allbedestroyed | Private tour for asorceress

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Private tour for asorceress

There's no better sign that a date went well than organising another before it's even finished. Generally that's the theory, anyway. Given that this could just be Yennefer's way of getting onto the island to see dinosaurs with a private tour, maybe she's just able to put up with the head warden. He doubts it though. He's seen what Yennefer can do. If she wanted to wander around the island she wouldn't need him to do it. Besides, he really had enjoyed their time together, and it seemed like Yennefer had as well.

This seems like a natural progression. Not only did she get to see him in his natural environment (work), but there's the thrill of infiltration along with this, too. Luckily the park isn't fully set up yet, and Muldoon knows the island like the back of his hand. He's spent plenty of time looking at their security blind spots, because he has to cover them manually, so she has no better guide around the island than him. Between his knowledge and her spells, they should manage to have a thoroughly successful trip.

Just like last time, Muldoon is waiting by a jeep. He'd given her instructions on where to meet him. It was a nice, secluded spot not too far from the docks. It helps with his backup story in case Yennefer's presence is noticed. This time he's wearing his uniform, full khaki and not dissimilar from what he wore on their last date. The most notable differences are the pistol on his hip and the ID badge on his pocket. At least nobody could mistake him for someone else.

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Muldoon's finger taps against the good of the jeep as they wait. It's only with the slight movement that he stops. Right on cue they try their old tricks, hoping that this time, at this part of the fence, they'll be successful.

What he didn't account for was Yennefer being startled enough to cast a spell. He stands straight, putting a hand on her shoulder to stop her... but as far as he can tell she doesn't cast anything before the raptor hits the fence and retreats. Their song and dance done, he relaxes.

Just as he's about to ask if she's ok, she beats him to it with a question of her own. His lips drawn into a thin line.

"Yes, but not badly. Not enough to get them to stop."

Only then does he take his turn, frowning as he asks, "Are you alright?"

"I'm alright," she responds, another slow breath exhaled as she steadies herself internally; she doesn't take her eyes off the fence for another long moment before she turns to him. "I hadn't been expecting that, it startled me enough to cast a barrier spell," she explains with a gesture toward the area directly in front of them. "Apparently my instincts were quicker than my rational mind. There aren't electrified fences in between the things that want to harm you in my world; after all." Said with a soft huff of a chuckle.

Even knowing there was a fence there, she'd still responded as if the threat was an imminent one; requiring immediate action. Years of fighting in a variety of wars between mages left it's mark, clearly. But she relaxes after a moment, her caution remains but curiosity comes to the fore front of her thoughts as she watches the now still foliage, the raptor that had been watching them initially having disappeared.

"I would think that display alone would be enough to cause quite a shock to the system with most guests," she remarks, wondering how they even planned to add this into the tour.

Hearing she cast a spell gets a look of surprise. He hadn't seen, heard or felt it, which is impressive even with the distraction of the raptors. He really must give magic the credit it's due. It's not that he keeps underestimating it, but he isn't used to such things being possible. Reimagining the possibilities around Yennefer will take some time and effort. All worth it, of course.

"Better you cast it than don't," he points out. As she's well aware at this point, he prefers an abundance of caution to a lack of it. Plus, it's not like she'd tried to hurt the animals, just protect them.

He follows her gaze to the paddock, brow creasing again. "I was told they were intelligent, but not this intelligent. The geneticists are delighted." Turning to Yennefer he continues his rambling. "They're extraordinarily fast, incredible jumpers, and as you saw, they work extremely well as a team." His frown deepens as he looks back at the dense foliage. "They're testing the fences for weaknesses. Systematically, thoughtfully. We're having to rethink how we house them. They're too dangerous to keep like this. They're too dangerous to keep at all, in my opinion."

She'd given him her word prior that she wouldn't harm the animals here; so she intended to hold to that. In general, Yennefer didn't harm animals unless they were actively trying to you know, tear her apart. Even then, her spells were defensive and meant to stun rather than cause permanently harm. After her interaction with the dragon all those centuries ago, her outlook had changed quite dramatically. With humans however, she was not always so considerate when they attempted to do her harm.

