That Part Of The Ride Of The Witcher, GOING FERAL

Nothing like an empty void of nothingness to pull your heart inside out

I haven't listened to The Amazing Devil in two hours

I saw people in the comments complaining about Jaskier not being on the poster, so I fixed it :)

THE WITCHER: SEASON THREE Vol. 1 on June 29 | Vol. 2 on July 27

EVERY NIGHT I HEAR THEM HOWLING

YOU WERE RAISED BY WOLVES AND VOICES

Have some Aiden & Kid!Jaskier interaction!!

"It's you!"

Aiden turned his attention towards where Jaskier was sat by the fire alongside the wolves, the bard's face a strange mixture of disbelief and elation, as was his scent. Aiden crinkled his nose slightly as he fought back the urge to sneeze or cough at the unfamiliar combination being directed at him.

"Yeah, it's me. Happy to see you too?" Aiden ventured, despite the fact that it couldn't have been more than an hour since they'd last seen each other. Aiden had gone back out into the courtyard after dinner to run some drills, despite the harsh weather, and get rid of the excess energy he could already feel building up. Vesemir was gracious enough to refer to it as 'extra training' and not act like it was a necessity if they all wanted Aiden to avoid getting so restless he literally started climbing the walls.

"No! I mean...I didn't realise before now until I saw you silhouetted like that with your swords and everything, but it's you!"

Aiden suddenly found himself with a limpet of a bard hanging off him, determined to cling despite the rainwater which now soaked both of them.

"Jaskier, I-"

"Oh right. You probably don't remember, what am I saying, of course you don't - Jaskier you fucking idiot. It's been thirty years, no doubt you've lost count of how many humans you've dealt with in the meantime. But-"

"Jaskier." Lambert huffed out from where he was dozing on the fur which acted as a hearth rug, not even bothering to open his eyes, "Let Aiden go dry off and then maybe some context to go with your twittering, Birdie."

By the time Aiden returned, Jaskier's excitement was enough that even the Wolves were giving him their full attention as he re-entered the main hall. Eskel and Geralt's books lay abandoned on a side table while a now awake Lambert was sat leaning against the wall by the hearth. He pulled Aiden down to sit next to him, the fire hot stone through his thick, wool shirt creating a pleasant warmth against his back.

"Alright then." Jaskier started from where he was sat cross legged in one of the old armchairs, leaning forwards as he once again addressed Aiden directly, "Before I start, do you remember anything about a night in Lettenhove thirty years ago. At the Viscount's estate."

Aiden shook his head, although something about this was starting to niggle the back of his mind.

"Name of Panktratz. Little boy, around six years old?" Jaskier continued, eyes growing sadder as it became clear this memory was potentially very one-sided, "Somehow convinced you to-"

He wasn't sure if it was the name or the wide-eyed look the man was throwing him, but Aiden felt something suddenly tumble into place. "Wait, I do remember that night!"

Aiden fought back a growl as he took in the various toys littering the floor, the miniature four poster bed...whose occupant was an even smaller lump under the covers.

That son of a bitch! That slimy twat had hired him to 'take care' of his nephew so he'd be next in line for the title instead, implying the whole time that his relative wasn't exactly deserving of the title. Aiden had accepted the job - what difference did the inner squabblings of Nobility make to him afterall.

In hindsight he probably should have asked more questions but he didn't have a copper coin to his name and this guy had paid upfront; enough for him to be able to eat regularly and maintain his gear for the foreseeable. He started planning after his employer graciously provided him with a blueprint of the estate and pointed out the targets rooms. He'd failed to mention however, that said target looked to be scarcely old enough to wield that wooden sword properly, nevermind any degree of power.

Fuck it. He should stay as far away from this potential mess as possible. It was bad enough when their employers pointed the finger of blame at them when they assassinated an adult, but a child? That was a complication none of them needed. Mind made up, he turned to climb back out of the window (which had been concerningly easy to coax open from the other side), making sure hood and mask were still firmly in place.

"Hello."

Aiden froze. Speaking of complications....

Rookie mistake! He'd been so caught up in everything else he'd forgotten to keep one ear focused on the other heartbeat in the room. He ran through possible scenarios: he could do what he'd been paid to do, but now the kid was awake there was every chance he'd scream and alert the house before Aiden could even lift a finger. Same potential problem if he tried to leave. He could always cast somne...

