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Chapter Text

I wasn't sure where 

to start... but the answer is 

Jan. I start with... 

Jan

After two decades of serving the White Wolf, and the Witchers of Kaer Morhen, Jan had thought that he’d seen it all. There were Ciri’s Geese, the Manticore’s questionable alcohol, the weapons experiments from the Cranes, the Cats (self explanatory, in his opinion), literal cats running to and fro, the vast number of knives hidden about the keep, not to mention the influx of odd nobles, and a multitude of… unorthodox relationships within the keep. Suffice it to say, there were still things that could surprise Jan, though looking back, he really should have foreseen such a situation as this coming at some point in the future. 

Oddly, it wasn't the attempted kidnapping of Milena, Jaskier, and Eskel that did it. That would have been expected but , Jan thought to himself, perhaps without Aleksander's influence it wouldn't have been quite right. 

All of the Witchers with human partners or charges (as the case with the Vipers and the Kelners), had been put on edge by that event. 

In the end however, the request for adjoining rooms came to Jan after a by-all-accounts mild poisoning attempt followed by attempted murder. While unrelated, both occurring while on one single foreign visit had been enough to cause quite a lot of chaos within Kaer Morhen. 

The love potion itself hadn't been all that serious in the end. Love potions, as Yennifer and Tris had explained to him, weren't usually dangerous to humans or Witchers. Jan remembered as much from the Princess’ failed attempt to seduce the Wolf Lord. But a love potion intended for a Witcher's constitution given to a human? That was a whole other matter. Jan considered it lucky that there weren't more heads on pikes despite the Wolf not being known for that kind of thing. The potion had been given intentionally to Milena by her own family. It wasn't only the Wolf that was enraged by the whole ordeal, Jan knew. He’d been told that, had Lambert and Aiden not been taking care of Milena (here Letho spared Jan the rather sordid details), there might have been blood-shed despite the Wolf's usual leniency. 

Letho had been kind enough to give Jan a play-by-play of the public part of the whole event, including Aleksander's verbal evisceration of the now-disgraced Duke and Duchess de Roggeven. According to Letho, it was just that - an evisceration, and a sufficient enough punishment in the eyes of Milena for the poisoning. Jan was sure that the nobles of Redania would be vicious enough to the disgraced Roggevens that they wouldn't be able to touch either of their pleasant daughters again. Yennifer had already made it clear that there would be changes when it came to drinks and testing for poisons while visiting foreign courts now. There were already measures in place in the kitchens to prevent a repeat of the incident with the Wolf and suitors. 

The attempted murder of Aleksander afterwards was the straw that broke the metaphorical horse's back.

Aiden had gone Cat-Mad, and it had reportedly taken both the Wolf and Eskel to subdue him while Aleksander and Milena valiantly worked to save Lambert's life. 

Finding suitable rooms to acquiesce to the request of the four had been surprisingly easy. Rooms that shared a common space, while not common, were available within the keep. Jan himself shared one with Julia (and more and more frequently Roland), and Jan had been in discussions with Merten and Leocadie to find Aren and the Mantikittens rooms of a similar nature once they were ready to spend more time independently. Those rooms might have to be a specialty creation, and discussions were in the works to potentially take over one of the extra training rooms or knock some walls out between some of the other rooms on the Manticore floor. 

While the group did have to change floors for their new rooms, it was an easy affair moving Lambert and Milena from their current rooms into adjoining rooms shared with Aiden and Aleksander. In the end, it was decided that Aleksander and Milena would maintain Aleksander and Aiden's rooms as a joint office, as Aleksander had his drawing studio already set up there as well as his bird feeder, and it was simple enough to move some of Milena's sewing supplies there as well for her larger projects. 

The new rooms were probably formerly used by the old Mages at some point. They'd long been emptied by the Witchers and tidied up by the servants. They’d needed some quick airing out, and Yennifer had worked her magic on them with her now common-place silencing spells. The rooms weren't that different from the other rooms within the keep. They merely shared a larger common space than others, and the fireplace was centralized, rather than being shared with the wall of one of the now-bedrooms. 

Two good-sized rooms came off of a shared common room. There was ample space for the necessary wardrobes and chests, weapons racks for the Witchers, and a large desk for Milena and Aleksander to share. There were a few book cases for the literature collection shared between Lambert, Milena, and Aleksander. In addition to a few chairs, a lovely sofa had been found for them by Jaskier. It took Jan only a day and a half to arrange everything to be moved and reorganized for the move. 

Jan could appreciate wanting to be close to the people dear to you. He dreaded the day that Julita desired her own rooms to share with Roland and hoped to convince her to stay close by but would understand if she chose otherwise. No child stayed dependent on their parents forever. So yes, Jan could understand the desire of Lambert and Aiden to remain close to each other in the face of what could have certainly been a tragedy under other circumstances. 

Jan was more thankful than ever for the Wolf Lord. Not only were the Witchers better lords than could be found across much of the continent, but they truly embodied everything that was good in the world. Jan would never tell them so, but Jan knew that he wouldn’t ever have been able to witness the kind of love and compassion out in the world that he did within the walls of the keep where honesty was expected, and affection was shown with earnest and open hearts.

Chapter Text

Lambert

The visit to Milena’s family in Redania, while political in nature, was also supposed to be easy to do. While Marta had been a right vile bitch , somehow the Roggeven’s had managed to raise Milena and Marika to be kind women with spines of fucking adamant . How the fuck did they manage to be such shit parents, as well as just vile people? Lambert knew shit parents. His own father was an abusive piece of pig shit, but Milena’s family was vile in other, more insidious ways. 

Lambert had expected trouble to come from accidentally (on purpose, thanks to Sasha’s tutelage) insulting a member of the court. He hadn’t expected Milena’s own parents to try and poison their own daughter. Love potions were generally only tricky in mostly political ways. Too often they were used to ruin marriages or to secure alliances by those with unsavory intentions. They were mostly harmless, but one intended for a Witcher? Fuck . 

The one given to Milena probably would have killed her if not for the knock-on effects of fucking a witcher on the regular. Thank fuck for that . Lambert had had to essentially fuck the potion out of Milena’s system, and more concerningly, he’d needed help . That shit had been potent . Luckily Yennifer had taken the laced pitcher, and had taken a sample. Lambert couldn’t wait to break it down and see exactly how it was made. Maybe he could make a general antidote… 

Aiden and Sasha were gods-sent. Aiden and Lambert had a long history together, and thankfully, their human lovers were more than understanding of their relationship and its complexity. Lambert was thrice-blessed to have somehow caught the eye of a woman like Milena. He knew Aiden felt the same way about his wolf-hearted Aleksander. 

When Lambert hadn’t been able to keep up with the potion trying to drive Milena to madness via lust, Aiden and Sasha (he’d never be anything but Sasha after all of this) had come into the room and helped keep up with Milena’s unrelenting need. It had still taken hours . They’d all managed to bathe afterwards, though Aiden had had to help Lambert and Milena into the tub. Lambert hadn’t felt this weak since he was a trainee. Aiden and Aleksander were in only slightly better shape. 

After they’d all bathed the worst of the bodily fluids off, Aleksander had summoned someone to bring them up a plate of finger foods for the four of them to share, as well as a pitcher of ale. 

Then Milena had tiredly convinced Aiden and Aleksander to stay. Thank the gods his love was more than capable of expressing emotions for the both of them, because gods knew that Aiden and Lambert had been pussy-footing around their own feelings for one another for literal decades. 

Milena

Milena felt like she’d taken a tumble down The Killer. She knew that she needed to sit Lambert down with Aiden and Sasha, and actually discuss what had happened, but for right now, she needed to keep them all here together, so that no one could second guess the sincerity of her agreeing to have them help her through the absolute nightmare that was being poisoned with a love potion. By her own parents!  No. She wasn’t going to dwell on it now; that was a problem for tomorrow. Hopefully Geralt would wait to punish her parents until the morning. 

After she was aided in bathing, Lambert’s tunic was slid over her head, and she was tucked securely into clean furs on the bed by Sasha while Aiden helped Lambert pull on his brais before leading him over to the bed with Milena. Once Lambert was sprawled out beside Milena, Aiden and Sasha sitting on the foot of the bed, Milena happily accepted bites of food and sips of watered ale that were presented to her by various hands until everyone had eaten their fill. 

Aiden moved to place the empty platter on the side table, and Sasha stood as well. 

