Calvin
*Soft breathing escaped the mouth of Almonde as she'd try her best to not smell a fragments of the air, the vile scent almost turned her face green with disgust. The drow would seem unfazed by the scent as his focused eyes scanned the area before him, as if he was searching for footprints, signs or traces of his fellow kin. His face had an expression of hidden hope, hope that he tried to keep hidden. He knew better but he really hoped that his kin survived just as he did. Turning to the witch, he gave her a firm nod to her response of understanding his beliefs. He would whisper in a low tone, his eyes locking with hers. Her averting and avoidance to look him in the eyes, almost created a smile over his face. But he was very quick to stop it.*

```"For once, I agree. I mean- we should talk about beliefs somewhere else, that's what I agree with. Not while surrounded by delay and rot. I- nevemind."```

*For once, his voice had a tone of hesitation looming over his words. The drow stooped his conversation immediately, this wasn't the time nor place and he chose his words poorly. Almonde held her nose closed, as her head titled to the witch's words. A smile grew and the sudden urge to tease her rose, but she knew better than do tease the vulnerable witch.*

```"I'm pretty sure he did, he let it slip as they say hehe. Ahem. But, as you wish. I'll take the lead if you need a moment."```

*Almonde said as she'd gently pat the back of Esme, speaking in a soft and soothing tone. The devotee wished she could cast a happy emotional spell on the witch, but she'd take a moment to comfort her.*

```"Thank you again, for doing the talking and diplomacy. I would have panicked back there. I believe a soul like his, can be redeemed. Thanks to you and me, he has that chance. Calisto would be proud of you."```
.

*Almonde wasn't sure nor truly understood what the witch was going through, was it serious self doubt or simply introverted embarrassment. Either way, she hoped to provide an fragment of comfort and support to her fellow companion. She made sure to keep her voice down, the drow would lead the party along the path. Hiking and tracking the path, the path began to slowly change with each step.*

*From tall roots that grew between stone, the party found themselves surrounded with the wonders of the wilderness of the underground world. Away from the hooked horrors, tall mushrooms surrounded them like trees. Glowing plant life of blue, green and red would light up the ecosystem. Almond was left speechless staring and studying all she could see. Gwylyss was focused on the path ahead, occasionally stopping to check the path and for any tracks. As he took a knee and inspected a footprint, Almonde would pop up beside him. Trying to start a conversation with him.*

```"Hey Gwylyss, are you married?"```

*Her tone was genuine and was spoken with a curious smile, the devotee leaned her weight over her staff while she waited for his answer. The drow seemed surprised at first, taking a moment to process the question.*

```"If that was an insult then I'd try harder. If that was a question. That's none of your concern, healer. But. I'll humor you. Since I have an arm because of you."```

*The drow said while slolwy standing up, his attention on his arm that he lost and regained. It felt so unnatural and unfair yet, there it was. He glanced at the witch once more as he spoke, with a annoyed expression and crossed arms.*
.

```"I am not worthy yet. A drow man needs feats to gain the attention of a drow woman.The greater the feat, the greater the woman. My scout leader, she is a great and ruthless woman. Quite the opposite of the witch here heh."```

