Of Monsters and Men

​

Teliana shifted."He's a character. You know...I should probably go find him. I'm sure he just went and got lost somewhere." She tried to smile, but really, it had been too long. Either Vyle was getting into trouble...or she was. "It was nice meeting you, though." she said, getting to her feet and brushing off her clothes. "I hope you enjoy your stay here."

She held out her hand to shake Alanna's. "May the gods watch over you." She worried that Vyle had gone and done something he shouldn't. Honestly, he shouldn't have just left her behind to begin with. Men.

​

Tessa shrugged out of Veceslav's grasp, sullenly staring out across the water. He wasn't coming back. He had left her. Those two thoughts were all that circled her brain, accompanied only by one other. "I'm considered a monster for existing." Seth's words. Well, if he was a monster, then she was too, wasn't she? Just a weak monster, too naive to take care of herself.

It was funny, out of everything he had said, that was what she remembered. She knew there had been good things, and probably other bad things, but of everything, it was this one that ran in circles like a crazed dog. She could sense that Veceslav was still there, hovering. It made her angry, and anxious. Why had he been the one who stayed? Why couldn't it have been him that had run, and Seth that had stayed, pointing out the stars to her and showing her how to start a fire?

Because we're monsters. Monsters don't get to be happy. This was a new train of thought, and one that she didn't want to continue. The path that it followed led somewhere dark. Somewhere angry and hurt and bad. Suddenly, she couldn't take being followed, being cared for, being weak. This anger reared its head, but instead of turning on Seth, it turned on the witcher. "Leave me ALONE!" She curled her fist and whipped around, aiming to punch the witcher in the face. At least then he might leave her here.

 

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The girl shrugged out of his grasp, it wasn't that unexpected to be perfectly honest. She had been glad to see the man he had just chased out come. He stuck close but didn't say a word giving her an opportunity to say something, he noticed a little change in her and knew what was to come. And while he was fast enough to be able to block or evade it, he didn't the punch connected to his face and he just shrugged off the blow, that's when she prepared to hit him again. He would take it once, but no more than that, he had been at fault atleast in her eyes and that had warranted some sort of punishment. His hand quickly gripped the wrist of the hand that was once more coming to his face. He gripped tightly, but not tightly enough to hurt her. "I am willing to do that when you calm down. I know I just drove your friend away, though he ain't as friendly as he seems, say how long do you know him, huh? A week? Less?" Veceslav said calmly looking the girl straight into the eyes. He let go of her hand again and turned, walking back to the fire sitting down again. The girl could do what she wanted to do, he knew full well she still had his cloak, it didn't matter too much he'd get it back before she could get far and then she'd probably die from hypothermia.

​

The girl may have been catching on something was up. Adolin luckily was close enough to finish it all off once. Alanna gave the girl a hand and smiled. "The pleasure was all mine." she said. "And I'll enjoy my stay, I hope you do too." With this remark she grinned for behind the girl stood Adolin who simply hit her on the back of the head, knocking the girl out cold and caught her in his arms. "Subtle as ever." Alanna said mockingly. "When you're doing mocking my every action, do you think you could open up a portal so we can get away from here, we have undoubtebly been seen." Alanna didn't reply but merely got to work on the portal, opening up a portal to where they had met Bryce and went through, Alanna first, Adolin carrying Teliana following closely. The portal winking out of existance as quickly as it had come.​

 

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Teliana tilted her head to the side, confused by Alanna's grin, when a sudden pain to the back of her head stunned her. As her vision slowly blackened, she cursed her stupidity and her naivety before losing all conscious thought. I should have known coming back was a mistake.

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Bryce looked outside the window, and smiled a true smile. "I'll let you consider that offer, then." He told Zephyr, before stepping outside, and shutting the door behind him. "I see that you've had luck." And his own luck improved as a result. "I'll take that, before she decides to wake up." He took the limp mage girl from Adolin and none too gently, carried her inside, shoving the door aside with his shoulder. "Looks like you have company." He told Zephyr as he shoved Teliana in the cell next door, shackling her ankles before shutting the cell door, and walking back out towards the doppler and mage. "I'll have to summon my buyers, I doubt they'll be here before dawn." He produced a piece of paper, which he handed to Adolin. "My people will find you with your share of the payment, but should you have any issues, this is where you can find me. Of course, my people will also take instructions on what I need to do to fulfill my side of the bargain. You're welcome to wait for the witch hunters, of course, but your companion...might be better served elsewhere." Bryce shrugged. "I can only promise my own people's safety, not hers. These fellows are a snippy bunch...but I'm sure you understand."

