"So you said." Chireadan replies with a nod. "I'll take your presence here as a good sign then. You're here because they aren't, correct?"
Jaskier nods too as he munches on some of the food they've been offered. They've been on the road for quite a few days already, it's good to have something other than fruit and dried meat. Chireadan asks a few more questions to know the general state of things - the current Nilfgaard situation and how the other kingdoms are handling it. Luckily for him, unlike Geralt, Jaskier has been keeping up with such matters and has the vocabulary to explain them.
Which eventually takes him to mention the Battle of Sodden.
He gives no names - why would he? He doesn't know those kinds of details, only that Aretuza was there. But of course Chireadan jumps on it without hesitation. Bollocks.
"Was she there too?"
A name isn't needed, it's obvious to know whom he's talking about. His eyes are curious and hungry for the information, even after all these years... well, it's not like Jaskier can talk, now can he? He wants to feel sympathetic for the poor guy, offer comfort and an ear that understands, but just thinking about her (in here, of all places) makes his scent bitter as hell. Jaskier tries to hide his face behind the tankard, but he can't go on without replying.
There's nothing to worry about, he reminds himself. Geralt said he wouldn't take her back. He is the one with a silver wolf on his chest right now. His stomach turns anyway.
"I don't have an answer to that question. I haven't seen or heard of her in over a year." After a pause, he decides to add- "I'm sorry."
Because no matter how bitter he feels, at the end of the day Jaskier is still a romantic, the one person who can understand Chireadan the best, and his heart does feel for him. At least a bit.
no subject
Jaskier nods too as he munches on some of the food they've been offered. They've been on the road for quite a few days already, it's good to have something other than fruit and dried meat. Chireadan asks a few more questions to know the general state of things - the current Nilfgaard situation and how the other kingdoms are handling it. Luckily for him, unlike Geralt, Jaskier has been keeping up with such matters and has the vocabulary to explain them.
Which eventually takes him to mention the Battle of Sodden.
He gives no names - why would he? He doesn't know those kinds of details, only that Aretuza was there. But of course Chireadan jumps on it without hesitation. Bollocks.
"Was she there too?"
A name isn't needed, it's obvious to know whom he's talking about. His eyes are curious and hungry for the information, even after all these years... well, it's not like Jaskier can talk, now can he? He wants to feel sympathetic for the poor guy, offer comfort and an ear that understands, but just thinking about her (in here, of all places) makes his scent bitter as hell. Jaskier tries to hide his face behind the tankard, but he can't go on without replying.
There's nothing to worry about, he reminds himself. Geralt said he wouldn't take her back. He is the one with a silver wolf on his chest right now. His stomach turns anyway.
"I don't have an answer to that question. I haven't seen or heard of her in over a year." After a pause, he decides to add- "I'm sorry."
Because no matter how bitter he feels, at the end of the day Jaskier is still a romantic, the one person who can understand Chireadan the best, and his heart does feel for him. At least a bit.