Gawel looked up with a smile when Sara asked if she could watch. He had no idea about her training and probably wouldn't have approved of it if he had; he just figured that she wanted to watch to learn more about witchers since she seemed to be particularly interested in them. He shrugged and said, "I don't mind." He looked over to Jarek for him to give his consent but frowned a little when he saw the man grinning to himself into his food.

"Sure. It would help," Jarek agreed, refusing to meet Gawel's eye.

That only made Gawel all the more suspicious but he put it out of his mind for now. Instead he finished his food and took the dishes to the kitchen, washing up before saying, "Do you think Vesimir will want us to bring our swords?"

Jarek shrugged. He honestly had even less of a clue what Vesimir was up to than Geralt did. "I guess you get them and find out?" He already had his.

Geralt nodded and said, "I'll meet you out there."

Geralt went to his room and fetched his swords, not bothering to strap them on just now, instead just holding on to them as he met Sara and Jarek in the courtyard and the three of them headed down to the training yards where they could see Vesimir waiting for them. He was shirtless and even in his late forties, his body was well formed and rock hard; even if he had decided to 'retire' to Kaer Morhen to help train the apprentices with others who were of a mind to help he kept in shape and was still by far the best witcher of in the castle. "You won't be needing those," he said as he tossed them both the solid wooden training swords. These were mostly used by the older trainees as hollow ones were used by the younger ones because they were lighter and tended not to do as much damage when hit with decent force. By the time a trainee progressed to using these swords they were considered advanced enough to, one, avoid the damage in the first place, and if they were struck they should be able to take it. Geralt and Jarek exchanged glances as they lay their swords to the side and copied Vesimir in taking off their shirts; if they were using those swords it meant Vesimir had every intention in giving them both a sound beating.

Vesimir didn't seem angry, however. Determined, perhaps a little worried, but not angry. He smiled when he saw Sara and said, "Good, you decided to come." He, of course, had heard of her training in the witcher style and while he had no intention of involving her in this session (at least not yet) it would be good for her to see and learn and what he had to say would no doubt include her as well.

Vesimir turned back to Gawel and Jarek and said, "Work as a team. Come at me."

Gawel and Jarek exchanged a look, shrugged and charged at Vesimir. Part of their training was working together with different people and with their differing skill sets, Jarek and Gawel were an adept team. They were both aware and accepting of each other's strengths and weaknesses and used it to their advantage with little need to comunicate. Witchers work alone, that was their creed, well one of them. But occassionally there came a time where they had to work together and in order to avoid getting everyone killed it was important for them to learn not to get in each others way, or to let personal feuds interfere.

They attacked as one, Jarek distracting with his lighting quick movements and quick dodges, not landing any solid attacks while Gawel landed the solid blows, manouvering himself to attack from behind as Jarek drew the attention. They were a force to behold.

However Vesimir was the one who trained thiem. He knew all their tricks and was the one who taught them to work together this way. He was able to defend against both of them easily, moving with a speed that surpassed both of them, even though none had induced any potions. He gave a constant stream of comments as he fended off their attacks. "Too slow." "Faster." "Get a move on." "Where was the strength in that." "You missed."

A small group of apprentices had left the mess hall, lunch in hand, to watch while they ate. It was not often they got to see three full witchers battle it out without really holding back. Albeit, most of the strikes landed on Jarek and Gawel, so far Jarek was the only one who managed to land a hit on Vesimir and it was only glancing, brushing off his shoulder as the man spun away.

"Jarek, you are predictable, your patterns the same every time," Vesimir scolded and to prove his point he predicted where Jarek was about to move in from and thrust his sword out so Jarek fell over it as it stabbed him in the stomach. Vesimir pulled the sword away briefly to land a solid strike with the length of his blade across his chest, throwing him through the air at the same time as he transfered his weight and landed a kick to Gawel's bad leg. "And you need to learn to protect that leg or it will be the death of you, especially if I had a blade instead of a leg," he said, turning his scolding on to Gawel as he collapsed to the ground and struggled to get up again. Vesimir didn't seem interested in pursuing either of them just now, however. Instead, he said, "If you can't defeat me, or even come close to it, how do you expect to defeat the koschey?"

Gawel blinked as he stood, leaving all his weight off his sore leg, and looked to Jarek who was holding his stomach. "We?" he asked.

"Yes. The beast nearly killed you, and the only reason Sara was able to defeat it was because it wasn't made right. A properly formed koschey will need at least two witchers to take it down and you two are the best at working as a team. But if you can't defeat an old man like me you have no chance, even with a sorceress as back up. Now if you're done nursing your war wounds, come at me!"

Gawel and Jarek exchanged another glance, sighed and shoved their pain to the back of their mind before coming on once more.

Sara watched in fascination as Gawel and Jarek attacked Vesimir. Despite two younger witchers working together, Vesimir avoided their blows consistently, making it look very easy. She wondered how on earth they were able to do the things they did.

"They are quite amazing aren't they." Sara snapped to attention when she heard Adrianna right next to her. Sara blushed, embarrassed to have been caught staring.

"Yes, quite amazing." Her voice was low, her eyes shifting back towards the blurs of the fighting witchers.

"You know, it's ok to love him."

"What?"

Addie sighed. "You heard me." She paused for a moment, just long enough for Sara to get lost in thought again when the fighting stopped, Jarek being flung across the court and Gawel collapsing. Sara had an urge to run to him, but thought better of it. There was a reason Vesimir was training them now, and he wouldn't have hurt Gawel out of sheer spite.

"Yes. The beast nearly killed you, and the only reason Sara was able to defeat it was because it wasn't made right."

