“stupid. definitely stupid,” was the white haired witcher’s immediate reply. “dunno what it is with people thinking it’s a smart idea to attack a witcher, but it’s quite common in these parts, regardless if you’re taveling on your own or guarding a caravan.” geralt had seen his share of stupidity while traveling across the continent and the skellige isles, witnessed his share of stupidity people were prone to, but nothing topped the bandits. they seemed to be a whole category for themselves, be it just one or in a group, but they always attacked witchers. no doubt there would be bandits on the way to novigrad, even more when they’d approach the city itself. many nobles had their residences around the city, which seemed to be what attracted bandits to the area.
rashida’s comment, while holding truth to it, had geralt snort a little, a small smile visible on pale features. “baths are a luxury, but i’ll try my best to not show up as dirty as i am now.” though even a luxury, he wasn’t one to say no to a tub of warm water. “as for how we fight.. you might end up disappointed. most say we fight like barbarians, without any sense of grace. suppose you’ll find out soon enough though.”
【 ⚔️ 】— “Suppose I shall,” she said with a nod. “Until then, I should see to the others.”
Finishing her ale and excusing herself from the table, she went to meet back with the Ofiri merchants at the table behind him to speak of tomorrow morning’s plan, a few of the foreigners started amusingly nudging her and motioning towards a plate of steamed snails they had ordered, some of the younger ones having never seen such strange cuisine before.
The next morning was bright as the sun was just finished rising above the horizon, the hustle of the merchants rearing the beasts of burden awake and hitching the wagons to them. They were strange creatures, obviously not native to the North. Cream or light brown fur, with droopy faces and long effeminate eyelashes; long, knob-kneed legs attached to large, heavy split hooves to match an equally long, U-shaped neck. The most distinguishable feature of them aside from their height, however, were the single humps on their back
“The Ofiri did not use horses or mules to pull their wagons or plows, as they consider this work beneath them-- Horses are sacred to Ofiri, you know.” Rashida explained, oiling and sharpening her steel scimitar for the road ahead, sitting upon a felled tree stump next to the inn. It also went without saying that an animal that was half-horse like a zorse or mule was just as revered, and a donkey or oxen would be too short to be strapped to the specifically-made wagons these beasts were being attached to.
“Instead, they use camel, usually desert animal-- useful crossing deserts and seas because they can go for many days without food or water if need be.” She explained further. “They are ah... angry bastards, though.” She used the word like she had just discovered it and its meaning. “Would recommend using sign if you wish to approach. They do not like anyone except handler-- even that is questionable.”