Toss A Coin To Your Witcher

Author’s Note:  Because this story uses the title of a song from the Witcher TV series, which is itself inspired by the novels, I took creative liberties with the narrative and included my own characters—Aerion Lysander, Xiana Maverick—and their world of Privaria.

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Geralt of Rivia rode through the countryside on his steed, Roach. Beside him rode Jaskier, the bard.

They had been traveling from town to town, with Jaskier singing a ballad he had written about Geralt. Without warning, the sky darkened and the wind turned violent.

“What is going on?” Jaskier asked.

“I don’t know,” Geralt said. “But we need to find somewhere safe.”

Geralt grabbed Jaskier by the shirt and hauled him onto Roach. They raced across the land, trying to outrun the storm as it gathered strength.

“Where did this storm come from?” Jaskier shouted.

“I have no idea. But this storm isn’t natural,” Geralt replied.

He sensed something unusual within it. The wind whipped fiercely, nearly blinding him. Unknown to Geralt, a portal hidden within the raging storm opened before them—and he and Jaskier were pulled through it.

Privaria – Xazion

When Geralt and Jaskier could finally see again, they realized they were in a different realm. Strange, magnificent creatures filled the sky and roamed the land—beings that bore a resemblance to those from their own world, yet were distinctly different.

They continued on until they reached a large city.

The citizens greeted them warmly, and a child ran up to them.

“Welcome to Xazion,” she said.

“Thank you,” Jaskier replied with a smile as he dismounted from Roach.

Geralt followed, scanning their surroundings as he dismounted.

Xazion was lively, bursting with color and cheerful sounds.

“Maybe I should introduce you to everyone,” Jaskier said.

“Don’t even think about it,” Geralt replied sternly.

“Why shouldn’t these good people of Xazion know of Geralt of Rivia—the Witcher?” Jaskier asked.

“I have a feeling that knowing who I am would not impress them,” Geralt said, continuing to look around. “Moreover, I suspect this city already has a protector.”

Ignoring him, Jaskier made his way to the square and climbed up onto the fountain.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?” he called loudly.

The citizens turned to look at him.

“My name is Jaskier. I have a song I would like to play for you. It’s about a warrior who defends humanity despite being treated as an outsider. It’s titled ‘Toss a Coin to Your Witcher,’” he announced.

Jaskier strummed his lute and began to sing.

The people of Xazion quickly grew intrigued by his voice and paused to listen.

Among them were Xiana and her friends, Mira and Inez.

As the three of them stood listening, Mira’s gaze drifted to a man standing near the fountain.

He was tall, dressed in a quilted leather tunic beneath a studded jacket. Close-fitted trousers were tucked into knee-high boots. Black gloves and a dual sword harness added to the hardened edge of his appearance. Mira kept staring at him, as though something about him felt familiar. Then her eyes widened with realization.

“Xiana, that man standing near the bard—doesn’t he look like Aerion?” Mira whispered.

Xiana and Inez turned their attention to the man. Xiana raised an eyebrow.

“No… not to me,” she said.

Mira looked at her, surprised. “You’re serious?”

Inez snickered.

Xiana studied the man again, then simply shrugged. “I’m not seeing it.”

Mira turned to Inez, who had begun quietly laughing.

“Mira, really?” Inez said, trying to compose herself. “Aerion has a very distinct look—aside from Perelle. I don’t see it either.”

“Oh, for the love of Gudan, you two,” Mira muttered.

Inez giggled harder as Xiana shook her head.

“Mir, you’re nuts,” she said.

“Say what you will, but that man…” Mira insisted, her voice firm. “He could be Aerion’s twin.”

“What about me?”

The three of them turned.

Aerion stood there, wearing his usual charming smile.

“Bravewing, Mira says that stranger in black could be your twin,” Xiana said, pointing toward the fountain.

Aerion followed her gesture—and his eyes widened.

“Who is the bard?” he asked.

“He says his name is Jaskier. He’s singing a song called ‘Toss a Coin to Your Witcher.’ Whatever that is,” Xiana replied.

Jaskier reached the end of the song, and the crowd erupted into applause.

He bowed deeply. “Thank you, thank you,” he said with a broad grin.

Geralt, meanwhile, stood off to the side, grunting—clearly annoyed.

“Hello there.”