Sara winced at that. It probably wasn't meant as a barb, but it still hurt. "How could it have not been made right? I would assume that if anyone had the ability to make one they would be able to make it properly."

She wasn't sure if he had heard her or not, for all three of them flung themselves at each other again, becoming a blurred flesh colored mass.

"Didn't we kill the koschey?" Sara asked, a little worried about what Addie's answer would be.

"Well, in a way you did. You killed that one, but it would be possible for the person who made it to remake it, or simply make another one. I would think that is why Vesimir is going to send Jarek with you and Gawel."

Sara nodded, not completely understanding the need for another witcher, even Jarek. It shouldn't be hard to find the person making them and stop them. As the women watched their friends and respective lovers battle, Sara let her thoughts wander. She caught flashes of Gawels chest, strong and muscular, and felt her heart jump. Her mind went from his body to imagining a very impossible future... a small cottage, several young children that looked suspiciously like Gawel, running around the yard...

"It can't happen, my dear." Addie broke into Sara's fantasy, making her jump.

"What?"

"You weren't guarding yourself and I saw your daydream. Witchers are sterile, Sara. And even if he wasn't, the mix of your Elven blood and magic may make it impossible for you to have children as well."

Sara let a sad smile spread across her lips. "A girl can dream, can't she?"

Addie wrapped her arm around Sara's shoulder and squeezed. "Absolutely. Just, don't get your hopes up."

"Vesimir! Give those poor boys a break! You are going to beat them blind, and then how will they defeat any koscheys?" Addie teased.

"How could it have not been made right? I would assume that if anyone had the ability to make one they would be able to make it properly."

Even though they had started fighting again, Vesimir still heard her question and answered it. "Koscheys are created by magic, however that does not mean they are easy to create. It takes time, skill, rare materials and a great amounts of power to create them and very little information about their creation exists, for good reason of course. The library here has one of the few copies of a book detailing their creation, kept under lock and key of course." And other defenses since, as Jarek had proved as a boy, it didn't take long for an adventurous lad to work out how to pick a lock to go where he shouldn't. "With something so complicated it's easy for it to go wrong and from how Gawel described it, it was far too small and susceptible to magic to be properly made. It will take time to create another and a better one, but whoever is behind it has the whole winter. I can guarantee that at the least you will face a full koschey, not to mention an obviously powerful and malicious mage. Gawel, protect that leg!" Vesimir snapped, whipping his blade out to land soundly on the injured leg.

Gawel grunted and stumbled back a few steps, mastered the pain and went back into it. This training session wasn't going well, to say the least. Yes, Vesimir had always beaten them, and likely always would, but it was clear that the last week or so where neither Jarek nor Gawel had trained had taken its toll. He was spotting some places and moves where he was favouring his leg and leaving himself at a disadvantage but while in some cases he was able to block an attack coming at him seeking to exploit the weakness, it was a move he shouldn't have to do and he was at a loss to work out how to avoid that.

"Vesimir! Give those poor boys a break! You are going to beat them blind, and then how will they defeat any koscheys?"

Vesimir grunted at that. "Me beating them blind will be the least of their problems at this rate," he said. Nonetheless he stood down, adopting a relaxed pose with the sword point towards the ground, letting them know that he was not going to fight any more and the two younger witchers followed suit. "Go wash up, he said. Addie has kindly volunteered to help with a little presentation tonight about a sorceress's magic capabilities, their strengths and weaknesses. It would be beneficial for you to join in as no doubt it will be a powerful mage you will end up facing," he said before tossing his sword to a waiting apprentice who would put it away and approaching the two sorceresses. "I'm too old for this," he complained to Addie.

Gawel and Jarek exchanged a glance, challenging and thinking the exact same thing. As one they dropped their swords and took off towards the river, pushing and shoving at each other like children as they raced towards the water, stripping the rest of the way as they went, and plowed into the icy depths.

Sara paled as Vesimir explained. A better koschey? The last one was nearly too much to handle, nearly killing Gawel, and if it hadn't been susceptible to her magics it would have killed her as well. As Vesimir made his way over to her and Addie, she brought her thoughts back around.

"So... the next koschey could not be bothered by my magic at all?" Sara, and she was sure Addie, felt disturbed by that thought. Almost everything, at some level, could be altered or destroyed by magic, and something that couldn't even be harmed... that was not a good thought.

She had to smile as both Gawel and Jarek raced each other to the river, shoving one another in the attempt to make it there first. Such boys.

"If you are getting to be too old, then I am ancient, and I can't be that old." Addie laughed, running her fingers around Vesimir's jawline. "Do you think they're up for this task?" In truth, she was worried that none of them would return from this. A koschey was a very dangerous thing, especially if this malicious wizard took this winter season to perfect one.

"So... the next koschey could not be bothered by my magic at all?"

Vesimir shrugged. "No more than it would be by a sword or any other weapon. The koschey's greatest strength is that it is not vulnerable to any one thing and is resistant to everything. Not something we want just wandering around."

He laughed at the banter Addie gave him but shrugged at her question. "I don't know. I do know that often two witchers can achieve more than a horde of us, and will attract less attention. And let's face it, Jarek certainly doesn't fit the stereotype of a witcher," Vesimir said with a chuckle. He had certainly just proved to all, however, that he was every bit as worthy of being a witcher as some of the larger men and he bulked out under the influence of potions (as much as he complained about it turning him into an ogre). "If they stop slacking off though they will have as much a chance of any especially since they work so well together. Come on," he said. "The river may be fine for those two, but I've got a craving for the hot pumped water in your bathroom," he said, subtly hinting at the kind of company he would welcome in said bath.

