Cynthia
"Of course I did, I needed to see you again." He responds softly. 

"I wonder how many demigods still exist in this time... I told you when we first met that I shouldn't be here. That fate and I are opposed, possibly. The truth is..." He hesitates, his eyes looking away from her face as he steels himself and he catches sight of her fumbling fingers. With only the slightest smile he reaches a hand out and his fingers graze across hers as he pulls the vial away smoothly, tying the ribbon while mimicking the ones he has seen on her other potions, before holding it out. He was quite good at replication. 

"I was born a long time ago, Esme. I'm very old." He says somberly, gazing at the floor as he spits out the truth. "Over three thousand years now, I think." He says with a bitter laugh. Three thousand years and he'd only been concious for a few hundred of them. An entire lifetime, an ending of a lifetime, of hundreds of lifetimes, and he had nothing. Nothing. No closure, no family, no purpose. "I don't know if it was an act of the gods or some other, older magic, much when i should have died I... Slept. I woke up less than a year ago in what's now called Velaris." 

She was the *Only* Person he'd told of this. He didn't know why he was. No, no he did, because she could touch the ribbons of fate and right now, he needed any edge he could against that overwhelming and all powerful force. 

He flexes his fingers and realizes he has goosebumps. Why? 

The soft feel of her fingers beneath his flashed through his mind and his brow furrowed in frustration. 

"There isn't anything for me in this age."
Monte
*Esme stops in her work for a moment as Noctis mentions of seeing her again. She is to leave soon, to meet whoever is apart of his band. Of course she conceded as she still has every intention to upholding her end of the bargain. But she cannot help but feel some doubts. The twilight coven danced under dangerous moons. Their studies tested the fabric of reality itself at times. Esme would know best of all, she was chosen, selectively hand picked and dare said bred to be who she is. Not that she ever knew her birth parents, but from the stories she was told. Her coming to the coven was no accident. Then she lets out a small gasp as the vial is taken from her. She hesitates for a second as her work is delicate in her eyes. But she does not interject in allow Noctis to finish the tie, listening to his words.*

"I guess two hundred is small to you then." *She chuckles as she moves onto the next vial. But given how small the vial is paired to how thin the ribbon is, it makes it difficult given she cannot seem to concentrate.*

"If fates were truly against you, then I doubt we would be talking." *Esme continues before turning to lean against the table, tilting her head down as she takes a deep breath.*
"There is nothing for any of us unless we seek out desires. I may not be a demi god but I had duties. To watch and observe. I was not to have anything for myself, to become a sentinel of magic. To ensure in it's instability it was stable, to serve as a catalyst."

*Esme expects her words not to make much sense and in typical witch fashion, she likely won't elaborate either. But as she pushes herself off from the table and begins walking towards the other side of the room. She pulls down a small red leather bound book. Though it looks mighty old and cracks have long formed on the hem. She gives it a quick blow off before cracking open it's elder pages.*

"This was my first diary- written in elvish, old elvish. Not the new variant you read and hear today. Back when I was first learning how to make potions. Even then I felt there was nothing for me. Until I clung onto something I could make of my own. This is something you should seek Noctis. Fates, demigod. What are they to you? I was a human born orphan girl. So what would eternal life, fate and the weave mean to me? Make the age what you want it to be."

*Realizing she is rambling now. Esme's eyes widen as she becomes flushed with red and she quickly sets the old diary down. It holds nothing of real value nor is it anything to keep a secret.*
Cynthia
"So all you desire is that, to guard magic? That's enough for you?" He asked, following her around the room only with his eyes. "You said you *Had* Duties, have they changed?" Running fingers through his hair, he felt frustrated with her answers. Unable to pinpoint why exactly, he found himself pacing to the door and back, until his eyes landed on her diary. 

"Your diary?" He said with another of his more boyish smirks. Noctis has the peculiar gift to speak any tongue, and be understood by any- but it did not translate to reading. Still he'd studied to be able to infiltrate and Elvish was one of the languages he knew- ancient Elvish, well... He hadn't heard or read it since his re-awakening. A dead language was called such for a reason after all. 

"Do you have many of those? I might too, living in isolation." Sitting down on the couch now, unable to choose a spot, he rests his head in his hands. 

