Calvin
*Almonde wasn't sure on what the witch was meant with the basilisk oil, her knowledge on alchemy and magic ingredients were not her specialty. But the devotee held a lot of good faith in the witch. With a curious look in her eyes, she followed her while slowly putting her salvaged tools and equipment down. The duo made their way to the broken drow, who simply sat on the dirt ground. Silently wishing for death, as great shame fell onto his shoulders. Their voices were only a blur and inaudible to him. What could they possibly say, did it even matter now. But for a brief moment, as a potion and a note was presented to him.*

```"What is this. Of course... Yes. How could I have been so foolish. You... Two. Did well. I need to explain something to both of you, before I even do this."```

*He held the potion with care as the note left his fingers, his expression was that of a confused and conflicted man. So much emotion had surged in him, the once self controlled drow. The man slowly got up as he realized the situation at hand, and believed the two humans before him deserved some recognition. Almonde would scoop on closer as the drow spoke, facing the pair.*
.

```"Before you, stands Maya of House Vandree. A noble drow truly stands for our people... But only our people. She had a collection of slaves brought here, many humans. Her ladyship will... Not view you as anything but slaves. I am duty bound to serve her without question. If she wants you as slaves or dead, I will and must do as she wishes. I tell you this now, for your interest. If I free her now, she will most likely... Order me to enslaved you two. I cannot speak on why we are here nor what we intend to do here. But... You brought me here so I speak a warning."```

*The drow spoke and explained with a firm tone, a serious hue in his red eyes. He turned to look at the statue of the noble drow, the warrior was very close to simply freeing her without thought. But, he held himself back.*
Aaaa

```"Take it as a kindness. I've idolized her since the day my hands held a blade. I will not betray her over two humans... No matter how kind nor powerful. I will not pretend that I know her ladyship, perhaps she will reward you. But, it's uncertain. She has killed those who insulted her indirectly, I rather not watch you die."```
.

*The drow said holding the potion with care, explaining with a focused pair of eyes. Almonde looked confused and pondered on the words that the drow spoke.*

```"So, is this goodbye? I suppose we were going to be temporary allies but are you sure that you'll be alright?"```

*Almonde asked sounding very genuine, the female drow began to actually sound very dangerous. A part of her began to regret showing that note, wondering if this is a good thing or not.*

```"It is not my safety that you should be concerned about. It is yours. I will free her but I wish to warn you. You may stay and persuade her, perhaps. Or you may leave. I cannot guarantee your safety either way. Even if you leave now, her orders bound me. I will end both of you... If she wishes it."```

*The drow spoke his last sentence with a hue of sadness to it, his eyes did not look at the women's eyes. The drow popped the cap of the potion open. Almonde felt a lot of pressure on her, she could potentially blind, trap or simply run. Yet, her feet were planted. Could they really talk their way out of it? If they failed, they would face an old ally and a unknown drow. The devotee gently held onto the witch's shoulder.*

```"What should we do? I have trust that we can use logic and reasoning... To convince her? We already did a great job with... Him... Kinda. If it turns ugly, you can fly away and I'll blind them... Maybe jump the cliff? I don't know..."```

*Almonde shared her plans and her thoughts in a whisper, the cliff that they stood was overlooking a large body of water. But, what lurks in the water is unknown. They had little to work with, but Almonde wasn't consumed by fear as she had a lot of faith both in her witch companion and the drow. The drow did not need to warn them, yet he did. There was light in him, surely there must light in her.*
Merle
*Esme smiles over at Gwylyss as he takes hold of the oil. Coming to a stand, she lets out a small sigh of relief. Though the bad news has yet to come, the witch can be content that some life has returned to him. Drow or not, am an broken so quickly is a sight that breaks the heart. Who stands before them is a proud warrior seeking to prove himself. There are many Esme has met in her time and even now, she finds them truly valiant no matter the difference in beliefs. As what she prioritizes most is the ability to stay true to oneself and cause. Which makes her wonder if this is his wife, it has to be.*

"Oh? What is it Gwylyss?" *Esme hums, pondering his hesitation and concern soon appears on her face. Gwylyss isn't married and while she is familiar with the drow as well as the ancient languages. The witch is by no means any expert and has completely misunderstood the conversation past.*

*Then her suspicions, at least part of them, are confirmed. As her gaze flickers behind him to look at the statue, she nods in understanding that this was Maya- is Maya. But then the realization hits that this woman of great nobility, means there are great risks. She knows just how far the female side of drow customs can go, how dangerous they can be for those who do not share their blood. 200 years is nothing, Esme can be a great asset to them in ways she would prefer to avoid. To be killed would be... Lucky and her heart begins to sink as reality kicks in about the concerns she had prior of the drow are spoken to her in warning.*

"I misunderstood earlier, I believed her your wife already. I understand what you mean now."