The river may be fine for those two, but I've got a craving for the hot pumped water in your bathroom,"

Addie giggled like a lovestruck schoolgirl as the two of them walked away, leaving Sara behind bemused but still worried. She had just witnessed the abilities of all three witchers, and that was without being enhanced by their potions, which they would certainly make use of when their little group was engaged with the koschey. It was certainly something to be researched and studied, until the time came for them to leave.

She began to walk back to her rooms when a sudden urge struck her. Even though Jarek had left, there was no reason why she couldn't practice herself... and since Addie had taught her element control...

It seemed before the thought completed in her head, Sara found herself up on the swinging logs, walking back and forth, starting slowly and going faster as she got more comfortable. After a few minutes of just walking as fast as she could without running or jogging across, another urge struck her. It was silly and made her smile, but it wouldn't hurt to try. Sara looked down at the ground below her. Well, actually, it could hurt a lot.

Shrugging, she balanced on the balls of her feet, the heels of her feet out over the edge of the log. For her first try, she kept the light breeze at bay, keeping a bubble of stillness around her and the log. With her right foot just a little bit further ahead of her left, she began to shift her weight from one to the other, finally picking up her right foot barely off the log. As her weight shifted back forwards, she stepped her right foot out, stretching out her hands as she did so. She tilted her body forward, so her head followed her hands down to the log. Placing her right hand down first, it was quickly followed by her left hand, and then her left foot as it curved back down from it's arch over. As she straightened, a beaming smile was on her face. She'd managed a cartwheel! She had always loved doing those on the daisy fields with Addie when she was younger...

Filled with accomplishment, she let the protective wind barrier fall as she readied herself for another go, a bit faster this time. Sara repeated this several more times, increasing her speed and the force of wind batting at the log. After many, many times, Sara halted the wind and sat down, her breath heavy and a light sheen of moisture shown on her forehead and chest. Her arms were sore from so many cartwheels!

After her breath slowed, and her heart stopped racing, Sara stood back up, determined to master a running flip next.

Gawel and Jarek played around in the water for a while, splashing each other, spitting water in each others faces, acting like complete children. It was fun, and a good way to relax and unwind, both of which Gawel at least sorely needed. Eventually when thy began to shiver they washed in earnest and hurried out, pulling their pants on over their wet bodies. Going back to the training area they added their shirts and returned the dropped training swords they had abandoned to where they were kept.

"Why do you think Vesimir is sending me with you?" Jarek asked.

"Because two heads are better than one?" Gawel guessed.

"More one brain is better than two in your case," Jarek piqued back with a smirk. Gawel punched Jarek in the arm none to gently, but the smaller man just laughed and shoved back. "Seriously though," he said. "Wouldn't it be better to send someone more experienced than us, even two more experienced people?"

"Who knows," Gawel replied. He had just as little clue as Jarek did. It didn't make sense to send him, an already familiar and clearly hated face back to the village. Especially since the villagers would likely believe he hadn't done the job right the first time if another koschey shows up. "I'm sure he has some reason though. He normally does, and he must think us capable of handling it or he wouldn't send us there."

"Hope so. Still, would it kill him to share what he's thinking every now and then? Especially to those it concerns?"

Gawel smirked, but his mirth soon turned to a frown when they approached the training beam and he saw Sara on it turning cartwheels and looking as though she were going to try a flip.

"Sara! What are you doing, get down from there!" he called out, running to the beam ready to catch her if she fell.

"Sara! What are you doing, get down from there!"

Sara gasped in surprise. She hadn't expected them back so soon. As she whirled around to face them, she slipped, one foot sliding off the side of the log, bringing her crashing down onto the log, knocking the breath out of her lungs. Tears sprung to her eyes as pain raced across her chest. She tried to wipe her eyes without either one of them noticing it, then sat up.

"Don't scare me like that!" Standing, she blew a gust of wind towards her back to help her fall gently, but the impact of landing still hurt her chest. She crossed her arms and tried her best to smile, turning to Jarek. "You'll ignore the fall right? I am getting better."

Gawel instantly reached out to catch Sara when she fell, gripping her upper arm tightly and ensuring she stayed upright. He caught the tears of pain in her eyes and was instantly worried, but figured if something were seriously wrong she would say so. Likely it just knocked the air out of her lungs.

"I wouldn't have to scare you like that if you weren't doing something so dangerous!" Gawel counted, though it was clear from his tone he wasn't really angry, just worried about her. He knew first hand how dangerous witcher training could be. Yes, most who died did so during the mutations, but there was also a sizable number who died during the general training. Even though the beams were a fairly simple training tool, there had been deaths on it too, mostly from boys falling wrong and breaking their necks. That was the last thing he wanted for Sara.

When she crossed her arms, he let her go, figuring she was fine, but turned a glare to Jarek when she spoke to him. So that was what he had been about when he said watching would help her!

"Truth be told I'm surprised you hadn't fallen earlier. It takes most kids at least a week of constant practice to get to where you are," Jarek said, ignoring the glares Gawel was giving him. At least until he turned to his friend and said, "And you don't need to get all agro on Sara. It was my idea to train her."

Gawel growled and leaped forward, a fist swinging. This time, unlike when Jarek had opened his door to cop Gawel's knuckles in his face last time, Jarek was expecting it and he easily dodged aside. Jarek had always been faster than Gawel and now, after the rough training session and the dip in the icy river, Gawel's leg was stiff enough that it made the task even easier for the nimble witcher. Even if Gawel didn't know when to give up and just kept trying to punch him.

"You know how dangerous our training is! She could be seriously hurt or killed!" Gawel growled.

Jarek easily danced out of the way again and said, "And what about when she follows you into a fight? You don't seriously expect her to hang back and twiddle her thumbs, do you? And what about when we come up against something that's resistant or even immune to magic? Like a fully created koschey? Surely you don't want her to be helpless against such a thing?"

