did her head. There were no premonitions, no foresight to help her see what to do next. It was like the blinders had been put on again, the only thing she could think to do was remove the problem. She needed to give Geralt his freedom then if he stayed, they would need to work out their relationship and if he left, she would know that he was never hers to start off with.

Geralt and Yennefer walked towards the library, both not quite sure what they would encounter. Yennefer was such an unknown in Geralt's life he could not understand why she wanted to get him his freedom. He could only think that if Yen couldn't have him then no one should. They entered the Library. Julia was sitting on the single sofa head in her hands, Renee and Tobias sitting on the 3-seater, so he deferred the other seat to Yennefer. He sat on the rug in front of the fire. Looking at Julia he felt so much guilt seeing her pain-filled eyes that he lowered his head not wanting to see the hurt in her eyes again.