"I was a general of godlings, Esme, I lived in the Eternal Palace, I served the strongest mortal to ever walk Aeterna and helped usher in an age of peace and prosperity. Then I woke up and found that dragons drowned it all in fire, men and elves slaughtered each other by the thousands, and the nine realms that I so beloved have now drowned in enough blood to create four new oceans. Everything, everything I knew is gone." He said into his hands, his voice muffled but the small space still allowing him to be heard by her. 

*He* Was rambling now. Realizing this, he stiffened up. He'd never been this open with anyone. Was he going fucking insane? Had she cast a spell on him? 

Out of fear, he quickly scanned himself. Using his ability to use Suggestion and Charm magics, he probed his mind until he was sure she hadn't done something, drugged him or bewitched him. It wasn't because she was a witch that he did not trust her, he did not trust himself. He did not trust that he could feel this relaxed around a person, even Scipio.
Monte
"I have already told you my desires. Guarding magic isn't one of them, but it was a duty of my coven. If I were to say I had duties now... I suppose serve." *She answers with a small shrug.*

*Esme seems nonchalant in this conversation. She has lived for over two hundred years and she has seen how desire has driven mortals and those close gods mad before. Why would she etch a curse such as that on herself? The simpler things are, the better. Magic and it's elements can even be classified as simple if you truly break them down enough. She may not span thousands of years old, but she has accumulated enough wisdom to at least know the importance of reflecting on knowing on how to be content rather than being happy.*

"And the diary mostly talks about different bugs I found in the gardens or plants I gathered with my coven sisters. Unfortunately, there were no boy crushes in there." *She chuckles as she gives a shake of her head.* "Only one diary, don't know what happened to the rest."

*The only magic at play here would be the broom that sweeps across the floor and if you want to count Esme's serene and sweet smile. But the witch has no reason to charm or even trick Noctis. The more he looks around the more he will see just how mundane everything is. The magic in the air here is not anything to be concerned of and naturally Esme radiates it. But she doesn't seem to be using it. In fact, half of the time her focus seems to divert itself to chores or making sure Sweet Tooth isn't doing anything it shouldn't be.*

"I understand your pain, at least I would like to believe I do." *She continues as she begins to wash and put away key components to her potion stand.*
"Loss will always linger. What matters the most is how you wish to continue and take the pain, acknowledge it, accept it and then move on. I do not mean to dismiss you Noctis, but I will not lie..."

*Suddenly Esme turns serious yet her voice still holds concern in her tone. Setting down a cleaning rag, she makes her way over towards the couch of which Noctis lounges on. Her hands clasped in front of her, her soft pink lips turned into a minor frown. Her gaze soft yet full of pity as she gives a small shake to her head.*
"I do not not claim to know you well. I do not claim to truly understand you. We have only just met. But... I sense the past chains you, I see each lock that surrounds and suffocates the heart. I know the look well and you seem to have it... May I ask why you cling onto it so? Your dream, that is. The one I have conceded to."
Cynthia
"I..." His mind fell back to his travel through the haze. The whispers of Emi, the visions of his past life. 

"Esme... It's not as if I lost them through death, or a robbery or magic- I woke up one day and everything about my world was gone. So much of my business' left unfinished. Everything I had fought for gone." Fight he had, he'd **Killed** So many people. All of it had been justified because of the world they'd made. Now... He was left with the images, the memories, the horrors of his life that he'd been perfectly fine with until little less than a year ago. Sighing, he fell back against the couch with his head tilted up to gaze at her. 

"I need to know what happened to Scipio and the Eleven. If fate brought me here then that's the start, to know what it all means. We won, we established peace and then Scipio just let it go? He wouldn't do that!" He said, his silver eyes held a deep, deep hurt. The kind of hurt when someone you trust entirely shatters that trust. Emi, Scipio- he'd spent his life to gain love and the two most important people were just gone, shattered. No closure, no chance to understand why. 

"How am I supposed to continue if i don't know?" This last part was spoken in a very fragile whisper. He'd been a paragon of strength to his companions, he had wanted Esme to see him as Noctis the Demigod, not whatever he was now.
Monte
*Esme remains kind through it all. Not speaking and allowing Noctis to speak what burdens him. It is good in her eyes, as she can only assume that such words are seldom spoken from him. Though laced in pain, they are necessary. Her posture remains the same, her gaze still soft. Even Sweet Tooth poked it's head up to check on its new friend. As it reaches up to give a comforting pat on the leg, Esme takes a seat next to the couch on its arm rest.*

"Then willed it shall be." *She murmurs as she glances towards the fireplace.*
"I know little of the past world. I know in your eyes, me and many others are like foreign beings to you. But... Answers always find their way, it is a law that even the fates must abide to."

