An Exercise in Watercraft

This is a fan theory — a fictional take on the Witcher 4 universe.

“Did you read the book I gave you?” asked Yennefer.

“Yes, it was actually quite interesting,” replied Ciri.

Through the window, one could see the beautiful city of Lan Exeter, its ornemented barges cruising along the canal and carefully decorated houses.

In the middle of the room, a large bucket of water separated Yennefer and Ciri.

“Now, the average witcher can only do a few magic signs. But you Ciri, you’re a source. You’re different. That’s why you need to be very careful so your spells don’t have undesirable consequences,” warned Yennefer.

“It’s just a simple water spell,” replied Ciri.

“Mages have submerged entire cities because of spells going wrong! Now watch and do the exact same thing I do,” Yennefer insisted.

Yennefer proceeded to began the lesson.

“Water is one of the easiest elements to control and today you will understand why...,” started Yennefer.

Yennefer demonstrated the proper use of the spell with precise, deliberate hand movements.

Each time, Ciri mimiqued Yennefer, trying to keep up with her very fast hand-gestures.

From the window, Ciri could hear people complaining about something.

Still, she tried to pay attention to the lesson.

“...If you focus enough, you can channel its energy and transform it into an electrifying blast...,” continued Yennefer.

A few seconds after mimiquing Yennefer’s tricky hand gestures, Ciri could hear a big splash outside, followed by some profanities.

“...If you use the Axii sign, you can actually slow its movements...,” Yennefer pursued.

Another hand gesture attempt from Ciri was swiftly followed by a new splash outside and more exasperated moaning.

“Yennefer, someone’s coming,” said Ciri.

A person knocked on the door.

Yennefer opened the door at lightning speed.

A guard, his hair and armor soaking wet, was standing in front of her.

“We’re practicing here! Come back later!” yelled Yennefer.

Before she could close the door, the guard squeezed his foot in, severely injuring it.

“Your magic is derailing traffic here sorceress!” yelled the guard. “Barges are turned upside down along the entire canal, everyone is falling into the water. You’re disrupting trade!”.

Ciri tried to make herself small.

“Make your barges stirdier! And stop interrupting me!” shouted back Yennefer.

She closed the door on the soldier’s foot again, nearly amputating it.

“We should have chosen a better place to practice,” Ciri chuckled.

Yennefer sighed, then smiled and nodded in approval.