"You're a Witcher aren't you? I can see the shape of your swords!" Aiden's nose twitched at the boys scent. Strange. Even through the cloth covering the lower half of his face he could tell the boy didn't smell afraid. He smelled excited, happy even?

"I know all about Witchers. You keep us safe from monsters. Is that why you're here, is there a monster in my room?" The small voice turned slightly fretful as a faint whiff of fear started to sour the air - yet more strangeness in the fact that it was due to imagined monsters rather than him.

Aiden dared to turn and look, something about this child's initial boldness piquing his curiousity (who the hell starts questioning a stranger in their room instead of screaming the place down?). A small boy stared back at him with large eyes as he clutched the soft looking sheets to him like a shield as he curled up in the centre of the bed. "My Uncle Desmond says that monsters like to come out at night and eat little boys. I don't like him. He's mean."

Aiden gave a bittersweet smile at the pout he could see on the little face.

'Oh. You have no idea just how mean, kid.' He thought to himself.

"No, no monsters here. Go back to sleep."

The boys pout turned into a frown, "You didn't even look."

"Because I don't need to."

"Please, Mister Witcher." His bottom lip wobbled in a practiced tremble as his eyes grew even bigger.

Aiden bit back another smile. Kid was good, he'd give him that. Such audacity deserved some sort of reward.

"Alright. One very quick monster check, then you go to sleep. Deal?"

The boy nodded enthusiastically, "My name's Julian, by the way."

"I don't care."

"...are you going to tell me yours?"

"No."

"Can I see your swords?"

"No."

"How about your-"

"How about no talking until we make absolutely sure there's nothing waiting in your wardrobe?"

Turns out the only monstrous thing in Julian's wardrobe was a few hideous combinations of frills and lace. Behind the curtains yielded nothing, as did underneath the bed.

"Ok. Now you hold up your end of the deal and go to sleep."

Julian scowled at him in response from where he was now stood up on the feather mattress to watch rather than huddled under the sheets, arms crossed expectantly.

"What?"

"You're supposed to say sweet dreams."

Aiden blinked at him before replying "Sweet dreams." Monotonously.

"Tuck me in?"

Aiden cast the sign for somne, Julian's body flopping down before he'd even finished. Cheeky little fuck would've been wanting a lullaby next. Still, it wouldn't do for him to get cold, there was no fireplace in this room after all. He grabbed the quilt from the bottom of the bed, not bothering to straighten it as it fell haphazardly over the small body before doing what he should have done thirty minutes ago and taking his leave back through the window.

"I told my parents about you the next morning. They didn't believe me of course. Said it was probably just a dream and that if there had been a Witcher in my room I'd be dead. Although, I suppose that explains why my Uncle Desmond looked apoplectic when I came down to breakfast. I never knew he'd hired you to, you know." He flicked a hand across his neck in a throat cutting motion. "Why didn't you by the way? Not that I'm saying I wish you had or anything. I was a human child, you could've killed me multiple times as easily as scratching an itch but you didn't. Why?"

Aiden's features settled into a frown, "Oh trust me, if your Uncle had waited ten more years it probably would've been a very different outcome. As it is, once I had all the facts, I just decided against accepting a contract on a kid. The one who offered me the contract however..."

Jaskiers eyebrows shot up as he shuffled further forwards, "Are you saying you offed my uncle? He did just sort of... disappear."

"Not exactly. I merely broke back in and left evidence of what he'd planned somewhere I knew the current Viscount would find it. What he chose to do with that I had no involvement in. If he just so happened to be on the lookout for an assassin and I was coincidentally still in the area, well...no Witcher is ever going to turn down such well paying jobs so close together."

Jaskier laughed, causing the wolves to look at him in shock, "Oh don't look like that. I didn't learn the extent of it until I was older but besides trying to murder me he was an absolute cock. Definitely not somebody you'd want in charge of anything!"

"The ones that desperate for power usually aren't." Eskel mused, Lambert raised his cup in agreement.

"You know, I'm so happy that Geralt ended up being the Witcher I ran into in Posada. But when I started out from Oxenfurt, I was actually looking for you."

Aiden straightened up in slight surprise, "Why?"

"Because I wanted to do this." Jaskier got down on the floor and once again wrapped his arms around Aiden, the Witcher returning the hug this time.

"Thanks." Jaskier muttered, "For humouring a scared, probably irritating as hell, little boy."

Aiden tightened his hold slightly, "You're welcome, Julian."

