That's quite well said, actually. Especially for Geralt's standards. Jaskier pats his arm as if saying good boy then turns back to Chireadan, trying to put up his best smile, which honestly comes off as kinda awkward. It says quite a bit about how this place puts him in a bad mood, since Jaskier usually is able to keep up decent smiles even in weird situations, like when Geralt wants to talk about defending elves in front of the elf slaying queen.
Chireadan, meanwhile, is quite pleased with this turn of events and proceeds to guide them back to his place. Which happens to be, he explains, a little healer business he's set up for himself. It isn't anywhere as big as an inn, but it does have more room than the average cottage, which means he has enough extra space for two guests and their horses.
It smells of herbs and incense inside, quite strong even for Jaskier's nose, but otherwise it's incredibly clean and well taken care of. Which makes sense, because wounds should be tended in better contexts than tubs filled will selkiemore guts (ahem). It's actually a pretty decent place to stay at, and Jaskier would've easily relaxed in it if circumstances were different.
(When he takes off his cloak, he realizes the brooch is still visible, this time on his doublet. Taking it off again would make call attention to it, so he leaves it there - at least inside there won't be other prying eyes. Under all the bad memories and anxiety this town brings out in him, he can admit it feels nice to have the little wolf out in the open.)
Chireadan indicates two chairs for them to sit at a decently size table and proceeds to take out the tankards and ale, which isn't court quality (obviously) but it isn't the piss-tasting shit from backwater taverns either, and that's already a win.
"We don't have many travelers passing by at this time of the year. Snow will start to fall soon." He explains with his back turned to them, busy cutting some bread and cheese for his guests. "We've heard about the fall of Cintra, some refugees even made it here, but didn't stay for long." When he finally comes to the table with a platter of food, his looks is quite serious. "Which is why I'm obliged to ask, if you excuse my indiscretion: are you being followed as well?"
Jaskier suddenly becomes extra aware of the scars on his body and, with his heart beating quite loudly in his ears, puts down the ale with a little more strength than intended.
"We are not." He replies after glancing at Geralt. "We come from Oxenfurt. No Nilfgaardians soldiers in that area-"
There's a puff of air at the end of its sentence - a word left unspoken. Yet?
no subject
Chireadan, meanwhile, is quite pleased with this turn of events and proceeds to guide them back to his place. Which happens to be, he explains, a little healer business he's set up for himself. It isn't anywhere as big as an inn, but it does have more room than the average cottage, which means he has enough extra space for two guests and their horses.
It smells of herbs and incense inside, quite strong even for Jaskier's nose, but otherwise it's incredibly clean and well taken care of. Which makes sense, because wounds should be tended in better contexts than tubs filled will selkiemore guts (ahem). It's actually a pretty decent place to stay at, and Jaskier would've easily relaxed in it if circumstances were different.
(When he takes off his cloak, he realizes the brooch is still visible, this time on his doublet. Taking it off again would make call attention to it, so he leaves it there - at least inside there won't be other prying eyes. Under all the bad memories and anxiety this town brings out in him, he can admit it feels nice to have the little wolf out in the open.)
Chireadan indicates two chairs for them to sit at a decently size table and proceeds to take out the tankards and ale, which isn't court quality (obviously) but it isn't the piss-tasting shit from backwater taverns either, and that's already a win.
"We don't have many travelers passing by at this time of the year. Snow will start to fall soon." He explains with his back turned to them, busy cutting some bread and cheese for his guests. "We've heard about the fall of Cintra, some refugees even made it here, but didn't stay for long." When he finally comes to the table with a platter of food, his looks is quite serious. "Which is why I'm obliged to ask, if you excuse my indiscretion: are you being followed as well?"
Jaskier suddenly becomes extra aware of the scars on his body and, with his heart beating quite loudly in his ears, puts down the ale with a little more strength than intended.
"We are not." He replies after glancing at Geralt. "We come from Oxenfurt. No Nilfgaardians soldiers in that area-"
There's a puff of air at the end of its sentence - a word left unspoken. Yet?