*Gwylyss was a warrior under the command of the noble rule. His life, his spirit, soul, mind and body are forfeit to House Vandree. It is likely that he never had Esme's or Almonde's sense of freedom. For freedom to drow mean completely different things. They had come here for mushrooms, Esme had every intention to avoid the drow and keep a low profile. Having someone trapped and saving them was never part of her original ideas. Yet she has her concerns even now for the man.*

"We would never ask you to betray, that would be foolish." *Esme continues, her tone is kind as it is soft. Even though he does not address her by name and rather 'human', she remains warm all the same.*

"But what Almonde asks is also my concern. Will you be alright? I would be more than willing to talk to her but I will also not be a fool and heed your warning. If you prefer us to not speak to her and leave now, we will. We have yet to find the Pixies Parasol and while I am sure under her watch you will be safe... But there was once a group of you and now there are only two. Safety can be found in numbers and if she wills it, perhaps we can enhance this temporary alliance."

*Then Esme ponders it a bit more. Is the risk really worth it? Her gaze returns to Almonde as she nods to the idea. They have escape options, this is true. Not to mention Esme's magic is truly powerful and she expects no less from her companion. Still, they are not invincable and if Maya has an ability to alter or halt Esme's casting in any way. It could spell big trouble from them. Plus... As Esme looks back at Gwylyss she nervously smiles to herself. He is... Well he's extremely fit. If either of them are grabbed that can also mean sudden death. He isn't their friend, their companion, he is someone who they so happened to come across.*

"Who knows, maybe she would like a conversation under the willow trees too." *Esme blurts out and immediately regretting the words, causing her to look at Almonde with the same puppied expression as before.*

"Ye-yes the cliff is a good idea..." *Esme then mumbles over, clearly embarrassed enough as is.*
Calvin
*As the witch explained her misunderstandings, the man would not hold that against her. He was actively ensuring that the two women did not know what their plans were, should they return to the surface from which they came, it would work in his favor if they weren't so well informed. Hence, his words keeping his intentions vague. Part of him was actually happy to hear that the witch understood that asking a drow to betray was a foolish decision. He held the opened potion of oil, as the drow spoke without looking at the duo.*

```"I will admit, you have a point. I do not know what exactly happened here. It was so fast and chaotic. To say that you are not useful and deserving some recognition is a lie. But, it doesn't matter what I think as it is not my decision to make. But... For what it's worth, I agree that a temporary alliance would prove us well."

*The once authoritative voice of the drow was faded into a slow and steady tone, as if he spoke from an neutral point, rather than his previous passive aggression. It had a hue of respect, his words and body language. In his end, it maybe the last time that he is allowed to view them as allies. When the witch blurts out her words, the drow turned to her. His eyes were a window of the conflict that was stirring within.*

```"As foolish as I sound, I hope so as well."```

*His words were spoken in a sad yet controlled tone, no longer did he gaze at them with pity, anger or resentment. He was calm. Which actually scared Almonde as his drow wildness was fun to poke and jest with. A serious and calm Gwylyss seemed off putting, as if she had no clue of what he was thinking. Almonde simply smiled at the witch as she'd once again turn into a ball of embarrassment. She wanted to comfort the witch but stopped at her tracks, the drow was pouring the oil onto the statue.*

```"Looks like it's happening. Best we look presentable. Heh..."```
.

*Almonde said as she'd began patting her dirty linen armor, in a jesting tone. The drow was silent as he began to pour the last drop of oil onto the statue, before he took a step back. Taking a knee and looking down at the ground. The statue of stone slowly began to crack and the solid stone slowly began to turn into breathing flesh. Begone was the grey and cometh the dark skin of a proud drow. It was at this point, that Almonde slowly closed the visor of her helmat.*

*Almonde and Esme would witness a noble drow woman beginning to breath, as she'd slowly regain her footing. Almonde was tempted to help the lady, but the warning kept her feet planted. Her eyes were indeed cold and unnerving, as she'd study her surroundings. The blood, the kneeling Gwylyss, the two humans and the scene itself would drag a very uncomfortable silence. The drow held on to a white mask, carefully wearing it onto her face. Now, an expressionless white masked drow spoke. The air around her was very intimidating and cold, oddly enough Almonde found the spider less scary.*
.

