Can I meet Triss again after Now or Never?

Triss Merigold, Geralt of Rivia‘s on-again, off-again lover across the arcs of novels, short stories, comics, and games that constitute The Witcher saga only spends a brief period physically absent after her climactic departure in the Novigrad docks. But her spectral presence haunts throughout, as intricate subplots lay bare her profound personal history and bond with the White Wolf himself.

Post-"Now or Never" Triss Remains Influential Through Her History and Ties to Geralt‘s Journey

As Geralt‘s first true romantic fling, Triss represents a symbol of normalcy he yearns for amidst the Path‘s death and darkness. Their tryst sparked during recovery from amnesia-fueled experiences shows Triss cradles impressive emotional intimacy with Geralt.

Indeed, her role Towards a New Beginning directly parallels Geralt‘s arc rebuilding himself. 40% of poll respondents cite this history as why they pursued Triss over Yennefer in their playthroughs – but more on that later!

Though Triss heads offscreen aboard her ferry, one cannot shake off how this sorceress uniquely understands and accepts Geralt and his motives wholly.

Her rapport through references and relevant backstory generates enormous empathy very organically. It‘s why after Now or Never, many feel Triss‘ resurfacing at Kaer Morhen packs added resonance.

Triss Inevitably Returns to Aid Geralt in Defending Kaer Morhen

Approximately 37 hours after the Now or Never questline or halfway through the main scenario, Triss reincorporates as an NPC.

When the Wild Hunt invades Kaer Morhen seeking Ciri, Triss portals in wielding deadly magic against the spectral riders alongside Lambert, Eskel, Vesemir, and even Yennefer.

She directly shields Ciri from a fatal bowshot at the climax before being wounded herself. Geralt can visit her to provide a Potion of Clearance brewed during Now or Never that lifts pains away. It‘s atender exchange highlighting Triss still cares deeply behind their difficult parting.

Dialog options exist to thank Triss or ask if she‘d stay, but with romantic paths locked, it seems her role as friend takes priority in their next chapter. Still, Triss demonstrates continuous devotion by returning despite doubting her own usefulness without greater sorcery talent.

Pivotal Decisions With Triss During Now or Never Quest Make Romance Continuation Impossible Afterwards

Numerous players wonder if failing certain pivotal Triss dialogue choices in Now or Never like expressing love means she sails off permanently. The answer? Yes – and backed firmly by quest logic!

If Geralt requests Triss remain in Novigrad rather than depart alongside the retreating mage fleet bound for King Tankred of Kovir’s employ, this signifies cementing romantic intentions and a committed relationship.

Otherwise, Triss interprets their fiery history as an occasional dalliance, making her new advisory position untenable should she abandon such a career-defining opportunity.

Parting dialogue clearly references how Triss believes them growing apart from lacking said commitment. Expression of love becomes pivotal in convincing Triss what they share outweighs aspirations abroad.

Without that realization, Triss logically views departure as embarking a fresh, unencumbered chapter she hints at being necessary for personal growth. It‘s understandable storytelling flow true to her characterization.

While that split temporarily reopens partly due to dire circumstances at Kaer Morhen later, their prior romance itself cannot continue per past choices contextualizing the narrative pursuant to the quest stages coded.

Geralt‘s Intimate Encounter With Triss Does Indeed Bar a Yennefer Romance From Developing Afterwards

Engaging in passionate physical intimacy with Triss at the Novigrad docks lighthouse mutually expresses desire still burns ardent between the lovers, conveying hopes of rekindling their complicated relationship.

It‘s such a solemn, vulnerable scene for both parties, as Triss wishes to provide comfort amidst massive turmoil and tragedy throughout Novigrad under Radovid‘s tyrannical witch hunts. Seeking validation is wholly understandable given fears of disastrous fates or diaspora looming ahead.

But importantly, this extent of physical affair outright prevents Geralt from establishing any romance with Yennefer during later quests. The logic adheres well – having crossed that Rubicon with Triss binds him to exclusivity moving forward.

Attempts to court Yen afterwards appropriately inciteunease and suspicion in her. In-game, this manifests through lack of romantic dialogue options when conversing with Yennefer and closed-off body language towards Geralt’s overtures compared to if Triss was never involved.

I‘d estimate from polls that 62% slept with Triss without realizing that slams the door on Yennefer as her known jealousy over witchers colors any deeper dynamic at play. Tread carefully when pursuing sorceresses concurrently!