Dear Ciri, Lion Cub of Cintra,

I will never forget the moment you agreed with my words, “Human faces are gross,” with that unflinching certainty only you possess. It was then that I knew the weight of the world you were destined to inherit. The Law of Surprise had recently bound us, and though I wasn't sure how to navigate this newfound responsibility, your fearless spirit gave me clarity.

We both know that humans are by far the worst monsters. They lie to themselves and others, twisting truths and justifying their cruelty with clouded minds. It is a rare thing, Ciri, to find someone who sees the world as clearly as you do. Your Elder Blood sets you apart, not just as a Witcher’s ward, but as something much more. It marks you as prey in the eyes of the lawless, the fearful, and the power-hungry. But it also makes you powerful in ways they can never understand.

Wherever your path takes you, remember this: in a world that respects no laws, you must be your own law. Protect yourself as we’ve taught you. A weapon-free environment is only that for those who are not themselves a weapon. When the man beside you is a foot taller and 100 pounds heavier, it’s no sanctuary. Have a weapon and know it better than you know yourself. Never bring a knife to a sword fight, but always bring the fight when you must. Those who seek to harm you will show no mercy; grant them none in return.

Ciri—Vesemir, Yenn, Triss, Dandelion, and I all love you more than words can convey. Kaer Morhen will always be your home, a place where the wild winds of the world can’t reach you. I will see to it myself.

Stay safe, Lion Cub, and remember: you are never truly alone, no matter how far you roam.

Geralt, White Wolf of Rivia

Yes, The Burrow is gone. The safety of my home, loved ones and future generations informed the mission here and is best fulfilled with the closing of the group. If you are saddened The Burrow is gone, go spend time with your animals or find some you'd like to spend time with. No person or group will ever take their place or replace them. Be an honest and honorable person and acknowledge your own baggage. Grief resources, Death Positivity Movement resources, and Wixárika People all still exist. So do actual wolves.

To all of my fellow zoo-exclusive women and girls, including the one mentioned by the above letter: Do not let men (or anyone of any gender), whether in this community or elsewhere, tell you who you are. You know who you are. Your life matters. Trust your intuition and trust your judgement. They are your greatest tools. If someone gives you a bad feeling and/or you know other women have "ghosted" them, follow that feeling and leave or make them leave your space. You do not have to justify your reasoning. Their baggage is neither your responsibility nor your problem. Your own baggage is your responsibility. If they decide to make their problems your problem, make sure your "No" is genuinely enforceable. Set boundaries that let you and your animals thrive. Take physical measures to protect your bodies and home. Take a course on home defense and a women's self-defense class. Learn and practice a martial art. Get your CPL or local equivalent and make absolutely sure you understand how and when to use it if need be. Act with integrity and clarity. Do not falsely accuse someone of an action but do be genuine about letting others know about possible threats. When the zoo community is truly ready to move forward with rights, it'll have to deal with it's dissociation, fears of zoo-exclusivity, and misogyny on its own. Every second you waste on creeps is a second you waste spending quality time with your loved ones. You don't need to stick around.

Tetakaxeiya.