middaeg | ( closed ) tear me to pieces, skin to bone...

Entry tags:

the witcher: yennefer of vengerberg

( closed ) tear me to pieces, skin to bone...

Who: Yenn + others
When: July
Where: All Over
What: Overflow from intro and catch-all
Warnings: Spoilers for Season 1/swearing

[ starters in comments below for continued threads, please pm me or hit me up at

hoopskirts if you'd like to thread something this month. ]

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[ ooc: continued from here. ]

[ If she was truly dedicated to this position, if she saw potential in being able to ascend the proverbial ladder -- she'd have possibly done something about the cat. But, as her own creature of chaos, she couldn't help but watch with intrigue.

And it behaves accordingly. She's blessed with quick enough reflexes to catch the bottle before it crashes to the ground. Setting it on her workbench, her tone is even and very quiet. Maybe with the lightest hint of amused chiding. ]

I don't believe the owner of this establishment would be so keen on destruction of his property. [ Or cats, but that's one she doesn't care about. She'd just rather not get blamed for something she didn't do. Not in her first few weeks. ]

If you wish to remain inside, I'd recommend not calling that much attention to yourself.

[ ooc: continued from here. ]

Well, I lived seven years in between my arrivals. [ That should answer the question without her needing to elaborate. A lot could happen in seven years and her first arrival had been a much better time to be pulled from her world than the second. And she'd handled both arrivals equally poorly. This one she was just more injured than the last which meant she'd been forced to slow down. But, last time, she'd thrown herself into learning as much as she could about specifically teleportation magic. She'd listened to not try to learn too much at once, and instead had thrown everything behind a singular goal --

To be able to portal her way back home.

While she hadn't been able to consistently and successfully teleport herself long distances, she'd managed with small objects. ]

Perhaps if this gentleman would be kind enough to drop the enchantment, everyone could have a fair chance. I will do what I can to assist you, but I cannot speak for how long I'll be able to continue to do so for others.

Edited 2020-07-14 01:24 (UTC)

[ ooc: continued from here. ]

[ Well, she'd be returning home to rain fire upon her enemies in an attempt to stop the invasion. So... not incredibly far off in some senses. A smirk remains firmly in place, head canting to the side as her eyes narrow on the attendant. ]

While I may be a foreigner to these lands, I have walked my own lands long enough to know a charlatan when I see one. At least your magic is real. It's harmless enough, even if in incredibly poor taste. [ She turns back to the other woman, expression softening. ]

Hopefully, he continues to let the game perform without interference. At least he isn't peddling a cure for some rare disease.

[ ooc: continued from here. ]

[ She wasn't sure what she expected to hear, but the relief is visible. As if this was somehow easier to process than a stranger from her world being brought here alongside her. She'd feel somehow responsible, even if this was beyond her control. ]

No. [ Process of elimination. An experiment she's willing to undertake this time around as physical exertion is too much of a challenge. Her last arrival, she'd thrown herself into teleportation magic, trying to portal home. Very unsuccessfully. And without a bond for balance, the risk of going too far was very real. One she didn't particularly care about, but one she couldn't chance at the current moment. ]

I'd hoped to perhaps find some sort of connection, a thread that ties us all together. Seems it will not present itself so easily. [ Because she can't trust what is being said by those native to these lands. And because she can have manners at times-- ] I apologize for my abruptness earlier.

Edited 2020-07-14 01:42 (UTC)

[ ooc: continued from here. ]

[ The hmmm errs more on the side of quiet judgement, but she will not clarify. As she often is initially distrustful of everyone she meets until they can prove otherwise. She'd been betrayed one too many times and never made the mistake to trust so quickly, but this was a circumstance where she was willing to give it a chance. Considering the secret might be more detrimental for him than her if either got out. ]

Perhaps. Though, the wind has been known to carry a few too many secrets to unwanted ears that only needed to be passing by not through.

[ Which is why she'd worked to control what was revealed. ]

May I have your name? [ She'll give hers in return, of course. But if he'd rather keep this anonymous, she can respect that. ]

I suppose that's a true enough statement for this field and beyond.

[This field just allows for a little bit more manipulation, if the timing is right and if one is well and truly alone. They aren't though, and Alucard tenses just a hair. The wind has chosen now of all times to pick up, and he cannot imagine that it bodes well for how these plants work.]

I am Adrian Ţepeş, called Alucard among my people.

[There's no pressure or request for a name in turn. But there are new whispers on the breeze, Dracula, Dracula, king of the vampires, slain. Alucard stands straighter at those words. Not trusting the field for much longer.]