Milena could feel her anxiety spike. “Please, stay,” she pleaded, exhausted. “I only regret that magic rushed our hand,” Milena continued. “I regret nothing else, and I know that Lambert feels the same. We can discuss the details tomorrow, or once we return home, but for now, please,” her voice broke. “Please don’t leave me alone.”

Lambert curled closer around her back, and Aiden knelt beside the bed, taking her face into his hands, tilting her head up gently to look into her eyes. “Shh, Kitten. It’s alright. Sasha and I aren’t going anywhere.” His calloused fingers were gentle on her cheeks as he wiped away the few tears that fell.

Sasha came up to Aiden’s elbow, both men partially undressed. Aiden was just his trousers, and Sasha was in just his trousers and Aiden’s tunic. His doublet was someone in the room - Milena wasn’t sure where it had been flung. The previous few hours were a haze of need, and aching agony, interspersed with gentle touches, and tender words.

“Where would you like us then? We shan’t leave you, and while today changes things,” Sasha glanced at Aiden and then Lambert, before returning his gaze to Milena. “You and I both know that it changes less than others might think.” 

Milena smiled tiredly while Lambert chuckled behind her. “They have us figured out, eh Kitty?” 

Aiden grinned back. “As long as you’re both alright with our… history. We don’t want you to think that our past with each other changes anything that we feel towards you.”

“On the contrary,” Sasha said, coming to perch on the bed beside Milena, beside where Aiden was kneeling. “We know you both love us. But we also know that your lives have been much longer than ours, and we will not begrudge you your lives, nor your love for each other before we were even born.”

“We’ll figure it all out together,” Milena agreed. “Just, can we wait until we return to Kaer Morhen?”

Lambert leaned up to kiss Milena sweetly. “Fuck, I don’t deserve you. I’m a fucking lucky bastard.”

“Thank makes two of us,” Aiden added, one hand resting on Milena’s shoulder, and the other on Sasha’s knee. 

“We will wait until we return home then,” Sasha agreed. “For now, let us all agree that we love and cherish each other in varying degrees, and we shall figure out everything together, once the threat has passed.”

Aiden nodded. “Agreed, now, where do you want us?” Aiden stood up. 

Milena and Lambert glanced at each other, before Lambert spoke. “Aiden, do y’mind if I borrow our wolf-hearted Pup?”

Sasha’s eyebrows rose in surprise, while Aiden grinned toothily. “Excellent, I’ll keep our Kitten safe between us then, yeah?” Aiden stood, leaning to give Sasha a kiss. “He’s a damn good cuddler, Pup. I love you.”

Sasha smiled, shy, before he too rose, grinning wickedly at Aiden. “And I love you.”

“Perhaps Lambert will prove to be just as proficient at cuddling as you, if not better,” Sasha mused playfully, continuing around the bed towards Lambert. 

Aiden gasped dramatically, pausing where he was lifting the furs away from Milena. Milena giggled, reaching out for Aiden. “Perhaps we will both have to share, for I know that Sasha loves cuddling with you as well. And perhaps none of us shall be without.” 

Lambert grinned, laughing. “Fucking lucky bastards, Ai.”

“We very much are Lamb,” he grinned before continuing to carefully lift the furs and slide in beside Milena. Aiden curled around her, her cheeks going pink as Aiden pulled her close against his bare chest. Her embarrassment lasted only a moment, before she relaxed into the warmth radiating off of Aiden as surely as it did Lambert, curling her own arm around his waist, and tucking her head into his neck. Aiden leaned close, putting his nose to MIlena’s hair. She smelled tired but happy. Like sex, and Roses, the smell of Lambert that Aiden knew almost as well as his own scent. And there, intermingled amongst the honey-on-bread, and warm affection, and the dissipating fear, was the scent of Sasha and Aiden himself. 

Lambert grinned at two of the most important people in his world before rolling to his back, his side still firmly pressed against Milena’s back, and looked at the third person who had managed to slip under his defenses. 

“Well Pup,” Lambert said, spreading his arm out, an invitation. “I’ll show you where your fuzzy bastard learned to cuddle properly, yeah?”

Sasha blushed, cautiously climbing in beside Lambert. He curled into Lambert’s side as Lambert pulled him close, his arm around Sasha’s back. Once Sasha was situated, head on Lambert’s shoulder, Lambert pressed a kiss into Sasha’s hair. 

“Thank you,” he said quietly. Aiden and Milena pretending not to hear from beside them. “Thank you for everything.”

Aiden tilted his head back, resting his forehead on Lambert’s. “Of course Lambert.” 

Lambert smiled, pressing his forehead to Sasha’s for a moment longer, before letting Sasha relax, reaching up to link hands with Aiden on Milena’s hip. 

“Thank you,” Milena said again. “We’ll worry about everything else in the morning.”

Everything else would keep until the morning. For now they would sleep, surrounded by each other, four heartbeats slowing into sleep.  

Chapter Text

Chapter Three: Take Mine Hands

I'm supposed to be

sleeping. Apparently I'm

writing chapter 3.

Aleksander

While Aleksander slept that night, it was not well. His sleep wasn’t necessarily poor, as Lambert was as excellent a source of heat as his Aiden was, and it was oddly comforting to be able to hold his friend so close and know that he and Milena, wrapped in Aiden’s more-than-capable arms, were safe. But Sasha’s mind would not stop spinning. They would punish the de Roggeven's in a way that would fit the crime, but involve minimal bloodshed

The next morning, It took very little to convince the others of his plan. 

Aleksander took Aiden with him to find Geralt and Eskel first. 

“With your permission my Lord, I have an idea on how to turn this situation in our favour,” he stated, looking Geralt in the eye, straight-backed. 

Geralt nodded, humming in agreement. 

“It will require a bit of politicking, but all I need is the entirety of the nobility gathered in the ballroom. Milena’s parents will regret ever inviting us here with such wicked intentions.” 

Eskel glanced at Aiden questioningly. Apart from his lessons with Lambert, they'd rarely seen Aleksander this fierce, or this angry about something. 

Aiden met Eskel's eyes and grinned viciously. “It's a good plan. Milena approves.”

“And Lambert?” Geralt questioned. Aiden could smell his and Eskel's relief at hearing that Milena was doing well this morning despite the terror of the day before. 

“I'll be using some of his lessons for this,” Aleksander bit out viciously. 

Nowak, a minor noble of Redania

 The ballroom was full when Eskel Amber-Eyed escorted Milena de Roggeven into the room. 

On their heels were two Witchers. A tall man, with a widow’s peak and a severe face, as well as a man of almost equal height and a swarthy complexion. Behind the witchers, was the former Duke of Velen, Aleksander. Nowak was older than Aleksander, and remembered him from other gatherings and balls. 

Lady Milena looked tired, as did her companions. All of them slightly disheveled, in Nowak’s opinion.

It was Aleksander that stepped forward, bowing deeply to the Warlord. “White Wolf.” 

“Aleksander.” His voice like thunder.

“I have come to inform you that Lady Milena is well. Masters Lambert and Aiden ensured that she overcame the poison with minimal damage,” he said, gesturing towards Lady Milena. 

There was a shout. “Poison? Preposterous!” It was the Duke de Roggeven, Lady Milena’s own father. His outburst was quite unbecoming, in Nowak’s opinion. Surely Aleksander would not lie in front of the Warlord.  

Aleksander turned on the Duke. 

“Duke de Roggeven,” Aleksander smiled. It was a smile Nowak was used to seeing when his father was being particularly vicious. “We are guests here in your home, are we not?”

The Duke startled visibly, not anticipating this question. “Well,” he sputtered. “That is to say, yes.”

“You were so gracious as our host to offer us food and drink, were you not?”

“I-yes?”

“And yet, the wine intended specifically for your youngest daughter-” 

Here the Duke tried to interrupt again, but Aleksander would not tolerate it. Understandably. 

“It is her preferred wine, after all. That wine intended for your daughter was tampered with, under your own roof.” Well, this was interesting news. Lady Milena had almost certainly been the target… but why?

“We are fortunate indeed that Master Lambert is amongst the most acclaimed alchemists on the continent. He was successful in counteracting the effects of the potion that had every possibility of killing her without his intervention.”  

If what Aleksander was implying was true, then the Duke had actively tried to do harm to his own daughter, in the presence of her Liege Lord.

“Now,” Aleksander continued. “Witcher marriage customs are unlike those of Redania.”

Witchers married? That was news.

