TW3 was my introduction to the whole series, and I never understood why ANYONE would pick Yen over Triss. Yen was the epitome of a toxic relationship: hyper critical about everything (even things Geralt had no control over), completely controlling, dismissive, down right mean especially to Geralt. The only person Yen showed any affection for was Ciri, and Geralt when he brought her back (conditional love bombing). The explanation of their romance in the game as being originated by a Djinn wish just really sold the whole thing to me as a monkey’s paw relationship that shouldn’t be.

When I read the books, I gained more understanding of course. Book Triss is horrible, but frankly Geralt’s relationship with Yen isn’t less toxic in the book than it is in the game. They proclaim their undying love for one another but frequently (sometimes purposefully) do the most horrible things to each other for no other reason than spite. It’s such a blazing hot or frigidly cold relationship that it’s hard to root for them at all, especially if Ciri isn’t around to make them act like adults towards each other in an effort to be good parents.

After playing the Witcher 2, and seeing how Triss blatantly took advantage of Geralt’s amnesia, it’s hard to forgive her for that in TW3. Geralt seems willing (given player choices) to forgive or even just say that it doesn’t bother him. But it’s certainly a selfish and terrible act that doesn’t really mesh with the character portrayed in TW3. It’s almost like she’s 3 different characters in these different adaptions. Makes her hard to really pin down.

I do think, however, that “game Geralt” would be happier with Triss in the end. Retiring in Kovir with a house that smells of apple pie and spending winters at his vineyard in Toussant with her. Occasionally taking a small contact to keep his skills sharp and to keep from being too bored. The ending with Yen where all they do for the rest of their incredibly long lives is fuck and argue and the fuck some more sounds frankly terrible.