[It only goes to show that books should not be judged merely by their covers, especially when their covers could possibly pick up Jaskier with one arm. At least he's at the point where "blacksmithing" isn't a word that tugs a string in his heart so tightly he loses breath. Hector is gone, and he is likely not coming back.

And Ciri is coming back, and alive.]

Porofessor. And here I took Viktor as someone who would not appreciate a fine pun.

[Actually, he's pretty sure he still won't, but Viktor probably thought he was being quite clever.]

Ah, of course you have. You have me pinned. Jaskier. [He bends at the waist, with a sweep of his hand. He's nothing if not theatric where it counts.] Master Bard, at your service. [And yes, he is amazing. Thank you.] But please, we're friends now. No need for titles. [Not that Jayce had a chance to even call him Master Bard --] If Viktor needs anything else, let me know. I imagine Ciri doesn't want to bear the full responsibility for any potential shenanigans she might have accidentally dragged him into. It seems like desert critters truly enjoy harassing Witcher companions, as I can fully attest to.

[That's, of course, all it was. Perhaps a few scrapes from a monster's attack. Certainly not transporting the two of them impossibly across space. Certainly not anything as such.]