She listens as he describes the intelligence of the raptors, their speed, their capacity to problem solve. All of it is fascinating, but there is something undeniably unsettling about them as well. "Predators with that level of intelligence should not be kept anywhere near the public," she agrees with a raise of her brow.

"Especially in this type of paddock. It's only a matter of time before they figure out where there might be a slight weakness in the fence." Her eyes scan the fence before them and the foliage beyond it; trying to catch another glimpse of them but all is eerily quite and still. "I get the sense they are still watching us, even though I can see no movement." She shifts toward him then as she asks - "What did you think when you first saw them? How do they compare with the other predators you've worked with, in Kenya?"

"That's because one of them still is. In the bushes, by the large tree." It's not meant to frighten her, but confirm her suspicions. Yennefer needs no encouragement to trust her instincts, but he'll give credit where credit's due. Her senses are on point.

His attention is turned towards her when she moves closer, but he looks briefly to one side as he mulls over her question. "I was impressed. Some animals you can tell just by looking at them, that they're built to be successful hunters. With the raptors you wouldn't be able to deny it. The way they look, the way they move... You know to your core that they're deadly, vicious killers."

"I've been around predators my whole life and none of them compare. Cheetah speed, better pack hunters than hyenas, and I don't know anything that can jump like them. Or problem solve like them. I've had to deal with every kind of animal making a zoo keeper's life hell by figuring out weaknesses in their pens, but none are as deadly and difficult as these. Feeding them has become extremely dangerous." He gestures down the road. "That's why we're building a new enclosure for them. To be able to feed and house them more safely."

She narrows her focus toward place he indicates, and, after a moment she can see the faint outline of the raptor still watching them. It's vaguely unnerving, but not entirely unsurprising behavior. With the way Muldoon describes them as being so lethal, vicious, intelligent, and adept with stealth as well; Yennefer can't help but be impressed. Though it's in a detached sort of way because she's not currently being attacked by one, of course.

"Hopefully it's one that doesn't have fences," she remarks as she glances down the road toward where he mentions the new enclosure. Clearly, being jolted by electricity wasn't enough to get them to avoid charging. She's not even certain what sort of enclosure would be best suited for such intelligent and deadly animals.

"Of all the animals I've seen from your world, I must say; these," she gestures briefly toward the spot where the raptor is watching them, "are most like some of the creatures I've dealt with in my world." She rests a hand back against the hood of the car, relaxing slightly but remaining aware of the fence ahead. "Part of me is quite curious to see them hunt, learn everything about them; to know if there exists an animal they wouldn't attempt to coordinate an attack on. The other part of me thinks they are simply too dangerous to be here, among humans."

She turns to look at him then. "Your world doesn't have mages, or witchers, or other creatures anything like this. It makes anyone who interacts with them vulnerable, even with the fences and the precautions," she states in a practical tone. One that shifts to concern as she places a hand atop his forearm. "Don't take any unnecessary risks. Please." Her gaze is serious as she looks up him. It's not as if she thinks he's reckless, quite the opposite really; but that this is her way of displaying her genuine care and concern for him.

Being the animal expert in so many situations, in so many jobs, and for so long, it's not often that people stop to worry about Muldoon. After all, he's the one being relied upon to provide safety for everyone else. Yet that only makes him appreciate the gesture and the words all the more. He knows there's no condescension in them, no doubting of his abilities, only genuine concern.

The harsh lines of his face soften and he puts a hand over hers. "I won't. I promise."

As much as he loves danger, he does love living, too. Sometimes it feels as if he's the only one trying to make this place safe. He knows that's not true. There are allies in that eternal battle, like Harding and Ray, but they have their own areas to cover. He's not sure whether it's a good or bad feeling knowing that now someone else other than those two will be keeping an eye on whether or not they have to scold him for taking risks. Good, he thinks. It's Yennefer after all. Everything that means more time with her is good.

"Come on," he says then, opening the jeep door. "You've a few more sights to see."

The dilophosaurs are next, and they may have to do a little waiting for them. Curious little critters as they are, Muldoon won't be letting Yennefer out of the jeep for them. When it comes to being cautious, the dilos are up there with being deserving of it. Though he parks the vehicle up close enough to the fence, he keeps the windows firmly up.

"Have you done anything like this before?" he asks while they wait, both peering into the foliage. "Gone to another world and seen particularly strange animals? Animals that are more like the ones in your world?"

