Tracy
Eliza's eyes thinned as she scanned the witch. She was clearly flustered, Eliza couldn't put a finger as to why though. The countess knew she was a bit intimidating but she has truly tried her hardest to be politically correct and proper to Esme, she hoped she didn't frighten the poor witch- had she noticed her teeth?

Eliza felt a wave of relief come over her as she pieced together what the witch was trying to motion to her. She was clever this one, admittedly weak in the knees, but clever. She followed the witch with a small grin on her face, teasing the men with her eyes as she passed them. She'd surely find them later for looking at her in such a way, men were such insolent creatures she thought. 

"Absolutely, my dear Noctis is in dire need of your ailments dear ." She tried her hardest not to giggle at the words escaping her crimson lips. *Noctis, her husband?* Thé mere thought of it made her want to burst into laughter, but she had a facade to play, at least until her and Esme were alone.

Thoughts stirred in Eliza's labyrinth of a mind, what was this *Esme* So afraid of. She knew of the reputation the men in this area had. She often traveled to the area just to feed on the disgusting manthings that made up its pathetic population. She recalled a specific encounter she had in the area over a century ago, the poor man thought he could overpower Eliza, dominate her. She turned him into a buffet, one from which her daughters would drink from- *Slowly*. She then shook her head, composing herself before opening her pillowy lips to ask.

"May I ask where you're taking me?" She whispered, her voice proper and refined "Is your shop *Really* Nearby?" She added
Rhonda
*Trying to keep up a regal façade. Esme walks past the inn counter, leaving behind a few copper as she grabs one of the fliers for the road. Her eyes scanning the details, disregarding a few disgruntled men who are unhappy to hear of Eliza's husband. Two birds with one stone, Esme tries her best to keep a smirk from forming on her lips. Sure, they may not be thwarted from pestering her. But the witch has her own way of dealing with the pesky boys. Two hundred years alone doesn't just happen by accident. Which is why she is easily able to look past the groups.*

"It is, I assure you." *Esme promptly responds with a smile as she opens the door for Eliza.*

*Though the shop is small and probably too quaint for a woman of Eliza's stature. She is more than happy to flaunt it when the time comes. Often her potions are sold in other shops, having their own shelves in the nearby towns. The pay is nice and her investments span far. But no amount of coin can compare to her own shop where every inch of it is hers. Every design choice made, every plant grown and most importantly, every potion sold is by her own decision. A luxury she does not always get when she sells at secondary retailers.*

"The walk isn't far, I promise. But it will be less stuffy and more private." *Esme then reassures as she continues down the road. Giving a small wave to the merchant caravans that pass the women by. Even they know of her, just not what she is.*

*Before long, strafing just a little off the road will be a small building made with cobbled walls. The roof soft green to match the different plants of great varieties both in the front gardens and hanging from the walls themselves. If anything, it could easily be mistaken for a druids hut... Or one that belongs to a witch. The smell of Rosemary is strong here, it is likely where Esme makes her fragrances and upon opening the door. Eliza will be greeted with wonders from the apothecary. Even magical mushroom's dance in their pots standing by the windowsill. With a snap of the finger the small fire pit behind the counter lights aflame in a radiant gold.*

"Feel free to make yourself at home. There are a few seats there. It is often where I have patients and customers wait... Would you like anything to drink?" *She asks as she takes off her robe, folding the cloth and setting it down.*
Tracy
Eliza kept her gaze forward as the two made their way out of Inn, watching as Esme placed some copper on the counter as payment. Smirking as the men grunted hearing of her *Husband* It seems a century of mixing genes can't change men's nature. Her heeled shoes making a charming tap with each step until they were back outside in the putrid rays of the sun. Eliza promptly pulled up her veil, casting a shield around her porcelain face to protect her from the suns warmth.

The woman gazed at the merchants as her and Esme passed them. Their jolly impression of seeing Esme interrupted once laying eyes on Eliza, their eyes widening at the sight of the gothic woman- her appearance was definitely unique for the area. 

Eliza clapped her hands together with glee as they made their way inside of Esme's shop. As an entrepreneur herself, Eliza could appreciate a well crafted product and sales strategy- and Esme's impressed her. Her eyes danced around all the various potions and alchemical ingredients. The countess especially fancied the craftsmanship of Esme's bottles, the bows were a lovely touch. Eliza then froze in her place as Esme asked her question, a loaded question at that. 

*What would you like to drink?* Truthfully she could use some nourishment, but she wasn't going to reveal her condition before even properly sitting down and speaking to the witch. Eliza then sat in one of the chairs offered up by Esme, crossing her legs once comfortable. 

