The Widow and The Witcher (Complete)

Chapter 8 (Edited)

Clearing his voice Tobias spoke up "Firstly, Yennefer we need to know why you came here in the first place before we can talk about the elephant in the room." Yennefer who had been smoothing her skirt as she waited turned to look at Tobias, sighing she said "Ciri is why I came here; I remembered the love in this house and the security. Wilfred and I spoke so much of you Julia on our trip back to Temeria that I knew this would be the best place to hide her. She is special, not only is she the sole survivor of the royal household of Cintra, but she also has elven blood. The kings of the continents are looking for her to use her as a pawn to control what is left of Cintra. I needed someplace that no one would look and where she would be cherished. I also remembered your healing abilities Julia and the help you gave me. I had hoped you could work with Ciri she's been through a lot, But it looks to me like things have changed here. I haven't seen Wilfred so he must still be travelling a lot, and I don't see any children about."

At this Julia looked up at Yennefer, eyes brimming with tears as she softly spoke "you didn't know? I never saw him again after he left with you. He was killed by the Scoia'tael on the way back. So yes, this house has changed and no there are no children." Renee moved towards her placing a hand on her back to comfort her. Geralt hearing her pain and how Yennefer was a part of that pain wanted so much to go to Julia and comfort her as well, but his feelings of guilt held him frozen in place.

Yennefer's face contorted at the softly spoken words of Julia; she had not known of the death of Wilfred. He had been a gentleman and the whole trip had talked about Julia and their plans. It saddened her to know that he had not made it home. Tobias spoke acting as the mediator "thank you Yennefer for sharing that with us, please know that her identity will be kept safe here. Julia, if we can settle the other issue tonight are you ok with Ciri staying here? Renee and I would be willing to help you care for her" Renee also adding in an excited voice "Yes I would be happy as well Julia"

Julia looked up and with red eyes focused on Geralt, he almost looked as dejected as the day they met sitting on his knees head down. Needing to hear what Ciri was to Geralt she asked him "Geralt, what relationship do you have with Ciri, why does she cling to you as a child does to a father?" Geralt looked up at Julia their eyes meeting until Yennefer answered for him. "Ciri is Geralt's child surprise, they are bound together by destiny." Looking at Yennefer Julia frowned and then back to Geralt "so she's your child" Geralt nodded not trusting his voice. "Then yes she can stay here. No matter what the outcome is of the rest of this discussion" looking at Tobias and Renee she smiled at them "I will hold you to your offer of help especially as the healing rooms are getting busy."

Tobias wanting to move the conversation along looked at Julia "Julia I believe after Yennefer's outburst this afternoon you wanted to address the servant issue." Taking a deep breath Julia stood and moved to kneel in front of Geralt, she took his hands in hers and forced a smile. "Geralt, Yennefer was right today, you are a Witcher, you are not meant to be a servant. You are healed and your strength is back. You are free to go." Kissing him on the forehead she stood all her resolve draining away as she saw the look of hurt in his eyes. Unable to keep herself together she hastily retreated out of the room tears streaming down her face, but she knew she needed to let him go if he was ever to have a free will choice.

The room was silent, Renee and Tobias sat looking at each other stunned with what Julia had done. They both knew how much she had grown to love Geralt even if she was only just beginning to show it. Tobias had seen the look on her face right from the day she had bought him back to the estate. His heart ached for his beloved mistress knowing how hard what she said would have been.

Geralt was lost he could not understand why she had told him to go. He had to go after her, had to make her see sense, standing Geralt moved to leave but Yennefer grabbed his arm. "where are you going Geralt, your free didn't you hear her you don't have to go chasing after her." Looking at Yennefer he saw confusion and pain cross her features, frustrated by her lack of understanding he pulling his arm free from Yennefer's grasp, turned and ran after Julia.

Julia couldn't face her empty bed, instead, she went to the healing room to look out at the stars. She sat facing the window tears running unchecked down her face. She had so many memories from this spot, many with Wilfred but they had been fading of late with new memories taking their place. She shivered putting her arms around herself. A blanket wrapped around her shoulders and Geralt came around into her field of vision. Kneeling at her feet Geralt look up at her, his amber yellow eyes filled with concern and care.

