Chapter 51: Consequences of the Hunt
POV: Adam
Sleep had become enemy territory for Ciri, each attempt at unconsciousness bringing nightmares populated by skull-masked riders whose pursuit transcended dimensional boundaries while her Elder Blood responded to proximity with manifestations that turned rest into battleground between exhaustion and terror.
Frost patterns. Her bedroll is covered in frost patterns.
Adam maintained vigil beside her as supernatural cold radiating from her unconscious form created crystalline designs that spoke of power operating beyond conscious control, temperature fluctuations that made camping feel like exercise in arctic survival despite spring's warmth.
Magical PTSD. Geralt calls it magical PTSD.
The terminology provided clinical framework for understanding trauma that extended beyond psychological into supernatural, Wild Hunt's proximity creating stress responses that manifested through Elder Blood rather than conventional anxiety symptoms.
Just beginning. This is just beginning of psychological warfare they use.
The Kindred Spirits bond allowed Adam to provide calming presence that penetrated whatever realm her consciousness visited during sleep, emotional anchor that helped prevent complete psychological collapse despite circumstances that would have broken people lacking supernatural support systems.
Stabilize her. Use connection to keep her grounded.
"Should we find secure location or keep moving?" Adam asked during dawn planning session, understanding that both options carried risks that couldn't be eliminated through careful strategy.
Movement versus fortification. Neither choice offers guarantees.
"Movement," Geralt decided after evaluation that weighed Hunt's tracking capabilities against available defensive options. "Stationary targets are easier to locate. Keep moving, vary routes, make pursuit require constant adjustment."
Defensive strategy. Everything we do now is defensive strategy.
The education that followed provided practical knowledge about recognizing supernatural threats that conventional training couldn't address, signs that spoke of interdimensional intrusion rather than normal environmental phenomena.
Hunt spoor. Unnatural cold spots, frost in wrong seasons.
Geralt's instruction covered atmospheric disturbances that preceded manifestation—temperature anomalies, pressure changes, wildlife behavior that indicated predator presence beyond normal comprehension.
Blood Sensing useless. Spectral entities don't register on blood-based detection.
Adam's supernatural awareness required adaptation to threats that existed primarily outside physical realm, learning to recognize dimensional stress patterns through airbending rather than biological surveillance.
Early warning system. Atmospheric monitoring provides early warning.
The techniques he developed used air pressure manipulation to detect spatial distortions that accompanied Hunt activity, creating detection network that might provide precious seconds of advance notice.
Limited success. Ciri's attempts to suppress Elder Blood signature achieving limited success.
Her efforts to contain the power that attracted supernatural hunters proved partially effective but exhausting, requiring constant concentration that made normal activity feel like endurance trial.
Can't maintain indefinitely. She can't maintain suppression indefinitely.
The strategic discussion that evening addressed necessity of seeking assistance from sources whose capabilities exceeded their own, acknowledgment that survival against Hunt required resources they couldn't develop independently.
Yennefer's contacts. Geralt proposes seeking help from Yennefer's network.
"Old friend has connections throughout magical community," Geralt said, his voice carrying reluctance that spoke of someone proposing solutions he didn't entirely trust. "Sanctuary or information that might provide tactical advantage."
More sorceresses. Adam reluctant to involve more sorceresses after harsh training experience.
The memory of Yennefer's training methods made Adam wary of exposing Ciri to additional magical practitioners whose priorities might emphasize results over her wellbeing.
Magical expertise. But we need magical expertise we don't possess.
Ciri's support for Geralt's proposal reflected pragmatic assessment rather than emotional preference, understanding that survival required assistance from people whose knowledge extended beyond their current capabilities.
Triss first. Compromise through seeking information from trusted ally first.
"Information from Triss," Adam suggested, finding middle ground between necessary assistance and protective caution. "She's proven trustworthy. Get her assessment before involving others."
Novigrad. Change direction toward Novigrad where Triss maintains connections.
[Experience Gained: 100 XP]
[New Skill: Hunt Awareness - detect spectral presences before manifestation]
[Relationship: Ciri +5 (supporting through trauma)]
Dawn departure toward Novigrad carried weight that went beyond simple travel logistics, strategic retreat toward resources that might provide solutions to problems that individual capability couldn't address.
Calculating. Geralt calculating how far Hunt's reach extends.
The witcher's study of maps reflected professional assessment of threat parameters, understanding that interdimensional hunters might not be limited by geographical boundaries that constrained normal pursuit.
Anywhere truly safe. Question of whether anywhere truly safe exists.
Adam took first watch while Ciri finally achieved sleep through sheer exhaustion, her unconscious form peaceful for first time since Hunt encounter despite circumstances that should have made rest impossible.
No nightmares. Finally sleeping without nightmares.
The temporary respite felt precious beyond normal comfort, brief sanctuary that exhaustion had carved from terror while her body performed essential maintenance that consciousness couldn't provide.
Protection. Every moment of peace I can give her matters.
Looking at her relaxed features painted in starlight that might conceal dimensional portals, Adam understood that some victories were measured in hours of sleep rather than enemies defeated.
Novigrad. Heading toward Novigrad and whatever answers magical community might provide.
The road stretched ahead through landscape that felt exposed despite natural beauty, leading toward city where academic resources might offer solutions to problems that force alone couldn't resolve.
Together. Whatever challenges await, we face them together.
Some battles required weapons that hadn't been forged yet, allies whose loyalty couldn't be purchased with conventional currency.
Hunt awareness. At least now I can sense them coming.
The skill felt inadequate against entities that could reshape reality according to supernatural will, but inadequacy didn't diminish its value as early warning system that might provide precious seconds when seconds determined survival.
Learning. Still learning, still growing stronger.
The journey continued toward whatever answers awaited in places where knowledge was valued over conquest, where people who understood supernatural threats might offer assistance that individual capability couldn't achieve.
Ready. More ready than yesterday, approaching ready enough for whatever comes next.
But readiness, Adam was learning, remained moving target that cosmic forces seemed determined to make obsolete through escalating challenges that tested everything love and determination could achieve.
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