The Search For Kathea, A Leap Into Preparing A Saturnalia Wedding

  "You need not worry any longer Ciri, the matter has been taken care of."

     "You did not need to?"

     "No, it was not needed to kill him, instead I have exiled him to a place where he can live comfortably, reflect on the decisions he made in his life, and hopefully see where he went wrong with you. No Father should subject his daughter to what he did and further tried to do with you. You had your own life to live and he should have seen that, helped you along your way, instead of trying to mold you into another version of himself."

     "Thank you for that, I will rest easier knowing that maybe he will repent of his past mistakes."

     "I would like for you to look at this. He gave it to me just before I sent him on his way."

     "A letter?"

     "Yes, he did not say to whom it was intended, I assumed it was meant for you."

     "Well, I guess I should at least see what he has to say."

     Ciri breaks the seal on the letter, unfolds it, and reads the words written thereon. She sits quietly for a few minutes, not knowing what to say, wondering just what these words are going to mean, both for herself and for her mentor, Iriisii.

     "I think you need to read this as well since it also concerns you."

     "Are you sure?"

     "Oh yes, I am certain he is wherever you put him, having the last laugh on both of us."

     Iriisii takes the letter from Ciri and reads what Emhyr var Emreis wrote.

     "Why that righteous bastard!"

     "I could not have said it better myself."

     "By what right does he expect to get away with this?"

     "He has always been able to read people, even if he did not understand why they were who they were. He read you and determined that he could do this, and you would not refuse."

     "You are so right, another in my shoes would do so without a second thought, but somehow he knew I could not, not because I desire more, but because I feel his people deserve better. That is what he read in me because I feel a proper ruler is the greatest servant of the people they rule over, not someone to whom the people are to serve and give their last breath."

     "And that is why you are so different than him, why your people love and revere you. Because you put their needs above your own, even if it means stepping down in favor of another better suited, or taking the throne to save them from the infighting and bloodshed of a pack of wild dogs striving to take an empty throne. I am so sorry to ask that you do as he has asked, I am not ready for the responsibility to rule, maybe I never will, I can not envision it right now."

     "I understand. I will not force you to choose."

     "But how will you do this? I mean you already have tasks far more important than looking after the welfare of Nilfgard?"

     "Do not worry about that, there are several ways to deal with it, the question is what is the best way for all concerned? Nilfgard's needs are very much different than Cyrodiil's. My Lord Chancellor Martin Blackwell can keep Cyrodiil running as long as I make an appearance now and then, at least until it is time to step down for Kintyra. Nilfgard is likely to be a very different animal requiring a more direct hand.

     But you are right, I cannot rule Nilfgard properly while dealing with greater matters, and putting a surrogate in charge will not work in this instance. I could make it work, but I suspect that is what your father wishes me to do. Lord Blackwell wanted to do something similar when I first stepped up to sit Cyrodiil's Ruby Throne. However, there was a different process that I could use instead of the outright assassination of those who would be trouble. Since I technically took the Throne by 'Right of Combat', I would have been within my legal rights to 'clean house', but I would have lost the people had I done so."

     "What did you do then?"

     "There were several plots going on during the reign of Emperor Ariel Sethius before I took his head. Any one of which would have called for immediate execution of the perpetrators no matter who sat the throne. So I used those plots and the information involving the plotters to bring them to trial. They were found guilty, with no objections because of the mountain of evidence provided, not to mention the vindicated charges were so egregious that everyone was relieved when the heads of the perpetrators rolled from the block. Even those whose heads rolled gave no objection when I allowed their spouses and children to retain their titles and lands per their continued good behavior. I can be a very hard negotiator when it is called for, and those families will remain in the nobility as long as they refrain from any further 'illegal' activities. Any evidence to the contrary, and the entire remaining family will either fall to the headsman or be exiled, never to return upon pain of immediate summary execution."

      "You are serious?"

      "If you knew what the plotters were doing, you would know I was being merciful. Had they succeeded, everything would have come crashing down and all of Tamriel would fall under the subjugation of a race of Vampiric Reptiles who call themselves Tsaesci. Those who survived would be bred like cattle, those not used for labor or servants would be slaughtered as food for their masters."

      "....you are right, they deserved worse for what they planned than what they received. If it had been me, I would not have been able to restrain my hand. But what will you do in regard to Nilfgard? Without a strong hand, the nobility will tear it apart trying to take the throne, not to mention what the Northern Kingdoms and maybe some others would attempt to do."

