A hunting party with Yennefer [asorceress]

[allbedestroyed]

This couldn't have happened at a better time. Things were as in control as they'd ever been. A reality that is sure to be shattered sooner rather than later, but one that makes it incredibly easy to leave behind for a bit. Try as he might not to show it, Muldoon can tell that Hammond is a little relieved at the prospect of getting a break from the warden. Muldoon cites 'personal matters' as an excuse for the suddenness of his departure, and his boss doesn't question it overmuch. After all, it's not like Muldoon has taken much in the way of leave for the past few years.

Once work is in order, he just needs to gather his supplies. Weapons mostly. He's relatively certain the African bow and spear will be dismissed as too fragile by his new acquaintance, but they're what he's got and they pack a bigger punch than one might expect. His trusty hunting rifle at least looks sturdy.

Having thought everything through several times over, there is only one thing that he remains somewhat uneasy about. He's used to his clothes, to wearing the practical shirt, shorts and long socks that allow him to deal with all the unpleasantness swamps and jungles bring. The idea of wearing anything heavy is the least appealing aspect of this whole endeavour.

The deadly monsters he's quite looking forward to.

So it's only with minor trepidation that he returns to the designated rendezvous point. Thankfully being a seasoned traveller, his pack is light but for the weapons he's brought along.

Comments

[asorceress]

This would be the first time Yennefer can recall anyone from Muldoon's world so readily and enthusiastically agreeing to go on a hunting expedition through the dangerous landscapes of the place she calls home. She's taken people to her world before, but it's usually only briefly, and definitely not for the purposes of showing them the most lethal of creatures; much less hunting and tracking them. But she's the adventurous type, to say the least; and it sparks her curiosity to see how a human (with no magical or mutant like abilities) would fare in her environment of creatures typically only known through Earth's storybooks.

After she gathers the essentials in a pack, she portals into their rendezvous point. No point in doing otherwise, it's the simplest form of travel and he's already seen her do it; so there shouldn't be much shock. Closing it behind her, Yennefer is dressed in her standard mostly black ensemble, thick fabric with long sleeves, pants, and boots. She can't very well have him traveling with her looking like he's not from her world and potentially drawing attention if they happen to pass any of the locals, so she'd constructed an appropriate set of gear for him to wear.

"Did you have any trouble from your employer?" She asks, setting down her pack and glancing toward the one he's brought. "I've crafted for you a set of clothing using my magic, so whenever you're ready just say the word and it will bind to you." He won't need a changing room, so to speak. "I've made it as lightweight as possible, so it shouldn't restrict your movement too much, though it will be enough of a barrier from teeth and claws."

[allbedestroyed]

When Muldoon was a child he was raised on a balance of wilderness survival know-how, and exciting tales of explorers discovering new lands and dangers. No matter how old he gets, there's always been a part of him looking for his El Dorado. It definitely adds to the appeal when there's a beautiful woman with magical portals talking about not one, but a multitude of exciting beasts.

"Not much." For a change... Following Yennefer's lead, Muldoon sets down his pack and nods to it. "You can look through it if you like. It's all pretty standard."

As for the magical clothing... Yennefer is determined to take him out of his wheelhouse as quickly as possible, it seems. He has no idea what is involved in clothing 'binding' to him (it sounds a little painful), but that's how Yennefer does things, so that's what he'll do. He gives another nod, trying not to look as uncertain as he feels. "Alright. I'm ready."

[asorceress]

She catches the look of slight uncertainty on his face, he doesn't give much away in terms of being overly expressive but Yennefer is fairly observant. And it's clear that all of this is not the standard for him, so she offers an understanding smile.

"It won't be anything uncomfortable, or permanent," she reassures. With a wave of her hand and a spoken incantation in a language that likely sounds entirely unfamiliar to him; a dark colored set of lightweight armor appears on his body - similar to leather, but more durable and flexible as well; thicker at the shoulders and the throughout the torso to make it so that any attempted stabbings or punctures are difficult to land. "I spelled it to repel the dissolving effects of venom as well," she adds, then goes to look through his pack at the weapons he's brought. "You should be able to move around in it with enough ease, but let me know if anything is too restricting."

[allbedestroyed]

Having travelled as much as he has, it's a little unusual to hear a language that sounds so foreign, but isn't the strangest thing he's experienced before, let alone today. Realising that the new armour has appeared on him hurts his brain a little. He couldn't recall if he felt anything to signal its appearance before it was suddenly there, and yet he has completely different clothing, head to toe.

