Shit. That close. [There's a sigh, somewhere far away. "Lovers" can be very casual, especially for a mage like her, but if it is enough that Istredd comes to him to warn him -- or beseech his assistance -- it was not some fling.]
Gods hope with a few more centuries under her belt, she'll learn how to share this sort of thing.
It's unlikely, although the rest of you have gone a long way to making her feel less alone. I thought perhaps your experience with the loss of a lover here would mean you understand better than most.
I can tell her I love her a thousand times and she still wouldn't accept it, and we have a psychic bond. It's just one of those things about Yennefer that won't change.
Yennefer and I clung to each other through a terrible childhood. Our feelings for each other are pure, but the execution of them is complicated. Wrap it all up in trauma and it's a headache. A beautiful one, in my opinion. Less so in hers.
[ As for the mages, he thinks the idea of them being all-might is amusing. ]
The Brotherhood and the mages within it were very human. All the same foils and foolishness. We may be raised to think we're above it all, but you'd hardly find a group more down in the muck.
[ And now they're dead, something he is still not completely dealing with well. He's better than he was that first month though. ]
[For a mage, Jaskier will say Istredd is not the worst with words.]
You walk a fine line, my friend, romanticizing tragedy. I do hope you don't allow yourself to topple over it.
[Possibly ironic, coming from him, but he's quite aware of such things, especially since his days of writing about Filvandrel and the Edge of the World. Tragedies can be beautiful, to be sure. Sometimes the most beautiful thing in one's life. It does not take away their sorrow... and those sorrows can paint one's entire perception for, quite clearly, centuries.]
Admittedly, I was being a bit sarcastic, but believe me when I say that the messy lives of the higher echelons of Continental society are as exactly as messy as I suspected.
It is guaranteed that I will, unfortunately, but it's a choice I've made freely.
[ He's in love with two people who are difficult and powerful and he gives everything he can to them. He wouldn't have it any other way. Istredd's heart drives him more than his head, a little known fact. ]
The mages at least are of no concern anymore. Outside of Yennefer remaking part of it.
I can't say a fool who knows he's a fool is any step closer to reaching genius than the one who does not.
[Coming across as a bit of a martyr, Istredd. Calm down.]
Ah... yes. That's one way to put it. [A rather harsh way. But Istredd knew them, and he did not.] I am sorry for what happened, but not sorry you are free from what they could have kept you from.
I would be the last person to claim genius on this matter. Ultimately, I can hardly complain when I get to be with either of the people I love whenever I want.
[ He's very lucky if you look about it that way! ]
I have very complicated feelings about it. The Brotherhood was a corrupt organization but it was the only family we knew. As long as it existed, none of us would be free, and it still was a loss to the survivors. I was taken prisoner by Vilgefortz so it was not looking good for me. All the more reason I prefer this land.
[It's not a terrible way to look at it, honestly. Jaskier is certainly the first to advocate a dose of optimism... and romanticism. What could be a better, and possibly more dangerous, combination?]
There is hardly fault in missing that which you knew and those who raised you, even if they rose their hands more often than their hearts.
Yes, I see that now. When it first happened I was more guilty about my feelings, but given time and permission to grieve, I found a more balanced outlook. And yes, Vilgefortz has a great deal to answer for. Yennefer is hoping that when she finds him, she'll find me, but it seems like a great deal to hope for.
To change the subject briefly, did you speak with the native Draconae? I had an interesting conversation with Anneth, she seems to be a spiritual leader of some kind. She mentioned the dragons' situation changing when the first Summoning happened over a thousand year ago. Their numbers she said started dwindling after that. It's unclear if there is a correlation ... but I find it hard to believe there isn't one.
If we are correct about the original Summoned staying here, possibly as new gods, they could have permanently affected the land and everyone in it. The dragons used to have far more power and freedom on this continent. One mighty power dwindling while another one rose, there could be more than coincidence there. Theoretically.
[Gods, he'll never become accustomed to how open Istredd is about things, especially for a mage. Especially for someone of the Continent. It's not as if Geralt is the only person Jaskier is ever around, but most people he meets are especially guarded. Especially of their feelings.
Melitele's tits, he even used the word "feelings." Incredible.]
