The Search For Kathea, A Leap Into Nilfgard, Nilfgard, What to Do About Nilfgard

  Iriisii is sitting at the bar, somber, in deep thought. Rigmor and the other ladies are at a table getting an early start on the drinking while Iriisii is being a spoilsport. Geralt comes down from one of his ongoing talks with Triss that seem to be going well for the pair. Rigmor sees him and motions toward Iriisii. He looks, reads the situation, and nods his head to Rigmor, who returns his nod and turns back to the drinking.

     Geralt walks over to the bar and sits on a stool next to Iriisii and quietly asks, "is there anything I can help with?"

     Iriisii turns to look at him, makes a decision, and pushes the letter Emhyr var Emreis wrote to her before she exiled him. Geralt reads through the letter, after which Iriisii notices just the slightest tremor in his hands. No one else would have noticed, but after their 'heart to heart' talk the other night, she probably knows him better than he knows himself at this point. She is feeling it is in Triss' favor that she has not come to Iriisii asking for answers to all of her questions about what was said, but rather seeking her answers from Geralt.

     "Never would I have imagined him doing anything like this? But why I know he wants the throne for Ciri, and I understand why, just as I understand her desire not to want it. But why would he do this instead?"

     "Because at the core of who he is, he loves and cares for the people of his Empire as I do for mine. We do not show it in the same way, I am like the warm loving mother, wanting only what is best for them. Suffering when I have to discipline them, asking myself was there another way, each and every time. He is more the stern father, wanting them to follow the path he feels best for them, making that path full of trials to make them strong enough to survive what life and destiny throw their way."

     "I never thought of it like that, but it does make sense. Though I agree with how you rule far more than I agree with him, I can see how close your assessment is."

     "To have seen it before, you would have had to have been in our shoes. And that is a fate I would not wish on anyone, especially you, my friend. To have to sit on the throne of an Empire, would destroy you in a short time. In fact, the only reason I accepted mine, was to stop the infighting and the bloodbath that would result from each different noble faction reaching for that Throne. Only to ultimately lose everything to the Tsaesci invasion that was coming only a few years later."

     "And all things known now to be considered, you made the right decision. But I wonder if when he sees all that happens from his decisions if he could say the same."

     "Time will tell, my friend, time will tell in its own way."

     "I agree, now tell me how I can help."

     "I do not feel that marching into the palace and showing this letter while I sit on that Throne is the best way to handle this. I could do it and make it work, but it will cost a lot of blood. I feel that it is unnecessary to shed more than I have to. I am not naive to believe that I can do this without bloodshed, some among the Generals will never accept me, regardless of what is in that letter. But it might convince some if another, high in his circle, verified that the letter is genuine."

     "I cannot disagree with you on that, and I think I may know somewhere to begin. If he can be convinced, he could help bring some others on board before you even set foot in the palace."

     "You are speaking of Henry var Attre, who has that estate in the Gildorf District."

     "Yes, if anyone could help, would help, he would be the one to convince."

     "Are you sure? Didn't you have those 'fencing lessons' with his daughter, 'Rosa', that did not go the way either of you intended?"

     "I can deal with Rosa, and in doing so keep her out of your hair while you speak to her father. Edna will not be a problem, she will likely enjoy seeing the 'fight' between Rosa and me. Henry knows me and will see me if I ask him to. I know what words to use to pique his interest in seeing you and the letter."

     "Thank you, Geralt, I really appreciate you doing this for me."

     "Rather it is I that should be thanking you, this is nothing besides what you have done for Triss and myself."

     "Going well, I take it?"

     "I think for perhaps the first time we are really seeing into each other the way we both have wanted to, but at the same time feared to do so, for what we would see. Now that we both want this, it is easier to understand what we both have gone through to bring us to this point. It is bringing us closer together, closer than I have been with anyone else. I...do not have words, to describe what is happening to us both."

     "You do not need to go on, your soul speaks eloquently enough what your voice lacks. And I believe that Triss can hear it as well as I do."

