Geralt had been up for quite some time, tending to business that his majordomo so graciously presented to him. Invoices, shipments, packing, returns... He wasn't ready to be a vintner.

"B.B, please," Geralt said, exasperated. "Remind me, why do I have to do this?"

"As the most revered Master of Corvo Bianco, it's your duty to take care of the economy of the vineyard. But, if the Master isn't up to the task, the Master can delegate the duties."

Geralt felt annoyed. "And you're telling me this now?"

"The Master hasn't asked," Basil-Barnabas answered as he gathered up all the papers, ledgers and letters on the table, and took them with him as he left.

"Grumpy already? It's too early for that." Yennefers voice echoed inside the mansion's main hall.

"Can't stand that kind of shit."

"There, there, Geralt," Yennefer crooned as she walked up to him and sat in his lap. She looked lovely, wearing a short, black silk nightdress. Clinging to her in all the right places. Her hair reminded him of a black flurry of thunderbolts. "It's not befitting of the Master to be in the foulest of moods. Not when the Master has company." She smiled and kissed him. The kiss was soft and long lasting. She mewled as he put his arms around her and pulled her, and her lips, closer.

Geralt eased his grip around her, she pulled away with a slight displeasure. They remained as they were, looking at each other, for a moment. Geralt finally broke the silence.

"You want something to eat?" He tensed his thighs, Yennefer's cue to stand. She reluctantly stood up and placed herself on the neighboring chair.

"Thank you," she replied, watching him get up and into the kitchen. She could hear him rummaging around for quite some time until he called her.

"Get dressed, Yen. We're going out."

It was a really nice idea, riding out to see the countryside and having a somewhat delayed breakfast amidst the rolling hills. Geralt had promptly called for Barnabas-Basil, since Yennefer needed a mount.

"A stallion," Geralt had told him. "Preferably black."

Barnabas-Basil never ceased to deliver.

As they mounted their horses, the stallion acted up. Its tail was laid over its back, strutting like it knew that it indeed was a very good looking animal. Of course, it had taken a liking to Roach, trying to woo the mare with hums and a high-stepping gait.

"All right," Geralt asked Yennefer as the stallion apparently had decided that walking on its hind legs would probably impress the mare even more.

"Nothing I can't handle," she replied. Men and stallions alike, Geralt thought to himself.

The stallion pranced around Roach, who responded with pinned-back ears and a swishing tail.

"She's not impressed." Geralt stroked the neck of the mare, trying to assure her.

"Clever girl. Now shush," Yennefer told the stallion since it started to whinny. "He'll behave once we put some speed in them. Ready?"

"Anytime."

Yennefer gave the stallion just a little bit of rein, and it shot away like an arrow. Geralt and Roach followed.

They quickly found a place to dismount the horses and have a nice meal. Finding a good spot for an outing wasn't at all difficult in Toussaint, the land was indeed picturesque. Geralt was pleased to see that Yennefer seemed to appreciate the idea of riding out, being sprawled out on the blanket they'd brought with them with a relaxed expression.

"It really is lovely here," she said. "People in the north don't know what they're missing."

Geralt, propped up on his elbow next to her, hummed in agreement. "It takes a while getting used to. The pace is different. So is the people. Caught up in pleasantries, codes and honor. They're fiery, too. Easy to upset."

"The north could use a little bit of that." She paused. "Geralt, about yesterday. The cat. I'd say that you don't have to ponder about it anymore. It's probably just a coincidence."

Geralt wasn't sure if he was up for hearing the sorceress' reprimands, and thought about it long and well before he spoke. "Now, Yen... I've seen it many times, and in strange situations. I'd like you to listen."

"Fine," the sorceress sighed. "What else can you tell me about this kitty?"

~ Kaer Morhen ~

Ciri was furious. Of course, the girl always had a fire in her and her temper was fueled by it. Even as a young girl. Geralt saw her walk out into the courtyard of the witcher stronghold, with Avallac'h in tow.

"How many times must I try," Ciri blurted out. She was apparently done with her training. For now, at least.

Avallac'h gave Geralt a look, Geralt nodded in understanding. It was time that he took care of his fluttering swallow.

Trying to calm her, trying to make her understand that magic can be left to those with aptitude, they did what adult witchers tend to do when needing something to calm them - they drank something strong. And there, across the room inside the castle of Kaer Morhen, Geralt spotted a tabby cat passing by, with a bird in its mouth.

Yennefer remained on her back, shielding her eyes from the sun. She remained silent for quite some time. Geralt could tell that she was thinking about how to word her next sentence. How to nicely express that he was utterly wrong without hurting his feelings. Too much.

Yennefer's reply never came, as a heavy rain surprised them. It made them hurry to gather what they've brought, mount and return to Corvo Bianco in a gallop.

As soon as the pair had returned to the estate, Geralt ordered Barnabas-Basil to heat up some water. Yennefer was cold after the ride back. She'd complained many times during the short ride to the estate, and a bath would probably lift her spirits.

"The Master is now informed that the bath for the revered guest is ready."

"Thank you, B.B," Geralt replied. "Yen! Come!" Geralt gave Barnabas-Basil a look, and the majordomo was quick to exit the mansion.

Geralt sat across the room, looking at his lover as she undressed.

"Are you watching," Yennefer said, with a slight amusement, her back to him. "If so, then don't. Turn around."

Geralt loved how she sometimes played coy. She knew that he enjoyed her, all of her, and couldn't get enough. Still, this game they played every now and then was indeed entertaining. He decided to play along, turning around to avert his eyes. He heard her chuckle, take a few steps and sink into the tub.

"Oh... That feels nice." The sorceress moaned in appreciation.

Geralt, having played this game before, knew that her moan was his cue to come closer. He pulled up a chair at the far end of the tub, by Yennefer's feet. Her raven hair was dancing on the surface of the water, looking like thin, black serpents.

Yennefer had her arms up and against the edges of the tub. Geralt made an appreciating sound and bowed his head as he smiled. He shook his head in something that could be a kind of frustration, she had also played this game and was indeed very good at it. Her naked breasts were just below the surface, making them impossible to see. The surface did a fine job distorting the view, acting to the sorceress' advantage.

They remained silent, looking at each other with appreciation. Geralt was indeed excited about what was to come.