Well, if you ever are in further need of a kind ear, I promise I shall listen. I know such things are not easy to bear, nor to bear alone.
[That's why he unloads on Geralt constantly.]
I spoke with one named Aster, a musician -- of sorts -- but it sounds like your conversation was more fruitful regarding their history. Though it worries me that it could be the appearance of Summoned that harms them, rather than aids them... there is certainly always consequences for such consolidations of power, and I can hardly imagine those who became gods became them through the goodness of their hearts.
Aster did mention something interesting. They said that their mate, Charis, believe we are connected to the dragons by something Charis termed "souls". I don't believe it's literal, but it could be a reference to the Singularity. Could it be possible that as more of the Summoned draw upon it, less of that connection is passed to the dragons and their ilk? We could be harming them by numbers alone.
You are a good man, Jaskier. I'm glad that we finally met, even if our mutual people decided there was no reason to bring it up to one another.
[ He is also still annoyed about that! Istredd is far more open with his heart than most people and he knows that. It might be because he's always been soft and left to his own devices, never fitting in with the Brotherhood. He was favored by the workers and people he met on the road though, they told him many private things, because he always wanted to listen. Keeping away from the darkness of the Brotherhood helps. ]
I do think our conversation was fruitful. She said the dragons made the Nether livable and used to be plentiful and once had the ability to change the land, make it healthier and alive. Until the first Summoning. We agreed that it is possible our existence here is causing some trouble in the balance of magic, based on how dangerous ripping apart time and space could be, but I don't believe she blamed us for what others are doing. If the rifts damaged their health, it seems logical to make the connection between our summoning and their sickness.
She said that she would hope if the Singularity has a connection to the dragons, it would have helped them. But I think, as you said, that the Summoned drawing on the Singularity could have absorbed that from them. I can't see that there is anything we can personally do as we can't stop our factions from using that spell.
So my fears could be right. They may not blame as now, but I fear such generosity will not always remain, especially as their kind marches closer to demise. If one of those remaining dragons dies...
We can only hope it does not.
I am not sure what to do, either. Just... we will have to be dutiful in our observations in the future. I cannot bear to think we should be the reason an entire civilization dies.
I am slightly surprised about Geralt because we've had enough conversations and theories about this place and Ciri's situation that I thought someone as important as you are would have come up. But I haven't known him long.
[ He does - insultingly - understand why he wouldn't mention Istredd to Jaskier, as he doesn't have much interest or respect for the mage, but the other way around would have made more sense. Alas, who knows what he considers important enough to mention. It just seemed to make sense to him in an information-sharing way, unless he feared Istredd would be a threat to Jaskier. Hilarious. ]
The timing would certainly make me believe your fears to be correct. They started to decline with the first Summoning, but became much worse recently between us and the rifts opening.
I like to hope that perhaps we can be the solution as well as the problem. We were able to restore some of their areas while there and bring back life to the places that had faded. If there is a time in the future where they would allow us to go back, we may be able to do more with intentional purpose. We didn't get the chance to connect with the dragons directly, outside of health potions like one I brought to them. I wonder if we would be able to give them some strength directly.
I agree, the idea that a species would die out when we had a chance to save it, I couldn't abide by that.
[There is no greater affection that comes from Jaskier, and yet no greater truth. He suspects the fact there are any people who connect Geralt to him on the Continent is because he bloody sing about him, not because Geralt has ever mentioned him, ever, to anyone.]
In similar vein, have you or yours discovered any origin to the rifts? Any way to prevent them in the future? I would be eager to know, should it be possible, but I confess that portals are far from any chaos I have attempted myself. I pay other mages for them.
He started a fight with me at Thanedd to use as a distraction only saying 'follow my lead' as a warning. I may have gotten sucker punched by a witcher, but I was allowed to hit him back, so there was that.
[ A horrible time for everyone, considering afterward, but Istredd will find that one moment quite funny regardless. ]
I believe I've seen the Summoned from the vision in group outings before, but I have yet to meet him. I suspect he's from Solvunn, the area where a sacrifice like that would be accepted. And if it was god-created or by supernatural means, we probably can't stop it. The Solvunn Summoned should be more careful, they're proven to be in an area that reacts to their wishes, such as the gods' appearance the October before last.