      "That is where being a Greater Goddess has its advantages, I have more options open to me than those your father had, although I do not think he really believed or understood what those words meant. I will need a few days to deal with this before returning here. But I will not leave Nilfgard in turmoil, I will settle things such that everyone knows exactly who I am, what kind of Regent I will be, and no matter what the future demands, I will not shirk the needs of the people, all of the people.

      This is where it gets complicated, as it is possible for me to be in more than one place at the same instant in time. And for me to be in complete knowledge of what is going on everywhere I am. I am not talking about creating an avatar, too much possible trouble with them growing a mind of their own and being a problem. No, this is something a bit different on the metaphysical plane. Definitely more complicated, but possible nonetheless. But enough about that, what is going on with Dandelion and Priscilla?"

      "He is ready to ask Priscilla to marry him, but he needs some reassurances as to what is going to happen."

      "Hmmm, I can take it that Rigmor has begun to assert herself into the planning for the wedding?"

      "That is putting it mildly, she and Priscilla have been closeted in one of the upper rooms laying out the plans. And according to Dandelion, without regard for how much this is going to cost him, not to mention possible interference from the 'Church of the Eternal Flame', not being included in this."

      "What do they have to do with any of this?"

      "They have been extending their slimy tentacles into every facet of life in this city. Saying that they are the only true religious authority in Novigrad, and nothing is beyond their purview in this regard."

      "I can understand his apprehension then, I take it they are the reason he has not already asked her before now?"

      "Yes, and I can hardly blame him, they still remember what happened here years ago when Geralt swept through the city, and they know of the friendship between them. They would like nothing better than an excuse to insert themselves into the mix."

      "I see, so if this ceremony goes forward without their involvement, they will put themselves into it?"

      "Yes."

      "Well if I am the one officiating, I will make certain they will not like or profit from anything they do to interfere. They will beg to be plagued with boils on their arses rather than what I will do to them."

      Ciri bursts out laughing, "oh I would so love to see that!"

      "Has Rigmor brought Elihal over yet for the wedding clothes?"

      "Oh yes, you should have seen the look on Dandelion's face. It was so precious, I will never forget when Priscilla asked him how he knew Dandelion. I thought Dandelion was going to bolt and run for the door!"

      "If the two of you are done talking about my relationships, I am in dire need of some help here!"

      "How may I be of assistance to my favorite bard."

      "Really. I am your favorite bard?"

      "Yes, I really liked that song, 'A Coin For Your Witcher'."

      "I did do a good job on that one. It has become very well known now."

      "But don't repeat this or I will deny every word of it."

      "What! Tell me please! Tell me."

      "Geralt has come to like it but he would never admit it in a thousand years."

      "I knew it! I knew he would like it. He just likes to make me wonder about how he really feels about it."

      "Anyway, how can I help?"

      "I have to come up with a place to take Priscilla for a honeymoon. I mean with the current political climate, is there any place safe for a honeymoon? I just need a few possible places to consider."

      "I can help with that. In fact, I have the perfect place in mind."

       "Really, you do, that's wonderful! Where is it? Where is this place? Is it quiet, peaceful? No raiders, bandits, hoodlums, churchmen?"

       "Trust me, I know the perfect place. Rigmor and I have spent some time there and she loved it, wants to go back so badly. The memories it would make for you and Priscilla would last you a lifetime. The songs, the poems, it would inspire, well only some would be suitable for the general public, the rest would need to be kept private between you and Priscilla."

       Dandelion stops and thinks for a moment about what Iriisii just said.

       "Oh, that sounds just wonderful, I know she would love it if the Lady Rigmor loves it as well. Uhh, where is it?"

       "Dandelion, trust me. I would not send you anyplace unpleasant, not on your honeymoon. Besides if Rigmor does not know where the two of you are going to be, there is little chance she might unexpectedly show up to check on the two of you. And do not think for a moment that she would not do it. I know her very well and I am saying she would. Besides, I need to drop in and talk to the steward about getting it ready. He does a wonderful job of taking care of the place and ..."

       "What?"

       "Do you like freshly baked apple pie?"

       "Yes, why?"

       "I will have the steward to ask his wife to bake one and leave it there for your arrival. She makes the best apple pie you have ever tasted, and the apples come straight from the orchard out front."

       "This place has an apple orchard in front of it?"

       "Yes it does, there is also a barn, with goats and sheep. So there will be fresh goat's milk to go with the apple pie."

       "Anything harder?"