“Witchers do not stand upon ceremony like many other kingdoms,” Aleksander continued. “It is my understanding that while there is no official ceremony under Wolf Law, as of yesterday evening, Lady Milena and Master Lambert are considered married in the eyes of Witchers.”

Yesterday at supper, the sorceress had said the poison was a love potion. A particularly strong one. Perhaps… but who had the intended recipient of Milena’s affections been, if not a member of the Warlord’s court? 

The Warlord inclined his head as Aleksander spoke. The man, who could only be Master Lambert, shockingly wrapped an arm around Lady Milena’s waist. Even more shockingly, she leaned into his embrace. 

“My Lords,” Nowak stepped forward. He gulped, but maintained his court facade. “We as a country would be remiss in dismissing your claims. Surely, if this union is recognized under Wolf Law, then it too should be recognized by Redania Law. We are part of the Wolf Lands, after all.

Aleksander looked Nowak in the eye. Then he turned towards the Warlord. Nowak felt like he was being tested. 

Aleksander then turned back to Nowak. “This marriage is recognized as surely as your own, Baron.’

“Master; Lambert, you said it was?” Nowak bowed to the Witcher beside Lady Milena. 

Aleksander nodded. “Master Lambert of the Wolves. Brother to the Wolf Lord, and the foremost Alchemist in the School of the Wolf. 

“Forgive my ignorance, but would not this marriage be considered to be a union below Master Lambert’s station?”

“Below his station?” Aleksander said incredulously. Some of the witchers appeared to look at Nowak with interest. “While she is only the 3rd daughter to the Duke de Roggeven, she is the lady-in-waiting to the Princess Cirilla of Kaer Morhen. She is also the Dearest Sister to Her Majesty, Marika, Queen of Temeria.” Temeria? Nowak was startled. Lady Marika was the Queen of Temeria? How had that happened? When did that happen? There had been no announcement from the duchy of this news. There were murmurs behind Nowak. He wasn’t the only one surprised then. 

“By Redanian standards,” Aleksander continued, “this is a fine match.”

“A fine match indeed,” Nowak agreed. 

Nowak’s mother came to stand at his elbow. “I do hope that a bride-price worthy of such a match was agreed upon.” From the naked look of indignation on the Duke’s face, it was unlikely. Given the series of events that had unfolded last night, Nowak was certain that this had not been the intended consequences. He wasn’t sure what the desired consequences were…

“We hardly approve of this match. No price was agreed upon as no marriage occurred,” the Duke stated. 

“I do hope it is not on account of the Duke being unable to pay a worthy price for such a match,” Nowak’s mother tutted. “Surely Roggeven’s coffers can honor the Warlord choosing his own brother to marry your daughter…”

“There were, of course, other matches planned for Milena,” the Duchess de Roggeven added. “This situation is most unorthodox.”

“To which arrangements are you referring, duchess?” Aleksander queried. “Of course we all know of the crimes committed by my late grandfather, the former Duke of Velen. Are you implying that Milena’s short-lived engagement to him was a more appropriate marriage?”

Novak shuddered involuntarily. It was said that the former Duke of Velen, who was the former King’s uncle had been executed for stealing and killing more than a hundred young girls in Redania, and for the capture and torture of a Witcher. 

“Or perhaps,” Aleksander continued, his face hard. “You are implying that my brother, who has taken the ducal seat of Velen, should, instead of atoning for the sins of our forefathers and take care of his duchy, have taken Lady Milena in marriage, to honor the contract you made with a murderer?”

The Duke sputtered. 

Eskel Amber-Eyed spoke. “My brother Lambert is married to Lady Milena by our custom.” There was no question. “Whether you recognize that or not, is the only thing in question here.”

“We are of course in agreement with the White Wolf,” another noble said from behind Nowak and his mother. “Lady Milena’s marriage will be honoured.”

“I cannot pay such a price for a third daughter,” the Duke said, visibly agitated.

“Perhaps if the Duke cannot afford such a dowry, the finances of Roggeven should be assessed by a neutral party. We had no idea that the duchy was struggling so,” said another noble from the back. The Duke of Roggeven was being foolish, and was going to drag the rest of the nobility in Redania down with him if he continued to defy the Warlord. 

“That will not be necessary, I assure you,” spat the Duke. 

“Then what will be the price for your daughter’s hand?” Nowak’s mother pressed. “Perhaps we should sit down after supper and ensure that the Warlord accepts a fair payment for his brother’s wife. A few of us with no claim to Roggeven would be happy to independently advise the Warlord’s men of what such a price should be. I can only assume Lady Yennefer is familiar with such prices given her long history at court as well.”

Aleksander turned back to the Warlord. 

“Hmm.” was all he said. 

Later that evening

The Duke was enraged. How dare his daughter do this to them? First she defied her elder sister… and sullied herself by remaining in the savages’ keep. Then, she got her sister exiled. She sided with one of those people who would conquer her country. And now? Now she had the gall to give herself over to one of those beasts? She could have saved her family, and instead, she was only adding to their ruin. 

Milena and her husband would pay. 

Then there was the problem of Aleksander, the disgraced former Duke of Velen. How dare he speak for his daughter. How dare he try to rob Roggeven blind? What need did such beasts have for a bride-price? 

It was disgusting. 

Someone would pay.

Chapter Text

Milena

What happened next was swirled through Milena’s mind like charcoal images captured on crumbling parchment.

One moment, she was on Lambert’s arm, Aiden and Aleksander a step ahead of them. The next, Lambert had sprung forward, pulling Aleksander bodily behind him. 

Lambert spun, and grunted.

Aiden spun to the side, taking one of Lambert’s arms. “Wha-” 

Aleksander caught Lambert under the arms, and Aiden’s eyes widened as he noticed the arrow sticking out of Lambert’s back. Had Lambert not moved… it would have been Aleksander’s heart.

Aiden’s pupils disappeared. 

Blood. Milena couldn’t move as she watched the blood pool across Lambert’s back, the rest of his body going limp. 

Aiden roared. Then he charged the man in the alcove. The man was holding a crossbow. 

Milena thinks she remembers a look of horror dawning on Eskel’s face as he dove after a Cat-Mad Aiden. 

Movement. Milena dove forwards as Sasha grabbed Lambert under the armpits and dragged him away from Eskel and Aiden, and the ensuing chaos at the edge of the room. There was an arrow - no, it was a cross bolt shaft sticking out of Lambert’s back. 

Milena followed Sasha, her hand wrapped around the pommel of her dagger in her skirts. 

They ended up behind an overturned table. Chaos continued around them. Aleksander's face was pinched. He tossed his outer coat to Milena. It already had blood on the sleeves where he had grabbed Lambert around the back to drag him. 

She pushed the coat around the crossbolt shaft between Lambert's shoulder blades, trying to staunch the bleeding. There would be no saving the coat. She'd have to embroider Sasha a new one. What a funny thought to be having while her hands were covered in her lover’s? Husbands? blood, her dearest friend’s coat covered in the same. 

Beside Lambert's prone body, Aleksander dumped the contents of his satchel, parchment and charcoal spilling out, interspersed with a half dozen tiny corked bottles tinkling cheerfully on the floor. 

“Kiss to staunch the bleeding. Swallow for healing…” Sasha recited, unstoppering one of the vials, and gently pouring a Kiss into the side of Lambert's mouth. It was difficult with Lambert on his stomach and Milena was afraid to look at his front to see if the bolt had pierced through her love's sternum.

“Do we think it was poisoned?” Milena asked, throat tight. 

“I'm uncertain,” Aleksander replied, lining up the bottles. He started to hum to himself. It was a dancing tune. Milena recognized it as a longer tune with steady pacing. Sasha tapped the bottles, counting… the song was to time the doses, Milena realized with a jolt. Sasha was a genius. She would embroider him a thousand coats.   

A small bottle sailed over their makeshift barricade and landed in the puddle of Milena's skirts. 

“Golden Oriole,” Milena whispered. Someone didn't trust that the bolt wasn't poisoned then. It was strangely comforting to know that someone was listening to them. They weren’t alone despite the chaos that presently surrounded them. 

Aleksander met Milena’s eyes and nodded, his expression grim. He unstoppered a Swallow, followed by the Golden Oriole and poured half of each into Lambert's mouth, never losing time in his humming.

Sasha gently massaged Lambert's throat. He swallowed slowly.