"I'll hold you to that promise," she responds with a soft smile. He's still likely to get some scolding from her, should the occasion warrant it; but overall she does trust his instincts and judgement. It won't stop her from being concerned however. That comes hand in hand with caring about someone. And, if she ends up developing a rapport with his other co-workers, the ones he actually likes and respects; then the scolding would be a collaborated effort.

Settling back in the jeep, she glances toward the raptor paddock one last time before they drive off; as if she half expects them to charge the fences again, just to attempt to startle them. Which isn't a bad strategy, predators making their prey afraid enough to run. But, they remained silent and hidden. The impression they'd left on Yennefer is not one that will fade from memory any time soon.

"A few times, yes," she answers as they sit and wait at the dilophosaur paddock, watching the foliage. A thought comes to mind then - "I suppose... technically, it might be possible to portal to your world, but going backward in time. To when these animals still populated the landscape." Magic had it's limits, but if there's anything she's learned over the centuries it's that the type of spells out there were incredibly diverse; and sometimes it was only a matter of finding the right spell book.

Still, she's quick to add - "I've never attempted it, and would be very reluctant to do so. I'm not even sure I could, but I can't help but wonder what it would be like. What your world looked liked so long ago."

The furrow of his brow is more thoughtful than troubled as he listens to her. Finding, yet again, that he has to expand his understanding of Yennefer, her capabilities, and what is possible in this increasingly strange universe. Magical portals is one thing, time travel is quite another. So he lets himself mull this over a bit before he says anything.

"I'd like to see the dragonfly that used to exist when these animals did," he admits quietly before his enthusiasm raises his voice again. "There was more oxygen in the world then, so even the insects were much larger. Their wingspan was almost a meter long, and dragonflies are the most successful predator in the world. Imagine seeing one that size at work."

Though he only lets himself daydream for a moment before looking at her again. "But I think you're right. Magic is dangerous enough without you going back in time as well. You'd be exhausted, the world would be dangerous, and you wouldn't have any other people to get help from if you needed it."

Which is a rather roundabout way of saying that he'd worry about her.

A dash of movement catches his eye and he sits up in his seat. Taking the binoculars, he scans the undergrowth until he spots what he's looking for. Handing the binoculars over to Yennefer, he points as he directs her. "See there, by the rock and the large fern? You should see an animal with two crests. They're curious animals, and tend to come along to investigate strange sounds."

She's somewhat captivated by his description - and just how different this world would be like so long ago, how more oxygen in the air would shape the plant life significantly as well. Her brow creases as she tries to envision a dragonfly of that size, how it would move, the sound it would make. They were already quite fascinating little creatures. Emphasis on little, of course, as all the ones she'd seen so far were rather small. It makes her wonder what other creatures existed back then that still populated his world now; and what the environment would look like, feel like. Adventurous sometimes to a fault, she's certainly tempted.

But, the reality was as he'd stated - it would simply be too dangerous to go alone; and if she made even a small mistake she would be putting herself at great risk. His comments earn a slow, knowing smile from her; as she can recognize the concern behind his words. "Is this your way of saying you would worry about me?" she asks with a slightly teasing lift of her brow.

Once he shifts in his seat she's quick to set her focus back on the foliage, and when he hands her the binoculars she scans around to the spot he's indicated; letting out a small sound of surprise when she sees the crests he'd mentioned. "How interesting - it's rather slight in stature," she comments, her gaze glued to the animal as it moves - it seems curious and almost innocuous. "If I didn't know about the venom I might think it to be far less of a threat than it is, just on size alone." But, based on the row of teeth she can see, there's no doubt this is still very much a predator. "How do they respond to the wardens?"

Oh he hears the question, but is happy to distract her with dinosaurs. Being a tour guide is by far more familiar to him than being in any way vulnerable. It's a good thing she can spot his fondness where he does show it.

"Their curiosity is stronger than their fear more often that I'd like. They'll come along to investigate anything and attack if they think they have an opportunity, or if they perceive any aggressive body language."

As he moves to get a better look, he comes closer to her, and lowers his voice a little. "You should be able to see some colour on her neck. They have frills which are really very impressive, but when splayed out generally means they're going to attack. They've caught out a few newer wardens with their head-tilt and the gentle cooing sound they make."