       "Check in the cabinets, the people there make a very fine hard cider. I am sure the steward keeps some there for whoever shows up. And in the back of the cabinet, there is a false panel, inside is a couple of bottles of aged Cyrodillic Brandy. I swear it will go down smooth as silk, and the rest of the night with Priscilla will be just as smooth."

       "Thank you, my Lady, really thank you. I do not know how I can ever repay you for this."

       "Dandelion, do not insult me by trying to repay me for something I do for my friends. I consider all of my friends to be family, and there is nothing I would not do for family."

       "Family? Do you mean that? You think of me as family?"

       "Yes, I do. And so I will tell you a secret."

       "A secret! I swear I will tell no one!"

       "Ok, this place I want you and Priscilla to go to for your honeymoon."

       "What about it? What is the secret?"

       "The last time Rigmor and I were there, the baby she gave birth to, not long ago."

       "Yes?"

       "We conceived that child while we were there."

       "You mean that? Really?"

       "Yes, we did. And now she is known as the 'Dragon of the White Phoenix'. She was born with wings of white gold, as soft as her skin, and her eyes are turning golden."

       "Marvelous! I would so like to meet her sometime, maybe write a song about her."

       "We will arrange it then, I am sure it will be a wonderful song."

       "Uhhh, you don't think?"

       "Not likely, I do not believe either you or Priscilla has Dragonblood in your past, so I do think it likely to happen, but no matter, any child the two of you have, boy or girl, will be a heartbreaker."

       "You think so?"

       "Trust me. It is given to me to know, and now you know as well. And do not worry about the 'Church of the Eternal Flame', I will deal with them."

       "Again thank you, my Lady, I will take my leave, still have much to do before the ceremony. Uhh..."

      "Yes, I will perform the Ceremony, and yes, the 'Mother of the Cosmos' has given me the power to do this in her name. I have already done this once before, unfortunately, you do not have the room here for the 'Honor Guard' we gave the bride and groom."

      "Honor Guard?"

      "Yes, we had a line of warriors, women warriors on the bride's side, and male warriors on the groom's side. The couple passed through them with their polearms raised and crossed above them. As they passed, each pair executed a movement that flourished their blades down to the ground behind them as they approached the marriage altar. Behind the altar were the highest waterfalls in that world, they were so high the water reached the pool below as a mist. When we did the ceremony the sunlight was shining through the mist, its light was like a rainbow of colors."

      Dandelion was lost as he envisioned the description of the wedding from Iriisii's words. As he came back to himself, he looked at her with amazement, the beginning of tears in his eyes.

      "It was like I was there, watching everything, so beautiful, so powerful. It was real, wasn't it? It happened just as you described."

      "Yes, it did."

      "Amazing." As he walked away to go take care of other things needing his attention.

      "It really did happen like that. I could see it just like Dandelion could."

      "The memories of Gods can be powerful things."

      "Since I need to go and speak to my steward, why don't you come with me and see where I want them to spend their honeymoon."

      "You mean that?"

      "Why not, I think you will be very impressed with the 'Shire'. I know it was difficult for me to leave it."

      Iriisii stands up, "no time like the present. Take my hand."

      As Ciri does as Iriisii asks, Iriisii transports them to Middle Nirn, and to her home-in-the -hill. They walk out of the portal onto the front veranda. Ciri feels the difference in the air, looking around in awe at what she sees.

      "This is actually built inside the hill?"

      "Yes, it is. Dug it out, and built the rooms inside with my own hands." Pointing behind them, there is the barn with goats and sheep, off to the right is the apple orchard."

      "I can feel why you found it hard to leave. This place is...special...there is no other word for it."

      "Come, lets go inside and see if my steward is here."

      They walk to the front door and Iriisii opens it for both to enter. Once inside, she calls out for her steward.

      "Tonas, are you inside? It is Iriisii, I am here with a guest and need to speak with you for a minute about future guests arriving soon."

      They hear a voice from the back part of the home, saying he would be with them in a moment.

They wait patiently and then notice an older halfling, starting to go bald walk into the room, as he recognizes Iriisii, his face lights up and Ciri cannot help but smile in return.

      "Lady Iriisii, a pleasure to see you again, everything going all right?"

      "As well as can be, Tonas, thank you for asking."

      "What can I do for you, today?"

      "We have two very good friends of ours planning their wedding."

      "Oh, I love a good wedding, plenty of food, drink, singing, dancing."

      "The wedding itself is happening elsewhere, I am afraid."

      "Ah, shucks."

      "But I am offering them the use of my home for a few weeks for their honeymoon. There is no place suitable where they currently live, and I want to do something memorable for them."

      "As you wish, my Lady. What do you need me to do?"

