25 Velen 1224
A two-story house lies in the forest around Novigrad, hidden behind several magical barriers. The house is a classic, made of light oak wood. The interior of the house is simple and sober. The interior is very classic and looks not like the interior of a medieval house but rather like the one he used to live in. Of course, it doesn't have all the technology of the modern world, like a television, a fridge and a washing machine. But some things resembled them. The kitchen has an ample work surface with a water basin and a pipe running into the wall. The sink is blocked off so that the moisture doesn't escape. Next to it is a large box with ice runes inscribed on it. The room layout is simple: there's a small place to put your coats at the entrance, then you enter the main room. The room has a lounge and dining area with a large dining table, a range of sofas around a small table for conversation, and a reading area near a fireplace.
The second part of the room is the kitchen, with features such as a fridge that runs on magic and a sink connected to the outside that fills up with water runes.
In the lounge area, four adults are talking. They seem to be having a peaceful chat, with no problems and no work to do. A table separates the adults, each sitting on a sofa around a low table. A tray with an empty teapot and four empty cups is placed on the coffee table. A plate of cakes is next to the metal tray. A tea glass is still full at the edge of the table, towards the room's wall. The tea is no longer slightly steaming as it was when it was poured. The four adults are two women and two men.
One of the women is a woman who exudes beauty. Her curls are as naturally black as faux. Her prominent cheekbones, marked by a wrinkle that forms when she sees fit to smile, are at the corner of her lips, so small and pale under the red. Her eyelashes are so perfectly irregular when she wipes off the mascara that enhances them during the day. Her nose is so perfectly too long. Her tiny fingers were so perfectly nervous, restless, and gifted. Her waist, whose delicacy is underlined by a belt that's too tight. Her slender legs created the movement of her tight black trousers. Her bosom squeezed into her black top with long black and white sleeves. Around her neck glittered a diamond-encrusted obsidian star suspended from a black velvet ribbon. Her beauty is the envy of men and the envy of women. Even among female magicians who use magic to make themselves younger and more beautiful, Yennefer de Vengerberg is one of the most beautiful women in the world, if not the most attractive for a confident man.
(Image of Yennefer clothing 5)
The person next to the glass is a woman with long red hair. Her hair is parted in two. The right part falls over her shoulders with a small lock over her face, while the left leg ends in a braid that falls over her chest. Her dark green eyes look deep into your soul. Her slim face gives her an angelic air. She wears a tiara with an emerald on her forehead. Above her chest hangs a pendant with a Celtic cross-linked to a long leather band that adorns her slender neck. A long green dress with gold motifs hides her body. Leather straps hold her dress and tighten it around her waist.
(Trinity image)
Opposite the beautiful red-haired woman, a charming young man is toasting a biscuit. He is tall, slender, but muscular. He has long blond hair with green tips. His leaf-coloured eyes are hypnotic to women. His facial features make him a man who can capture the ladies' hearts. His beauty is accentuated by the grave, concentrated, and cold air he usually adopts. He wears a necklace with a howling wolf around his neck. The chain is the same color as the amethyst hanging around the neck of the dark-haired woman. Two necklaces for a promise binding two people together. He is wearing dark brown trousers tending towards black, with red seams running down his legs. The collar and arms of a white shirt can be seen under a sleeveless black pourpoint. The pourpoint has spirals and circles made of silver. Two leather armbands protect his forearms. A pair of dark brown leather boots complete the outfit.
(Image Saibus)
Finally, the last adult present is a man who is 190 cm tall. His shoulders are square. His eyes are as deep blue as the ocean. His face has been stretched by the years, giving him a peaceful, wise look. His brown hair is slicked back. His greyish beard is several days old, with a scar above his lip. Around his neck, a black cloth with blue streaks protects him. He wears a simple black top underneath a metal shoulder pad that hangs around his torso with leather and silver straps. Finally, he wears black trousers.
(Image Ezio)
"I heard you came on a little too strong for the Saibus novice test," says Ezio.
"Yes, I heard that. From what I've heard in the corridors, the test you created with Desmond put a lot of pressure on the novices," adds Trinity with a teasing smile.
Saibus remained impassive to his mentor and aunt's teasing, paying no attention to his uncle: "No, not really, the test was just to test their thinking and decision-making. There was supposed to be a second part of the exam to see their combat skills, but the rest of the Council decided to cancel that part of the test."
"I agree with the Saibus Council. While the test you have conducted has potential, I think the way it is done is inappropriate for novices. Although they've been trained, they're still just children," says Ezio, resting his right foot on his left leg.
"Exactly. Just because you two were mature for your age doesn't necessarily mean the others are." retorts Trinity.
"I'm not an idiot. I know that most children aren't mature, but, as I've already told you, the test didn't consider their maturity but their minds, capacity for analysis, and decision-making." defended Saibus.
"Don't take it out on him. The test is over, and it won't change what happened. The most important thing is that the novices have found mentors to teach them." intervenes Yennefer, glancing at the tea glass on the table's edge.
"Jacob, aren't you going to drink your tea?" she asks softly.
"No thanks, Auntie. You can drink it if you like." A child's voice answers her. Yennefer then stands up and leans over to take the tea glass.
"There's no point in me serving you tea if you're not going to drink it," Trinity complains with a pout. A small head rises from the table. A little head full of short black hair. A thin mouth and a small nose make it cute. Grey eyes looked at Trinity. "Mum, I said when you served me that I didn't want any, but you didn't listen. Now you're complaining."
