Feast of Gifts: The Wiseman, the Guard, and the Godling

You disembark from the boat that took you to the foot of Bald Mountain—known as Aard Cerbin and home to the reviled Ladies of the Wood. Ask Ciri about her familiarity with this place, and her reasoning that Imlerith is here, before beginning your exploration. Walk along the road lit by torches that flicker eerily, as she warns you about the Aen Elle elves—who are in league with the Wild Hunt.

Atop the steps, a guard with a crossbow is stopped by a wiseman who beckons you to feast with them. However, you aren’t allowed past this village. Sit down with them, and find out more about this ceremony:

• Ask about what the feast celebrates (blessings bestowed by the ladies, after which there’s verbal evidence that human children are sacrificed in return for “magical acorns”).
• Ask why the gates are closed (because only a “chosen” few see the ladies).
• Ask about the ladies descending to the village (they wait every year to see if they will appear).

After your fireside chat, the wiseman instructs you to visit a woman named Thecla, who will judge you.

Set off on the path through the village, heading roughly northwards, passing prayers to three wooden effigies of the ladies. You meet up with Johnny, the Godling you followed in the Crookback Bog earlier in your adventures.

If you removed Sarah the Godling from the “haunted” house during Main Quest: Novigrad Dreaming, she is here too. Johnny asks you why you banished her. Sarah interrupts, saying it worked out well in the end, as she met Johnny.

If you allowed Sarah the Godling to stay in the house, only Johnny is here.

Speak with Johnny. You can ask what he’s doing here (he’s heard the ladies smile nicely upon children during the sabbath). You can also learn that the only way up the mountain is by approval from Thecla, that she has a “guest” (Imlerith is here), and that a trial may be necessary to obtain a key to the mountain. Leave Johnny (and Sarah) and continue.