[ ooc: continued from here. ]

[ He does. That's what stings the most and why she can't let him believe he knows her that well. In their years together she'd shown vulnerabilities she'd have never allowed others to see. She'd expressed a weakness, a want for something beyond the physical comfort he could provide. And he'd told her that she mattered to him. It was as close to an expression of love as she'd gotten since Istredd, and her relationship with Geralt had been enough to threaten the other man when her path had crossed with his again later in life.

But they weaponized their love or whatever the fuck it was between them. Repeated infatuation, familiarity, a spell... In the end, it didn't matter. It couldn't. He takes the bait and it's both infuriating and satisfying. Even after everything they'd already been through, she could get under his skin. Hurt him before he could hurt her. That was the game, right?

She almost pulls away when he reaches for her. Even if his words were right, he knew why she'd walked away. It couldn't be dismissed with a simple apology, assuming it was a conversation she wanted to have. It's the 'not here' that catches the clearer part of her mind -- cuts through the cloud of emotion his sheer presence had managed to kick up.

The part of her that also remembers their initial interaction in this place wants nothing more than to go back to those simpler times. When she was curious and intrigued by the Witcher that had come crashing into her life and left her to wake up alone after an intense moment together. She wanted that back, not that she was willing to admit it out loud. Instead, she does as he asks and even looks up at him. She doesn't speak, instead waiting expectantly for him to say or do something to justify her remaining as the seconds pass in her mind -- counting to when she'd permanently close this chapter of her life. ]

Edited 2020-07-14 02:29 (UTC)

[ ooc: continued from here. ]

Well, you certainly are sad and poor and drunk. That much we can agree on. If you listened, you'd hear what I said was in your favor. [ Kind of. Not really. But like... sure. And yes, if he were to shoot off sparks, it would be very impressive. She would bow to his glorious knowledge of a craft she's been a student and master of for the better part of her life. ]

Perhaps if I'd spelled it out in simpler terms with less use of distracting words such as balls and pretty, you'd have understood the meaning behind them. We are guests in a strange land where some may not be so favorable to let you off with a warning for an inappropriate touch.

[ As for where she'd take him-- ] Firstly, your genitalia is not a spectacle I wish to observe. And I'd be returning you to Geralt until this wears off. [ Since obviously, he shouldn't be left unsupervised and she has no interest in taking care of the bard. And while she and Geralt might have their fair share to work through, she didn't need it said that she left the bard to his own failures without at least attempting to intervene. But, if he pushes back again, she will not be trying a third time. This already feels like an incredible waste of an evening, spewing words at a 'witty' brick wall that may respond correctly. ]

[ When she stops, Geralt realizes how much he hadn't expected her to. Realizes it a fucking lot because now he doesn't know what to do next. He looks back down at her. He thinks about the first time he laid eyes on her. As if he hadn't known all sorceresses were captivating—made like that, same as his own kind are made—but it wasn't her beauty which drew him in. It'd been the sharp violet of her eyes, a color that marked her as other in the same way he's been marked.

He should've known, back then, she'd become more to him. So much more than he'd ever meant. Shit, some part of him had known, hadn't it? He'd disappeared in Rinde for a reason. He hadn't expected to see her again after that and had been afraid staying would acknowledge that he wanted to. Then their paths had crossed, over and over.

Now he just wants her here. A simple desire. It's also one he doesn't want to admit he cares to act on and yet here is. Acting on it.

In the end, he doesn't speak. Funny how he's never thought twice, speaking to kings and queens who could demand his head, but with Yennefer he finds himself stumbling over words in his mind. Instead he reaches for her and bends down to kiss her. Not a calculated decision; not even close. He does it because he wants to feel something and because he's hoping she'll feel it, too—feel it enough to consider that wish or not, and no matter what's awaiting them at home, there are moments they've shared both in this world and their own that means something. ]

[ ooc: continued from here. ]

[ She’d spent 30 years of her life in a court with others like him -- sheltered and lacking certain survival skills that are only learned through action. While some held kindness in their hearts, she’d seen the uglier side of it more often than not. The manipulation and selfishness, holding some to unreasonable standards in order to solidify their legacy to the point of execution for failure. It was exhausting and there’d been a reason she’d abandoned her post.

Taking in a breath of fresh air, she’s reminded of where she’d just been -- the difference in the night sky, being able to see the stars because her field of view isn’t obscured by smoke. A piece of her wants to immediately lash out at the kindness, his hopes that she hadn’t been too inconvenienced. She barely manages it swallow it down, hoping her frown and the hand resting over her bandaged abdomen.

Her eyes follow as he bows… If she’d had to guess, he’s a noble or was raised in high society. Alright. ]

Yennefer of Vengerberg. How long have you been here?

