FAINA WALKED NEXT TO BORCH, ASKING HIM QUESTIONS ABOUT HIMSELF.

About where he grew up, his family, about other dragons. He told her about how hundreds of dragons would gather in Zerrikania during the festival, celebrating with each other their culture.

"Over the years, our numbers began to dwindle. We were being hunted into extinction. Most stopped attending the festival in fear of hunters following." Borch explained,

"I love that festival. I go every spring." Faina replied, "I used to go because I thought it was my best chance to find a dragon."

"You would be right. But, I haven't been to the festival in a century. I haven't seen another dragon besides my mate in two centuries." He gave her a small smile, "It's nice to see some of us still thrive."

Geralt glanced back at the pair and Faina sent him a comforting smile, to let him know she was okay.

"I find it interesting that you care so much for each other, yet he does not know of your heritage." Borch commented,

Faina sighed, fiddling with the medallion that he gave her long ago that hung around her neck, "I wasn't sure of his opinions of dragons. And when I thought I could trust him with my identity, well... I have known him for what seems like a decade and it would betray his trust to tell him now."

"You love him, do you not?"

The woman stared at the Witcher ahead of her and hoped he wasn't listening, "I believe I might."

"Then anytime would be the right time." Borch told her,

Soon, they had followed the trail that led into the mountains. Rocks were falling onto them and Geralt made sure to stick close to her to prevent any from hitting her.

"Mind the scree fallin', hear me?" Yarpen called out, "Can get a bit rocky round here if it's windy. Which... it is."

They came to the end of the path, which opened up to reveal the canyons and valleys. To their right was a thin wooden boardwalk which looked like it was ready to fall apart under the smallest of weight.

"Yeah, you're right, this is a short cut... to death." Jaskier commented,

"You wanna beat those Reavers or not?" Yarpen questioned,

"You can't beat them if you're dead." Faina stated, moving to glance over the edge of the cliff. She couldn't even see the bottom.

"We should turn back." Geralt suggested,

"No. We're very close." Borch shot down.

He was right. Faina could feel a warmth in her chest. It grew the closer they got to the cave.

"How can you possibly know that?" Jaskier asked the older man,

"'Tis a perfectly fine route." Yarpen argued,

"For a dwarf." Yennifer replied,

She wasn't wrong. The path was small and probably was only made to survive under the weight of dwarves, not full grown people.

"Stiffle your mewlin'. You'll manage." The dwarf spat at her, "As long as you don't look down." He grinned at them before moving towards the boardwalk.

All the dwarves got a head start and they all looked over at Jaskier, wanting him to go first, "Uh, ladies first?" He glanced between Yennefer and Faina,

Yennefer pushed him and he gripped onto the chains to keep his balance before stepping onto the planks, "Right, yep."

The mage went next, followed by Geralt. Faina reached for his hand as she took one step onto the creaking wood, "Don't look down." He told her, squeezing her hand,

Borch followed behind her and he gave her a nod of encouragement.

"This isn't going to end well." She muttered,

The wind pushed her back and she gripped onto the chains that were attached to the mountain. Borch reached forward and pushed her into the rocks to steady herself.

The plank below them creaked and Faina's heart dropped.

It broke and Faina let out a scream as her feet scrambled to catch onto the next plank. Geralt quickly wrapped his arms around her as she grabbed onto the chain, which Borch and his warriors held onto.

"No!" Faina desperately clung onto the chain,

She couldn't let them down. Not again.

"No, please, no." Faina whimpered, tears blurring her vision.

Geralt tugged on her waist, but even they couldn't hold onto the weight of the three. But she couldn't just give up.

"Dear Faina, you will save us yet." Borch said, "But first, you must let go."

She shook her head wildly, "No, I can't."

The plank below her and Geralt cracked and he tightened his grip on her, "Faina, the planks won't hold." He told her,

She looked back down at Borch, "There's still so much to know." She whispered.

"Thank you." He smiled at her before letting go,

"No!" Faina cried as she watched him fall within the clouds, Téa and Véa close behind.

Geralt pulled her back and she cried into his chest. He didn't know why she was so attached to the old man, but he still felt for her. He stroked the back of her head for a moment before pulling away, "We need to go on." He whispered, brushing her tears away.

She nodded. She needed to save the green dragon. For Borch and for her people.