Chapter 49: Reunion at Oxenfurt
POV: Adam
Oxenfurt sprawled along the Pontar River like civilization's answer to wilderness isolation, its towers and spires reaching toward sky with architectural ambition that spoke of culture prioritizing knowledge over mere survival. The city's size overwhelmed after weeks of village contracts and rural travel, streets filled with diversity that made Kaer Morhen's controlled environment feel like distant memory.
Massive. This is what major civilization looks like.
Adam and Ciri explored cobblestone streets that wound between buildings housing university departments, merchant guilds, and noble residences, their steps carrying wonder that came from experiencing urban sophistication after months focused on supernatural threats and basic survival needs.
Different world. This is completely different world from what we've been living in.
The market district provided sensory feast that contrasted sharply with practical necessities that had defined recent experience—street performers creating music from instruments Adam couldn't identify, vendors selling goods that served aesthetic rather than survival purposes, scholars debating theoretical questions that had no immediate practical application.
Normalcy. This reminds us that life exists beyond constant fighting.
Ciri's discovery of books specifically addressing Elder Blood lore represented treasure more valuable than gold, knowledge that might help her understand powers that training alone couldn't adequately explain. Her excitement at finding academic resources felt infectious, transforming shopping from necessity into adventure.
Learning. She's hungry for learning about what she is.
Adam's success in locating rare alchemical ingredients spoke of Oxenfurt's position as trading hub where specialized materials could be found by people who knew what to request and possessed sufficient funds to afford quality components.
Respite. Brief respite from survival mode allows focus on growth rather than mere persistence.
The encounter with Triss Merigold happened through coincidence that felt suspiciously like destiny operating through careful planning, the sorceress appearing in exactly the location where casual observation would reveal their presence without seeming like deliberate surveillance.
Recognition. She recognizes us from descriptions.
Triss approached with confidence that spoke of someone accustomed to initiating contact with potentially dangerous individuals, her manner suggesting professional interest rather than personal curiosity or political maneuvering.
"Unusual magical signatures," she said without preamble, her voice carrying assessment that felt like diagnosis delivered by supernatural physician. "Elemental manipulation combined with Elder Blood resonance. You must be Adam and Cirilla."
Investigating. She's been investigating magical disturbances—our magical disturbances.
The conversation that followed revealed that their activities had created detectible traces for people trained to recognize supernatural phenomena, elemental magic leaving atmospheric signatures that experienced practitioners could identify and track.
Friendly but probing. She wants to understand what we are.
Geralt's approval came after evaluation that weighed Triss's reputation against potential risks, his assessment concluding that her genuine curiosity posed less threat than ignorance about capabilities that formal magical education couldn't explain.
University research department. Invitation to controlled magical examination.
The magical research facility provided environment where Adam's abilities could be studied without risk of catastrophic accident or unwanted attention from parties whose interest might prove hostile rather than academic.
Outside known systems. My magic is completely outside known magical systems.
Triss's examination confirmed what Yennefer had suspected—Adam's elemental manipulation operated according to principles that formal magical education couldn't adequately map, techniques that seemed to negotiate with natural forces rather than dominating them through applied will.
Fascinated, not threatened. She's fascinated rather than threatened by differences.
The knowledge exchange that followed provided insights that months of independent experimentation couldn't have achieved, Triss sharing theoretical frameworks that helped Adam understand how his abilities related to conventional Chaos magic while highlighting fundamental differences in approach and source.
Gentle techniques. Her examination of Ciri uses gentle techniques.
Ciri's evaluation proceeded with care that spoke of someone understanding Elder Blood's potential for traumatic manifestation, Triss employing methods that gathered information without triggering defensive responses that could prove dangerous for everyone involved.
Books. Academic resources for continued learning.
The materials Triss provided promised education that extended far beyond single consultation—texts addressing theoretical principles, practical applications, and historical precedents that might help them understand forces they were learning to control.
Lodge of Sorceresses. Warning about powerful women who manipulate politics.
But alongside assistance came warning about political forces that viewed Ciri's power as resource to be claimed rather than person to be protected, organizations whose influence extended throughout multiple kingdoms.
Interested in Ciri. They're specifically interested in Ciri.
[Experience Gained: 200 XP]
[Relationship Established: Triss Merigold 25/100 - Friendly ally]
[Relationship: Geralt +5 (now 95/100)]
[Magical texts acquired for future study]
Their departure from Oxenfurt carried more than additional supplies and academic resources—understanding that world contained allies whose interests aligned with protection rather than exploitation, people whose expertise could supplement rather than replace their growing capabilities.
New friendship. Secured new friendship in world that seemed to contain only threats.
Triss waved from the university steps with promise to send word if Lodge activities suggested immediate threat to Ciri's safety, professional network that provided early warning about political maneuvering that might affect their freedom of movement.
Support system. We're building support system beyond just our immediate group.
The road ahead stretched through countryside that felt less hostile knowing that sanctuary existed in places where knowledge was valued over conquest, academic institutions that prioritized understanding over control.
Growing. We're growing stronger through connections as well as individual development.
Looking at Ciri's satisfied expression as she organized new books that promised insights into her nature and potential, Adam understood that some education came through formal instruction rather than trial-and-error experimentation.
Ready. More ready than we were, with resources to continue growing.
The journey continued toward whatever contracts awaited their professional services, but now with confidence that came from knowing they weren't facing challenges entirely alone.
Together. We face everything together, but together now includes more people than just our immediate party.
Some alliances were worth cultivating regardless of whether they provided immediate tactical advantage.
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