Calvin
*Almonde would listen and watch the witch's reaction, her eyes widened with surprise. Noticing that, the witch seemed stern and firmer than normal. Waving her hand over her face in dismissal, as she'd feel her own heart rate increase.*

```"Oh its quite alright, just spiders bearing their fangs. I've gotten used to it haha. Wait, Esme. I trust you and such, but please forgive Maya for it. Hate is bad for the soul hah.."```

*The devotee said nervously as she'd grow an expression of concern and worry about the situation. It was both scary and impressive how quick Esme could turn from pink adorable witch to an Omen of Fate. The devotee carefully followed the witch as magic began to radiate off her like a powerful Elder Brain. The male drow simply watch the pair make their way towards the tent, a neutral expression on his face.*

```"That's really cool, I wish I had cool titles... But! I hope you take a little breather, not because I don't trust you but mainly because I worry about you. I don't want Maya to bring out the worst in you, Esme. Please be better than her and don't let her make you snap... You know? I am honored and flattered that you care so much about me, but just don't lose yourself. Okay?"```

*The devotee said as the duo finally arrived at the tent of the noble drow, Almonde trusted the witch to not do anything rush but was worried that her odd dreams grew closer to reality. As they'd face the opening, the devotee opened her arms to hug the witch. Hoping a small gesture of kindness would even the scale, the hug was warm.*

```"Anyways, just know that whatever happens. I have your back, Yalura d... Tempere Apza? Haha... I think I prefer Esme."```

*She said with a smile yet her nervous tone was subtle, the devotee would finally let go of the witch and helped open the tent for her. Giving her a bright smile, as the devotee tried her best show her support. In the end, she wasn't worried about Esme or her, moreover it was Maya that she was worried for even if she'd threatened her prior.*

*As the tent opening was lifted for the witch, Almonde chose to stay outside for now. Should the Baedaeth enter, she'd find Maya leaning on a desk. Her back turned and her attention on the map, a few books and scroll on the table. Her cold hand held a amulet of red. However, before Esme could speak, a sudden loud growl caught her attention. A foul ghoul would growl at her, before biting its own tongue. Maya's voice rang cold and quick.*

```"Out. The Baedaeth and I need silence."```

*The drow said as she'd open a scroll, red runes began to glow from it as she'd not face the witch. The ghoul began to limp towards the opening, leaving behind a decaying odor. The drow would not speak first, her eyes did not turn yet her ears peaked up as the witch approached.*
Merle
*Esme stops in her tracks momentarily to glance over towards Almonde. She can understand the other's concern. This whole mission has become greater than mushrooms at this point and unnecessary fighting could spell the end for both parties. In truth, the witch does not wish to be cruel. She would never do such a thing even if that is the best course of action when dealing with the Drow, but there is still a slight feeling that tugs at her. A spider baring its fangs will eventually strike, which Esme knows is bound to happen. But it is also her job to reassure Almonde that everything will be okay, it must.*

"When I say I shan't be passive, I do not intend to fight. Do not worry Almonde." *She says with a bright smile, her voice as soothing as before.*

*Yet as the two hug, that smile promptly fades. There is a coldness in her eyes. Maybe it was from the dream prior, the visions or something else that has woken entirely within Esme. It's been quite odd how unphased she has been even by the undead. The smile returns the moment the two pull apart and Esme cannot help but give Almonde's arm a gentle squeeze.*

"I just need to ensure we are on the same page. If Maya wants our assistance, she needs to remember that me and you are a packaged deal. Not only that, but she cannot do this alone. It is foolish to threaten those who can work with you, any Drow should know that." 

*Insults are being thrown, though Esme is masking it under casual conversation in trying to uplift Almonde. She had been rather passive up until this point, sweet even. But there is always a side to everyone that can be quite unsavory. She isn't speaking loud enough to intentionally court Maya's wrath as they are not at the tent yet. If Gwylyss hears it then so be it. It was this same logic that saved his life from Maya's cruel grasp originally anyways. So it cannot be debated. With an even brighter smile now, she gives a nod over towards the nun before glancing over towards the warrior.*

"Why not keep him company, aye?" *The oh-so-evil witch snickers as she begins to elbow Almonde, pointing her head at Gwylyss before turning towards the tent.*
"I'll be out soon, don't get into any trouble!"

