Cynthia
Noctis had not slept well since the night that Esme had been "Kidnapped." When he'd found that his beloved was taken he'd run, run faster than he'd ever run, pushed his body to its limit. In terms of speed even Demigods couldn't keep pace with Noctis, not without support of magical enchantments or blessing from their parents. Dashing across fields and deserts and along roads, outpacing horses and wild beasts, he'd been the winds drawing in from the four corners waiting to explode at the epicenter of his worlds personal hurricane. No, since that night he'd still been running, first a chase, then a flee, now a chase again. He hadn't realized just how exhausted he'd been. Upon waking, he'd blink open his silver eyes and gaze up at the ceiling. 

With a deep breath in, he took in the scents of the room, the herbs and the fires embers, letting all of it wash into him. From the blanket that now *Covered* Him to the pillow, the wood used to build the place and the remnants of his lavender tea which he'd found he'd enjoyed quite a lot. 

Sitting up, his eyes first sought Ebony Rose. The black bladed longsword with a rubied rose for a pommel, its platinum crossguard gleaming as if freshly polished and the scabbard decorated with the sigils of the First Emperor, carved by the greatest runesmiths of the Age of Demigods. He panicked when he did not see it, only to recall that he'd left it behind along with his armor, which was just as magical as his beloved sword. Gifts given to him by his mentor, friend... Brother. Oh Scipio, what had happened to you, greatest of mortals. 

His eyes next sought out Esme, hungry for her. That was the truth of it, and he wasn't sure why he wanted to drink her in the way he did. Was it the dance she'd done, that had played within his dreams like a scene from a vision? Or was it that she possesed a more unique gift than he'd ever seen. He wanted to believe that was it, she was useful to him and thus was important. He kept the things that were im

Portant safe because they needed to be used in due time. Sliding his feet out of the couch, his hair would somehow find itself perfecctly tousled- he always awoke with his hair, eyes and breath as perfect as if he'd spent hours being waited upon by handmaidens. With a stretch that showed his dangerously powerful build beneath his unbuttoned tunic, he rose to his feet.
Monte
*Noctis would wake to an empty room with only the faint warmth of the lit fireplace to keep him company, at least for now. As the flames crackle and hanging herb shelves slowly sway back and forth. He can see a small bit of breakfast already fresh cooked sat out by the table near the couch. It is simple, a small slices of toast with jam and egg. A hearty breakfast that will get the job done, likely prepared and cooked by Esme... Esme, where is she? She isn't inside and as the natural sunlight peaks in from the cracks shown by the curtains. The hut itself feels like a dream, a deep glow of gold illuminating the room around Noctis and the various goods that are inside.*

*Sweep, sweep, sweep.*

*Hushed sounds from behind can be heard and should he look, a broom that sweeps itself across Esme's floors make its appearance. It likely came from the back room where she keeps her storage. How helpful it must be to have an object that does work for you. No wonder the place is so tidy. Thankfully, Noctis need not look far as to where the witch is as he can likely hear her just outside. Most of the verdant curtains are draping across the windows except for the one over looking the potion racks. As the pots bubble and brew the newest batch, Esme can be seen tending to and trimming the garden. At least the top of her head can as she tends to stand quite short in the eyes of most.*

*Pair that with the loud sound of Sweet Tooth who is likely outside with her. The two can be heard giggling as she sings a small lullaby to it. Her voice is serene, angelic even. Each note bounces like a plucked heart string and she sings from the soul. It's wavy and paints the imagery of flowers with every word she graces. Then it turns into a hum and even the songbirds nearby cannot help but chirp along with her. Perhaps it is starting to click now as to how the witch came to learn such a transformation. It is likely she is greeted by these birds every night.*

"Snip snip!" *Sweet Tooth's muffled voice calls from outside.*
"Only the extended leaves." *Esme corrects before the two fall into a fit of laughter, likely over what the wisp had just done.*

*She is an early riser but everything must be taken care of, even the guest. Not a single task is left undone. From the fireplace being alight, food prepared and now the gardens. She is meticulous in her work, even the toast is done to near perfection. It is... Warm in here, home-y even. A quaint life that is undisturbed by the world outside. Isolated from the horrors that could take it, a place where spirits can sing and a witch can blossoms like the many flowers that surround her in her fields.*
Cynthia
He found himself watching the broom for some time with an amused expression, and soon snapped himself out of it. Picking up a slice of toast, he walked quietly across the room and stood in the doorway of her hut. His black silk shirt was undone most of the way and tucked into leather trousers, his belt buckle fashioned into an ancient Sigil of Masculo. 

