Jaskier mends Geralt's clothing and buys him replacements and they just...don't discuss it. Geralt doesn't do anything as nice for him but he also keeps him fed and alive out on the path which...it counts, okay? It counts.

It counts, especially when Jaskier's being hauled back into camp, Geralt's arm tight around his waist as he supports the bulk of his weight.

"Don't close your eyes, Jask," Geralt rasps as he lowers him to the ground, back pressed to Roach's saddle where it rests on the ground to help keep him more upright, "just don't close your eyes, I'll be, fuck, just a minute."

He's...bleeding pretty decently from a slice just above his breastbone. Any deeper and they'd be having a very different conversation. Right now it's shallow it just...hurts.

"Geralt," he starts when Geralt shuffles off to dump his potion back upside down, "Geralt, please--"

He's back in less than a minute, alcohol and a needle and thread in hand. Jaskier gulps.

He's patched Geralt up plenty of times but he's...he's only sat for a needle once, back at the very beginning when he'd just started following Geralt and he'd torn the soft tissue between thumb and forefinger. It had been...unpleasant.

This is going to be worse.

"Here," he says, handing Jaskier the alcohol, and he takes a deep pull before handing it back. It's not enough, he knows. Still, when Geralt removes his ruined doublet and chemise and asks him if he's ready, he nods.

He faints by the third stitch. It's...better that way.

-----

He comes to feeling stiff and achy, and when he goes to lift his left arm, the stitches pull and he freezes.

Oh that's going to be a bitch.

"Geralt?" he asks roughly, pressing himself up to a sitting position with his good arm, "Geralt?"

Geralt's at his side in a moment, easing him backward.

"Rest, Jaskier, you're fine. We're okay, just rest."

-----

It hurts like a bitch, but he gets over it, mostly. He mourns for his ruined doublet and chemise, but it's mostly for the sake of being dramatic--he can buy a new doublet when he's back in Oxenfurt this winter, twice as nice. And the wound is awful but it will make the most lovely scar to serenade lovers with the tale.

Geralt does not find that last point near as funny as he should, considering.

It's nearly healed, the stitches have come out (Geralt did it, carefully, and Jaskier had almost fainted again but it had been...fine...) and he's digging through his pack, rubbing uselessly at the itching, healing scar tissue when he comes across a familiar doublet that makes him pause.

It's...it's the doublet he'd been wearing when he'd gotten the injury, the one with the gash.

The one he's pretty sure he threw out.

He's alone in the inn room they've rented, Geralt downstairs interviewing some local about the contract he's working tomorrow. He sucks in a deep breath and pulls the doublet out of his pack.

The gash is large and the stitching is awkward and cramped, but there's been an effort to fix it. It's even the right color thread which is just...

The chemise is below the doublet, equally poorly mended. Despite himself, Jaskier feels tears well up in his eyes.

Behind him, the door creaks, heavy boots entering the room.

"Jask?"

He wants to say...something. He wants to but his throat has closed and he's afraid opening his mouth will only let out a sob and he's not...he's not sad it's just--

Geralt settles on his knees beside him, pulling Jaskier around slowly, but he stops when he sees the clothes.

"Oh." He looks...he looks uncomfortable, "sorry, I...I know it's a shit job and I had to wait to get the right thread and I..."

"Geralt," he finally chokes out, pitching forward to wrap his arms around his middle, bury his face against his chest. Tentatively, Geralt returns the embrace, palm smoothing up and down Jaskier's back as he fights back sobbing like a child.

"I'm--" he's about to apologize and Jaskier doesn't want him to get the wrong impression.

"Love, you didn't have to. Thank you."

"It's a shit job," Geralt repeats, sounding lost. Jaskier chokes on a laugh.

"You fixed it for me, though, darling. That's what matters."

"I just...you always..." he seems to be out of words though, and he just hmms softly.

"I know, darling. I appreciate it, I do." He's smiling just a little watery still when he pulls back, but he's...fuck he's so touched.

"Hm," Geralt repeats, then, "so it's okay?"

"It's more than okay," he says, smiling.

-----

The next morning Jaskier wears the repaired doublet and chemise. It truly is an awful job and he'll have to see what he can do about it later, but it's worth it for the way Geralt's eyes catch and hold, the tentative, tiny smile that tips up the corners of his mouth.

He thought he saw a flash of light, reflected off the metal walls. He spun around, only to be met with a Novakid dressed all in black, pistol held in both hands and aimed carefully at him.

“Don't move.” Their voice was high, surprisingly young. They had no brand. “You're going to put that gun down and put your hands up. Slowly now.”

And what could Tano do but obey?

The Novakid tied his hands roughly behind him with a length of wire, picking up his rifle and slinging it over their shoulder before grabbing his arm to lead him. Tano thought he should have resisted, but it had thrown him completely off guard, and besides, it wasn't like he had anyone to protect. So he let them lead him back to their shuttlecraft, which, he realized, was why he hadn't picked up another ship nearby. Had they known he would come? Had they meant to trap him?