In his pack there really are mostly the essentials including; A pair of binoculars, a small knife, a compass; some first aid supplies, a torch, ammo, and some extra clothing. His beloved hunting rifle is by the pack, of course. Along with a tall, thin spear, and much shorter bow, both of which come from his Kenyan home. There's a part of him waiting to hear some criticism on them, but they're what he's got. Besides, he has his gun, and that's the main thing.

While she investigates his very modern-focused provisions, he gets to grips with the odd clothing she's given him. Mostly to make sure he can actually crouch, and that he can move without squeaking. It looks a bit like clothing that squeaks.

[asorceress]

Once she sees that he's reacted fairly well to the transition of clothing, she sets her focus on going through his pack. "Good thinking with the first aid," she remarks as she then goes to inspect the weapons; reaching for the spear. "I'm able to preform some healing spells, but if I'm incapacitated or otherwise exhausted, it's always helpful to have a back up."

As she inspects the spear, she extends it to check it's reach; then draws it back with a certain grace and familiarity. Her form suggesting that she's had experience wielding such weapons. Rifles are beyond her area of expertise; but bows, spears, and blades she's had training with. Magic was her main weapon, but she believed in utilizing every possible skillset. With a touch of her hand she transmutes the tip of the spear into silver. "This will need to be stronger if it's going to pierce through the exteriors of the creatures we're seeking," she says while holding the spear. "Do you mind if I alter it a bit? I can change it back to it's original form afterward."

She hears the slight squeak of the armor when he moves and frowns slightly. That absolutely won't do, especially when they need to move with silence. So with another, shorter incantation, she waves her hand and alters the armor to ensure the squeaking resolves.

[allbedestroyed]

There's no magic in his world. Or at least none that he's aware of. So the idea of not bringing some kind of first aid seems ridiculous. A bandage or plaster at the right time has saved his backside more times than he can count, and he's still around. The idea of having magic to solve such a potentially deadly issue seems comically simple. But Muldoon bites back any comment and simply gives a nod in acknowledgement.

Given her magical skills, he's a little surprised to see her handle the spear so comfortably. She's probably more comfortable with it than he is. But no sooner has she demonstrated her more normal skills than she's using magic again. Seeing that gets a small tug of Muldoon's lips, but he's quickly distracted by her question. He only hesitates a little, understanding that she knows what's best for their journey. So he nods again. "Sure. Do whatever you need to."

More incantations get a surprised look, but as he follows Yennefer's attention, and tests out the adjustment, surprise changes to appreciation. "Thank you."

[asorceress]

She waits before doing any more altering, but once he's given her permission she nods and soon the spear is encased in a much more durable substance - dark obsidian in color and the feel of it not unlike steel, though not as heavy. She hands it over for him to inspect, then checks through a few of the items in her own pack.

"I'd let you inspect what's in here, but it's primarily extra clothes and ingredients for spells. Some of which shouldn't be handled by anyone but the person casting the spell," she explains, double checking the items. Sturdy, dark glass jars and bottles can be seen as she sifts through the pack; as well as vials and potions and various leather pouches.

"You're quite welcome," she offers a grin in response, assessing the armor a final time. "It suits you," she states with a nod. He'll fit in just fine now that he's wearing gear that won't stand out. The rifle might turn a few heads and cause some questions, but that's likely to be the least of their concerns once they're actually in the wilderness tracking monsters.

"Last chance to turn back," she states dryly, then lifts her hands to create another portal. The shimmering edges open up to reveal a densely wooded landscape lit up by the fading remnants of the setting sun, turning everything to red and gold. "You might feel a bit dizzy afterward, so try to kneel down if that happens," she suggests as she takes a step through the portal and waits for him to follow.

[allbedestroyed]

The sudden transformation of his spear is watched with fascination. It really is unbelievable to witness. Perhaps even more impressive is how little effect it has on the handling of the weapon. Except that it might be more versatile, which is no bad thing.

"I trust that you've packed whatever you think is best," he assures her. There's no need for him to root through her things. She's the guide here, the expert, and he trusts her knowledge of her own world. He'd be less likely to trust whether she intended ill or good for him, except that he's aware he has nothing of value in her world. At the end of the day, she's either doing him a favour, or staving off some boredom. Or both.

Her compliment of his outfit -you know, the one that she made- gets a slight bob of his eyebrows, the only sign of his amusement. "I'll take your word for it."

A small smile tugs at his mouth when she teases him. The last chance to turn back is always the easiest one to ignore. So other than gathering his equipment and taking a moment to admire the portal itself, he steps through with certainty.