*Then the ray of sunshine leaves and Almonde is left to her own devices. Now inside, Esme's expression is for the most part unchanging. Her gaze follows what is in Maya's hand, assuming it to be some type of artifact. Her lips now tugged into a smirk, the woman stands tall with her hands held together in front of her. Not even flinching to the ghoul who dares to growl and snap at her, ignoring it all together even when it passes her. Esme may not be in any direct competition with Maya per say. But she has to appear confident, borderline cocky. Failure to do so will just allow the woman to be even more inclined to act out, even if this is out of character for how Esme usually conducts herself. She may hate how Almonde was threatened, but she doesn't like being this way either.*

"Your Baedaeth has been informed you wished to speak?" *Esme asks as she gives a curtsy.*
Calvin
*As her blue eyes would behold the witch's bright smile and reassuring words, her tense shoulders would relax and fall. Never truly doubting the witch, simply concerned. A soft breath of relief escaped her lips as the two embraced. Hearing of the witch's plan to ensure that the deal was set with a logical understanding. An expression of approval and agreement could be read on her face, eyes softer and widened with faith. A large part of her, felt very grateful that the witch was with her. To handle these challenges so flawlessly was fascinating.*

*Gwylyss simply watched from afar, before turning his attention to something moving among the mushrooms. It was just a little spider critter again. His ears heard the words of the witch, yet showed no objection nor offense. If two females challenged each other, it was their battle to fight and interfering was disrespectful. Almonde let out a sudden wheeze at the witch's suggestion, to keep the drow company. How her teasing turned against her.*

```"Ah shush! And, likewise for you two. I'll be close by."```

*Almonde spoke with a smile and an embarrassed hue in her voice, watching the witch enter and a ghoul leave.*

*Inside the tent, the air remained still and cold. The scent of death present and strong, yet either two of the women fell to its foul odor. Taking a look at the drow's hand, the amulet had a cursed red glow to it. If the light of a sun was warm, the glow of this red amulet was cruel, cursed and a bad omen. It stinged the air like a poison, unpleasant to be around, pulsing a red stone between her fingers. Maya spoke with a firm tone.*

```"The woman in white said that you knew where the scroll was. How can you be so certain, so confident in its location. Is this the power of the Twilight, or another lie to keep me distracted. Where is the scroll?"```
.

*The drow would spoke with a serious tone, a hue of frustration within her words. The woman rose from leaning over her desk, to stand straight as her sharp gaze met with Esme's eyes. Her expression was a mix of many emotions, masked with a stern look of suspicion.*

```"I have neither shared the information on the scroll nor shared our past findings with you. How did you come to simply locate it, in a matter of days when it took my drow warriors months to find nothing. I almost find it difficult to believe, yet that soft faced fool spoke with clear confidence."```

*The drow would speak with an annoyed tone, rage and frustration boiling underneath her skin. Her campaign took months, her warband of drows searching almost every inch of dirt and rock, yet the witch before her knew where it was in a day.*

```"This better be true, I am not one to jest with. I intend to travel with you all, take it as a privilege to search and fight by my side. If you speak true, than as promised, you will have want you desired. But, we will linger here for another moment longer."```