Jaskier turned, and his eyes went wide.

“By the stars!” he exclaimed. “Geralt!”

“What?” Geralt muttered irritably as he turned.

A man stood before him, dressed in a beige frock coat, a gray button-down shirt, light brown leather trousers, and black boots. He was as tall as Geralt. His hair was as white as Geralt’s, save for a single red streak, and his eyes were a striking blue-gray.

Geralt fell silent.

The man could have been his twin.

“Who are you?” the man asked.

“I am Geralt of Rivia,” he replied.

“Well met, Geralt of Rivia. I am Aerion Lysander.”

Geralt studied him carefully, stunned by how much they resembled each other.

“I suspect you and the bard are not from here—this realm of Privaria,” Aerion said.

“Is that where we are?” Geralt asked.

“Indeed,” Aerion replied.

Xiana approached and came to stand beside Aerion. Up close, she could now see a faint resemblance between him and the stranger.

Aerion turned to her with a grin. “What is it, Fire Diamond?”

“Nothing,” she said sheepishly, slipping her arm through his.

He snickered. Xiana looked up at him, unimpressed.

“Not funny,” she said softly, pursing her lips—though she couldn’t quite hide her smile.

Aerion burst into laughter as Xiana shook her head.

“Bravewing, just don’t indulge Mira too much about her being right. She’ll take it and run with it,” Xiana said with a smile, letting out a soft laugh.

“I know,” Aerion replied.

Geralt stood there… completely confused.

“Darling, I think your twin is lost,” Xiana added lightly.

Aerion nodded. “Geralt, allow me to introduce my wife, Xiana.”

“A pleasure to meet you,” Xiana said.

“The same,” Geralt replied.

As she studied him, Xiana noticed a strange aura surrounding Geralt—its colors unique, yet dark and patterned in an unusual way.

“You’re human… but altered. By magic,” she said.

Geralt nodded. “I am. I’m a Witcher—a monster hunter mutated by magical mutagens.”

Xiana raised an eyebrow. “That would be outlawed here.”

“Oh?” Geralt said.

“Xiana is correct,” Aerion added. “Altering oneself—or anyone else—through magical means is forbidden. Even if the intention is good, such as saving a life, there is still a penalty.”

“What is the penalty?” Geralt asked.

“If it was done to save a life,” Aerion said, “the one who performed the act can never do so again. The knowledge is taken from them.”

“And if it was done for selfish reasons?” Geralt pressed.

“Your life is wiped clean,” Xiana answered.

Geralt frowned slightly. “Elaborate.”

“Your memories—your entire life—are taken away,” she explained. “Here, you cannot alter yourself magically and continue living as you were. It’s like death… except you’re still alive. Your past is gone. Friends, family—everything erased from your mind.”

“Harsh rules,” Geralt muttered.

“One cannot wield the otherworldly power of Gudan without paying a price,” Aerion said.

“Gudan… who is that?” Geralt asked.

“The omnipotent creator of Privaria,” Xiana said. “Humans—both magical and non-magical—are His creations, along with dragons, gryphons, and many others.”

Geralt raised an eyebrow. “There are dragons here?”

“Yes,” Xiana replied, the subtle glow in her eyes flaring briefly.

“Before you ask, no—I am not a dragon. I am the daughter of one, but I am not a dragon,” she added.

Geralt’s eyes widened. “Dragons can have children? Human children?”

“Yes. We are called Vaelborn,” Xiana said. “No, we cannot shift into dragons like our parents. But many of us inherit their magical knowledge… and we can, occasionally, torch things.”

Aerion snickered at her last remark.

“Forgive me,” he said with a smile. “Xiana has a habit of being unintentionally comical. She makes me laugh because of it,”

Geralt allowed himself a small smile. “Understandable, I can see that you two are very much in love.”

Aerion and Xiana exchanged a warm glance.

“If I may inquire,” Geralt continued, “I’m sensing something about you, Aerion.”

“I am a Gryphon,” Aerion replied.

Once again, Geralt’s eyes widened.

“I’m getting the sense,” Aerion added, “that wherever you and the bard, Jaskier, come from, your versions of these sentient beings are… less than friendly or sociable.”

“Far from it,” Geralt said.

“Excuse me,” Jaskier interjected. “I couldn’t help but overhear… You are a gryphon, and your wife is the daughter of a dragon?”