*She then tried to reassure him, but half way through her gesture of reaching out a hand to set it upon his shoulder. Esme retracts it as she deems it ill timing or perhaps inappropriate. That little over thinking bug is working over time and it causes her to become more fleeting than what she normally is. But she remains in conversation, as dark as it may be. Twiddling her thumbs and pressing them against her upon palms. It's clear she is thinking, but about what?*

"Start small- though I doubt I need to tell you that Noctis. Time is eternal for you. You can have anything if you seek it, it is simply knowing how to grab it. Your companions that you spoke of and I, who has heard your dream. Will ensure that will happen."

*She then puts on a small, ultimately deciding to avoid bringing up any of her further past. Coming to a stand so that she may continue tidying up the place. Books need to be reorganized, shelves dusted. Esme knows the pain of losing everything without rhyme or reason. But it simply isn't the time it place to bring it up. Besides, even with the warmth she radiates. Her stare still remains distant, afraid even.*

"I am sure Scipio left some evidence for you. You said you disdain visions. I imagine they play a vital role nonetheless."
Cynthia
Nodding his head, he took a deep breath. Time is a rain that flows into an endless river that feeds into an ocean, the ocean turns into rain and thus the cycle continued. The haze had rocked him, but he had survived it, and he was going to continue to survive. 

Finally regaining his composure, he stood and picked up her diary, turning it over in his hands. Once this witch, at least two hundred years old it seemed had once been a small child- confused and scared. Now she was an enigmatic woman who'd managed to keep herself composed when he'd entirely failed to. 

"For what it's worth Esme, you're one of the most impressive mortals I've ever met. I've never met anyone like you." He calls out, still gazing down at the cover of her diary. 

"Spend the day with me." He says suddenly, putting the book down and turning to watch her clean. Knowing she likely knows how and where she wants it, he decides not to help- but there's a flash in his silver eyes. He reaches down and pats Sweet Tooth on the head and then gazes out the window. 

"I don't want to just be your traveling companion for a time- I want to know you." In his own way, he was saying that he didn't just want to use her. She hadn't used magic on him, she'd sat and listened and there was something about her that melted his armor off his body and left him raw and exposed. Rubbing his head with a sigh, he offers her a crooked smile. 

"So... An ancient witch like you still knows what boy crushes are huh?" He says, laughing lowly.
Monte
"You have honied words." *Esme lightly chuckles as she retreats into her shell a bit.*

*Compliments are a natural part of conversation. But Esme struggles to receive them. It is not because she is lacking confidence. Esme knows she is beautiful, a blessing bestowed upon her by the coven when she was born according to records. There were three laws that had to be understood. To be a true witch of twilight her beauty must shine equal to the stars so that she cannot be lost in the darkness. Observant as the moon who watches all life under its embrace. Lastly, to invoke the magic given to her by the mother goddess Starri, for she chose the sisters to protect the sanctity and stability of the weave. As superficial as the first law is, it was upheld religiously. Never slouch, never concave in your chest. Beauty was as great as it was a curse for Esme and whenever it is pointed out, she is reminded more of a job well done than appreciation.*

"I am just a mortal, we can only be so interesting." *She continues to jest as she finishes dusting a shelf. But then she has to double take at the request, raising an eyebrow as she feels it is quite abrupt.*

"May I ask you why?" *She hums, unknowingly sounding a bit short.*

*It is not that Esme is averse to spending the day with anyone. Well partially, she struggles to maintain conversation so spending a day with someone can be a real challenge. But she mostly wants to know why Noctis has asked her so. Most importantly, why he is curious about her more than just a means for a dream. She is used to transaction, so it would bother her none if he only wished to have her around for her abilities. Even Esme is not without her negative assumptions. Mortal or not, desires and selfish tendencies go hand in hand, so she should expect no less even from Noctis.*

"S-sorry it's just... What brought that on? And of course, crushes are a natural part of life. Though we were quite forbidden from indulging when we were kids, even into our older years. This didn't stop my sisters from chasing fairytales of being swept away by knights in white cloaks." *She then stops and narrows her eyes at Noctis. Her arms now folded as she continues.*
"I was focused on my studies, not chasing boys might I add."
Cynthia
As she questions him he begins to test his mana, ensure the haze didn't cause any damage. Weaving together threads of invisible mana, he pulled from the weave and began to create his own offshoot. His hands remained by his side and it took little focus, Illusion Magic was one of specialities. As she spoke, he created her words, floating them in front of him in crackling flames. 

