Private tour for asorceress

[allbedestroyed]

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.

Comments

[allbedestroyed]

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."

[asorceress]

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.

[allbedestroyed]

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."

[asorceress]

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.

[allbedestroyed]

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.

[asorceress]

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.

[allbedestroyed]

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."

[asorceress]

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.

[allbedestroyed]

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.

[asorceress]

'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.

[allbedestroyed]

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?"

[asorceress]

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.

[allbedestroyed]

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."

[asorceress]

She can tell he's quite proud of the sight before him, and she thinks it's warranted. His job is a unique one, only suited to a very particular sort of person and skill set; there's no doubt he works hard to keep the animals safe and happy in their foreign environment - and they look it, which impresses her. While his boss may only be concerned with profit; at least the animals have someone like Muldoon to look after them. And, if given half the chance; Yennefer would absolutely advocate for them as well.

His words make it impossible for her smile to fade, especially when he also smiles back at her (though it's far less beaming than hers, of course; but that's the standard). To express her appreciation and the swell of happiness she feels in the moment, instead of any more words Yennefer leans over to kiss him.

The console between their car seats makes it so that she can't quite press against him as closely as she'd have liked; so instead she tugs at his shirt in the process - both to steady herself and draw him closer to her.

After a moment she releases her hold on the fabric of his shirt, pressing a softer, barely there kiss against his lips as she murmurs - "You know I ought to get some sort of special compensation for having managed to make the ever so serious warden smile multiple times today." Said teasingly with a smirk as she gradually settles back into her seat.

[allbedestroyed]

If the kiss hadn't drawn him closer, that tug on his shirt certainly does. It sends a wonderful hot flush through him, and if it hadn't been for the awkwardness of the car he would have pressed closer to extend that lovely kiss. Still when she lets go of him, he doesn't quite relax back into his seat, as if stunned into place.

It takes him a moment to gather his thoughts together before he replies. A more difficult task than he'd expected with those softly spoken words against his lips.

"I have some whiskey and that wine you gave me ack at my bungalow," he finally manages to say. There's another moment before he's able to move his gaze from her lips to her eyes. "Unless there's some other compensation you'd prefer instead."

There aren't many women these days who can throw him for a loop, but Yennefer manages with ease. Muldoon hasn't had to contend with a women so confident and sexy in a long, long time and he feels exceptionally out of practice around her. She's not making it easy for him, either. How is he meant to think straight with her pulling moves like that? He's not sure, but for now he's reasonably sure he's doing an acceptable job.

[asorceress]

If it weren't for the car console between them, she'd have liked to extend that kiss; she can feel her pulse racing as a result and she nearly forgets all about their remarkable surroundings - her focus narrowed in on how lovely it felt to kiss him and the way he responds each time; as if he's momentarily at a loss for words. It's endearing, and also makes her very tempted to kiss him again.

His offer pulls a grin from her. "I can think of a few things," she responds in a bit of a sultry tone, her gaze drifting back to his lips for a moment before she meets his eyes again. "Drinks would be an excellent place to start." Both the spark of heat in her gaze and her tone are purposefully suggestive.

She thinks again in that moment that it's probably best she doesn't work with him, as she'd shamelessly take every chance she got to attempt to flirt with and fluster him. Assuming of course that she wouldn't get fired within the week for verbally sparring with his boss on a variety of issues.

"I'm pleased to hear you haven't finished the bottle of wine," she remarks with a smile. "It's much better when shared, after all."

[allbedestroyed]

Here he is trying to be good and professional and she's giving him looks that could melt the most serious of men, while saying things which make it damn near impossible to concentrate on driving. Given what's on offer, however, he's got a good incentive to keep a clear head for the time being.

"I thought it best not to drink any more unsupervised," he quips back as he starts the jeep up again.

He takes the scenic route out of the paddock, allowing Yennefer as much time as he can to watch the animals before they disappear from view. Though he takes a shortcut to avoid the camera-lined main routes, he gives her a heads up when they start to approach the island's worker villages. There are walls and a gate which opens up automatically at the flash of Muldoon's badge. Inside are a few rather basic looking buildings, and most of them are residential in some shape or form.

It's to one of the quiet, nicer looking bungalows pressed up against the outer wall which Muldoon parks outside. Though he glances around, the area is very quiet this time of day and there isn't a soul to be seen. He opens the jeep door for her and closes it behind her once she's out before opening up the front door and stepping inside.