     It takes a couple of days to arrange the meeting with Henry var Attre, in that time, Iriisii completes the purchase of the former 'Church of the Eternal Flame' properties, paying what many would feel was an outrageous sum of gold. Iriisii did not care for how much gold she paid, or how much more she would pay to restore those buildings that were destroyed. She was more concerned with doing something that would in some way help the people. And to this end, she made arrangements with her new banker, to repurpose many of the buildings into living quarters, kitchens to feed the homeless and hungry, safe places for any who needed it, could come to escape bad weather or other reasons. For she made it certain that all of her 'Churches' places were neutral, and she enforced that edict ruthlessly.

     The interesting way she did it, mainly was in that she did it in secret. Going to each entrance by moonless night, etching runes of Dovahzul on the sides of the arch and above. The runes above form a blessing to those seeking peace and comfort, while on the sides forming a curse to those seeking harm or ill intent to those inside the property. It did not take too long before the underworld lords took notice of those they sought for one reason or another would claim sanctuary within this new Church's walls.

     They were very loath to allow those they sought, to escape their grasp, and so when negotiation with the 'Church' failed, they simply sought to send their people in and take those they sought by force. They were not about to allow this upstart 'Church' to stand in their way of doing business.

     However, it seemed that every time their people crossed onto the property, accidents befell them. Sprained joints, broken bones from slips and falls, yet none of the parishioners ever had anything happen to them. When the numbers of injuries mounted such that they were noticed by the bosses. They hired a sorcerer to examine the area and see if there was anything he could do. He looked at it, then went back to report what he found. 

     He said that although there were two spells on each property, he could not read the language they were written in. He could tell one was a blessing and one a curse. He left it to them to decide which was applied to whom. But that to his knowledge there was no one on the continent or elsewhere with the power to either undo or bypass those spells.

     To say they were wrathful at his report was an understatement. They still were not going to take this laying down. If they could not do anything directly, they would try indirectly. One of the beggars heard mention that the woman who purchased the properties from the 'Crown' was going to have a meeting with Henry var Attre, a known Nilfgard diplomat. And so they went to the 'Crown' making all kinds of accusations toward Iriisii about this supposed meeting with the Nilfgard diplomat.

     Three days after their conversation, Geralt informs Iriisii that he has arranged a meeting with Henry var Attre, at his home in two days' time. He tells her that he has not said much as to the nature of the meeting only that it concerns matters high within Nilfgard politics. Iriisii informs Geralt that she has purchased the confiscated property of the 'Church of the Eternal Flame', has already started to rebuild some of them. She has also warded the properties due to unwanted intrusions from the criminal underworld.

     She expects them to take some kind of action since their 'knickers are in a twist' over quite a few of their operatives ending up with sprains and broken bones, which she generously had her people bind up before allowing them to leave. She said not to worry though that whatever they plan will come to naught, first, they do not have access to the power to undo the wards, second, she has come into possession of certain documents that would be very embarrassing to a number of the nobles if they were to be made public.

     She also said she had warded the 'Chameleon' with the same wards she used for her own properties, saying this will do a lot to protect those who come here for honest purposes. Comparing notes tells them that they are as ready for anything to happen as they can be.

     Rigmor catches Iriisii as she comes down the steps, "when are you going to do anything about Nilfgard?"

     "I know you are getting antsy about this, Geralt has a meeting set up with Henry var Attre in a couple of days. I thought I would try to test the waters first with their diplomat here. If I could convince him to help, it will be easier. He can help prepare things without having to drop in unannounced and 'clean house' in a bloodbath. Some of the Generals will have to be dealt with regardless, and there is a rebellious element among the nobles that will attempt to take advantage.

     As long as I know ahead who will most likely be the problems, then I can take steps to minimize the damage to the general public. They desire better than they have gotten."

     "How are you going to deal with actually sitting on the throne? I know you have worked with Reaper and the Krang, to figure that out and he says you have a solution."

     "This is going to get heavy into the metaphysics. An avatar is out of the question, too much time keeping a rein on it would be required, a simulacrum would not be flexible enough to deal with the complex issues."

     "So what are you going to try?"

     "We have decided to try something called a 'linked doppelganger'. It is essentially a mirror image of me, but with a tether linking us. This will allow me to set aside a small part of my awareness to control the doppelganger. It would have access to my memories, decision processes, power, think like I am in both places at the same time, only with me, physically with you being the controlling personality.

