When Geralt arrived to escort Triss, she took his breath away. She was dressed in a dark green sleeveless dress with gloves that reached her elbows. She looked very much the part of a noblewoman. She turned around and smiled when she saw Geralt.

"Oh my, certainly took my request to heart," she said, admiring his black doublet.

"Mean you weren't being serious? Still got time to change..."

"Don't you dare! You look great. You get everything?"

He handed her a golden fox mask. "Everything's ready."

"A shame events like this are so rare. Without them, I'd never get to see you dressed up."

"Damn doublet's chafing my armpits," Geralt complained, much to Triss' amusement. "And it feels like they sewed wires into this."

"I'll be sure to admire your valiant suffering the whole time."

Geralt shot her a look, which amused her even more.

"Shall we go?"

Geralt offered his arm. "Let's go."

~~~

"Greetings, m'lord, m'lady," the sentry at the Vegelbud's gate greeted.

"We're Lady Ingrid Vegelbud's guests," Geralt informed him.

"Your invitation, please."

Triss handed him her invitation.

"All's in order. You'll find Lady Vegelbud in the estate's yard. Look for the parrot mask. One more thing," he looked at Geralt. "Leave your swords here, please."

Geralt removed his swords. It wasn't the first time he'd been asked to do so in his life and he somewhat understood the reasoning. They couldn't help Albert if the Witch Hunters immediately saw he was a Witcher.

"A pleasant evening to you both." He opened the gate for them and they entered.

"It's beautiful here!" Tris exclaimed. "I haven't been outside the city in ages!"

A man wearing a red doublet and a bird mask stumbled towards them. "Hello, Vivian!" he said. "No use pretending you don't know me! Is that any way to treat an old mate? Refuse to acknowledge him?"

Triss just looked at him. "There's been a mistake," she said. "I don't know you, sir."

"Don't be foolish, Vivian... I'd recognize that mane anywhere. You might play the great dame now, but before that Baron Edward... something... pulled you from the gutter, you were a common —"

"Enough," Geralt said. "The lady says she doesn't know you."

The man looked the Witcher up and down. "Who's this? The new one? Older than the last, it seems. A decrepit moss-covered prick. So, the less they can, the more they pay, is that it?"

"Let's go, Triss. Wouldn't want to make a scene."

"Vivian! Hey!" the man called after them as they walked away. "Ah, I liked you much better when you worked the carriages outside the Passiflora."

"What a jackass," Triss commented.

"I'll agree."

As they moved towards the main courtyard, they ran into a friend of Triss'.

"Moritz? What're you doing here?"

Moritz, wearing a black stork mask and a black and gold doublet and watching a drunk party-goer play in a fountain, turned his head towards them. "Little Miss Merigold," he said, condescendingly. "Well, well. And I was led to believe this would be an elegant affair."

"Yes, I missed you, too. But can we put that aside for now? Do you have a way out of Novigrad? You can join us if you want."

"Join you? And just who would I join?"

"Your friends, among others. Once we've all gathered, I'll lead you—"

"You will lead? Forgive me, Merigold, but that is like allowing myself to be led by a lame duck. Farewell."

"Asshole," Geralt said once Moritz left.

"He's an old friend. His name's Moritz Diefenthel. Tell you the story later." They entered the main courtyard and weaved through the partygoers to find Ingrid.

Ingrid saw their approach and excused herself from the couple she was talking to and approached them. "Miss...?"

"Yes, it's me," Triss said. "The trout buyer."

Ingrid looked confused for a moment. "Hm?" Then she remembered the code she used. "Oh, yes, of course. Please excuse the precautions, but... perhaps we can speak somewhere in private?"

Triss motioned for her to lead the way and they retreated to a deserted corner.

"Thank you for agreeing to help. My valet warned me you might come with a..." She looked over at Geralt, who had donned a silver wolf mask. "Friend. I'd prefer as few as possible knew of Albert's flight, but if you trust this man..."

Triss looked at Geralt. "Like no one else," she defended the Witcher's presence.

"Any sign of the Hunters recently?" he asked.

"Since they attacked my servant at the market, none. All has been quiet. But I bribed a man at the Temple Guard. He claims there's more and more talk of Albert in the ranks."

"How did the guardsmen learn about your son's interests to begin with?" Triss asked.

"Ahh, unfortunately, I cannot be sure Albert himself was not the source, merely boasting about an experiment. He's careless that way. Like his father. A kind man, but a dimwit. Devoured by an arachas, I don't know if you've heard."