If there was any doubt that Muldoon was rather utilitarian, it would be dispelled by stepping inside his island home. Other than a few books and photographs, he hasn't added a single bit of individualised decoration to his home. Nor is anything really out of place, but that's more a testament to how little he stays here. Still, it's small but light, neat, and furnished properly as if ready for a magazine photographer.

Muldoon glances at Yennefer as he steps inside. "It's not a castle, but it does the job."

[asorceress]

She can't help but chuckle in response to that quip, and once they're driving again she'd like to say her pulse begins to even out, but in truth it takes the majority of the drive for that to actually happen. And the flushed feeling of warmth beneath her skin has nothing to do with the humidity either. Though neither of these details stop her from observing and enjoying their surroundings however, taking her last glances at the animals while they pass; and making sure to take care of the cameras once they reach the worker's village.

The buildings within are nothing flashy, but she wouldn't expect as much. They look secure though, thanks the the walls surrounding the area; and that she'd guess is the most important part. When they reach Muldoon's bungalow and he opens the car door for her, she glances around as she steps outside. It's rather peaceful and quiet, the only sounds she can discern are those of the birds and insects humming. It must be nice, she thinks, being able to live and work in an environment free of the constant noise of the industrialized world.

The interior of his home is about what she had expected - clean, tidy, organized; and very much lacking in any discernable personal touches. It makes her smile as being so very him. "I have a feeling even if you did reside in a castle, it might look somewhat similarly uninhabited," she teases as she nudges his shoulder playfully with hers. "It's well decorated, and quite cozy," she compliments genuinely, then wanders toward where the few photographs are; curious to see what pictures he has chosen to keep on display.

[allbedestroyed]

The lift of his brow and tilt of his head has him conceding that point. He's not good at decorating. Generally he doesn't go looking for things. He simply uses what's gifted to him, whatever that may be. Being isolated on an island doesn't really encourage that sort of gift-giving either. He'd much rather a good whiskey than a cushion.

There are several photographs around. Yennefer would be forgiven for thinking Muldoon is a time traveller in disguise based on the one in pride of place. The black and white wedding photo has a couple posing seriously for their wedding. As it turns out, apart from heavy laugh lines and a thick moustache, Muldoon is the spitting image of his father. His mother looks quintessentially English and despite the rigidness of the picture manages to look both nervous and happy. Beside this picture is one of a black family, having wrangled several generations together for a family photo, unable to hide their vibrant smiles.

Almost all of the rest are from various points in Muldoon's life. Seemingly the only way to get him in a picture is to insist on a team photo. Images of the younger warden have him surrounded by people in uniforms which match his, Kenyans from tribal communities, or Indian rangers, in various combinations. All of which have Muldoon with his iconic totally-not-a-smile-smile whether he has his hat on or not to shade him from the sun.

"I don't expect you have cameras back in your world," Muldoon comments as he returns with a glass of wine and offers it to her. "It would be paintings, wouldn't it? Have you ever had your photo taken? Or your portrait painted?"

[asorceress]

She takes her time studying each photograph, finding this glimpse into his past rather fascinating. A subtle grin remains on her face all the while, particularly as she notices the common theme - he's always in group settings, always the same barely there smile she's grown accustomed to and rather fond of. She guesses the wedding photo is that of his parents, and notes the resemblance he has to his father. "You look quite a bit like him," she comments, turning from the photos as he brings the glass of wine. "Except for the -" she gestures to his moustache-less face with a grin, nodding a thanks as she takes the glass from him.

She takes a sip and savors it for a moment before answering with a shake of her head. "No cameras, though the technology for it is not far off. Most of our technological advances come from magic first, then are brought into being with more practical means," she explains. "As for now, yes, regrettably," she drags the word out with some emphasis, "it is painted portraits only, and they are absolutely as tedious to sit for as you might imagine." She chuckles a bit and takes another sip of her wine.

"It's usually only nobility that has their portraits painted, but mages are often hired in positions to serve the nobles, so we're roped into it occasionally as well. My former teacher, Tissaia, would insist that having one's likeness captured is a high honor and ought to be taken seriously." She lifts a brow, indicating she does not necessarily agree, but there's warmth in her tone when speaking of her former mentor.

