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Traveling with Lambert turned out to be an unexpected yet interesting experience for Jaskier.
They had met by coincidence. Jaskier had performed in a tavern that Lambert had entered the same evening, looking like he was in a bad mood. How the bard would later find out, he was, because he didn't get paid the promised coins for a contract. Most at the time Lambert would have argued or used axii, but he had felt too exhausted and also didn't want to be chased out of town, actually longing to sleep in a bed.
So he had taken the coin and went straight to the tavern, paying for a room and a meal before sitting down in a corner.
Jaskier, while singing, had seen the new patreon form the corner of his eyes. He had immediately been interested. The armor and the two swords on his back had told Jaskier that the man was very probably a Witcher. He wondered if that man knew Geralt, if maybe they even were from the same school.
The bard played one of his newer songs before announcing he needed a little break. He bowed gracefully at the applause and smiled at a young couple, who giggled in return. Then he walked up to the Witcher, who was busy eating. There was a spring in Jaskier´s step as he approached, excited to meet a new Witcher.
Of course he had nothing against Geralt. Even though he hadn't seen the grumpy Witcher this year so far, he still considered him his best friend. Not that Jaskier had many friends. Well, people he considered true friends at least.
“Not sure you noticed but I am not your tamed Wolf, bard.” the Witcher commented without looking up and before Jaskier had a chance to sit down.
“So you know Geralt?” Jaskier asked, still excited. Though he honestly wouldn't call the White Wolf tame.
Finally the man looked up and Jaskier looked into golden eyes that looked so familiar yet so different. The next thing he noticed was the medallion the man wore. The bard grinned.
“You do know him! You are one of his brothers! And you know about me?” Jaskier quickly sat down and looked at the Witcher curious and with bright eyes.
The man snorted.”He told us a lot about you. Probably everything.”
“Really?” the bard questioned surprised, “He never talked much...with me. I mean he can rant about monsters and talk about Roach but hardly anything personal.”
“Witchers tend to feel more relaxed and comfortable in the keep.” The Witcher shrugged. “I also wouldn't be surprised if he tried to keep you at a distance. Not that I know him as good as Eskel but still.”
Jaskier frowned and looked the Witcher in front of him up and down:”Are you Lambert?”
“Oh, so he mentioned me?”
The bard hummed:”Sometimes. I heard him mumble something about being grateful that you are not there to see him do something embarrassing or he wished for you to be there to brew some alcohol better than the, and I quote, pisswater they serve here.”
At this Lambert laughed, which in turn made Jaskier smile.
The Witcher leaned forward, his eyes glinting mischievously. “So tell me bard, what do I have to do, for you to tell me what embarrassing things my brother did?”
“Well, you could start by calling me by my name.”
This had been three months ago.
To be honest, Jaskier hadn't planned to travel so long with Lambert. Maybe a month, to get inspired to new songs, exchanging stories. He also had kind of hoped they would meet Geralt on the path. Wanting to see the brothers interact.
They hadn't met Geralt but Jaskier would dare say he and Lambert had become good friends over time and neither of them had made any move or suggestion to part from the other.
However, Jaskier had the feeling that Lambert was distancing himself from him these past days, which confused the bard. He wondered if he did something wrong or if Lambert soon would send him away because he grew tired or annoyed with him. It hurt. Yet he didn't dare ask. Not that he believed Lambert would actually answer it. Jaskier had the little hope that whatever problem Lambert seemed to have with him would solve itself somehow.
Currently they were in a small village. Jaskier was sitting in their shared room in the inn, making notes for new ballads and waiting for Lambert to return from his contract. Nothing spectacular. A very usual job. Cleaning the graveyard from ghouls.
Lambert was back at noon. Jaskier smiled at him.
“Everything went smoothly?” the bard asked and closed his notebook.
The Witcher nodded. “Yeah, there were more than expected but still manageable. But I called for a bath.” he replied, already unbuckling his armor.
Jaskier tried to not look at Lambert too much. The Witcher was just taken off his armor, so it could be cleaned. Not that Jaskier hadn't seen the Witcher in various states of undress while they were traveling together. Yet recently he found it harder to just look away. Instead he desired to touch. Tracing scars with his finger. Leaving marks not born out of violence on unmarked skin.
Not that he would say anything like this out loud. He wouldn't want to risk the friendship. He had no reason to believe that Lambert had any romantic interest in him. From Jaskier´s observation the Witcher had never seemed interested in a man. Well, to be fair, he had never shown any interest in men or women.
Except you count prostitutes. But even then, in these three months the Witcher had only been to a brothel once and money was not the reason. Lambert had never been low on coin. However, Lambert had chosen to spend the money more on buying Jaskier a dagger and a new notebook as one of his others got lost as they had to run away from a fiend. He also had invited Jaskier to a bathhouse when they had been in Novigrad last month.