*The drow said as he gave out a single chuckle, it seems that he was beginning to get lost in his words. Almonde was quietly listening as tint details dripped from his words.*

```"Maya's smile was cold, refined and sharp like a blade. Not cute, warm or bright like the witch. Her eyes could scare goblin horde away. Meanwhile, the witch's eye's cou- I've spoken too much. Lloth end me now."```

*The drow stopped himself upon realizing that he lost himself in his words. Like a drunken fool. The drow went silent as he simply continued to lead the group as if he didn't speak at all. Almonde truly wanted to poke the drow but she knew that she was on thin ice, simply the devotee gently hopped towards the witch with a smug smile.*
Merle
*Esme is in the midst of her inner turmoil and panicked over thinking when Gwylyss addresses her. His voice is drowned out by her own inner thinking and she nearly misses his words. For a moment the witch looks as though she is going to speak but then her mouth shuts before any words can slip out. With a few blinks followed by a long winded blank stare. Esme is a bit surprised by the idea of a drow, any drow wanting to actually have a discussion. It's clear he actually meant it and as her ears pick up his own stammering. That warm, 'bewitching' smile returns again as she gives him a nod over. If it is something he wishes to pursue then Esme imagines that both she and her companion can have a lovely talk with him perhaps one day.*

"It seemed more like a jab and a compliment- what did I even do?" *Esme quietly whines to herself, feigning despair before giving Almonde a playful smile.*

*There are no amount of words that Esme can find that describe just how grateful she is that Almonde is with her. Normally these contracts and outsourced clients tend to be too quiet, too talkative and not enough sincerity. Yet Esme truly believes she has found a kindred spirit and it has been a long time since she has felt such. It warms her and no amount of cold that can be produced from the underdark can truly sway that. Without even realizing it, Esme cannot stop herself from smiling as she watches Almonde walk ahead. It is good experience for the both of them and given how excited the girl was last night. This, as terrifying as some of the sights have been, they have been equalized in breath taking views, should be something Almonde will never forget. Which is why Esme must give thanks to her once this is all over.*

*Look at her go! Walking towards Gwylyss proud without an ounce of hesitation. Perhaps they can truly socialize and Esme dare say that she is proud-*

***Hey Gwylyss, are you married?***

*The sound of glass shatters in the back of Esme's mind as she nearly trips over her own feet, eyes widened like an owl as time itself stops. It is not the matter of the question but rather how misplaced and sudden it is. It takes Esme a bit to actually recollect herself from the shock alone. Why... Why did she ask that? This is definitely not how Esme would have gone about first contact given the two did not talk much prior and soon her gaze is shot down. Still widened of course as the witch now bites the inside of her cheek, her thumb rapidly rubbing against her closed palm. Though no blush can be seen on her face as Esme flusters easily to any situation she may deem embarrassing. Her rounded ears shine brighter than the red mushrooms she seems unable to look away from.*

*This only heightens when Gwylyss starts talking. At first she understands, cross referencing what he is saying to drow beliefs that she has come to learn and understand over the years. To prove oneself as a warrior, to treasure strength and cunning wit about all. But then Esme is called out and her body immediately stiffens, her muscles tensing like the very trees that surround the cave outside. Again, her own words now repeat in her head.*

***What did I even do?***

*Esme had only spoken to him like she had spoken to everyone else. Sure, she comes off a bit soft on the outside. But she didn't imagine just a smile would make such an impression and soon her eyes are darted back down to the floor as she nervously hums to herself. Then... Did he just compliment her? This causes Esme's thoughts to go in over time as she rubs the back of her head and her words spill out like a great waterfall.*

"I-if I have made you uncomfortable, I do apologize. I did not mean to pry or make you fe-feel..." *Esme then stops as calls out from the back, now a few extra feet away from both Almonde and Gwylyss.*

"Bewitched..." *She mutters to herself, clearly still unable to understand just exactly what he meant. Her eyes then dart to Almonde. A wide stare like a puppy in trouble. Poor Lass.*
Calvin
*Almonde would quickly make her way back to the witch, her smile fading into a glittering teeth expression. As she'd hoped to bring their bound closer together, only to look at a witch, the poor puppy in trouble. Her arms were extended wide open as she'd warmly hug the witch. The devotee apologized as she'd hold the precious witch in her arms, the drow suddenly stopped and rolled his eyes at the sight.*

```"Oh I'm so sorry, Esme! I thought I did a good thing. He technically called you cute, warm and bright! Which I completely agree with. It's not your fault if the drow falls for you. If anything, he should be the one to apologize!"``` 

*The drow clearly heard this but pretended not to, his hands closed together as he began to wonder if this was his punishment for not submitting to his punishment by the dark ones. Taking a step away from the duo, he mumbled a little.*

```"Oh, maybe I should died and fed the dark ones... I'm sure that is mercy compared to this... Lloth. I beg mercy."```

*He kept his gaze toward and held his tongue, the drow set his priorities straight. These two humans were useful but distracting. The man continued to lead, as the duo behind him began to slolwy catch up. Suddenly, mushroom covered boar would run past in between the party. Which scared and surprised Almonde, falling to her feet. The drow seemed to have found this amusing, an evil laugh escaped his lips. He shook his head as he took a few steps, that was until he came arcoss the view. The sight of his camp.*

