So I came up with an idea and @jaskiiier started writing angst using the idea, so of course I decided to make it softer. (Feel free to send me asks with your thoughts on this AU, like... really.... PLEASE come into my inbox and yell about it)
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There are many rumors about Witchers that Jaskier hears in his time, both before and after meeting Geralt of Rivia.
He hears that Witchers don’t have feelings, something that is, thankfully, proven untrue on their first day together, when Geralt shows very clear signs of being frustrated, annoyed, and amused.
He also hears that Witchers steal children, which is, well, technically untrue as well. Usually they’re acquired through means beyond their control, a law that goes back as far as Jaskier can remember of a bond of Destiny— though sometimes Witchers simply find children, as Geralt had been found. When Geralt steals a child, because what else could it be called when he lays claim to Pavetta’s unborn baby, Jaskier hears him curse, turn around, and leave, likely never to return.
Another rumor he hears, which Jaskier is very excited to learn the truth about at the beginning of his acquaintance with Geralt, is that Witchers can cast magic. He discovers this to be true when Geralt waves his fingers to start a fire in camp, then promptly interrogates him about the extent of it.
“It’s not much,” Geralt says. “We’re taught signs from a young age. There’s five main ones, and most are meant to be used in battle.”
“What are they, which one starts fires?”
“Igni,” Geralt says. That makes sense to Jaskier— like the word ‘ignite.’
“So there’s one,” Jaskier says, searching around for his notebook. He writes in it— Igni. fire spell. “What about the others?”
“Aard is a wave of energy,” Geralt says. “It mostly knocks things over, but can be used to break weak walls. Strong casters of Aard can even freeze enemies.”
Jaskier scribbles it down. “Can you?” he asks as he writes. Geralt sighs as if he’s going to make an unfortunate confession
“Eskel, another wolf Witcher— he’s the best of us with signs. I’ve known him for decades but he’s still teaching me.”
Jaskier smiles. Personal information wasn’t something he expected to get this early into his friendship with Geralt, but it’s nice to have. He makes a note on another page, starting a profile for Eskel, wolf Witcher number two. “That’s two. What of the others?”
“There’s Quen,” Geralt hums. “A shield against attacks. It’s saved my life more times than I can count.” Another note goes into Jaskier’s notebook.
Quen: shield. -Vital!!
“You said that there were five main ones,” Jaskier says. “Does that mean there are others?”
Geralt’s face scrunches a little. “I don’t know why I’m telling you so much,” he sighs. “But yes. There are others. Three others. Somne, Heliotrope, and Muto. They’re unconventional and significantly more difficult or risky to cast. Eskel is the only one trained in Somne and Heliotrope out of the wolf witchers, but we all learn Muto.”
Jaskier writes, and Geralt stands, taking a few steps away. Jaskier thinks that it’s the end of the conversation, and looks up to thank him, but—
He’s very distracted staring at the biggest wolf he’s ever seen.
“Haaaah-“ Jaskier says, trying to be as calm as possible. He doesn’t think it comes out that way though. The wolf snuffles and turns its head, where Jaskier Can see striking amber eyes and a grin on its face. He’s positive there’s something he’s missing, but he’s too busy staring at the giant fucking wolf for logical thought. “Please don’t eat me!” Jaskier begs. The wolf is easily 3 and a half feet tall, more than half his height sitting. It cocks its head, opening its mouth and licking its jaws. “Nonono, st-stay back. I have um-“ Jaskier’s eyes dart to Geralt’s swords, and he starts to slowly stand to move closer to them.
In the spanse of time it takes Jaskier to turn his head to the swords and back, the wolf is gone and Geralt is back in its place. Jaskier feels like he has whiplash.
“Don’t touch my things,” Geralt growls out.
“Geralt, you don’t happen to um,” he presses his lips right. “You don’t happen to have a sign that turns you into an enormous white wolf, do you?”
“Do I?” Geralt asks, tilting his head. Jaskier squints a little. “Muto,” Geralt says with a chuckle. “It’s a shapeshifting sign.”
Shapeshifting.
Witchers can shapeshift.
Of all the rumors he’s heard, he never expected that one to be true.
