10th birthday! (part 1) (Page 8)

I'm happy to say that I lived to see my 10th birthday. The last four years have been pretty normal except for the brutal training. I'm way better with swordsmanship, but Ciri is still better than me. She got it from Geralt. I've taken more after Yen in regards to personality. She would stop by often and help me study from Lara's diary. After I translated it, she helped me learn some of the elven magic Lara used when she was alive. I'm still pretty bad at normal magic. However, elven magic is easier for me.

I learned how to create a plasma ball from the diary. That's the only thing I learned in regards to casting magic. I also learned a couple of cool things I can do with my weapons. I can channel my power into them and make them phase through things and people. If I wanted to, I could phase my weapon into someone and then solidify it again to kill them.

Vesemir has taught me so much about combat, how to track and kill. The first time I killed another living creature was hard, but it wasn't something I could avoid. We're supposed to have everyone come for my tenth birthday tomorrow. Yennefer says she has a gift for me. She always gives the best gifts. Last year she gave me a custom-made sheath for my steel sword.

I should make my way downstairs. Ciri is already awake and gone, so that means I'm running late. She could've at least woken me up. I swear she makes my life hard on purpose, but I care for her deeply. She was my first friend, and I know her as I know myself. Her birthday was a couple of months ago, we don't get each other gifts because we don't have money, but it's the thought that counts.

I walk into the main hall and see everyone is eating breakfast already. Eskal and Lambert are already out on the path again since its spring. Vesemir and Geralt have remained here for the last four years to train Ciri and me. Ciri still can't use the Elder Blood as I can, but she is getting stronger. I can feel it.

Hopefully, it doesn't take too long. She's been obsessed with trying to get her powers to work. It takes a lot of tenacity to keep it up after four years. I sit down and look at Vesemir. "Not training yet? Something holding you guys up?" He hardly ever holds up training.

He stops eating his food and looks at me. "I decided we should take today and tomorrow off, considering that it's your birthday." We never took my birthdays off before. What's going on here?

I look at him with suspicion. This isn't normal. "Why? We never take time off for anything." There is no way he doesn't have a hidden plan.

Vesemir smiles at my suspicion of him and explains it to us. "You and Ciri have been doing so well with training that I figured you both deserve some time off." I'm quite surprised. My body unclenches for the first time in four years, and I suddenly feel like pudding.

Talk about the unexpected. I look over to Ciri and see she is in the same boat. "You should both go play outside. Geralt and I have to talk about something." I look to Ciri and see she already has my hand as we take off to the doors of the keep. I can't remember the last time we got to play like this.

~~~(POV Vesemir)~~~

I see the two hellions runoff, and it's just Geralt and me. I look at him with sadness in my eyes. I can't break the news to Ciri, so I'll have Geralt do it tomorrow during the party.

I hear him ask me a question. "C'mon, spill what's bugging you. You usually talk my ear off." I listen to him say—no point in dragging it on.

I turn my gaze to him. "Yennefer has sent me a message." Geralt isn't too happy about that. Their relationship is rocky as of late. The only reason Yennefer comes around anymore is because of Cera.

Ciri can't perform magic, so there will be a loud day tomorrow in what's going to happen. I look and see Geralt waiting for me to finish. "Yennefer is coming to take Cera with her tomorrow. She says it's the best option as of late." He has grown to really like Cera.

I don't even want to think of what Ciri will be like tomorrow after the party. "Why?" He also has concerns for Ciri. She has grown to love the boy more than just a friend. Even if she doesn't want to admit it. Cera is thick-headed, but he is catching on. It's pretty obvious to everyone else. It's fun to watch them dance around their feelings.

However, I shouldn't keep Geralt waiting, should I? "Cera's Elder Blood is growing too powerful... He's going to need personal instruction from Yennefer on how to hide and manage it. When the boy has a nightmare, the whole keep shakes." I say to Geralt, confirming his thoughts on what he is thinking.

He looks at me in understanding regarding my decision to give them a break. "So that's why you gave them the day off. You do know they will villainize us, right." I already know.

That'll be the best case. Worst is not something I'll want to see. "Yennefer said that she would take the blame for it. That way, Ciri will still listen to the two of us. However, I don't think she will forgive Yennefer so easily." I know he doesn't want Ciri to be in pain, but this can't be avoided.