"Yyyeah..." Even Geralt had heard of the noble that thought that he could tame an arachamorph for breeding purposes. The Wolf School Witchers had all agreed the man had been an idiot for the attempt. "Must've traveled far and wide."

"Then you know he attempted to breed them. Perhaps I should be pleased Albert adopted alchemy as his hobby, a safe one, relatively speaking, until recently, that is."

"Let's get Albert. Where is he?"

"Entertaining the guests. He has always been an outsized presence at my receptions. I preferred not to arouse any suspicions..."

"When can we take him away?" Triss asked.

"We shall have to wait until the guests have imbibed enough to notice only the goblet-laden trays. Don't fret, it won't be long."

"Is your son ready to go?" Geralt asked. "We'll have to act quickly."

"Yes, I've seen to everything. Where will you take him?"

"You're better off not knowing any details," Triss said. "He'll be safe, I promise."

"But...," Ingrid started to protest.

"Please trust me. It's not my first time I've done this."

"I know. Thank you."

"How will we recognize him?" Geralt asked.

"He's donned a panther mask. He knew you were due to come for him. Seemed rather excited, ironically. I'm afraid he's not fully comprehended the danger he faces. As I said, he's not terribly bright."

"Don't worry about that. He'll fit in with a good number of the other mages."

"Geralt!" Triss scolded.

"What?"

"Let's go find him."

"I shall await word from you."

It didn't take long for them to find Albert, bragging about one of his experiments to a couple of women.

"Albert Vegelbud?" Geralt asked.

"No," he giggled, the women giggling with him. "I'm a black panther! Rrraw!"

"Oh, my," one of the women said. "Count!"

"Your excursion to Novigrad, we should talk about it."

"Oh, so you are..."

"Mhm."

"Excuse me," Albert said to the woman he had been flirting with before leaving with Triss and Geralt.

"When can we leave the estate?" Triss asked him once they were out of earshot of the other guests.

"Weeeell...," Albert said. "Mama said it would be best to wait until everyone's drunk. Besides, there'll be fireworks later, a jolly good distraction. Once they've begun, I shall slip away, saunter into the garden. We will meet in the hedge maze."

"Be waiting for you there," Geralt said.

"Very well, but first you must absolutely try the Fiorano rosé. Absolutely!" With that Albert turned and rejoined the party.

"Hope Albert hasn't forgotten the reason for this whole get-together."

"Wanna wait in the garden?" Triss asked. "I saw a nice spot there earlier."

"Come on."

As they headed towards the garden, Geralt heard a very familiar voice call his name. He turned his head to see a woman wearing a silver wolf mask encrusted with pearls and opals. She wore a long ivory-colored dress with lace sleeves and bodice, not revealing much of anything, a wolf's head resting on her chest. Her white hair was pinned in an updo. Geralt couldn't believe who he was seeing.

"Nice of you to tell us you were alive, Juray."

"I didn't realize the messenger bird got lost. I wasn't exactly in a position to let you know."

"You look stunning," Triss said. "But how did you managed to get an invitation to this ball?"

She motioned to the couple next to her. "Through my friends here." She then turned towards them. "This is...," she paused a moment before looking at Geralt and Triss. "Gavin, and his wife, Fiona."

"This is Gavin?" Geralt asked. "What did you do, go look him up?"

Juray sighed. "No, I didn't even know he lived here. They took me in and hid me while I recovered from Junior's setup. Which we can discuss later."

"Come, Gavin. Our glasses are empty." Fiona took her husband's hand and walked off.

"And you don't just stuff yourself into a doublet for the hell of it." Juray looked at Triss. "I'm sure you've had to listen to the usual amount of complaining."

"Of course." Geralt rolled his eyes. "Listen," she glanced around before lowering her voice. "We're here to spirit Albert Vegelbud into hiding from the Witch Hunters."

"Not surprising. Since I've been here, the man has boasted about several alchemical experiments he's performed. Not shocked that he's gained the attention of the Witch Hunters."

"We're meeting him in the hedge maze when the fireworks start."

"Then I'll meet you as well. I wouldn't put it past the Witch Hunters to be at this party waiting on the perfect moment to nab Albert."

"I'd appreciate that."

"I'll meet you then."

Triss and Geralt headed towards the garden to wait.

~~~

Triss and Geralt found a secluded place to wait for the fireworks. They had taken off their masks and they were currently sitting next to them.