A Chance Encounter - Jaskier x Reader

Hi there! I finally finnished my first Jaskier x Reader story. The story of a elf in need and as Jaskier helping her romance start to blossom. I hope you gonna enjoy! Let me know what you think! And if anyone have any kind of requests let me know! XoX - V

The marketplace bustled with life, a chaotic symphony of voices and activity that filled the air with energy. I moved through the throng of people, my heart pounding with nervous anticipation. It wasn't something I wanted to do, but desperation was not giving me a choice in the matter.

My eyes scanned the stalls, searching for the perfect opportunity. Then, I spotted it—a loaf of bread left unattended on a vendor's cart. It was a small thing, hardly worth noticing, but to me, it could mean survival, it could mean no more hunger – at least for a while.

With trembling hands, I reached out and snatched the loaf, stuffing it into the folds of my cloak before anyone could notice. But as I turned to slip away, I heard the angry shouts of the merchant behind me.

"Stop! Thief!" the stall owner bellowed, his voice carrying across the square like a thunderclap. "Catch that elf! She's stolen from me!"

In an instant, the bustling marketplace erupted into chaos as people turned to stare, their eyes ablaze with suspicion and anger. The air crackled with tension as I darted between startled onlookers, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I sprinted for the safety of the shadows.

Panic surged through me as I weaved through the crowd in a desperate bid to escape. I knew I couldn't outrun them forever, but I had to try.

My heart raced with fear and adrenaline as I ducked into a narrow alleyway, hoping to lose my pursuer in the labyrinth of shadows. I collided with someone—hard.

I stumbled back, barely managing to keep my balance, and found myself face to face with a stranger. He was tall and handsome, brown hair framing his face, a lute hanging over his shoulders, and with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"Are you alright?" he asked, concern lacing his voice. But before I could respond, he glanced over my shoulder and his expression changed as he realized, from the shouting that was following me, I was being chased. As he grabbed my arm, I thought that’s it, no escaping, he is gonna turn me over to those people chasing after me.

"Quick, this way!" he said and to my surprise, he started pulling me towards a nearby alley. Without hesitation, I followed, trusting this stranger more than I probably should have. But in that moment, he was my only hope of escape.

In the dimly lit alley, the sounds of the marketplace faded into the background as him and I pressed ourselves against the rough stone walls, hidden from view. My heart pounded in my chest, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins as I tried to catch my breath.

"Thank you," I managed to gasp out, my voice barely above a whisper.

He flashed me a reassuring smile, his eyes bright with excitement.

"No need to thank me, my dear. Just doing my good deed for the day," he replied with a wink.

Despite the gravity of the situation, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of amusement at his playful demeanor.

"Here," he said, swiftly shrugging off his long, burgundy leather coat and extending it towards me.

"Take this. It'll help to give you a new look."

Gratefully, I accepted the coat, the supple leather warm beneath my trembling fingers. As I slipped it on, I felt a sense of protection wash over me, as if the garment itself was a shield against the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

But he wasn't finished yet. With a gentle touch, he reached up and pulled my hairpin out of my messy bun so it fell down on my shoulders, the loose strands cascading over my ears and obscuring them from view.

"There," he said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

"That should do the trick."

As we waited in tense silence, I stole a glance at him, taking in the lines of his face and the warmth in his eyes. Despite our chance encounter, there was something about him that made me feel strangely at ease, as if I could trust him in a way I couldn't trust anyone else.

"So, what's your name?" he asked, breaking the comfortable silence between us.

"YN," I replied softly, meeting his gaze with a hint of uncertainty.

He smiled warmly, as if my name held some sort of significance to him.

"Well, YN, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Jaskier and I must say, you certainly know how to make an entrance," he remarked, a playful twinkle in his eyes.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his lighthearted comment, the tension from earlier dissipating a tiny bit.

After what felt like an eternity, the sounds of pursuit faded into the distance, leaving behind only the quiet hum of the city. With a sigh of relief, he turned to me.

"I think it's safe now," he said, his voice soft but firm.

"But we should be cautious. Who knows when they might come looking for you again." He motioned for me to follow as he led me through a maze of narrow alleys and hidden passageways, his steps confident and sure.

Despite the circumstances that had brought us together, I couldn't shake the feeling that this chance encounter was the beginning of something unexpected. And as we walked through the shadowy alleyways, I found myself strangely reluctant to part ways with this stranger who had come to my rescue.

As we walked side by side through the winding streets dusk settled over the city, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. Jaskier led me to a quaint tavern on the outskirts of Novigrad. The warm glow of candlelight bathed the interior in a soft, inviting light and the tavern was alive with the sounds of merry laughter and lively conversation as we settled into a secluded corner booth.

