Triss's eyes widened. She reached out, her fingers tracing the edges of the mask with reverence. "Quite the artifact you have here.. It's elven-made, that much is clear. And it seems very old... older than anything I've seen in a long time. The craftsmanship is exquisite, the design..."
She studied the runes, her lips moving silently as she read the ancient script. Then her voice carried a note of awe. "It's really impressive. 'Time is a river to men. Space is a wall to all. To the Elder Blood, they are neither.'" She paused, her eyes meeting Sebastian's. "But I know you already know that."
Sebastian smiled. "Yeah. You know who it's referring to, right?"
Triss nodded slowly, "Ciri, of course." She paused, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "You know what this mask does?"
Sebastian leaned forward, "Yes, I know what it does. But I don't have enough magical knowledge to activate it, only a capable mage like yourself can."
Triss's expression shifted to one of thoughtful consideration. "I see." She glanced around the room, her gaze sweeping the crowd to ensure their conversation remained private. "I understand why you were very secretive about this. A lot of mages would kill to have something like this.. at least those with enough knowledge about the Elder Blood. This is a valuable treasure.."
Sebastian nodded. "This mask is supposed to help the one who wears it to control their Elder Blood abilities and help them focus. This is meant for Ciri. But others can use it as well, It can even open portals between worlds, though it's very limited and requires a great deal of magic. That's what I gathered."
Triss studied him, her expression warm with a smile on her face. "This is not my specialty in magic, but I can help, of course." She paused. "I assume you failed to reach Yennefer, and that's why you came to me."
Sebastian shook his head. "Of course not. I was in Novigrad, so I was not exactly far. And I wanted to see you before I return to Kaer Morhen, this is my first time on the Path afterall, I didn't want to miss the chance. As for Yennefer, last I heard, is in Nilfgaard for some reason. I don't have a megascope to contact her, and besides, I don't want to bother her..."
Triss laughed, "She still scares you."
Sebastian's expression was one of amused denial. "No. She is overprotective. And I wish to get to the bottom of this. I feel like it is very important. It could prove to be a great gift for Ciri." He paused, his voice softening. "You know she can't really control her powers. She is still a novice. The power is there, but the discipline... that takes time."
Triss's expression grew thoughtful, her eyes fixed on the mask. "I will do what I can to help you understand it, Seb. But I must warn you, artifacts like this are not to be trifled with. They carry a power that can easily be overwhelming.." She met his gaze. "However, for Ciri, it might be exactly what she needs.."
Sebastian nodded, a flicker of hope in his yellow eyes. "That's all I ask."
The warmth in Triss's eyes was unmistakable, a soft glint that spoke of deep affection and a understanding that went beyond words. She looked at Sebastian across the worn oak table, her fingers still resting lightly on the mask.
"You really care about her," Triss said. It was not a question. It was a statement of fact.
Sebastian was silent for a moment, his yellow eyes meeting hers. Then, slowly, he nodded. There was no hesitation in the gesture, no attempt to deflect or deny. It was a simple, honest acknowledgment.
Triss looked away. The warmth in her eyes faded, replaced by what might have been sadness, or regret. Her gaze drifted to the fire, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup.
Sebastian's brow furrowed. "Is there something wrong?"
Triss's smile was quick, too bright. "No, it's nothing." She waved a hand dismissively, but her eyes did not meet his.
She said to herself, however. 'I'm sorry, Seb. But I did promise Geralt not to tell you about what happened... and honestly, I don't know if I can keep it anymore.'
Sebastian noticed the shift in her demeanor. It was subtle, but his senses were attuned to the smallest changes in the people around him. The way her shoulders had tensed, the way her fingers had stilled, the way her smile did not quite reach her eyes. But he did not pry.
"If you are feeling tired," Sebastian said, his voice gentle, "we can leave."
Triss shook her head quickly. "No, no. It must be the tea, I guess."
Sebastian's eyes narrowed. "Is that the best lie you could come up with?"
Triss laughed. "Just so you would stop worrying."
Sebastian held her gaze for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. "Alright."
