Merle
*Esme cannot help but let out a chuckle. Kidnapped? In all her years, no such thing has ever happened and she doubts it ever will.*
"A dragon? I do hope he can shapeshift into a handsome hunk." *She continues in her girlish snickering as she grabs hold of her cloak, wrapping it around her shoulders.*
"I hear the red ones of legends were as dangerous as they were attractive. Eyes bright like flame, long, flowing hair like the red sea. True blooded warriors, through and through."

*Then Esme falls silent as she realizes that she is getting a bit too carried away. Cruel warlords? Really? Since when did that become her type? This causes her freckled face to flush into a faint as she decides that maybe keeping such whimsical fantasies are better left to the mind. Imagination can be a fickle thing and love stories tend to be delusional. Dragon warlord? Ah, she can see it now. A heart burning with passion only for one. Yeah, such a thing would never exist so why did she even bring it up? This causes her laughter to turn into one laced with anxiety as her smile begins to fade awkward.*

"Doubt he fell in love, cruel men could never-" *Esme sputters before rubbing at her forehead. Fantasies get inspiration from somewhere. Who is to say that his cruel heart didn't soften for one?*
"A-anyways..." *She stammers before coming to a stand before she gives a tiny finger wave at the spider.*
"Lets feed the little one and it's not so little friend and rendezvous with our Drow companions. I have a feeling we will find more information as we draw near the site.*

*With a sharp inhale, Esme takes hold of her dagger and begins to slice a good chunk of meat for their new friend. By now it has to be cold, not that this would likely bother the spider any. But still, it's at least a good attempt. Most ambush hunters are equal in opportunistic feeders, so she doubts she needs to wiggle the slab in order to entice its feeding response. Making a quick fix to her laced up boots, the witch then approaches the spider, though still providing it a couple feet of space as she pushes the meat slab over towards it with a gentle smile.*

"There you are." *She hums before turning her attention to Almonde.* "I'll be just up ahead, do not feel rushed. I just suspect Maya will be impatient if I am not directly by her side."
Esther
*Her face lit up with some glee and excitement as the witch spoke of her love of dragons, there were definitely a romantic tale to be spoken by the sweet songs of bards. She'd place her hands on her hips, listening with a smug smile before it faded. Her eyes deep in thought as Esme seemed to have a type.*

```"Oh? Am I hearing that our bewitching Esme has a thing for red haired warriors? The big bad types that you can change into a loving and protective hubby? Sweeping you off your feet and flying into the sunset?"```

*Her mischievous tone would rise as she'd take her vengeance for before, when Esme teased her with Gwylyss. She let out a overly proud laugh as if pretending to be a snobbish noble woman, her hand elegantly covering her lips as she'd laugh like an owl. Oddly, Almonde wasn't the type to let someone feel awkward instead she would either be awkward with them or more so. The drow duo glanced at the two laughing fools, rolling their eyes in unison. Almonde began to wonder if Ludwig the Unforgivable could have found love himself or simply deprived himself of it. The devotee extanded her handful of fruit to the large beast that used its tentacle like teeth to munch on the sweet treat.*

```"Sounds like a plan, hopefully I can find out more about Ludwig. Maybe bring some additional Information back to the church, he was a paladin of Calisto after all. Might get a reward for it hah. I'll be right behind you, after he stops licking my palms."```

*She said as the large beast began licking the juices on her hands, causing her to giggle as it tickled.*

*The little critter watched as Esme approached it, it simply looked at her. As the meat slab was pushed towards it, the creature began to carefully stalk the meat. Slowly, making its way closer inch by inch before jumping onto the meat itself. It would grab the meat slab and carry it into a darker place, it's chosen place become Esme's tent. Oddly having the same behavior as the first spider that they encountered.*

*The noble drow watched as the two humans feed the creatures of the underdark, they were useful so Maya would bulid a tolerance for their child acts. A weak spider should not rely on a donation to survive, a large beast seemed useful enough for meat so maybe they keep it around. Perhaps as a feast after their quest came to an end, she thought to herself.*

```"Gwylyss, do you have the poisons ready. When we encounter any run away slaves or creatures, I want them dead without question. I cannot lose my undead too early. If we encounter anything in the grave, then wait for my command. Do you think have enough witts to remember that."```

*Maya said standing tall as she'd take a look at the party, it was now or never. Today is the day that she either rises or falls. Gwylyss nodded his head, as his red eyes kept the ground.*

*Should Esme approach the pair, the masked drow waited expectantly. Her arms crossed as her impatience grew, Gwylyss began to walk back and away. The noble Maya spoke with a firm tone as she'd direct the witch along with the party. Almonde was quickly to follow Esme.*

```"The Baedaeth will take the lead, my undead forces will surround the party, Gwylyss will take the rear guard. I will be in the center along with the healer. I expect everyone to fulfill their roles in this."```
Merle
"Ehhhhhhhhh!?" *Esme quickly gasps out before frantically waving her hand away at Almonde's pesky little teases.*
"I have no type. I was simply repeating bards tales."