"Thankfully due to their size and the antivenin that was developed, they're not as bad to deal with as the raptors or the tyrannosaur." With a small mutter he adds, "Though their bite does hurt like a-." He stops himself, glances at her and rephrases. "It does hurt a lot."

She's not much better when it comes to being vulnerable, but so far the times she's displayed that while in his presence - the way he'd responded made her more comfortable, enough to show a softer side of herself. And perhaps that's part of why she's able to notice that fondness from him; even though he manages to dodge her question, she knows the answer to it.

When he leans in closer, she's momentarily distracted by that proximity and by his voice lowering a bit; her mind going back to their evening at the beach and of being in his arms. But she manages to still pay attention to his words; noticing the color on the dilophosaur's neck and wondering at what their frills must look like. "A clever distraction to draw the eye," she remarks. She's not sure how much she'd trust a gentle cooing sound from a carnivore, but she can't fault the wardens for reacting as they had. After all, these are extinct species; it's not as if it's common knowledge how to avoid an attack like one would with any other predator.

When he stops himself, she lowers the binoculars and gives him a look, part scolding but mostly amusement. "I can imagine." There's a grin on her face as she lifts the binoculars again to get another glimpse; then eventually hands them over to him.

"It's astounding." She sighs with a shake of her head. "I've only seen a few species so far, but already I feel as though my perception of your world is... drastically altered. Your species and dinosaurs are separated by such a vast gap of time. This shouldn't be possible." She muses aloud, and coming from someone who regularly alters reality with her magic, the of the statement isn't lost on her.

When she hands the binoculars back, he sits back into his seat a little to give her some space. If only to make sure he keeps himself under control while they're still on the tour. Besides, Yennefer always gets his full attention when she speaks.

The admission gets a small smile from him. "Would it help if I told you that I was the same when I first saw this? Everyone is. This is like nothing anyone's ever seen before." He nods his head towards the dinosaur in the paddock who hops over a log. "Once people see this, the world isn't going to be the same ever again."

Which is an intimidating thought. There's a lot of questions over morality, ethics, nature and science around all of this. None of which Muldoon is particularly equipped to tackle. No, he's focused on the animals. He's got a job and he's determined to do it well.

"It does make a person a bit more prepared for learning about magic," he adds casually. "Real magic and other worlds and strange new creatures." After a moment's thought he tilts his head at her. "But that's your every day."

His admission she finds difficult to believe, and this is displayed in her expression as she looks over at him; but there's a faint smile on her lips even so. "It's somewhat hard to fathom you being taken aback by anything," she teases; but it does help - hearing that.

She glances toward the dinosaur once more as the weight behind his words settle. "You're right. But it's already changed, for better or worse; the moment your scientist and your boss decided to bring these animals back." She leans her head back against the seat and looks over at him, thinking about the unique and dangerous position he's in with this job.

She can't fault him for taking it, as she would have done the same thing; were she in his position. Still, a part of her can't help but worry now; and that shows in the furrow of her brow and the concern in her gaze as she looks at him without speaking for a moment. The fate of this island and whatever it's trajectory may be; success, controversy, disaster, or failure - he's tied to that.

With his next comment, she internally snaps herself out of that line of thinking and her expression slowly softens into an undeniably warm and affectionate smile as she responds - "That it is. And how fortunate for me that I happened to cross paths with someone who understands that." She reaches out to place her hand atop his. "Not to mention someone I share so many other things in common with." Which, truly; was a rare thing. She'd met plenty of people she could call friends, but it was very rare she came across someone as like minded as Muldoon. She could easily see him taking up residence in her heart, if things kept on as they were.

His smile tugs a little wider at her teasing. Being able to give that impression not just to anyone, but to someone as smart and long-lived as Yennefer, gives the warden a little notch of pride.

Though that feeling changes into confusion as he watches her brow get heavy, troubled. Part of him starts to wonder if she's tempted to put an end to all of this. It wouldn't surprise him. He might be a part of it, but that doesn't mean he agrees with everything they're doing here. Still, he'd rather not have to come into conflict with Yennefer, so he's glad that expression passes and is replaced by a smile.

Taking her hand in his, he lifts it to his lips and kisses her knuckles in a silent reciprocation of her affection.