Milena’s hands were hot with Lambert’s blood. She tried to push that knowledge to the background of her mind as she pushed the bile back down her throat. 

Milena's world narrowed to Lambert, Aleksander and herself. Sasha kept time, and gave Lambert doses after every few sets of the tune. Time seemed to trickle by and the world shrunk further until it was just the sound of Lambert’s shallow breathing, and Aleksander’s humming. Milena joined in on the tune as the sounds of shouting and swords striking faded into the background.

The noise eventually petered off. Milena didn’t know how long had passed. A head came over the overturned table. Milena's knife was in her hand, and she was poised half-ready to lunge. She didn't remember moving or reaching for the knife. It was a small comfort to know that her lessons were paying off. Sasha was tense, leaning over Lambert's prone body.

It was Coen’s familiar face, his empty hands were raised. “Peace, friends. It is done.” 

Milena lowered her blade, her chest felt tight.  

“Are you well?”

“Milena and I are physically well,” Sasha said, “but Lambert needs care. We need Triss.”

Coen nodded, his face grave. He turned his head, calling out behind him, “we need a litter! Someone bring Triss!” 

A half-dozen voices called an affirmative. 

Triss appeared beside Coen a moment later. “Move the table! Quickly!”

Coen and Aubry moved the table and Triss joined Sasha and Milena on the floor. 

After that, everything was bright and clear in Milena’s memory. 

She recalled Triss taking over the application of pressure on Lambert’s wound, ordering Aubry to her side. She rose to her feet before looking at Coen. 

“Coen, do not leave his side.”

“Not until you bid it,” he swore to her. 

Milena turned, looking out at the disaster that had become of the hall. Tables were overturned, and a group of nobles stood huddled - their guards immobilized on the floor, and Witchers surrounded them, both guarding them, and preventing them from leaving. 

Triss ordered a portal, and Milena nodded at Coen where he, Aubry, and two others were carrying Lambert on a litter through into Kaer Morhen. Sasha came to her side a moment later. Milena turned to look at him. 

“Let us finish this,” Milena said, her voice hard. 

“I am with you,” Sasha agreed, his face transforming into Aleksander beside her. 

They were ready for war.  

Geralt

Geralt stood in front of the throng, face etched with fury. One man lay in pieces at his feet, a casualty of Aiden’s Cat-Madness, and two more lay dead for trying to help their colleague. A broken crossbow was shattered across the ground, a bundle of bolts snapped off to the side. 

“Gweld. Make sure those get to Tris,” Geralt growled pointing to the bolts. It would help Tris find an antidote faster in the event that the fuckers had thought to poison them. 

“Aye Wolf,” Gweld said, wrapping the bolts in a cloth and trotting off towards where Tris was supervising Lambert being loaded onto a litter in preparation for transport back to the Keep. 

Eskel had already gone ahead with Ealdred, and a handful of others. It had taken all of them to keep Aiden contained using their combined efforts.

Milena was rapidly striding towards Geralt, her face blank, and pale. Her hands were sticky with his brother’s blood, her pretty blue dress stained along the sides as if she’d grabbed it, and where it had dragged in blood on the floor. Aleksander looked much the same. His coat was missing, his tunic stained at the sleeves where they were rolled up to his elbows. His forearms and hands were like Milena’s - tacky with dried blood, though it appeared that he’d attempted to tidy up with some rag or another. 

Aleksander walked half a pace behind Milena’s shoulder, his face hard, and eyes cold. They both strode with purpose. 

“White Wolf,” Milena greeted as she approached. There was none of the usual warmth in her tone. More shockingly, she smelled strongly of anger and hatred.

“Milena, Aleksander. Are you well?” He couldn’t smell either of their blood, but that didn’t mean they weren’t injured. 

“We are both unharmed, White Wolf,” Aleksander responded. He too had fallen back on his courtly mannerisms, and he too was simmering in anger beneath the calm mask.

“It was a close thing however,” Milena continued. “Triss has taken my Lord Husband back to the Keep. Gods willing, he will live.”

“Eskel has escorted Aiden to the Keep. Once he’s back to himself, he will tell us more about what happened here.”

“Preposterous!” one noble shouted. “He attacked us, unprovoked!” They were quickly silenced by Dragonfly hissing at them, her weapons quick to her hands.

“We can shed some light on that, Wolf,” Milena continued, smiling bitterly

Geralt nodded for her to continue.

“The bolt was not meant for Lambert, my Lord. It was meant for Aleksander.” 

Aleksander placed his hand gently on the small of Milena’s back subtly, as he stepped forward to Milena’s side. “He pulled me out of the way, and took the blow meant for me,” Aleksander agreed solemnly. 

“Hmm.” Geralt said. Interesting.

“The man who did it wore no associated colours,” Gweld said, returning from delivering the bolts into Aubry’s care. 

“He must have been a spy!” one of the nobles said. The surrounding Witchers looked unimpressed. 

Aleksander and Milena looked properly scandalized. “You would admit to allowing a spy to infiltrate your guardsmen?”

“Well, not mine, but-”

“My father’s, yes.” Milena interrupted. “I am disappointed to think that the integrity of my family’s guards would be reduced to such. But no, I recognized the man. He was no spy.”

“Silence, girl!”

Milena’s head snapped around and found her father’s gaze. She waved off Dragonfly and Rache who bristled at the Duke’s shout. 

“I will not. One of your personal guards dared to attack not only my dear friend, but one protected by the White Wolf.”

“Your personal guard came for one of my Trainers,” Geralt growled. It was a high enough honour amongst the Withcers to be noteworthy. The Trainers ensured the safety of the future of the Witchers. Now, with the changing of the training, they were some of the most important people when it came to the future of not only Witchers, but now also the lands under the Warlord’s protection. 

“The Witcher will be fine, I’m sure.” Witcher was spoken like an insult. 

“My brother took a blow meant for another, as is his wont.” There were murmurs amongst the other nobles at Geralt referring to Lambert as his brother. The events of the past week were starting to come more into focus. The insults to the Warlord and his court were just compounding. 

“You accuse me of-” the Duke sputtered.

“We don’t need to accuse you, father,” Milena said, cutting him off. “You are the Duke of Roggeven. It could be a question of loyalty within your house, but given the other events of this past week, your own motives are already under scrutiny.”

“It is your house too,” He spat. “You would go against me, girl?”

“I side with my husband, his people, and my liege lord, the White Wolf,” Milena said, stepping towards her father. 

“You are a disgrace, girl!” The Duke shouted, moving towards Milena at last. “First you embarrassed your family by remaining with these beasts instead of with your sister! Then, you side with that bitch Marika! Who dared defy me and marry that Temerian usurper! A puppet Queen for a puppet kingdom!”

“It is you who are a disgrace!” Milena spat, her mask slipping, her hatred finally showing. Witchers around the room were ready to jump to her defense. Aleksander had stepped back to make way for a Witcher when things inevitably got messy. “I am not a broodmare! Marta made her own bed when she decided to kidnap the Right Hand and Consort of the White Wolf! I merely defended them, as was my duty-”

“Your duty is to your Family! To Roggeven! To Redania!" 

"No! My duty is to the White Wolf. My duty is to Princess Cirilla. My duty is to the people of Kaer Morhen and the Wolf Lands! And now, whether you recognize it or not, my duty is to Lambert, my husband!"

The Duke roared, charging at Milena. Before the witchers could grab him, Milena had lunged and buried her knife in her father's stomach. 

Geralt had never been more proud. He couldn’t wait to tell Lambert about the perfection of that lunge, and the clean strike. 

Milena released her father, and he fell to the floor clutching his stomach wound. 

“You bitch!” He spat. 

Auckes is already restraining a woman Geralt knows to be Milena’s mother. She is sobbing and screaming, and clawing at Auckes’ arm around her.

"Bitch I may be. But your lives are mine, by right,” Milena said sternly. “Did you order Gunther to slay Aleksander?” 

“He has sided with the enemy. He helped to steal you from me, turning your shame into a false marriage.” 

“So you arranged to have him killed.” 

“If your barbarian of a husband dies instead, it will also suit me fine.”

There was a moment of silence before Milena stepped back from her father and turned towards Geralt.

“It is more than you deserve, Duke. But the White Wolf is merciful. He will not let you die of infection." 

"I don't need-" Sasha stepped forward and smacked him across the face. 

"She is not finished."

The Duke fell silent.

"He will put you out of your misery,” Milena said, her voice cold. “Geralt, his head is yours." 