Although he does need a moment afterwards. He doesn't kneel, but he does bend a little, refusing to double over, while he lets the disorientation pass. Once it does, he turns his attention to their surroundings, ice blue eyes taking in every detail he can.

[asorceress]

Oh he has quite a bit of value in her world, a place where humans could be utilized by mages for all manner of spells requiring sacrifices and blood magic. Or as bait, to draw out monsters that could take off a few limbs in the process. To say he was the sort to like risk was all the more apparent in his decision to follow a sorceress through a portal into her own realm, trusting that she wouldn't take advantage of him for her own benefit in some way. Fortunately for Muldoon however, that was not Yennefer's motivation.

She saw in him a bit of her own hunger for adventure, for things which shocked the system; it wasn't a trait found all that often in humans, especially those from his world; so it caught her interest and curiosity. And when you had endless centuries ahead of you (providing nothing managed to kill her), Yennefer took the opportunity for new experiences when they crossed her path. They'd have to watch each other's backs now, and that required a minimal extension of trust from both parties.

She's quick to close the portal behind them once they're through, not wanting to alert any unwanted attention. She glances over at him, expecting him to topple over or become sick; but to her surprise he just takes a moment. "You handled that quite well," she remarks, impressed by his fortitude. The forest ahead is thick with tall trees, there are sounds of insects making odd clicking noises as well as a few birds with haunting cries off in the distance as the sun slips lower in the horizon. "How comfortable are you with hunting at night?" she asks, adjusting the pack over her shoulders. "Kikimoras are easier to seek out after dark, and the swamp is just through this forest. I hope you don't mind that I preferred not to portal us directly into the muck." Said with a slight smirk as she began to lead the way for them, heading for the forest, maneuvering around the trees - some with trunks large enough to hide behind; while others were thin as reeds.

[allbedestroyed]

Maybe one day Muldoon will drive Yennefer somewhere and she'll realise he's been unintentionally training for the nausea of portal-travel his whole life.

Mostly recovered, he finds himself drawn in my the noises. Firstly, it's a good sign that the place is alive with sound, suggesting no big predators nearby. Secondly, between the trees, the calls and the insects, he instinctively tries to compare this alien world to somewhere in his own. A task which is interrupted by the implications of Yennefer's question.

His gaze slides to side-eye her. "Only as comfortable as anyone should allow themselves to get."

Of course, when she begins moving, he follows closely. "I appreciate it. Gives me time to take in the surroundings as we approach." He takes a moment to glance at her. "How often have you done this?"

[asorceress]

She grins a bit at that. "Perhaps comfortable isn't quite the accurate term." Because it's about to be anything but comfortable for them, once they reach the swamps. Right now the air has a faint chill to it, the sounds of the forest are still active around them, and once the sun sets fully the clear skies and full moon above will offer them enough to light their surroundings. A faint light, but using anything more wouldn't be wise given the need for stealth.

Yennefer makes a pensive sound as she thinks on it. "Several times, at least; over the course of the past decade or so. They're fairly reclusive, but occasionally one sets up camp near a village and, well, you can imagine how well the villagers respond." With a lot of dying and screaming and threatening to set the nearby forests on fire. Not great, overall. "Different parts of the creature's body can be ground up and used for spells, and tonics. So there's value in tracking and hunting them; although most choose not to." For obvious reasons. As they move through the trees Yennefer stops suddenly, silent as she listens; her gaze moving across the darkening landscape.

"The birds, they've stopped..." Her tone is barely above a whisper, alert and vigilant as the ominous silence presses in almost as if it's a tangible thing.

[allbedestroyed]

Muldoon notices it about the same time, eyes immediately scanning for animal shapes and flitting to the smallest movement. He wants to go for his gun, but has to make the conscious decision to slowly pull out his spear instead. By Yennefer's reaction it will likely be the more effective weapon, and until he gets his eyes on it, he'll assume it's about to jump out of the shadows.

It's getting dark, and they've found no tracks yet, but the wilderness around them screams warnings with its silence. Muldoon can hear his heartbeat replace the droning of insects. The danger is thrilling, but he's not a fan of being out in the open.

Catching Yennefer's eye, he nods onwards, towards one of the larger trees before carefully starting towards it. If they're going to search for this thing, they might as well keep some cover while they do.

[asorceress]

She nods, her expression focused and her eyes alert as they move toward the shelter of the large tree trunk ahead. The complete lack of sound is unnerving, but it's also helpful; once they are both settled behind the tree, Yennefer strains her hearing to pick up the tiniest of sounds. A twig snaps toward their left, and her head immediately shifts in that direction. There's nothing after that, only more ominous silence.