"I'd better not disappoint, then." He starts up the jeep and watches the dilophosaur chirp and dart away before he gets them moving again. "I'll show you the last few dinosaurs we have on the island, then... Well, there's not much to eat here. I wouldn't want to put you through the canteen's food, and the restaurant isn't open yet. I'm afraid the most I could offer you is a drink to cap the day off."

Her smile widens when he kisses her knuckles, and she lets out a soft hum of appreciation at the gesture. She enjoys witnessing these moments of his softer side, for all his serious exterior; he's actually quite sweet. But she'll keep that comment to herself, and also won't share it with anyone else - otherwise his reputation as the stern and stoic warden might never recover.

Still smiling as the jeep heads down the road, she chuckles at his comment of canteen food. "That's alright, a drink to cap off the adventure of the day sounds lovely." Though the remark he'd made does make her wonder what the workers here eat.

"If the restaurant isn't open, I'd hope you and the other workers aren't subjected to food that's too terribly dreadful. Considering the rigors of the job and the risk in general, you ought to at least have decent meals as compensation." She glances over at him, a bit of mischief and plotting in her expression. "I could have something sent in via portal every so often." As if that wouldn't raise suspicions, but she could always figure out some convenient explanation. Or, failing that; use magic.

The fact that he is capable of gentleness is one of the greatest secrets his partners are expected to keep about him. It's truly lucky Yennefer doesn't work with him or his reputation would be in dire risk of being undone.

"My boss has to cut costs somewhere," Muldoon points out. "Our meals are well rounded, but nothing to write home about. The meat is always dry, the vegetables never fresh, and a bit of salt and pepper are the only spices involved. But I've had worse."

That offer gets a glance. "Don't tempt me with things like that. I won't ask you to make me richer or stronger with magic, but a properly cooked and flavoured leg of lamb might get me to break."

In the grand scheme of things he has relatively simple tastes, but decent meat is a weakness. There's nothing more painful to a hunter than seeing his hard work and an animal's life wasted by a poor cook. It's the one area he has standards, and the island's canteen staff are surely here to torment him with it.

Yennefer is quite good at keeping secrets, but if they worked together she's fairly certain his reputation would topple within the week; for as professional as she can be, she's also quite affectionate and flirtatious and she very much enjoyed engaging him in those moments when the opportunity arose.

Her expression twists in clear distaste at the description he provides of the food. Dry meat, no fresh vegetables and only salt and pepper - she's deeply offended by it; particularly the lack of proper spices. It's not as if she hasn't had to survive on far less than that in dire situations, but that was different. This was an isolated island, it's not as if the workers had the option to get their meals at nearby restaurants or cook something themselves.

"I simply cannot abide by that," she states with a slight shake of her head. "I know of several places that serve particularly delicious lamb, I'll have it sent over," said with a tone that doesn't invite any argument. "And fresh fruit and vegetables as well, you're all likely to get scurvy at this rate," she teases with a dry tone.

She's not particularly surprised that food for the workers was where they'd decided to cut costs, but it's another mark against his boss.

Just because her tone doesn't invite argument doesn't mean Muldoon won't argue anyway. They're at least as stubborn as each other.

"Thank you, but it's alright," he insists. "Even if I did have the time, I don't think I'd be able to cook much better than the canteen. And I wouldn't know where to begin explaining how I managed to smuggle fresh food onto the island."

Because he can't look at her for long, she only gets a pointed glance. "And I won't have you spending your money on me like that. The food here is edible. It does the job."

"Besides." She gets another glance. "I've been here seven years and haven't gotten scurvy yet."

She lets out a sigh at his stubborn response; she might have expected as much, but it doesn't mean she's necessarily backing down on the offer. "You could tell them the truth - that you are dating a very powerful and very stubborn mage who is prone to occasionally fretting over your well being." Said with some cheekiness as she glances over at him.

"And for the record, money is not really an issue when you have lived as long as I have. You should reconsider letting me do something nice for you," she remarks with some light scolding, though there's a smile on her face as she does so.

It was the truth as well, she'd amassed a sizable amount of money and valuables over the years. Enough to keep her comfortable, even in a foreign world. Besides, she did like the idea of surprising him with something that he liked, especially after he'd surprised her with so many delightful things on their first date; and this date as well.