Geralt nodded to her. "So be it, little sister." 

Milena looked towards Sasha, her face carefully blank. She took Sasha’s offered arm. "Goodbye father. Goodbye Mother." 

As she walked away, she heard her parents’ protesting as swords were unsheathed. 

“Let’s go home,” Milena whispered to Sasha. “We need to check on Aiden and Lambert.”

“Home to our Witchers," Sasha agreed.

The Duke and Duchess had stopped struggling and were now crying and begging. 

"Silver for Monsters," was murmured by the witchers assembled. The nobles in the audience blanched. Milena and Aleksander walked away. There were twin thumps, and silence.

Sasha

Aubry was stationed outside the door to the Sickroom when they returned to the Keep. He let Sasha and Milena pass without question, murmuring to them as they approached. “He’s stable. You two go on in. I’ve got the door.”

Sasha nodded to him. “Thank you Aubry.”

Coen was just inside the door. Vesemir was at Lambert’s side, Triss filling him in on his condition.

The cross-bolt had been removed while they were bathing, and he was now stable.  

Milena was holding herself together by a thread.

“Are you both well?” Coen asked them gently. 

“As well as we can be, my friend,” Sasha told him, releasing Milena’s hand so she could go to Lambert’s side. 

“I am glad to hear it.”

“What of Aiden?” Sasha asked. He was afraid to know the answer. 

“Eskel and Guxart are with him now, down the hall,” Vesemir replied, coming over to them. “He’s still coming out of the cat madness. Eskel had to Axii him a few times, and I believe he took a blow to the head from one of his sisters while trying to put him down.”

“He’s unharmed otherwise?” Sasha asked, voice tight. 

“Yes,” Triss assured. “Nothing that a half a swallow, a meal, and some rest won’t fix. One Eskel is sure he’s returned to himself, he’ll be fine to join you here.”

Sasha felt tension leaving his body. Coen led him over to a chair and helped him to collapse gently into it. 

“Thank the Gods,” he mumbled into his hands. “Thank the Gods.”

Once everyone had assured them that Lambert was healing and left the room, ordering them to shout if they needed anything. They’d be left alone for a few hours until someone checked on them again. 

Milena stood there, looking lost once everyone else vacated the room. 

Sasha pulled himself together long enough to stand and walk over to Milena. He took her gently by the arm, and sat, putting her down with him. She curled into his lap, and Sasha wrapped his arms around her, encapsulating her completely. He could feel the sobs as Milena finally released the dam that had been held carefully in place for the last week. 

Once they were both settled, one of the woolen throws wrapped around them both, Sasha let his own store of tears and fear break through as well. 

The two sat there in relative comfort, both of them trying to cope with the absolute nightmare this past week had been.

Milena

Lambert was asleep in their bed. He was healing. He was going to be alright. Triss had confirmed that the potions had done their work, and had counteracted the surprisingly weak poison that was on the bolt. Her parents hadn’t planned this well. It had all been a ploy to keep her. They thought of her as nothing more than chattel. 

She was home. Lambert was sleeping. She was clean, and in a warm woolen dress. Aiden was down the corridor, in another room, being tended to by Eskel, Yennefer, Cedric and Axel, as he came out of the Madness. 

Jaskier had escorted both Milena and Sasha to the baths, where they’d scrubbed the blood from their hands, and tried to scrub the last few days from their bodies. 

Milena wasn’t sure her hands would ever be clean again. 

Sasha was quieter than usual. 

Milena was restless, and wanted to stab something. She needed comfort and… she had Sasha. Their darling Sasha who had been a Rock for her these past two days, and had stood by her side along with Lambert and Aiden through everything awful that had happened… had it really only been 5 days? 

Five days and she had endured the agony of a love potion, having to beg for help from her dearest friends. There was the acceptance and admittance that there was something more than simple friendship between her lover, and her dear friend’s lover. She was married by Redania standards - not that she cared one whit about that. She would have stayed in the Wolf Lands regardless of her parents’ machinations. 

She was suddenly reminded of a phrase that Lambert had learned in the lands to the south. ‘Common sense is chasing you, but you are faster.’

Her parents had been given every opportunity to see sense, and to accept that their daughters were far from their reach. In the end, their own arrogance and idiocy had led to their deaths.

Milena burst into tears, burying her face in her hands. Sasha was quick to embrace her, one strong hand on the small of her back, and the other cradling her head as she threw her arms around his neck, and buried her face in his shoulders as she broke down into sobs. 

Aiden

Aiden blinked back to awareness. He was back in Kaer Morhen. He was in a room, on a simple mattress. Yennefer, Eskel and Cedric were standing not far from him. Axel has his back to the closed door. 

“How many people did I kill?” he asked, sitting up slowly. He was sore, and bruised, but nothing was broken. His mouth was dry, and there was dried blood under his fingernails. 

“Just the idiot who tried to kill Lambert, and a couple of guards who took offence to you defending your kinsman,” Eskel said. 

Aiden gulped. “And Lambert?” 

“Resting. Triss, Aleksander and Milena are with him,” Yennifer said. 

Aiden’s shoulders relaxed minutely. His ears were ringing. 

“Milena basically had to sit on Aleksander to keep him from pacing between this room and the sick room, and then here and Lambert and Milena's rooms once Triss let us move him yesterday,” Cedric said, coming a few steps closer to Aiden.”

“They’re alright?”

Triss chuckled darkly. “As good as they can be given the circumstances. They’re worried about you. Eskel had a hard time knocking you out.”

Aiden stared at her.

“Though, you missed the best part,” she continued, shrugging. “I know that no one is ever going to underestimate Milena because she’s dainty ever again. She’s terrifying with a knife. And your Aleksander?” Triss looked Aiden dead in the eyes. ”No one will think of him soft ever again.”

Aiden was confused. What had he missed? 

“They’re a frightening duo when someone important to them is in danger.”

“What did they do?”

“You went Mad. Aleksander basically carried Lambert to safety, and fed him potions until he was stable. Milena was able to staunch the bleeding, and when it was all over, not even Geralt could have convinced a single person in that room to spare the lives of her parents.”

“Her parents? They’re dead?”

“They were upset that they had driven away the last of their bargaining chips for the future of the duchy. They didn’t anticipate Aleksander verbally eviscerating them. They expected to be able to convince Geralt to give Milena back after the love potion. Instead, Aleksander turned the other nobles against them. Her father took offense to that, and admitted to trying to have Aleksander killed.”

“They tried to kill Aleksander to... Get Milena back?” He forced the Madness back down. Milena’s parents were fucking idiots.

Axel laughed. “Yeah. The idiots thought they would convince her to stay with them.”

“They thought that would work?” Her parents were fucking idiots. 

“Well, now they’re too dead to appreciate the lack of forethought.” 

Aiden took a deep breath. “When can I see them?”

Yennefer looked at him, scrutinizing. “How do you feel?”

“Like myself.”

“Let Axel and Cedric walk you up and I don’t see why you can’t go now,” Yennefer said.

Aiden nodded. “Thank you, Yen, Eskel.”

“Don’t make it a habit,” Yennefer responded flippantly. “Now get out of her. Go reassure your nobles.”

Aiden nodded, and stood up, stretching slowly. 

“Good to have you back, fy mab,” Cedric said. 

“That was awful.”

“Isn’t it just?” Axel agreed, opening the door and leading the way out. 

Aiden let them catch him up on the events that he had missed while Cat-Mad, and he pushed down the anxiety as they got closer to Kitten and Lam’s rooms. 

As they approached, Coen stood up from where he was leaning on the wall outside their door.

“It is good to see you back to yourself, Aiden.”

“It’s good to feel like myself,” he replied, clasping Coen’s forearm. “Thank you, Axel, Cedric.” Aiden said. 

They both clapped him on the back. “Go be with your pack. Find us if you need anything.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Coen knocked on the door before opening it.

Milena sat up, disheveled from where she’d been laying on the sofa with her head in Sasha’s lap.

“Oh! Coen!”

“I found something that belongs to you,” he said, stepping aside so Aiden was visible to the two humans. 

“Aiden!” Milena jumped to her feet. 

The next moment Aiden had an armful of shaking human, Sasha pressing his face into Aidens’ shoulder, arms wrapped tightly around Aiden’s waist. Milena was close behind him, gently touching Aiden’s shoulder. He unwrapped an arm from around Sasha and pulled her into the hug as well. He kissed her on the head before putting his face back into Sasha’s hair, squeezing both of them closer to himself.

