Calvin
*The young woman would pause mid bite as Esme mentioned luring songs to lure children, wondering if it was a joke at first before the snicker confirmed it. Her shoulders were washed with a wave of relief as she'd share a chuckle with her travelling companion. She'd listen with care as devotion was mentioned, although it did make her wonder what made Esme choose such a path of a witch.*

*The thought of her famous Chicken Marengo being given to a witch was a funny thought. The devotee continued her packing and sorting, ensuring that they had everything that they needed. After connecting so quickly with her, she would hate to disappoint her with her clumsy acts. She was there on a job first and foremost, and had no intentions to fail the witch. Their odd yet warm connection only drove her to a more confident level. Carefully, she strapped the large pack over her back as her hands made sure to adjust it for a tight and comfortable fit.*

```"Oh? That's interesting. The bards told me that a child is eaten by a witch and puked out in order to make a new witc- wait maybe that's a hag. Apologies. I always got my fey knowledge mixed up. Your upbringing sounds quite pleasant, I suppose I can't be surprised if you're the product of the coven."```

*She said with a smile on her face, as she'd slowly close her visor. Hiding her face and muffled her voice, perhaps it overly cautious or just the right amount of caution to be held. With a dry piece of cloth, she'd begin cleaning her staff as she'd lean against a tree, listening to Esme's words as she'd kindly share her story. Her openness and trust was quite an honor to have, Almonde always enjoyed earning someone's trust even if it was a little.*

```"Interesting, so in a way of speaking, you're a nun of magic? Ahem, no disrespect of course. I can't say I've ever heard of this Twilight Order. It sounds mysterious but not ominous which is always pleasant. I hope I'm not rushing you, please take your time. I'm just putting my game face on haha."```

*She said in a voice that was slightly muffled by her helmat, her thoughts began to ponder on what exactly this Twilight Order was. Some clues were in the name, perhaps a balance of darkness and light magics. Keeping a balance in the ancient magics of old. Her understanding over magic was basic, only from the pages and simple guidance of bored old lady. She leaned against the tree, her tower shield of chains, her staff and her pack on the floor. Her belongs were neatly packed and the rest were organized away from light. Almonde was patient yet eager to see what adventures await her and her kind companion, her gaze drifted off into the trees.*
Merle
"A hag would be correct. There are a few renditions of that story actually." 

*Esme debates on whether or not she should really get into the gritty details about the fae. Seelie or Unseelie, they both have their fair share of grim tales that can be confirmed or denied depending on who you meet. As she rolls up her bed roll, tucking it away and setting it in the small hang of her bag that now remains strapped to her arm. The witch figures there is no harm in discussing it since they are already on the topic anyways.*

"Hags can steal children and instead of eating them, they raise them on their own. Of course there is still ritual practice. The sick changeling, beware of bringing yee babe into the woods over there." *Esme then playfully points ahead.*
"For if you come across a witch, she will tell yee to leave your babe in a ditch. Come back on the morrow, and a sick changeling gift shall bring the mother sorrow."

*It is an old tale full of heart break. A mother who loses a child, desperately wandering in the woods. With a promise of bringing the very child back, only to experience loss again. For a changeling bestowed to her by a witch will be frail. To impose the vicious cycle of promises, to have the very mother return so that she can be feasted upon. Is that Esme's coven? No. Come to think of it, she never met any witches who actually did this sort of thing. Technically, hags are a type of witch and she has met at least three of them. But one was never clear on how she got her children and most importantly, Esme never had the jurisdiction to investigate and ask.*

"And you need not apologize. However I can tell you that my birth and being brought into the coven was no accident. I was not, fortunately, puked up in the process. The Twilight Witches practiced beauty since magic is beautiful. As aspects of the very thing, we must physically embody it at all times. Puking just doesn't fit that narrative."