Bryce shook Adolin's hand, nodded to Alanna, and then turned to make sure the door to the house was locked before heading down the street. He had a buyer to call, and this time, he had more then one present to give.

​

Tessa shivered as her eyes met the witcher's. Almost a week. She wanted to reply, but something about those eyes made her decide that it wasn't the wisest course to sass a witcher. She didn't have Bryce or Seth to protect her anymore. She didn't have her dagger, lost in the river. She didn't even have anywhere to run to, because Veceslav would surely catch her. She had no one. She had nothing. She walked to the very edge of the fire's light, and sank to the ground once more, bringing her knees to her chest and wrapping the cloak around herself, covering everything below the neck. She pressed her lower face against her kneecaps and stared into the flames, trying to lose herself in the colors. Just to get through this night, towards whatever her future might hold, should she survive.

 

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The girl had come back to the fire, good meant she was atleast somewhat sensible. She hadn't replied to his question then again it had been rethorical anyways. "I'm sorry for doing that which I did. Your friend, he attacked a girl in Novigrad, she ended up at the Kaer with one of my fellow witchers. This witcher and one of the younge scions left the Kaer running away with the intent of killing all Dopplers. I opposed it, this bloke was the drop that made the bucket spill. I oppose it as I already said, I will only hunt those who harm humans and prevent the spilling of blood of the innocent." Veceslav said staring into the fire, he hoped Veera was alright, she was the closest thing he had to a daughter, trained her, prepared her for the Trials. The worry was visible on his face. "It's funny how you seem unable to see, what is plain as day. Something that has always been there inside of you. A saving grace. It's up to you and the path you choose whether you are led to the block or live your life in peace and quiet. You have chose that life of pece and quiet. I am quite certain that my students are here in Oxenfurt. I advise you to stay away from the city until this is resolved. You do not deserve to be hurt." The older witcher looked up at the girl with an apologetic look in his eyes, she had been angry at him and had been protected for all her life, she was innocent in all this.

 

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Seth wouldn't do those things. He couldn't. Tears welled up in Tessa's eyes, but she kept her gaze firmly fixed on the crackling flames. Then why did he run? Didn't he know I would have believed him? Her vision blurred, then cleared as the droplets fell from her eyes, streaming silently down her cheeks, before dropping to the ground, one by one. He thought I would believe this man. Because the truth always comes out. It was something Bryce had said to her, before telling her that he had killed the witcher who had destroyed her parents.

According to the witcher, she now had a choice. Remain in safety, or go back. "I've been safe all my life. I'm tired of being safe. I'm going to find Seth, and if what you say is the truth, then I'm going to hear it from him. I'll be able to tell if he lies." She wiped her cheeks with one hand carelessly. "I won't give up until I find him and hear him say it. He owes me that." And then she was going to find Bryce, and she was going to tell him she was leaving. She had had enough of this city. Enough of this life. And if she died trying to find a new one, then that was it. But she was done being protected, and then left behind.

"I'm done." she whispered, shutting her eyes against the light of the fire.

The next few hours passed in darkness, as the stars in the sky slowly drifted over the land. Eventually, the sun began to rise above the horizon, shedding pinks, purples and yellows as it fought with the moon for control of the sky. It was this day that would decide the fate of many. Hardly any of them knew it; from the dopplers arming themselves in the undercity of Sanctuary, to the farmers already at work in the fields, to the priests that ran the morning bells. In the northern part of the city, five or so men traveled with their heads held high, no fear in their eyes. They were armed to the teeth, and dressed for the wilds. Many turned away in fear, others in reverence. Witch hunters. The words were on the lips of all they passed. The rivals of the witchers themselves, scourge of the darkness, and enemy of all things nonhuman. They had a specific destination in mind, a certain part of the lower city, where a man waited with what he claimed were prizes beyond their imagination. The man had never lied, and the witch hunters were eager to let the blood begin flowing from their prey.


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Veera's golden eyes shone in the sunlight as she watched the sun rise. She slowly stood from her kneeling position, her muscles stretching as the wind tugged at her hair. It had been a struggle to try to meditate. It wasn't the strange surroundings, or the cold. It had been her own thoughts that had disturbed her rest. She turned, waiting for Aaron to wake. While Raymond had been a gracious host, they needed to get into the city and search for their allies. If they failed that, they had to find some of their own in the townspeople. It was their city the dopplers were going to raize to the ground, after all. She was fairly certain that, given the right words, they would be persuaded to help her defend their homes and families. "Aaron." She murmured softly. "It's time."

