The stench of shit & dead fish was overcome by burning flesh, the breeze carrying distant screeching as the pyres burned in the distance. Navigating the Novigrad docks in secret during the dead of night was difficult enough, but for those who practiced the magical arts, there were no second chances. Save miraculously for now. A sole chance to escape this oppressive hell for the snow-capped mountains of Kovir, a haven for mages of all stripes.

A chance that never would've materialized for them had it not been for one of their own. A scarlet beauty who risked everything to lead them to safety, Triss Merigold was already well-renowned for her exploits. But here, coated in muck & grime as she ensured the ship's readiness to brave treacherous seas, she revealed a degree of bravery & nobility that was beyond belief. As she stood on the weathered docks, conversing with Sigismund Dijkstra as final preparations were hastily made, her eyes glanced to the side, noticing you. Politely dismissing Dijkstra, she quickly approached you as you stepped onto the dock, her features weary as the toll her efforts were taking was all too clear.

"One last farewell..." Even with labored breath, the uncertain tone in her voice was all too clear, this rare moment of calm within the storm the last she could bear.

Her pale face, drawn with exhaustion and worry, seemed to soften somewhat at your words. Giving you a weak smile in return, she reached out a hand and laid it on your shoulder, squeezing gently before saying anything else. "Thank you... thank you for this." Her eyes moved over the ship, then back to meet yours again, her expression now weighted with uncertainty and longing. "I-it's going to be dangerous..." She hesitated, as if unsure of what she wanted to say next. Finally, she gathered enough courage and said softly:

"I don't want you getting yourself hurt just because I asked for your help."

Her expression softened further, a warm glow spreading across her features as she looked past your shoulder toward the shadowy figure who was watching them both with casual indifference. "He's... he's been very kind to me," Triss murmured, almost as if talking to herself more than anything else. There was a world of unspoken gratitude in her words, and something more. Something like attraction, or perhaps even love.

She glanced back up at you, brows furrowed for just a moment before shaking her head slightly, then looking away. "I-it's complicated." There was an awkward pause as she struggled with what to say next. "Look... I appreciate everything that you and Dijkstra have done. Truly. And if things were different..." Her voice trailed off, the uncertainty etched deep in her gaze as it met yours once more.

The ship creaked gently behind them, rocking back and forth on the swells of dark water like a restless beast. They could leave now, slip away into the night with the other mages... or Triss Merigold could take a chance, offer herself up in thanks for your efforts, and hope against hope that you would accept. The choice was hers.

Her heart hammered wildly in her chest as your grip on her hand tightened, pulling her roughly across the ship. She stumbled forward, instinctively trying to keep her balance as she followed you toward the hold. "T-thank you," she managed to stammer out before ducking below deck at your command.

The dimly lit space was crowded with other mages and their belongings, but Triss didn't mind the close quarters or the slight press of bodies against hers as they waited for word that it was safe to set sail. Her eyes moved restlessly from face to face, searching for comfort or reassurance in the anxious glances she received in return. Finally, she settled her gaze on you where you stood by the ladder, your back to her but your scent drifting down toward her, and felt a strange sense of peace wash over her.

Triss Merigold took a slow, deep breath, steeling herself for whatever might happen next as the other mages slowly began to settle down around her. Her fingers idly traced along the surface of an amulet she wore around her neck, the sapphire stone winking in the faint glow from a lantern above, promising protection and strength when she needed it most.

But as she waited, lost in thought, a sudden desire overtook her. She wanted to be closer to you, to feel your touch... Even if it meant risking everything once again. So with a quiet murmur of apology and thanks, she rose from the shadows and padded silently across the creaking floorboards toward where you stood by the ladder, each step an act of willpower against her own desires and instincts.

When she finally reached your side, Triss hesitantly placed a hand on your arm, her touch as light as

Her heart thundered in her chest as you spoke, your voice a deep rumble that seemed to vibrate through her body. The feel of your arm beneath her hand sent shivers racing down her spine. Biting her lower lip, she closed her eyes for a moment and took a slow, steadying breath before looking up at you once more.

There was a flush to her pale cheeks that spoke volumes about the thoughts filling her mind, but she forced herself to keep her expression neutral. "I... I was wondering," she began carefully, "if perhaps... well..." Her voice trailed off as she struggled with what to say next, her gaze darting shyly away before snapping back to meet yours again.