"Relieved to get that mask off," Triss said. "If only for a little. Great view from here. And there's even wine." She took a drink from the wine glass in her hand. Geralt had chosen not to partake in drink tonight, as he needed to be alert. "It's been so long since I've been to a feast, ball, or reception. Amazingly pleasant change from the sewers of Novigrad." She took another drink.

"So, does this mean it's a good time to ask you about..."

"Yes?" Triss looked hopeful.

"About that mage we met earlier."

Triss deflated. "Ah, Moritz. What do you want to know?"

"How'd you meet?"

"Geralt, all mages know each other. Some are well over a century old. That's plenty of time to make acquaintances."

"In that case: when did you meet him?"

"At a feast, long ago. He walked up and... just blatantly offered to teleport us somewhere... quieter."

Geralt snorted a laugh. "Seems just like the type."

"Really. At the time, he seemed to me... sweet." She looked at Geralt. "He actually pursued me for a while afterward."

"Got the impression he doesn't exactly like you."

"I just think he'd love to have me as his charge, rather than his leader." She took a drink of her wine.

"See, but you're the one organizing the mages' escape from Novigrad."

Triss sighed. "Sometimes I have no idea how I actually managed to bring them all together..." She drank again and Geralt hoped the wine wouldn't go to her head.

"You're a charismatic leader. Simple as that."

Triss looked up at Geralt. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely. Next thing you know they'll be calling you Iron Merigold. Could even wear an eye patch and it'd look right."

Triss chuckled. "For a moment there I thought you were being sincere."

"Course I'm being sincere. Look at me. Didn't blush a bit."

Triss laughed.

Geralt's attention went to his right. "Someone's coming."

"Is it Albert?" Triss whispered.

"No, just some lost guest." Geralt put his arm around Triss and pulled her close as a man appeared, looking around. "Shh!"

Triss giggled as she leaned against him. "Must be looking for his beloved. Like in that elven tale about the frog and the lark. 'Inchu, inchu, beag broggha...' She smiled. 'Inch by inch, little frog...'" She giggled again.

"Gimme that." He took the glass of wine out of her hand and set it on the edge of the planter next to him.

Triss laughed. "I sure hope the other guests don't get drunk as quickly as I did!"

"Sooner we get out of here, the better."

Triss pushed off him. "Oh, no! I plan to have a good look at this famous maze of theirs first... I hear the statues there are completely... entirely..."

"Entirely what?"

Triss giggled. "Nude! Come on, Geralt!" She stood, grabbing her mask, and headed towards the maze.

"Triss, wait!" Geralt called after her, picking up his own mask.

"Geeeralt!" She disappeared around a hedge and Geralt stood to follow her. "Coming?"

Geralt smiled and shook his head, following her through the maze, her giggles echoing.

"Triss. Come on." He turned a corner in time to see her hop onto the ledge of a fountain, her skirt in one hand and her fox mask in the other. She giggled as she danced.

Geralt watched her, amused. "Careful..."

Triss spun around and lost her balance just as he gave his warning. Geralt rushed forward and caught her before she fell. Triss placed a hand on his bearded cheek and started to lean forward to kiss him as the sky filled with fireworks. Geralt refused to take advantage of her in this state and set her down, but he could see the hurt in her eyes. She turned away, brushing a strand of her red hair from her face that had fallen loose.

"Miss Merigold!"

The two turned towards Albert, who had joined them with Juray. Geralt thought she looked beautiful and if he hadn't known her, he would have thought she belonged among the nobility, as she looked the part.

"At last! So sorry we were forced to meet under such incredibly inopportune circumstances..."

"You could say that again," Geralt muttered.

"But I'm sure we'll make up for it another time. I absolutely must show you my alchemical formulae..."

"Anyone follow you?" Triss asked.

"I don't believe so."

"I didn't see anyone," Juray answered. "But there's quite a few people in the maze right now."

"Well, just in case, you two switch masks."

Geralt handed off his wolf mask as Albert took off the panther and the two put on their masks.

"We'll go first. Geralt will follow right after."

"Saddled horses await in the stables," Albert informed them.

"Good. Meet you there."

Ingrid was waiting for them in the stables when Triss, Albert, and Juray arrived.

"Albert, I don't think Miss Merigold has the room for one of your girlfriends."

"Not his girlfriend, Lady Vegelbud," Juray corrected. "Juray of Riverdell. Witcher. I'm a friend of Triss and Geralt's."

"Oh, my apologies."

Juray removed her mask. "Geralt should be joining us shortly."

