The Witcher

Alone at last.

What a night.

I heard they put an aphrodisiac in the wine.

Are you surprised?

Did you see what Sabrina was wearing, by the way?

- She's older than me by about... - Yen.

Hmm. I'm just glad it's over.

Are you sure about this?

Are you ?

I don't know which I'd like to do more, tear this costume off

or run Stregobor through with the nearest ice sculpture.

Look how she hangs on him.

Aah, the White Wolf.

- Gelda! Come here. - How wonderful!

Thanks for coming.

Mmm!

That's right!

- Is there always this much staring? - No.

- Come over here! - It's all for us.

Get used to it. They'll be watching us all night.

Oh. Good.

Now, you should know the territory before we step in.

Over there, we have Sabrina Glevissig and Marti Sodergren.

- They're... passionate. - ...have some fun...

By the fountain, we have Margarita Laux-Antille, current headmistress.

And Keira Metz. Quite the spitfire.

We have Carduin, Bianca, Marquard,

Detmold and his brother Drithelm,

Radcliffe the Obnoxious.

Artaud Terranova, good mage, even better drunk.

Vilgefortz, who's grown on me despite my best efforts.

Tissaia de Vries, whom you already know.

And Gerhart of Aelle.

- I was saying... - What?

The oldest living sorcerer.

Are you expecting me to remember all those names?

I thought you went to Oxenfurt?

Hmm.

Don't even think about it.

I gave you my word.

She's safe in Loxia until dawn.

When the ball ends and the true conclave begins...

...then we'll make our move.

Tonight it's all about loosening spirits.

And inspiring conviviality in one perfect evening.

- So behave yourself. - I always behave myself.

You have no memory of my party in Rinde?

To say nothing of enchanted hedgehogs and the Law of Surprise?

That was complicated.

Well, this is simple.

We need this ball to go off without a hitch,

so please... dearest,

stop eating like an underfed ghoul.

When someone asks to speak to you, you must accept, and quickly.

And no matter how ludicrously anyone is dressed, don't stare.

Yennefer.

And her witcher.

We haven't yet had the pleasure.

Geralt, this is Sabrina Glevissig of Ard Carraigh, a school friend of mine.

We've welcomed our share of spies, thieves, and murderers at Aretuza,

but not yet hosted a witcher.

- Huh. - Yen's been hiding you for far too long.

You look hungry.

Would you like a taste?

What do you... What do you think...

witcher?

I think Yen looks particularly lovely this evening. Don't you?

And he's not even lying. How dull.

- Sabrina, that's no way to treat a guest. - Hmm.

He has so little experience in telepathy.

Why did you bring your pet along, if not for us to, uh...

play with him?

Dearest, why don't you go and get a drink?

That's a great idea.

What on earth do you think you're playing at?

- Yen, do you know what's better than sex? - What?

Getting a rise out of the Savior of Sodden.

Catch any mice tonight?

- I wouldn't miss it for the work. - Welcome back.

Remember, you need to build bridges with Artorius as well, not just Stregobor.

Whilst we're doing pastoral analogies, are you mending any fences?

...just like the rest of this den of snobs and liars.

Here's hoping you convinced her to behave. There's no room for error tonight.

- Tissaia... - What?

Trust in what you see. Hmm?

Give Yen at least a couple of hours to piss everyone off.

Excuse me.

- Dijkstra... - Step aside, mage.

- Must be a reason for it. - Ahem...

You know, Philippa, I should scold you for monopolizing the witcher's time.

Geralt of Rivia, it is good to have another non-magical brother here,

and a... well, fellow commoner, if you will.

Philippa, I need to speak to the witcher alone.

Man to man.

Hmm.

"Man to man." Typical Dijkstra.

You know those two are going to be a problem tomorrow.

Of course. Only a fool would trust a spymaster and his mage.

- Always more trouble than they're worth. - And they're clearly up to something.

As is to be expected, but one would hope

they'd at least provide enough gossip to earn their invitation.

Hmm?

I love watching you think.

But I had so much more to say.

We'll go back to it in a moment.

...not just across the Continent, but here in Aretuza.

This conclave may gather the mages,

but it can't change the inevitable.

One would be wise to abandon neutrality and choose a side.

Redania is your only hope of keeping the Lion Cub safe.

Speak in simple terms, Dijkstra.

Don't forget you're talking to a commoner.

Hmm.

Speaking plainly, give us the girl before it's too late.

No. Excuse me.

Thank you for coming tonight. It means everything to us.

Gods, I'm happy to see you. I, uh, need a word.

Tissaia mentioned they were together as young mages.

First love.

Never goes away, does it?

If you don't mind...

No, not at all.

Best of luck tomorrow at the conclave, witcher.

- Where have you been? - What did Istredd say?

- We don't have time for that. - The Melange is about to begin!

Come on, girl. Yes, yes, yes.

Yes!

- Come on. Artaud! - Keira.

Yennefer.

Would you care...

- Yes. - Would you, my fair lady?

What's the Melange?

It's a dance.

It's not optional.

Geralt.

Are you enjoying your evening?

Good.

Oh, witcher!

I've been waiting to get my hands on you all evening.

I studied as a contortionist, you know? I'm quite bendy.

I hope we can count on your support tomorrow, Artorius.

You might, Yennefer. Although I've not forgotten your past.

Nor the kings who are still waiting on a particular princess.

Of course, but my priorities have changed.

I'm here to help.

We'll see. I've found trying to predict the actions of Yennefer of Vengerberg

as hopeless as seeking a black cat in a coal cellar.

They are worrisome.

- Have you tried the wine yet? - I'm not thirsty.

Aww.

Geralt.

Istredd.

Well, well, well. If it isn't the neck-breaking chaperone.

I know. I owe you an apology.

- Perhaps a drink later? - I can't.

I plan on getting pregnant tonight.

Exciting times ahead, don't you think?

It's good to see you, Triss.

You too.

How is Ciri?

She's safe. For now.

Well played!

Thank you.

- That was marvelous. - Thank you.

Geralt.

- I've never seen... - Wonderful!

- Exciting! - Yes, well...

Artaud, have you sampled the wine this evening?

- Ah, you know me too well. - I think you're ready for another.

You've been trying to win Yen back all evening. Do you deny it?

Why the fuck would I deny it?

- She knows I'm the better man! - Ooh!

Then prove it.

Unbelievable.

Coward.

Whew!

- Finally, some entertainment. - The witcher is...

I promised Yen I wouldn't make a mess of this evening.

Make a mess of him!

So I won't.

Truce?

Oh shit!

Who gave him champagne?

Look at you!

Artaud's wasted again!

A fight was quite the creative choice.

Just admit that you loved it.

As duels in my honor go, this one certainly broke into the top three.

Oh, well, it was an honor

to fight for the capricious heart of Yennefer of Vengerberg.

And I hope to fight many more battles with you, my dear.

With me, or against me?

Depends on the evening.

I shouldn't like to lose you, Yen.

But you have me.

Tonight will end.

Everything ends.