You could hear someone running through the forest, chased by crows that just wouldn't leave them alone.
That someone?
Me, of course.
Why am I running like this, you ask?
To understand, we'll have to go back to what happened a few hours ago.
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In the dining hall, the atmosphere was electric. Geralt and Lambert, as usual, were locked in a drinking contest. Laughter and taunts flew across the room, especially from Lambert, ever the provocateur.
Yes, Lambert. You heard that right. When he arrived five months after me, he quickly showed his true colors: arrogant, unbearable, and always trying to prove he was the smartest person in the room.
But over time, I learned that behind his sarcasm and tough-guy act, there was someone else. Someone who, in his own way, tried to protect those he cared about.
I still remember the day he found out I was going to undergo a Trial of the Grasses that was far more dangerous than theirs.
"You're serious?! Are you out of your damn mind?" he barked, arms crossed and eyebrows furrowed.
I shrugged. "I know what I'm doing."
He stepped closer, his dark eyes boring into mine. "No, you don't. Risking your life, that's your brilliant idea? You never listen to anyone, do you?"
I stayed silent. I knew he was right, but I had gone too far to turn back.
He let out a long sigh, like he was giving up on a losing battle. "Fine. If you're dead set on being an idiot, I might as well teach you how not to die too fast."
And that's how Lambert, the sarcastic one, started training me. He showed me everything he knew: hunting, bomb-making, survival in hostile environments... And that's when I discovered my true passion.
When I hunt, it's like everything else disappears. No doubts, no stray thoughts. Just me, my prey, and that visceral sense of knowing exactly where to go. The moment I spot my target, I feel something instinctive, almost animal. No matter where it tries to run, I'll always find it.
That day, I was tracking a wolf. Isolated from its pack, it seemed like an easy kill. But the moment my arrow struck its neck, a piercing scream tore through the air.
I straightened up, bow still in hand, as a flock of crows burst from the treetops. Their chaotic flight darkened the sky, and a chill ran down my spine.
And then I saw it.
Black smoke filled the clearing, as if the entire forest was holding its breath. From that darkness emerged a terrifying figure: a gnarled body made of wood and moss, claws as long as blades, and a stag's skull perched atop its head. A Leshen.
I muttered, almost to myself, "Shit…"
These monsters are deadly. Ancient tribes revere them as forest spirits, but to witchers like us, they're ruthless predators. And this one was staring right at me, as if sizing me up.
Its scream vibrated through the air, and before I could react, it sent a swarm of crows straight at me.
My first instinct was simple: run. Even the most experienced witchers avoid fighting a Leshen without preparation. And I had nothing.
I sprinted downhill, dodging roots and the relentless crows attacking me. But despite my efforts, a treacherous root caught my foot, and I crashed to the ground.
"Damn it!" I growled, struggling to get up.
A branch had pierced my side. The pain was sharp, but I didn't have the luxury of stopping. Gritting my teeth, my breaths came quick and shallow. Stay calm. Focus. Triss had drilled those words into me.
I looked up just in time to see the Leshen appear at the top of the hill. Its glowing eyes seemed to burn into my skin as it let out another scream, sending another wave of crows my way.
I closed my eyes for a split second, hearing Triss's voice in my head: [Focus. Let the magic flow through you, but don't let it control you.]
A freezing wind burst from my hands, freezing the crows mid-flight. Some of the frost even reached the Leshen, making it howl in pain. But it wasn't done with me yet.
Roots erupted from the ground, snaking toward me. I rolled to the side just in time and got back on my feet. My goal was clear: find open ground, somewhere with fewer trees where it would lose its advantage.
I ran toward the river. The freezing water slowed me down, but I knew it was my best chance. The Leshen, heavier and slower, caught up quickly. But the moment its foot touched the water, I smirked.
I raised my hand, letting my magic surge outward. The river froze instantly, trapping the monster's legs in thick ice. It howled, struggling to break free, but this ice wasn't natural.
I sprinted across the frozen surface, my steps quick and steady. As I got closer, I prepared my sword to strike its neck. But just before I could swing, a root shot toward me. I disappeared in a flash, reappearing behind it.
I saw the weak spot in its armor, where the ice had cracked its body. With all my strength, I brought my sword down.
SLASH.
Its head hit the ground, and its body twisted one last time before collapsing into a heap of dead roots.
I stood there, panting, my heart pounding in my chest. "I did it…" I whispered, barely believing it.
A grin spread across my face. "Shit, I actually did it."
I picked up the Leshen's head and took a deep breath. This fight was over, but I knew other dangers were waiting for me.