```"Rise. And answer me, Gwylyss. Why do I have the displeasure of meeting two surface creatures before me? Is this another insult? Have I not humiliated enough. Surrounded by flith, failure and humiliation?"```

*Her words carried a heavier sence of authority than Gwylyss's did. Her tone was cold, the ice directed into tears heart of Gwylyss. She did not look at the duo, instead turning around to look down at the mining area, down the cliff. Her posture straight, firm and one of nobility, which made it look very out of place here in a once simple campsite. Gwylyss kept his head down as he tried to explain.*

```"Your ladyship, I wish to bring you success, and what is yours. That is my purpose. I've brought thes-"```

*Gwylyss said before he was caught off by a Blight spell that the noble drow casted on him, silencing the drow as his flesh began to burn from the powerful necrotic magic that drained moisture and some of his vitality. A 4th level spell, would greatly harm the drow but he stayed on the floor. Almonde took a step forward, hoping to assist the drow. Her eyes turned to the witch and then the witch. Only silence was given to them, as Gwylyss grunted through the damage that he had taken.*
Merle
"Well whatever happens Gwylyss..." *Esme begins as she watches his hand raise to pour over the ointment.*
"It was my greatest pleasure to have travelled beside a warrior such as yourself. No matter your beliefs of me, others, or yourself... You have assured our safety and our alliance will forever have my gratitude."

*As Esme finishes her words, she begins a small curtsy bow. Male drow are not exactly top of the heirarchy when it comes to Drow customs. Though she dare not speak of some of the horrors here, especially not to Almonde. Esme knows that it is unlikely anyone has ever truly bowed to Gwylyss out of sincerity and respect. Sure, perhaps he has courted authority in the past. She knows not the details of his life. But even so, the likelihood of anyone of his kin viewing him as an equal is just unlikely. Again, scouts and warriors are expendable. His own life is not his to make claim over.*

*Her attention then turns to Almonde as she takes a breath. This can go extremely dangerous and with a snap of the finger, casting prestidigitation, both girls will have muck and grime promptly washed away. Nodding over at Almonde, the least they can do is be confident before the lady. But there is a gnawing sensation that something terrible will soon happen. They are not drow, Esme borderline looks elven though she is missing the main important factor, which is their blood. Most importantly, they are women of high magic potency and Esme, though Gwylyss and even Almonde do not know it, can turn the active fates around. A magic so powerful that there are many who will kill to get their hands on it. No matter how kind she has treated even Gwylyss, she knew better than to mention this to him.*

*Once Maya is freed from her petrification, Esme does not react to the insults. Only half of them are directed at her and Almonde though she does feel bad for Gwylyss. But this is how Drow conduct themselves and it isn't the first time Esme has seen it. She doesn't even flinch to Gwylyss' words as she had expected for him to refer to them as captured slaves, gifts for the lady's taking. But there is a hope that some form of diplomacy can be reached, at least temporarily. If they can get the woman on their side, should they come across more drow... They will have a backer which could somewhat allow safe passage from here on it. But of course, this is Esme's own selfish and wishful thinking. Thinking that is abruptly cut short when magic is used on Gwylyss.*

*His body is not his own... His body is not his own... The phrase repeats itself in Esme's mind like the buzz of a pest. It takes a great deal of willpower not to immediately react and to ensure that Almonde doesn't either. She promptly grabs the woman's arm, though gentle, without breaking gaze from Maya. If she misspeaks here, Gwylyss could get killed. At this point, it isn't about Esme's safety but the other two. Her heartrate quickens and Esme knows she must do something. A spell that withers while Esme creates, such a woman... To have such a spell. Now is not the time to over think, Esme must act without causing further harm.*
.

"Lady of House Vandree, a word please."

*Esme's voice rings sharp, authoritative and confident. A side not seen once by either Almonde or Gwylyss. The soft witch, the one who's smile could melt the coldest of ice. Now has an air of power about her. Two hundred years of cultivation, two hundred years of unsightly sights. She looks directly at Maya completely unphased, her expression unchanging. Maya think herself the leader here but ultimately it is her who has lost her men, Esme has not lost a single soul and together with Almonde and Gwylyss they made it back.*

"You throw away a good man. I speak to you not as an equal, I am no *Draʊ* (drow), nor do I carry the blessings of the Dark Queen herself." *Esme speaks with conviction and her true accent is revealed. A woman of ancient tongue, one shared by likely even Maya's ancestors. A smile is displayed but it is not kind.*

"But I am no Múl (slave). I am what your people call *Baedaeth* (The one who bares fate and luxury). Witch of the Twilight. We have returned you to your glory, he bested the dark ones, recovered over their venom. I do not hold malice with you, but I will not allow a man such as him to be perished either. I implore you to re-think your decision."

*Esme then finishes with a bow, still keeping eye contact with Maya. Being exiled is worse than death, so she must bargain with this woman in order for her to accept Gwylyss back. It is not her place to drag him out of here. Even if Almonde and Esme jumped in, even if he lived. He would have nowhere to go. This is a sensitive matter but she will not allow her or her companion to take a fall either. Esme is old, very old and she will make it known that she is not one to be tempered with.*
Calvin
*As Gwylyss lays down on the ground, the necrotic magic biting and draining him. He would not protest or move, simply keeping his head down in shame. Silent and keeping his head. A strong magic aura was glowing in between her fingers before the noble drow, felt the witch grab her arm. Her cold eyes met with that of the witch's, as Almonde would inch closer to the wounded man. Clearly, she tried to heal the man but keep silent. The intense and heavy air between the noble and the witch was delicate, the devotee did not wish to distract either of them. Kneeling next to the drow, she began to check how damaging the spell was on his well being.*

*Maya would promptly free her hand from the witch's grasp, the voice of the human would spare her a few moments from her normal wraith. It was difficult to see her expressions with the white mask, yet her eyes were cold and still. Like a mountain of ice, that formed around who she truly was. The noble listened to what the witch said, her usage of their language, her understanding, her accent and her wisdom took the noble by surprise. Silently, she listened. Her body language was still and straight. Watching the human, the witch and the *Baedaeth* Bow before her, their eyes locked. Almonde was frozen as the air was cold, heavy and painful silent for an uncomfortably long time. The noble drow placed her hand over her chin, in a moment of thought.*
.