[ ooc: continued from here. ]

Their help is of no use to me as they cannot send me back to where I’m needed. [ She wasn’t sure if this was a longer-term stay than her last encounter here where she’d remained for about a month. But, she hadn’t had any pressing matters waiting for her attention seven years ago. Lives hadn’t been in the balance, not like they were now.

An eyebrow arches at Vex’s words, immediately intrigued. ]

Alright, I’m listening.

[ He kisses her and it's familiar and warm. It's a different kind of trap, but she draws the comfort she'd always found in his arms from it and buries the rest. She'd expected him to keep talking, to say something that would push her away, but he doesn't. He fucking kisses her and it's achingly fitting. Their kisses remind her of the rain. Sometimes it's a gentle summer shower warmed by the sun and sometimes it's a blistering and unforgiving storm fueled by emotion and everything they can't verbalize.

But, even without conversation, they were exceptionally good at communicating with their bodies. She was transparent to anyone she allowed past her well-built walls, so she shifts the kiss from possible exasperation and anger from her revelation to a goodbye. Yennefer expects this to be another month-long visit before she's returned to her world. If she could take a single piece of closure from this place and break that internal bottle now, it might ease the explosion in her future. Even if she won't remember being here. If Geralt stays behind, she could give him something to allow him a chance to move on and make a life for himself.

She should break the kiss and try to walk away -- push him back and tell him he was a fucking asshole for making a wish that brought her insecurities to the forefront and the truth of it coming out after he'd been brutally honest in a way only he could both ridiculing her and revealing too much information about himself. But she doesn't. She stays, her hands moving to rest at his waist. Fingers dig into the familiar fabric and she takes the comfort she never asked for from the kiss to fill a well that was perpetually hollow within her. For all their fuck ups, she didn't want to die with this many unanswered questions swelling in her mind. That seemed to be something they could agree on, even if their questions differed.

It takes too long for reality to catch up with her, emotional pain sweeping over her. This was cruel to both of them. Because she did feel something and it's overwhelming and it hurts. No matter how badly they lash out at each other, they always found their way back. Except she was going to a place he couldn't follow. Death was a lonely mistress, trading bedfellows regularly -- each leaving wounds on the pillow as a token of gratitude for the time they'd had. This kiss is her token to him, swallowing the pain and embracing it. Perhaps her mistake was thinking this would somehow bring closure for both of them. ]

[Jaskier makes a face that says he is not very pleased with himself for walking right into that. Not that, clearly, ancient, catty sorceresses need any help with insulting him. His buzz, while once pleasant, seems now to be an active hindrance to his words and his attempts to... well. Insult her connivingly.

He huffs.] I know it may surprise you, but I have gotten into many a scrape with unfavorable people without needing to be rescued by the likes of you.

[He does not mention it's because Geralt was usually the one saving him.

At least he's sobered up enough for that.

Wait. She is... admittedly, in a bossy and rude way, trying to...

To...

Help...?

Uuuugh. How is he supposed to be the better man here?]

Returning? I'm not his lost dog, thank you. [Luckily he's already met his dumb, shambling hulk of a friend, who promptly decided to destroy any idea that he's allowed to be light-hearted and happy here. Well. That goes for both him and Geralt.] So you've seen him, too. I don't suppose this means the two of you have made up then?

Edited 2020-07-19 05:07 (UTC)

[ Yennefer handles this deceit (the harmless, but slap-to-the-face kind) fairly well. The man had rolled a few more rings in his grasp, offering as if they were some consolation prize to keep pressing their luck – to mask any magical deception away. ]

I... think we are both tired of games. [ Even if the man was willing to let luck truly be at the mercy of whomever tosses the rings, Dany grows a bit annoyed at the gesture. ] There are plenty of those in the Goblin Market, do not underestimate how similar this world may be to yours.

They have uses. That just happens not to be one they can provide to anyone.

[ Were circumstances different, Vex would feel the same way; a part of her still does, in fact. But with a key factor (in the form of a person) already being in the city, the urgency to return is..suspended. Sort of.

It's complicated.

But since Yennefer sounds amiable to her vague offer, the side of her mouth pulls into a smugger smile, before she looks down, and to one side. ]

Buddy? I know you're tired, darling, but I need you to do me a favour. Go sit beside that Lady over there, okay?

[ ..Buddy? She's clearly not talking to the witch, but to someone--something?--else, which makes an indistinct noise. And then slowly moves, a darker shape detaching from where it was slouched next to Vex's chair.