He was content to watch her, see how she worked on her garden and laughed with the small spirit, Sweet Tooth, who'd he had formed some type of bond with over the last day. It had guided him through the haze as best as it could, he reckoned. 

He'd once spent time among the elves, learning their songs and how to listen to the whispers of the trees, heard the songs of the creatures that most races ignored. Wonder upon wonder in the world he'd known, and yet this one... This one made his heart ache the most. Seeing her there with sweet tooth, for a moment he saw the visage of a young raven haired boy pulling roots from the mountain with a slender swordswoman, laughing in just the same way. 

He didn't say a word, but the gaze of a demigod of Masculo was a powerful one. A creature like him was hard not to feel watching you unless they explicitly were trying to hide it. He just sat there in the moment, drinking her in as if she were the mornings coffee- he was a man who'd been wandering a desert and had now found water. Oh how he wanted to understand this woman, to know her, to- 

No, not ruin it with thoughts. When he had thoughts, they would be of his goals, not of... Not of her. Just of how she could be of use. Of course.
Monte
*It will be a while before Esme and Sweet Tooth even realize that they are being watched. As the witch's words become clear, she speaks in elvish. Singing a gleeful song of a flower maiden weaving crowns in hope to impress the neighbor boy. But alas their love was not meant to be. For he was betrothed to another and so was she. Yet such a sad song is covered by the cheerful pitch changes and cutesy hops that Esme and the spirit keep doing. Even going so far as to pluck one of the poppy flowers and setting it in her hair. With one hand on her dress and the other extended out. She gives a curtsy bow before Sweet Tooth who responds with a similar gesture. An old children's song and an old children's dance. One that has long been lost to time.*

*But as they switch position in the midst of their laughter, Sweet Tooth spots Noctis and quickly points him out by yelling the word 'wake' in cheer. Esme's eyes widen as she quickly looks his way and soon she shys away. Esme up until this point has been quite calm. Yet when observed herself there seems to be a fun and childlike side to her, of course, the spirits love her after all. However, she is embarrassed and she quickly finger combs her hair as she glances away from Noctis, concealing the red that coats her cheeks.*

*Why is his shirt so loose? She wonders. Wanting to look busy as clouded thoughts keep her from thinking clearly, as they produce white noise in her ears. She grabs the basket that they were using to collect fallen petals. Kneeling down to grab them again. Well now she has to say something. He already seen her, she already seen him. Esme then sees she is barefoot and her eyes rapidly scan the area, only spotting her sandals on the porch where of course Noctis stands. In her head she curses to herself but externally she lets out an extended nervous chuckle. Her shoulders raising to her ears as she gives the man a sheepish smile.*

"G-good morning." *She stutters out, now fiddling with the leaves of the bushes beside her... Doing absolutely nothing. As long as she does not stare, then Esme believes she can salvage the situation and avoid yet another awkward moment. Lest she continue to overthink that is.*
"Morn', morn'!" *Sweet Tooth yells, waving its arms in the air as it runs back and forth.*
Cynthia
"I once knew an elf who's voice was so beautiful that they deterred a vile corrupted beast from deep within their darkest wood." He said in response to her good morning, one arm crossed over his chest as he gazed at her, his eyes now fully silver instead of amber. His silence lingered only a moment as he recalled the sound of their voice, and then he spoke again. 

"If the beast had heard yours, you would have cleansed it on the spot. It's the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. Thank you for the good morning, Esme." He said simply, the compliment, her name and the grace all rolling from his silvered tongue like a featherlight caress. 

He too was barefoot and seemingly unaware of her plight, in fact he *Was* Unaware for the first time in his life. He was a manipulator to many, a master of reading peoples body language and expressions, the faintest glimmer of the eye, twitch of the lip, fidget of the finger and he knew how they felt about him. 