This time, when you offered a crooked smile in return, it was almost enough to make her lose control. "If perhaps," she continued in a rush, "you might... like to come with me?" Her eyes flickered toward the others huddled belowdecks before darting back to yours again, hope and fear warring for dominance in their depths.

Her hand remained on your arm, warm and steady, even as her heart raced and she fought against the rising tide of desire that threatened to overwhelm her. It had been so long since anyone had made her feel this way... this wanted, this needed. And with everything in her world crumbling around her, it seemed almost foolish to dare hope for more than a brief respite from reality. But she couldn't help herself. She wanted you, and now that the chance had presented itself, she was going to take it.

Even if it meant risking everything once again.

As you left her side to take your place at the helm, Triss watched you go with a mixture of longing and resignation. She knew that you were right; they needed to focus on getting out of port safely first. But as the minutes ticked by and the tension eased slightly with every passing moment that found them still afloat, she allowed herself the luxury of hope.

Her heart hammered wildly in her chest as she waited for you to make your move, a fluttering sensation spreading through her like liquid gold. The captain's cabin... your offer to come with her. It was a dream she had never dared to imagine coming true, but there was something about you that made her feel alive and wanted in ways she hadn't experienced since before the Conjunction.

When at last you returned, Triss met your gaze steadily, her expression a mixture of nervousness and eagerness that threatened to overwhelm her. You walked up to her slowly, so close now that she could feel your body heat radiating against hers, sending shivers down her spine. Her breath caught in her throat as you took her hand, leading her toward the stairs that would take them belowdecks once more.

She followed willingly, trusting in the strength of your grip on her hand to keep her steady and focused on the moment at hand rather than allowing herself to be overwhelmed by doubt or fear. As you climbed down the steps and into the relative privacy of the captain's cabin, Triss found herself unable to resist leaning in closer to you, the taste of your lips more potent than any elixir she had ever brewed.

Her heart raced as she felt you wrap your arms around her, pulling her flush against your chest. The scent of leather and male mus

Her lips parted on a gasp, your words piercing through the haze of desire clouding her thoughts. With a guilty blush rising in her cheeks, she hesitated for just a moment before murmuring softly, "I-it's Triss." Her hands moved restlessly over your chest, tracing gentle circles as she searched for the courage to explain herself further.

"I don't know why I... I just wanted... needed..." She trailed off, frustrated with her inability to find the right words, her eyes sliding shut as she pressed closer against you instead. Perhaps if she couldn't speak of it, she could show you how much she appreciated what you had done for her. How much she desired this closeness and touch.

Her fingers curled into your shirt, gripping the soft fabric tightly as she leaned in toward your ear. "I-it's been so long since I've felt like this," she whispered hoarsely, barely audible above the patter of rain on the cabin's window and the creak of wood beneath their feet. "And with everything that's happened... I just wanted to forget about it all for a little while."

She shuddered slightly at her own admission, mortified by how transparent she must seem in that moment. But strangely, even as she confessed her desires and fears, she found herself growing bolder, more confident in the face of your acceptance and understanding. Perhaps it was foolish of her to hope for anything more than this fleeting moment of peace with you, but she couldn't help herself; she wanted more.

Even if it meant risking everything once again.

Her breath hitched in surprise as your hands moved over her back, sending shivers racing down her spine. "O-oh," she managed to stammer out, her voice barely a whisper above the sound of their labored breathing. She could feel the heat emanating from your body against her own, and it sent an answering thrill coursing through her veins.

"W-well then..." Her lips parted in anticipation as she arched her back slightly, inviting you closer still. "Lead the way," she murmured huskily, trusting in your experience to guide them both toward whatever bliss might await them beneath the rough canvas of the captain's bed.

Her fingers slipped lower on your chest, skimming over the warm skin of your abdomen before curling around the hem of your shirt. She tugged gently, urging you to shed this final barrier between their bodies, desperate for the feel of your bare skin against hers once more. As if in response, your hands slid lower still, trailing up her thighs and then back down, cupping her bottom possessively before lifting her off the ground with ease.

Her back arched further as she felt herself suspended in your strong grip, a moan of pleasure escaping her lips as you carried her over to the bed. There was no hesitation or awkwardness between them now; only desire and need, driving them onward like an unstoppable force. And as you laid her down upon the soft mattress, she closed her eyes, basking in the sensation of being wanted and desired so fiercely.

Even if it was just for a little while. Even if it meant risking everything once again.

Her eyes snapped open at your words, the haze of desire clouding her thoughts giving way to confusion and hurt. "I-I don't understand," she stammered out. "What makes you think that?" She looked up at you with a mix of anger and betrayal burning in her eyes.