A very large something, which has a neighbouring (if distant) seatmate scooting back immediately, eyes wide with panic as a tired looking and very large bear unfolds itself and ambles slowly over to Yennefer's side. There's a brief pause, dewy dark eyes peering at her from beneath a shaped helm (not metal; not any normal sort of hide), before he parks himself next to her where she lingers by the wall with a huffing grumble. ]

His name's Trinket. [Vex'ahlia. SO helpful.]

[She's fast, for a human. Mogget watches her with interest while she displays her reflexes in catching the bottle he knocks down, and the tip of his tail flicks in continued curiosity when she talks to him.

Does she know he's intelligent enough to understand her, or is she just assuming that he's an ordinary cat seeking attention in the way that cats so often do?]

I've already drawn the amount of attention I require. [He decides on answering, lowering his body into the space left by the fallen bottle and draping his small paws over the edge of the shelf.]

So I shan't cause you any trouble, for now.

[ She seems to tolerate him well enough. From his perspective, at least, as someone approaching a stranger without her invitation and being on the persistent side of friendly, she's tolerating him pretty well. Which he hopes is actually a good sign, as Yennefer seems to have come in with some kind of injury and he hasn't yet had the courage to ask about anything like that.

He straightens back up, trying to present himself to her properly if nothing else. ]

It has been around five months now since my first arrival. When I came, I... was surprised. It seems those that are brought here are not prepared.

[ He hesitates again, but his eyes drift to her hand, trying to find a delicate way to broach that topic. ]

We are often at a disadvantage at first. But I would like to assist those that come from other lands like I did.

[ There's no closure. There isn't anything that can be named, really: just a quiet ache in his chest, like gently cracking glass. They've shared a lot of kisses, but none have felt like this, as if it's the last one they might have. Maybe it is. He's never been at once so sure and so full of doubt about anything except for Yennefer.

His thumb rests on her jaw for a moment when they part. He searches her gaze, looking for answers he doesn't know he wants to have.

It's damn foolish, in any case. She's already given him the answers. They're just not ones he wants to accept.

He'd told her once she didn't need to do things alone. He still wants that to hold true while they're here, for now. Because that's all they have: what's for now. Geralt is not a man who plans for the future. Most days, he doesn't expect to have much of one beyond putting off dying in a swamp for one more night. The closest he's ever come is with Yennefer, when he thinks about the next time they'll be able to let themselves lay in bed long past the sunrise, the chaotic world around them insignificant for once.

He drops his hand and lets out a breath. ] Let me take you back to the city, at least. [ He tips his head towards Roach. A ride would be better than walking, with her healing injuries. ] She misses you.

[ He misses her; that's clear enough in his words. But they're at a point where he can't quite admit that out loud at the moment, no matter how thick the ink scribbled all over him. It's too fucking raw after everything she's said to him. ]

[ Caution should be the name of the game in all aspects of her time here, but she often was all or nothing with everything in her life. If there was something she wanted to see through to the end, she could be extremely stubborn in that regard. Even if the completion of her goal would be detrimental to herself or others. Though, she was getting better at foreseeing the consequences of her actions beyond her own immediate scope of view. Better but not perfect. At least she was more inclined to admit failings and shortcomings when related to consequences of actions.

Then the wind shifts and she can feel her breath catch as that same feeling of dread pools in the pit of her stomach. Only the reeds choose him over her. The words hold no significance to Yennefer in terms of recognition. Not in a way that inspires immediate fear or caution. She wasn’t a Witcher. Though, the term ‘vampire’ does mean something. But he hadn’t lashed out at her or shown any signs of danger. This wasn’t her first dealing with those would might be deemed dangerous just because of what they were. ]

Yennefer of Vengerberg. I can step away for a time to allow you a chance to pass privately. I stand behind what I promised before. I will hold your confidence regarding what was shared.

[ Taking a few steps, she pauses as the reeds brush against her and her own secrets begin to spill once more. Whispers of a battle filled with death and despair, echoes of names of the lost that she carries with her and her own failings. Trying to coordinate from a high point only to watch everyone fall. ]

[ Given that she’d been around for less than century, she wouldn’t have responded well to ‘ancient’ if he’d so much as breathed that word in her direction. But, she did have years on him and with those years and hefty experience at Court with navigating social insults and backhanded compliments, she’d continue to do her best in running circles around him. At least until he proves he’s worth her taking the time to have a genuine conversation.

And given his response, they’re definitely not there yet. ]

Could’ve fooled me with how you often are found following around with your tongue hanging out.

[ She almost… almost bites back his prompt about her and Geralt with a quip how that held no relevance to him. But, she supposed any ill tidings from Geralt had a way of trickling down. But, she still wasn’t going to have this particular conversation with someone who could weaponize any shown weakness on her part. So she answers with sarcasm, her tone deadpan. ] Yes, we’re perfect. Our reunion was absolute bliss. The wedding will be in the Spring.