He knew if they desired him, wanted to kill him- both, sometimes. Yet with Esme... All he could see was her. His mind wouldn't let him read her, his eyes saw her and everything she did as clearly as he'd seen anything, more clearly and yet he was blind when it came to her. Struck dumb, was more appropriate. 

He came closer then, his long prowling strides bringing him only a few feet from her before he squatted down to smile at Sweet Tooth. 

"Good morning, my honored friend. Are you helping this kind Witch? Then I offer you a thanks, and bless you in the name of my father." He said, and pulled out his last candy. Offering a blessing as a demigod was tricky, it could be exhausting. You called upon your godly parent and bestowed some of their gift to another. Sweet Tooth had received a minor protection boon from Masculo. 

Noctis then rose and turned his intense gaze back into her. 

"Do you need a hand? Thank you for breakfast by the way, I'll eat the rest of it soon. I was distracted I fear." He said with a crooked grin. Hi

S skin was alabaster, flawless and pale like marble, with just the right hints of color to ensure it didn't look cold and lifeless. His body was that of a warriors and yet, never too bulky, as if the gods carefully constructed him to be dangerous and beautiful. At least one god had. 

Being this close to her made him feel dizzy, as if he were experiencing vertigo. Was this a magical ability of hers, or was it her connection to the woods and thus the haze, a lingering effect of his trials yesterday? Surely that was what it was.
Monte
"Ah... Well I am not sure about that. Thankfully there are no beasts here." *Esme continues in her nervous chuckling as her voice becomes quieter.*

*Approaching her, the smell of rosemary is strong. Even in a garden as full and luminous as this pales in comparison to the fragrance that the witch often coats herself in. She may not know how to take compliments but thankfully due to her observant behavior. She is quick to begin trimming the bushes once more. Being careful not to prick herself with any of the rose thorns that are hidden deep within. Occasionally she glances over towards Noctis, smiling as she tries her best not to show her awkward tendencies of over thinking. As even now, she questions on if she should say more.*

*But then Nocits moves over towards Sweet Tooth who becomes ecstatic over the given candy. In celebration, it holds the piece up towards the sky as though it is a godsend relic. Savoring the looking of it to then savor the taste shortly after. The spirit body turns a bright white as energy pulses all throughout the wisp. They must be able to taste as it's reaction to the candy is authentic and before long, bright wings sprout from its back. Taking off, Sweet Tooth now flies over head. Cheering over and over again, feeling the high of sugar and the high of life. Daring even to out sound the songbirds that nest nearby.*

*Such display causes Esme to chuckle and as she pushes her locks behind her ear so that she can continue gardening. She cannot help but appreciate the antics of Sweet Tooth. Most spirits go on to the next plane or layer of the woods. It is natural as most do not linger. But Sweet Tooth seems to be an exception and Esme cannot help but feel grateful. As if caught in her own world, Emse begins to hum the elven song again. Wiping a very faint drop of sweat from her porcelain skin. But then Esme is promptly snapped from her own thoughts as Noctis draws closer, blocking the sun from view.*

"O-oh... Uhm..." *She starts, unable to find her words again as she comes to a stand.* 
"No, it's quite alright. I was upkeeping the roses. Most of the work is done-"

*Then she blinks a couple of times, taking in the man's expression. His eyes are distant and Esme grows concerned. Is it due to the haze? Did it effect his magic this much? No, a stupid question. Even light exposure to it can cause severe affects and Esme should know better than assuming otherwise. She is perceptive and while Noctis may feel dizzy in her presence, all it takes is a very subtle shift in his expression for her to grow concerned. Even if her own assumptions are wrong.*

"Are you okay? You seem distant in the eye." *She asks, stepping closer, perhaps a bit too close.*
Cynthia
With a blink he finds her close enough that he could lean down just a bit and bump her head with his own. Yet the look she gave him was not a look he'd ever seen on someone's face for him- anyone save Scipio. It wasn't lust, desire or envy- those were the expressions he seemed to receive the most. They were an everyday part of his life and he accepted them as easily as someone would accept a hello. Yet this woman held none of it for him, he didn't even know if she *Saw* Him as a man, if she had any kind of interest in anyone it was apparent that it wasn't him, and furthermore, that she really was immune to the glamour of his beauty. The most powerful of the blessing/curse his father had given him, a supernatural beauty that made anyone at least *Notice* His looks. 