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Ana grimaced as the sun hit her eyes, and shielded them with her hand before opening them. Her head ached, and judging by how weak she felt, her magic had been rendered useless. She looked down at the cold metal around her legs, yanking on them gently as her skull throbbed with the sound of the chains when they clinked. They were so cold it nearly burned her skin, and she shuddered as she recognized the feel of dimeritium. Teliana was not alone, she realized, as she sat up from the floor. Another man, presumably a mage, was also chained to the floor, in a cage next to hers.

As she crawled towards the bars, her hands flashed in and out of spots of light on the floor. How long was I unconscious? She wondered, grabbing the bars with her hands, and then yanking them back, hissing as it nearly seared her skin.

"Who are you?" she asked the mage, her voice weak. "Why are we here?"

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Tessa blinked, then tried to stand, and nearly fell over. She hadn't meant to fall asleep, but while sitting in front of the fire, she must have dozed off. Her eyes felt swollen, and she touched them with cold fingers before lowering her hands, and unclasping the cloak from around her shoulders, folding it and laying it next to the sitting witcher. She couldn't tell if he too, had fallen asleep sitting up, or if he was just ignoring her, but it didn't matter. She turned to look at the city of Oxenfurt, her home, from across the river. She needed to go back, and find Seth. She needed to say goodbye to Bryce. And then she needed to leave, for good.

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Bryce was leaning on the doorway outside. He had been ignoring his captives since dawn. As long as they weren't dead, they were useful. Honestly, even if they were dead, he was sure the witch hunters could find use of them. And speaking of the devil, he saw the familiar figures come down. The leader was someone he had been dealing with for years. They had an understanding, one that worked for both of them. Bryce stepped forward, bowing in an almost mocking fashion towards them. "Good morning, gentlemen. Have you reached a consensus on who you'll be taking?" He smiled, though he didn't show his teeth, nor his genuine feelings with the act. "If you're only taking one, then you must have brought the dimeritium collar I require for keeping a pet mage." He didn't see it among them, but they could very well have it hidden, to keep him guessing. Witch hunters were tricky like that.

"So, what'll it be? One, or two? I have business that requires tending to after this, and as you know, it's urgent."

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Zack yawned, covering his mouth before stretching his arms. He had fallen asleep some time after Bryce had taken the unconscious woman inside the house. The doppler must have returned some time while he had been sleeping, but the man and the woman were not in his immediate sight. Zack cursed his careless, and crouched, ignoring his aching muscles. Bryce was meeting people, who smelt of danger. Witch hunters. Zack had seen them plenty of times before, at the burnings, walking the streets, and tearing dopplers, even women and children, away from their homes, tying them to the wooden stakes. But why was Bryce dealing with them? A cold pit began to grow in Zack's stomach as he settled down to watch.

 

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Shing. Shing. Sharpening her knives with intent Willow waited. She counted her knives again, all present and correct. She recalled earlier when she'd returned to Sanctuary, just to find a whole group of her kin slaughtered like animals. Witchers. She should have taken the chance to murder them all a long time ago. The witcher who'd killed the others would die, slowly and painfully. No clean death for them, they didn't deserve such mercy. Slowly she looked down from her vantage point at the slow bustle of Sanctuary. Just like her, they were preparing.

As the sun rose above Oxenfurt there could be seen a dark tall figure standing still. He stared down at the ground. A day ago there had been a portal here, and Vyle had left her here. If he hadn't left... Vyle sunk to his knees and held his head in his hands "AAAAGGHHH!" He shrieked. If he had been here... if he hadn't been so selfish... NO! He had to find her. He suddenly went invisible. He could not, unfortunately, do this alone. He had to find that witcher.