"So," he began, his voice soft and tentative.

"What happened back there? Why were those people chasing you?"

I hesitated for a moment, my gaze dropping to the table as I wrestled with the memories of my recent ordeal. But something in Jaskier's kind eyes urged me to speak, to trust him with the truth.

"I... I stole," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper, and I could feel my cheeks turn bright red.

"A loaf of bread, from a market stall. I know it was wrong, but... I was desperate."

And with that, the words spilled forth like water from a broken dam, my voice trembling with emotion as I recounted the circumstances that had led me to this point: the loss of my parents, the constant struggle to make ends meet in a city that hated elves with a passion and offered little but hardship and heartache.

"I... I want to leave," I continued, my voice choked with tears.

"I would like to go to Dol Blathanna. But... I don't have the means to do so. Not yet."

Jaskier listened in silence.

"Then let us make a plan," he said with a warm smile playing on his lips.

Jaskier's offer of help was more than I could have ever hoped for, but I couldn't help feeling guilty for burdening him with my troubles.

"I appreciate your kindness more than you know," I began, my voice barely above a whisper as I met Jaskier's gaze with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension.

"But I don't want to cause you any more trouble than I already have."

Jaskier reached across the table, his hand resting gently on mine, his touch sending a shiver down my spine.

"You're not causing me trouble, YN," he insisted, his voice soft but firm.

"And I kind of have a habit of helping elves in need," he said with a heartwarming smile.

I wanted to say something but before I could protest further, Jaskier signaled to the server, ordering a hearty meal for the both of us.

As we waited for our meal to arrive, Jaskier regaled me with tales of his travels, his words weaving a tapestry of adventure and intrigue that captured my imagination.

"I have a plan," he said, turning his voice into a whisper in the middle of a story, his voice barely above a murmur.

"I'm only staying here for the night, but after my performance at this tavern, I'll be heading off to another town. And if you would like, I'd be more than happy to take you with me."

His words took me by surprise, filling me with a sense of hope and possibility that I hadn't felt in a long time. It was as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, replaced by a newfound sense of optimism and excitement for the future.

"Really?" I asked, unable to conceal the hope in my voice as I met Jaskier's gaze with wide eyes.

He nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Really," he confirmed, his voice filled with sincerity.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I reached out to grasp Jaskier's hand, overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity he had shown me.

"Thank you," I whispered as we sat together in the warmth of the tavern, surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight and the comforting hum of conversation. I knew that my life was about to change in ways I could never have imagined.

Not long after finishing our meal, Jaskier took center stage, his fingers dancing across the strings of his lute as he launched into a lively melody that filled the room with music.

I watched from our hidden corner table, my eyes glued to Jaskier as he performed with a passion and energy that was contagious. It was as if he was pouring his heart and soul into every note, his music weaving a tapestry of emotion that spoke to the depths of my soul.

As the last strains of music faded into the night, Jaskier descended from the stage to thunderous applause, a satisfied smile gracing his lips as he made his way back to where I was sitting.

"That was amazing," I whispered, my voice filled with awe as I met Jaskier's gaze with admiration.

He grinned, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

"Let's celebrate with some drinks," he suggested, his voice lighthearted and carefree.

And so, we sat together in the warmth of the tavern, sharing stories and laughter over our drinks.

As the evening wore on, our conversation turned to more personal matters, and I found myself opening up to Jaskier in a way I hadn't with anyone else. I shared stories of my childhood, of the struggles I had faced since my parents' death, and of my dreams of finding a place where I could finally belong.

To my surprise, Jaskier listened with rapt attention, his expression filled with empathy and understanding. He offered words of comfort and encouragement. There was a kindness in his eyes and a warmth in his smile that made me feel safe and understood in a way I hadn't felt in a long time.

As the night grew later, the tavern began to empty, leaving only a handful of patrons scattered throughout the dimly lit space. Jaskier turned to me with a solemn expression.

"It's getting late," he said, his voice tinged with regret.

"We should get some sleep so we can leave before dawn." I just nodded in agreement.

Jaskier led me through the dimly lit corridors of the tavern to his room, which was tucked away at the back of the building. As we stepped inside, the cozy warmth from the fireplace enveloped us like a tight hug.

"I hope you don’t mind if we share a bed," Jaskier said, his voice gentle as he gestured towards the large, inviting bed tucked against the wall of his room. The flickering light from the fireplace cast dancing shadows across the room, lending an air of warmth and intimacy to the space.