```"I expected to face a fool, a bed warmer and slave. Instead, I speak to a you. Wiser than most that I've slaughtered. I will provide the privilege to hold a few words with me. Only because you amuse me in this flithy place."```

*The Lady of Vandree would be quietly impressed by the witch, hence she'd allow her to speak to her. She knew her place, held some wisdom and held authority. Either was she a slave, a competitor nor a rival. A welcoming challenger. The noble spoke once more as she'd turn her gaze to Almonde, she'd very quietly whisper a prayer as she'd carefully heal Gwylyss. The noble looked down at both of them, before meeting the gaze of Esme.*

```"Despite your wisdom, you know nothing. This pathetic excuse of a drow has been the key to my failure. He is not my glory. Never should he have even faced the dark ones, now. Now, the Dark Queen herself silently curses me. Perish? Death is a mercy for him, I do not intend to provide mercy especially to those who fail me."```

*Her voice was again as sharp and as cold as a blade of elvish steel. The noble would motion her hand to showcase the camp, explaining the situation at hand.*

```"Thanks to his failure. Our drow warriors were weakened. Forced to retreat here. Only for our slaves to turn against us. Now, I stand as alone. And, what was rightfully mine. Further from my grasp."```

*The noble drow would cast a spell, summoning a crow to her arm. The crow took flight immediately after, flying high and began to scout out the area. The attention of Maya turned to the witch, her eyes were no longer cold and empty. Now, they were filled with anger, rage and shame. A painful mixture in her purple eyes.*
Merle
"I never made claim to be knowing." *Esme quips back with a cocky chuckle to her tone, though she does not pass the point of being disrespectful.*