Gawel paused at that. He definately didn't want that and he knew her well enough to know that she would never go into hiding when she could help. And Vesimir wouldn't expect her to if he was glad she had come to watch their training, to familiarize herself with their skills. As much as he hated it, what Jarek said made sense. He turned to Sara then. "You want this? To train as we do even with the risks?" he asked. In some ways he hoped she would say no, that she didn't want to, but if that was the case she likely wouldn't have started in the first place. Maybe, if they were careful, more careful than they were with the other students, it could work out.

"I want to help. I want to fight with you, not just behind you or hidden in some old crumbling building." She stood tall and confidant, but her tone held more pleading then statement. Hearing that her magic may be useless to help Gawel, and now supposedly Jarek too, make her stomach do flips. It was a fluke last time, and the next time she may not be so lucky.

"If there is any chance that I can help you again, I want to learn it. We were both very lucky last time." She still didn't like thinking that it really was just sheer luck that it was a poorly designed creature and that was the only reason why she was able to save their lives. "Jarek has a point and you know it. I'm not a thumb-twiddler. Besides, Jarek already ran the trail thing with me and I'm fine." She smiled, hoping that with two against one on this particular issue, she and Jarek would be able to continue on with her training, maybe even with some help from Gawel.

"What's the next step, then?" She asked the question more towards Jarek, but also included Gawel incase he had any drills he wanted to make her run.

Seeing the stubborn set to Sara's jaw, knowing he wouldn't be able to convince her otherwise made Gawel scowl and Jarek grin. "Vesimir used to always say that there were only two words one needed to know when dealing with women, and especially sorceresses: yes dear. Little did we know then that he was referring to your teacher," Jarek quipped even as Gawel turned his scowl to Jarek in retaliation to the obvious tease.

"Next we go inside," Gawel said in answer to Sara's question.

"Every now and then Vesimir or some of the senior witchers offer to give a presentation of sorts, usually only during the winter since it gets dark so early. Not that we don't also train in the dark, but it's so much nicer inside, don't you think?" Jarek elaborated with his usual charming smile.

The three of them went back inside the run-down castle to the mess hall where the tables had been pushed aside. The apprentices were sitting on the stone floor, talking in quiet tones amongst themselves. Behind them the senior apprentices knealt, smaler in numer and usually quiet, and behind them were the benches where the witchers sat. It was here that Gawel, Sara and Jarek moved to sit.

As the witchers all gathered around the now open room, Vesimir and Adrianna entered, their steps in perfect unison ringing off the flagstone floors. They moved to the center of the newly created ring and made eye contact with everyone around, making sure it was clear they were about to begin.

"Most of you who have wintered here before have seen me, and others, give demonstrations. This winter, you will be given a very rare demonstration for a group of apprentice witchers. You will be allowed to see first hand a sampling of the immense magics that sorcerers command in this world." Vesimir's voice rang out clear among the excited witchers. "Sorceress Adrianna and Sorceress Sara," Vesimir motioned for Sara to stand and join him and Addie in the center, and continued speaking as she did so. "have volunteered. Now, I shall turn this demonstration over to them and let them speak for themselves." Vesimir took the seat that Sara had vacated next to Gawel and Jarek, whispering a chuckled threat, "Prepare yourselves. You may be called up as victims."

Adrianna and Sara stood quietly for a moment, hands folded neatly together in front of them. Suddenly, in every mind present, Addie spoke directly. "If you ever have to fight a sorceress, my advice to you, is don't." Watching that statement sink in a moment, Addie spoke normally. "The best witcher in the world is no match for an average sorcerer. Ask your Swords Master." Both Sara and Addie saw the watching faces twist in proud disbelief, mumbling to each other. "Sara is a young sorceress, but even against her, a witcher like Jarek, Gawel, or even better fighters, don't stand a chance."

More angry muttering rose up from the trainees, especially the younger ones without the medallions. Addie quirked an eyebrow and asked, "Do you not believe me?" A resounding NO split the air, and Addie smiled. "Alright then. This shall be interesting. Who here believes to be able to best her?" An army of hands flew up into the air, including a few of full witchers, including the group that had started the fight with Gawel in the mess hall before.

Addie looked around, and picked out three boys. Two without their medallions and one with. "You three, come over here." Once they had come near enough, Addie focused on them. "This won't be a fair fight. You three witchers, with your steal and your signs," Addie's voice dripped with disdain, "pitted against the wits and sheer power of a sorceress." With that, Addie backed up out of the ring and stood near Vesimir.

Vesimir stood and added, "The fight is over when one party concedes defeat, or cannot continue on. Or if either myself, representing the witchers, and Sorceress Adrianna, representing Sorceress Sara, calls the fight. Begin!"

Immediately the three rushed Sara, who solidified the air to catch the blades. At the same time, she sent an electric shock through the steal swords and into the arms of the witchers, making all three drop their weapons instantly. In the short time it took them to recover, Sara phased herself behind them, blasting one of the younger trainees with ice, freezing his arms to his torso. As he fell, the other two turned and ran at her again, the one with a medallion leaping into the air. Sara planted her feet and used the air to shove the air-borne witcher against the far wall, while at the same time avoiding the now flaming sword of the other trainee by phasing herself quickly backwards and to the right, appearing out of nowhere right next to the young man. With a quick grab of his neck, he collapsed to the ground, paralyzed.

The room was dead silent while Addie made her way back to Sara, smiling warmly. Vesimir stood once again and cleared his throat. "I don't really think I need to say this but, the victory goes to Sorceress Sara."

Sara resumed her starting posture, with her hands folded neatly in front of her, as Addie began speaking again. "I would like for anyone else who thinks they can best her to please rise."

