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The scene is an intentionally unsubtle foreshadowing of what’s to come: from now on, Geralt’s motivations, relations, and emotions will be driven, almost entirely, by his instinctual drive to protect the young princess. And that makes his reunion with Yennefer, the woman he loves, so layered and heartbreaking.
While Cavill didn’t go into any (then) spoilers with Collider regarding his discovery that Yennefer is alive and well (and didn’t, as he believes, die in The Battle of Sodden Hill), he did mention the emotion at play in (what fans would later learn) was their reunion. “There’s a scene [in episode 6] where we see [Geralt] more emotional,” he said, adding, “that was important to me, to show that he does have these connections with the people and things that he loves.”
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The series’ decision to have Yennefer later attempt to trade (and endanger) Ciri to get her powers back may have been controversial. Still, it added further layers to the mage and witcher’s relationship. Not only do we see Geralt show fear for the first time, but we also see him mourn the loss of the woman he loves, only to learn she’s alive, only to have her (almost) betray him. Geralt is ultimately forced to choose between his love for her and his responsibility to Ciri. It’s a decision he makes instantaneously, and one that leaves us, at the end of Season 2, with a far more nuanced hero: one who’s felt, despite the mythology that witchers don’t feel, the highest of highs and lowest of lows.