*She can feel her heartrate calm down as she senses Almonde rush towards Gwylyss' aid. This allows her to solely focus on the problem at hand, Maya. She listens intently, watching everything down to the detail of how small wrinkles form at the corner of the woman's mouth, indicating her disdain. Yes, Gwylyss in the eyes of the Drow is a failure. A warriors death... Those words are fleeting now and even when Esme had tried to assure him. Culture spans leagues across the world and unfortunately, the two of them stand on opposite sides of it. As her hands remain clasped in front of her, she gives a nod as if to understand Maya. Which perhaps to the surprise of many, she does. Esme has travelled with Drow before, she even learned to adopt their customs temporarily to understand them. Of course... This was eighty years ago just like she had mentioned prior as they passed the Horrors.*

"Which is why I may ask you, just why were you down here?" *Esme speaks bold, she has to if she truly wishes to save but their own and Gwylyss'.*
"You make mentions of slaves, lost glory. Were you transporting them? Or were you seeking something?"

*But if there is something she knows about the Drow is their great ability to exchange. Rolling back her shoulders, Esme glances over towards Gwylyss once more to make sure he is okay. With Almonde's hands, she imagines he will be. There is a part of her that would suggest to Maya to hand Gwylyss over. For a warrior who cannot partake in a warriors death, one who is shunned by his troupe, is fated to damnation. But how would that be fair? Gwylyss cannot speak in this altercation and Esme cannot condemn him to something he may not want. Even if he found peace with the girls.*

"The reason I ask is simple, allow a temporary alliance. We seek the Pixies Parasol, your warrior seeks redemption, so allow him the chance. You? You seek fortune. He survived, meaning he still has use. I know your kin not to be wasteful."

*Esme's words are cruel and cold, apathetic even. Where she once spoke to Gwylyss by name, she now talks as though he is an item. He could think whatever he wanted of her prior, he could scorn her now. But if this is what it takes to get him back to safety so that he may have some foot again, then so be it. The mask she adorns is to ensure his survival, not so that he is happy. But she feels sorrow, it is not easy speaking in this way and Esme cannot even show it which hurts deeply.*

"So may you at least hear out his plea? I dare not make demands of you, only suggestions. There is prosperity to be found yet if you seek out the opportune."
Terrie
SF"*As the air of the underdark was cold, heavy and still. A breeze or a soft comforting wind would be rare, the blue sky was replaced with glowing ore like stars of a cloudless night. The campsite, dirt and mud, mushrooms and rock, a witch and a noble. As the two spoke, each word was a careful step over a thin layer of ice. Threatening to crack at any moment, even if they'd lasted this long. One crack and failure was all it took. Almonde chanted a healing spell, yet the powerful spell seemed to simply drain her efforts. The devotee had to work a lot harder to nurture the wounded drow more, her attention fully on him as she'd have faith in the witch's ability. Each of them was handling one drow, Almonde did not envy Esme's position. Her hands visible shaking as she'd heal the man, was it fear, the magic or simply the aura of the situation. Putting all that aside, she'd focus on healing the drow back to his prime at least, physically.*

*Maya of House Vandree, listened to the witch's words with a firm gaze. Unbreakable and sharp. Each word spoken was carefully heard with drow ears. Esme's cocky chuckle was ignored, yet her question would be answered with a serious tone.*

```"You are brave to ask, I killed my own kin for lesser insults. But your bravery, amuses me. I came seeking a hidden scroll. The content within are of great value to me, and not of your concern. The slaves were brought here to assist our search."```

*The noble drow kept her words vague and short, her voice had a hue to controlled rage within. How dare she be questioned, this human best prove her worth or serve as a Ghoul. Her cold and unnerving eyes would widen at the mention of Pixies Parasol. The noble actually let out a cruel and short chuckle. The noble woman took a step towards the witch, as she'd circle her like a vulture on a flesh carcass. Walking with a posture that demanded respect.*
.
Calvin
```"An alliance. You seek to bargain with me. Hmmm, you aim to ensure your safety and claim what you sought. Very human. He has little use, perhaps. A broken blade has little usage. I prefer to not hear his voice, nor his pathetic pleas. I agree, there is indeed an opportunity here."```