A few minutes later, Milena extricated herself from the hug. “Let’s move this out of the doorway,” she said.

“Coen, thank you for staying with us,” Milena said, approaching him for a hug as well.

“It was my pleasure Milena. All you ought to do is ask.”

“Thank you, my friend. I’m sure you need rest as well, but you are welcome here any time.”

“I am grateful for the offer, Milena,” he said, raising her hands to his lips. “Take care of your cat and wolves. Shout if you have a need for anything, we are all listening closely right now.”

“Thank you Coen.”

He nodded again, before excusing himself and closing the door softly behind him.

Milena turned to find Aiden brushing Lambert’s hair from his face tenderly, Sasha hovering behind, not wanting Aiden out of his sight now that he’s with them. Milena can understand the sentiment perfectly. She didn’t want any of them out of her sight for the foreseeable future. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: Surprises

Milena

Aiden was sequestered somewhere down the hall, still coming out of his Cat-Madness. Eskel and some members of his clan were with him. Lambert was deeply asleep, medicated by potions, only a few feet away from Milena and Sasha. 

Milena was sitting on Sasha's lap on the sofa, her head resting on his shoulder, his arms wrapped around her. Her crying had petered out some time ago, and she and Sasha had been sitting in relative silence. 

“I never got to thank you,” Milena said, her voice rough. She felt awful and hated just about everything that had happened in the last two weeks. 

Sasha looked down at her, his arms tightening around her gently for a moment, before relaxing again. “Whatever for?” 

Milena huffed a bitter laugh. “It has been a long week.” 

“It truly has.” Sasha sounded as tired as she felt.

“I wanted to thank you for helping Lambert the other night. You and Aiden had no obligation to help me - Us - but you did. So thank you, truly.”

Sasha didn't say anything for a moment. When Milena looked at his face, it was thoughtful. She waited.

“Aiden and Lambert have lived much longer lives than you or I,” he began. 

Milena nodded in agreement, wondering where he was going with this.

“In all honesty, I always wondered about Aiden and Lambert's relationship.”

Milena smiled, for she had had similar thoughts. Their Witchers were exceedingly close to be mere friends. 

“I would never forbid Aiden from his happiness,” Sasha says, face serious. “Especially with someone who has been at his side since before all of this,” he said, waving at the room around them. The world had been a different place for Witchers before Geralt took his place as Warlord. 

“The two of you asking for help… I-,” he paused. “It wasn't unexpected per se, but I was surprised that you were the one to ask. I would have expected Lambert. I… Can't say that I am unhappy with the results,” he said, squeezing Milena slightly in his arms, his head tilting to rest against hers on his shoulder. She snuggled deeper into his hold. 

“We've been friends for some time,’ she said softly. “And we both love our Witchers to distraction. Kaer Morhen is a home to many kinds of relationships, and customs that are foreign to those who are not Witchers.”

Sasha nods.

“It is a place where many things are accepted that are forbidden or even unknown outside of these halls,” Milena continues. 

Sasha smiles gently. “It makes me glad to know that Aiden and I were able to relieve some of your suffering.” He pauses before continuing in a low, serious voice. “I am glad your parents are dead.”

Milena could feel him clench his jaw. Sasha took a deep breath before continuing. “I don't know what this past week will mean for the four of us. All I can say for sure is that you and Lambert are dear to me. I know Aiden shares my sentiments.”

“You and Aiden are dear to us, as well,” Milena agreed, snuggling closer to Sasha. “Whatever happens going forward, I want you to know how thankful I am.”

“You're very welcome.” 

*

Lambert

Lambert woke slowly. He took stock of his body before he moved too much. Fuck. He ached deep within his chest, and between his shoulder blades itched like he'd run through a fucking field of poison ivy. 

His torso was wrapped in bandages. He could taste the remnants of potions and broth on his tongue. His recipe. Good. He could smell Triss’ healing salve, and magic; Aiden, Milena, and Sasha were somewhere in the next room with him. They smelled of stress, and home. Thank fuck they were home . 

He turned his head and groaned involuntarily. Fucking ow. 

He could hear Aiden move in the sitting room. 

“He's awake.”

He heard the rustle of clothing and footsteps approaching rapidly. 

“Hey Wolf,” Aiden said, his voice soft. He came to stand beside the bed, reaching for Lambert’s hand.

Lambert licked his lips, and squeezed his hand back. “Hey Kitty.”

While Aiden bent down to rest his forehead on Lambert’s, Milena appeared at his side, sitting on the edge of the bed. She held a jug of water, and carefully poured some into Lambert’s mouth once Aiden released him. It felt good on his throat, and helped wash away the fucking foul taste of potions. Sasha took the jug from her once Lambert was finished, and stood. 

The man with the crossbolt flashed through Lambert’s mind. His chest ached with anxiety for a moment. “You’re alright, pup?” Lambert questioned after Sasha had placed the jug down on the side table.

Sasha covered Lambert and Aiden’s joined hands with his own. “Thanks to you.”

“Good. Can’t lose our pup,” he said, looking at Sasha's bashful face. Fuck. Losing Sasha or Milena - fuck no. That’s not a thought he wants to have again. 

“I would like to lose none of you,” Milena said, resting her hand on Lambert’s stomach over the blankets. Lambert could smell the lingering terror in both Milena and Sasha’s scents. 

“Mm. Agreed,” Lambert said, Aiden nodding along fervently. They were all silent for a moment, revelling in the knowledge that they were all fucking alive. Lambert hadn’t been terrified often in his life, but he wouldn’t complain if they never had to deal with attempted fucking poisonings or assassinations ever again.

“Let me grab some chairs,” Aiden said, slipping into the sitting room. Lambert heard him pop his head out the door into the hallway and tell someone that he was awake. Meanwhile, Milena pulled herself further onto the bed by Lambert's hip, taking care to not jostle him too much. He brought his other hand from under the blankets to grasp hers on his stomach. Her weight rested against him and acted as a balm to his soul. Hell, all of them sitting with him calmed the worry that lingered in the corners of his mind for the past week. Even now, he knows that it will be a while before he would stop feeling that worry and anxiety and fucking fear whenever one of them was apart from him.

Sasha grabbed one of the chairs from Aiden as he returned, and settled it close beside the bed. He and Aiden sat, knees touching. Aiden had his hand on Milena's knee where she was curled up beside Lambert's hip. 

They sat like that, quietly filling Lambert in on the events of the last two days until Triss came in to check on him, and to poke and prod his healing wounds. Fucking ow.

What a fucking week. 

“You're healing well,” Triss said once she was done with her inspection. “The poison was meant for a human’s constitution, so it didn't do much damage.” Poison? The bastard really had wanted Sasha dead. Lambert held back his snarl of anger. Milena’s parents were dead. He’d have to thank Geralt later. Maybe get the ridiculous fucker something nice. “The crossbolt missed everything vital, which was sheer luck,” Triss continued. “I want you to take it easy for another day or two just to be sure. Light training for at least another week, you hear me?”

“Yes Triss,” Lambert agreed. 

“Good. I'll sic Sasha and Milena on you if you don't.” 

Aiden and Lambert grinned in unison at each other. Aiden smelled strongly of love, and Lambert was sure that he smelled of honey-on-warm-bread just as strongly. 

Sasha and Milena glanced at each other before looking at their love-struck Witchers. The honey-on-warm-bread was coming from them too. Gods , they were so fucking lucky.

“I will pin you to this bed with a knife. Don't think I won't,” Milena threatened. 

Lambert's heart flipped. He was going to burn incense to all of the gods who thought to bless him with a woman like Milena. 

Sasha gripped Aiden's hand tighter. 

“We've got our caretakers to keep us in line, Triss,” Aiden said cheerfully. Lambert nodded.

“Good,” Triss said with a smirk. “Take half a swallow in another half a glass,” she continued, turning back to Lambert. “I'll be back in a few hours to check on you again.”

Lambert nodded again. 

“Thank you Triss,” Milena said. “We'll let you know if we need anything before then.”

“See that you do.”

And then she was gone. 

Sasha and Milena both sighed, relaxing further with the news that Lambert was fine , and healing . 

Lambert was such a fucking lucky bastard. He was going to burn so much incense. 

*

Aiden

Sasha woke up, gasping for breath, and tripped on his own feet as he scrambled out of their bed. 

