Calvin
*As the giant spider observed the two invaders and its former snack regroup, the spider quickly made its way towards the nearest wall to place its latest victim onto the wall for future munching. It's eight eyes of raven black turned to the trio below, letting out a haunting and loud hiss.* 

```"Angry Spider noises"```

*The spider would lift his fangs as it began to shoot out a concentrated attack of webs onto Almonde, smart enough to realize that the armored figure would be the most difficult to kill. Almonde, who was already back and ready, thanks to the witch's call, would attempt to block the web attack. Her shield would be yanked out of her hand rather aggressively as she'd be slightly lifted by the attack. Falling onto the waters. Gwylyss was busy looking around for an exit as he held the dagger, he carefully remembered which tunnel he was brought in.*

```"That tunnel! We escape there. She will not have me today!"```

*The drow would watch as the giant spider began to descend, as it let go of the towering shield. Dropping it into the waters below. He yelled at it to gain its attention, and once it was closer. The drow took hit and threw the dagger with his remaining strength. The dagger flew through the air and found its mark. Burying itself deep into 2 of its eyes. The spider hissed loudly as it's arms began to attempt the removal of the dagger.*

*Almonde took the opportunity to quickly grab her fallen shield, while Gwylyss began to bolt towards the tunnel that he pointed to earlier. Almonde looked up at the wounded spider with a sence of pity, but knew that an escape plan maybe the only way to keep it alive. It wasn't evil, it simply eating and surviving. She began to make a prayer of light to potentially blind the distracted spider.*

```"O' Merciful Mother, please provide light and chase the darkness. Now would be lovely! Accept our pleads and shine bright! As you may!"```
.

*She said in a nervous and speedy tone as her staff would flash a bright light at the spider. However due to her delay, the spider was able to make another web attack. This time, aimed at the witch.*
Merle
*Escaping is a better idea than fighting. While Esme is not opposed to a scrap here or there. The spider is preferably, to be avoided. They need to conserve their resources and as the webbing shoots down. She winces to the fact that Almonde's shield gets torn from her, not good. Sure, she may be heavily armored. But that shield can be a matter of life or death.*

*But the drow is a warrior and Esme is impressed with his determination. She gives him a nod over and seeing the opportunity, she quickly rushes forward. The shield is recovered and a path forward is clear. At least mostly as she catches something from the corner of her eye. The witch is swift and with magic up her sleeve, avoiding getting hit is her number one priority. As the glob of web is hurled at her, Esme makes a jump and in mid air she transforms. She is harder to hit now as a small bird. Such a spell normally would be useless in the eyes of many. But she's quite speedy and so long as she isn't caught in close quarters, the witch will be fine. Whistling as a song bird now. The avian flies past the drow and makes a dive for the next cavern exit.*
Calvin
*As the giant spider struggled to maintain its balance on the cavern walls, the trio would begin bolting towards the the tunnel that the drow seemed confident was the safest exit. The witch would find herself diving for a long time, before the sounds of water began to echoed in the tunnel. The floor of the tunnel began to form a river of rushing waters as the solid path ended over a cliff. Below lay dark waters of unknown depth. Before the witch could act, she would hear both Almonde and Gwylyss falling into the pool of water. As the giant spider's loud hissing echoed behind them.*

*The waters were rushing and pushing the duo into a larger underground cave systems before they'd be met with a soft blue light. Some magical ore of unknown material lit up the roof of the cave, surrounded by the remains of a mining operation. The drow began to weakly drag himself into the edge of the land, pulling himself weakly onto the ground before falling to his knees. Breathing heavy and beginning to struggle weakly, yet his stubbornness was very visible. Almonde took some time as she'd struggle to swim with a heavy shield on her back but eventually she too found her way onto the edge of the land. She was too weak from running and swimming with a heavy load, she begin crawling towards the drow with a vial of Antitoxin in hand. However, she was too weak to get to him.*

```"AH... Anti... Cure... On second.."```

*As she crawled, her arms gave out due to exhaustion. Falling face first onto the mud and taking a moment to rest, she had some faith that the witch would handle the drow. The devotee was sure that she only needed a moment to catch her breath. Her heart was pounding so hard that her body felt each beat, her body was warm and exhausted.*
Merle
*Esme doesn't hesitate to promptly loop around. Her wings pulled in for a dive. She gracefully extends them at the last moment so that she can safely glide, followed by a proper land as she transforms back. White feathers slowly float down towards the ground and the beautiful witch is seen again. Her arms burn hotter than a searing knife. She is used to long flights but such maneuvers take a great toll on the body. Wincing as her feet hit the floor, she spares no time in thinking of the others before herself.*

