The Widow and The Witcher (Complete)

Chapter 26

A/N Wow I have just reached 5,000 reads of the Widow and the Witcher.

A/N I wrote this story at the beginning of this year. I finished it in chapter 25 and had an epilogue. I used this story to work through the grief I had as at the time I was told I would need a hysterotomy. Thus ending a 10 year unsuccessful IVF obsession. I have been asked to write more to the story of Geralt and Julia and with a surprise surgery allowing me one last attempt, I will also give this beautiful couple a hope. This had not been edited or read to anyone of my beta friends so if you see anything that needs fixing or see any holes please let me know :)

Julia was walking amongst the orchard. The fruit-laden trees created a colourful array of red apples, orange and red peaches and green pears. Tomorrow was Geralt and her 5th anniversary, and she found herself needing some time alone. The first year had been a typical trial, as their expectations of each other were tested. The following year was peaceful and they had enjoyed the mundane routine of the estate with the added enjoyment of being grandparents to two rambunctious toddlers. Then the continent found Geralt and they had been travelling for the next few years.

She had not minded the travel, they had met many different people. Some had been very welcoming, grateful for the assistance just like Nial and Anna. Still, Julia had been exposed to the true cruelty of the continent, their disdain for Witchers and for anything that was not like them. Together, they had survived.

It had only been a week since their return to Wolnosci but Julia was struggling. She was grateful to be home, grateful to be able to relax knowing they were safe and loved. But after being away so long she was having a hard time adjusting. The reason she was here in the orchard was that she had snapped at Renee about a trivial change she had made in the healing room. Then when Geralt had come to intervein she had snapped at him too.

Breathing in the fresh air and sweet-smelling fruit Julia felt herself return to her calmer sense of being. Maybe she was just too used to being on the road and needed to give it time. Maybe this is what the boys had warned her about last night. Remembering Eskels words as they had sat around the fire pit. It was another 'new addition' that Tobias had set up in the garden, waterproof cushions surrounded the metal pit that was now ablaze. The children were all in bed and the adults were sitting around enjoying the lilting tunes flowing from Jaskiers magical fingers as he played and sang.

She had been reclining against Geralt, a position that always bought her comfort. His strong arms wrapped around her waist as Eskel spoke: "It is good that you are both back, we missed you." Geralt smiled into her hair at the comment kissing her gently in the crook of her neck. Eskel chuckled "life on the road hasn't dampened your relationship either I see" blushing Julia and Geralt had chuckled at the comment. Just as Jaskier song completed Eskel had stirred the coals of the fire setting the flames to soring again. Sitting back down he looked at his hands and murmured "Has Geralt warned you about the restlessness that you will experience once you stop moving, fighting?"

Geralt had tightened his grip on her as she responded "A little bit, but we have each other that's a constant." Lambert laughed sitting across from them causing Geralt to growl "Sorry Geralt, but you're both still going to experience it." The group fell silent at the declaration. Now as she felt the wind pick up around the trees it sent a chill down her back, and she wondered if that why she was feeling so disconnected.

Geralt was in the stables grooming the new blonde palomino colt when Julia road in on Beauty. He hoped that the ride had helped her settle her emotions, she had been moody since arriving home which was really out of character for her. He watched her dismount and lead Beauty to Jolnar. Laying his comb down he walked over to her as she was hanging up her riding coat, and wrapped his arms around her "Did you have a good ride?" he felt her relax against him. Turning around she snuggled into his chest and murmured, "Yes, I feel a bit better. Sorry I snapped. I don't know whats going on but maybe the boys are right." Looking down into her eyes he could see a shimmer there. A sadness that she was not yet ready to discuss.