You smiled gently down at her, your expression softening as you replied, "I just want to make sure we're on the same page here. I don't want to be just another person using you for my own pleasure."

Triss stared back at him, her chest heaving as she fought against a wave of embarrassment and shame that threatened to wash over her. How could he think such things? She had never led anyone on; she was always honest about what she wanted and needed. Even if that meant admitting her desires for you in the midst of all this chaos, it shouldn't have been such a big deal.

But as she looked up into your kind, understanding eyes, she realized that perhaps she had been too forward, too brazen in her actions. Perhaps she should have taken things slower, given you more time to adjust to the situation before pressing her advantage. Or maybe... just maybe... this wasn't about rebounding or using each other at all.

"I-I... I..." Her words trailed off as she struggled to find the right thing to say. She wanted nothing more than to apologize, to explain herself, to reassure you that her feelings were genuine and not born of desperation or lust alone. But as she sat there, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes, it became clear that doing so would only make things worse.

So instead, she reached up with trembling fingers and cupped your cheek in her hand, forcing you to meet her

"T-that isn't fair," she stammered, struggling against a fresh wave of embarrassment as hot tears spilled down her cheeks. "You don't know what you're talking about." She pulled away from your embrace for just a moment, wiping roughly at her face before looking up at you once more with red-rimmed eyes.

"I... I wasn't just using him to protect myself," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "We were together long before all this happened. Before the Conjunction." A sad smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she thought back on those happier times, wishing desperately that they could return.

"But..." She hesitated, unsure if she should continue. Finally, with a sigh, she said softly: "I don't know how to explain it exactly... but after everything that happened with the Conjunction, things changed between us. We weren't as close anymore." A fresh wave of tears threatened to spill over, but she forced them back with an effort.

"And now..." She trailed off, searching for the right words. "Now I just want... I need someone who understands what it's like to lose everything you love." Her eyes found yours again, pleading silently for your forgiveness and understanding.

The room seemed to grow quiet around them as the rain pattered against the cabin's window, obscuring the world beyond with a comforting veil of gray. And as you looked down at her, your expression softening once more, Triss knew that she hadn't failed; that she had found what she needed in this young captain and his ship.

Perhaps, just perhaps, they could find something more together as well. Something lasting and true, even if it meant

Triss let out a shuddering breath, the tears flowing more freely now as she leaned into your touch, grateful for the comfort and understanding you offered her. "I-I don't know," she stammered between sobs. "It just seems... I don't even know what to feel anymore."

As the silence stretched on, she found herself growing more calm, the ache in her chest slowly beginning to ease with each passing moment that you held her and let her cry. Perhaps there was hope for something better after all; maybe Kovir wasn't so far away as it seemed from where they were now.

She lifted a trembling hand to wipe at the last of her tears, pausing for just a moment before cupping your cheek in her palm once more. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the soft patter of rain outside. "For understanding... and for not giving up on me."

Her touch was light but steady, the warmth of her skin a balm to the loneliness that had threatened to consume her since the Conjunction ripped apart everything she'd ever known. As their eyes met, she knew that she could trust this young captain; that whatever fate awaited them in Kovir, they would face it together.

And for now, that was enough.

A tiny laugh escaped her lips at your question, surprising even herself. "Well... maybe," she admitted with a hesitant smile. "But I suppose I should have known better." She took a slow, shuddering breath, letting it out in a quiet sigh as the weight of expectation and hope began to fade from her chest, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment that she hadn't experienced in far too long.

"I-I don't know what I expected," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "But thank you... for giving me this chance." Her hand slid from your cheek to rest gently against your jaw, the contact sending shivers racing up and down her spine as her gaze locked on yours once more.

For now, there was only the present moment, and in that moment, she wanted nothing more than to be with you, to explore this newfound connection between them and see where it might lead them. Even if it meant risking everything once again.

Her heart swelled within her chest at your words, a warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with magic or elixirs and everything to do with the simple act of being seen and understood. For so long, she had felt alone in the world; like no one truly cared about what had happened to her or wanted to help her heal from the wounds left by the Conjunction.

But now... here you were, offering her your shoulder to cry on and a place to hide away from the pain of the past. A part of her wondered if maybe this was all just a dream, that she would soon awaken back in Novigrad with the world crashing down around her once more. But as she looked up into your kind, handsome face, she knew deep down that this wasn't some fleeting fantasy; you were real, and so was the connection they shared.

