Geralt goes still and all the alarms go off in Jaskier's head - fuck, what did he say now? He knows he puts his foot in his mouth often, but for Geralt to react like this... For once in his life, Jaskier stays patiently silent, letting the witcher have a moment to say what needs to be said and--

"...bollocks."

Witchers die on the Path, it is to be expected. But that doesn't mean it ever gets easier to hear about it. And this time is a lot worse as well - Geralt has lost a beloved teacher and his home. Bloody Hell. Jaskier's face instantly falls, blue eyes filling with sympathy, sadness and -he can't stop it- a bit of pity as well. His scent, of course, matches, sweetness going away to give room to sourness.

"Fuck, Geralt." After a moment of hesitation, he reaches out across the table and closes his hand around the witcher's wrist, giving it a squeeze. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to bring back such memories - but I'll listen, if you do want to talk about it."

Kaer Morhen is gone... because apparently one attack hadn't been enough. Not even after Dandelion's hard work on witcher reputation such a tragedy could be prevented. Can he take this information home and make it a better place? If Dandelion truly is there right now, is he doing something about it? Melitele have mercy, this is such a huge responsibility for a mere couple of humble bards.

He'll try, though, even if it means having to talk to Old Geralt again. Because it's still nothing compared to what witchers have to go through.

"I'm sure your brothers would love making this place their new home with you. Can't you use the xenothingy to contact them as well?"