     Only in serious issues that the controlling awareness cannot handle will it be able to request more of me to help deal with whatever is going on, then returning back to lower levels of active awareness on my part. When this is over, I simply withdraw my awareness from the doppelganger and dissolve the body.

     And this is possible to work with the help of the 'Wisdom of The First Ones', but I feel you should know something. I will not ask you to be unconcerned, just understand that it can and will be worked out."

     "What is it?"

     "This is very similar to what I and the 'Child of the Infinite' have between us."

     "I think I see, but what does that mean between the two of you, what is different between you."

     "That part I can answer. You know I have within me an amalgam of souls and awarenesses, my Dovah soul, Shivista, Darkstar, 'Beast' who still has not chosen a name for herself, my racial memories both mortal and immortal. We all coexist peacefully and choose to work together for all of us. The 'Child' has all of the same as I do, but in her, they are melded into one single soul, and we have a 'tether' between us. How it works, I do not know. For now, she sleeps, her soul seems to be still like an infant. It needs to grow, mature before coming out. How long that will take, I have no idea, nor do I know if either of us can help the other through the tether.

     There is still much I do not know about what happened, why it happened, I know that the 'Mother' and her sister did not anticipate this. But strange as this seems, I recall a few moments in our past where something similar happened to us, but then it was between you, me, Illyria, and Byrsael, not with only the parts of my soul. I remember that our power level jumped to unheard-of levels for the short time we were merged, I think had it kept up for longer than it did, we would have been expelled from this dimension for being too powerful for its 'fabric' to withstand. If any of that makes sense."

     "Actually, it does. The time I have spent with the Krang has helped me to expand my own knowledge. And the presence of the 'Catalyst' and 'Helsar Crystal' within me have also responded to the Krang, somehow integrating themselves with me, helping me to understand my own greater capabilities. This also helps me to be less impulsive, in some ways anyway. Others, however, I am getting inventive so to speak", with a very sly and promising grin on her face.

     "But to what you said, the reason you as yourself are still here, and the 'Child' is where she is, is because you are still needed here, and she cannot physically be here. Therefore the 'magic' involved, kept you separated from each other in this way, to allow you to complete your destiny here. What happens after that is anybody's guess."

     "But was this 'magic' or something else?"

     "I vote for something else, just what, I have no idea, maybe one day we may find out, maybe we will never find out. As I said it is anybody's guess. Now before something else happens to tear you away, come upstairs with me."

     Rigmor gets up and saunters up the stairs, her lower cheeks swaying back and forth with the promise of untold pleasures to be had if you are the right person. Iriisii makes a straight line for the stairs behind her amid the appreciative whistles from some of the patrons before Zoltan tells the lot of them to 'SHUT THE HELL UP' and mind their own business.

     Iriisii catches up to Rigmor just as she opens the door to their rooms, and feels a gentle hand squeezing one of her lower cheeks. She recognizes the 'feel' and knows who it is, which is the only reason the person on the other end did not lose that hand. Later as they lay in bed together, Rigmor comments, "my dark side wants to thank you for including her in what you did. You really 'rocked' her world."

    "It is something I have learned from Dettlaff, those of the 'Dark' love pleasure as much as those of the 'Light' do and there is no reason why accommodations cannot be made to include them. They have much to offer in and of themselves if we just make the effort. Not everything they like has to involve pain, often the anticipation of being lightly bound, not knowing what your mate is going to do, leading you into thinking you do know what is next, and then doing something different. 

     The shock of the unexpected heightens everything for all of us. Of course, there are some things I would do with Dettlaff that I would not do with you, the same goes for Illyria and Byrsael, you are comfortable with some things they are not. This does not mean we cannot find pleasure with each other, just different kinds depending on who we are with."

     "I agree, I know when I am with them, there are things I would do with you, that they would not like and so I demur to what they like, knowing I can satisfy my other urges with you when you are around to satisfy them with."

     "I am sorry about that, but duty calls as you well know."

     "Yes, I do, unfortunately. But do you remember that thing you did that drove me so crazy that I actually bit you?"