Zoltan, who was well into his second bottle of Mahakam spirit, suddenly straightened in his seat, he could recognize when trouble was approaching.
"Careful, look over there," Zoltan said, nodding toward the door. "That one is coming here... alongside his lass... or is that a soldier?"
Sebastian's hand moved with speed, tucking the mask back into his belt before the approaching figure could get a clear look.
A man approached their table, his bearing that of a soldier, his eyes sharp and assessing. He wore the simple uniform of the Temerian Special Forces, a woman walked beside him, younger, her face carrying the same watchful intensity, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.
The man stopped at their table, his gaze sweeping over them. He noticed Sebastian's movement, the slight shift of his hand, but said nothing about it.
"Triss Merigold," the man said, in pleasant surprise. "Strange seeing you here."
Triss looked up. "Oh! Commander Vernon Roche. What are you doing here?"
Roche's smile was thin, his eyes never leaving her face. "Just here for a drink, with Ves and some of my men, they deserve it."
He turned to Sebastian, his gaze appraising. "This must be the witcher. I was in the palace earlier, so I know he had an audience with the king." He extended his hand. "Welcome to Vizima, friend. I hope you are enjoying yourself in our humble Temerian capital."
Sebastian took his hand, his grip firm and measured. "I am. As you can see."
Roche nodded, his eyes lingering on Sebastian for a moment longer than was strictly necessary. "My apologies, friends. Carry on. I must go."
Triss smiled and Roche turned and walked toward a table at the far end of the room, his companion falling into step beside him. They were joined by a handful of other soldiers, their presence at once casual and watchful.
Sebastian waited until Roche had settled into his seat, then leaned toward Triss, his voice low. "He's here because of me. I assume it was him who was in the throne room."
Triss's eyes widened. "You're sure?"
Sebastian nodded, his expression grim. "Of all the taverns in Vizima, he came to the one where we are right now. Alongside his men. He's here for me. Clearly watching me. It could be the orders of the king, or he is acting on his own."
Triss's voice was cautious. "Should we leave then?"
Sebastian took a slow sip of his beer. "No. I think he saw my mask. Let's not give him any more reason to suspect me."
Triss nodded. "Are you going to accept the King's offer?"
Sebastian was silent for a moment. Then he spoke. "I'll be returning to Kaer Morhen in three months. I'm short on time. It wouldn't hurt to do this job, but I have other things to do."
Triss's voice was curious. "What things?"
"Things.." Sebastian said calmly.
Triss laughed. "You really have no idea where to go, do you?"
"I'll go wherever the path leads me." Seb said.
Triss reached across the table, her hand resting on his. "I think you should accept. It's a simple task for someone with your abilities. And it would do you good, having a bit of people you know here and there.. let alone a king."
Sebastian's eyes met hers. "I'll decide in the morning. As for you, Triss, I know I'll be taking your time, but crack this mystery for me."
Triss squeezed his hand gently and she laughed. "Don't you worry. I'll do whatever I can. It shouldn't be hard, it'll just take time." She paused, "And this is another reason why you should stay. Help the king while I uncover what this mask can truly do."
Sebastian's expression was one of amusement. "You really are a court mage.. Is this how you negotiate in the royal court?"
Triss's smile was playful. "I only do this with people I like."
She said to herself, however. 'It could be a chance for me to help him without telling him what happened. If the mask truly can open portals between worlds, it might help us locate Ciri...'
At the table across the room, Roche settled into his seat, his eyes fixed on the group at the back. Ves sat beside him, "They seem to be enjoying themselves," Ves said. "Why are we here, Commander? The witcher seems alright."
Roche shook his head slowly. "He already charmed you? You didn't even have a conversation with the lad yet." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "Remember, we can't trust anyone. Not until we know for certain."
Ves's expression was one of patient understanding. "I do. But he had a chance in the palace to do whatever he wanted to the King, he even refused the King's offer to be by his side.. He doesn't seem like some hired arm to me."
Roche's voice was flat. "That remains to be seen." His eyes never left Sebastian's table.
/-\
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