~~~(POV Yennefer)~~~

I'm looking forward to seeing my Cera tomorrow, but I wish it were under better circumstances. I have to go and repair the barrier that hides him every few weeks. Those shields can hold a small army back. He can't help it, though. It's not his fault. That's why I'm taking him. So I can protect him and train him to suppress his power. I can't be by his side forever.

I'm feeling guilty though, I know I shouldn't feel happy that I'm taking Cera away from them. I can't help that I'm looking forward to him being with me from now on. He is the son I could never have. I would die for the boy. Vesemir is worried about Ciri. She will get over it, though. It's for Cera and his safety. She will learn that eventually, she will go through the same thing.

I contact an old friend who is a powerful seer. "So, do you know how long we have until it's supposed to happen?" I ask the man named Tieer Marble.

Hopefully, he has a fuller picture after a couple of days. "No, all that I have seen is that Cera is going to go through hell and back. You need to prepare him, Yennefer... His life will be fighting, war, and loss..." I hear as my heartaches.

I would shelter him from everything if I could, but not even I'm strong enough to do that. "I was hoping for good news, Tieer. I'll not doubt your abilities with more questions. However, if it does change, I need you to contact me immediately." I say to him as I cut off the communication. I hate that this is happening to Cera. Why couldn't it have been something else?

~~~(POV Ciri)~~~

We get to our favorite ledge in Kaer Morhen and look at the beautiful landscape. I can't remember the last time we got to have a day just for fun and relaxation. I look at Cera and realize that even sitting down. He is taller than me now. We were the same height till we were nine. After that, he left me behind as he continues to grow.

He isn't that much taller than me, but it's still frustrating. "Are you looking forward to tomorrow?" I can't help feeling happy for him.

He looks at me with a warm grin that makes my heart throb. "Yeah, Yen is coming tomorrow. She never disappoints when it's our birthdays." It's absolutely beautiful right now with the sun setting over the mountains.

I can't keep avoiding my love for him... I just don't know how he will react if I do anything about it. I look at him again. Geralt is never afraid of anything, so I shouldn't be either. "What do you think of me, Cera?" I say out of the blue. He has a surprised look on his face, but I think he get's my question.

~~~(POV Cera)~~~

What I think, huh... I love her very much, but she is my best friend. Maybe that's why I love her. I've been with her since day one in Kaer Morhen. She helped me on my best and worst days. I won't be afraid of rejection anymore.

Geralt or Yennefer wouldn't, so I shouldn't either. I take a deep breath and give my answer. "I love you with all my heart Ciri... You're the only person I have felt this way for... You taught me that even though I lost my parents, I still have others to love... How do you feel about me?" I ask her after my little proclamation of love.

~~~(POV Ciri)~~~

He loves me!!! He actually loves me!!!! I can't believe he feels like this. He never showed it the little sneak. I hear his question as he looks at me. I should show my feelings with action since I've never been good with words like him.

I look at him as I lean in. He catches on fast and starts to lean in too. My face is probably really red right now. Soon, I can feel his gentle breath on my face. It smells like mint toothpaste. It's nice, in fact. Our faces get closer, and our eyes close. Then a connection happens.

It's like fireworks go off for me—a gentle first kiss as our lips touch. We pull away from each other after a long 7 seconds. We lost time, and we look away from each other with red faces. After a couple of seconds, we look at each other again.

We spare a look at each other without words as we go in for another kiss. "It's time for bed, you too!! We have a packed day tomorrow!!" We are out of sight right now. The announcement doesn't stop us, however. We are already kissing again when we both heard the voice, but we have our eyes closed and having another gentle second kiss that is somehow better than the first one. As we part, we fail to notice green electricity between our lips.

We look at each other one more time and lock fingers as we sit side by side. We get up and head back to our room hand in hand. We quickly fall asleep and have sweet dreams.

~~~(POV Gaunter O'Dimm)~~~

A subtle grin spread across my face. "Well, the wheel has begun to turn, it seems. Your destinies will change the world. I never forget Cera. You still owe me for the diary of Lara Dorren." The children of Lara Dorren have met once again. Here's to the future. I make it rain and storm all night long.