"Come here." *She softly breathes out, approaching the drow and gently pulling him a bit closer by the arms.*

*She doesn't know how long the toxin has coursed through his veins. Yes, the anti toxins she provided should help cleanse most poisons, at least paralyzing and blood thinning agents. But he had been running, his heart rate quickened most likely. This would have spread the venom faster and deeper into his core. Which is why she doesn't even look at the vial. Her hands softly pressed against his chest, her eyes closed. Esme whispers a small incantation to cleanse him of his ailment. It will take from some of her magic reserves but his life must be saved and she doesn't expect much gratitude. As her palms pull from him, a small ink-void orb floats from his body and into her hands. A representation of the venom that she crushing in her grasp so that it is no more. Her skin looses the glow that is normally produced from her casting and Esme is back to normal.*

"Allow me to heal the both of you. Almonde, were you bit at all?" *Esme asks, whipping her head in the nun's direction.*

*As she gets up, she gently sets the drow's head down. Moving towards her companion and grabbing the vial in the way. She begins her first observations of her. Gwylyss should feel his strength return quickly. Though Esme imagines he is going to need some extra care. But if Almonde also got hurt, then she will need to use more of her magic.*

"I know you are tired but you must keep your wits about you." *She gently whispers to her companion, her gaze dancing around the breathing taking sight in front of them.*
Calvin
*The one armed drow, weakened and injured would begin his adrenaline fade away. Watching with a tired gaze as the witch approach him, his expression was that of shame and fear. Not of the witch but of something else, the thoughts within the drow were his own and he did not share his woes. Simply letting the witch do her work, the drow watched in quiet awe as she'd pull the poison from him. Crushing the orb in her fist, she felt the burning of the venom begin to fade.*

```"I owe you and that other fool for obeying... Me. I rather not be indebted to a pair of humans so... S- so tell me what you came here for. I will... Assist to make us even."```

*The drow said as he let out a deep breath that did not sting anymore, his one eye began to search the area around him. The new and large cave system, was massive. Pillars of mined stone reached far above the ceiling, a thick fog like air made it difficult to see further. Yet, the distant shadowy pillars made it seem like this cave was miles long. Past the pillars and on higher ground, growing and giant plant life could be seen. It seemed that most of the plant size around them was manually destroyed or removed. The ground itself was mixed with dead bark, soil, stone and mud.*

*Almonde herself would lift herself from that mud, sitting on her rear as she'd glance around her. This place was a new world entirely, no sky nor sun, simply rock above their heads. There was no visual wildlife, simply old mining equipment, burned webbing and touches lighting up the area around them.*

```"Alright. I'm fine. Not hurt, just dizzy and tired. I need some oats again..."```

*Almonde would jest as she'd slowly use her staff to lean on, glancing at the drow and then the witch. They made it, they survived a giant spider and their feeding grounds. And even saved a drow. An expression of light pride could be seen on her face as she'd lift it, revealing a soft smile at the witch.*
.

```"I wonder what that glowing ore is. Oh nevermind. Are you alright? I think we should find a place to rest for a moment. Or at least, dry ourselves hah..."```

*Almonde said as she'd slolwy remove her wet pack, surely some of her equipment would be damaged so she would quickly remove what didn't work anymore. The drow slowly stood up as he made his way to the duo.*

```"We... My kin had a camp nearby. Before the dark ones emerged."```

*The drow said sounding better and stronger than before, his voice was less harsh and yet kept its deep rooted authority in. He stood with no right arm, a broken eye and a torn down leather armor set yet the man still stood with some dignity.*
Merle
"Okay..."

*Esme needs to take a moment to catch her breath. Now that a life is saved and Almonde is secure. The intensity of their situation starts to weigh on Esme. Her body aches and the burning in her arms increases ten-fold. As her hands fall to her knees, she holds up an open palm with a small shake of her head. It takes her a moment but eventually the witch brings herself to stand up straight. Though it feels terrible and looming danger of these caves only add to the severity of her anxieties. But she must remain calm for now, loosing it will get her and the others killed.*

"You are not indebted to us." *Esme chokes out, closing her eyes briefly before opening them to reveal a more poise version of herself.*
"You life has been saved, that alone is enough for me. You may spite us for who we are but I truly hold no such intentions or animosities in my heart."