"Do you have any wine? *Red* Wine?" She asked, red wine was the only thing aside from blood her stomach could handle, likely due to its similar appearance to blood.
Rhonda
"Red wine? Uhm..." *Esme hums to herself, her thumb rubbing against her lower lip in thought.* 
"Let me check."

*Exiting with a smile, Esme makes her way behind the counter and enters in through a door next to the fireplace. This building clearly was once meant to serve as a small home off the road. But who would truly wish to live outside both the comfort and safety of town and city walls? This plot of land is perfect for travelers and is not far off from the main road that is often taken. Which is why the room that should have been a bedroom was easily turned into both her storage and work room. She has a better alchemy set up at home but great works have been produced here. Even greater research and discoveries have been found. Normally items like wine would be stored... Well not here. But Esme keeps a good stash of anything handy if she can.*

"Oh please tell me I have it..." *The girl mumbles to herself before digging into a few cabninents. Eliza can probably hear a small thud from outside following a quiet 'ow'. Pulling her head up as she rubs the sore spot that had been struck. A smile is soon present on Esme's face as she holds onto a small and unopened bottle.*

"It appears I do, though I do not have glasses for the occasion. I hope a mug will do." 

*She does her best to conceal the pain of smacking the back of her head on a cabinet just moments ago. From the single cup she has, it is clear that Esme has no intentions of drinking. Not that she is against it, but she prefers not to be taken by the woes of alcohol as the witch is just shy of being considered a light weight. Setting the cup down followed by the bottle. As a good host she should pour Eliza some but Esme has no idea how much she intends to drink in one sitting, so she figures she will allow the countess to do it herself.*

"Now could you... Perhaps explain a bit more? He sent you to me to assist me in... Well I don't have much to be in need of assistance of." *Esme stammers. It is only half true but Esme isn't going to indicate such to Eliza. Not even Noctis could break through the thickened shell of the witch.*
"He wishes you to prove yourself... By coming to me?"
Tracy
Eliza watched with wide, startled eyes as the witch clumsily searched through her cabinets. It was rare that Eliza conversed with humans in this manner, most often they saw her for what her condition paints her to be- a monster. But in reality Eliza was a loving woman, she was even an extraordinary mother. 

Eliza couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth in her chest as Esme treated her just like anyone else, a feeling she rarely experienced. The countess gasped as she heard Esme hit her head, she was a clumsy one for sure- she found it charming, she almost envied it. 

She smiled as Esme brought her the mug along with a bottle of wine. 

"Thank you dear, a mug will suffice"

Admittedly, she'd much prefer a wine glass but the circumstances simply didn't allow that right now. Eliza's crimson eyes scanned the wine bottle, it wasn't her favorite wine but it would satisfy her hunger- for now. As Esme questioned Eliza, her eyes darted from the wine label to meet the witch's gaze. 

"I joined his crew of vagabonds a while back, his Drow actually tried to rob my manor." She chuckled a bit as she spoke, the memory of Sylvar in his squirrel form being terrorized by her feline amused her.

"I decided to join them on their travels for the time being, they granted me safe travel and I funded their journey." Her eyes darted around the room, avoiding eye contact with Esme as she struggled to continue her speech. She then composed herself, resuming eye contact with the witch before her. 

"Have you ever met a *Vampire*?"
Rhonda
*Esme's lips start to part is if to apologize over the lack of matching utensils befitting of drinking wine. But given that Eliza has already explaining herself. The witch decides to bite the inside of her cheek to keep quiet, it's something she has grown to appreciate in being good at. Taking a seat, her hands now resting in her lap. The woman listens quite intently. The way Eliza speaks is... Fitting as a bit condescending as it may be. A countess with a group of- well Esme doesn't know. Come to think of it, she has been for the part undisturbed in her ventures. Other than travelling here and there, not once has she met anyone from this group Noctis so boldly claims. No... That's not true. As her eyes flutter to her hands that are unable to sit still, her fingers pressed against one another. She remembers Valac and the aspiration in his eyes.*

"Tried to rob-" *Esme blinks, her expression blank before falling quiet again so that Eliza may continue her story. Questions can wait till after.*

*Then she notices Eliza get nervous and for once Esme is surprised. A woman of such valor and confidence faltering before her? It is not to be suspected but then again how can she suspect anything off of this first meeting. They have never spoke prior and maybe Noctis spoke highly of her to Eliza. Oh Esme hopes not. She is a simple woman really and though not weak, social settings tend to make her... Feel a bit insignificant at times. This is why it is easier to fly as a bird, to watch from the skies above and intervene when times are best set to go unnoticed.*