     "Yes, I do, you made me 'leap over the mountain' when you did that."

     "Do it again, grrrrrr!"

     Coming back down a few hours later, Geralt is walking into the 'Chameleon' looking for Iriisii. 

     "Henry var Attre has cleared his afternoon schedule for us. I did not tell him very much, just that this affected Nilfgard at the highest levels. I think word of what happened there, has reached him here. He seemed very agitated and took what I said seriously enough to want to speak today."

     "Okay, let us go then, I want to get this started as quickly as possible. If the word is spreading, we have little time to move forward, and moving forward now is critical."

     They make their way to the Gildorf district, pausing for just a few moments as they would pass a new Church property to see if all was well. As they saw nothing out of the expected, they went on. Once they reached var Attre's home, his guards standing on alert but trying to look casual, allowed them to enter as soon as they arrived, saying that his Lordship was expecting them.

     Henry var Attre met them just as they entered the house. Geralt made introductions.

     "This is my 'patron', Her Majesty, Iriisii Dovahkiin, Empress of the Empire of Cyrodiil."

     Geralt per their previous discussion said nothing more as to who Iriisii actually was, leaving her status as a Goddess for her to disclose if it became needful.

     "Your Majesty, this is Lord Henry var Attre, Diplomat of the Empire of Nilfgard to the 'Court of Redania'."

     "Thank you, Geralt, and thank you for your efforts in bringing this meeting together. Lord var Attre, is there somewhere we can speak in private. As I trust Geralt with my life, in Novograd, the walls have ears and what I have to say should be for your ears only."

     "Of course, Your Majesty, may I inquire where the Empire of Cyrodiil is located, I am familiar with nearly every kingdom on this world and I have not heard of it?"

     As Iriisii follows var Attre into his private study and closes the door.

     "That is because it is not on this world. As I am certain you know that there exist other worlds as the evidence is all around in the persons of the non-human races and the various monsters that are known to show themselves from time to time. I am a planeswalker, as well as many other things, not the least of which an Empress. This is a true title, I earned by 'Right of Combat', when in the midst of peace negotiations, the Emperor at that time, one Ariel Sethius, drew a blade and attacked in violation of the 'Rules of Parley'. In defense of myself and my mate, I defended myself and in doing so, separated his head from his shoulders.

     The Lord Chancellor in attendance requested that I take the Throne, at the least to prevent a bloodbath from the nobles starting a 'War of Succession', as well as since he acknowledged my status as a 'Dovahkiin' anointed by Akatosh, God of Time and Father of Dragons. The leader of the 'Nine Divines', our chief Pantheon of Gods. I had the greatest claim to the Throne, due to it being first created and blessed by him, for his Dovahkiin."

     "That word, Dovahkiin, is not one I am familiar with."

     "I would be surprised if you were, it is in the Language of Dragons, and means Dragonborn. No, one of my parents was not a Dragon, but deep within our history, the Dragonblood was gifted to certain bloodlines. By itself it means nothing, but if anointed by Akatosh, it takes on a whole new meaning."

     "May I ask, only as a means of understanding you and your people better, of course."

     "I have no problem with you knowing, Lord var Attre. It is a well-known lesson of scholars in my world. Due to a 'Divine Compact' set in place to lessen the ability of the Gods, both the 'Nine' and others who are not aligned with them. Akatosh set in place a 'barrier' to prevent direct interference with the mortal races. This was done because again in our deep past, their physical presence, walking on our world nearly destroyed it. With this barrier in place, the Gods must use mortal agents to accomplish their goals.

     So when it is decided by the 'Nine' that a hero is needed to perform tasks that an ordinary mortal cannot do, a Dovahkiin is anointed, and set about learning their abilities. Then to go and do what tasks the 'Nine' desire of them. Usually, afterward, they disappear from public notice, until the next time one is needed. My case is a bit different in this regard. Being anointed can come about at most any age, but usually from the teen years onward. In just a very few, very rare, cases, does it come before birth, and then they are known to be called, 'Dragonchild'. I am one such. And my firstborn daughter is as well, she who will inherit the Ruby Throne upon her coming of age.