“Former dragon,” Xiana corrected.

“Former?” Geralt and Jaskier said in unison.

“Long story short… Gudan made my father completely human, because of his love for me, my mother, and all of humanity,” she explained.

“But Gudan also granted you a blessing,” Aerion added with a smile.

“What blessing?” Jaskier asked.

“I am a Phoenix,” she said.

Once more, Geralt’s eyes widened.

Xiana continued, quick to explain. “Here in Privaria, a Phoenix is not born… it is made. Gudan bestows the gift upon those with a fiery spirit—those who have endured much. That is why I am a Phoenix.”

Geralt and Jaskier both fell silent.

Aerion turned to Jaskier. “Your song, ‘Toss a Coin to Your Witcher’—what inspired it?”

“Um, well… you see, Geralt and I came across—” Jaskier began, only to be cut off as Geralt grabbed his vest and yanked him closer.

“Tell the truth,” Geralt hissed.

Jaskier gulped. Aerion and Xiana exchanged amused smiles, Xiana resting her head lightly against Aerion’s arm as she giggled.

“I take it the song is… not entirely accurate?” Aerion asked with a grin.

“Not really,” Jaskier admitted.

Aerion laughed. “Worry not. You are hardly the first bard to bend the truth for the sake of a good ballad.”

Xiana glanced at Geralt and noticed the irritation lingering in his expression. She shifted her gaze to Jaskier.

You would do well not to annoy him too much, Jaskier, she said telepathically.

Jaskier’s eyes widened in surprise.

I can speak to anyone this way, she added. They don’t need to be able to respond in kind.

Aerion snickered, fully aware of what Xiana had done.

“I know a way to return you and Jaskier to your realm—if you wish to go back,” Aerion said.

“Yes, I do,” Geralt replied immediately.

“Actually, I’d like to stay a while,” Jaskier said. “Get to know this realm of Privaria.”

Geralt shot him a sharp look. “No.”

Xiana giggled softly as Aerion raised an eyebrow.

“Then follow us, my friends,” Aerion said.

✨✨✨✨

Geralt and Jaskier followed Aerion and Xiana to the face of a mountain. With a simple wave of his hand, Aerion opened a portal.

“Ladies first,” Aerion said with a smile, gesturing to Xiana.

She returned the smile and stepped through. Aerion, Jaskier, and Geralt followed close behind. Geralt had to leave Roach behind, though he intended to find another horse once they returned to their own realm.

The four of them emerged into a grand display hall within Aerion’s citadel.

“Welcome to our home,” Aerion said.

Jaskier wandered toward a nearby window. As he looked out and realized just how high they were, he gulped.

Xiana grinned. “I think your bard has just realized how high up we are.”

“He’s not my bard,” Geralt muttered. “And judging by the clouds, I’d say we’re near the peak.”

“That we are,” Aerion confirmed.

Moments later, Perelle entered the room—and stopped short. Her gaze shifted from Aerion to Geralt, her expression tightening with concern.

“Aerion, please tell me no one has created a magical duplicate of you,” she said.

Aerion laughed. “No, no.”

“Geralt, Jaskier—this is my cousin, Perelle. Perelle, this is Geralt of Rivia. He and Jaskier arrived here through a portal from another realm.”

Perelle studied Geralt closely. “You look like twins… aside from the clothing, eyes, skin tone, and demeanor,” she said. “Geralt looks like he’s always on guard.”

“That’s because I am,” Geralt replied.

Perelle approached him carefully. “You’ve been altered by magic. Why?”

“Where I come from, men like me are monster hunters—Witchers,” he said. “We’re changed through magical mutagens.”

“Sounds like a lonely life,” Perelle remarked.

“You have no idea,” Geralt said.

“That’s why I’m here,” Jaskier added brightly. “To ease the loneliness.”

Perelle turned slowly toward him, then glanced at Aerion and Xiana.

“You’re joking.”

Xiana snickered, burying her face in her palm, while Aerion simply grinned.

Perelle shook her head. “Would you like me to prepare the table for four?”

“No need,” Aerion said. “I’ll be sending Geralt and Jaskier back to their realm immediately.”

“Very well,” Perelle replied. “By the way, my lady—your mother has decided to redecorate the dining room.”