Her pulse is pounding, but outwardly she displays nothing but a steady resolve. She doesn't feel fear in the moment, more so wariness, caution. Whatever is about to approach, she's ready for it; because she has to be.

More twig snapping noises, then the distinct sound of huffing breath, something sniffing; searching the area by scent. In the distance she glimpses the half upright figure of a massive werewolf as it stops it's path, head shifting this way and that as it continues to smell the air. Fortunately, the slight breeze is not blowing their scent toward the hulking creature; but that could also change at any moment.

They were a distance away from any large town or village, so wherever this werewolf came from; she had no idea, as they typically kept close to where they dwelled when they weren't shifted. Killing one wasn't exactly on the docket, but if it came down to it; she would for the sake of her life over it's life. She glanced at Muldoon and made a gesture that they wait. It might retreat back in the direction it came, or; they might have to fight.

[allbedestroyed]

Muldoon's eyes go wide when he spots it. Luckily werewolves are common enough it stories and films to be familiar to him, even if he never expected to see one in real life. It's terrifying... and wonderful. He wonders about its bite force, and its top speed, and hunting behaviour... Yes, it's scary, but he falls in love with it a little bit all the same.

There is the assumption that it is the same as the stories in his world. That the wolf is sometimes a man, and there is a person in that body of a beast. Muldoon isn't particularly eager to kill another person, but if it attacks him, he won't hesitate to defend himself. Or his new friend.

So he's happy to wait, and admire from afar. Only when it moves behind one of the larger tree, he frowns at being unable to see it anymore. It could be approaching, or moving further away, and they wouldn't know. When he still doesn't see it after a minute, he nods at Yennefer. Shall they risk moving on?

[asorceress]

Yennefer's gaze is fixed on the werewolf's form, watching it carefully and preparing in her mind a variety of ways to subdue or, if it came down to it; kill it. It might be a human, but that hardly mattered if it decided to attack. Besides; humans could be just as dangerous and bloodthirsty as any of the monsters they were likely to encounter during their journey.

Once it moves behind a tree, Yennefer is still and silent for a moment; listening and waiting. She hears the sound of the creature moving in a direction away from them, retreating further into the denser part of the forest. There's no guarantee it won't catch their scent and come after them at any point; but the idea of following after it deeper into an area with even less visibility doesn't appeal either. She glances back at Muldoon, then motions for the them to move forward.

She stops after a few paces, once they're sheltered behind another large tree; looking back in the direction where the werewolf had retreated. "It might decide to track us at some point, but I'd rather not wander through that part of the forest just to seek it out and eliminate it. We'll need to remain very vigilant," she says, keeping her voice low. "Keep your spear ready."

[allbedestroyed]

When they move he keeps pace with her. For someone as tall as he is he can move surprisingly quietly. Whether it will be enough for the creatures of this world is another question entirely. For now his focus is to take her lead, to learn from her what habits keep a person alive in a world with werewolves and swamp monsters.

Once they reach another natural pause behind a thick tree, he keeps his voice low to ask, "Will it avoid the kikimora's territory?"

They're stuck between two deadly predators. If the werewolf cares to avoid the other local hunters then moving swiftly into the kikimora's territory works in the favour. Otherwise they may potentially have to fend off two dangers at once. Either way, he'd like to know which is the most likely.

[asorceress]

For a human, she's relieved to find he moves with enough silence and ease that she doesn't have to worry too much about whether or not to place an energetic shield around them using her magic. It would cost her a certain amount of concentration she'd rather utilize to traverse the forest and stay alert.

"It won't go near the swamps," she answers quietly. "The kikimora would tear it apart and have a proper feast if it did wander too close." The idea that they're now heading toward such a creature would seem like madness to most, but it's what they're here to do. And they've come prepared, which gives them some advantage.

Her magic being the main advantage, as without that she wouldn't be attempting this. The risk would be too high. She waits another few moments, just to be sure; and when it seems clear she leads them onward through the trees. "The swamp is ahead, you'll know once we're close by the smell." Which just sounds so appealing, she knows, but it was the nature of swamps - stagnant, humid, filled with muck and the rotting parts of various creatures the kikimora decided it didn't feel like eating.

[allbedestroyed]

For quite a few people, none of what Yennefer says sounds good. For Muldoon, it's all wonderfully informative. Everything she shares gives him something useful, which isn't something he can say about every hunting partner. None of it puts him off in the slightest. If anything, it just makes him more eager to press on.