     My responsibility will then be done, as to what will happen to me afterward. Well, let us just say I am now beyond just vanishing back into the mists of time. The 'responsibility' for me as a 'Divine Heroine' has been, shall we say, preempted by another, far greater in the scheme of reality than Akatosh. He bears no animosity for this, as he sees the need for it and agrees that it must take precedence. Thus my skills increased and I became who I am now. I am still an 'agent', just for a much more powerful deity, with far more encompassing chains on her because of that power, thus her need for an 'agent' of her own.

     I digress I know, most of what I do for 'her' has nothing to do with what happens here, it is rather my own encounters with people who I ask to help me and whatever their particular needs are. I help them as they help me, we both benefit. That is in part what this is about, I came to know Ciri through Geralt, and saw her again recently when I was performing a task far to the north for my 'patroness'. Some of your Emperor's agents tracked Ciri to where I was, some inferred threats against a village of Naiads who lived there and guarded the entrance under a mountain for me.

     As they were simply doing as I had asked, I felt it needful to address this situation with your Emperor and reach an accommodation. I could not do this in broad daylight, in full view of his 'Court'. The unintended consequences would be far-reaching and devastating to the people caught between Nilfgard and the Northern Kingdoms. Not to mention the problems he faced at home with the nobles looking for an excuse to usurp him. I set up a meeting with him deep in the night, in his throne room. I do adhere to some decorum, showing up unannounced in his bedchambers, someone might think me an assassin.

     As I think you can tell, things did not go well. Let me assure you, he is very much alive and well. But the things I learned, gave me no choice but to enforce exile upon him. As to what that has to do with why I am here, now, speaking to you. He gave me a letter, for Ciri. She read it when I returned to her, and she then gave it back to me, saying I should also read it since it would involve me as well. That is why I am here, to allow you to read it, authenticate it as his, for yourself. And then help me to do what is best for the people of Nilfgard."

     Iriisii then hands the letter to him. He takes it as if it was a deadly serpent coiled to strike, which truthfully that was not far from the mark. He reads it, lowers his head, with his hands clasped around the back of it and his neck. He holds this position for a few minutes while Iriisii silently waits for him to make his decision on what to do.

     "You realize what he is asking here?"

     "Yes, I do. Believe me, I was just as shocked as you are now. I think I even called him a 'bastard' for doing this."

     "That sounds much like him, which is one reason I believe you, and know this is from his hand. Another is that he used certain words in a certain order..."

     "A verifying code then, for someone he knew I might bring this to, for them to know it is real and not a forgery."

     "Yes, with all of his enemies, it has saved his life, and the Empire several times over. I believe what you have said, although there is much you have left unsaid, I do not fault you for that. You must be guarded with your own information, that I can understand and agree with. But what do you plan on doing with this? I assume Ciri wants no part of ruling the Empire?"

     "You are most correct, and as much as I would like to pass it to her. I will not force it upon her. I know all too well the possible consequences of doing that. I have been in her shoes long ago, as I am also an Empress now, and know the responsibilities of ruling an Empire, I see both sides of the situation and so am trying to take the side of what I feel best for the people.

     I trust that one day, she will see the need to ask for the Throne, and I will gladly give it to her. That is also why your Emperor did this, he knew I would understand why, and not seek to keep the Throne for myself. Something very few others would be able to do, and so he felt he could trust me to do this. He did it in the only way he could and know that I would not refuse."

     "Then allow me to be the first to swear fealty to you as 'Regent of the Empire of Nilfgard'."

     "For the honor of your family, and the people of the Empire of Nilfgard, I accept your fealty. Know that as long as you stand with the people, I will stand by you, and I am a very powerful ally to have."

     "What do you need me to do, Your Majesty?"

     "I need an honest appraisal of the Generals and the Nobles. Who will support us, who will not? Who will sit on the fence and see which way the wind blows, and who will stand behind us with covered daggers waiting for an opportunity to use them."

     "I see this is not going to be as difficult as I first anticipated. You are well versed in 'Court' intrigues."

     "If I had my Lord Chancellor here, we could wrap this up in time for lunch."

     "That ruthless is he?"