```"By Lloth fangs..."```

*The drow was speechless by the sight of the camp site. The camp was placed next to a cliff, overlooking the mining area. Tents were torn, dried blood had turned the mushrooms red. Pieces of torn armor and broken weapons littered the area. No bodies could be found, but only one statue remained. The statue of a drow, a female drow who dressed in a noble manner. Yet, the statue had a steam around it as if it was breathing almost.*

*A wise mind and a sharp eye could tell that this statue was no statue, it was a petrified drow. From the look of her body language, she seemed calm and collected. Those who were turned petrified by monsters always had a fearful look, not here though. The drow quickly ran to the campsite and began to search around, trying to understand what exactly happened. A hue of desperation and despair would be seen in his eyes. Almonde stayed with the witch, before letting the drow search on his own. The woman turned to look at the dried blood and the destroyed campsite.*

```"Dried blood can stay on stone for a very long time... I'm not sure how long this happened. It's a lot of blood, enough for a few deaths."```

*Almonde looked at the drow with some pitiful eyes, the loss of your kin will always hurt, no matter the face. However, her attention turned to the statue and she began to stare at it. What a statue doing here of all places, in the middle of the wilds. The drow fell to the ground at the feet of the statue, looking rather defeated.*

```"Gwylyss... I am sorry for your loss. Truly, I am."```
Merle
"I-it's quite alright." *Esme nervously chuckles as Almond returns to her side, reciprocating the hug with a small pat on the back.*

*The witch isn't sure if the awkward tension in the air is more suffocating than that of the stench of the hooked horrors. At least they can have some form of merry making. Sure, Gwylyss isn't exactly keen on joking back and forth. Not to mention he spoke so pitifully just moments ago. Esme's lack of social skills aside, she heavily frowns as she looks ahead at him. Their affectionate behavior is seen as weak, Esme knows he is looking down at them to a certain degree. Not that she minds it per say, but she still feels a small tinge of guilt given that he likely lost his scout leader... No, perhaps she is still alive and they can reunite him and Maya.*

"Though I think he finds as a bit insufferable." *Esme mumbles in a girlish giggle as she tries to collect herself.*

*Silence befalls them as Esme doesn't wish to test his patience any further. Keeping a vigilant eye, the witch hopes that the mushrooms she seeks are nearby. Though she doubts it. They grow in areas dry in the underground, where magic surges in the weave. Esme will be able to sense them naturally, but so far there is no luck. Thankfully to her perceptive behavior, Esme is able to hear the boar before she sees it. As Almonde takes a small tumble, Esme is quick to help her up with a reassuring smile. At least Gwylyss is amused and that's the first time she has truly heard him laugh.*

"You okay?" *She asks Almonde, keeping her hand out to help the priestess up.*

*But then she sees Gwylyss run and Esme is quick to rush after so long as Almonde is ready. When she sees the ruins, the dried blood, the aftermath of something truly terrible. There are no words from the witch. In fact, saying sorry will likely only aggravate the drow. A warriors death, she can only hope that their purpose at least was fulfilled. But the witch is not cold. She slowly approaches, clasping her hands in front of her as she stands a little behind Gwylyss. Looking at the statue, she tries her best to remember if she had seen the woman anywhere. But... Nothing. With a small sigh of defeat, Esme turns to more pressing matters.*

"We can give you time and space. But if there is anything we can do, please let us know Gwylyss." *Esme then falls quiet again, still trying to collect her words.*
"I do not mean to instill false hope but perhaps... There are some survivors."