At Raymond's farm a small cloaked figure shuffled along slowly. The forlorn figure approached the witcher known as Veera, and gazed up with bright blue eyes, contrasting against that pale skin. The child was once called Alisa. Now she was just another of Solomon's minions. She thrust out a letter to the witcher woman, the letter went as follows:

To Veera of Velen
The great Solomon will assist you in your battle against the evil dopplers
And worry not, he will bring an army.
Ta ta for now! ; )
-Solomon

P.S: If you do wish to speak to me more you can find me in the old orphanage on Guildenstern Street. Hope to see you soon! : )​

 

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Veceslav only listened to what the young girl was saying he could understand it. She had been in a cage for so long and while it provided safety it also impeded movement to see the world. "He'll try to convince you I'm lying, I'm used to that fact by now. I am a no good, emotionless killing machine after all. Just don't be careless or you'll end up dead very quickly." the old Crow replied watching her wipe away the tears. She had been abandoned by everyone she had left. "I know you'll be reluctant to take me up on this, but if you ever feel a situation is spiraling out of control and beyond your capability to deal with. There are several people you can contact to enlist my help if you so desire." He heard her mutter she was done, he figured it was about her old life and she fell asleep. He sat there for another half an hour watching over her before deciding to start meditating. He wondered if Veera had heard him and this lead to acurious train of thought about how she would have handled this situation.

The sands of time slipped away and the hours flew by. Above them in the nightsky the stars wheeled away and in the east the sun had started to rise. Tessa had gotten up already and as she put the cloak next to him he looked at her "Thank you for returning it" He said in a kind voice. He took the cloak and walked to the riverside putting it down there. He took off his armour and washed himself with water from the river, then proceeding with drying himself off and putting the armour back on. His scarred torso once more hidden. He put the cloak on and stood beside Tessa looking at the city of Oxenfurt. "There has been something I have been meaning to give you." He took a small flask with a magenta coloured liquid in it. "If you are ever hurt badly, drink this. It's a natural healing potion. I know you are sick of being safe, but this world is an extremely dangerous place. Monsters lurk around every corner some just more obvious than others it is better to be safe than sorry."


They had been travelling all night to Oxenfurt, whenever their contact had told them he had something for them it had been worth their while every single time and the leader of this small band, Milosh had done quite the business with the man. "Goodmorning." Milosh said grufly, he wasn't really one for niceties. "While you and I have had quite the business, you know I am not giving you a single copper until I have seen the wares you are offering. And you should really know by now that we take all we can find. As for your so called urgent business, that can obviously wait. I'm sure that all the coin you can make here is more important than this other urgent business." The Witchhunter hardly had any patience for this and wanted to see whom he would get to bring to justice this time. Those damn mages were running free, causing untold damage and this he could not allow, he would make all of them spill their secrets and then put them to the fire.

 

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"Darling, you shall make a beautiful princess. Now I'm afraid I must go, but I'll speak to you tomorrow morning, is that okay?"

Tiiiiiiime Skiiiiiip

Archon, after getting a good night's sleep, returned to Annabelle's chamber "Oh Anna dear? I have something very special planned for today" he entered the room, smiling with an imitation of kindness "Today I would like us to formally greet the people, and introduce you as my daughter, how does that sound? Of course, first we're going to have to find some proper clothes to replace those ugly rags..."

 

"I see. I'll look around that area. Thanks." Derrick stated, having finished his conversation with the bartender. The Witcher looked at Tatiana and nodded. "I've got what I was looking for. It sounds like Veera has been here and is hiding away in a house in the town. Looks like we'd best try and find it. You can rest there for sure." With that, Derrick led Tatiana out of the tavern. He untied the horse and led it behind him as he wandered the town. That hideout was around here somewhere right? Probably? Yeah. Somewhere over here.




Apparently Gordon was not content with just running off, but the lady he ran off to talk to started involving him in the whole business. He was about to make a comment about how she was doing a sterling job of getting in the way of normal life, when he realised that she was actually trying to be polite and helpful. If a little insistent to the point of being a bit overbearing. But, who was he to argue with someone in armour like that?
"I suppose... If it'll help find me daughter... But you bring me boy back in one piece lady. Even if- Even if ye can't find Matilda. Just make sure that Gordon at least is okay." Dave stated. He looked at his son. "You be careful out there lad. And whatever you do, come back safe. Bring your sister back if you can." The younger farmer nodded.
"I'll come back da'. Don't you worry." Gordon said firmly. He looked up at Ellyn. "So err... What do I do now?" He felt proud of himself. He was doing something to help the family. He would bring his sister back. Him and Ellyn. They'd be able to do it.




