The Widow and The Witcher (Complete)

Chapter 16 (Edited)

Chapter 16

That Evening they had put on dinner in shifts, the large crowd that was gathering at the house kept growing. A young man had arrived just before dinner. He had flounced into the dining hall announcing to one and all that Dandelion the best minstrel in all the Northern Kingdoms had arrived. Ciri had laughed at his self-introduction and run to hug him, Geralt had groaned looking to Julia with an apologetic look which caused her to chuckle in amusement.

She had been amazed at the young man, who had a flamboyant personality which was echoed in his choice of clothing. His outfit was so colourful Julia had known she would like him immediately. His rich purples and royal blues vibrantly light up the room only accentuated by his hat which also sported the vibrant colours. To top it all off was the amazing feather that stuck up out of his hat. Every time he bowed the feather would scrape the floor. On his back, he had the most beautifully made lute. Julia itched to hear it played but the food was ready, so they sat to eat.

The only person left to arrive according to Ciri was Yennefer who had yet to make an appearance. This caused Julia some concern as she hoped that she would appear. Not only for Ciri's sake but she needed her here too. Needed to know that she was ok, and was not holding anything against her. That evening the growing family lounged around the banquet hall. Final preparations would begin starting tomorrow but it was the only room in the house that would accommodate Geralt's exuberant brood. The Wolf brothers sitting playing cards in one corner of the room, Geralt and Tobias joining them. Further away Renee, Julia, and Ciri were huddled around Dandelion, who Geralt referred to as Jaskier listening to him sing and play songs on his lute.

Julia was enthralled and asked "Jaskier, so what are your favourite songs you have written so far?" Jaskier thought for a few minutes before saying with a twinkle in his eye "I'm most famous for singing about Ciri, I wrote a song called "the Lion Cub of Cintra" which even other bards are now singing. But my favourite song is the one I wrote for Geralt, I have sung it in every tavern we visited" Julia was intrigued and Ciri bouncing with glee and what looked like a mischievous gleam on her face as she insisted "Sing it Jaskier, I'm sure Julia will love it"

The Bard tuned up his lute and began to sing " When a humble bard, Graced a ride-along, With Geralt of Rivia, Along came this song, From when the White Wolf fought, A silver-tongued devil, His army of elves, At his hooves did they revel. They came after me, with masterful deceit, Brokedown my lute, And they kicked in my teeth, While the devil's horns, Minced our tender meat, And so cried the Witcher, He can't be bleat." A groan reverberated from the men playing cards as Geralt spoke loudly with an annoyed tone "Jaskier Stop!! I hate that song it's not even true." Laughing Jaskier loudly spoke back "But it lined your pockets for years Geralt so stop your griping, I want to finish it for your mahogany haired goddess."

Another groan could be heard from the group but Jaskier ignored it, and loving the blush that crept into Julia's face at his comment continued "Toss a coin to your Witcher, O' Valley of Plenty, O' Valley of Plenty, oh, Toss a coin to Your Witcher, O' Valley of Plenty. At the edge of the world, Fight the mighty horde, that bashes and breaks you, and brings you to mourn. He thrust every elf, far back on the shelf, High up on the mountain, from whence it came. He wiped out your pest, got kicked in his chest, He's a friend of humanity, so give him the rest, That's my epic tale, Our champion prevailed, Defeated the villain, Now pour him some ale. Toss a coin to your Witcher, O' Valley of Plenty, O' Valley of Plenty, oh, Toss a coin to your Witcher, And friend of humanity."

The Trio clapped as Ciri and Jaskier laughed, they both knew how much Geralt hated the song. The rest of the night was full of hilarity finishing with them all sitting together Geralt in his favourited position lounging back against the pillows with Julia nestled safely against his chest. His arms surrounding her waist but his time she was not sleepy, as she was enthralled, as the group shared stories long into the night about Geralt and his adventures from childhood to being on the road.