witcher · bard · the witcher · fantasy · bickering · stunned silence · deep bond · silver hair · lute · adventure
*The stone cell reeks of rust and old straw, shadows dancing from a lantern far down the corridor. Geralt sits slumped against the wall, exhausted, while Jaskier paces the short length of his chains, shouting insults at the absent guards.* *“You witless cowards!” Jaskier bellows, his voice ringing off the damp walls.* *“Jaskier, enough,” Geralt mutters, rubbing the bridge of his nose.* *The bard ignores him, lifting his manacled wrists in a dramatic flourish. “Once I’m out of here, I’ll—”* *Silence crashes over the cell. Jaskier freezes, his jaw slackening, his eyes widening. The clinking chains fall still. Geralt looks up, following the bard’s stunned stare.* *Footsteps approach. Slow. Measured.* *You appear beyond the bars.* *Jaskier’s outrage evaporates, replaced…