You brushed your horse at the town stables, preparing him for his stay while you looked for work. Due to the war, you had turned to taking odd jobs that no one else wanted. Of course, you made plenty of mistakes, but you kept trying until you finished your task and earned your pay.
While you were brushing your horse, you watched the townsfolk walking down the street, converging at merchant stalls, or stumbling from the tavern. One man in particular had caught your eye. He stood out like a chicken in a pig pen.
The man wore a fancy blue suit as he walked through the streets, kicking rocks and muck as he went. His brown hair bounced with every angry step he took. You were amused by his antics, but you were also incredibly aware of the looks he was receiving.
The townsfolk were poor, struggling to get by. Any slight annoyance could earn a dagger to the gut. That fellow could easily cross someone with his tromping and muttering. Aside from that, his clothing at least looked like he had coin. Even a single coin was worth killing for in these times. You felt you needed to warn the man before things got out of hand.
Stepping away from your horse, you slinked into the shadows.
***
Jaskier marched his way to the closest town he could find. "How dare he say he didn't want to see me around anymore..." He muttered through a clenched jaw. "Honestly, you follow a man around, make him famous and this is how he treats you!?"
Just as he was about to continue ranting to himself, a hand yanked him into an alley. "Hey-!"
"Shh! Idiot!" A cloaked figure hushed the man. "Do you want to get yourself killed?"
"Well, if you really want to know, at this point: I don't care!" Jaskier sassily replied.
You stepped into the light, revealing your face as you talked to the bard. "You really should be more careful. Everyone has been eyein' you since you got here."
Jaskier seemed puzzled by the thought, "Why would they care about me?"
You sighed, dragging him farther into the alley. "Because, you've been making a scene and you're dressed fancy. Either one could get you killed."
"Who are you?" Jaskier asked, ignoring your warning.
"(Y/n)."
"Well, (Y/n). Why do you care?"
"I-... I don't know, I was only tryin to help." You explained. Jaskier rolled his eyes.
"Listen, I don't need any help. I have my good frien-" He started to explain, but stopped mid-sentence. His face fell, contorting into a mixture of many emotions that could mostly be summed up as sadness.
"What is it?" You asked, curious about what had happened. Of course, you were also interested in seeing if the man had a potential job for you.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I used to travel with this Witcher, but he's decided he wants to go off alone. So here I am. I suppose I'll go to the tavern and try to make my living there. Again."
"Pity." You mused. "You're a bard? What's your name?"
"Jaskier."
"Are you any good?"
"Some would say so." He stated, yet he didn't seem too confident.
You thought for a moment. You weren't sure what it was about Jaskier that made you feel so sorry for him. Perhaps it was the way he wandered around like a lost puppy or the way he looked incredibly helpless, a lost soul with not much talent or use in the world. Being the generous person you were, you came up with a potential job for the bard.
"How good are you at talking with people? You know, negotiating, sealing deals. That type of thing." You asked.
Jaskier replied quickly. "Oh well, I apparently annoy people incredibly quick and piss them off even faster with my incredible charm. So I don't think I'm quite good."
"Well, there's always time to learn and hone your skills." You sighed, wondering just what exactly you were getting yourself into. "I go on adventures, maybe you could come with me. I take odd jobs for people, but I'm horrible at talking to them. You do the talking, I'll do the job, and we'll call it a deal."
Jaskier's face lit up instantly. "Really? You actually want to bring me along? Very well, I should have you know, I'm quite excellent at writing songs that will tell your story in the most fantastic way. We'll be rich and famous in no time!"
You could feel the sweat forming on the back of your neck as you realized just how... wild... this man was.
"Very well, let's get going. I've been asked to deliver a letter to a different town."
"That's horribly boring.. How do you feel about killing monsters?"
—————-
(A/N)
Why are my oneshots like gross friendships XD I really liked the sorceress one that I did, I'll try to make another like it soon. But, a little Jaskier for y'all! If you want a part two, let me know! Don't forget to make requests ^-^
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