"So, Adolin, now that we've handed over a sorceress to a Doppler with hitherto unknown intentions, what are we going to do?" She put her hands on her hips and looked at him pointedly. Her partner shrugged and she rolled her eyes. "So we're waiting for this guy to pay us? That is what you're saying. That we're going to sit here looking pretty?"
"There's not much we can do. I'd go about looking for supplies to enact the wider plan, but as you've noticed it's nighttime. We're not going to find any resources at this time. Not legally anyway. I don't want to attract too much unwanted attention- Yet." He said. There was a time and place for attention, but that was not quite yet. However, a time would come when he would want every Witcher's eye to be on him.
"Waiting it is then." Alanna stated. And so they waited. ​

 

Will's pov:



The portal trip was somewhat uninteresting. The portal opened up in a place he was in a few hour or day before. Time had lost its meaning and he was unsure how long anything had been. The mage he had found had been not helpful at all. He hoped that that man would see the ice perfect model of the Council of mages building. It was perfect down to the last detail. Only some one that was alive a hundred and fifty years ago could get the details this perfect. As far as Will knew paintings of the Council of mages building if there was any did not go into this much detail. That said the mage was blind in more ways then one. The man could not see what was in fount of him. He guessed that the duty of fixing the mages would be up to him. There was a few mages that he could check on one was Annabelle. He did not think that this was such a good idea. Yana was dangerous and it was not something he really wanted to put himself though. The second option was Ana the mage that saved him when he was in the cave. That said, he had no idea where she might be. He believed that she said something about doing something just outside of Oxenfurt. That was hours or days ago maybe, he did not know. The best option might be to try and go to Oxenfurt or try and find her another way. He walked up to the large stone bowl filled with water. He knew what kind of magic Ana used that said he was not sure he could find her. He began looking for her.
~hours later. He was still looking for Ana. Use magic or something, he thought. Ana could be anywhere and he was not sure how or if he could find her, but kept on looking.

 

​

Zephyr remained silent as sun's rays started to reach his face. Having spent a night had calmed him down somewhat. He was still annoyed at the situation he was in, but he wasn't gung ho about beating someone ass. Granted that could change depending on how the day went. Taking into account that he had been kidnapped and stuffed into a cage, it was still entirely possible that he'd punch someone in the face before the day was out.

"Who are you?"

Not expecting there to be anyone else around him, Zephyr turned his head to the side and saw the other person. "Zephyr and I don't know why we're here." He wasn't told a whole lot as to why there were here and thus had nothing to share. Which sucks given that there was little way of knowing what this was was leading to.

One time skip to the next day later and Sweallow had successfully managed to bring Terra back to his residence and treat her stab wounds. With his skills in medical treatment (that totally wasn't BS'd) he's been able to treat her with ease. Now she rested n the guest cot.

Kruez continued to follow behind Tatiana and Derrick, not much else for him to do.

 

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Veera crumpled the note in her hand, staring straight ahead. "Slight change of plans." She murmured to Aaron, before turning back to him. "It turns out the mage friend and I need to have a chat. But I know for certain that Veceslav is near Oxenfurt, if not in it already. And I'm sure wherever he goes, Derrick won't be far behind. It would be better if you met with them first. They won't take kindly to my presence." She knew, there would be punishment. She had disobeyed her leader, and mentor. Veceslav wouldn't be so intent on that, that he would do it before they fought the dopplers for the control of the city, but she didn't want to antagonize him.

"Let's plan on meeting back here, with anyone we bring. We don't know how large that undercity is, that the dopplers have made their home." Veera sighed, then smiled. "Watch your back, Aaron, and keep a wary eye." She clasped the younger man on the shoulder before turning and heading down the road. Half of her wished she could take her horse, but she wanted to be as quiet, and unnoticeable as possible.

Time to go see Solomon.

An hour later....Veera was standing at the right building. It seemed to fit Solomon's tastes, anyway. She opened the door, and quietly stepped inside, shutting it behind her, and encasing herself in darkness, only the glow of her eyes giving away her presence. "Mage..." she whispered, hand resting on her iron sword's pommel. "We need to have a word."

​

Bryce smiled amicably, and then opened the door, bowing to the witch hunters before walking inside. "I've got two for you, this time. Fine specimens by all account, but I think they'll have interesting information for you. This one, for instance," Bryce gestured towards Zephyr, "was fighting a mage with powers the like of which I've never seen. He controlled skeletons. I'm sure this mage might be able to tell you more with a little persuasion. And this lovely bird," he turned to Teliana, "She was seen in the company of a man who wasn't a mage, but managed to disappear. And according to the associates who captured her, she acknowledged this friend was incredibly powerful. I couldn't begin to guess what he is, but I would assume you fine fellows would like to get your hands on it."