[allbedestroyed]

"So I've been told," he replies drily. Though it's not like he could disagree even if he wanted to. The similarity is unmistakable. In person it's much easier to see their differences. That doesn't stop friends and family alike repeatedly noting how much he looks like his father. Hopefully Yennefer doesn't long for a man with a moustache. Convincing the warden to complete his physical transformation would be a feat and a half.

The rise of her eyebrow is mirrored by the warden. Like with many things, on this matter he's in agreement with Yennefer. He can definitely imagine how excruciatingly dully sitting for one might be. It's not difficult to imagine how irritated Yennefer would be having to endure that, either.

Thinking of it has the corner of his mouth curling as he asks, "How many portraits have you had to sit through already?"

[asorceress]

As a matter of fact, she happens to dislike moustaches in general; so Muldoon is in the clear. She gathers from his tone that the resemblance is something he's told often; and she can imagine the mixed feelings that might come along with that. Having not known her father, when she was told of her own resemblance to him there was some detachment there as a result; though mixed feelings of a different sort as well.

At his question she heaves a great sigh, because on this topic she thinks she's allowed to be just a touch dramatic. "Seven, I think. I lost count at some point." There's a subtle chuckle as she recalls one sitting in particular - "I fell asleep during one of them," she admits with an amused smirk. "It must have been a particularly deep sleep. Apparently I was quite irritated at having been woken, and may have cast a ...minor telekinetic spell which knocked the artist off his feet." She waves a hand. "But he was fine, just momentarily startled."

She turns her gaze back to him with a smile as she assesses how he might have reacted in a similar situation. "I have a feeling you would utterly loathe having to sit for hours for someone to paint your portrait."

[allbedestroyed]

Yennefer is entirely allowed to be dramatic on this topic. There is no way Muldoon will begrudge her any of her loathing. He does, however, look surprised at hearing that she fell asleep during one session. It's difficult to imagine Yennefer being anything but completely professional and put-together at all times.

Someone regretting having woken her up, on the other hand, he can believe easily. Though he does have to hide his smirk at the anecdote behind a sip of his drink. It's the price someone pays for thoroughly boring her, he thinks.

Swallowing down his laughter, he shakes his head in agreement with her assessment. "It's one of the great conundrums people face with me. How I can sit for hours or days staking out a hunting ground, but put a roof over my head and I can't bear staying still." He looks her in the eye, entirely honest when he says, "I would not survive seven portraits. I don't know how you could stand it."

Speaking of standing, he realises that the two of them still are. He nods towards the area with a couch which constitutes his living room. "Would you like to sit?"

[asorceress]

Truly, there were few things more boring than sitting for a portrait; if Yennefer hadn't been under royal command to do so at the time; there's no way anyone could get her to sit still for that long. One of the many benefits of no longer working for such types, she's reminded.

"I hardly think of that as a conundrum," she remarks with an amused grin as she takes a sip of her wine. "It sounds like you simply require proper motivation and reward for your extended focus. Staking out hunting ground has a purpose, the patience pays off. Sitting around all day indoors, well, that's enough to make anyone restless." Or perhaps this is another area where they are quite similar.

She laughs at the honesty of his comment, a happy and light hearted sound. "I don't know how I managed to survive it either." There will never be another portrait painted of her. Pictures from other worlds, sure, though she's careful about who takes them for obvious reasons - she doesn't need her likeness to be easily tracked.

She nods at his offer and goes to sit on the couch in the living room area, propping her elbow up on the back of the couch so she's angled toward him as she speaks. "So, besides decent food; is there anything else in particular that you miss from the being on the mainland?"

[allbedestroyed]

Following her, he takes her lead, sitting on the other end of the couch and turning towards her. Though she manages to be graceful and natural in the way she sits, whereas he looks more awkward or out of place. The question gives him pause, and he frowns thoughtfully into the distance before looking at her again.

"I miss being able to easily wander into the wilderness for a while," he admits. "Not that I could with this job. The animals need too much care and attention." His brow knots further. "And sometimes I miss using my own guns."

Then the frown smooths out and he shakes his head before sipping his drink. "Nothing else I can think of. I'm used to travelling. I've stayed across most of the world, usually in rougher setups than this. Here I get fed, I get electricity and running water. We have jeeps and all sorts of tools. It's really very luxurious."

Only for him to almost interrupt himself a moment later. "I do wish there was a bar, though. Somewhere for the team to blow off steam after a long day. It's good for morale, and it's good for teamwork."