[ Sighing, she takes a few steps before looking at him. ] Are you coming or are you staying to test fate and the tempers of strangers in a foreign land?

[ Once they’re done, any attention Yen might have directed towards the attendant is gone. As far as she’s concerned, he no longer exists as he no longer serves a purpose and had already wasted enough of her time with his manipulations. Instead, her attention is now fully focused on the other woman. ]

I believe underestimating anything in this world would result in my undoing. [ Cautious inquiry was the name of the game. As were manners. ] I apologize, I never caught your name. I am Yennefer of Vengerberg.

[ Rationally, yes. She can agree. She’s just angry at the situation and the circumstances surrounding her arrival. At this most inopportune moment. And once Yennefer knows her own key person is also here and that their time together might offer her some much-needed closure she otherwise wouldn’t have been able to have-- she might grow to appreciate the opportunity a bit more. Once they’re over the massive roadblock.

At the mention of ‘buddy’ and the lumbering shadow, Yennefer is more intrigued than concerned. Eyebrows arch high at the sight, biting back a smirk of chaotic delight at the sight. Oh, this was going to be interesting.

She always had a soft spot for animals, even if she never had a companion of her own. The closest she ever got was Geralt’s horse, Roach. ]

Not... what I expected. But, impressive. I would love to hear the story of how you and Trinket met one day if it’s not too much to ask.

[ And perhaps one day, she’d have the privilege of witnessing Jaskier meeting Trinket if only for Yenn’s distinct pleasure of watching the bard have a panic attack at the sight of an armored bear coming towards him. ]

[ Perks of not being entirely human. While this place stripped her of a lot, some skills still remained -- those she’d learned over the years. Her eyebrows draw together when the cat speaks, the only indication of her surprise before her lip curls up into a half smile.

Well, not as boring of a day prepping ingredients as she’d expected. ]

Of all the sounds I was anticipating hearing in response, actual words were not on the list. Are you here to help, then? Or just observe and cause a bit of chaos?

[Once home, Alucard will reflect with quiet awe how something so simple as a summer's breeze can inspire dread. Here and now though he can only feel a little of his heart drop at the reminder of what he had to do back home as it couples with the relief that the name is likely meaningless.

To the offer, Alucard inclines his head slightly, his eyes blinking slowly then opening again.]

I would be deeply obliged. It shouldn't take more than five minutes, and I imagine water or food might be welcome after working in the sun.

[He breathes in, and the reeds change their rumors again. Alucard lets them slide off his back. Refusing to process any of it, for if he did, he'd express empathy and sorrow for what might have happened.]

And so far as I am concerned, I've heard nothing but your voice spoken directly to me.

[ She tries to keep her gaze neutral, even and hard -- as it had been before he'd kissed her. When she'd gotten her mask back in place and was ready to walk away. But if he watches closely enough, there's a crack of softness. She'll deny it thoroughly, but it's there.

But as soon as his hand drops, she breaks the gaze to put a little distance between them. Even if it's just an illusion given how quickly they were both capable of moving at times. Yennefer was always the opposite, an eye on a prize far in the distance that she fought to reach. No matter how long it took. She felt lost with nothing on her horizon, but she wasn't about to fill Geralt into that hole in her life due to a weak moment. It's an idea she might be willing to entertain in the future if she remains here longer than a month this time, but until then? She didn't want to be cruel to both of them, especially when her own feelings were muddled and a tangle of disasters that needed to be unwound.

The offer is tempting and she'd have denied it if he hadn't mentioned Roach. That's what she's telling herself is the only reason she agrees. Even if she knows denying him will just mean she has a shadow as she returns. The shadow might as well be with her consent.

Moving to the horse, she gently reaches up to give Roach a proper and warm greeting - wishing she had a food offering as her hand brushes over the muzzle. ] That's because she's always had good taste. [ She lets that hang in the air, still weighing her own options. She was tired, this whole ordeal with him had exhausted some reserves she wasn't ready to tap into. ]

I'll let you take me back, but only because of Roach.I'd hate to disappoint her. [ That's it. The absolute only reason. Yes. ] I'm staying in one of the cottages. [ She hasn't decided if she's going to give him the exact location yet, but she's also not a fool. If he wanted to find her, he would. ]

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( closed ) tear me to pieces, skin to bone...

for mogget:

for fie:

for dany:

for melisandre:

for alucard:

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for lan xichen:

for vex:

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sorry for the delay!

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No problem!

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