*Now coming to a stand and double checking her things. Esme playfully waves off Almonde's concerns of being rushed. If she was truly bothered, she would have said it. There is no need for her to apologize though the witch can understand why she is doing it. Digging into her bag, she takes a step closer with a smile. In her hand, a small vial filled with peach-colored liquid. A red ribbon beautifully placed around the cork with a single golden chain dangling. Fitting given what Esme just said about her order. Everything must look near perfect, pleasing to the eye. So the packaging for her healing potions are no exception.*

"Take two of these. You never know when you may need them." *She hums out before working on the clasp of her cloak.*
"And no offense taken. The Twilight Coven- well order, it is an older order and I am likely the only one left now. I guess you could think of us as nuns. We also made oaths of purity so that checks out to- most of us." *Esme then abruptly cuts herself off. She wouldn't be here if her mother truly stuck to that oath. But again, the coven has their ways of making sure girls like her are born.*

"Anyways... All ready?"
Mary
*As Esme spoke and shared her knowledge on the details of the fae. A topic that was very alien to a city girl like Almonde, almost as alien as the stories of the far east monsters and the giant filled north. Her hand held her chin, as the curious devotee listened with her full attention. Finding it fascinating, had she been a bard, she would probably beg the witch for more tales and information to be shared.*

*Hearing the old tale of heart break was saddening to hear, yet that was a grim fate that anyone could find themselves in. She wondered if the Hags could be redeemed or if they were simply misguided, were they lonely and desperate to have a family of their own even if it meant the vile rituals. Hearing more on the Twilight Order, her head peaked up as she'd speak.*

```"Interesting, I suppose the way that magic is practiced, is reflected on their devotees or followers such as yours. Wild and cruel magic, brings the ugly side to light, as such with the hags and others... As you say, being the embodiment of your path."```

*She said as she'd relax herself, finding their conversation to be fascinating and a fun tale to tell her fellow sisters when she returns to the Capital. Her drifting mind quickly shifted back to the witch as the woman approached her. Her eyes widened at the neatly presented vials. Impressed by the attention to detail, even merchants weren't this good at decorating. Although she wondered if the red ribbons, golden chain and other eye catching things were part of the witch's beliefs, teachings or perhaps she simply enjoy pretty things.*

