Wayne smiled modestly and took a sip of the juice Geralt had brought back. It had a sweet and sour flavor, with a subtle bitterness from its raw ingredients, creating a pleasant taste. Despite Geralt's somewhat stoic appearance, Wayne recognized his genuine kindness and sense of justice. While purchasing supplies for the castle, Geralt had even thought of the children, buying fruit juice for them, although, Wayne was the only child to enjoy it now.
As the dinner conversation between Vesemir and Geralt continued, it revolved around the current situation in the northern regions. At this time, Nilfgaard had not yet launched its initial invasion, and the north remained mired in a chaotic quagmire of small-scale conflicts among the various kings and nobles, often driven by self-interest and territorial disputes. These minor skirmishes occasionally resulted in bloodshed, village plundering, and agreements to settle disputes. Vesemir and Geralt, however, remained disinterested in the politics of the kings and were more concerned with identifying regions where conflicts had led to increased monster activity.
In this era, the life of a witcher was far from luxurious. Their work was often grueling, dirty, and life-threatening, requiring them to confront the most dangerous creatures. The majority of witchers adhered to principles and traditions, using their skills to rid the world of malicious beasts and monsters.
Eventually, the conversation turned to Geralt's recent experiences. With Vesemir as his audience, Geralt candidly shared the tasks he had undertaken this year. Wayne listened attentively, his curiosity about the outside world growing with each story. However, as an apprentice witcher, Wayne was bound by tradition to complete his training and pass the witcher exam before he could venture beyond Kaer Morhen.
Geralt, taking another sip, gazed at the dishes before him, clearly relieved to be back at Kaer Morhen, where he could unwind.
He hiccupped and said to Vesemir as if confiding:
"This year, a bard friend and I came across a magic lamp while fishing by the river."
"Three wishes can be fulfilled."
"I suspect that it is a Djinn who was sealed in an oil lamp."
"I was going to stop my friend from making a wish, but unfortunately I was a step too late and hurt him."
Hearing this, Vesemir was also interested.
"What happened after that?"
Dijin is a very rare and powerful elemental spirit. There are not many records about them,
but each one is very magical.
And most witchers will never come across such a thing in their lifetime. Geralt took another sip of wine, his eyes were a little dazed, as if he was missing someone. And Wayne, who has read the original book, knows that it was that encounter that made Geralt meet his destined lover Yennefer. The legendary white wolf fell in love with the sorceress and fell in love with this strange woman at first sight.
Their love affair began with a series of twists and turns that spanned decades. Through numerous trials, Geralt and Yennefer weathered many storms, their relationship enduring even as the world around them faced turmoil. However, the ultimate conclusion of their love story is left in the hands of the players, to be decided in the Witcher game.
He seemed about to share some of his love life struggles when, suddenly, the conversation was interrupted by the sound of two men arguing outside the castle hall.
One voice was high-pitched and filled with complaints
"I told you we should have left earlier. It's your fault for dawdling, and we have to travel in the dark and face monsters on the way. It's miserable, and there probably won't be any hot water for a bath in the castle."
A deeper voice retorted
"Quit complaining, Lambert. You're not some noble. Do you expect such comforts? You've been grumbling the whole journey."
Wayne, Geralt, and Vesemir immediately recognized the voices and knew who was approaching. Shortly thereafter, the castle hall's doors swung open, revealing two witchers from the Wolf School, both clad in heavy armor. One was Lambert, a man with short hair and a scar on his eye, while the other with a square face whose half of his face is almost disfigured by a scar, Eskel.
Lambert's eyes scanned the hall and landed on Wayne, understanding the situation. He spat on the floor and grumbled to Eskel
"I knew those kids wouldn't last. We're experienced witchers; we know how tough the Grass Trial is for children. We should let those kids go down the mountain, not make them witchers."
Eskel, empathizing with Lambert, patted him on the shoulder and replied:
"Don't blame Vesemir for this. They were orphaned and abandoned by their parents in the war. Coming to Kaer Morhen was their destiny to become witchers."
Lambert mumbled under his breath:
"Fate is a load of crap."
However, he didn't hold Vesemir accountable; instead, he pondered his own life's path. Being handed over to the Wolf School by his alcoholic father due to a twist of fate, Lambert knew the hardship of being a witcher all too well. Eskel consoled him and led him toward the dining table, despite the stench of evil spirits clinging to him.
As the two approached, Geralt, with a teasing smile, commented:
"You two look like you crawled out of a cesspit. I could smell you from dozens of meters away."
Vesemir's smile grew even broader. He welcomed them, saying:
"Lambert, Eskel, go freshen up and get rid of that grime. Afterward, join us for the meal prepared by Wayne. We'll enjoy some wine and have a good chat".
"Welcome home, boys."