We tried everything we could to close them, with our Chaos and with the mages from Thorne, but it seemed it was only closed after the Singularity's actions ... or if it was done by another entity, unknown. Otherwise they might not have closed at all.
[Oh, if only such stories surprised him any more.] The first time I met him, he punched me in the stomach. I'm fairly sure he almost killed me. I did not hit him back.
[All right, he's putting on. He got right back up immediately after. And followed him all the way to Dol Blathanna. It's where such a beautiful story began.]
He's lucky, then. I would love an opportunity to choke him.
I see. It's about as I expected. I investigated several myself, but I'm afraid I saw no way to make it happen. And besides that, I almost died, so. Story of my life. [It's hardly a complaint! That is simply the life of the Continent's greatest bard.] I shall see if the Singularity has anything to say about it... in due time. Considering the issue of, ah, getting to it.
[And, you know, communicating. It could be he hardly means it at all.]
[ That could be suggestive or not, make of it what you will. ]
You almost died? Because of one of the rift monsters? We were in a very precarious situation ourselves, Yenna and myself. We were handling the monster that came from our sphere.
[ The precarious part wasn't solely about the creature. It was about Lucifer having the same arcana and almost murdering everyone while being possessed by its furious mindset. Luckily everyone lived, even the native mages. ]
I'll be going to the Singularity during the Dimming. I went last year. It is a top-secret excursion but I trust you wouldn't declare it to everyone. I am bringing with me someone who has a unique connection to the Singularity. I brought Rhy last year, who has the same. We are hoping to get some kind of communication. I'll let you know if anything of value is shared.
The myria-thing? Right. Geralt's mentioned it, sort of. Ours was a bloody wyvern. Almost burnt me to a crisp with Ciri. Not to mention the invisible demons with Alucard. The mutated wolves with Nadine... now I think about it, I believe I almost died a few times.
[To be fair, he's used to Geralt investigating and handling the monsters.]
Oh, yes, I'm all tight-lipped about the Singularity and everyone's very illegal trips to it. I know of Rhy's connection; we've spoken of it. And I feel something... not similar, but adjacent, perhaps. Perpendicular. I've felt it move through me, so... I admit it's livelier than I thought imaginable, you know. Considering all the monoliths I've known before.
Yes, it was daunting. My partner Lucifer went with us and it shared his arcana, which we didn't know until it appeared and caused some extra trouble. I brought Geralt the head. It sounds like you ended up in several of those fights, that's very brave of you.
It is very alive. It may not like mages and will remind of that when I go, but being there in its presence is a powerful experience. Even at its weakest, it is undefinable. Keeping it safe is of utmost importance to me, as you know from our talk with the others.
[ When he urged caution overturning Thorne's leadership until they could guarantee its safety. ]
Fascinating! I mean, the Arcana bit, not the chaos.
Well, do keep in touch, Istredd, and let me know how it goes. I hardly claim to be a mage and I felt some... well, almost a gentle curiousity from it. Hopefully it stays that way. I don't wish to see any harm come to it, either.
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cointosser) wrote2021-04-12 08:58 pm
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Gods hope with a few more centuries under her belt, she'll learn how to share this sort of thing.
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I was thinking the same. Thank you, Istredd -- not for telling me, but for keeping her best interests at heart.
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But yes, I know. You're entirely right. Apparently not even the all-mighty mages are safe from such human faults.
[There's more than a touch of fondness there. Yennefer, over time, has become more than just "the witch," even if she certainly can be one.]
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[ As for the mages, he thinks the idea of them being all-might is amusing. ]
The Brotherhood and the mages within it were very human. All the same foils and foolishness. We may be raised to think we're above it all, but you'd hardly find a group more down in the muck.
[ And now they're dead, something he is still not completely dealing with well. He's better than he was that first month though. ]
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You walk a fine line, my friend, romanticizing tragedy. I do hope you don't allow yourself to topple over it.
[Possibly ironic, coming from him, but he's quite aware of such things, especially since his days of writing about Filvandrel and the Edge of the World. Tragedies can be beautiful, to be sure. Sometimes the most beautiful thing in one's life. It does not take away their sorrow... and those sorrows can paint one's entire perception for, quite clearly, centuries.]