Soon enough he can smell their approach, and then feel it. The cloying scent of plant decay and thick humidity feels like it clings to his skin. It's a different kind of swamp to the ones he's visited, but the atmosphere has a familiarity about it. Not that it stops him from wrinkling his nose a little.

The ground becomes softer underfoot and is so damp in some places that it's difficult to distinguish it from the water that appears in large, murky bodies. Muldoon scans the area as best he can in the dimming light. It would help to get a sense of where might have mostly land and where is mostly water, but that's not the easiest task as the sun sets.

When they get a moment, Muldoon mumbles, "I take it a torch is a death wish?"

[asorceress]

The atmosphere of the swamp settles over everything with a familiar heaviness she's not entirely fond of, the air thick with various scents that twist her features. Flesh, in various stages of decay. If anything managed to wander this far, the smell alone would typically trigger an instinctive fear response to flee; but still they both press on.

It doesn't take long before her boots are coated in muck, but she steps carefully, winding to avoid the places where the pools are wider. "Unfortunately yes, any light source will act like a beacon straight toward us," she answers, pausing a moment to look around. "Kikimoras typically wait beneath the water, still enough that you can barely see any ripples to indicate their presence. Step very carefully and avoid the larger pools. They rely on ambush, mostly; and typically the sight of them alone tends to terrify humans enough that they forget to even run." She continues forward, one foot after the other as she leads them down a narrow path of solid ground surrounded on both sides by pools of varying sizes.

"If we continue to follow the scent of decay, the stronger it gets, the closer we are to where it's likely hiding... keep watch on the water," she warned, then quietly murmured an incantation beneath her breath; her invisible spell settling over them. "This will help to lessen the impact of our steps, it won't be able to feel our approach through the shifting of the mud and sands."

[allbedestroyed]

Muldoon nods his thanks for the spell. He wants to ask more questions, to interrogate Yennefer about its natural predators, its territorial and hunting habits... But the darkness seems thicker here, and his eyes become fixed on the water, looking for any sign of movement. Or for any hint of freshly disturbed dirt. Perhaps even an indication of a fresh kill... Though nothing seems fresh in this place.

He stops in his tracks as a thought occurs to him. "Can you light things from afar with your magic?" So that she can follow his train of thought he asks, "Can we use light as a lure? Set a trap?"

[asorceress]

Yennefer's senses are fixed on the water before them, sharply attuned to any tiny movements; expecting at any moment that the creature will reveal itself in one way or another - either by the subtle ripple of water, or by ambushing them. She knew of a few spells to repel and attack, but his question has her stopping and turning around to face him as she answers. "That is an excellent idea."

She wishes she'd thought of it earlier, but that was the benefit of teaming up with another person; even though his world was vastly different from hers; his mind worked the same way as any other hunter - figuring out the best means to outsmart the creatures that would happily rip them to shreds.

"I'll set up a lure to draw it out, then use my magic to attack and subdue it. Be ready with both your spear and your bow. It will be overwhelmed, hopefully, by the both of us attacking at once. Aim for it's neck and head, it's eyes." She glances toward his rifle. "The rifle should be used as a last resort, due to the noise it might draw. But if it comes down to it, by all means; use it."

With that, she creates a small ball of violet light from her palms; sending it a fair distance ahead of them where it hovers just above one of the larger pools, the deepest one they'd come across so far.

[allbedestroyed]

The way she stops to look at him so suddenly, Muldoon half expects to be educated on the foolishness of such a suggestion. Being told quite the opposite is a relief in more ways than one. In so many aspects the kikimora has the advantage in this place. Having some way to gain even a shred of control over the situation is exceptionally helpful. Even more so when that method provides both a light source and a clear point of reference in the dark.

All of Yennefer's directions are taken with a nod of agreement. The weak points, limited and likely the most difficult to hit, are noted carefully. Just before he makes to go, Yennefer effortlessly creates a ball of light in her hands. Muldoon's inexperience with magic is plastered all across his fascinated expression as he watches it float away. He actually has to blink out the light from his eyes before he refocuses.

Now in the more familiar territory of a trap, Muldoon hurries to reposition himself. They don't know where the kikimora is going to come from, but their best chance at getting it down is if they cover as many angles as they extremely limited team can. He's suddenly grateful for the full length trouser Yennefer provided as his feet sink into the water and muck. By the time he stops, content with his position, he's on the far side of the violet orb, at an angle rather than crossing to the other side of the pool.

Muldoon readies his spear and crouches, half braced against a dead tree. It provides him a shred of cover, so he'll take it. He's not sure if Yennefer can even see him properly, but he nods his preparedness anyway.