I felt a blush creeping into my cheeks at the intimacy of the suggestion, my heart fluttering nervously in my chest. Despite my hesitation, I couldn't deny the pull of his presence, the comforting warmth of his smile as he waited for my response.

"No, not at all," I replied softly, my voice barely above a whisper. My heart hammered in my chest as I met Jaskier's gaze, my cheeks burning with embarrassment at the admission. But beneath the blush, there was a sense of excitement, a thrill at the prospect of being so close to him.

Without another word, we settled into bed, the warmth of Jaskier's body pressed close against mine.

In the darkness, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, a reassurance that despite the uncertainties of the road ahead, I was not alone. Jaskier's presence wrapped around me like a protective cloak, shielding me from the fears and doubts that threatened to consume me.

As we lay together in the quiet of the night, a gentle warmth spread through my veins, filling me with a sense of contentment I hadn't felt in a long time. The soft sound of his breathing mingled with the crackling of the fire, a soothing melody that lulled me into a state of blissful tranquility.

And then, as if drawn together by an invisible force, our lips met in a tender kiss. It started with a hesitant brush of our hands, a tentative exploration of each other's warmth. But as the moments passed, our lips met and the kiss deepened, becoming more urgent, more passionate.

One of his hands came up to cup my cheek, his touch sending shivers down my spine as he pulled me closer, his lips moving against mine with a hunger that took my breath away. In that moment, the world fell away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in a timeless embrace.

Every touch, every caress, ignited a fire within me, a burning desire that consumed my senses and left me craving more. Our kisses grew more fervent, more desperate, as if trying to convey all the emotions we had been too afraid to voice aloud.

And as we finally pulled apart, breathless and flushed with desire, I knew that this was only the beginning—a promise of all the passion and intensity that lay ahead, waiting to be explored.

As I lay in his arms, wrapped in the warmth of his embrace, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope ignite within me—a hope that whispered of new beginnings and endless possibilities, a hope that with Jaskier by my side, anything was possible.

I will inevitably read this again so im saving it <3

I was asking my fantastic friend @sleepingreader what I should do this friday eve, and was told "I would love to see jaskier but he's a horrible swan". So here it is. I share it because frankly, I find myself hilarious. I'm not sorry. And thank you Ella-la, this made me laugh.

"…. What is going on?" Geralt asks, watching the mayhem happening on the village square.

Hissing and shrieking and mocking laughter made the soundtrack to a big, angry swan chasing a man around what seems to be his own stall of jewery.

"You know how Jaskier is a magpie?" Ciri says with an amused smile, leaning against the doorway to the inn with her hood up, braid carefully tucked out of sight. "Turns out the ring he tried out was cursed, and he is letting the owner know his thoughts about it."

Geralt moves to stand behind her, letting Ciri lean back against him as they watch the scene unfold.

The Jaskier-Swan is hissing in ways he usually credits things with contracts at them, nipping after the fat man, only to get a beak full of cheak silk trousers.

His pale ass is bared to the village square and more people are stopping to watch the spectacle, some not even bothering to hide their mirth behind their hands.

"He had it coming," someone says a bit further away.

"When would be a good time to intervene?" Geralt asks Ciri, enjoying the sound of her giggles and the shrieks of the vendor.

However, he isn't enjoying watching more and more of that pale ass, as his trousers slip lower and lower while trying to get away from the big, feathered beasts.

Ciri pretends to consider it, the panicking crook stumbling over his own feet, trouser slipping dangerously low, and Geralt makes the decision.

"Menace," he tells her, ruffling the top of her head over the hood.

"Hey!" She complains, but lets Geralt step past her and into the square.

The moment the swan notices him, he comes charging, hissing and honking with his wings spread, ranting in a bird way that is very much Jaskier's way of telling Geralt exactly what he needs to do to that man. Throwing a hissyfit has never been more fitting, Geralt thinks to himself with a smirk.

The vendor takes his chance and tries to slink off, but Jaskier whirls on him and with his neck low charges at him again.

Geralt wonders what Jaskier will think when he admits he has no idea to turn him back…

WHY?!

My greatest use of free will:

My emotional support POE-TAY-TO

FERAL- I- HOW- HOW IS HE SO-

The way that at the end of the Rockrose and the Thistle Joey’s voice fades out and leaves Madeleine’s alone- I’m totally not crying rn