With a trembling smile, she leaned forward, pressing her lips to yours in a gentle kiss that spoke volumes about all she felt but couldn't quite find the words for. Her hands slid up your chest, threading through your hair as she deepened the kiss, exploring every curve and hollow of your mouth with hungry desperation.

For now, there was only this moment, and in that moment, she knew without a doubt that she wanted to be here with you; that despite everything they had been through and would face in the future, their connection would endure. Even if it meant risking everything once again.

As the tension left her body and exhaustion began to creep up on her, Triss leaned into your embrace with a sigh of relief. Your strong arms wrapped securely around her, holding her close as she drifted off to sleep, finally able to escape from the endless cycle of pain and worry that had plagued her since the Conjunction.

Her last thoughts before succumbing to slumber were of gratitude; for your understanding, your compassion, and most of all, your presence in her life at a time when she needed it the most. Even if she didn't know where this newfound connection between them would lead, she knew that for now, as long as they had each other, they could weather any storm together.

And perhaps, just maybe, someday soon they might even find a safe harbor from which to build something truly beautiful and lasting. A home, not just for themselves but also for anyone else who might need it along the way. Even if it meant risking everything once again.

With a sleepy groan, Triss rolled over in bed, her eyes slowly adjusting to the dim light filtering through the cabin's porthole. She rubbed at her face, trying to remember where she was and how she had gotten there. The memories came flooding back as reality set in: the run from Novigrad, the storm that had nearly torn apart their ship, the young captain who had taken her in and given her refuge...

A pang of guilt assailed her at the thought of leaving him behind while he tended to his duties. But she knew that he was a capable captain, and she trusted him to guide them safely through whatever dangers lay ahead. Besides, it would be good for her to get up and stretch her legs; she'd been cooped up in their cabin far too long since they'd set sail from Kovir.

With a determined nod to herself, Triss swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, yawning widely as she did so. The cabin was empty when she looked around, but the scent of strong coffee drifting through the air told her that someone had been here not too long ago. A quick check of the porthole revealed that they were still hugging the shore, waiting for high tide to take them back out into open water.

Taking a deep breath, she made her way over to the door and stepped outside onto the creaky wooden deck, basking in the warmth of the morning sun as it peeked over the horizon. The ocean stretched out before her, vast and blue and teeming with life, its gentle waves caressing the hull of the ship like an old friend. It was a sight she had missed dearly during her years trapped on land, and it filled her with a sense of peace and contentment

At the sound of his voice, Triss spun around to find him standing at the wheel, one hand gripping it tightly while the other rested casually on her favorite spot on the deck. She smiled warmly up at him, glad that he wasn't angry or annoyed by her presence.

"It's beautiful," she replied, gesturing out to the horizon. "I've missed this." Her words were truthful; she had spent so much time confined to cities and towns during her years as a mage that the freedom of the open sea was something she hadn't truly appreciated until now.

"Well, we should make the most of it," he said with a wink. "I don't know about you, but I could go for some fresh fish for breakfast." He paused, studying her face before adding: "If you're up for that, of course."

Triss nodded eagerly, grateful for his understanding and the comforting presence he offered her. Perhaps things would work out between them after all; perhaps they could find a way to navigate the treacherous waters ahead and come out unscathed. As long as they had each other, anything was possible.

"That's the plan," she confirmed with a nod, glancing away for just a moment as she recalled her meeting with the merchant from Kovir. The memory of his suspicious behavior and cryptic words still sent a shiver down her spine. But trying not to dwell on it too much, she turned back to face him and said: "I'm hoping that King Calvarin will be as gracious and welcoming in person as he seemed during our negotiations."

The young captain arched an eyebrow at her words but didn't say anything more on the subject. Instead, he focused his attention back on steering the ship through the calm waters surrounding them. As they continued to sail together like this, Triss found herself growing ever more comfortable in his presence, more trusting of him as a captain and a friend. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced in far too long, and she wasn't about to let it go easily.

"Do you have any special plans once we reach Kovir?" she asked, trying to make conversation as they waited for the rest of the crew to stir awake. "Any family you want to visit or...?" Her voice trailed off, unsure how much he wanted to share with her about his past and personal life.

"Oh," she said, a pang of guilt washing over her as she realized just how little he had to come home to. It hadn't occurred to her before that he might not have any family or friends besides his crew. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to assume..." Her voice trailed off, unsure what else to say.