Xiana smirked. “Did Victorio complain?”

“Not loudly, but loud enough that your father didn’t appreciate it,” Perelle said.

“Excuse me while I go stop my mother,” Xiana said with a laugh.

Aerion chuckled as he leaned in and kissed her. She quickly exited the room, with Perelle following close behind.

“Your wife is very beautiful,” Geralt said.

“Thank you,” Aerion replied.

Jaskier glanced back and forth between Geralt and Aerion.

Aerion turned his gaze to him. “I would advise you not to speak or sing of this adventure,” he said. “I have a feeling this journey across realms happened so I could meet my ‘twin.’”

“But why?” Jaskier asked.

Geralt allowed himself a faint smirk. “Somewhere in the cosmos, there’s always a double—another version of oneself. I think Gudan brought me here to show me that there’s a version of me who isn’t so hardened.”

“Indeed,” Aerion said.

“Say the word, and I’ll open a portal back to your realm. Don’t worry—I have a good idea of where to place it.”

“Before we go, I have one request,” Geralt said.

“What is it?” Aerion asked.

“You said you are a gryphon. I would like to see that form.”

Aerion gave a small, amused smile. “That would require me to shed my current attire.”

Jaskier spoke up.

“That’s quite all right. No need.”

“Jaskier… quiet,” Geralt said.

Aerion nodded. He removed his clothes, and before Geralt and Jaskier’s eyes, he shifted into his gryphon form.

I am still able to speak—albeit telepathically. Ask your questions, White Wolf.

Geralt inclined his head, responding in kind.

I get the sense that your reason for being here is honorable.

Aerion nodded.

I am the protector of Xazion—this responsibility was given to me by Gudan. He also brought Xiana and me together. And yes, I know of your sobriquet. There is much I can read from you… because you are my “twin” in a spiritual, cosmic sense.

Geralt nodded.

That, I will admit to.

Just then, a portal opened. Jaskier smiled.

“It has been a pleasure meeting you—and your lovely wife. Many blessings to you both,” he said, stepping through the portal.

Geralt, don’t kill him. I know he’s annoying, but he has a good heart.

Geralt let out a faint snicker.

“I won’t kill him,” he said aloud, “but I’m not responsible for his foolishness either.”

Aerion dipped his head.

Farewell, twin.

“Farewell, twin. And take care of Xiana—she is the other half of your heart,” Geralt said.

I know.

Geralt stepped through the portal, and it closed behind him.

Aerion shifted back, dressed, and exited the room.

He found Xiana in the study, examining the strategy game he and her father had been playing for days.

“Would you like me to teach you?” he asked.

“Sure,” she said, and he walked over to the table.

“So, what was it like meeting your ‘twin’?” she asked.

“Enlightening,” Aerion replied. “I do feel for him. His life didn’t start easily—and it likely won’t end happily.”

“Given what he is, I gathered as much,” Xiana said as she sat down.

“I do hope—pray—that along the way, he’s granted a few moments of happiness,” Aerion said.

“As do I,” Xiana agreed.

As Aerion reset the board, he glanced at her.

“Yes, Bravewing?” she asked.

“I was just thinking… if I have a ‘twin’ in another realm, you must have one as well,” he said.

Xiana smiled. “I probably do. However, I don’t think I’m meant to meet them.”

“So I’m the privileged one who got to meet his ‘twin’?” he teased.

“Darling, I think we both know Geralt coming here wasn’t merely about two ‘twins’ meeting across realms,” she said. “Gudan wanted him to see a version of himself that wasn’t altered, distrusted, or feared—to give him a spark of hope that not everything is dark, dangerous, and cynical.”

Aerion smiled.

✨✨✨✨

Back in their own realm, life continued as usual for Geralt—with Jaskier at his side, singing “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher” to anyone who would listen.

Oddly enough, Jaskier seemed to have forgotten their journey across realms. He never mentioned it again. But the memory remained with Geralt.

One night, while staying at an inn, Geralt heard—felt—a voice.

Geralt of Rivia, you alone will keep this memory. It must not be shared with anyone else. It is my gift to you—a small blessing for all that you will endure on your path. Keep it close.

Geralt grunted, but nonetheless gave a slight nod.

It was Gudan’s gift—and he would carry it quietly within himself.