Yet was a non factor for him. What the hell? Years and years of wishing he could erase that boon and the one time in hundreds of years that he might possibly want it to affect someone and they're entirely **Immune**. 

It was almost frustrating. He breathed in her scent, he barely repressed a shudder of delight- and then hated that he'd needed to. He cleared his throat and stepped back, it was an agonizing step for him- he wanted to step closer. To study her face, look in her eyes for some clue to what she was hiding, to... To what, Noctis? 

"I'm okay. Thinking about the Haze again, that's all." He said, smiling at her. Reaching out, he plucked a petal from her shoulder, fingers only slightly grazing her neck and quickly pulling back as he examines the petal of which she'd been collecting. 

"Do you use these for potions?" He asks, wanting to divert from the subject.
Monte
"Ah... Okay. Do tell me if you feel off in any way."

*In theory Esme should be smitten by the charms and boons of a god. Yet somehow she isn't. Then again when you live around creatures that inherently charm and manipulate in just about everything they do, it comes with the teritorry you build tolance. But magic doesn't work that way and while Esme is a witch of exceptional skill and talent. It does not quite explain why she seems so averse from the charm itself.*

*As she notices the petal in Noctis' hand. She lets out a tiny 'oh' followed by her averting her gaze. As she kneels down again to collect a few more of the petels. Memories of the past flood her mind to his question. Why grab these? As she reaches out, she does not see the hand of a woman but rather her own hand as a child. To her left, a vision of a girl with curly brunette hair, missing a tooth with a smile brighter than the daylit sky. Her words in elvish, she speaks of a perfume that can only be replicated with a key yet simple inredient. Rose petals. This causes Esme to give a solemn smile in thought before she properly turns her attention back towards Noctis, coming to a stand and giving a nod.*

"I guess you could say that. Perfume mostly but rose water has healing properties too. I prefer all things go to use, nothing wasted." *She explain, now holding out the basket so that Noctis may drop the petal inside with the rest.*
"I am sure you have smelled the rosemary. It keeps demons away and serves as a lovely fragrance in general."

*Is it the fragrances that are keeping her immune? No, that doesn't explain it either. Though Esme is having a harder time looking at Noctis given his loose shirt. She still isn't smitten. Shy yes, but not smitten. Magic radiates off of her, maybe there is a charm of her own that dares to disobey the natural will of the gods. Yet another mystery to add to the long chain of mysteries that surrounds the lonely witch. One who speaks of a coven yet not a single coven mate is around to be sighted.*

"I do hope you slept well. I understand the space here can be cramped but the fireplace does well to keep everything warm inside. Also, little Sweet Tooth kept watch of you. Didn't you?" *She chuckles, now looking up at the spirit who gives a happy thumbs up. A true hero it is.*
Cynthia
Letting the petal fall, it's then that he notices his open shirt. At a glance he can see it, just peeking out- the only scar that ever formed on his body. On his stomach between hard planes of muscle was a puffy white scar from a blade. A blade that should have spelled the end of his life- no, a blade that *Had* Spelled the end of **A** Life. 

"Apologies." He muttered, and his nimble fingers easily retie his tunic, until naught but his collarbone is showing. It was a perk to have clothing that never wrinkled or soiled. Made travel much easier, at least. He still made the effort to wash and bathe, even if they ended up making no difference if he hadn't had a battle or been through some event. 

"I did sleep well. Too well. You have a lovely home. Do all the witches in your coven stay within these woods? It isn't normal to see just one witch in a territory." He said, glancing around the space outside, searching for other huts and homes. He'd had some dealings with witches, rarely good, always painful in one way or another. Never as painful as this. 

He spoke to her normally, but he'd noticed the smile on her face. It held something in it, something... This witch didn't live a life of just daisies and plants and potions. Behind the spirits, or maybe because of them, because of these woods or the haze or the evils of man, there was a wound, wasn't there? Of course there was. 