Muffled grunts filled the room, but no one stood. "Is there really no one else who thinks they can?"

Vesimir looked around the room and he could see the strained faces as several witchers tried to move to stand. "For some reason, Addie, I don't think they can." His brows twitched together, mostly out of annoyance that Addie hadn't told him about this particular part of the show.

"Oh! Well, you are right, Vesimir." Addie smiled. "You see, while Sara was fighting those three," Addie flicked her wrist in the general direction of the three witchers on the floor, "she was also using a subtle paralyzing magic. It is a difficult skill to master, and even more difficult to be as subtle with it as she it." Addie walked around the room, making eye contact. "It's really quite extraordinary. When done properly, it is difficult for even a medallion-carrying witcher to detect. The magic here is really strands of air, solidified into an invisible rope of sorts, which is then slowly constricted around the victim, paralyzing them." Addie was now back by Sara's side, and Sara stepped up to speak.

"It is a very useful tool, as I'm sure you can now appreciate. This can be used for simple binding, as I have done, or if used with enough force, can kill. Much like a constrictor snake slowly squeezes the life out of it's victim. But these are just a sampling of our fighting arsenal, and only a very small portion of what we can do." Sara waved her hand and the ties loosened and faded away from everyone. "There are defense and alarm wards, concealments," As she said the last word, Sara moved her hand over her body and she faded away, completely invisible for a moment, then reappeared, only to vanish from her current spot, over behind a group of witchers, "Teleportation," and back to the center ring. "And much more."

Gawel and Jarek watched curiously as Adrianna and Vesimir entered. They, like most of the men and boys in the room, had never seen a display like this and were eager to see how it would go.

Jarek's eyes widened when Vesimir whispered a warning to them after taking Sara's vacated seat. "I will not be turned into a human popsicle again!" he hissed back as both Gawel and Vesimir rose a hand to cover their identical grins. Gawel was not quite as accomplished as Vesimir and had to fake cough to cover a chuckle he couldn't quite hold in.

Hearing the voice in his head Gawel scowled and shifted uncomfortably. He really didn't like that, didn't like the feel of it and didn't like the idea of it. Vesimir, though he was keeping half an eye on the sorceresses, he was also keeping close watch on the witchers and noticed how uncomfortable the magic seemed to make Gawel. That was curious, he thought. Why would the boy (for that's what he would always be to Vesimir) be in love with a sorceress if magic made him uncomfortable. Unless there was something more to it? He wondered how he might be able to find out without asking directly.

"The best witcher in the world is no match for an average sorcerer. Ask your Swords Master."

Vesimir's eyes narrowed at the statement. He didn't like it and it wasn't true. Sorceresses were difficult to kill, it was true, but they were made of flesh and blood like any man and could be killed and occasionally they had to be. He didn't want his witchers believing it was impossible, just very difficult. Then again, he thought as he relaxed a little more, what she said could be a lesson in itself of how cocky sorceresses often were and how sure of themselves and their powers even if most of the time it was warranted.

Gawel had to admit, he was glad that it wasn't him and Jarek called upon to fight Sara; they had both already had a sound beating from their sparring with Vesimir. Though he wasn't overly surprised by the result of the fighting. He had witnessed Sara's magic, or rather the after effects of it, with the malformed koschey. He knew she was holding back and not doing anything that could cause the witchers permanent harm. He had noticed that Adrianna had chosen three witchers who were not the most senior and wondered how the fight would turn out had she chosen Vesimir or some of the older, more experienced witchers. He could feel his medallion vibrating lightly, but put it down to the magic show in front of him, though it was soon explained that it was instead due to the magic being worked on them all. That was one of the problems with the medallions, they were incredibly useful when warning for danger or alerting for magic, but there was no way to distinguish between the two or determine the different levels of magic used, just that one or the other, or both, existed in fairly close proximity.

After the show was over, Vesimir stood and returned the seat to Sara as he joined Addie in the centre of the gathering. "What that rather pathetic display clearly showed is how much a lack of preparation can put you at a disadvantage. Your homework," he said, "is, using what Miss Adrianna has told you here tonight, to discover some techniques, potions, any kind of preparation you would need to do before facing a sorceress of such ability. Tomorrow, I shall determine if what you have decided is adequate and, if you like and if these ladies are willing, you may try. But not" he emphasised, "without both my permission and their own first. I will have no surprise attacks on our guests. That is all."

But not without both my permission and their own first. I will have no surprise attacks on our guests."

Sara tried not to shift uncomfortably at that thought. When Vesimir had approached them about doing a demonstration, she didn't think that it may cause problems afterwards. After even a short and fairly basic spellcasting as the one she just did, she was holding back yawns.

As most of the witchers exited from the room, and the three she had beaten were being attended to by Vesimir and Addie, she turned to Gawel, moving in closely, so their arms brushed as they walked. "You don't think that anyone would try to actually attack me now… do you?" It wasn't so much that she was concerned for herself, that was a small part of it, but if a surprise attack was launched at her, out of sheer defensive nature, she wouldn't use the simple non-life threatening attacks she'd used earlier. She may end up killing whoever tried it, and that is what frightened her.

Trying to get her mind off of a slim possibility, she turned to Jarek and smiled, saying "Jarek, I think the best thing for you to find would be something that makes you unable to be turned into a popsicle."

When Sara shifted a little, Gawel instictively reached over to rest his hand on her thigh reassuringly. "Don't worry," he said reassuringly. "They wouldn't dare, especially now Vesimir said not to so specifically. Vesimir would come down so hard on them they wouldn't knew what hit them." Both he and Jarek knew from experience what kind of a hard task master Vesimir could be if he was disobeyed.