Geralt looked into Julia's eyes he could see that she had been crying. He reached up and brushed a tear from her cheek as he spoke in a hushed voice. "Julia, thank you for giving me my freedom. I love how much you care about people and I love that you fight for what you think is right." He smiled a tender smile at her "I want you to know I care about you, I even think I'm falling in love with you but if you don't want me around I'll leave." Julia's eyes widened at Geralt's confession.

Julia didn't want Geralt to leave but she also didn't want him to stay if he really loved another. The events of the last two days were conflicting in her mind. If she were to answer him truthfully, she needed answers "Geralt why did you leave my bed this morning? And why did I see you coming out from the garden with Yennefer looking like you had taken a tumble in the leaves?"

Geralt tried to think through the questions the first was easy, the second would mean owning up to the kiss. He got up off his knees and sat down next to Julia on the day bed, turning Julia to face him. Picking up her hand Geralt ran his thumb over the top of her knuckles caressing her skin. Honesty he needed, to be honest, that was the only way to show Julia that he was sincere in his declaration. "Ok......... this morning I woke early just as the sun was coming up. I was restless and I didn't want to wake you up, so I went for a walk in the garden. I honestly was planning on being back by your side when you awoke but fate had other plans. As I was wrestling in my mind over Yen and Ciri showing up I literally bumped into Yen. She didn't know it was me and using magic threw me across the garden. I landed in a hedge hence the leaves and twigs in my hair."

Julia waited as she sensed there was more. Shifting uncomfortably but knowing he had to speak the rest Geralt said "We sat on the bench in the middle of the garden and talked. A lot has happened in the kingdoms since I have been in captivity and here. This village seems to be isolated from the turmoil going on. While we were talking Yen did kiss me and I was tempted but I kept seeing your eyes in my mind, so I pulled back. I know Yen was confused I have never denied her before. She could tell something had changed, that I have changed. I'm sorry I wasn't there when you awoke."

Still feeling fragile and unsure of what she thought Julia knew there was one thing she could do. One thing that would answer her question. The one thing they had yet to do. Staring into Geralt's amber yellow eyes Julia put her hand on the side of his face. His eyes questioning as she smoothed his white hair back and leaned in to kiss him gently on the lips. She pulled back for just a moment as their eyes reconnected and she saw a light blazing in Geralt's eyes that told her what she needed to know.

Geralt with all his self-control leaned back in and gently kissed her back only to be met with a stronger passionate response from Julia. All the teasing from the last two days and the chemistry that had been building over the last few months were felt in that kiss. After a few more minutes the pulled apart hearts racing both gasping for air. Geralt knowing he was losing control so pulled back further looking into Julia's eyes. 

Julia was overwhelmed almost ashamed at how much passion she had just shown Geralt but decided to not worry any more, eyes sparkling she said "Well that just answered that question, Yes I want you to stay Geralt. Not as my servant but to see where this new journey might lead." Smiling Geralt laid back on the day bed and pulled Julia into his arms both breathing deeply to slow the moment. The two gazed at the stars both content and at peace.

Julia awoke still feeling the strong arms around her. They had fallen asleep looking at the stars enjoying each other's warmth. Looking up she saw the last of the stars beginning to fade as the sun peaked over the garden. Geralt was on his back and she was snuggled into his chest. Julia didn't want to move, she was enjoying the feel of his arms around her, but her clients would start arriving in the next few hours and she needed to shower and dress for the day. "Geralt" she whispered "mmmmm" came back his groggy reply. "We have to get up. It's morning and I have clients arriving in a few hours." Geralt's response was to pull her closer and kiss her gently on the lips. Giggling Julia pushed away and poked him in the chest "That's not helping Geralt" a light rumbling laughter floated up from his chest "Can't fault a Witcher for trying"

They both sat up grinning at each other. It was the start of a new day.