The Widow and The Witcher (Complete)

Chapter 3 (Edited)

"Well let's see if you can get him to give you more than a two-word answer, other than the short sentence yesterday all I've had is yes, no, Mmmmm and the occasional swear word if I've caused him pain." Even thou this was said in jest Julia was worried that if he would not speak, open up about the trauma of his past he would not heal.

Julia had showered and was looking at her grey-black dress it was looking a bit threadbare in places and really needed replacing. Thinking back to the nightmare she had regarding Wilfred she tried to make sense of what it meant. Her logical mind told her that she would need to forgive herself eventually for the last night she had with Wilfred. Her grey-black dress had been a reminder of what she had done by not accepting Wilfred's choice and rejecting him that last night before he left.

The last day something had begun to change, an stiring in her heart that she didnt quite understand. Maybe it was time to bring some colour back. She looked in her wardrobe, fingered the Royal teal dress she had worn that night and smiled remembering the fun and joy of the party. She then moved on to a brown tan dress the hung next to it, it had an light orange belt that bought a hint of real colour to the outfit. Smiling she thought, this should do. Dressing her stomach grumbled 'Mmmmm' I best stop dawdling and get some food, and I bet Geralt's stomach will also be protesting. At that, she walked at a fast pace down the corridor to the kitchen.

The kitchen was a place of pride in her house, especially now Nessie was making the room sing with her brilliance. Walking into the large room she was hit with the sweet aroma of spices, herbs, and fruits and meats curing. The large ovens covered one wall including a big open fire set into the wall with an arch that supported the arm of the Stew cauldron. Along the other wall shelves and shelves of ingredients sat in perfect little rows. Each label pointing forward none out of place sharing the secret that Nessie liked order in her Kitchen. In the middle of the room was a large preparation table which currently held bowels of dough ready to be fashioned into bread to feed the now larger crew of male servants in her house. Above the table hung drying bunches of herbs the colours of purple, yellow and greens bringing life amongst the cooking utensils that hung about them.

"Mistress" Hannah, Ruth and Nessie all stopped what they were doing looking up at her, mouths agape as Jolna alerted them to her presence. "Your dress" Hannah spoke before putting a hand to her mouth, tears springing to her eyes. Julia felt sorry for her servants, there reaction made her even more aware of how much they loved her. She tried to lighten the mood "ok, ok, that's enough yes I thought it was time the black dress retired. Now can we move past the dress to the more important question of what you are going to feed me this morning? "Julia tried hard not to laugh at the shock on her servant's faces, grabbed a tomato and bit into it. "Mmmmm fresh from the garden, now seriously, I need some bone broth for Geralt and a slice of bread. I would like something to add to this tomato." At that, the servants moved quickly about the kitchen to fulfil her request.

Spotting an unfamiliar face Julia walked over to the beautiful sandy-haired girl. Vaguely remembering Tobias mentioning that Renee had arrived to help at the estate yesterday, she guessed this must be her. With a big smile Julia spoke "I'm sorry, we have yet to be introduced but yesterday was rather chaotic, you must be Tobias's Renee." Blushing the Young woman held out her hand to greet Julia, but instead Julia pulled her into a big hug. "You are about to be part of my family Renee, we do not shake hands with family" Smiling Renee Squeezed Julia tighter. "Thank you, mistress Julia,".

Pulling back from the hug Julia held Renee's hands and said: "Now, I believe it is I that need to thank you. Tobias told me of all the work you did yesterday, you have a kind and industrious heart and I am grateful to you." Blushing again Renee was speechless as Julia released her hands, and turned around to start eating the plate of eggs and salmon that Nessie had put down on the preparation table for her. Renee was surprised at this woman, who if Tobias was to be believed was still deeply mourning the loss of her husband. This woman in front of her had a sparkle in her eye, and energy to her step that did not match the description she had been told. She was glad that she was no longer mourning, Renee knew she would grow to love this woman.