As they left Gawel took a hold of Sara's hand when her arm brushed against his, interlacing their fingers. "And if they did, not only would you be entirely justified in defending yourself however you want, they would also have us to answer to," he promised with a small smile. Not that he thought it would ever come to that. It would only really be the older boys who might dare and consider themselves skillful enough and they would no doubt have also have felt Vesimir's belt at the very least and a witcher's arm was stronger than that of a normal man, even an older witcher like Vesimir.

"Do you sorceresses have a cork or something that can clog your magic? I can't think of any other way to avoid that especially with your oh-so-lovely teacher," Jarek said, pouting.

"I got a better way to defeat a sorceress," Gawel said with a smug smile on his face.

"Oh?" Jarek asked, eyebrows raised, surprised. Gawel had never exactly been known for his skills at the more brainy lessons.

"This," he said before slipping an arm around Sara's waist and leaning in to kiss her deeply.

Jarek hooted with laughter watching that. It was a good way to defeat a sorceress! "That will work! Wonder if the old coot will share! Haha!"

Sara relaxed at Gawel's reassurances. And she couldn't help but relish in the tingling warmth that spread through her has he placed his hand on her thigh. Such a small touch, but one that sent electric fire up her spine. She was so lost in that feeling, that she nearly fell over in her rush to stand up as Gawel and Jarek did.

She smiled as Gawel gave her not-so-thinly-veiled threat of his and Jareks protection. In the back of her mind, she rolled her eyes and thought, 'If they did attack me, I doubt there would be much left of them for you to beat…'

Another rush of heat spread up her arm as Gawel took her hand and interlaced their fingers. Her eyes flicked down, then back up to his face, knowing her cheeks must have smoke curling up from them.

"Do you sorceresses have a cork or something that can clog your magic? I can't think of any other way to avoid that especially with your oh-so-lovely teacher?"

Sara was just about to answer, but Gawel beat her to it, and she was just as surprised as Jarek when he said that he had a way to cork it. As she opened her mouth to give some witty response, Gawel's own descended on hers, blocking the words. Instinctually, her eyes closed, and in the time it took for her to register she was being kissed, her hands slid up around his neck, pulling him closer; her mind now completely unaware of anything other than the soft warmth of his lips.

As he pulled away, breaking the kiss, there was a cool sense of loss. Sara opened her eyes, knowing for sure there must be fire sitting on her cheeks. Quickly, she worked her brain to remember the last pieces of conversation, in order to find something to say to that.

Sadly, the only thing that came to mind was, "That will probably only work on Sorceresses who want to be kissed." Even to her own ears, her voice was quiet and had a slight note of rasp to it. Without looking away from Gawel, she cleared her throat and really answered Jareks question.

"There isn't a whole lot you can do to cork the power, but you can make it weaker by using dimeritium. It inhibits the use of the power. Or, if you can manage to break their fingers, hands and wrists quickly they won't be able to cast the complex magics that require hand signs."

Gawel's heart was beating so fast as he kissed Sara. It was a completely impulsive decision, though he had been longing to do so for some time now. He had been terrified that she might push him away, or not enjoy it or something.

But when she reached up and pulled him closer, at least some of his fears were laid to rest; he obviously wasn't doing too badly if she wanted him. A small hesitant smile graced his lips as he pulled away. He smirked at her comment and replied, "Well good thing for me that this one wants to.

"Right, a striga," Jarek replied, hearing Sara point out the use of a dimeritium. That was something they had been taught was a good way of keeping a striga's transformation under control, provided the spell was able to be broken in the first place.

"Best bet is first, don't attack one, or if we have to then take one quickly and by surprise," Gawel said. It wouldn't be the first 'creature' where there was no easy way to defeat them. And it made sense to break the fingers or wrists since it was the same with witchers; if they broke their fingers it would be impossible for them to cast signs. A boy who broke their fingers in training, unless they healed properly and quickly, was often the first sign of their impending death. Gawel himself had broken his pinky finger once but it had healed properly and he retained full use of it, a fact he was ever grateful for.

*

Every day of the following week, Gawel managed to find time to spend with Sara, often going off somewhere where they could be alone, and he also visited Iwan every day. Yesterday the boy had woken. He had been a bit vague but he smiled when he saw Gawel and recognised him. That put the worst of Gawel's fears to rest. He was still too exhausted and weak to get out of bed yet, but after speaking to Vesimir about it he was assured that that was normal, and that Gawel had spent nearly two weeks abed afterwards. The body needed time to adjust to the changes within it, he said.

However, Gawel spent most of his time training with Jarek, sometimes with the other witches and most evenings with Vesimir. The later was the hardest of all, especially after a full day, as he was the least hesitant about exploiting all of Geralt's weaknesses without pulling any punches. It was almost like he was an apprentice again, but then again, it wasn't as it made him realize that as tough as Vesimir had been on them, he had obviously been holding back. Whenever Gawel left the slightest opening, especially of his injured leg. He was getting better though and an older witcher had arrived three days ago who had broken his thigh bone several years ago and had a similar limp to Gawel. He had taught him a few new tricks that helped. Although that simply meant the training sessions went on longer. It was after one such session that Gawel came limping heavily back inside. His whole body ached but he barely felt it over his leg which was just awash with pain. He was almost looking forward to the burn of the cream awaiting him in his room. Part of him wanted to go up to Sara's room and beg use of her hot bath, but that would require climbing an extra set of stairs.

For those most part, Sara had left Gawel and Jarek to their training with Vesimir, but was always glad to go with Gawel to check on Iwan and make sure he was doing alright. She of course loved the moments when Gawel and she could sneak off and have a quiet picnic in the forest.