Separating each sentence out into a unique line until he had a script of what she'd said, verbatim. 

Putting his hands up in mock defense, his Cheshire Cat grin contained the smallest dimple as his silver eyes cast out to beyond the hut. 

"Oh but of course, *Just* A mortal, how could anyone dare think of chasing boys when they have their *Studies* To attend to." He said, coughing into his hand. Smoke drifted between his fingers and it slowly spelled out a line of Z... Z...Z... 

"I asked because I asked. I'm intrigued by you and I want to know more, more of what you do in these woods, get a chance to see your magic at work. Think of it as research. I'm focused on my studies Esme, not chasing girls, I might add." 

As beautiful as he was, the only appropriate term for his grin was 'shit-eating.' 

It was as he gave her this mischievous smile that there was a... Knock(?) at the door, resonating fiercely from only a few inches off the ground.
Monte
"Ha-ha." *Esme gives Noctis a deadpan expression in response to his Cheshire impression. But she cannot feign annoyance for long and soon her mask cracks, revealing a smile that she attempts to conceal as she looks away.*
"And sure, if you truly wish to see my magic. I can indulge you." 

*With a small shrug, Esme grabs hold of her diary, tucking it back as she then moves to grab her bag. A little trip shouldn't hurt and most of the chores are taken care of anyways. Plus Sweet Tooth seems more than excited to go out. It should have left with the other wisps but given it has some attachment to Noctis. Esme has no reason to shoo it off or even say no to walking out. It could do her some good anyways and this is the first time in several years that she got to talk to anyone.*

"There are certain areas we should avoid natu-"

*Then Esme abruptly gets cut off by the knock. She responds in looking at it almost immediately and the once cheerful and gleeful girl, becomes cold serious. No one should be able to visit here. Then it takes her a moment, looking back at Noctis to see his grin and she narrows her eyes once more. Just what exactly is he doing and before long, an eyebrow shoots up.*

"Illusion magic? Or is another wisp visiting me?" *She asks, her voice soft as she watches Sweet Tooth fly towards the door.*
"What are you plotting Noctis?"
Cynthia
"Innocent for once." He says, having just finished burning her smile into his head. He hadn't been expecting the knock either- he reached for his sword but... *"I hate being without it."* This was officially the longest he'd been without his beloved sword in a very long time. Still he activates his enhancement and listens for what might be outside. When he does, he blinks in confusion. 

He looks at Esme and mouths, "Their whispering from the bottom of the door." Inching closer, he peeks out the window but can't see anything. After a moment, he steels himself and appears at the door in a blur, gently moving Sweet Tooth back and pulling it open. 

"DEFEND THE WITCH!" A chorus of squeaky voices cry, and a horn blows that might have been very loud if it were of an appropriate size. Spider silk thin ropes flew out and wrapped around Noctis ankles and with a grunt, they managed to bring the titanically powerful demigod down. Pukwudgie materials had the unique property of making the creature they capture equal to strength to the holders of the other end. He fell to the ground with a cry and a swarm of twenty or so tiny men came rushing over, poking him with sharp sticks and smashing his perfect nose with little fists as he shouted in alarm. 

"ESME!" He roared in frustration, writhing beneath them as they tried to bind his arms. Thanks to his strength and skill he managed to avoid being entirely dressed up, but he was making an active effort not to squish or harm them, and the battle was being quickly lost by the ancient demigod. 

"Ancient blood preying on the Witch! You shall not harm the keeper of twilight!" One shouted, speaking through a small cone that amplified their voice. 

The Pukwudgies were only inches tall each, twenty in number. Each wore a grass skirt and was shirtless, with tattoos over their torsos and arms. They had tufts of feather sticking out of their hair and wore spider silk boots, with a variety of skin tones. 

The leader of the party had an impress

Ive signet ring on as a belt and was the tallest at eight inches. He was currently stabbing at Noctis' skin with a needle sword.
Monte
"Oh?" 