Of course Jaskier had returned the favour to his friend. Buying some good alcohol to share in the safety of a room in an inn or buying new boots for the Witcher as he had seen that the old had been worn through. That's what friends do after all.
Jaskier stood up and went to his bags to retrieve two oils, one for the bathwater and one for Lambert's hair. By now Jaskier knew which scents the Witcher liked.
“Can I come with you when you go to get the money?” the bard asked. He knew Lambert had not already done that, it was a regular practice for the Witcher to bath and look clean before going to get paid. At least after jobs that were easy and when the person who had written the contract wasn't a complete asshole.
“Do what you want.” was the simple answer as Lambert inspected how dirty his amor actually was.
Jaskier suppressed a sigh, wishing for a more enthusiastic reply or that Lambert would at least look at him.
Nearly an hour later the two of them were on the way to the house of the eldest. A nice old lady.
Jaskier looked around, the village was decorated in bright colours. The bard was sure that hasn't been there the day before when they arrived. He wondered if he maybe forgot a holiday but nothing came to mind. Before he could ask Lambert if he knew what this was about, they already stood before the eldest of the village.
She paid Lambert without arguments but with a friendly smile. It always made the bard happy to see that there were people, who are friendly towards Witchers.
But before they could thank her and say goodbye, the old lady said:”There is actually another favour I like to ask of you.”
Lambert raised an eyebrow:”A different monster problem?”
Smiling she shook her head. “No, nothing of that sorts.” she replied “I would like both of you to stay here and join the festival this evening.”
“Ah, I was wondering about that.” Jaskier commented, “What are you celebrating?”
“Something only our village celebrates as far as I know, as we´ve been blessed by the gods.” She smiled mysteriously at them, “You will get to know the details in the evening.”
Now Jaskier was curious and Lambert suspicious.
“Why not tell us now?” the Witcher asked.
“Oh, don´t you like surprises?” the old lady countered.
Lambert snorted. “I'm a Witcher. In my job surprises hardly mean anything good.”
“Of course.” the lady replied, nodding in understanding. “But I promise you, we mean no harm.”
Jaskier now looked at Lambert. He knew he could probably tell if the old lady lied with Witcher´s ability to hear heartbeats and all that.
Lambert seemed to search the eldest face for something. After a moment he sighed and said:”Alright, we stay.”
In the evening the barmaid came to tell them that the festival would begin in a few minutes. They followed her to a clearing close to the town. Several tables had apparently been carried here. One reserved for the Witcher and the bard.
It wasn't hard to notice two things. Only adults were here and at every table only sat two people. At the front sat the Eldest with her husband.
When everyone had sat down, she stood up. She smiled at the crowd before starting to speak. “Welcome and thank you everyone for joining today! The gods smile down on us. But before they tell me which pair will be invited to spend the night in the sacred room, we will, like always, eat and drink first. Don't hold back! Eat as much as you want and enjoy this wonderful evening!”
The people from the village cheered and Lambert and Jaskier exchanged a look.
“We get free food and drinks, as long as we don't have to participate in the religious stuff, I guess it was a good idea to come.” Lambert commented.
Jaskier hummed. “I wonder though, why the eldest wanted us here.”
“Does it matter?” the Witcher questioned, “As long as neither of us gets stabbed in the back I call it a success.”
“You are probably right.”
So they stood up and got something to eat and drink.
Jaskier didn´t know how much time passed. But they were enjoying the food and Lambert seemed to relax more and more as time passed and this didn't suddenly turn out to be a trap.
Then as everybody seemed to have eaten enough, the eldest stood up again. “It is time!”
Immediately everyone got quiet.
Jaskier curiously and subconsciously leaned forward. He was a bit excited to finally find out what this was about.
“Our village is peaceful and marriages last long, mostly forever, families don´t fall apart as quickly. We are blessed by the gods. They show us, who we are loved by. They help us to see and understand our emotions.” the eldest declared, letting her eyes roam over the people in front of her.
Jaskier heard Lambert snort next to him and even the bard himself had to resist to roll his eyes. Jaskier didn't believe in any gods, but he had nothing against people, who did. However, sometimes he found it quite ridiculous for what the gods were supposed to be responsible for.
“And tonight it is time again to help people on their way. The gods will choose one pair of you to spend the night in the sacred room of our little temple. Your emotions you may not even know you have will suddenly be clear. Desires no longer be hidden. You will be helped to understand yourself and your partner better.” the eldest continued, “May that partner be you sibling, your lover, your secret admirer or your friend. Your connection will be stronger after tonight. The bond forever blessed by the gods.”
