Text | Evening of August 2nd

[rollstoseduce]

[It's finally time for the fantasy trio to leave for Kanto and start a new badge journey, and like last time, they're taking a night train to sleep through it. Or that's the idea anyway - because also like last time, Jaskier wants to take the chance to chat a bit with the network. And after a little misunderstanding from the steward regarding Kiri, there's a topic that won't leave his mind.]

Many a similarity I've found among the realms us otherworlders hail from, yet there's one thing from mine (besides witchers!) I haven't found anywhere else: the Law of Surprise.

It's a custom as old as humanity itself, the granting of a seemingly impossible wish, the price a man who saves another can demand:

"Give me that which you already have but do not know yet".

It is a request for something which neither the savior nor the saved knows the nature of, until the saved man returns home. It could be a cute little pup or a mere crop, mayhap a new pair of shoes... or even a baby. So many heroic stories from my world were starred by a Child Surprise, often known as the Children of Destiny.

So imagine yourselves, if you will, in front of a powerful king or queen that asks you what reward you'd like for your service. What is your answer?

Do you ask for gold? A lady's hand in marriage?

Or do you dare to ask for the Law of Surprise to see what Destiny has in store in for you?



((As always, Jaskier needs to be super extra with his font. Lmk if you need me to drop it!))

Comments

text

[instrumentally]

How would one know if they are a child of destiny?

[rollstoseduce]

Usually their new guardians raise them without hiding the fact they're a Child Surprise, although some tales do add a later discovery for the excitement of a reveal.

text

[lanceroflove]

I have only one wish; of that to see and be reunited with my beloved again.

[instrumentally]

Do you think it is possible for other worlds to have Children of Surprise? Or do they only exist in the world that you know best?

[rollstoseduce]

I don't see why it should be impossible - as I've already mentioned, realms have many a thing in common. But I haven't found anyone familiar with the Law of Surprise (or witchers) so far.

[rollstoseduce]

Such a pure wish - I'm sorry you've been separated from your beloved, good sir or madam. And I do wish it comes true as soon as possible. I'm afraid, however, that does not answer my question.

[instrumentally]

I am not familiar with either of these concepts, beyond what you have already mentioned in this post. I would like to know more about them, if you would be willing to share this knowledge with me.

[lanceroflove]

[She reads it over embarrassed a bit, seemingly too distracted with her thoughts of being reunited. Wishes granted.... Hopes and Dreams...]

Is that not a reward?

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[scourgingstars]

What a most charming custom.

Destiny's never had much of worth in store for me. I might just be satisfied with something a bit less exciting.

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[fearinahandfulof]

I have no wish.

[rollstoseduce]

Ask away - although I should note that if you want an extensive explanation of witcher lore, I included it in one of my books.

[rollstoseduce]

We're not allowed to choose who is brought to this realm, I'm afraid. Is that not what you mean? That you were separated from your beloved when you arrived here? Is this an issue back in your homeworld, actually solvable by the powers of royalty?

[rollstoseduce]

And what can be less exciting than "not much of worth"? Would the monarchs' gratitude be enough reward for you?

[scourgingstars]

In my foolish youth, perhaps. These days I don't care to leave things up to fate's wicked hand.

[rollstoseduce]

I do not believe it, but may as well. What reward you'd be asking for then?

[lanceroflove]

Oh no... The question you had asked? Was it not to answer the Queen or Kings question?

[rollstoseduce]

Indeed! I wasn't sure if I understood correctly, forgive my confusion. So a king would be able to reunite you with your beloved? Is it a political matter that is keeping you apart, if you don't mind me asking?

[rollstoseduce]

Destiny (or Fate, whichever name you prefer) can indeed be a ruthless mistress. So what is the safe choice to avoid her? Ask the king for a mere new hat, mayhap?

[scourgingstars]

I would hardly complain about a new hat. ┐('～`;)┌

But then again, in matters of payment for services rendered, I think it most prudent to simply be owed a favor to be repaid when the need should arise.

[instrumentally]

Are Witchers also considered Children of Destiny?

[lanceroflove]

It is okay.

On my world we have a relic that can give wishes as well. That is why I am use to such a question being prosed, and simply answering as much. Especially when I think about being reunited with my beloved.

A political matter? Nothing like that.

Its far more complicated unfortunately.

Do you have that kind of 'wish' though? One that you would lay your life on the line for?

[fearinahandfulof]

[He's correct, but the wishes she has are not wishes that can be granted, unless Arceus is somehow feeling particularly merciful, so it more or less amounts to the same thing in Cassandra's mind.]

I don't think I could ask for anything. Is that wrong?

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[dreamsofahero]

An interesting custom, but does that not presume much on the matter of ownership? Surely a child would 'belong' as much to the mother as the father, after all, so how could the father be presumed to speak for both in making such a deal?

[angewiesen]

Why in the world would anyone want a surprise? Especially if you could have anything. That's weird.

[rollstoseduce]

Not all of them, although they often overlap. Children of Destiny is a term used exclusively for children claimed by the Law of Surprise.