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I saw Triss pacing anxiously in front of the castle gates while Geralt tried to calm her down. But as soon as they saw me returning, covered in blood, Triss ran toward me, panic written all over her face.
"Let me see," she ordered, grabbing my arm.
"Triss, I'm fine," I replied, trying to pull away.
She locked her gaze on mine. "You'll be fine when I say so."
Without waiting for my response, she began inspecting me. As soon as she noticed the wound left by the branch, she opened her bag and pulled out a vial.
"Here, drink this. It's a potion that will speed up your tissue regeneration," she said, handing me the vial with a firm gesture.
I took it without protest and downed it in one gulp. A comforting warmth spread through my body, like a gentle fire easing my pain.
"Triss, no need to baby him like that. It's a warrior's scar—wear it with pride," Lambert chimed in, his trademark smirk plastered across his face.
Triss shot him a sharp glare. "Lambert, shut up, will you?"
"Hey!" he protested, throwing up his hands.
Geralt stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "Leave him be, Triss. You can see he's already doing better."
After a brief pause, she nodded. "Fine. But Aiden, make sure you come see me before bed. I'll prepare another potion for you."
Lambert, clearly annoyed, muttered, "Wait, you listen to Geralt and not me?!"
Triss didn't even look at him as she replied, "It's not the same thing, you know."
Leaving Triss and Lambert to their bickering, Vesemir approached me, Geralt walking beside him.
"Well, that's quite the scar you've got there," Vesemir said, examining my wound with a hint of approval in his eyes.
"Thanks, Vesemir. I'll admit, it wasn't easy," I replied with a tired smile.
He nodded. "Your first real kill after training, and it's a Leshen. You sure aim high, don't you, Geralt?"
Geralt, who had remained silent until now, placed a hand on my shoulder. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, don't worry. I followed your advice: keep a cool head, even when it hurts. It saved me," I admitted.
A faint smile crossed Geralt's face. He ruffled my hair in an almost affectionate gesture. "Well done."
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out behind me. "Aiden!"
Ciri ran toward me, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug as she scanned my face for any signs of injury.
"Let me see if you're hurt!" she insisted.
I sighed. "Ciri, I'm fine, I promise."
She narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "Let me look."
Before I could reply, a commanding voice cut in.
"Step aside, little girl," Yennefer said, gently pulling Ciri away with one hand.
Ciri tried to resist, but Yen didn't give her a chance. She stepped closer to me, her dark eyes filled with concern.
"You're not hurt, are you?" she asked seriously.
"For the millionth time, no," I replied with a tired sigh.
Ciri crossed her arms, clearly annoyed. "Hey, I was the one checking if he was okay!"
Yennefer raised an eyebrow. "I'm a sorceress, in case you've forgotten. Let the professionals handle it."
Seeing where this was heading, I raised my hands to stop them. "Calm down, there's no point in arguing."
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"Geralt, look at that," I said, pointing toward the scene in front of us.
Geralt glanced over, arms crossed. "Mmh, he's doing well for himself."
I smiled, amused. "Like someone I know, huh?"
He shrugged, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "You do remember that was just because of a spell, right?"
I shook my head, feigning exasperation. "Of course. A spell. Sure."
I rolled my eyes at Geralt's comment. As if he didn't know that other women were interested in him. But I had to admit, he earned points by turning them down.
Without a word, I slipped my hand into his, seeking that quiet comfort he offered without even realizing it. Resting my head on his shoulder, I murmured:
"I didn't know even Yen was interested in him."
Geralt seemed surprised. "Me neither, honestly. I wonder why. Do you think it has anything to do with what happened at the end of winter?"
I thought for a moment, remembering that winter when their interactions had seemed more frequent, almost close. "Maybe. It's true they seemed closer after their talk."
His hand gave mine a gentle squeeze, a simple but reassuring gesture. I looked up at him, finding in his expression that mix of weariness and determination that was so uniquely his.
"You know, you have this talent for attracting trouble… and attention," I said softly, a smile playing on my lips.
He responded with an amused glance but stayed silent.
We watched them one last time, still bickering, before I broke our intimate moment. Releasing Geralt's hand, I walked over to Aiden to check if he was still hurt.
Overreacting? Maybe. But I wanted to make sure he was okay and that he could enjoy these happy moments. Even if, deep down, I'd silently support Yen and maybe even Ciri, if their feelings for him didn't change. After all, it wasn't my place to interfere.
[Mmh, you're really the best, Triss,] I thought to myself with an inner smile.
(Info: In the next chapter, the moment you've been waiting for arrives: Aiden's creation process. Feel free to share your opinions! )