“One night locked into a room?” Lambert whispered, “Of course peole will talk about their problems at one point or, if they are lovers, will end up fucking.”
“They seem all quite religious here, do you really think they would have sex in a temple?” Jaskier questioned.
“If I were a god I would be disappointed if nobody ever does that in a temple.” Lambert replied.
Just as Jaskier wanted to say something, the people around them started a chant he never heard before. He must have looked a bit alarmed, freaked out, because a moment later Lambert put a hand on his shoulder.
The eldest had her eyes closed and the arms spread, as her husband lighted candles around her. It all suddenly seemed nearly cultistic if Jaskier was honest.
When the chant stooped the elderst opened her eyes again and slowly looked over the people in front of her again.
“The gods have choosen!” she announced.
It was easy to feel the tension. Everyone seemed to hold their breath. Lambert´s hand, that was still on Jaskier´s shoulder, gripped him a little tighter. Not making the bard concerned but making him feel safer.
The old lady took a deep breath and finally said:“They have chosen our guests. They are very blessed as the gods have chosen to help them.”
Suddenly all eyes were on them. Jaskier smiled nervously.
“We don't need any help.” Lambert spoke clear, his voice nearly a growl.
Some seemed to take this as an insult, if the bard interpreted their mimic correctly. So he quickly tried to defuse the situation. “What my friend wants to say is that we feel honored to be chosen. But we are only guests here. This is your tradition. One of you should have that...blessing.”
“The gods have chosen and they won't choose again.” the eldest replied calmly. “It doesn't matter that you are guests here.”
Lambert obviously wanted to argue again, that's why Jaskier put a hand on his chest, making the Witcher look at him, and shook his head.
Lambert huffed in annoyance but kept his mouth shut.
Jaskier wondered why this was upsetting Lambert so much.
“If you would please follow me then.” The Eldest didn´t wait for an answer and started going into the forest, leaving Lambert and Jaskier not much of a choice but to follow quickly.
It thankfully didn't take long till they reached another clearing. A small temple stood proudly in the middle of it.
Torches were lit inside, indicating that someone had been here to prepare it.
They were led into a small room. Inside were two bedrolls and a little table with fruits and a pitcher.In the middle was a brazier. Fire already burning brightly.
“The flames of this holy fire will reveal what you feel. The colours of your heart will no longer be hidden. Not from yourself nor your partner.” The eldest explained. “You cannot leave this room. You can not run away from your feelings tonight. I will come back tomorrow morning. Use this chance.”
This was all she said. Not even waiting for questions they might have as she turned around and left the room. The door was closed and they could clearly hear it being locked.
“Chosen by the gods my ass.” Lambert huffed and crossed his arms. “She planned this.”
Jaskier couldn´t help but agree. Why else would she invite them to the festival? But also, why would she want them to be the chosen ones?
He sighed. He probably wouldn't get an answer. At least not before tomorrow. So he put on a smile and told the WItcher:”Well, could be worse. I mean we have a warm place to sleep and it's safe here too, right? No monster is gonna attack us here.”
"Yeah, I hope though that she is actually going to let us out tomorrow and not leave us here to starve." Lambert replied grim.
They both turned around, nearly at the same time and saw something unexpected.
"Whoa." the bard breathed, while Lambert only frowned.
The fire, that had looked normal when they had entered, now was burning in different colours. Purple, pink, blue and even a little bit of green.
"Guess that's what she meant by colours of our hearts." Jaskier commented, curiously getting closer. "That looks beautiful."
"It's not hard to get a fire to have different colours." Lambert huffed, "anyone with a bit of alchemical knowledge can probably do it."
Jaskier looked at him, eyes bright with wonder. "There is nobody here to manipulate the fire though."
"Maybe they prepared it before somehow." Lambert offered, stepping closer as well. He let his eyes roam over the roam, searching for a way somebody could have manipulated that fire.
"Also," he spoke after a while of silence, "I can't believe that a colorful fire is apparently their great solution to their problems."
"Well, she said they represent our feelings. Certain colours represent certain feelings." Jaskier answered, "I bet, the people here are taught about that, so they will know what they mean when they are here."
"But we weren't taught that."
"Luckily as a bard I actually know a bit of colours supposed meanings." Jaskier exclaimed with a smile.
"Ah." Lambert said and looked at him. "Enlighten me then."
"Your wish is my command." Jaskier replied, bowing dramatically before looking intently at the fire. He was a bit nervous. But that's normal when you are about to talk about feelings, right?
"Okay, so purple for example can stand for inspiration." he started, "Makes sense. I am inspired by you. You are one of my muses."
All he got was a "hmm" in response, reminding him of Geralt.