```"Thank you kindly. These healing vials. Are they able to cure poisons?"```

*She asked as she'd carefully place them onto her hip bags, curious if the potions doubled as a cure to poisons. The fear of spiders, drow poisons and dealthy plants began to fester.*

```"Oh, I see. I never knew witches and nuns had so many similarities haha. And you can bet your behind that I'm ready!"```
Calvin
*Almonde said in an excited tone as she'd quickly pick up her staff, before carefully strapping her shield over her left wrist. The devotee would happily take the lead, taking a faded dirt path towards the Merii Cave. The cave was a series of tunnels, tunnels built and fortified by the drow centuries ago. The devotee walked with an average pace, the chains of her shield had pieces of cloth between them to avoid them from constantly rattling with each step.*

*The forest was slowly awakening, as the dark sky began to fade into a dark orange. The soft rays of the morning sun gently hitting the tips of the tallest trees, the forest below was cold and dimmed. Slowly the sun rise would catch up to the traveling pair, finally the dark woods would be blessed with a soft light. The proud green leaves and old bark revealed themselves around them, before the dirt path began to grow harder. The stone path of the old forgotten, perhaps it was elves, drow or something far forgotten. The ruins were claimed by the forces of nature over a century's battle period. The clear victor was the wildness. They'd arrived safely to one of the entrances to the main cave systems. The cave inside looked rather pitch black, darkness as the path lead deeper and deeper into the underworld below. Almonde paused for a moment, looking around for anything of note. Her main concern was the drow, the ruins looked rather empty and quiet. No signs of a struggle or a patrol yet, birds began to sing their morning songs while a strong breeze could be felt. Oddly coming from the cave entrance itself.*
Merle
*Esme gives a nod as Almonde begins to conceptualize her words. Devotion is an unbreakable thing and while each path strives to be unique. At the same time each bout of devotion is cloaked in similarities. An odd thing belief is. Upon thinking about it, Esme realizes she never truly asked or delved into what Almonde believes. The girl is so easy to talk to that she is genuinely surprised she opened up this much. It causes her to bring her fingers to her lips, feeling a tinge of guilt as she realizes that they will need to keep going. Small talk will have to occur after they fetch the mushrooms.*

"They cannot cure poison but... I can." *Esme grins as she holds up her hands, giving them the ol' razzle-dazzle as her fingers produce small bursts of light magic.*

*As she wraps her fingers inwards, allowing that very hand to drop. The essence of the weave fades and Esme looks ready to embark further. With a small hop and a minor adjustment to her bag. She turns towards Almonde with a small tilt of her head. It has been a while since she has also met someone so eager. Her positivity continues to remind Esme of a reflection of her own and with newfound determination. The witch gives the girl a nod as she begins to march forwards.*

"Should we fall to ailments. I can cleanse them rather quickly. So tell me immediately if something bites you or if you feel off. The healing potions are to keep any wounds or burns at bay- a just in case."

*Esme continues, explaining as they walk. Only falling quiet as they near the caves entrance. Though she is still as chipper as before. Esme knows better than to be too loose of the lips in a situation like this. Dangers lurk even outside of the caves no matter the time of day. Now that they are nearing it with the sky just starting to change color. She knows she needs to be more vigilant than ever. Which is why she has her grimoire at the ready. It's pages turned open as it floats gently above her extended palm. It may not be completely dark but the magic produced from it sheds a very small bit of blue light to help them navigate.*

*The one in the know is the one that survives. Which is exactly why Esme is perceptive. Each sound that her hears can pick up, she internalizes and quickly deciphers each one. The smells, the visuals. Are there any footprints? She too, has concerns for patrols even at this hour though Esme imagines they will not see much drow influence till they completely step inside. It's quiet but not enough to cause alarm, at least not yet.*

"We should be vigilant of tracks and most importantly... Traps. No good cavern dive is without traps." *Esme jests, the humor laced with darkness in her words.*
Calvin
*She took a mental note over the fact that the witch could cure poisons. Which would come in handy, although she began to wonder if it would have been wiser to explain their abilities before. But, she was sure it would fine as long as the two kept a level head. She stared at the magical lights that grew from her very fingertips, even without speaking the commands. The nun wasn't too surprised, she was a witch devoted to magic and didn't command it like a wizard would. As the two marched and hiked along the path, the mention of the additional care of sickness, poisons or ailments was oddly comforting. She felt safe, yet couldn't get the strange feeling of fear in her gut. Like walking along a cliff, she had her safety nets and her ropes to hold onto yet a fear kept her sharp and cautious. She never felt this alert before.*

*Almonde gave the witch, a whisper of acknowledgement as the pair approached the cave entrance. The devotee walked with care, her eyes searching and scanning the area. The lack of animals were a good sign that something was up. The breeze that flew past them had a scent of rotting flesh, a vile scent. With her staff, Almonde would cast a miracle as the pair stood in front of the wall of darkness of the mouth of the damaged cave.*

```"O, Merciful Mother of Health and Vitality, Be my light in the darkness and lead us, your humble children, illuminate our path with the colour of the summer sky. As you may."```

*She whispered her miracle, as her staff began to glow with a blue light from the tip of her staff. Almonde would point her staff into the dark cave, the walls were held up and broken apart by the many roots of the wilderness.*