"A vampire?" *Esme repeats as she gives a tilt to her head. Then it clicks.*

*The pale skin, the perfect beauty yet teetering the appearance of life and death. The gothic visuals, the red eyes and an allure that Esme cannot quite put her finger on. Of course, it makes sense and soon she puts on a smile. Her soft pink lips curled up and for once Esme truly meets Eliza's own gaze even when she attempts to avert her own. There is no judgement in her golden orbs. The smell of Rosemary surrounding the two, it is warm, like spring Esme is welcoming through and through. There is no hint of fear in her eyes or any attempts of overzealous accomodation. Eliza is just... Eliza. Nothing more, nothing less.*

"I have, a few times. Two men and a lovely woman. All three encounters were as it would be expected. I am a potion seller... And I am sure you know of my abilities as a witch. I spoke with all three on shared business... I do hope they are well today." 

*Even the way Esme reflects on her past encounters seems sweet. She holds no hatred in any of her words and the girl is even found chuckling as she thinks back on it all. Her attention then returns to Eliza with a beaming smile still.*
"One gentleman was quite the hoot... He took the marriage rejection well and insisted I keep the ring. I- I... Just couldn't. So we settled with keeping one of my high quality potions instead."
Tracy
Eliza tapped her nails on the sodden table that separated the two women, quite the peculiar pair they were- a witch and a vampire, it was if they were in a folktale. Eliza's nervously awaited Esme's answer, prepared to be shunned and chased with pitchforks. Her nervous demeanor shattered to reveal one of relief as the witch smiled, a welcoming and kind smile. 

She opened her lips to speak, to explain herself, to reason with the witch but was instead surprised to hear she was actually aquatinted with members of her kind. A smile blossomed onto Eliza's face, one just as hesitant as it was genuine. This kind of conversation was always uncomfortable to her. 

Eliza had heard of the women and her feats long before meeting Noctis, *The Twilight Witch* They called her. Although she never considered they would cross paths, Eliza was a busy woman after all. 

The vampire chuckled when Esme mentioned the marriage proposal, unwanted attention from men was something she could relate to. After Esme finished her story she spoke, her voice now less demeaning, more polite.

"A vampire proposing to a warm bodied girl such as yourself? Such a thing is unheard of my dear, you must be quite the charming woman" Her compliment was accompanied by a modest smile, the more she learned about Esme the more she tolerated- no, enjoyed her company. 

"Well, i'm sure I must not tell you why I bring up vampires... But to be honest with you im searching for something, something Noctis of all people unfortunately possesses." She paused before resuming her speech, shifting her weight around in the chair as she grew restless just thinking about her prize. 

"Unfortunately the details of my search must remain a secret, an agreement me and the *Buffoon* Decided upon. But he spoke of you highly, truth be told I think he's toying with me, sending me here to help you. I can't imagine you have many tasks that require somebody of my *Expertise*, but here I am."
Rhonda
"There are... Reasons as to why he proposed." *Esme nervously chuckles.*

*She dances around the subject matter of her age harder than a swan on a lake. In truth, the witch, even if Eliza is sent by Noctis. She still is not too adamant on being so open quite yet. Whatever his reasons for sending Eliza aside. Esme has her own judge of character before she truly confides in anyone. Though it is amicable for the countess to be open. Esme needs time... A lot of time. Still, she remains friendly and keeps a warm smile up. There is no need to make her guest feel uninvited or unwelcome. Distrust is a bad start... So it's best to keep that subject matter at bay for now.*

"A-and as much as I would like to think myself as charming. I am afraid I must disappoint you so." *Her voice comes out like the hum of a mouse. It falters but still loud enough to be heard less she be devoured by a cat, oh so cautious the witch is.*

"It is a boring story though, so I shall spare you such details... As for searching for this item... I know not of really how to assist in such broad terms, forgive me."

*Esme knows the importance of being privy to information. But the countess' words just make too little sense. Perhaps it is her healing she needs. No... Esme has a strong affinity to the light element so perhaps... Then she remembers her reversal of luck, the change the fates at the swoosh of her fingertips. Noctis was taken away by her ability and she never showed him the full extent of it. But such magic is as dangerous as it is helpful. There are fates that many refuse to see, should not see. It would corrupt the mind of the weak and her magic is not for the faint of heart.*

"Allow me to be blunt actually... Eliza, yes?" *She stammers some, her thumbs pressing into her palms as she tries to collect her words in a single breath.*
"Is it divination? It is what caught Noctis' eye... To change fate... A magic that... Well, a magic that many would kill for. Though I warn you this is a dangerous path if that is what you are seeking Countess."
Tracy
Eliza laughed as the witch spoke, it seems she had misunderstood Eliza. Something to be expected, she did speak with an outdated zing to her voice, as if she were born centuries ago, because she was. She then lifted her hand to her face, tapping on her plump red lips, she looked pensive. She then remembered something, she knows of Noctis' godhood, he had told Eliza this when he took her hunting the other night. The thought that the only two creatures that harbor his deepest secret currently sat at the same table in a small potion shop. 