Admittedly, I was being a bit sarcastic, but believe me when I say that the messy lives of the higher echelons of Continental society are as exactly as messy as I suspected.
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It is guaranteed that I will, unfortunately, but it's a choice I've made freely.
[ He's in love with two people who are difficult and powerful and he gives everything he can to them. He wouldn't have it any other way. Istredd's heart drives him more than his head, a little known fact. ]
The mages at least are of no concern anymore. Outside of Yennefer remaking part of it.
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[Coming across as a bit of a martyr, Istredd. Calm down.]
Ah... yes. That's one way to put it. [A rather harsh way. But Istredd knew them, and he did not.] I am sorry for what happened, but not sorry you are free from what they could have kept you from.
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I would be the last person to claim genius on this matter. Ultimately, I can hardly complain when I get to be with either of the people I love whenever I want.
[ He's very lucky if you look about it that way! ]
I have very complicated feelings about it. The Brotherhood was a corrupt organization but it was the only family we knew. As long as it existed, none of us would be free, and it still was a loss to the survivors. I was taken prisoner by Vilgefortz so it was not looking good for me. All the more reason I prefer this land.
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There is hardly fault in missing that which you knew and those who raised you, even if they rose their hands more often than their hearts.
It is only a shame Vilgefortz was not among them.
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To change the subject briefly, did you speak with the native Draconae? I had an interesting conversation with Anneth, she seems to be a spiritual leader of some kind. She mentioned the dragons' situation changing when the first Summoning happened over a thousand year ago. Their numbers she said started dwindling after that. It's unclear if there is a correlation ... but I find it hard to believe there isn't one.
If we are correct about the original Summoned staying here, possibly as new gods, they could have permanently affected the land and everyone in it. The dragons used to have far more power and freedom on this continent. One mighty power dwindling while another one rose, there could be more than coincidence there. Theoretically.
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Melitele's tits, he even used the word "feelings." Incredible.]
Well, if you ever are in further need of a kind ear, I promise I shall listen. I know such things are not easy to bear, nor to bear alone.
[That's why he unloads on Geralt constantly.]
I spoke with one named Aster, a musician -- of sorts -- but it sounds like your conversation was more fruitful regarding their history. Though it worries me that it could be the appearance of Summoned that harms them, rather than aids them... there is certainly always consequences for such consolidations of power, and I can hardly imagine those who became gods became them through the goodness of their hearts.
Aster did mention something interesting. They said that their mate, Charis, believe we are connected to the dragons by something Charis termed "souls". I don't believe it's literal, but it could be a reference to the Singularity. Could it be possible that as more of the Summoned draw upon it, less of that connection is passed to the dragons and their ilk? We could be harming them by numbers alone.
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[ He is also still annoyed about that! Istredd is far more open with his heart than most people and he knows that. It might be because he's always been soft and left to his own devices, never fitting in with the Brotherhood. He was favored by the workers and people he met on the road though, they told him many private things, because he always wanted to listen. Keeping away from the darkness of the Brotherhood helps. ]
I do think our conversation was fruitful. She said the dragons made the Nether livable and used to be plentiful and once had the ability to change the land, make it healthier and alive. Until the first Summoning. We agreed that it is possible our existence here is causing some trouble in the balance of magic, based on how dangerous ripping apart time and space could be, but I don't believe she blamed us for what others are doing. If the rifts damaged their health, it seems logical to make the connection between our summoning and their sickness.
She said that she would hope if the Singularity has a connection to the dragons, it would have helped them. But I think, as you said, that the Summoned drawing on the Singularity could have absorbed that from them. I can't see that there is anything we can personally do as we can't stop our factions from using that spell.
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[Said obnoxiously fondly.]
So my fears could be right. They may not blame as now, but I fear such generosity will not always remain, especially as their kind marches closer to demise. If one of those remaining dragons dies...
We can only hope it does not.
I am not sure what to do, either. Just... we will have to be dutiful in our observations in the future. I cannot bear to think we should be the reason an entire civilization dies.
