The Widow and The Witcher (Complete)

Chapter 25 (Edited)

Chapter 25 – Song "Find Me" by Sigma

Geralt's throat felt sore as he opened his eyes to the light. Realising he was wrapped up in Julia's arms he moved his head to look up at her. He met her eyes which were watching him, a soft smile on her face as she ran her hand through his hair "Morning" Geralt heard her soft voice and even though it was a single word he could hear the questions behind it. Not ready to talk just yet he smiled instead at her. His chest felt lighter today, the events that had occurred in the middle of the night had uncurled a band that had been constricting there for so long that this feeling was foreign, he was amazed at the lightness he now felt. Tucking his head back into the crook of her arm he said "Thank you Julia, thank you for creating a space where I could be safe"

Julia relaxed at his words. She could hear the effects of the night on his voice as it was deeper and more gravelly than normal. She had been worried at how he would be after, but she could hear a change in his voice. Now relaxed and just enjoying him in her arms she said, "Anytime you need it I'm here my love." She bent her head and kissed the top of his hair. "How do you feel today?" Julia questioned turning herself whist still holding him so she could look at him. Geralt smiled a genuine smile that reached deep into his eyes. "Peaceful, I know that I will never understand why my mother did what she did, I don't think even she knows, but I think I have come to a place of acceptance." He breathed deep and Julia saw peace etched in each relaxed muscle of his face. Smiling she reached her hand behind his head and pulled him close to kiss him on the lips. A slow kiss that deepened into a kiss that lasted well into the morning.      

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It was their last day at Kear Morhen, Vesemir was loading up a wagon with the possessions to take to the estate whilst Geralt and Julia were doing a walkthrough of the Castle. Checking to see if there was anything else that might help her as the now designated healer for the wolf pack. This was the first time she had really been shown the castle as most of their days had been spent out in the forest enjoying nature. Particularly the last week had been full of adventure as they explored the mountains, valleys and each other. They made their way down the stone corridors and through large and small rooms until they came to a door that felt strangely familiar to Julia. As they opened it she felt Geralt stiffen behind her, there was nothing in this room but empty shelves along the walls but there was a strong old smell of herbs that prompted a memory. The dream. She turned to see if Geralt was ok. His face had turned pale, more so than usual and his breathing was coming out in short pants as his eye darted around looking for an escape.

Geralt had been distracted when Julia had opened the door. As they stepped in the smell of the herbs triggered memories that he had locked away. Pain, excruciating pain, fear, being held down, trapped, screams, death rattles, and more Pain. His breathing became erratic and his vision blurred all he could see were the green bottles hanging from the walls, he felt frozen unable to move. Julia was standing before him talking to him, but he couldn't make out what she was saying, what was she doing here she had to get away it wasn't safe here. She took his hands and he stared down at them the contact helping him to focus. "Geralt, listen to my voice and breath with me, deep breaths, tell me what did we have for breakfast?" she said in a light voice, He tried to breath with her, to focus, and thought of breakfast. He could see them sitting in his room eating "Oats we had oats" he replied his voice sounding distant to his own ears.

Julia smiled at him her sweet voice cutting through the haze her eyes moist with unshed tears as she whispered, " That's right we had oats, and we are about to head home to see Ciri" Ciri he could see his daughter in his mind, her sweet smile, and hear her chattering. He could see the room now see that it was bare that the danger was no longer there. Julia kept hold of his hands, turned and lead him away from the room, away from the smells and away from his past.