Bryce turned and handed the leader a folded piece of paper, with a number written on it. "My price, as always. I believe they are worth the upcharge." He had asked for quite a bit more, but then, he still had to pay Adolin and Alanna for their help, as well as use it to supply his army with supplies, and a little extra for his...project. "Do we have an agreement?"

​

Teliana was about to ask another question, when the door opened, and a stranger walked in, followed by people who's aura she knew only too well. "Zephyr, I think we're in a lot of trouble." She whispered, staring into the eyes of the witch hunters. These were cold men, hard men. She had known their ilk, and now it seemed, she was being sold to them. She wanted to cringe back, hide in the farthest corner of the cage, but she remained where she was, on her knees but not broken.

While they were talking, Ana pressed closer to the bars, ignoring the burn. "Zephyr, whatever happens, know that I'm with you." She whispered, her hands trembling. She had seen the effects of the witch hunter's "persuasion". They would be lucky to get out alive. No...She clenched her hands, pressing her lips together. No, we'll be lucky if we die quickly. She tried to call fire into her palm, and was rewarded only with pain as the dimeritium burned against her skin with enough pain to bring sweat to her forehead.

As the bargain was struck, and the men turned back, she took a deep breath, and steeled herself. She wouldn't be able to save herself, but the mage they had been talking about was Solomon. Vyle needed to talk to Zephyr, perhaps work with him. She had to make sure he got out. "I know the mage you speak of. The Skeleton Master. I can tell you all about him, but only if you let him go." She nodded her head at Zephyr. Please, gods, make it so.

​

Zack wasn't close enough to catch the entire conversation, but the words he did hear made him sick. Bryce was selling mages; selling them to witch hunters. Was he doing this out of desperation? No, these men were familiar with him. This had been going on for longer. Did anyone else know? Zack didn't think so, dopplers felt more akin to mages then any other race. They were both intelligent enough to choose whether they hurt people or not, but regardless of their choice they were hunted anyway. I need to help them. I need to do something. Zack realized. He turned, and slunk back into the alleyway, trying to remain hidden before taking off down the street, running as fast as his legs could carry them. He didn't know who he was looking for, just someone who could help. Someone who could stop this.

Every doppler babe knew what witch hunters did to their prey. Zack had seen victims, both the dead and the living, and all were in agreement that the dead had gotten away lucky. He sprinted back up the street, towards the busier part of town. Maybe there was a witcher. Maybe they would be able to help. As much as Zack didn't want to associate with them, it was the only person he had ever heard of defeating a witch hunter. And they were rival enough that the witcher might forget it was a doppler who brought the message. Zack could only hope.

​

Tessa blinked as she took the flask, holding it in her hands as the morning light shone on it. "You're being so kind. I've always been told we're the monsters, hiding from the witchers that hunt us. Monsters don't get happy endings, I suppose." She looked back up at the city. "I guess people never act how you expect them to." She wondered if Bryce was worrying about her yet. She wondered where Seth was. Wondering wasn't going to make this any easier.

"Thank you, master witcher. I think I'll be on my way." She murmured, before hugging the flask to her chest and walking towards the bridge. The guards would let her in, they knew her face, well, most of them did. It made sense, the bar being not too far from the bridge itself. She wondered who would run the building in her place. She wondered how Bryce would react. All this wondering helped the time pass as her feet trodded on cobblestones, not bothering to pay attention to her surroundings. Her feet knew the way home.

Another small time skip for continuity's sake.

She was headed towards Sanctuary, when something crashed into her, knocking her to the ground and stealing the breath from her lungs. "Z-Zack?" She asked, gasping as she sat up, arm wrapped around her chest. The doppler opposite her did the same, his eyes wide and frightened, his breath coming in gasps as sweat poured from his skin. "W-w-witch.." Tessa's heart dropped; had there been another attack?

"Witch hunters...Bryce..." He was trying to catch his breath, but Tessa's face suddenly went cold. Oh gods above. The witch hunters have Bryce. "Zack, go back to the river! There's a witcher there, his name is Veceslav." She looked down, then shoved the flask at Zack. "Show him this, and bring him back! I have to go save Bryce!"

She got up to her feet and took off, running faster then she ever had in her life, as adrenaline and fear pumped through her veins; leaving behind a horror struck Zack, who could only watch her depart.