*The witch is quick to cough away any possible hint at what she could or could not be into. Even being as daring as to narrow her eyes at Almonde before glazing over towards Maya and Gwylyss. Ah, the anti-fun crew. Perhaps she shouldn't think that but she cannot help it. How much easier this mission would be if either of them would just let up a little. Not that she should expect Drow to be... Well, playful. They are in a dangerous mission and at this point, the girls really should be more... Aware. But this whole situation would be suffocating if there were not some type of way to keep relaxed. Esme needs a steady head on her shoulders and sometimes a bit of laughter can help her keep her mind clear.*

"Anyways... See you shortly... And bye little one~" *Esme coos at the smaller creature before turning on her heels to approach the Drow.*

*She gives a nod as she paces towards them, understanding her position. Does Esme really prefer to lead the charge? Absolutely not. She is a caster, not a warrior who can take a beating or two head on. She has had her fair share of rough housing, at least thats her best way of minimalizing the fighting she has both experienced and witnessed prior. But that does not mean she wants to remain in greater danger than what she already is.*

"I assume you two have everything you need?" *She asks, figuring that nothing of importance should be over looked.*
"I will also ask we stay vigilant for any clues in regards to this scroll. My visions only tell so much and ultimately even I do not know what we are to face or even the precise location of the site."

*Basically, without outing the deep gnome. Esme is really walking into this both blind and on a hunch. It is a finnicky issue she has in front of her. Her gaze flickers towards Almonde before looking over at Gwylyss. The image of the body held in the hand of that demon... Who was it? Then it returns to Maya and that increasing discomfort begins to form again. Whatever that amulet is, Esme has a feeling the noble is playing into its hand.*
Kurt
SF:*The little critter peeked out of its hiding place with the meat still in its fangs, watching the party getting ready to leave. Gwylyss was looking nervous and hesitant for a moment, like a shy bard that wanted to sing yet had stage fright. He took a step towards Maya as she placed roles on the party, yet he paused as Esme spoke about staying vigilant for clues and not relying too heavily on her visions. Maya seemed satisfied with such a suggestion, nodding her head as she was also curious about the secrets and treasures that this hidden gravesite brought.*

```"We are prepared to leave, everything is in order. Hmm. Very well, sharp and alert then we shall be. It would benefit us all."```

*The masked noble spoke with a confident tone before her attention turned to Gwylyss who seemed hesitant to enter the conversation between the two woman. Despite him being a warrior, their was a hue of fear in his eyes as he made a suggestion.*

```"My lady, if I may. Perhaps the healer can take the rear guard? She has shield and the armor to guard our flank, and could heal our front if need be. I also suggest that u take the lead? Esme can be our guide but I believe I'm a better tracker and overall quicker. If we lose the Baedaeth to a trap or a fast foe, we lose our guide to the scroll, she may also need some space between her and foes to cast spells... And such."```

*The drow warrior made a fair suggestion, to put Esme in the lead was seemly very dangerous especially if she cannot spot a trap fast enough. Gwylyss was made to fight in the shadows and knew ambushes like the back of his hand. Maya simply put hand up, motioning an silent approval to the suggestion.*

```"Fine. You will lead, Esme and I shall be in the center, the healer may protect our backs."```
.
Esther
*Maya explained out loud to avoid confusion, it become rather obvious that the noble was no military genius. Almonde simply stood there in silence, as she'd put her shield on the ground. Maya snapped her fingers that alerted the undead about their plans to head out.*

```"As you said, Baedaeth. Take us to the site, to the best of your ability. My undead will search for clues as you guide us. A hidden gravesite is expected to be very well hidden, yet the amulet screams with glee. I have a good feeling about this."```