Today was another training day with Vesimir and another older witcher who had broken his leg, almost the same spot that Gawel had gotten his hurt. She had stayed to watch for a while, but had decided to peruse the library for something interesting to read. After picking out a book, Sara thought it would be much more comfortable to read in her room, by her fire.

She had her nose in the book as she walked, and nearly walked right into Gawel. "Oh!" Sara smiled in surprise. "Done already?" She closed her book and placed a soft kiss on his lips, still thrilled by the chill the contact sent down her spine. "Are you up for some food?" She asked, slipping her arm through his, but after a single step, she noticed how he was limping and how rigid his face got.

"Never mind. We'll get food later. You need to come soak in my tub. The hot water will be good for your muscles."

Gawel caught sight of Sara in time to stop so that they didn't crash into each other, especially since she seemed rather interested in a book she had found. "Already?" he said with an amused smile on his face. "It's already quite late, been full dark for several hours now. You've lost yourself in your books I see," he said with a bit of a tease. He had discovered Sara's love of reading during a few of their more private meetings. Gawel enjoyed reading as well but most of what he had read related to his work, monster encyclopaedias and the like, he had never really read for pleasure. Most of the books in the library were relating to witcher business, but that meant it also included a few rarer books that Sara found interesting. Gawel had already read them all. He smiled when she kissed him, resting a hand on her shoulder as he returned the kiss, pleasantly surprised at how easy it had become over the past week considering how terrified he had been that first time.

"Starving," he admitted, but at first he was more interested in resting a little till it wasn't so obvious that his leg was bothering him. Though it seemed obvious that Sara had become adept at reading him regardless as they started walking once more and Gawel gritted his teeth to bare the pain. His leg was healing, and with any normal person it likely wouldn't have healed at all, let alone to the extent it already was, but it was still a rather slow process for such an injury.

He groaned when Sara practically echoed his thoughts about a hot bath. "But that requires more stairs," he whined, acting somewhat the child. Of course he would be capable of climbing the stairs to Sara's tower room, and the thought of a hot bath, freely offered, was enough to drive him, but even mutated as he was, he was still enough of a human to not want to go through more pain.

As it was, climbing the stairs, he had to lean a little on Sara's arm, though he tried not to make it obvious. "After dealing with this koschey, let's go somewhere warm, like a desert or something," he complained. "I've never been to a desert before and surely there's just as much work there as there is in cold swamplands."

Sara held on tight to Gawel's arm as they made their way up the stairs to her room. If he didn't have such strong feelings about the use of magic on him, Sara would fix his leg up properly. In her head, she debated long and hard about why he should let her do it, but eventually the more rational side of her mind would jump in with Gawel's basic answer. No.

It took them a little longer than usual to make it up to her room, but she wasn't really surprised. Vesimir must have really worked him hard. "Here, sit on the bed until I get the tub ready." Sara went around a corner where her bath tub was set up and began preparing it. As the water filled the tub, she sprinkled in a few sprigs of spearmint that she had found growing during one of their last picnics. She hoped Gawel wouldn't mind, but it would help his muscles relax, and give him a little extra energy as the smell wafted up from the water. Once the tub was completely full of steaming water, and was to her satisfaction, Sara went back out to help Gawel.

On the way up, they stopped at Gawel's room and he fetched the cream Vesimir had given him for his leg. He would apply it after the bath. By the time they reached Sara's room, he didn't even bother to complain when told to sit on the bed to wait, simply doing so to take the weight of his leg. He really had to get the hang of this new fighting style quickly or Vesimir would never allow him to leave to track down this koschey.

He watched quietly as Sara moved around preparing the bath for him, and, he had to admit, admiring the view of her as she moved about the room. This was what he liked most, he realized. Of course, it was nice when she dressed specifically to please him, but that wasn't what he had fallen in love with. It was this every day stuff, just being herself without trying. That was what was beautiful.

The smell of peppermint seeped through the air and Gawel breathed it deeply as Sara came towards him. He stood, keeping his weight completely off his sore leg, and pulled his shirt up over his head. It revealed a number of his scars, though they weren't as plentiful as some of the other witchers who had been in the business longer. No doubt they would be added to given time; he was still fairly new to being allowed away from Kaer Morhen. There was no fat to his body, under his skin was nothing but muscles, each one clearly defined, though not so much so now as when he was fighting and especially as when he takes potions to enhance his strength. He didn't see himself as particularly good looking, mostly he saw his body as being sculpted, created to fulfill a purpose and little more.

Looking at Sara though he flushed a little. "Um..." he started, not really sure what to do. He wasn't comfortable taking off his pants in front of her, but it was her room and her bath. Part of it was genuine shyness, but part was also he still didn't want her to see the scarring on his leg.

Sara was taken off guard as he pulled his shirt up over his head, revealing his upper body. She swallowed hard as she noticed her mouth had gone dry. It wasn't really until Gawel began to speak when she realized she had been staring. Her cheeks flamed up as she darted her eyes away.

"Right. Well, bath is just around the corner, I hope you don't mind that I added the herbs to it. It will help your leg and help you get some energy back." After what she hoped was an unnoticeable deep breath, she slid her arm through his again, enjoying the feeling of his skin on hers. "Once you get over there, I'll go grab us some food so we can eat after you finish in the tub." Her mouth was so dry it was hard to form the words, and she hoped that Gawel didn't notice how raspy her voice had become.