*Yet, the old bones of an ancient fort could be seen. The scent of the rotting dead could still be smelled, a distant echo of a rat could be heard within. Almonde would begin making her way, very carefully into the cave. The cave was only one large tunnel, her eyes were set on the ground below. Rats were always a bad sign.*

```"S-stop. I... Trap ahead. Pit fall."```

*The devotee would make sure that the witch did not pass her as she'd extend her shield over, blocking her way. The blue light from her staff began to illuminate a trap ahead, a pit filled with spikes. It seems that this trap was triggered a long time ago, if they were careless, they would probably be the breakfast of the rats below. Below was body of a creature of fur, Almonde didn't look at it long enough to identify it. Instead, she began to look around for another way but she suddenly got an idea.*

```"I could cast a miracle, a barrier for us to walk on. But, if you have spell in your book that could help us, I'd prefer that haha... I'm not a master at holy barriers yet."```
Merle
*As the wind howls from the mouth of the cave, Esme stands quite proud before its maw. It is clear this is not the first rodeo she has had with ominous sites and spooky territory. It should be expected though. No matter how delicate or how pretty she is, a witch is still a witch. Strange places and omens are like beacons to them. As the most dangerous and unexplainable places tend to draw in the most magic. Wizards and all mages alike tend to share this reckless trait that fuels their thirst for knowledge. So even now, before possible beasts and disaster. Esme remains unswayed.*

*She is silent during Almonde's sweet prayer. Again, it drives some of Esme's curiosity to know more about who she devotes herself to and why. They do not need to share the same god in order to find comfort in the higher powers. For Esme, prayer is done through action. Each spell cast is a blessing bestowed upon her by the goddess herself. Using her magic is to pay homage to her, especially if the witch can cast gracefully. Two different ways to approach the same topic.*

"Rats are drawn to the deceased... We may see more than just poor lost animals who had succumbed to the traps here." *Esme mumbles as she looks directly at the body in the pit.*

*Bringing her hands up, she stares at her open palms as she contemplates on what to do? Almonde's ability sounds more reliable. Esme can mold the earth, cause it to repture if she so willed it. But in a place like this? The witch does not wish to add two more souls to the likely long list of this cave today.*

"I think we should go with your magic for this. I can shape earth to a certain extent. Making bridges and flat surfaces... I can try to manipulate the spell but there is no guarantee." *She explains while looking back at Almonde.*
"Unless we find an alternative."
Calvin
*Despite the challenge that they faced, this trap pit did make it clear that patrols along this particular tunnel was unlikely. Unless the drow enjoy jumping the pit and the scent of death. There was some comfort in this uncomfortable situation. Her head turned to listen to the witch's words, heeding her advice on the rats.*

*She patiently waits as the two discussed the best manner to face this obstacle. Learning about the witch's abilities more, although it did sound promising. The fear of a cave in or trusting the dirt to hold their weight wasn't a great guarantee for the devotee. Heh rhythm.*

```"I think this might be the best path, at least with the least traps and potential drow. Look, that skeleton is kinda... Facing us. I think they may be coming out of the undergrounds... But yeah."```

*Almonde said as she'd shine her blue light deeper into the pit below, the bones and flesh of a handful of bodies told many tales. She wished she was smart enough to identify the bodies better.*

```"I think we should go with my barriers. The risks are minimal and I think it's the safest way to handle this. I will cast a holy barrier over the pit, you can throw some sand over it to confirm it works properly. Slowly make your way over, and I will join you next."```

*The nun explained with care as she'd hold her staff rather firmly, taking a stance with her staff over her heart. She would cast another miracle, yet she seemed more focused on this one in particular.*

```"O, Merciful Mother Of Health and Vitality, Lady Calisto, please heed my words. Be the shield between our hearts and the dangers that would end its rhythmic beats. As each beat of life is a reminder and tribute to your embrace. Plese protect us, your humble and devoted children. As you may."```
.

*She closed her eyes as her words whispered true, a yellow light began to slowly glow above the pit. A flat barrier of holy magic would be seen, becoming a makeshift bridge for the pair to walk on. The barrier was transparent enough to see below it, although it continued to pulse with Almonde's heart beat. The devotee would continue that same prayer as her focus seemed to keeping the barrier up.*