Aiden jolted awake with Sasha’s gasp and the sudden scent of fear-worry-panic. “Wha’s wrong?” He has rolled up onto his knees, the knife from under his pillow in his hand, ready to attack whatever the threat was.

Sasha was already pulling his dressing gown around his shoulders and swinging towards the door. “I need- Lam-” Ah. Aiden lowered the knife in understanding. He quickly followed Sasha out of the room, not even bothering to grab a shirt. 

“I’m with you.”

In only his braies, Aiden followed Sasha down the hall as he strode quickly towards Lambert and Milena’s room.

Aiden sped ahead and quietly opened the door for his lover, letting Sasha lead him into the rooms. Lambert woke up at their quiet entrance, blinking groggily. Aiden counted it lucky that Lambert hadn’t jumped up like he had, and re-injured himself. 

“Sasha? Aiden? What’s wrong?”

“You-” Sasha started, his eyes welling with tears as he approached the bed and took Lambert’s offered hand. “There was so much blood and I couldn’t-” 

Aiden crooned soothingly, a hand on Sasha’s back where he leaned towards Lambert. Lambert tugged Sasha closer, pulling his head down to rest their foreheads together. Milena was stirring beside Lambert, eyes blinking slowly in the low light. 

“It’s just us, Cath fach,” Aiden said before she could panic, voice soft.

“Mmm. You’re okay?” She asked, eyes bleary. Sitting up carefully, she took in Lambert and Sasha embracing, and the tears running down Sasha’s cheeks. 

“Sasha had a nightmare. We came to check on you both,” Aiden explained as Lambert whispered reassurances to Sasha, stroking his hair, and gently wiping his cheeks. 

Milena nodded. “You’re welcome to stay. I know I too would sleep better knowing you’re both near.”

Aiden smiled at her. “You’re a wonder, Kitten.”

Lambert released Sasha’s face, and patted the bed beside him. “Come, lay beside me, Pup,” Lambert whispered.

Milena smiled at them tenderly, before looking at Aiden and nodding her head to the spot between her and the wall. He smiled, kissed Aleksander’s head, and then came around the foot of the bed so he could crawl beside Milena. 

Lambert was gently tucking Sasha into his side, petting his hair gently where his head resting on his shoulder. 

Aiden wrapped his arms around Milena, spooning up behind her. She was a gorgeous little armful, and he could now understand Lambert always wanting to be wrapped up around her. She was almost as pleasant to hold in his arms as his darling Sasha was. 

“Sleep, my loves,” Milena whispered. “We’ll figure everything else out in the morning.”

Aiden fell back asleep, surrounded by the smells of roses, steel, parchment and ink, and the intoxicating smell of honey-on-warm-bread, his face tucked into Milena’s hair, their hands clasped together with Lambert and Sasha’s on Lambert’s stomach.

*

Jan

A knock sounded on Jan’s office door. When he called for the person to enter, he was only slightly surprised when Milena was the one who walked through the door.

“I’m sorry to bother you Jan, but I have what is perhaps an odd request.”

The nobles in the keep didn't often ask much of Jan. While he sent out letters to prepare newcomers or visitors when he could, they had fewer noble-born visitors and residents than they did common-born ones. Usually the extent of requests from all of the Keep’s residents was advice on who to talk to in the keep when it came to acquiring various items, and even then, he usually worked on those requests in unison with the staff.

“Nonsense. Come, sit, and we’ll see if I can help you,” Jan said, standing to move over to the chairs in front of his small hearth instead of the ones at his desk. 

“Thank you.” Milena sat in one of the soft, high-backed chairs, smoothing her skirts as she settled herself.

“Now, how can I help you?” Jan asked as Milena carefully clasped her hands in her lap, her face serious and solemn. 

“I was wondering if you perhaps knew of any rooms in the Keep that were adjoined, or shared a common room.” She carefully maintained eye contact with him, her face carefully blank.

Jan looked at her, then thought back to what Letho and Eskel had told him of the events of the last few weeks, especially those in Roggeven. 

“Hmm,” Jan said, nodding as he considered the empty rooms in the keep. “I think there are a few that would suit.” He had a few options in mind already. Many of the Witchers shared quarters already, and it left suites and larger rooms available in various places in the castle. “Are you looking for anything in particular?”

“May I speak frankly?”

Jan nodded, intrigued. 

“After everything over the last week, we would all feel better if we were within reach of each other,” Milena begins, voice quavering. “I am hoping to solve the problem with a suit of rooms.” Milena looks towards the smoldering fire, cheeks colouring slightly. “Two sleeping chambers and a shared common space, if possible. If it’s not possible,” Milena said, her voice carefully neutral, “neighboring rooms would suit us in a pinch.” She shrugged at the end, and Jan had a feeling she was trying to be more nonchalant than she actually felt. 

Anything was possible under the rule of the Wolf, and he wouldn't begrudge the Witchers or their partners any happiness they could find. That Milena, a noble-born, was the one asking was the unusual part of the whole situation, but here she was asking . “Give me a few hours, and I might have some options for you.” Jan had sworn to help everyone in this Keep, and this request was an easy one to grant. 

“Thank you, Master Jan. I appreciate it.” Jan could see the relief on the girl’s face. 

“Not at all, Lady Milena.”

*

Milena

Just after dinner, one of the trainees found Milena. 

“Master Jan sent me, Lady Milena,” the boy said, hopping in place excitedly. 

“Oh!  Wonderful. Did he bid you to fetch me and take me to him?”

“Yes Milady.” He bounced on his toes, excited. He couldn't have been more than 7 or so. 

“Excellent. Give me just a moment and you can lead the way.”

“Okay!” The boy said, voice chipper. He waited patiently while Milena made sure everything was in order before leaving the room they used for Ciri's various lessons. 

Cyril, as the boy introduced himself, chatted away to Milena about his first summer here in the keep, how the Witchers were ‘the best’, and how he particularly liked helping in the kitchen and helping Master Jan and “Master ‘Skel” with errands and tasks. 

Milena made a mental note to get the boy to run any errands for her that she might have. The lad sounded like a job as a page might be to his liking. 

Cyril led Milena to a door a floor up from their current lodgings, where Jan was waiting inside, writing out a list. 

“Master Jan, I brought Lady Milena, like you asked.”

“Thank you, lad. Why don’t you run along to the kitchens now to help with dinner preparations. I’ll come fetch you tomorrow morning to help me.”

“Yes sir! Bye Lady Milena!” He said as he turned to skip down the hall. 

“Goodbye Cyril!” Milena responded with a wave. “He’s certainly a spirited one, isn’t he?” She remarked, turning to Jan. 

“Ah, to have the energy of youth again,” Jan sighed, wistful.

“Oh!” Milena said as she stepped into the rooms. “They’re bigger than I expected.”

Jan smiled. “They probably belonged to previous mages, or perhaps one of the school-heads, once upon a time.”

Milena walked over to one of the two bedrooms on either side of the centralized fireplace. “These are perfect Jan, thank you.”

“Is there any more furniture you think you need?” He asked, holding out his list to her. “Bigger beds, obviously. We’ll move your chairs down if you like. Your chests and the armour stands. Perhaps you'd like more book-shelves?”

“A pair of smaller desks might be good,” Milena said, turning and looking at the room critically. She walked over to the small window in the one wall. “Do we have any extra plush chairs like the ones in the library?” Milena asked, looking out the window. The view looked out on the rolling hills behind the keep, the mountains creating a safe pocket behind the keep that acted as grazing for the Witcher’s horses, and the Keep’s small herds of sheep and goats. “I think one right here would be perfect…” She could already imagine sitting in this very spot, reading, or listening to the birdsong… Aiden would be able to hang a little feeder outside of this window so Sasha could draw the birds. 

*

Milena

A knock sounded from the door to Sasha’s office. Milena, sitting on the settee by the window, turned her head from her embroidery and looked towards the door. Sasha didn’t raise his head from his lesson plans, but called out, “Come in.”

Milena smiled as Aiden’s head peeked around the door, a grin spread wide across his face. 

He slipped into the room, glomming onto Sasha’s back, where he wrapped his arms around his waist, and pressed his face into Sasha's hair. Milena held back a smile, but she was sure that Aiden could smell her joy - They were adorable, and she loved seeing them so happy together. 

Lambert entered more calmly, walking across the room towards Milena. He bent, meeting her with a kiss before plopping down at her feet. He was freshly bathed and smelled lightly of cedar. 