She couldn't help but relish the feel of his skin against her arm. As many scars as he had from his work, he had the perfect chest. Or, so Sara thought. You could see his muscles, dancing beneath his skin, but he wasn't overly bulked up, which wasn't really something she found attractive. As inappropriate as it was, Sara couldn't keep her mind, and eyes, from wandering over his chest and wondering what it would feel like to lay her head against him and hear his heart…

They made it to the tub sooner than she would have liked, but she cleared her throat, and slowly took her arm out from under his. "I'll, uh, be back in a bit. You can set your… pants, by the fireplace to warm if you'd like." Her eyes caught his, and a breath whooshed out of her lungs. Blushing even more fiercely now, she tried not to run from the room.

"I don't mind. I rather like the smell," he said. It smelled fresh, and he liked that. It sort of reminded him of when he was a child at Kaer Morhen, the smell of the freshly fallen first snow. It wasn't the same scent, but it had the same fresh aroma. And anything that held good memories for him he cherished.

He liked how close she was standing as she helped him to the bath, liked the warmth of her skin against his own cooling body. He thought briefly that she might not want to get so close to him - he was rather sweaty after all and was sure to smell - but figured if she had minded she would have hesitated before helping him and she hadn't.

"Alright. Thank you," he said, bending to kiss her briefly. Though when she seemed to hurry from the room, he suddenly found himself uncertain and self-conscious. Had she been that eager to get away from him? Was it the scars? Something else?

Grimacing, he pulled his pants off and did as she suggested, leaving them by the fire, before climbing into the tub. He hissed a little as he lowered himself into it. It wasn't too hot, but compared to the winter outside that he had come from, it definitely felt over-warm. His body soon adjust though and he was able to relax back into it, closing his eyes, allowing himself to relax. Growing up here it had been a rare thing to have a hot bath. The boys who had not gone through the changes were allowed them if they became ill, and then afterwards it was only used for healing purposes. After all, the cold didn't bother any witcher who had been successfully changed. It didn't really bother Gawel either, his body simply pumped blood faster, narrowed his blood vessels, drew them closer to his core, and various other things to allow him to keep his heat. He still felt it, and he still disliked being cold, but it didn't debilitate him like it did most humans. Of course it could kill him if he was left out exposed in the snow for too long even if it took him longer than the average human to die. But a bit of cold water to wash in? No, that was nothing.

As it was by the time Sara got back he was very nearly asleep. He had tucked his injured leg underneath him, almost a protective instinct but it also kept it fully submerged and in the hottest part of the water. It also revealed the extent of the scarring if one looked through the water. It was somewhat large, and still pink, but in the month or so that had passed since he first met Sara, it had changed from the red, raised and rigid line, to something more resembling a normal scar. Internally it was likely still quite scarred, hence his limp, but even that was getting better and once it stopped being punished as part of his training, it would improve even quicker.

Sara returned from the food hunt fairly pleased with herself. She had seen Jarek in there, and after inquiring about Gawel's whereabouts, he helped her get double rations from the cook. As she ascended the stairs back up to her room, she held a large tray in front of her, one plate piled so high with food it was a wonder it didn't just fall over onto the floor. In between the plates, were two large mugs. One filled with water, and the other with ale. Another one of Jarek's ideas.

She managed to open her door easily enough, and shut it with her foot once inside. Setting down the tray near the fireplace on a little side table, she listened for sounds of Gawel. It was pretty quiet, not even splashing of water. The silence made her eyebrows knit together as she debated going around the corner to check on him. "Gawel?" She called, not too loudly. If he really was sleeping in the tub, she didn't want to wake him.

After not getting a response, she moved to look in on him, grabbing a towel, but stopped just before turning the corner. Still not hearing any movement, she thought that maybe he had left to get other clothes or something. So without anymore thoughts, she turned the corner, only to find herself staring open mouthed at Gawel's naked form. For a half second, her eyes took in everything from his damp hair, his toned chest, and the still pink scar, plus everything in between. Her mind quickly took over as she spun around, her cheeks aflame, and a little gasping squeak rushed out.

"Oh! I - I'm so sorry! I came to tell you I brought food, and here, I have a towel, and oh Gawel I'm so sorry!" She babbled mindlessly, holding the towel out and slightly behind her while her other hand moved from her mouth to cover her eyes, even though the image of him through the water was burned into her memory.

Gawel wasn't quite asleep, more like in that state between being asleep and awake. He heard Sara come in and call his name but couldn't summon the enough energy to rouse himself to answer. He didn't really mind though, he was comfortable enough with Sara around and if there was any danger he knew he would be up in an instant, instincts taking over, and he had left his swords right beside the bath within easy reach. It was as safe in Kaer Morhen as anywhere, but old habits die hard.

He didn't even hear her when she came in but hearing the little squeak and rush of movement, brought him around and he sat up with a start, already reaching for the swords, half suspecting that something might be wrong. But then he saw the only person in the room was Sara and he relaxed laying back once more. And then it seemed to register why Sara had made that noise and Gawel shifted, embarrassed as well. Had she seen the scar? Or more? He rose his legs so that most of him was hidden. Reaching out he took the towel and hung it partially over the edge of the bath. "Thank you," he said, conveniently ignoring her babbling lest he start his own.

"Feel free to start eating, I'll be out in a minute," he said. A part of him, strangely enough, wanted her to join him. But that was so far out of line so as to be inconcevable. At least for now.

After Sara left, he quickly washed himself, scrubbing to get rid of the dirt and sweat, massaging hos leg slightly before climbing out and letting the water drain away. Drying himself quickly he opened the tub of cream and rubbed it in to his thigh, the rather acrid smell of it overpowering the lingering peppermint smell. When the last of it was rubbed in to his skin, he pulled his pants back on and came out again. He thought about putting his shirt back on, then dismissed it since it was all sweaty. Instead he moved to sit down to eat with Sara, though his eyes widened at how much food there was there. "I know it's winter, but I'm not going to starve to death," he said with a laugh.