He continued nonetheless. "It also can represent elegance. And yeah, I think, you look quite elegant when you fight."
"You do too. When you dance." Lambert stated, shocking the bard. He stared at him. But as he got no further response Jaskier cleared his throat and looked back at the fire.
"Blue can represent trust. I do trust you. With my life." he told the Witcher. "It also can mean kindness and I also think that you are a kind man,even though you don't show it often. I still see it."
"You are a lot kinder than me." Lambert replied, "Probably the kindest man I know. I also trust you. I wouldn't have traveled with you so long otherwise."
Jaskier felt his cheeks and heart warm at these words. He was used to compliments but not from the Witcher. Not from someone that mattered so much.
He scratched his neck and just continued with the next colour. "Green can stand for safety. No secret I feel safe with you. If I remember correctly, it also represents intelligence. You are intelligent. Especially when it comes to alchemy."
"You are intelligent too." Lambert told him. "Of course you are. You graduated from Oxenfurt. You know a lot about politics and music theory and even speak different languages."
The flush on Jaskier's cheeks got more intense. He never thought his graduation was something special. Yeah, he sometimes bragged with it but mostly to annoy people.
"Well, last but not least, pink." he said, looking anywhere but the Witcher. "It represents respect. It shouldn't surprise you that when I trust you I also respect you."
"I too respect you. Though probably for other reasons." Lambert said.
Then there was silence. Jaskier had to let this sink in. He'd never imagined that Lambert would tell him about his feelings so easily. Maybe it was the wine they drank? Or maybe the Witcher thought it was only fair after Jaskier declared his so openly?
"Didn't you forget something?" Lambert questioned after a moment.
Confused, the bard looked at him. "What?"
"Love. Doesn't pink also represent love?" The Witcher wasn't looking at him. He looked tense. Eyes fixed on the burning fire.
Jaskier laughed nervously and scratched his neck again. "Are you sure? Maybe you are mistaken that with red?"
"No." Lambert stated immediately. Then:"Julian, you can't fool me. I may not know as much about colour meanings as you do. However, I do know that red stands for passion. Pink is supposed to be love."
Jaskier considered lying. Telling him he loved Lambert as a friend. But wouldn't the Witcher know when he would lie? And why would he not have told him in the first place?
Jaskier sighed defeated. "That's not how I wanted you to find out." he muttered.
Now it was Lambert's turn to look confused. "What do you mean with that?"
"That I love you!" Jaskier exclaimed, "I am sorry, I know you don't feel the same way but…" He didn't finish as he was interrupted by Lambert's laughter.
Wide eyed he stared at the laughing Witcher. He didn't know how he should feel right now. Angry? Hurt? Resigned?
"This is not funny!" he finally called.
"Julek you are an idiot." Lambert said, grinning from ear to ear.
The bard blinked. "Huh?" What was that supposed to mean? He did nothing wrong, did he? Didn't said something stupid, just the truth.
"And I thought I had been obvious." Lambert shook his head still amused. "Julian I have feelings for you. Like romantic feelings."
Jaskier couldn't say anything, his mind trying to comprehend what Lambert just had said. So he just stared dumbly at the Witcher.
Lambert smiled, fond and soft. "I am not good at relationships. You don't get taught about it when you become a Witcher." he told Jaskier, "Then I met you and...when I realised I developed feelings for you….fallen in love with you I didn't know what to do. But I didn't want to repress it. So I started to gift you things." Now Lambert looked down and sighed. "And you got me gifts in return. It made me extremely happy because I thought it meant you feel the same way. However then I saw you still flirting with barmaids and stable boys and I thought you were just making fun of me.
"That's why you've been distant latley!" Jaskier exclaimed, having found his voice again.
Lambert nodded. "Yeah. Obviously it was only a misunderstanding." He looked at Jaskier again:"Thankfully."
The bard felt a bit stupid right now. He had unintentionally hurt Lambert. That was the last thing he had wanted. He grimaced. "I thought you were just being friendly."
"Do all your friends gift you stuff all the time?" the Witcher asked.
"No." Jaskier shook his head. "Too be honest, I don't have many people I consider real friends anyway."
Lambert took a step closer to the bard and put a hand on the other's cheek. "Doesn't matter now anyway,does it? I love you and you love me."
"You really do love me?" Jaskier couldn't help but question. It still felt so surreal.
"I really do. You make my life better, brighter, more bearable."Lambert replied without hesitation.
Jaskier smiled slightly. "Can you kiss me then?"
The Witcher smiled right back:"If that's what you want."
"Fuck yeah."
Not long after that, the fire changed colours again. The pink was still there, but additionally it now burnt brightly in yellow and red.
Love. Happiness. Passion.