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[ He does - insultingly - understand why he wouldn't mention Istredd to Jaskier, as he doesn't have much interest or respect for the mage, but the other way around would have made more sense. Alas, who knows what he considers important enough to mention. It just seemed to make sense to him in an information-sharing way, unless he feared Istredd would be a threat to Jaskier. Hilarious. ]
The timing would certainly make me believe your fears to be correct. They started to decline with the first Summoning, but became much worse recently between us and the rifts opening.
I like to hope that perhaps we can be the solution as well as the problem. We were able to restore some of their areas while there and bring back life to the places that had faded. If there is a time in the future where they would allow us to go back, we may be able to do more with intentional purpose. We didn't get the chance to connect with the dragons directly, outside of health potions like one I brought to them. I wonder if we would be able to give them some strength directly.
I agree, the idea that a species would die out when we had a chance to save it, I couldn't abide by that.
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[There is no greater affection that comes from Jaskier, and yet no greater truth. He suspects the fact there are any people who connect Geralt to him on the Continent is because he bloody sing about him, not because Geralt has ever mentioned him, ever, to anyone.]
In similar vein, have you or yours discovered any origin to the rifts? Any way to prevent them in the future? I would be eager to know, should it be possible, but I confess that portals are far from any chaos I have attempted myself. I pay other mages for them.
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He started a fight with me at Thanedd to use as a distraction only saying 'follow my lead' as a warning. I may have gotten sucker punched by a witcher, but I was allowed to hit him back, so there was that.
[ A horrible time for everyone, considering afterward, but Istredd will find that one moment quite funny regardless. ]
I believe I've seen the Summoned from the vision in group outings before, but I have yet to meet him. I suspect he's from Solvunn, the area where a sacrifice like that would be accepted. And if it was god-created or by supernatural means, we probably can't stop it. The Solvunn Summoned should be more careful, they're proven to be in an area that reacts to their wishes, such as the gods' appearance the October before last.
We tried everything we could to close them, with our Chaos and with the mages from Thorne, but it seemed it was only closed after the Singularity's actions ... or if it was done by another entity, unknown. Otherwise they might not have closed at all.
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[All right, he's putting on. He got right back up immediately after. And followed him all the way to Dol Blathanna. It's where such a beautiful story began.]
He's lucky, then. I would love an opportunity to choke him.
I see. It's about as I expected. I investigated several myself, but I'm afraid I saw no way to make it happen. And besides that, I almost died, so. Story of my life. [It's hardly a complaint! That is simply the life of the Continent's greatest bard.] I shall see if the Singularity has anything to say about it... in due time. Considering the issue of, ah, getting to it.
[And, you know, communicating. It could be he hardly means it at all.]
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[ That could be suggestive or not, make of it what you will. ]
You almost died? Because of one of the rift monsters? We were in a very precarious situation ourselves, Yenna and myself. We were handling the monster that came from our sphere.
[ The precarious part wasn't solely about the creature. It was about Lucifer having the same arcana and almost murdering everyone while being possessed by its furious mindset. Luckily everyone lived, even the native mages. ]
I'll be going to the Singularity during the Dimming. I went last year. It is a top-secret excursion but I trust you wouldn't declare it to everyone. I am bringing with me someone who has a unique connection to the Singularity. I brought Rhy last year, who has the same. We are hoping to get some kind of communication. I'll let you know if anything of value is shared.
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[To be fair, he's used to Geralt investigating and handling the monsters.]
Oh, yes, I'm all tight-lipped about the Singularity and everyone's very illegal trips to it. I know of Rhy's connection; we've spoken of it. And I feel something... not similar, but adjacent, perhaps. Perpendicular. I've felt it move through me, so... I admit it's livelier than I thought imaginable, you know. Considering all the monoliths I've known before.
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It is very alive. It may not like mages and will remind of that when I go, but being there in its presence is a powerful experience. Even at its weakest, it is undefinable. Keeping it safe is of utmost importance to me, as you know from our talk with the others.
[ When he urged caution overturning Thorne's leadership until they could guarantee its safety. ]
think we can wrap here!
Well, do keep in touch, Istredd, and let me know how it goes. I hardly claim to be a mage and I felt some... well, almost a gentle curiousity from it. Hopefully it stays that way. I don't wish to see any harm come to it, either.
Agreed!