"Wow, this is incredible!" Ciri exclaimed, full of surprise and joy. Before us stood Kaer Morhen, a majestic castle carved into the rock itself. Despite stones fallen in places, it took nothing away from its splendor.
I stopped for a moment, struck by the emotion of seeing this place in person. I had seen the castle in videos before, but being here, in person, was completely different. The wind blew across the hill, cold and biting, and I took a deep breath, savoring the earthy smell of the ground and trees, and the birdsong echoing off the ancient walls. Watching Ciri run joyfully toward the castle, a smile spread across my face. This journey had already taught me so much, not only about fighting monsters but also about myself. It felt like I was turning a page in my life, opening a new chapter.
A hand rested on my shoulder, pulling me from my thoughts. Turning around, I saw Geralt watching Kaer Morhen with a smile.
"Aiden, here we are, home," he said simply.
I stayed quiet for a moment, surprised by his words. "Home?" I repeated, hesitating. It felt strange to hear that.
Geralt raised his eyebrows, his eyes warm with a gentle smile.
"Of course. From the moment I accepted you, you became part of this family."
I looked at him, touched by the quiet warmth in his gaze. It was as if all those years of solitude, all the days I spent dreaming of this moment, vanished in an instant, replaced by the certainty that I'd finally found a home. Hearing Geralt's words, Ciri turned toward me, a big smile lighting up her face. She reached out her hand, inviting me to join her with joyful impatience.
"Come on, Aiden! You're part of our family now."
I gently pulled Roach's reins, feeling a reassuring warmth settle inside me. For the first time, I understood what it meant to have a "home."
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We arrived at a large open gate leading to a spacious courtyard. An old man was sitting there, carefully polishing a sword. As we approached, he looked up, and upon recognizing Geralt, a smile lit up his face. He stood, stepped forward, and gave him a warm embrace.
"Geralt! It's good to see you again, White Wolf."
"Vesemir. It's been too long," Geralt replied with a faint smile.
Vesemir then turned his gaze to Ciri and me, studying us with a particular attention. He crouched down in front of Ciri, a curious glint in his eyes.
"So, what's your name, little one?"
"Ciri!" she replied proudly, her eyes shining with excitement.
Vesemir nodded, thinking for a moment, then straightened up to approach me. His gaze met mine, as if he were searching for what lay beyond the surface.
"And you, young man?"
"Aiden," I said simply, holding his gaze.
"Mmh," he murmured, thoughtful.
He exchanged a glance with Geralt before gesturing to us.
"Come on in. You must be starving after such a long journey."
We followed him inside, my eyes roaming the place in awe. Kaer Morhen… in real life. It was even more impressive than in the videos. The stone walls were covered with moss, debris scattered on the floor, bearing witness to battles long past. Eventually, we reached a vast hall where an ancient chain bed stood, and looking up, it felt like the ceiling stretched to the sky.
"Take a seat," Vesemir invited. He poured some wine for Geralt and me, then, noticing Ciri's disappointed pout, he chuckled.
"What about me? Don't I get any?" she protested.
"For you, there's water," he replied with a soft laugh.
Disappointed, Ciri went to help herself to some water and came back, pouting a bit, but she eventually smiled while looking at us. Vesemir then fixed his gaze back on Geralt.
"So, tell me everything."
Geralt began explaining how we met and the purpose of our journey. When he mentioned my desire to become a witcher, Vesemir's face darkened. He looked at me, frowning.
"Aiden… becoming a witcher isn't for you. I won't let you do it."
"What?!" I protested, hitting the table as emotions surged in me. But Vesemir remained calm.
"You don't understand. A witcher's life isn't a choice to be made lightly. Look around you." He swept the room with his gaze, his eyes drifting into the shadows. "Kaer Morhen is a relic, and we're the last of our kind. Becoming a witcher means embracing solitude, rejection, and the fear of those you want to protect. It's a heavy destiny, and I don't want you to sacrifice your life for it."
I clenched my fists, feeling a rebellion rise within me.
"I know all that," I finally said in a firm voice. "Geralt's told me again and again. But it doesn't matter. I've made my choice." I looked at him, determined. "I'm ready to take that risk."
Vesemir stared at me for a long moment, seeing a conviction in my eyes that went beyond my age. Finally, he nodded, almost imperceptibly.
"A monster hunter," he murmured, smiling despite himself. Geralt gave a faint smile, as if he already knew this moment would come.
Taking a deep breath, I continued, knowing I still had more to say.
"I'm doing this for the people I love. To be strong enough to protect those who matter to me," I said, casting a quick glance at Ciri, whose face showed both surprise and admiration. "And…" I paused to look at Geralt. "I may have had a father, but… today, I see Geralt as my true father. He's taught me, guided me, and protected me. If I have to become a monster in the eyes of others to protect those I care about… then so be it. I accept this destiny."
A heavy silence fell in the hall. Vesemir finally broke it, his gaze still serious but softened.
"Are you sure? Once you choose this path, there's no going back."
I nodded without hesitation. "I'm ready."
Vesemir sighed, finally letting go of all resistance.
"Then prepare yourself. A ritual we haven't performed in a very long time awaits you."
He stood and disappeared into the dark corridors of Kaer Morhen. In the silence that followed, I felt a strange serenity, as if the weight of my decision had turned into certainty. Maybe this was my destiny a destiny where the wolf would protect the swallow… and the eagle would learn to hunt in the shadows.
(Yes, you guessed it, Geralt is going to change, and before you say it, Aiden hasn't forgotten his father from before, but don't forget his father cared for him, but he never experienced father-son outings, father-son moments, and with Geralt, he's going to change)