*The drow said with a more relaxed tone, a hue of pride and confidence returning to her face. The noble woman sat down on the seat, her fingers holding the crimson stone. She'd motion the witch to sit, as her hands ironed out a map of the area.*

```"Sit. We have much to discuss especially on the scroll itself. If you are truly capable of such feats, than you deserve to know more about my prize to be."```
Merle
*Esme is quiet in listening to everything Maya says. She does not show fear, malice or even a sense of over-concern. She doesn't know what Almonde said to Maya so this situation must be navigated cautiously. With a deep breath, she takes a step closer and finds herself her seat of which the other has provided. Though the smell is beginning to annoy her, which is why with a snap of the finger the scent around the area begins to mimic the warm smells of autumn. Her hands now rested in her lap, she leans back with one leg crossed over the other.*

"I have no interest in playing you, it would be stupid. I am a guest here, no?" *Esme calmly speaks.*
"You know I am Baedaeth, I am also Yalura d'Tempere Ap'za, I have many names in your tongue. But all ring true that I am the bridge between mortals and fates."

*She then sighs out, she doesn't expect Maya to completely understand. She also doesn't want to outright exposes her hand, explaining all of it could bring forth a closer end.*

"I had a vision of it, a dream." *Her voice then hums like a sweet bird, soft but confident in its natural airy tone.*
"An idea of sorts, if we must simplify it. I cannot know the exact details other than I speculate it is in an old gravesite. If you do not trust it, you may send your own scouts. But again, I have no intentions of crossing you as we only came here for mushrooms."

*Esme then leans back. Her hand raises forward and she holds a smile on her face. The floor is Maya's and if she wishes to enlighten Esme more then so be it. But at this point, the witch has revealed more portions of herself. She is the one who can change fate, see its outcomes and in some case, strike forward on its wishes. Magic radiates off of her for she is the walking vessel for it. Maya may be a powerful warrior, but Esme is a Twilight witch, a woman who could reach into the very weave itself.*

"I have been to the Underdark before. Retrieving artifacts is second nature. The darkness that nearly took a troupe... Three noble families that were fated and destined to die... And thus I whispered to it and the strings of their very fates were pulled. Their tales now are sung in ballads I would imagine, their bloodlines continuing even now." *This then causes Esme to lean forward, her tone becoming a bit deeper.*

"I admire the conviction of your people. We may not always agree but it is my job as a Twilight witch to view and record all. To understand, to read what is in the stars. I have no qualms with you nor the others, I do hope you understand."
Calvin
*As the air is filled with the warm scent f autumn, the odors of the dead gone and faded away. The drow raised an eye brow, as she'd listen to the witch's sweet and confident words that flew around the tent interior like humming birds. The drow placed her hand over her chin, a hue of fascination in her cold eyes.*

```"Yalura d' Tempere Ap'za, the ones that challenge even fate. Here. Collecting. Mushrooms. What a waste of great power, if I had you during my youth. I'd have the Underdark in my firm grasp."```

*The drow spoke in her native drow tongue, before leaning back. Her eyes filled with thoughts of her own fate, before she'd continue listening to the witch's explanation. A vision, of course. A glance into the future, such a powerful advantage over an enemy or obstacle. The suggestion to send scouts were noted, but when the witch mentioned the mushrooms once more. A cold and cruel chuckle escaped her lips, it was short and sharp like a dagger.*

```"Haha, a Baedaeth sits in front of me. One that can see the future, one that can be the bridge to fate itself. In the right hands, you could prove to be a dealthy weapon. What importance do these mushrooms have to you? I speak of claiming prizes, bringing the drow to its prime and discovering the deepest secrets of the underdark. Yet, someone of your talents or perhaps power... Seemingly wasted collecting mushrooms like gnome or a goblin."```
.

*The drow had a smile on her face, as if amused by this situation. In her eyes, a great sword of power was being used for cutting cheese. Learning of the Baedaeth's history of collecting artifacts, pulling the strings of noble families away from death itself and yet it felt like only a tea spoon of the witch's feats. Her facial expression looked rather impressed for a moment,before speaking once more. Gently tapping her red amulet, and sliding it to the witch.*

```"You speak of altering the fate of someone's death, a skill I wish to possess myself. And this, scroll will be that key to such a destiny. Ludwig's grave, it is called. Inside, within his blasphemous and forgotten grave. Is the scroll, that will allow me to control my own fate. A power like yours. Some would even consider you a divine being by some standards, something that is just out of my reach."```

*The drow said, as the red amulet began to pulse violently as it would get closer to the witch. The autumn air began to turn warmer and warmer, a familer scent of flesh, fire and melted gold could be felt. The words of that demon, echoed around her skull once more.*

```"It seems that fate had brought us together, you shall indeed view and record all. My triumph is what you will see and what you will record. Now, if you may. Where was this gravesite, you saw in your visions? Twilight Witch."```

*The drow said as she'd gently tap the blood amulet, that began to whisper yet only Esme could hear it. The corrupted amulet spoke only one word.*

```"Savory."```