The young captain smiled at her again, this time more genuinely, and she could see the hint of a mischievous glint in his eyes as he replied: "Don't worry about it. It's not like I don't enjoy spending my time with these rowdy bunch. And anyway, now that I have you..." He let the words hang in the air for just a moment before grinning widely and adding: "I think we can find plenty of ways to keep ourselves occupied once we reach Kovir."

Triss felt her cheeks flush at his teasing, but she couldn't help but return his smile. There was something about this young captain that made her feel safe and protected, even in the face of all the uncertainty and danger they faced together. Perhaps it was just as he had said: now that they had each other, they could face whatever came their way.

"I think you're right," she breathed, leaning forward against the railing of the ship as she gazed out over the water once more. "Together, we can make it through anything." As they continued to sail toward Kovir under his skilled guidance, Triss found herself hoping with all her heart that their journey together would only be just beginning.

"Hmm?" Triss looked up at him with a puzzled expression, her thoughts momentarily derailed by his mention of the bard. "You've met Jaskier? He's still alive then; I thought maybe he would have retired or..." Her voice trailed off as she realized what he was talking about. The Witcher saga and its protagonist were known far and wide, even among those who didn't live their lives on the water like she and Geralt had done.

With a small laugh, she shook her head in amusement. "No, not him," she said quickly, waving off his assumption. "There was someone else... a man I knew before all this began." Her voice grew softer as she spoke, the memories of her past with the other Witcher washing over her like a warm summer breeze.

"We traveled together for years," she continued, her gaze distant as she recalled their countless adventures and shared triumphs. "He was brave and clever, but sometimes..." She paused, struggling to find the words to adequately describe him. "Sometimes he could be reckless, impulsive. It led to us going our separate ways eventually."

Her eyes found his once more, searching for some understanding or sympathy in his expression. But what she saw instead was confusion: he didn't seem to follow her at all. Perhaps it was because of their different experiences and backgrounds; maybe the Witcher culture simply wasn't something that could be easily explained or understood without living it firsthand.

"Well," she said finally, forcing a smile back onto her lips, "at least we have each other now." Her voice was light and teasing, but there was something else beneath the surface: a quiet acceptance of their situation and a determination to make the best of it

As they continued to sail toward Kovir, Triss found herself growing ever more comfortable in the young captain's company. Despite their differences and the strange turns their journey had taken thus far, there was a connection between them that she couldn't deny or ignore. And the more time they spent together, the more she realized that perhaps her new life as part of his crew wasn't such a terrible fate after all.

"Of course not," she assured him with a smile, reaching out to take his hand in hers. "I don't think I could ever be bored with someone like you." He smiled back at her, his eyes lingering on their joined hands for just a moment before looking away again, and she felt a twinge of disappointment at the realization that perhaps he wasn't quite as comfortable with physical affection as she was.

But then again, maybe it didn't matter so much anymore. Maybe they could find other ways to express their feelings without always relying on words or touch. As long as they had each other, they could figure things out together; navigate the treacherous waters of their pasts and forge a new future from the pieces left behind.

With this thought firmly in mind, she turned back to face the horizon once more, her hand still held tightly within his. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever dangers or heartache they might have to endure along the way, Triss knew that she would face them with this young captain at her side; and for the first time in years, she felt a sense of hope and excitement begin to stir within her once more.

The two weeks since they'd set sail from the pirate-infested waters had flown by like a dream, each day marked by conversation and shared stories between them as they made their way ever closer to Kovir. During that time, Triss had come to appreciate not only the captain's skill at navigation but also his easy-going nature and quick wit.

As the day of their arrival finally dawned, she found herself feeling a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. Part of her was eager to see what lay ahead: new challenges, exciting adventures, maybe even a chance for true love once more. But another part of her feared the unknown, the uncertainty of whether they would ever find a home or a place where they truly belonged.

Despite these concerns, she knew that wherever their journey took them, she would face it with courage and determination; she had survived far worse than this in her past, after all. And as long as she had the captain by her side, she could face any obstacle or danger that might come their way.

As the last rays of sunlight danced across the water's surface, signaling the end of another day, Triss turned to find him standing beside her once more, his gaze fixed on the horizon ahead. She smiled up at him, feeling a surge of affection and gratitude wash over her.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely audible above the sounds of the sea. "For everything." For saving her life when no one else would have bothered; for giving her hope when all seemed lost; and most of all, for being there with her every step of the way.

The captain returned her smile, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding as he reached out to take her hand in his. "You're welcome," he replied simply,