Once they were both on the craft, the Novakid slipped off their mask, revealing the rest of their face; their soft purple glow lit the ship in a way Tano couldn't help but notice. They tilted their head at him, studying his expression: he was neither defiant nor despairing, but calm and resigned.

“You're an interesting thing,” they finally said.

“Why?” was all he said in return.

The Novakid laughed in a kind of hissy high-pitched way (Tano realized he'd never heard a Novakid laugh before). “That's why. That would be why. You're interesting. You're interested, too, in investigating, aren't you? I didn't mean to kidnap you, only I didn't particularly want to be on the wrong end of your gun, and I wanted you to hear me out. So! I'll let you go, I will, after I tell you what deal I have for you. You can explore for me, and bring me what I need, and I'll pay you for it, and maybe a little bit more depending.”

Tano just stared at the Novakid while they talked, trying to process it all. But the words just became noise as they continued, and the purple light from their glow started filling his vision. Fortunately, that didn't last long. The Novakid saw something was wrong, and got out of their seat to shake him lightly. “Hey...” they sounded worried now. “Is everything okay? D'you need anything? Water?”

Tano nodded, blinking to clear his vision. “Water.” He was more than a little worried himself. What if he'd done that in the middle of an important mission, or a dangerous situation? He could easily have gotten himself killed... though he'd never done it in a situation like that yet, there was always a first time. He forgot what the Novakid had said... and when they came back, they decided not to remind him.

“Drink... slowly,” they insisted, putting a hand to his cheek with unexpected gentleness. “Stay calm... this will all be okay. What happened?”

“I don't know...” He cringed a little. “I'm sorry. You were talking a lot, and I guess I couldn't follow.”

“I'll try to be short, then.” They began to untie his wrists. It was clear he wasn't a threat, and if he turned out to be one anyway, well, they always had a way to deal with unexpected problems. “I'm a doctor. Experimental. I need supplies, and I'll pay you well. Some supplies are maybe controlled, which is why I can't just ask in an outpost. I need someone good at finding things people don't want to be found.”

Was Tano good at finding things? They seemed to think so. He nodded, still not all there. “...What's your name?”

“Saul. What troubles you?” They've sat me down on one of their couches, looking straight into my eyes. They know I'm lying.

Can I risk sleeping now? I don't know, and words come slowly as always. I think I manage to stammer out a few syllables, I'm not sure whether Frost or Tiamotian, before Harmosa takes my hand firmly in theirs. Their grip is stronger than I thought such a small being could have. “I will care of you. Come with me. What do you need? Food? Water? Rest?” I nod readily to the last.

I should have known I wouldn't have enough energy to stay awake, let alone carry on a conversation. I'm lucky - or did Mother know - that Harmosa is so understanding. Briefly, I feel a wave of guilt. I swallow. “Harmosa...”

They pause, turning back. “Yes?”

I open my mouth, but I'm not sure what to say. The words get stuck, jumbled together, and nothing comes out. Harmosa sighs and pats my hand. “You will rest. Then we may talk.” I feel sick, and my steps grow heavy, reluctant. But I will rest.

Briefly I wonder if Mother will care, if I stay here. She still has her powers, and Ho’e and Piti and Toru, if they'll listen. But she loves me, and she'll miss me if I'm gone.

But, I think, I love Harmosa.

As soon as my head hits the pillow I'm asleep, though my dreams are anything but peaceful, filled with fire that immolates even the coldest ice. I don't know how long I sleep. It doesn't matter. It isn't long enough.

Harmosa is still by my side when I wake. “What troubles you?” they ask again, and this time the dam breaks.

“Harmosa- I've- I've sent Ho’e and Piti and Toru, my summons -- they're burning Frost. I'm sorry--”

The room turns cold. Far too cold. Ice begins to form over Harmosa’s skin and clothes. Like armor, I think. I can't stop shivering. “I'm sorry--”

“Why.” Their voice is monotone. Hard. I just saw their heart freeze over, I think. 

“I--”

My teeth are chattering. It's hard to breathe. I think frost is forming on my skin. They don't take their eyes off of me. My eyes lose focus, and I can't feel anything anymore.

"If you're watching this, Vilara Fynfal, let me say what I know you would anyway: I've made a stupid mistake. I know I'm an idiot who takes on too many duties and slacks off on what I should be doing, and this probably will kill me somenight. So: feel free to yell at me now. I deserve it."

A pause, ostensibly to let her do so. Vadius swallows, fidgeting a bit, using this period to regain his calm.

"...My point is, this is what I will send to you in the event of my death, so if you are watching this -- I thought you might want to see it. Perhaps not. If you don't, you can delete it. But if you do..." He gives a faint smile. "Then you can yell at me all you want. And I can tell you, I was honored to serve under you, Commander. You've been an outstanding example to me, and one I've rarely considered as important as I should. And I think you're lovely." He starts to look down, breaking character and grinning, as the scene cuts out.