Aeterna was full of beauty, but it always, inevitably, left scars. Even when it should be impossible... 

Lifting his fingers away from the scar on his stomach, he once again watches her. It's as if every move she makes he expects her to turn into a songbird again and fly away.
Monte
"It's alright." *Esme says as she shifts the basket in her arms, averting her gaze as Noctis buttons up his shirt.*

*It would be impolite to stare even if it is for normal conversation. Which is why she makes herself busy again, walking past him to set the basket on the porch underneath the suns rays. Fetching her sandals and slipping them on. She brushes off any tracked dirt or grass from her dress, double checking to make sure she has everything in her satchel. All but the caps of the red amanita mushrooms. She needs to collect more and as her eyes dance towards the window, she can the light white steam produced from her potion stand.*

"I am glad you slept well." *Esme calls back as she pulls out a small pair of gloves from the same satchel she had just opened.*
"I do recommend you finish breakfast though. My cooking is not fine dining, but I do hope it will suit you well."

*She then looks back assuming that Noctis has had enough time to get himself put together. The scar was something Emse had noticed when she walked off. But she dared not mention it. It is on a more intimate part of the body and if she brought it up, that means she would have been ousted for staring even if not meant to. The thought alone makes her tense and before long she is pressing her thumb against her palm.*

*As the coven is mentioned, though Esme keeps on a great smile her eyes are of sorrow. No tears are needed to be explained the pain of the coven. A woman of a long standing past, she lets out a forced chuckle. Esme does not seek pity nor does she covet for it. For a second she tries to come up with an explanation and her silence may even prove to an quick get away as a songbird. But the witch stays and continues as not to leave her guest alone. It would be cruel to do for such a question.*

"Ah... I am sorry if I have mislead." *She starts, again, still thinking on how to continue.*
"But my coven is no more. I am but one of three left."

*Then the world around her no longer looks so vibrant. Pretty painted rooftop becoming dull, the flowers void of smell. There is no enchantment here but it is the perspective of Esme. In all of this beauty is a woman who stands alone. Whatever her past is it is long forgotten by all except for her. Her sisters? Gone. And she clearly does not have a close relationship with whoever still lives. Yet she remains positive through it all, not daring to provide a sob story or even tug at Noctis' heart strings. She speaks plainly. But now she knows not what to say, still smiling as she does though she cannot quite look at Noctis. A subject change would make it seems as though she is upset. But lingering makes this conversation awkward.*

"I am not upset though, before you believe I am." *She blurts out in a bit of a panic before falling silent as she bites the inside of her cheek.*
Cynthia
He's busy following Sweet Tooth around and trying to tickle the bottom of them while they fly around overhead, though its obvious he's still listening as he nods absnetly when she says he should eat. In truth his stomach was too busy doing cartwheels and backflips to handle any food, but he would try so as to not dishonor her. Honor had meant a lot to Scipio, even if the work he'd had Noctis do was considerable the most dishonorable of all. Yet his mentor had said that Noctis possessed a good and true heart, his line of work should have eaten him and left nothing but a black hearted machine. 

"T... Three?" He said, his finger freezing outstretched. Turning to look at her, his hand drops to his side. He takes in her face and for once, he pushes away the fog she generates in his head. Scanning her smile, her eyes, the deep wound he noticed before- idiot! He should have known, would have known if he hadn't been clouded. All the clues were there and here he was asking stupid and foolish questions a boy would have had enough tact not to ask. 

But he did not say sorry. Noctis had lost friends, comrades. He'd fought wars and seen men he commanded die because of a choice he made. He'd sat by his mothers side and sang to her as sickness took her from him, and he'd woken up thousands of years from his own life and discovered that the men and women he'd seen as family, Scipio and the other 10 demigods, were gone and nearly wiped from history. He didn't even get to know what had happened to them. 

Sorry didn't bring anyone back or close any wounds, sorry did nothing but sprinkle salt on a cut. 

Theres silence for a moment as he takes in this new sight of her, another lay to the infinite amount that this woman had. Oh how she mesmerized him. After a minute he finally spoke. 