     "Oh, you have no idea, Lord var Attre. But he has served me well and never given me a reason to doubt him. I know where his loyalties lie, as long as I stand for the welfare of the Empire, all of its people, and not just the nobles. I have no reason to fear him, nor he to fear me. After I took the Ruby Throne, he wanted to assassinate every noble who took the field against us. Granted it would have been quicker to do it his way."

     "How did you, then?"

     "I had him use the 'laws' of the Empire. The amount of double-dealing, betrayal, alliances with enemies of the Empire. There was plenty to use to round them all up, put them on trial, parade their crimes before the people, convict, and then execute them. All legal and tidy. We left their spouses and families with their titles and estates intact, with the understanding that if anything should ever happen again there would be no mercy.

     Four years later, we turned back an invasion of Tsaesci, vampiric reptiles, who wished to invade and enslave us, using some for servants, the rest for food. If I had not done as I did, they would have won. As it is now, they are almost all dead, the rest hunted on the island continent they call home, by the other races living there, that were somehow able to fight them to a stalemate.

     That will occupy them until my daughter, Kintyra III, ascends to the throne. She will not have to worry about anyone coming from that island continent looking to invade a second time. For the Dragons of Nirn will be her allies, and no mortal force can withstand them if they are united behind her. And we have the promise of Akatosh, that there will be more Dovahkiin born, to be the ones who will enforce justice across the length and width of the Empire. Then I can leave, perhaps for good, I do not know. It depends on what destiny has in store for me."

     "Be that as it may, we have much work to do for now. I can give you a partial list, it will not take long to write it down. These will be the ones in each category I am certain of, the others will take some thought."

     "The ones you are certain that will support us, get in touch with them, let them know what is going on, ask if they can help you evaluate the ones you are not sure of. But make no bones about what will happen if we are betrayed. If they are being forced or leveraged in any way, get back to us and I can and will bend every resource I have to help get them free of any coercion.

     Even if it is family members being held, hostage. I have people that can get them out of harm's way, but I must know of it before I can do anything. I will need to get someone down there, to act as a messenger, to pass messages and intelligence back and forth. The normal time lags will kill us before we can get started. Do you know someone who would allow one of mine to stay with them, out of sight? This way only those trusted would know of their presence, and we can get information much, much quicker."

     "Yes, I know just the person. There are many who pass through his estate, so it would be nothing strange to have our people use his place as a 'drop' for messages."

     "Good, now I need to determine who I could send?"

     'Rigmor would be a great choice. She can take care of herself and she has been chafing over just sitting while others are busy. She would also know what information you need soonest, and she has a nose for trouble. She can spot anyone likely to be a problem or a shill.'

     'I do not like the idea of sending her in there alone, but you are right. She is very qualified to do this and has talked to me about letting her do more to help. Very well, I will speak to her about it and we will find a way to get her in there without raising suspicions.'

     "I have just the person for this. We will need to find a way to get her to your contact without raising suspicion. She is resourceful, can defend herself extremely well, and I trust her implicitly. Also, she has a nose for spotting trouble, her character assessments are always right on the money, I have never known her to be wrong. She is my first mate, Rigmor Ragnarsdottier, High Queen of Cyrodiil."

     "Now I know you are deadly serious, to send one of such importance on this mission. By the way..."

     "Four total, three ladies, one male. And the male is special to me in more ways than one. I am going to trust you with this, it is just possible you may know of him. His name is Dettlaff van der Eretein."

     "From Beauclaire? I seem to recall the name showing up from there, but almost nothing else. Why the secrecy, then?"

     "He is a 'higher vampire'."

     "You are married to a 'higher vampire'? How, no, I do not want to know."

     "Do not turn away, until you know you would not like a relationship with one. It is not for the faint of heart, yes, but the rewards if you are with the right one, are worth far more than the risks. He is my 'Vyrkolos'. Among those of his people, a 'Vyrkolos' is legendary. And yes, we share blood, but he shares only with me. None of my other mates are allowed to share blood with him, anything else is allowed, but no blood."

     "How do you...?"

     "That is for us to know, if you do not ever wish to avail yourself of a 'higher vampire' as a partner, you have no need of such knowledge. But should you ever wish to consider, I can ask him for any recommendations he might feel would be suitable. I would trust him to suggest a few who would not take advantage of you."