(Jacob image)
"I'm listening to you, but you need a snack to grow up and become a strong man. Besides, I don't think you should blame me for this. You're the one who never listens to me, given the number of times I've told you not to come into the house all dirty," replied Trinity, looking at her five-year-old son.
"I listen to you. It's just that I forget every time." Jacob looks away, embarrassed. But he quickly looks back at his mother. "You don't listen to me either, plus you always want to be right."
"I don't always want to be right. I'm always right. Not quite," retorts Trinity, proud of herself.
"Wrong," says Jacob.
"True." Trinity stares at her son.
"Wrong." Jacob backs up his mother's gaze, looking into her eyes.
"True."
"False."
"True."
"False."
"True."
"False."
"True."
"False."
The two don't want to let go of the subject. They say nothing more but continue to stare at each other. Ezio, Saibus, and Yennefer look at each other. All three are amused by the almost everyday scene unfolding before them.
"Dogs don't make cats", Saibus thinks as he watches his nephew and aunt argue like children. However, one of the participants is, while the other is just being childish.
"Stop it, both of you. You promised not to fight today. You haven't forgotten what happens if you break your promise, have you?" says Ezio, looking at his wife and son.
Mother and son turn their gazes towards Ezio. Each has a frightened expression, although the child and the adult don't have it for the same reasons.
"No more sleep."
"No more playing with Odin."
Trinity and Jacob mutter at the same time. Both are terrified of the consequences of another confrontation between them. Mother and son look at each other for five seconds before nodding. Jacob lay back down on the carpet while Trinity sat back in her chair. The adult conversation resumes as little feet rise and sway slightly above the table.
Jacob finally stopped swinging his legs back and forth. He gets to his feet and walks around the table under the gaze of his parents, aunt, and uncle. Out of the open living room, he runs towards the stairs to the shouts of his mother with a book in her hand.
"No running in the house!!!"
Unfortunately for her, her son ignores her and continues his run up the stairs.
'Crac'
'Crac'
Crac'
The floor creaks under Jacob's hurried footsteps. He can be heard running towards his room throughout the house.
"It's all right, let him. He's a child," says Yennefer with a smile.
"Um, that's no reason to disregard the rules of this house. And since when are you protective of children?" retorted Trinity.
"I've always had a soft spot for children, especially when the child in question is my nephew," replied Yennefer, smirking at Trinity.
"Well, your nephew doesn't respect the rules I've laid down. So if you could discipline him a bit, you'd be lovely."
"Rules are made to be broken, especially when you're young. That's how we mages see it: break the rules, put them right, break them again.
"Maybe, but he's not a magus last time I checked. He's a mischievous little boy with a lot of energy and a tendency not to listen to his mother."
"A tendency he inherited from her, who didn't always listen to the rules of the Council," Ezio murmured into his beard.
"Did you say something, darling?" asks Trinity, looking at her husband with eyes filled with darkness. She has activated her secret blade from her armbands.
"No, not at all, my love," retorts Ezio, looking between Yennefer and Trinity.
"Well, as I was saying-"
'CLAC'
Trinity is interrupted by the loud slam of a wooden door.
"JACOB ALTAIR BLACK BLOOD AUDITORE, COME HERE IMMEDIATELY," Trinity screams at the top of her lungs, her face red with anger.
"Yes." A tiny voice from the stairs reaches their ears. From there, Jacob appears sheepishly, looking down at his feet. In his hand, he holds a walking stick. At his waist are several wooden throwing knives and two wooden fists—the paraphernalia of a faithful member of the Order of Assassins.
"How many times have I told you not to slam doors," says Trinity in an annoyed voice.
"S...ve.." Jacob replies, but so softly that even Saibus, who has the hearing of an elf, can't hear him entirely.
"Louder, I can't hear you," Trinity orders.
"Often, Mum," murmurs Jacob in a mosquito voice.
"Good, and may I ask why you don't?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
Jacob doesn't answer and continues to stare at his shoes. Trinity softens her stern gaze and sighs slightly. "That's it for this time, but this is the last time, young man, that's clear." declares Trinity with a straight, firm tone.
Jacob raises his head quickly and looks at his mother. He smiles broadly with eyes filled with joy. "I promise, Mum. You're the best." Jacob steps forward and hugs his mother.
"I know, sweetheart. Mum is the best in the world." Trinity wraps her arms around him and kisses the top of his head. "Come on, go play now." Trinity releases him.
Jacob then walks over to Saibus. "Uncle, you promised to play with me. Are you coming?" asks Jacob with clear expectation on his face.
"Of course, and ask your aunt too. She can't say no to you," replies Saibus, glancing at Yennefer. Jacob complied and looked at Yennefer with the same expectation on his face. "Auntie, will you play with us?"
"Yes, I will. Don't look at me like that." declares Yennefer as she stands up.
"Great." Jacob jumps for joy and quickly heads for the back door without running.
"That's good, Jacob, you finally got it—no running in the house.
"Yes, Mum. Come on, Uncle and Auntie, hurry up, or we won't be playing as much before dinner." Jacob hurried Saibus and Yennefer to the door.
"We're coming, slowly. I can't run in my dress anyway," replied Yennefer, walking elegantly towards Jacob accompanied by Saibus.
"Hurry to Adventure."