"You may be whatever you need to be, Esme. I believe I have a breakfast to attend to, isn't that right?" He asked, and walked over. Gently his hand met her shoulder to help him squeeze past her into the

Door and beyond to the room, but his fingers gave only the lightest squeeze of comfort for her loss. Perhaps the thing she might notice above all, a chance for her to see that he might know something of loss, was the trembling of his fingers as they left her body. 

He sat down and began to eat quickly. Noctis only used good table manners when he absolutely needed to, most of the time, he ate like... Well like an animal.
Monte
*Esme gives a nod to Noctis as he is caught by surprise by her deceased coven. Their practices are long gone and what little history they have, are long lost to the ancient ruins deep within these woods. Ruins that Esme herself has not dared to visit in a very long time. The thought alone causes her to smell the terrible scent of ash. With a finger rubbing against her nose, she briefly closes her eyes to clear her mind of it. It is best those memories and thoughts stay repressed. Due to this, she doesn't notice the creeping silence. Only realizing afterwards when Noctis approaches her, causing her to clear her throat.*

"Y-yes... Before it gets cold of course." *Esme quietly comments, falling quiet even when a hand is set on her shoulder.*

*Sweet Tooth is quick to come down when Noctis makes his way inside. First it takes a glance over at Esme who reaches up to tickle its little hanging feet. There is no reason to be sad over lost time which is why she swallows it away. She just hates how this topic got brought up and likely soured the mood. Again, she bites the inside of her cheek as she tries to come up with ideas on how to salvage the situation. Which is exactly why she does not go inside right away.*

"I wish I could avoid talking..." *She sighs very quietly, lowering her head and letting out a groan of pain. To of which Sweet Tooth cannot help but pat the top of her head in comfort.*
"I am so bad at it..." *Esme then finishes with a pout before going inside.*

*She is careful in closing the door behind her while Sweet Tooth rushes over to see what Noctis is doing. Only to let out loud laughter to see how quick he is eating. This of course catches Esme's attention and her lips part to reassure him to take his time. But he is his own man and he can eat as he pleases. So instead, she opts to a small smile and continues on her path near the table to her potions stand. Waving away some of the white steam and opening the window more so that it may be released. She now flips through her notes. Mumbling about needed mushrooms and the stock of her herbs.*

"Oh, if you want any more. Do not be afraid to tell me. I made portion sizes for me but..." *She then comes to a stop briefly, thinking over her words before the next bundle blurts out as if she had intend to speak them for herself.
 I have learned over the years men have bottomless stomaches..." *Esme mumbles, her eyes only widening when she realizes what she had said and promptly she covers a bit of her mouth. Foolish girl, now she cannot help but look apologetic.*
Cynthia
He finishes as she turns to her potion and leans back against the couch, crossing his arms. He wasn't sure if the crumbs vanished magically or just vacuumed into his mouth, but he never made crumbs. Things never dropped when he held them, he just never made a mess without willingly trying. So he crossed his arms over his chest and watched her. 

His eyebrow shot up at her statement of men. With a mischievous smile, he couldn't help himself. 

"Have many men come to visit you in this woods, witch?" Smirking, he got up to put his plate away. He usually had the appetite to eat enough for for two grown men, but today would be an exception. Despite his quick eating he felt stuffed, or just queasy. 

"And... I wish you'd talk more. You have such a lovely voice." He said, tapping his ear to give her the warning that he could hear her. Enhancement Magic didn't just make him stronger and faster, it could affect his entire body. Metabolism, his brain, his nervous system and of course, his senses. 

"Poor Esme and the ravenous men she deals with." He says, chuckling. Perhaps she was immune because she had a lover, some man out there to call her own. 

He very much didn't like that he absolutely hated that idea.
Monte
*It takes Esme a second to realize what he had said and this causes her to stop turning the ladle. At first her silence paired with the wide eyed stare may seem as though she has taken offense. Sweet Tooth makes it worse by going 'uh-oh' at Noctis. Implying her may be in deep trouble. But the moment of tension fades the moment she lets out a small chuckle followed by a tiny snort. Shaking her head to the idea.*

"As much as I would love to boast about all of the men that have groveled to my feet and I have invited over..." *She then stops, flicking the flame away as she starts to pour the liquid into it's respective bottles.*
"You would be quite disappointed to hear that there have been none. I may be human but love is not a luxury I get to indulge in."