*Esme begins to walk towards Almonde. Kneeling down so that she may help the woman up. Hearing she is okay, she gives a nod and allows her own body to be used as support if Almonde needs it. Though she doesn't turn an ear away from Gwylyss. She hears very clearly the mention of these 'dark ones'. Given drow's close affinity towards spider-kin. It is odd seeing one in such dire straight involving them. Something is afoot and Esme can feel it in the air. This may just be another cleanse mission and it is Esme's duty to oblige.*

"Do you know if that camp is still around and perhaps safe? If we can recover some energy, it will make navigating much easier." *Esme figures she would ask, her tone laced with concern as she looks back towards their new temporary companion.*

"And to answer your question, I am a potion seller. I make different salves and concoctions for the people and to further improve research against lethal toxins. There is a mushroom I seek. We had no intention of intruding but such a fungus... Is... Well, difficult. If you wish to travel with us I must ask you do so not out of an idea owed, but for your own safety and ambitions to perhaps return to your kin. You owe us nothing." *Esme finishes off with a smile bright enough to light the cave, a warmth they will not feel in a while until they escape.*
Calvin
*The drow listened to the kind and warm words that the witch share with him, he felt uncomfortable and unable to understand this level of kindness. His expression was that of disgust and confusion but that began to fade away slowly as he spoke.*

```"I've... Heard enough. That kindness would lead you to an early grave here, Surface Dweller. I do not spite you for who you are but what you are. But, I'll spare you my beliefs."```

*The drow let out a soft cough as his attention turned to something moving in the far distance from the upper cliffs. Before his attention turned to the witch as he placed his spite aside for survival's sake.*

```"Yes, that camp should be near. If any of my kin still draw breath, they should be there. If not, some weapons and supplies may let linger. Mushrooms? Intruding? If you can survive and take it, it's your by right. Hmmm."```

*The drow thought carefully on the witch's words as Almonde would lean on the witch, which made things a lot easier. Almonde remained silent as she'd let the witch handle the drow, as she'd seem to already have a steady relation with him. She'd begin to say a prayer, a powerful one of her faith as her eyes locked with his.*

```"O Merciful Mother of Health and Vitality, with each heart beat, we remember your embrace. Mend our flesh, cleanse our souls and heal our wounds. Nurture your humble children, allow us to rise and regain our lost strength. For our love is eternal yet our flesh is not, as you may."```
.

*Almonde prayed as her staff began to glow with a bright yellow light, that began to heal her and her two companions. The healing was intense and powerful, from each little cut to lost limb. They gained the healing of Calisto's Aid and blessing. The drow watched as his eyes was healed and his torn off limb returned to its former glory. Yet his older scars remained, he moved and grasped his returned fist.*

```"Very... Well. I will travel with you for my own ambitions. I owe you nothing. But we find my kin, I urge you to hide that kindness and... Smile. For your own good."```