 

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"Miss Veera, welcome to my Fortress of Solitude. But I'm never really alone. Can you hear their voices? No, of course not" Solomon clicked his fingers and candles around the room were lit by cloaked figures, illuminating the scene. Solomon himself was sat in a large armchair surrounded by bones. "Would you like anything to drink?" with one hand he lazily summoned a short hooded figure "Claire, get our lovely witcher friend something to drink" with that, the hooden figure shuffled away into the back rooms "Also, that sword will do you no good, you're in my territory now, the darkness would consume you before you could blink, so I'd appreciate it if you didn't act so hostile. Anyway, what would you like to chat about?"

Vyle leaped across the rooftops of Oxenfurt without making a sound, his alert eyes darting down every road and alleyway. The witcher had to have arrived in oxenfurt by now, surely. With one hand he shielded his eyes against the sunlight, while he was not hurt by the light it was still irritating. The Prince suddenly spotted his quarry and descended into a nearby alley. Out of sight, he reappeared and skirted around the corner to catch up with the witcher on foot. In the daytime he had to be less conspicuous, he had lived this long by not drawing too much attention to himself. "I would not normally confront you so but you're my only hope at this time" he muttered to the witcher, trying to act natural "My... friend... has been captured. I managed to catch a glimpse of a witcher and a woman taking her away. I suspect Witch Hunters. I know this is a lot to ask but... I have to ask... can you help me?"

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"Of course you can pick your own clothes! I wouldn't have it any other way!" Archon stated "If you would come with me, I'd like to take you to my tailor, who has some dresses prepared for you" Briskly he strode away, towing Annabelle behind
"Ah, is this the young Princess?" the tailor asked as they approached "Come, take a look at this selection" the man revealed a large selection of dresses, embroidered with elegant patterns and colours "See anything you like?"
"My king, may I speak to you for a moment" Bramwell suddenly appeared and whispered to Archon
"I'll be back in a moment Anna" he told Annabelle, before disappearing into another hallway to talk to the mage "What is it?"
"We've had... reports from Oxenfurt. Sylvi is there and has been watching some strange happenings" Bramwell looked around nervously as he said this
"I heard" Archon reflected on the reports from his spy Sylvi. Kidnappings, witch hunters, vampires, that event at the orphanage. Most of it connected to the dopplers in some way "Go to Oxenfurt, scout around the area, find out what's going on. if you feel action must be taken do not hesitate to take it. If the dopplers are causing trouble... make sure they're dealt with inconspicuously. But whatever you do, do not take direct action against the Witch Hunters or the Witchers unless you're absolutely sure it cannot be traced back to you"
"of course, my king" Bowing as he left, Bramwell began to head for Oxenfurt. Now that that was dealt with Archon returned to his new "daughter".

Sylvi sat upon a gargoyle watching the land below. She had seen all. The fight in Sanctuary, the fight in the alleyway, the orphanage events, the kidnapping of the mages, the vampire... She was Archon's eyes, but she would never be seen. At the moment she was paying attention to the witcher who'd entered the orphanage. One of her only worries was that Archon would send another mage to help her. She didn't need help, others just got in the way, revealed her hiding space.

 

He was getting towards where he was informed that Veera was hiding out. He started to wonder something. There was news of Veera, but nothing of Olivia? And why would Veera be here, in Oxenfurt? He was positive that she had made her way to Novigrad. That to him seemed the most logical place for her to go. But no, it seemed that there was something entirely different going on. The Witcher felt inexorably pulled into what was going on. Legends often spoke of the great power that Destiny possessed and how it influenced everyone's lives. Nothing was more famous than the ballad of the White Wolf and his Child-Surprise. Whether it was fact or fiction, he was never sure. His musings on destiny were interrupted suddenly when he sensed a presence rushing towards him from an alleyway.
"Tatiana behind me!" Derrick ordered sharply, stepping swiftly in front of the girl and drawing his sword. He had drawn it halfway when he saw the figure from the road, and stopped. "You? Never mind, he means us no harm. At least, I think." The impeccable face now wore a look of concern. Luckily, the man was quick with his explanations and the Witcher lowered his hand from the hilt of his blade, allowing it to slide back into the sheath.
"Taken by a Witcher?" Derrick asked as possibilities rushed through his head. He couldn't think of anyone that it could have been. A Witcher and a woman. "Are you sure that the woman wasn't a Witcher as well? It doesn't sound like Olivia, nor does it sound like Aaron. But if the woman was a Witcher too..." It couldn't have been Veceslav, could it? If it was Veera then she could have roped Aaron into it. It definitely wasn't the Crow's style, of that he was certain.
"What did he look like? And the woman too?"