Triss and Albert prepared their horses to leave and Juray frowned when Geralt didn't show well past fifteen minutes. He finally appeared at the stable doors and Ingrid pushed off the door she was leaned against.

"I had begun to worry," she said.

"Ran into some trouble," Geralt explained.

"Hunters? Will they come here?"

"No. We've got some time. But please send someone to the garden. Needs a little tidying."

"I shall see to it. And you must hurry." Ingrid left to take care of the mess Geralt left and he approached Triss, who was avoiding looking at him.

"Everything set?" he asked.

"Yes." She handed him his swords. "Got your swords back from the guard. And Ingrid gave me the coin. It's, uh... more than I expected. Stunningly more, frankly."

"Glad I could help you collect it. You'll find good use for it?"

"What happened at the fountain..." She finally looked at him. "I'm sorry, I acted irresponsibly. It was the wine, too strong."

"No need to apologize. It was...," Geralt hesitated a moment. "Nothing."

"Yes, nothing."

"Miss Merigold...," Albert said as he mounted his horse.

"We need to go."

"I know." He helped her mount her horse. "Be careful, Triss."

"I will." She and Albert rode off.

Juray joined him as he watched them ride off. "We should leave, too."

"Mhm."

"I need to go back to Gavin's for my armor and swords. I'll meet you at the Rosemary." She looked at Geralt. "I learned something about Whoreson," she spat the name as if it left a bad name in her mouth. "That you need to hear. But I won't say it here."

"You know Zoltan's been worried sick about you. As have I."

"I'm sorry I worried you, Geralt. But Gavin and Fiona were already risking so much by hiding me as it was. I didn't want to risk sending you a message. I'll explain what happened at the Rosemary." She turned and walked away, heading back towards the party.

"You look beautiful, Juray."

Juray stopped and turned back towards him.

"I mean it. You clean up nicely."

She smiled. "Thanks, Geralt."

~~~

"You don't have to repay us," Fiona said as Juray said her goodbyes. "Just keep out of trouble if you can."

"You have done so much for me by hiding me and dragging me to that ball," she said the last with a smile. "I'm not going to take advantage of your hospitality without at least doing something for you. I'll repay you the next time I'm in Novigrad."

Fiona stepped forward and embraced Juray. "Just keep the world safe from monsters. And do come visit us when you are in Novigrad. I would very much like to hear updates on your adventures."

Juray returned her embrace. "That I can do."

"Allow me to walk you to the door," Gavin said.

Juray nodded and her former flame escorted her to the front door. But to her surprise, he stepped outside with her.

"I want to speak to you without Fiona present."

"About what?"

"I think you falling onto our doorstep, quite literally, has worked wonders for Fiona. She hasn't smiled like that in nearly a decade."

"Seemed to me your marriage is perfect."

"There's nothing wrong with our marriage, Juray. We had three children and life is wonderful. But she still mourns for our daughter. She died of the Catarona nearly ten years past. A beautiful girl of fifteen. While our boys have married and have children of their own, we both wonder what kind of woman Rowena would have been. Fiona mourned for her for so long that even her friends stopped calling on her. But when you came back into my life, Fiona started to smile, truly smile, for the first time since Rowena's death. I want to thank you for that."

"You're welcome. I guess."

He looked at Juray. "Before you go, can you humor me?"

"Depends."

"Did you ever move on?"

"What do you mean?"

"Did you ever find someone else? Someone who you could love without restrictions. Who could love you without worrying about what his family thought."

"Another lover? No. But I adopted an orphan whose family had been killed by the monster I'd been Contracted to kill. So I guess you could say I did find someone to love without restrictions."

"I'll admit, I always wondered what I would do or say if I ever saw you again."

"You're not the only one."

"A part of me still loves you."

"Gavin, don't go down that road. That horse has left the stable. You have a wife that adores you and a family that respects you. I moved on. While I think of you now and again, I do not harbor the feelings I once had for you. Bury whatever feelings you still have for me. I'm a Witcher and you're a noble. We would never have worked out in the end."

"You may be right about that. I wonder about the might have beens time and again."

"Our time was done thirty years ago. We cannot dwell on the past."

"You've taken your own advice to heart."

"Witchers can't afford to dwell on anything. Not if we want to survive in this world." Juray gave Gavin a peck on the cheek. "Goodbye, Gavin. I will come and visit Fiona next time I'm in Novigrad. I hope by then, you'll have decided that your wife deserves all of your love." Juray then turned and walked away, pulling up the hood of the short cloak the two had gifted her and heading towards the Rosemary.