old geralt let me die

[gwynbleidd]

I'm not sure about this older look. I think you might be biting off more than you can chew.

Comments

[mandragore]

Ah but there's such a shortage of...what do they call them? Silver foxes?

I rather think the older look suits you.

[gwynbleidd]

I guess even witchers have to age sometime.

[mandragore]

And what is a witcher, pray tell? A magician of sorts?

[gwynbleidd]

[There's a lot of answers to that question.] Not exactly. Hunters. Monster hunters.

If you've got the coin.

[mandragore]

Monster hunters. As in...large wolves or particularly disgruntled bears?

[gwynbleidd]

[INSULTED. :(]

Only if the wolves start out as people first, or the bears spit poison and have four eyes.

[mandragore]

Do wolves regularly start out as people where you're from?

[She's not even going to touch the poisonous four-eyed bear thing, because srsly.]

[gwynbleidd]

Yes.

But werewolves are the last thing you'd have to worry about where I'm from.

[mandragore]

I see.

Remind me never to book passage through your lands, messire witcher. They seem altogether too dangerous for gentle folk.

[gwynbleidd]

They are, but if you can survive, they make you stronger for it.

[mandragore]

In this case, I would prize wisdom over strength and avoid situations where my survival might be in question altogether.

You should visit Terre d'Ange in your retirement. Someone at court might attempt to poison your wine, but at the very least it wouldn't be a four-eyed bear.

[gwynbleidd]

Sounds like The Northern Kingdoms, just with four-eyed bears too. Unfortunately, witchers retire only when they die.

[mandragore]

How tragic. Is one born into such a profession or is it voluntary?

[gwynbleidd]

Witchers are sterile, [Which use to be terribly humiliating to mention a long time ago. Now he gives not a single fuck.] but the process is only partially voluntary.

Apprentices are children.

[mandragore]

That seems rather cruel. [Both the sterility and the partially-voluntary apprenticeship.]

Are these children given the option to go be a baker or shepherd instead should the idea of becoming a monster hunter not suit them?

[gwynbleidd]

The thing about being a witcher is you either become a witcher, or you die trying.

So no.

[mandragore]

Then I would be hard-pressed to say which is more monstrous, those you hunt or those who create the hunters.

[gwynbleidd]

Mm. [In subtle agreement perhaps.]

Many don't make it in The Northern Kingdoms. If a child can survive the witcher apprenticeship, he will survive a lot easier. [Maybe easier is putting it a little too generally.]

[mandragore]

It isn't the life I'd choose for my children. [She sounds thoughtful though. If the lands are truly as dangerous as he says, perhaps the harsh training from youth is more kindness than cruelty. Rather like Cassilines, these witchers.]

But I suppose few mothers are permitted the luxury of choosing in the first place.

[gwynbleidd]

Perhaps most are lucky. It takes a fairly special child to be a witcher apprentice to begin with.

[And he's not even going to mention how unlikely it is for girls to be witchers.]

[mandragore]

Special or stubborn?

[She has an inkling that it is six of one, half-dozen of the other.]

[gwynbleidd]

A bit of both.

But more special than anything.

[bloede_dhoine]

Have you been drinking again, Gwynbleidd? [There is a hint of sarcasm of course.]

[gwynbleidd]

Afraid not, elf, though I could go for a bit of a drink right about now.

[bloede_dhoine]

That can be arranged. The usual vodka that takes the skin off your throat?

[gwynbleidd]

[He opens his mouth, but then remembers this one time he got incredibly, stupidly drunk in Flotsam and woke up outside, practically naked with a tattoo on his neck.

On second thought.] I think I'd stick to a lager, just to be safe.

[bloede_dhoine]

Just a lager? Are you losing your touch? Or is old age finally getting to you? [There was a teasing smile to the elf's words.]

[gwynbleidd]

[You manage to make him smile just a tiny bit, Iorveth.] I'm a witcher, not a professional drinker. [EXCEPT FOR THAT ONE TIME IN FLOTSAM, OKAY.]

I think a lager would be enough.

[bloede_dhoine]

Fair enough. Although, do you not drink many potions throughout your career, which contain alcohol? [Iorveth was just testing the old witcher, as he has known the man for years.]

We elves do have the aptitude for being able to consume stronger alcohol than humans.

[gwynbleidd]

They contain a lot worse than alcohol. [You know, eye of newt, toe of frog, and all that good stuff.] Which is why a lager or two should make a good limit.

You elves do have a high tolerance for your drinks, I'll give you that. [Not as much as the dwarves, but damn. He is a mutant maybe, but he's still just human.] Is it wise to arrive drunk if you're thrown into some strange place?