"****, Archon? Did Ah mention him? Musta got meself confused. Unless yer some sort o' Sorcerer, ye dinnae want ta have anythin' ta do with King Archon." The Dwarf spoke, correcting his earlier mistake. "Ye've a chance o' finding oot what's goin' on with yer sword there though. Head on o'er ta Novigrad. That's where ye'll find him." When the man had dragged in the Endrega, he directed him to the table and had him place the creature on there. He'd get Boenn to take a look at it later and carve it up. He was unsure whether to have it hanging on the wall or to try and make something out of the chitin with a bit of metal. ​

 

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Vyle was glad the man was willing to help "I do not know of these people you speak of, but the woman had normal eyes so I'm assuming she wasn't a witcher" Vyle shielded his eyes against the sunlight again "You don't mind if we stop inside somewhere, do you? It's just I can't stand the light out here. Oh how rude of me, I forgot to introduce myself, I don't interact much with people, you see. I am Pri... You may call me Vyle" Vyle was hesitant to reveal his full name and title to a witcher "And how may I refer to you?"

 

Ethan's pov:



Wilfred said Archon or did not mention him. Or he must have got himself confused. Unless you are some sort of Sorcerer, Wilfred. If only he knew the truth behind the statement. So both the Sorcerers school and King Archon were both in Novigrad. That was somewhat useful. He did not have to make much of a choice in the manner. In a way he could do both if he needed to. Really this was going to be easier then he thought it would be. Maybe he could stay for a while and find a job to do. Really he was not in any rush to go anywhere. "Who would I talk to get some work done on the farm?" If he could find a way to get some money that would be nothing but a good thing and if not there was no harm done.


Olivia's pov:



She was still in the Oxenfurt library. She had different clothing on (then what was pictured and Garrett was to lazy to look for a new picture) She had to blend in somehow. minutes seemed to be hours but time moved on hours pasted and there was still no sign of Derrick. She sometimes wondered who really was the one really effected by Axii. Derrick had forgot her. She could not say that she blamed him. Now she had the task of killing the man for forgetting her. She was not really sure what to do now. Had Derrick lied to her just to get her to leave? She let out a sigh and continued to walk around the Oxenfurt library. She did no have much left to do other then to head back how and kill Derrick. She felt alone. The strange Witcher that trained her was nowhere to be when she returned home and was not sure where they might be.

 

"I see..." He was positive that it couldn't have been Aaron. Even with Veera putting him up to something, he still wasn't that sort of person. The only person that he could think of was Veceslav, but that still seemed wrong somehow. Of course, they weren't the only Witchers in the world. That meant that it was someone not from around here. That meant different standards - Someone not beholden to Veceslav. Truly, they weren't. But they had respect for the old man, and so they'd listen to him. After all, he was their teacher. "Derrick of Kaedwen, but just call me Derrick. It's a pleasure to meet you Vyle." Derrick gave the man a smile. He had not expected to be exchanging pleasantries with a Higher Vampire, let alone helping one find his friend. Life was strange.
"We'll head inside. Lead the way. I assume you don't mind the young lady accompanying us? She's not a danger to you." He reassured.




"Ye want work here? Err, Ah dunno. Go find Dave if yer tha' desperate. An' Ah I suppose ye could try Boenn. He might have a thing or two for ya. Especially if the Endregas are gettin' oot o' hand. Ye seem handy with that blade o' yours." Wilfred shrugged. He wasn't really familiar with the ins and outs of the farming world. He just made the stuff when they asked him for it and they paid him. What he knew was his blacksmithing work and he didn't need an assistant. At least, not one with no idea what he was doing. He had a feeling that the kid had no idea how to actually smith anything so trying to get him on board was an entirely pointless exercise. So, he'd send him off to the farmers or Boenn. That would suit him best. ​

 

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"Pleasure to meet you too Derrick, and there aren't many people who are a danger to me" Vyle stated. He led the two into a nearby tavern and sat down at a booth "The man was unmistakably a witcher, or possibly a doppler in witcher form. He had dark hair and a beard, carried standard witcher swords. Had a cloak and a medallion, it was glowing if I recall" Vyle explained "The woman was young-looking and had red hair, but nothing else to distinguish her. My friend's name is Teliana, she is a fire mage. I need to find her, it's my fault she was taken. If I'd only been there" Vyle held his head in his hands and sighed "I don't know where to start, I can't seem to track them, please can you help?"