*If it isn't Noctis pulling a sneaky one, then who is it. Despite the alarm, Esme seems mostly unbothered. She doesn't need a blade to defend herself given she is an amalgamation of raw, untapped energy. Still, whoever is outside of the door can pose a threat. Or it really is just one of the many different fae visitors who often frequent the gardens. Come to think of it, Esme did promise a small group of critters a few star fruit. Ah but she has been so busy, she just forgot...*

*Then her eyes widen as the Pukwudgies show themselves and their request screams loudly in her ear.* 
"Oh right..." *She says, as if this was just a tiny oopsie and that she didn't accidentally set poor ol' Noctis up for failure. In fact, she is so perplexed that they were able to get him down so quickly. She fails to even react right away.*

*Just whose side is she on? By the time Noctis yells out her name, the witch is quick to flinch before springing into action. Oh no, oh no! Gritting her teeth as she rushes over in a panic, her hands up as she tries her best to figure out how best to deescalate the situation. Bits of regret fill her chest as she really should have informed her small but mighty neighbors that she would have a guest. They are in their right to act this way, she never has company... Especially company that stays over night.*

"W-wait, wait wait! My Pukwudgie friends, please!" *She stammers before gently ushering the leader away from Noctis so that he can be spared from the stabbing. She has pricked herself plenty when tailoring her own clothes, so it is a fate she does not wish on her worst enemy should she ever have one.*
"He isn't hurting me, nor did he come here to do harm! Please stop attacking him." *Esme says with a long, stress-filled sigh as she holds up her hands in defeat.*
"He is a guest here..."
Cynthia
They all stopped, twenty one sets of eyes turning look at her. The Pukwudgies all looked at each other and then all formed a circle on top of Noctis' chest. There was very faint whisper which Noctis rolled his eyes at, and then the group of them parted and the leader stepped forward with the cone in his hands to amplify his voice. 

**"Witch of Twilight! We have decided to spare his life at your request. However Child of the Ancients, you owe us a life debt now!"** The Pukwudgies were a people of pride, they could be as capricious as a fickle rainstorm. 

They undid the ropes and Noctis scrambled to his feet, glowering at them all as little rivulets of blood leaked from many of the wounds on his face, arms and neck. The pain wasn't the worst of it, though it was pretty horrendous, but the humiliation was worse. However when dealing with Fey Folk, worse was to be expected. He'd gotten off easy. 

"Took your time with that one gorgeous." He muttered darkly, an ivory statue of beauty now bleeding onto her floor. 

Yet with a sigh he humbly recreated the bow he'd given Sweet Tooth and their older cousin, and said as if reading a script: "Oh my great and mighty lords of the wood, you've shown me your overwhelming might and your incredible size of heart. I am honored to be in your debt." 

Dealings with fey had always been a hit or a miss, whimsical or tedious. Today is was monstrous. 

**"Very good! Perhaps your guest is more wise than we Pukwudgie might think! We request aid, Witch, and demand it if you Guest of the Witch who's sleeps in her house at night! We are experience grave times- the enemy must be stopped at all costs!"** He squeaked, the ring on his belt shining brightly.
Monte
*Esme is quick to release a breath as she had been holding it in. Guilt ridden, she promptly moves towards Noctis. As he rises from his gracious bow, she promptly sets her palms on his chest. Uttering a small incantation to heal his wounds. Light envelops her palms and the magic is transferred into Noctis' body. At first it is cold traversing through the body that quickly turns warm. Then everything feels fuzzy, like he had just bit into spearmint. The energy then courses up through the body a second time, perhaps overwhelming the senses and then... Nothing but the smell of rosemary.*

"My goodness..." *Esme huffs as she slowly turns her attention towards the Pukwudgies with a forced smile.*
"Thank you for being understanding."

*They could have asked before attacking but Esme would expect nothing less than them. They are aggressively endearing to say the least. But then hear ears perk up to the request. They often frequent the gardens as Esme is rather giving. However it is quite seldom that they give her requests as they are a prideful race. So it must be important to them and she will never snuff the Pukwudgies either. Though she does still feel bad about Noctis and gives an apologetic smile.*

"And what is the aid you need? Who has crossed you?" *She asks.*

*Even if they are a bit silly, any deemed enemy is to be taken seriously. Pixie to redcap, dark fae can pose real danger if left unchecked. Which is exactly why she needs to make sure whatever the Pukwudgies are bothered by, is not them. If there is one thing that the dark fae cannot resist are the twilight witches themselves. Their magic once surpressed them and so long as Esme lives, then they cannot prevail. Of course, that is under the assumption that it is dark fae that is the problem. As far as Noctis being obligated, she intends to make sure that he knows afterwards that he can stay.*