*Though her words are sad, she seems positive still. As she finishes pouring the last potion. Esme moves over to give Noctis a bit of water. Uttering thanks as she passes by though she does not see her voice as anything heaven sent. It's just when you get years to yourself, isolated in the woods. Singing as a pass time will always occur. Plus it helps calm her and even the little spirits around her. She learns from the best, the fae have the most interesting of songs.*

"Boring I know. But the only men I have had to deal with are those on medical beds. Ravenous appetites and honied words that are still being said on their death beds." *She snickers before setting her hands on her hips, as if to now play along with the joking behavior of the story and inquiry of her love life.*

"Even in death your kind still cannot help but stop to take an opportunity. I don't know whether to roll my eyes or be impressed half of the time." 

*Esme even puts a bit of attitude emphasis on her tone. Playing a snarkier role though she remains soft spoken as per usual. With another chuckle and the assistance of Sweet Tooth who now flies around to help her count the herbs. She goes back to checking logs.* 
"Plus you should know witches steal souls. You're bold for coming here." 

"Rav-yay-noos" *Sweet Tooth tries to say which gets it a pat on the head by the witch.*
Cynthia
Noctis wasn't dissapointed, he was furious. Furious because for a moment he was quite pleased to hear she had no attachment of the sort. This woman was a witch after all. 

He laughed, a beautiful laugh. Much like the childlike joy she'd shared with Sweet Tooth, his laugh was boyish, juvenile, mischevious. He shook his head and got up to come and watch her mix and pour her potions. 

"You'd be dissapointed with mine." He says casually, leaning closer to her to peer over her shoulder and down to her hands. She was tiny, and he six feet, so really it was more like he was peering over her head. "But I had something here I wanted, so I came for it. Bold or not, I don't give up." That had been an aspect of himself that had been trained, honed, ironed out. Looking at it now, he wondered if Scipio knew how much damage he'd do to Noctis. Surely not. Scipio had only ever wanted the best for Aeterna, Noctis accepted that sacrifices were to be made. 

"What do you know of Demigods, Esme?" He asks suddenly, totally and blatantly still in her personal space for only a moment longer before stepping over and to the side to lean against the wall beside her potions table.
Monte
*Esme becomes lost in her own world as she delicately touches up her potion vials. Underneath the table stand are small shelves. Upon opening the drawer, it looks like a small arts and crafts stowaway. Small ribbons of different types, chain links and scissors. Each potion is packaged beautifully and given how many she sells at a time. Each one is handled with care. Not once does she stop smiling in her work, measuring a red ribbon just right to wrap around one of the lesser healing potions.*

*But then she can see Noctis out of the corner of her eye and has to double take before she is caught by surprise given she didn't notice him approach. She then raises an eyebrow. Questioning on what he means by 'here'. Perhaps it is in the past tense sense of the land, which she will likely ask him to clarify just after she wraps this second potion. She hums as she loops the ribbon, producing a small bow that she seems quite proud of. Holding it in the light before passing it over towards Sweet Tooth to take and tuck away in her bag that hangs just off the corner.*

"You had something here you wanted?" *She ask, her expression puzzled as she gives her head a tilt.*
"And I know the general concept. Life produced through greater forces. These forces bless the mortals and with the gifts given, thus demigods are born. Blessed or cursed, they are children of great energy." 

*As Esme speaks, it sounds like she is reading off of a script. But then soon proves to be intentionally done as she no longer works on potion making and now gives Noctis her undivided attention.*
"But my opinion of them is that they are life, born like us with great expectations on their shoulders. Power given or born... These burdens weigh heavily." 

*When she speaks, again, it proves that she isn't seeing Noctis as the textbook written demi-god. Sure, he is one, and that she respects. But she dare not only see him as such. She doesn't speak in separation, it is the word 'us' that she uses. Whether or not he agrees, all are equal in Esme's eyes. But then she seems to grow shy as if she had been rambling too much, paired with how close Noctis just was and she soon starts to fumble with her ribbons. Now seemingly unable to tie the small knots.*