     "I really do not know."

     "No matter, the offer stands if you ever wish to inquire. Now..."

     The sounds of a young female, shouting, arguing, likely at Geralt, since there should be no other outside the room, come through the study doors. Iriisii looks toward var Attre, who whispers in a tired voice, "Rosa".

     "Your daughter, I take it?"

     "Yes, Rosa and Edna, twins. They are all I have left in this world."

     "Then let us see to their continued safety."

     As Henry starts to open the doors, the voices are clearer.

     "You will step aside and let me see my father, or I will call the guards to throw you out! Which I should do anyway!"

     "Rosa, no, can you not see, he is here as a guard for someone speaking to father. He has no other reason for being here."

     "I do not care, he is in the way between me and father, and I will not have it!"

     The doors open and Henry allows Iriisii to precede him. As she walks into the room her eyes are on Geralt, having already examined and discarded the twins. She sees he is doing exactly as she asked, standing guard, yet not antagonizing. She is having difficulty seeing why Rosa is reacting like she is to his presence. Rosa turns and sees Iriisii, with her father behind her, and she makes a wrong conclusion. Suddenly releases all of her ventings on Iriisii, the invective that spews from her mouth would do a sailor proud.

     Just when Iriisii thinks Rosa has run out of things to accuse Iriisii of, she goes to a rapier that she had set next to the door, takes it up in her hand as her father tries to get to her to stop her. This has gone on quite long enough.

     Iriisii uses the Thu'um in her voice, "STOP THIS NOW!". The walls shake with the force of her voice, the front doors open and the household guards come running in, weapons at the ready. She looks toward the guards and again using the Thu'um, "STOP!" The guards all stop and fall over themselves into a pile on the floor when the force of her word hits them. Rosa looks at her with her mouth still open in shock. Then as she looks into her eyes, she drops to the floor crying.

     Geralt turns and sees her eyes have turned to 'White Gold', no iris, no pupil, solid white gold. Not knowing how to handle this, he stops in front of her and kneels, heads down, the sword is drawn, sword tip to the floor, hands around the hilt. He feels a gentle hand on his shoulder, and a whisper of a voice on a light breeze coming from the open door.

     "Stay as you are, Witcher. You are the pillar she leans against for strength. Give her the peace of mind you know how to grow within you. Be the rock she needs you to be, her Dovah is strong and she fights to rein him in. As long as you remain still as you are, he will respect your position and not seek to move around you."

     He then stays as he is, not knowing who spoke to him, but doing as the voice asked because he truly did not know what to do, and instructions given to him are something he can do. Then in a fit of something, anger, remorse, something deep and unrequited, Rosa var Attre grabs her rapier and jumps at Geralt, driving the blade into one side of his abdomen and out the other.

    Edna sees her and tries to stop her but was too late, so too was her father. Geralt tries hard to ignore the pain, to hold on to the calm peaceful frame of mind he is projecting to Iriisii. She then returns to herself and sees the rapier transfixing his body. She places a hand on either side, right where the blade enters and leaves. Preparing to force healing energy into Geralt, she calls to Henry var Attre to pull the blade out on her command.

     He tries to apologize for Rosa, but Iriisii just says later, then tells him to pull the rapier. He grabs it and as cleanly as he can, he pulls it rapidly out. Even as the blood begins to spurt out both sides, she pours healing into him. This time her eyes turn a deep-sea blue, and Geralt hears a different voice, this time in his head.

     "I thank you for helping my mother, even as you took a blade through your body for her. Know you have earned my everlasting respect and my favor. She sends the healing force within you, yet it needs direction to work with your mutations, this I am providing. If there is anything I can do for you, you only need to ask of me."

     "Triss? Where is Triss?"

     "I will bring her to you, do not worry. I would ask having seen into your soul, will you allow me to heal you and restore unto you the gift of children? I can promise you, any children you should father will carry your name and the memories of your deeds, never allowing them to be forgotten, long after the need for Witchers has ended."

     Then he relinquishes his fears and gives permission to the voice. It only takes a few moments to direct healing energy to do the task. Then a portal opens in the var Attre home and Triss stumbles out.