"Out of the question!"
Vesemir's voice cracked through the hall.
Sebastian didn't back down "Listen I..."
"No, I said." Vesemir cut him off immediately, turning fully toward him now. The warmth from before was gone, "You don't understand.."
His hand came down against the table, not in anger.
"How many died during those trials," he continued, quieter now, "Boys with promise. Boys just as capable as you, as excited as you."
His gaze shifted briefly to Ciri.
"I have no doubt you'd survive it, Seb," he admitted. "You've proven enough already."
He made a small pause.
"But her?"
Ciri stepped forward before anyone else could speak.
"I can do it!"
There was no hesitation in her voice.
Sebastian glanced at her, and smiled, just slightly.
'That's it…'
'That's exactly the reaction I wanted.'
His gaze softened for just a second.
'Lift her out of that doubt. Push her forward.'
'Fear doesn't stabilize power… I believe only action does.'
Geralt's voice cut in.
"Ciri."
She turned toward him.
"It's pointless," he said, blunt as ever. "We did that trial after the mutations. And it was still difficult."
He stepped closer, his tone lowering slightly, "This isn't some training exercise. It's not meant for you."
Sebastian cut in. "I'll be there."
Geralt's eyes flicked to him.
Sebastian met his gaze evenly.
"You said it yourself," he continued. "It's a group trial. Built for cooperation."
He tilted his head slightly.
"Trust us.. I'll make sure we get through it."
"Seb…" Geralt warned,
But Sebastian didn't back down.
Yennefer, standing off to the side, said nothing. Her arms crossed slowly over her chest as she watched the exchange unfold.
She understood, of course she did.
This wasn't about the medallion, it never was.
Her violet eyes shifted briefly toward Ciri… then back to Sebastian.
'You're doing this for her.'
She said nothing.
Vesemir exhaled sharply through his nose, studying the two of them.
"You're not letting this go, are you?"
"No," Sebastian answered plainly.
Ciri stepped forward again, quicker this time, almost stumbling.
"Please," she said, looking up at Vesemir. "I can do it. I'll prove it."
She hesitated, then added quickly,
"I'll take on extra chores. All of them. Cleaning swords, tending the horses, whatever you want!"
Her voice softened just a bit.
"Just… let me try."
Vesemir stared at her for a long moment.
Then his gaze shifted to Geralt.
"You know what, Wolf?" he said at last. "It's up to you, she's your ward."
Geralt didn't answer immediately, his eyes moved between them.. Ciri, practically vibrating with determination… and Sebastian, calm and steady, already decided.
He exhaled slowly.
"Fine," he muttered. "Damn it."
Ciri lit up instantly.
"But." Geralt added sharply.
That stopped her.
"One condition."
"Anything," she said without hesitation.
"The moment things turn dangerous," Geralt said, his voice becoming firm. "or either of you starts to tire.."
His gaze locked onto both of them.
"You turn back, don't try to be a hero or you'll die."
"Remember, there's nothing to prove here."
Ciri nodded quickly.
"Of course," she said, far too quickly. "We'll turn back at the first sign of danger."
Then,
She glanced sideways at Sebastian and winked.
Geralt closed his eyes briefly and sighed.
Vesemir snorted faintly, shaking his head.
"Hold on now," he added suddenly. "If you're so eager to bargain.."
He turned slightly, already thinking ahead.
"I'll make sure to find every blade in this keep for you to clean."
Ciri's expression dropped instantly. Immediate Regret.
Sebastian couldn't help it, he smiled.
"I'll help," he said lightly. "It won't take long."
He glanced toward Ciri.
"Then we can get started."
Her excitement came rushing back just as fast.
"Alright!"
Yennefer stepped closer to Geralt, her voice low enough that the others wouldn't hear.
"Let it go," she murmured. "The boy can handle himself. And Ciri…"
Her gaze lingered on the girl for a moment.
"She's stronger than you think. Smarter too."
"Maybe this will help her."
Geralt didn't look convinced.
"She's reckless," he muttered. "Always craving action and that's how people get killed without realizing what killed them."
Yennefer leaned in slightly, her lips near his ear now.
"You're going to follow them anyway."
It wasn't a question.
Geralt glanced at her.
"…Yeah."
Yennefer pulled back, satisfied.
"Good," she said simply. "Because I'm worried too."
Geralt frowned slightly.
"Then why did you.."
"Oh, shut it," she cut him off smoothly.
The decision was made, whether it was a mistake… or exactly what they needed,
That, none of them knew yet.
****
The Next Morning -
In the courtyard, Ciri was already dressed, armored lightly, a short silver blade strapped at her waist. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, restless energy practically radiating off her. Her breath came out in faint clouds as she rubbed her hands together, trying, and failing to stand still.
Sebastian stood a few steps away, far calmer in appearance. His silver sword rested at his side, already secured, his posture relaxed he was also prepared.
Ciri glanced at him, then huffed.
"I was up all night," she muttered, rolling her shoulder as if it still ached. "Cleaning swords, armor… gods, even the saddles."
She shook her head, annoyed.
"Vesemir wasn't joking.. That was brutal."
Sebastian glanced at her,
"I hope it was worth it."
Ciri snorted.
"That?" she said, gesturing vaguely behind her toward the keep. "That was nothing."
Her eyes lit up, sharp and bright.
"I'd do twice that if it meant getting to do this."
She stepped forward slightly, "I want to do this just as much as you."
"I'm excited!"
Sebastian studied her for a moment. "Well," he said simply, adjusting the strap at his shoulder, "then we shouldn't keep the mountains waiting."
Ciri nodded immediately. "Let's go.."
"Off somewhere so soon?"
The voice stopped them both.
They turned and Vesemir stood just behind them, as if he had always been there.
In his hand, Two medallions.
Wolf heads, finely crafted, they weren't new, but they were well-kept.
Ciri's excitement faltered for just a second,
Vesemir stepped closer, holding them out.
"These are for you," he said. "You'll wear them," he continued, placing one into Ciri's hand, then the other into Sebastian's. "And when you reach the Circle of Elements…"
He met their eyes, one after the other.
"You will activate them there."
"That's what marks the end of the trial."
Ciri turned the medallion in her hand, her fingers tracing the shape of the wolf.
Sebastian simply nodded once.
"Understood."
Ciri followed, softer now. "Thank you Uncle Vesemir."
Vesemir gave a faint grunt, though his gaze lingered on them a moment longer than necessary.
Then,
"C'mon now."
Geralt's voice came from the gate.
He stood there already, arms at his sides, cloak shifting slightly in the wind. Waiting.
"I'll take you as far as the lake," he said. "That's where it begins."
Ciri straightened instantly, slipping the medallion over her head. It rested against her chest, it felt… right.
Sebastian did the same, the chain settling against him without a sound.
Three Witchers.
And one who would be.
Geralt turned without another word, pushing the gate open.
Vesemir remained where he was, watching them go, silently.
/-\
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