Chapter Text
Geralt isn’t sure why Jaskier agreed to come stay with him over winter when he was obviously longing for someone else. He hadn’t really slept that night, merely meditating, trying to ignore the gradually gentling smell of heartache as it transferred back into Jaskier’s normal orange blossom and honey scent as he slept.
The last thing he wanted was to be an imposition on the bard, but he knew better than to ask if he was sure… again. He’d asked multiple times and each time Jaskier looked at him like he was taking away the offer to go to Kaer Morhen and that was the last thing he wanted to do. Now that thought about it, he was glad the bard had accepted his offer. Now that he had heard the rumours, he wouldn’t be able to let him go back to Oxenfurt alone… or at least not leave Kaedwen alone. Obviously he probably wouldn’t be in too much trouble;. Zofia had said the king was only interested in girls, but, well… Jaskier is very pretty. That, or if he came across someone who needed help, even from the king, he would try to help, and he would get himself killed, which was quite the opposite of what Geralt wants.
So, yes, he’s glad to be bringing Jaskier to Kaer Morhen and keep him safe but he would do anything to keep him from smelling like he did as he sang that song.
Jaskier will also be able to make Geralt’s point about monsters better than he could. He agrees that something needs to be done but he doesn’t know if he’ll be able to convince his brothers. But Jaskier is lovely, and charismatic, and he always knows what to say.
He almost doesn’t hear the small whimper indicating Jaskier waking, lost in thought and meditation as he is, but even though he’d managed to ignore the sounds of the market setting up, he was always much more attuned to Jaskier.
“What time is it?” Jaskier’s voice is kinda cute when he’s just waking up…
“Almost time for the market to open. We should get ready and get there early so we can get what we need and be on our way.”
Jaskier hummed in acknowledgment, and Geralt remembers when they had heard what the king was doing. He hadn’t really known what to do when Jaskier stopped talking, but as much as he used to complain Jaskier talked too much, he’s never going to say such a thing ever again now. It was awful.
—
They got ready relatively quickly. He managed to convince Jaskier not to wear anything too elaborate, there really wouldn’t be any use in it, especially since they won’t meet anyone before they start going up the trail.
He carefully avoids any thought of how nice Jaskier looks in the relaxed tunic and comfortable but practical breeches. He hadn’t realised Jaskier even owned such clothing but apparently he needed to stop being so ridiculous, that he needed clothes to relax in too (nevermind that Geralt has only ever seen him relax in his smallclothes, but he supposes it makes sense).
Geralt lets Jaskier do the negotiating at the market. It proves his point actually; that he needs Jaskier to talk for him… he always knows what to say.
It makes their trip to the market quick enough that they’re on the road by mid morning. Jaskier walks by Roach humming quite happily and relatively carefree (though they’d not really been carefree since meeting Zofia).
They make it half-way up the trail by the time the sun sets, and Jaskier immediately sets up camp without complaining, still humming sweetly. He puts their bed-rolls together again even though it's not quite cold enough to justify sleeping close to each other but Geralt would almost thank the circumstance that led to the change in their dynamic if only the reason weren’t so horrible. Still, for some reason he wants to keep the bard close.
He actually sleeps that night, luxuriating in the scent of Jaskier’s relaxation.
The next day, he hesitates next to Roach, but doesn’t get on her. They’ll be going up the Killer today, and he knows he can walk it, but Jaskier might not be able to.
Jaskier looks back at him in confusion as he stays still but Geralt doesn’t give him the opportunity to say anything. Instead he states, “just… get on.”
The bard doesn’t argue though he still looks somewhat perplexed. When they get to the most difficult portion of the trail, however, Geralt sees Jaskier’s eyes spark with understanding and perhaps appreciation.
He hears a gasp when Kaer Morhen comes into view. Though he is mostly used to it now, he remembers how it was when he first saw the keep. It’s impressive. Rising dark from the mountain peaks, it looms above the path. Jaskier must wonder why they weren’t able to see it before. Geralt had had wondered the same when he first arrived. It’s because, despite its large size, the keep is nestled so deeply into the rock that it only looks like a castle when gazed at from the front, after the last outcrop of rock. Suddenly, the tall mage’s towers soar above them and the gate is in sight.
Roach comes to a stop as Jaskier’s hands go slack on the reins in his awe. Now that the trail is no longer difficult, the bard hops off Roach and leads her towards Geralt. He doesn’t expect Jaskier’s kiss on his cheek as he hands over Roach’s reins, nor does he quite know what to do with the whispered thanks either. He fights the urge to put his hand over his cheek, however, though he doesn’t know why
Jaskier’s smile is blinding as he starts towards the gate, turning back to ask, “Well then, my dear, shall we get going?”
Geralt is still in a bit of a daze as they make their way to the entrance, but he recovers his alertness when a small head pops out of the wooden door in the gate after his knock. It’s one of the trainees, Daffyd, he thinks, going by the dark brown curls. It’s confirmed when mustard yellow eyes turn to him and the squeak of a young man’s voice that’s almost done changing pipes up, “Wolf! Hi! You’re back first… and early.”
Geralt clears his throat, hoping his voice doesn’t come out strangled. “Yes. Can you go get Vesemir for me? I need to talk to him.”
“Sure! I’ll go get…” Daffyd stops as his eyes fall on Jaskier who is still gazing upwards at the keep. “Who’s that?”
Jaskier’s gaze snaps down to the trainee and Geralt expects his normal showy bow and introduction but instead he smiles softly, and his voice is much the same as he says, “Jaskier the Bard, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Daffyd, go get Vesemir please.” He waits for Daffyd to be far enough away to turn to Jaskier. “Sorry about that, we apparently don’t teach them enough manners.”
He gets that same lovely smile. “It’s no problem, really. It’s quite sweet actually.”
It seems he would say more, but Vesemir clears his throat as he arrives.
“Wolf. You’re home early. And with a guest.”
“I… yes. Vesemir, we need to talk.”
All he gets is a raised eyebrow, maybe this’ll go well after all.