*Even if one cannot see her smile, her tone and words revealed it. Almonde wasn't sure on what to say, thinking it would be best to simply follow orders now. The sooner that they get these mushrooms, the sooner they can return to the surface, even she couldn't feel entirely safe with the undead around.*
Merle
*Though Esme does not show it, she does appreciate Gwylyss for speaking up. Their new positions will be better though she would prefer to walk side by side with Almonde. This is better for the overall group. Plus her companion is vigilant, in a way she feels more comfortable with Almonde watching her back rather than Maya or Gwylyss. Even the undead give her some unease. All it takes is a single flick of the wrist and they will be sent attacking.*

"This works well, stay sharp everyone." *Esme continues with a growing false confidence.*

*Her hands clasped over the strap of her satchel. Esme now walks forwards with a somewhat clear mind. The scenery around them is breath taking but she needs to keep aware of it holding very real threats. Whats more concerning is coming across the slaves. She just hopes that they are wise enough not to cross paths. Esme has to remain on the side of the Drow if she wants to uncover the mystery of this relic and most importantly... If Maya needs to be stopped, it needs to happen at the right time. Anything premature will just set her off and cause her to attack prematurely.*

*But she cannot help but glance over her shoulder. She knows the spider will be okay but there is a hopeful feeling that maybe, at least in some whimsical fairytale, that a creature will come and help her. A wise caterpillar? Ah, such a thing will not exist. Not here, not in the underdark.*

"You may not have an interest in the mushrooms but they attract creatures that are naturally, magically inclined. Unseelie fey may roam around. The last thing I want is us being turned into to toads or worse..."
Esther
*The air was cool and still, as the campfire met its end. Almonde wasn't one to let a fire fade out on its own, so she'd began to work the flames with her staff. It'd be a shame for animal to touch the flames or for it to spread. The final line of smoke erupted from the burnt and black wood, waters of the stream ran through the small slope below. Rushing down with the same pace as before, dark and clear as it reflected the blue ore above. The undead kept their distance from the party, forming a large circle around them. Two of the crossbow skeletons following behind while the ghouls limped along.*

*Almonde would be tasked with watching everyone's back, a determined expression could be seen on her soft face. She had no time for day dreaming, their safety was on her shoulders. The devotee allowed the party to move forward, as she'd take a back step yet stayed close enough to the center to ensure she could protect them if chaos grew. It was then that Maya turned her attention on the devotee, asking a question with a smug tone.*

```"Tell me, those colors that you wear. They are of Calisto, are they not? You must be aware of Ludwig The Oathbreaker, another failed design in the eyes of your Goddess. Tell me, what do you think him?"```

*Maya asked as Esme spoke of potentially dangers that could be brought with the mushrooms magical mana ability. This actually peaked the concerns of Gwylyss, Maya seemed to view the fey as a joke. Gwylyss asked Esme a question, while leading the party away from the campsite. The large beast stayed there, grazing on some left over fruits.*

```"The fey of the unseelie court, their tales and horrors have even reached my ears. Evil fairies and creatures. I've fought against a band of Redcaps and Quicklings, but even then I've yet to master killing them. Best that we don't underestimate them."```
.

*Gwylyss spoke as he would acknowledge the witch, his tone was that of worry and concern. No fear in his eyes, but concern that her ladyship would have to encounter such nasty creatures but they had Baedaeth and a healer with them. His shoulders relaxed as he held his crossbow with an caution gaze around, walking and taking the lead. Glancing ahead for tracks or traps, that were his expertise. It was then that Almonde nervously laughted as she'd answer the noble drow, one part was happy to share her faith's history while another part of her was worried about the unstable necromancer.*

```"Well, I'm glad you asked. I think he is a cautionary tale about greed and obsession? He had a lot, chosen to be a champion yet was never content. The more he took, the less he had in the end?"```

*Almonde said sounding unsure of her words, the tale of Ludwig was difficult to speak of as the tale was older than the era of man. So the tale was told in bits and pieces that never truly made sence in the end. Tales change as time goes on. Almonde turned her attention to Esme as she'd asked a question about the unseelie fey.*

```"Is there anyway that we can perhaps work or make a peaceful encounter with the unseelie fey?"```

*She asked hopping to not harm creatures of the fey, the party began to move away from the camp as they followed Esme's directions. The little critter seemed to be following them, as it watched them from a tall mushroom tree. Quietly watching, if it would help or not was a mystery. But now, it seemed rather content to watch over the group as they made their way along the river.*