"Perhaps you have a supernatural immunity to scurvy," she teases.

It's not the idea of telling the truth that gets a chuckle, but the assurance that she only occasionally frets over him. The very fact she felt the need to add that little detail tickles him.

"Maybe if you don't get me anything too fancy, or too often," he concedes. Partly because she made him laugh, and partly because he doesn't want to actually annoy her. "And if you promise not to date any of my coworkers. Since that's exactly what they'll try to do if I tell them that's how I'm getting fed properly."

He has to slow as he takes them off road again and through another gate, back into an animal paddock.

'Occasionally' is definitely not a fully accurate descriptor, but the fact that it got a laugh out of him makes her grin. "Very well, nothing too fancy or too often," she concedes, clearly very pleased that he's going along with it. And she can't help but chuckle at his other stipulation. "Not to worry, I have my hands full dating just one warden," she remarks in a dry but amused tone as she glances over at him, reaching out to give his shoulder an affectionate squeeze.

Once they're traveling off the road again her attention it back on their surroundings, trying to catch a glimpse at which animal might be next.

With all the various gates they've gone through, and the unfamiliar territory in general; it's hard to tell exactly where they are anymore in terms of the island. Which makes her think how easy it would be to get lost in such a place, and how dangerous if one happened to get lost in the wrong paddock.

This is by far the most generally impressive paddock. The one most people will likely get taken to first for the awe factor. As the jeep crests a hill, Muldoon draws them to a stop and parks up for Yennefer to enjoy the view. A herd of parasaurs mill about not far off from the lake, and the brachiosaurs pull at the treetops. Even from this safe distance, their footsteps make the ground shudder. At the edge of the lake, gallimimus drink and chitter to each other. It's a temporary placement while some maintenance is done on their paddock, but they get along with the others just fine.

Settling in place, a smile tugs at Muldoon's mouth. It's a good view, and he is proud of his animals. It's a nice reminder to round off a good trip. Being able to go off road like this means he's managed to show Yennefer animals that can sometimes be picky about their appearances. Which is good, because he wanted her to see them. He wanted to share all of this with her. A thought which has him looking over at her with that understated smile of his.

"What do you think?"

The view before her is by far the most stunning and awe inspiring one she's seen yet. Each animal has brought about it's own unique reaction from her, ranging from caution to curiosity. But what she's looking at now; particularly the sheer height and size of the brachiosaurs is beyond anything she's ever seen before. It sends a chill down her spine - not one of fear, but of pure wonderment. She wonders if it's similar to how humans might react to seeing a dragon for the first time. She feels completely transported to another time.

Meanwhile, her expression tells the story quite clearly of the awe she feels - her mouth dropping open with a gasp as she leans forward in her seat, hands gripping the dashboard; she can feel the ground shudder and the car moving slightly along with it as the brachiosaurs move.

"It's the most beautiful sight..." she says softly. "I cannot believe how tall they are - their necks; and they all seem to be getting along, moving together as one..." She's basically thinking aloud at this point, her gaze shifting from each animal. She's silent in her observation for a few long moments; feeling like she could sit here for hours and not grow tired of just watching them. For all the risks and questions she still has about the 'how' of this place, she can understand the appeal of being able to work among such extraordinary creatures.

"Thank you for sharing this with me, Robert." She breaks the silence finally, leaning back in her seat; her smile bright and beaming as she looks over at him.

As beautiful as the sight before them is, it's one he has the privilege of witnessing every day. Seeing Yennefer's eyes light up with excitement and wonder is a rare pleasure. So he watches her quietly, letting her absorb the spectacular impossibility of it all. To be able to show her something new and wonderful gives him no small amount of pride. This is what he loves most about his work, and sharing it with someone he cares for is so much better.

It's impossible for him not to smile back when she turns to him, though as with everything his expression is more subdued. Still, he smiles and nods. "You're very welcome, Yennefer."

"When the park opens it will be easier for you to come and visit, you know. You can enjoy the rides and some proper food." Which is to say, he doesn't want her to be a stranger here. He wants to be able to make her face light up like that all the time. "And, as long as there isn't an emergency, I'll always make time for you."

Private tour for asorceress

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