Aiden released Sasha after a moment, hopping up to sit on the end of the desk, where he wouldn’t interfere with Aiden’s papers, and gently swung his feet back and forth, looking distinctly boy-ish. 

The four of them sat in comfortable silence. Milena was content to sit like this for hours, surrounded by those dearest to her. 

It was a few minutes before Sasha put his quill into its holder and leaned back in his chair, sighing. Milena stuck her needle through the tunic she was working on for Eskel. It was made of a soft red fabric, and Geralt had borrowed her book of flowers to choose ones he thought were fitting for his Right Hand. Jaskier had chosen some as well, and Milena was happy to prepare it as a gift. 

“Alright, so neither of you smell like anything is wrong,” Lambert said, craning his head back to look up at Milena.

Milena smiled down at him, probably smelling of mischief and love. “Shall we show them our surprise, Sasha dearest?” She began to tuck her project away. 

When she glanced at Sasha, he was smiling back, cautiously mischievous, his cheeks turning ever so slightly pink. 

“Hmmm… I don’t know…” he said, teasing.

Aiden gasped, pretending to swoon on the desk. What a ridiculous man. Milena's heart felt full. 

Milena laughed again, standing up behind Lambert. He scrambled up, and Milena strode around him, grabbing Sasha by the hand and leading the way out of the room. She wondered what her Witchers smelled like right now. Confusion? Fondness? 

Sasha joined in Milena’s laughter, and smiled at the Witchers standing baffled behind them.

“Hurry along now, boys,” Milena teased, turning to crook her finger at Aiden and Lambert. 

Sasha shrugged, blushing darker. 

Milena watched as Aiden and Lambert’s pupil’s went wider.

Aiden and Lambert protested playfully and followed the pair of humans out of the room. Milena hooked her arm through Sasha’s and steered them down the hall with purpose. 

Aiden squawked in protest, “Lambert! They’ve teamed up against us!”

“We’re fucking doomed,” Lambert agreed, gravely. 

Milena and Sasha laughed again, and kept walking down the hall, down a single flight of stairs, and down the hall a floor below the office, a floor above Lambert and Milena’s current room.

“Any hints for us, pup?” Lambert asked as they walked. 

Sasha smiled back, coy. He was a steady presence on Milena's arm. “It’s a surprise.”

“Ooooh,” Aiden crooned, interested.

“Patience, darlings,” Milena chided. “You’ll like this surprise.” She was confident they would. 

A moment later, Milena stopped in front of the door to the rooms that Jan had arranged for them, turning herself and Sasha to face their Witchers. “Who would like to do the honours?” She gestured towards the door. 

Aiden and Lambert exchanged a look, curious. Lambert nodded, and Aiden stepped forward to open the door. 

It swung inwards, and Milena swept her arm in front of her dramatically, indicating Aiden and Lambert should lead the way. They laughed. Perfect. 

The four of them stepped into a sitting room, a fireplace centered in front of them. There was a door on either side of the hearth. Through the open doors, were mirrored bedrooms, and Milena knew that through the doors, the beds butted up against the wall that backed up against the wall closest to the fireplace. There was plenty of space for storage chests at the foot, and a pair of wardrobes in each room as well.

The sitting room was sparsely furnished. Jan had brought in a few things, and a larger rug, but their own items had yet to be brought down from their rooms. 

There was a pair of desks in one corner, as Milena had requested, and bookshelves all along the wall on either side of the entrance. There would be plenty of space for their combined book collections. 

Jan had brought up a plush chair, much like those in the library, and had placed it under the window, along with a small table. 

While both Witchers surveilled the room, Sasha and Milena took a seat in the plush chair to observe their lovers. Milena spared a glance out the window from her perch. Yes, this was perfect.

As the Witchers’ eyes swept over the room, they almost skipped over Milena and Sasha before they both turned to stare. Milena tried to imagine what their Witchers saw.

Sasha was sitting back, one leg crossed over the other, his hand resting on his ankle where it was resting on the opposing knee. His right hand rested on Milena’s back where she perched on the arm of the chair. He was the very image of a strong, confident noble. 

Milena smiled small but mischievous, her eyes bright with mirth. She was playing the demure noble woman she occasionally pretended to be outside of the keep. She carefully folded her hands daintily in her lap. 

“Hey, Kitty,” Lambert said, his voice rough. His eyes were blown wide. Milrna fought to keep her smile small. 

“Yeah, Wolf?” Aiden responded, his pupils also blown wide as he stared at the pair in front of them. His throat bobbed as he swallowed heavily. 

“How'd we get so fucking lucky?” 

“Want me to stab you to prove it's real?” 

“I'd really rather you didn't,” Milena said lightly. “I rather like all his bits where they are.” Sure, they healed fast, but if she could spare their Witchers the pain, it was worth it.

Lambert's swallow was audible. 

“Yeah you do, Cath fach,” Aiden said smirking, following Milena's less than proper line of thought. 

“Now, now, Love,” Sasha admonished. “Be good,” he wagged his finger playfully at Aiden. 

Aiden's mouth fell open. Lambert elbowed him. 

Aiden shook his head, dazed, then he nodded. “Yes beloved.”

Milena giggled before speaking again. “Now, what do you two think?” she gestured to the rooms around them. 

Aiden and Lambert looked at the rooms again, their eyes narrowing in thought. Lambert turned back, and looked at Milena appraisingly. She raised her eyebrow at him, an unspoken question.  He'd figure it out in a moment. 

“No one uses these rooms,” he started. The rooms were freshly aired out. They would smell unused. 

“Not before now,” she agreed.

“They are only partially furnished.” Their things would be moved down easily over the course of an afternoon.

Aiden made a noise of realization. 

“They are ready to move in, yes,” Milena agreed, trying not to give anything away. 

“There are two bedrooms…” Aiden said, turning to look over the rooms again.

Milena and Sasha sat silent, smiling at their Witchers. 

“Hey Wolf,” Aiden asked, a smile growing on his face as he turned to face them again.

“Yeah Kitty?” Lambert responded as he stared hungrily at the pair of humans in front of him. 

“How’d we get so fucking lucky?”

“Fucking nobles,” Lambert growled, prowling forward and picking Milena bodily up by her waist. She squealed and leaned down, grabbing Lambert’s face and pulling him into a kiss. 

As Lambert ravished her mouth, and lavished her face with kisses, Aiden straddled Sasha’s thighs, smoothing his hand around Sasha’s neck, pulling him in, and holding Sasha as he aggressively kissed him. Sasha’s hands smoothed down Aiden’s back to rest on his ass. 

After a few minutes of kissing, Milena pulled back from Lambert, and leant back, trusting her weight to his hands. She couldn’t go far, legs wrapped around Lambert’s waist as he held her up in mid-air. 

“So, I take it that you both approve?” She asked, slightly breathless. 

“Approve?” Lambert asked, walking them closer to Sasha and Aiden. Milena squealed in surprise when Aiden’s arms wrapped under her back when Lambert released her, and Aiden swung her up to his chest. She raised her arms around his neck. 

“Hells yes, we approve,” Aiden agreed, leaning his head down to kiss Milena sweetly before setting her on her own two feet. She was quickly falling in love, she realized. Oh. 

Lambert pulled Sasha up, wrapped his arms around his back, and pulled him into a crushing hug. After a moment he pulled back, and took Sasha’s face gently between his palms, and pressed a chaste kiss upon Sasha’s mouth. It was quite pretty. Milena stamped down that train of thought for later. 

“Thank you,” Lambert said earnestly as he pulled back. 

“You’re so very welcome, my love,” Milena replied, holding Aiden’s hand just a few feet away. “None of us have been sleeping well since Roggeven,” She started. “Sasha and I discussed it when we first came back to Kaer Morhen. Things have changed.”

“Not in a bad way,” Sasha interjected before their Witcher’s could speak. “But it’s time we stopped denying ourselves all the happiness we deserve.”

“We will deny neither of you anything,” Milena continued smiling. “We also realized we shouldn't deny ourselves.”

“We have all seen first hand that Milena may be the one woman I am attracted to,” Sasha shrugged, bashful. His cheeks were flushed a lovely shade of pink. “The four of us, we all work together.”

Milena nodded. “And now, we don’t have to be apart.”

Aiden and Lambert looked at their humans for a long moment before looking at each other. 

“When do we move in?”

Milena smiled wide. Sasha laughed warmly. 

“Now?”

*