Same backdrop (his office), slightly different decorations, slightly different angle, same uniform, same Vadius. He's serious again, standing a moment before starting. "I suppose I ought to tell you what I've been doing. I started a project, Project Mnemos, to perfect a troll-based version of brainwashing and/or memory erasure. This idea came about when I met a troll with said power. Since then, I've moved on to training their descendant. I believe they are ready to move forward from training into full usage, or will be when you receive this message. My goal in Project Mnemos has always been to further the Empire, though I admit I haven't always done that in the ways I should. So, as of now, I am handing control of Project Mnemos and its protégé Thisna Verent over to you. Do what seems best." He bows slightly, and the scene cuts out.

ENDING 1

A different scene. This part is slightly grainy, security camera footage. Vadius in an office, talking to another troll. A shorter, stocky one, with horns close to their head and hair in a short ponytail. 

"You don't touch my friends!" the small one yells.

Vadius remains calm. "I haven't done anything to them."

"Yes you did - you hurt Ischia! That's not okay! And I don't care if you're a fleet general or whatever. This isn't right. Now tell me where Sivert is."

"I don't know. I would imagine at hive with Ischia?"

The smaller troll puts a hand to their belt.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Fuck you," they snarl, drawing their gun. Before Vadius can draw his own it's over. Two shots, and the seadweller is gasping, clinging to his chair. He fumbles for his gun. Husk. Something. Anything that can help. The other troll closes in. 

ENDING 2

This part has no video, only audio, a recording that has, somehow, not been released to the fleet. Vilara is likely hearing it for the first time. "Ardent, Captain Vadion. We've encountered a large ship of unknown origin, which seems to be dead in space. No lights,... but we have what looks like two troll life signs onboard. The technology looks to be a fair level. I'm sending out a scouting party."

A pause.

"The ship is pulling us in. Repeat, the ship is pulling us in. Begin evasive maneuvers!"

He curses. 

"Our helm systems are not responding. What the hell is this thing?!"

The audio crackles.

 “ This is so good! Hakuryuu, you have to teach me how to cook like this sometime! ”

“ Maybe one day. These skills might improve the luck you have at impressing women. ”

“ Huh?! ”

Just common banter between Alibaba and the prince of Kou, despite jabs at the blonde’s character, Hakuryuu wears a smile on his face. In turn, Aladdin sitting nearby couldn’t help but laugh after taking sips from his bowl. He may not look like it from his small size, but being the glutton he is, the bowl happened to be his third helping. Eventually the magi finished off that one, but before he could try for a fourth, his eyes lingered over to where the most silent member of their little team was.

Morgiana was quiet, but even now her silence seemed strange. What was even more strange was how her bowl was still filled to the brim with broth, something Aladdin had to peel his gaze from, lest the fanalis take offense to the threat of her meal being taken. Instead he was much more concerned about what she could be thinking about as she stared up at the sky.

“ Mor, are you okay? ”

A tilted to his head as he stared up at the female whose red eyes suddenly widened in surprise at being taken out of whatever trance she was in, soon returning her gaze to her friend. A tiny smile making way on her face as a way to reassure him.

“ Yes … I was just thinking about something. ”

“ What is it? ”

At this point the other two caught onto Morgiana’s odd behaviour, turning both of their attention to her as well. It takes her awhile to answer, shuffling her feet for a moment and staring down at her food before catching the reflection of what’s been holding her attention this whole time up above her. She raises her gaze once more.

“ … The stars. This is the first time I’ve seen them so clearly. ”

Alibaba is the first to look up after her words. Aladdin and Hakuryuu follow suit. The sky is void of any clouds tonight, leaving them under the starry night. She speaks the truth, until now they had usually been staying at inns or on ships, today was the first time the girl got to spend in the wilderness in the company of companions.  

“ Wow, I almost forgotten about them. All those bright lights in Sindria must have blocked them out. ”

The group hums in agreement with Alibaba, all pairs of eyes on the twinkling of lights that was years away from all of them. They can’t help but allow the serenity to bring happiness on their features, each with their own smile. Eventually the quiet kicks in, no one during to talk in order to bring them out of this very moment. Whatever thoughts they’re having at the same time is unknown, but one can imagine they’re nothing but peaceful.

“Ah! Look!”

Pointing a finger, Hakuryuu brings their attention to the what can only be described as a shooting star. Thankfully, the group managed to spot it, with or without the boy’s help. Aladdin gives a small clap of his hands before turning to Morgiana. Alibaba follows up with a wide grin on his face.

“ Mor, hurry up and make a wish! ”

“ Yeah, yeah! What’s your wish? ”

A startled look at his sudden demand, fumbling over her words as a blush shows her fluster. Her cheeks puffing up as she ponders before her voice blurts out her answer. A sudden proud spark in those sharp red eyes as the female’s decided on what her answer is going to be.

“ I wish that I can watch the stars with everyone again one day! ”

The three males nod together at her answer. In truth, they all wished the same thing. If they had the chance again, they wouldn’t mind spending time like this on a day like this.