*Esme then glances over towards Almonde. Though she says nothing, she gives a look followed by a nod for her to follow. The drow will likely need time and for now, they should give it to him. The last thing she wishes to do is upset him further. Even her hand is instinctively reached out and for a moment, her palm almost connects with his shoulder. He may even feel some of her warmth though no contact is made. But deciding against it, Esme then turns away to commit to her original plan of allowing him time as she can only hope that will provide some comfort.*
Calvin
*As the devotee found her footing, her attention turned to the boar. She wondered how different wildlife was to the surface, the curious woman quickly gave the witch, a thumbs up to express her well being. Taking her hand as she'd slolwy get up.*

```"Oh yeah, just a little slippery. Fast little guy, wasn't he."```

*Almonde's smile slolwy faded away, as the sight of the ruined campsite came to view. Almonde quickly ran in hopes of finding some wounded to heal or perhaps save a few lives. But, the only thing waiting for them was a statue. The scent of blood, burnt-out mushroom, steel and mud filled their sences. After giving her condolences to the drow, the drow only had silence to give. The devotee watched as the witch offered her words of encouragement and support. Perhaps their could be survivors just like him, trapped in webbing somewhere. The drow gave no response to the witch either, simply sitting there as his gaze was low and unmoving. The proud warrior a few moments ago was left as a groveling man now. An expression of sadness could be seen on the drow's face. Almonde was silent as she'd begin scavenging the remains, searching for clues and making herself useful. That was until she found a satchel with a note, thrown into it. The note was covered with some blood, the drow language was difficult to read, she'd lift the note up. Trying to find a better light, the satchel fell over and the sounds of a glass potion could be heard.*

```"Hey Esme? Can you read drow? I think it's ancient elf tongue but... Also blood on it? Maybe it's a journal, could tell us what happened. I think Gwylyss is mourning... Now."```

*She would pass the note to the witch, the note was written with a rushed hand in formal ancient elvish. The readable words read as follow.*

*TO WHO EVE- -EADS THIS, POT- WILL -URN STO- TO FL-H. USE IT -ME. RE-ARDS -ALL B- -EN.*

*The blood made it difficult to read even if it was a drow eye, it was a note written with a short sentence. Only a handful of words were readable, as the witch read the potion. Almonde would open the satchel, pulling out a potion. Any potion maker could easily recognize it, Basilisk Oil. An oil that can save those who are petrified and return them to their original state. Almonde began to shake the strange black liquid.*

```"Looks like some weird black potion. It's not like cursed, right? Right?"```

*TO WHOEVER READS THIS, POTION WILL TURN STONE TO FLESH. USE IT ON ME. REWARDS SHALL BE GIVEN.*

*However, the eyes of the witch could read it rather clearly as the simply blood stain hardly meant anything as the letters came naturally to her.*
Merle
*As Esme keeps an eye on Gwylyss, not wanting to come off disrespectful while also observing the statue. Her eyebrow raises when Almonde calls to her, turning her head to observe just what it is she s talking about. Of course she does not wish to leave Gwylyss alone completely, so she keeps him in sight.*

"Let me take a look." *Esme whispers as she approaches.*

*The note reminds her of a lot of fey riddles. Though they are not to be taken lightly, she doubts they have extreme influence here. A few times read, Esme then glances over her shoulder to where Gwylyss is kneeled. Her brow furrowed and then another look over the note. A light flickers and the witch begins to move without warning. Carefully she grabs hold of the bottle from Almonde's hand carefully, seeing the oil for what is and the note confirming her suspicions.*

"It's basilisks oil..." *She mumbles to Almonde while not breaking her sight from the statue.*
"I think I understand. Follow me."

*As Esme turns she gives an assured look. With the note in one hand and the oil in the other. The witch makes her way towards the Drow and to whom she may suspect to be his beloved. She is gentle in her approach, now feeling bold enough to set a soft touch upon his shoulder. Though she expects him to shy away from the comfort or even ignore her. Flicking her thumb upwards she uncorks the bottle.*

"Gwylyss, I believe this bottle can undo the effects. But I shall give it to you, as well as this note." *Esme's voice hums like a soft harp, kneeling down beside him as she extends the possible treatment.*

"I dare not do anything rash, perhaps we could try this for her? You are a warrior, do not give up on her now."