"You misunderstand me witch, I don't crave divination, I could care less about holy magics." She began to pour herself some wine into the mug provided by the kind witch Esme. 

"I want his blood-" She interrupted herself, thoughts of her coven- her children stirred within her undead mind, they must be protected.

"I *Need* His blood, his sweet ichor, the nectar of the gods. You wouldn't believe what a pureblood like myself could do with a decent supply." She spoke with pride of her heritage, pureblood vampires were rare. Eliza only knew of her own family and Fran's to be pureblood.

"I do not need your help, he's testing me, gauging my worthiness of his sweet blood" She looked entranced just thinking about his ichor, not only would it feed her power- it was *Delicious*. So irresistible she had to constantly gorge herself on blood while around him to contain her primal urge to feed.

"He's such a prude... It wouldn't even kill him"
Rhonda
*Though Esme does not show it, she has some relief that divination is not asked for. The only reason she brought it up is out of the assumption that Noctis wouldn't have sent Eliza to her blind. But then again, the actual reasoning behind Eliza's being here is not... Exactly easier to digest either. A single sound of 'ah' falls from her mouth as her shoulders slump slightly. His blood... That is something only Noctis decides and Esme does not feel right to exactly pass test to make sure declarations. Her lips slowly curly into a sheepish smile that looks more like a faint grimace than anything else.*

"I can only image what you could do if you got his blood... But what exactly were his conditions?"

*Her discomfort is starting to show. What can Esme do? Have her tag along gathering herbs? Nervously rubbing her cheeks, her gaze glances over towards the many cabinets around them. Anyone can shadow her gathering plants, this isn't anything... Trust worthy. Part of her wonders if maybe to have Eliza prove herself, it was to pass the test of the Far Spirit Woods. But... But she cannot allow that. It is a sacred place technically speaking. Vampire, demi-god, witch, the forest is dangerous. There are forces there that will capitalize on the greedy, the sick and most importantly the ambitious. Dark fae, also known as unseelie fae, are cruel. So surely he must have wanted something else and Esme gets a bit lost in thought as her gaze flickers over towards the counter top.*

"And I assume this agreement is... Naturally mutual... Forgive my ignorance, I am just... Unsure of why he would have sent you to me... Of all people."

*Then the voice of the wary mother plays in the back of her mind. Yes, that's why she had come out in the first place. Children have been going missing and Esme knows the truth behind it. The last full moon at the end of every month, a whistle can be heard. Esme has been trying to investigate it but each time, she is too late. Given that this is the third offense, she cannot allow it to persist. But for now, she keeps herself quiet so that Eliza can explain a bit more.*
Tracy
Eliza swirled the shallow pool of wine within her mug, watching as the red liquid formed a cyclone within the walls of its porcelain prison. She then shot her gaze upon Esme, noticing her discomfort- it was only natural for her to have such a response. The thought of a barter of blood and power must not have been an easy concept to swallow.

"He wants me as an ally I suppose" She then reached into her lace satchel that sat beneath one of her dresses flaps, pulling out a beautifully crafted vial with what seemed to be a few drops of blood within it. She swirled the liquid, her eyes dancing between the wine and the vial as they both spiraled, before she begrudgingly took a sip of the wine. She took a modest sip of the liquid before setting the mug back onto the table gently.

"I may be a vampire, but i'm no monster. We have a fruitful agreement I assure you... And don't play koi *Twilight Witch* I know what you're capable of." She knew of Esme's powers, of her prowess over the arcane- she had felt it radiate from the woman the second the two met. 

*You havé power Esme, own it* She thought to herself, she was never a fan of humble people. As far as Eliza was concerned power was a gift, a responsibility, something that ought to be embraced. 

"I assure you my intentions are well mannered" She paused before lifting the mug to her mouth, drinking the last of the wine before setting it back atop the table. 

"I simply want to protect my children is all, and may I ask what that flyer was about? I saw you snatching it as we left the tavern." Eliza knew of the flyers contents, she had quickly scanned the contents of it as Esme grabbed it, and she was intrigued to say the least. The opportunity to unleash her brutality on somebody that deserved it? A child thief? How tantalizing.