I take your point. I did speak frequently with normal people, but usually they were fellow scholars or working at the dig site with me. Not the traveling kind.

[ Istredd sheltered himself in many ways from the outside world. He lived in his work and in his books and he rarely came up for air. He avoided small talk and getting to know normal humans because he just wasn't very comfortable with people. It was an isolated way to live but it's one he actively chose, so it's his own fault that he ended up not very good with the world. It made him naive, like when he thought he could save the elves. ]

For someone nearing a century, I haven't done a lot of living, if I'm being honest. Until I came here.

[ Istredd's entire life and viewpoint has changed drastically since coming to Abraxas. Not only has his mind and power been challenged by the strangeness of this sphere and the things that have happened to them, but he was forced to open up his heart and his mind to allowing more people into his life. He doesn't regret it in the least, if anything, he's deeply thankful. The life he's had for the past two years has been more impactful than decades on the continent.

He nods as he listens to Jaskier explain how that life wouldn't have suited him, and it makes sense, not with someone with his type of depth. Istredd would not have liked that role either. He opens the door to the inn for Jaskier. The room is already booked (if they want it later) but the restaurant downstairs is nice, and there is a table waiting for them. Istredd is very thorough when he makes plans, and he wanted to attempt to impress Jaskier, as silly as that may be. ]

So I suppose the next question would not surprise you. How did you and Geralt become traveling companions?