The Girl in the Woods

Chapter 10

A/N: I'm sure you know who will be waiting in Rinde. It's not going to go down the same way as the source material but I think that scene with Geralt trying to have a serious conversation in the middle of a magically induced orgy hilarious and wanted to include it somehow. 

            The ride to Rinde was much more lively with Jaskier in tow, as Geralt was not much of a talker while he's concentrating on navigating. They took the main road, which Jaskier found strange, confusing Elizabeth. Apparently Geralt usually took back roads through deeper sections of forest in order to find extra work. Elizabeth felt guilty that she was taking away opportunities for him to get extra money on top of taking up so much of his time in order to help her.

"If you usually travel another way, you don't have to change on my account." The blonde protested to the white haired Witcher.

"Back roads are too dangerous." Geralt's deep voice responded curtly.

"But you would take them with Jaskier?" She questioned, she had an eyebrow raised but Geralt was unable to see her as she was still seated behind him.

"Jaskier is...different." He responded.

"Is it because I'm a girl?"

"Yes."

Elizabeth scoffed and rolled her eyes. "I'm not made of glass."

"The wolves seemed to think otherwise."

"Low blow man..." Fine he wins. She really didn't show she could defend herself.

"Despite the rumors that Witcher's don't have feelings, my friend Geralt here seems to be feeling quite protective." Jaskier explained.

"Wait, people don't think you have feelings?" Elizabeth was baffled, she'd seen his emotions firsthand over the short time they have been together.

"We do have feelings, we're just trained to suppress them." Geralt was obviously sick of the topic.

"I on the other hand," Jaskier brought attention back to himself with a flourish, "was trained to amplify them for entertainment."

"Jaskier, now that I think of it, I still haven't heard you play." Elizabeth realized.

"No, do not encourage him." Geralt pleaded.

"Too late!" Jaskier exclaimed and pulled his lute from his back to his lap. They were trotting at a slow enough pace that the horse did not need much guidance. "Have you heard my most famous song? It's called Toss a Coin!"

"Gods please help me." Geralt mumbled.

"There was once a humble bard, who graced a ride along, with Geralt of Rivia..."

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       For the last few hours Geralt had to listen to the bard serenade Beth. He was starting to regret inviting him along, especially after he sang her that ridiculous song he wrote about the elves capturing them when they first met in Posada. After the first time he performed it the melody spread like the plague around the entire Continent. He attempted to drown Jaskier out as he usually did but it was extremely difficult when Beth was so interested in talking to him.

          He could tell that Jaskier had an interest in Beth, Jaskier had an interest in practically everyone, but this time it put the Witcher in a bad mood. Geralt was relieved to see a farm pop up on the horizon, something to distract himself and the others for a bit and a place to stop and rest. It was beginning to get darker and he knew Beth preferred not to sleep in the woods. He was hoping her general likability could convince whoever lived there to allow them to stay. The group dismounted their horses and Jaskier took it upon himself to take the lead towards the door. A man opened it, he had long graying hair pulled back into a low ponytail, he seemed to be 50 or 60 years old by Geralt's estimates.