      "Make sure everything is clean and stocked. I would imagine that for the first few days they would prefer to be alone. However, I wanted to ask if your wife would bake one of her apple pies and leave it here for them when they arrive. I thought it would be a nice gesture."

      "I will be sure to let her know, she does so enjoy baking for people."

      "Also, this I will leave to your judgment, they are both bards, the groom's name is Jaskier, but goes by his stage name of 'Dandelion', the bride's name is Priscilla, her stage name is Callonetta. If you think some of the families around here would like to hear them give a concert, I am sure all would enjoy it very much."

      "I will be certain to ask around, nothing like a good song to raise spirits."

      "Also once they start coming outside, tell the children I said it would be fine for them to play in the orchard, chase the goats and sheep, just try not to be too loud while playing. Offering Jaskier a fresh-picked apple would be a good thing to do."

      Tonas smiles, "I will be certain to do as you suggest, my Lady."

      "Thank you, Tonas, do you need any more money for the upkeep?"

      "No, my Lady, there is still plenty left."

      "Good, do not let it get too low before sending a message. Is there anything else before I leave?"

      "The Rangers have been asking for word of Byrsael when they come by."

      "Tell them she is fine, she is progressing nicely", Iriiisii finds a piece of paper and an ink quill, then writes a short note, folds it, and seals it.

      "Give this to the next Ranger to come by and tell them I ask that they give this to the King. It tells of something very special she has done, that would be a credit to all of the Rangers."

      "I will be certain to, my Lady."

      "Thank you, Tonas. We will leave you to get on with things. I hope we have not delayed you too much."

      "Not at all, my Lady. Every visit is a pleasure."

      "Your wife is a very lucky woman to have caught you."

      "Actually I am the lucky one to have been caught by her."

      Iriisii laughs, "isn't it always like that, Tonas. Tell her I am sorry I did not have more time to come over and speak with her, I hope that next time through I will make time."

      "She will be looking for your next visit then, my Lady, until then."

      Iriisii looks toward Ciri, "take my hand and we will get back to Novigrad."

      "What was it that Byrsael did?"

      "Faced down, fought, and killed a Balrog of Morgoth, single-handedly."

      "What is a Balrog?"

      "Pray you never find out. For a single Ranger to fight one is considered suicide, almost all that have attempted such have died horribly. Killing this one caused all the flesh to be burnt from her hands as she shoved them into its gut and channeled the cold between the stars through her burning hands, snuffing out the fire that is its lifeforce. Dettlaff picked her up and carried her out of the cavern where the fight happened.

      I unknowingly called upon the 'Tears of the Mother' and as they fell upon the charred bone of her hands, I watched as flesh, muscle, and skin, regrew onto her bones until all of the damage was healed."

      "Dettlaff was with her and did not help?!"

      "He was there as a witness to the battle and was forbidden to interfere. Had he done so, it would have cost them both their lives. As it was, he was there to bring her out, so that she could be healed and restored. Even so, it cost him dearly to stand by and watch without helping."

      "Still.."

      "It was her 'Test of Apotheosis', her test of worthiness to become a goddess. Interference was not possible, the test must be done by the Aspirant alone."

      "Did you undergo this test?'

      "Yes, I did."

      "What was your 'test'?"

      Iriisii looks dead into Ciri's face, "I had to channel 'Starfire', literally the fire from the surface of the sun that lights my world. I used it to destroy an invading army of vampiric reptiles, numbering in the thousands. I stood on the battlefield alone when I did this, surrounded by that army and the Daedric Lord, 'Molag Bal' who was healing them as fast as my own army could kill them. Then he started doing something with their bodies, something terrible to see. In the blink of an eye, all of the invaders were burned to ash and dust, not even bone survived. And I almost did not. The 'tests' are unique to each Aspirant and test every facet of who they are, what they are. Some are tested to the point of death, others to the point of madness, most fail and fall by the wayside. Only those who pass are considered worthy of the 'Calling'.

      When my 'Calling' came, several different Pantheons of Gods, asked for me to join with them. I chose the 'Gods of Eld' and have never regretted my choice. Understand this, most who accept the 'Calling' do not get their choice, only a very few does this happen to. What has happened to me since then, has made me see why so many vied for me, and why my choice was the right one for me."

      "Will I ever have to do this, because of the blood I carry?"

      "Who is to say you already have not done so?"

      "When I faced the 'White Frost', you mean?"

      "Yes, that would surely qualify."

      "How would I know if this is what happened?"

      "When the 'Calling' comes upon you, you will know."