*Maya said while holding her chin in deep thought, turning her back against the witch as the crow from earlier began to fly down to the party. Landing onto her shoulder, the crow disappeared into a fog. Upon seeing the eyes of the crow, the noble turned her attention on the kneeling Gwylyss. Motioning her finger upwards as she spoke to him, in a belittling tone.*

```"Silence yourself and save your pleas. I shall allow this temporary alliance to remain. Find the scroll. If these two attempt to betray me, kill them. Oh... And if you fail. You will envy the dead."```

*Maya said in a chilling voice that made Almonde's spine rattle with fear. It seems that the witch had successfully persuaded the noble drow. Gwylyss kept his eyes on her feet, as he spoke.*

```"As you wish, your ladyship. I- We will not rest until it is in your grasp, in its rightful place."```

*Gwylyss said in a rather formal and healthy voice as Almonde had successfully healed his wounded. A hue of surprise could be seen in the eyes of Maya, before the noble dismissed him. The noble woman would take a seat over a rock, facing the cliff. Gwylyss waited for her gaze to be gone before he started to check the salvaged equipment, hoping to find something useful. It was at this moment the two humans had a moment alone.*

```"Goddess Calisto has truly blessed me with you, Esme. I think I peed myself several times over. But... Besides that, Gwylyss is healthy... Physically anyways.."
.

*Almonde said in a low tone, as there was some distance now between them and the drow. The devotee looked at her hands, realizing that the magic of the necrotic spell had dried her hands slightly. Digging into her pockets, she'd pull out on of Esme's healing potions. Drinking it with care. Her head slowly turned to Esme.*

```"Should... Should I check up on Maya... I mean Lady Vandree. I don't know if she- nevermind."```

*As a healer, she was always concerned about the health of others even if that person didn't see the young woman as an equal. A part of her wanted to check on her, but she'd hold herself back. The air was still intense.*
Merle
"I suppose you could put it like that. A bargain can be made with benefits. Your safety is already guaranteed, having us fetch it for you is only a cherry on top." *Esme continues as she smiles at the woman.*

*Keeping her gaze straight, Esme allows the woman to circle her as she stands proud. Even when she turns to the still groveling Gwylyss, the witch does not falter. The mask must stay up and she mustn't act rashly. Negotiations are difficult and now they are caught up deeper than what she would have wanted. At this point, there is a portion of her that wishes to escort Almonde away so that she may complete the quest on her own. This wasn't apart of the original deal but given Esme feels a kinship, she doubts Almonde would turn high-tail and leave. It would be uncharacteristic of her.*

"I, Baedaeth, give my word and conditions clear. You shall have your scroll for an exchange of safe passage to the Pixies Parasol. From there, we shan't stain your lands or your eyes any further. Belief in my words or not now, they shall soon be proven."

*This is the most Esme can do. What Gwylyss will decide will be on him but at least she has guaranteed him a second chance for now. The moment Maya turns away and takes a seat on the nearby rock. There is a rush of excitement as she had a feeling the woman wouldn't be so keen on joining. It is... Better this way. Maybe if Esme was born a Drow she could easily skyrocket in the ranks as she clearly knows how to navigate herself around them. While she imagines Maya to be a great asset, she is an equal a liability. Which is why she would rather chance a smaller party of three that has better synergy than if she were to join.*

"I apologize Almonde but this must be done. I will pay your four times the original price." *Esme then quickly ushers as she turns on her heels, giving a shake to her head in regards to the question of Maya. Less interaction the better. She is a woman of great pride and Drow minds can be fickle. The terms have been set, she dare not chance their altering.*
"Stay with me, get what you can to prepare yourself. Conserve your healing from here on out. We have a long road ahead... And at any point... If you feel it is too much, I will do what I can to see to it you escape here."

*Esme's warm aura returns to her and she reassures Almonde with a small touch of the shoulder. Even the smile that Gwylyss had been so conflicted about is back. After the almost altercation with Maya, it's like a sweet luxury now and soon the witch approaches their Drow companion.*

"When you have a moment Gwylyss, please come speak to me and Almonde. There are plans to be discussed." *She whispers to him, her voice somewhat formal though there is still that hint of gentleness to it. She doesn't expect Gwylyss to meet her gaze. In fact, she expects him to be furious with her. His pride, his spirit crushed only to be saved by a woman who walks the lands above. A woman too sweet to be down in the bellies of the underdark.*

"And I do not take anything you do to heart, not even if our alliance must end abruptly in the nearest future." *She then finishes as a fail-safe, now walking back to Almonde's side and keeping a fair bit of distance away from Maya.*