*Gwylyss said sounding confused and conflicted for a moment, he would come to terms to the witch's wishes. He would take a closer look at his arm and hand before turning to the duo. The drow began to take the lead to where his camp maybe, Almonde would whisper to Esme as she'd lean with her.*

```"Do you think all Drow are like him? Can't say I've... Met a drow in person."```

*Almonde asked as the trio began to leave the rivers and the bottom levels of the cavern, making their way towards an old pathway. Almonde would provide an axe to the Drow as they'd begin their hike.*
Merle
"The mushrooms have potent properties that can help stabilize ones magic. I am not privy of information, it could serve you and your people well." 

*Esme may be kind but she is no fool. For years she has been told not to be so kind, so soft especially when payment is often never given. But it is her morals, to be true to herself and never sway. She holds no malice in how Gwylyss spoke to her or about her companion. She doesn't even fault him. In fact, the witch is fully aware of just how cruel his kin can be. Not only to outsiders but those who are not strong enough. A woman like her... A woman like Almonde. Esme knows the horrors that can be committed but again, there is not a single ounce of doubt in her eyes as she gazes upon the drow. To him it may be unsettling. He need not explain to her on how she conducts herself and in fact, it is clear by her look that she knows. Yet a smile on her face remains all the same.*

"Then let us seek out this camp. If you can explain anything in regarding these dark ones, the more we all know. The more we can prepare to defend one another." *Esme softly assures before giving a nod over to Almonde in gratitude.*
"And... Thank you Gwylyss." 

*Esme does not smile at him nor does she seem irritated. Her words come out as a matter of fact and without giving it much thought. Her attention turns back towards Almonde as her words are whispered into her ear. The drow could have left by now, he could have even taken them. Who knows, they could make for great bargaining chips if he was exiled. It wouldn't be past the drow to disown a failure if they deem him such. But again, Esme is equally aware as she is faithful that he is a willing companion rather than a conniving one. In fact, Almonde's words cause her to fall into a small chuckle. Gently, she shakes the nun's arm in a friendly gesture.*

"Yes and no. Their culture is vastly different from mine and yours. Even me and you are leagues away in such beliefs. But drow are no fool as we are not, I have met many cruel and kind. The same can be said for human men, wives, elven children... Vampires..." *Esme trails off, her gaze downcast briefly as her words soften.*
"But what matters is what the induvial believes in here..." *She then points to her chest, still positive even in such gloom environments.*
"Our union will be brief with him and if we come across other drow. We must seek to understand in order to collaborate."
Calvin
*As the witch questioned the man on additional information on the giant spiders that he called the dark ones, he pondered on what exactly should be shared with outsiders. Their last encounter did not go as smoothly as one would hope, he explained with a firm tone as he walked.*

```"We disturbed the dark souls, it was not our intent yet we faced our judgment through venom and fang. Disturbing their nesting grounds lead to our ends. They were aggressive, surprised and punished us for our foolishness. However, it seems they relocated or retreated. We left them vulnerable hence the dark ones retreated deeper into the shadows. We stand in the open and the light. The hooked horrors will be our main concern for now, or my kin if they believe me to be bewitched by that smile of yours."```

*The drow said as he explained in vague detail on what had happened and what was useful enough for the pair to know. The dark ones were no longer a threat, they enjoyed the comforts of the shadows but there were exceptions as the man experienced them first hand. He continued to lead the pair as they spoke, his attention looking around the cliff for a potential figure of his kin. His eyes filled with a hue of hope as he searched, yet he could find them. Almonde listened with care as the witch explained, a smile growing on her face as she'd quickly take worried glances at the drow in front of them.*

```"Haha, interesting. I suppose it's as you say. It matters what the individual chooses to be. You're quite wise for someone your age hah. I expected such wisdom from a grand old wizard. I'm sure we can come to an understanding with both our diplomacy skills combined."```
.

*The trio continued the hike up the cliff as they'd take a path that ascended up to the cliffs, but the trio was quickly halted as a loud bird like scream was heard nearby. The sounds was unusually painful to hear, anyone familiar knew it was a hooked horror or two. The drow slowly lowered himself as he halted his movements, listening with care as he'd move his white hair over his sharp ears. Almonde stopped her movements as she'd listen quietly as the sounds of two bird like screams echoed over each other.*

```"Hold. Mating session. Just hold."```

*The drow whispered as the sounds of hooked horrors making very disturbing noises echoed between the roots and giant mushrooms. They were far enough away to not block their way, yet the drow wished to remain hidden. The fog made difficult to see yet a shape formed behind a few roots to the direction that loud screams were made.*
Merle
*Hooked horrors... Yes, Esme has come across them twice in her lifetime and they are a creature most preferably avoided. They are savage, act out of sheer malice. Their life expectancies are quite short and often you can smell them before you see them. They are ambush predators and with one fluid motion, can disembowel the unsuspecting. This causes Esme to let out yet another sigh. So yet again she must face off agains them. But this time, her party is small and likely unprepared to deal with them.*

"If my memory serves correct then they have poor eyesight. Not just because they are cavern dwelling but often their bodies are covered in mange and parasites. The eyes are the easiest to devour... Though this was nearly eighty years ago..."

*The witch then lets it slip a hint of her age. She has mentioned it to Almonde prior. But to the drow it will make no sense. She is not wrinkled, in her prime and her looks match that of a young adult. Eighty years old only scratches the surface of her true age. But magic works wonders and even he should not be too surprised... Except for it is a human who retains the beauty of his disgruntled cousins with sun-kissed skin from above. Yet there is no point to her ears as Esme is truly human.*

"And as much as I would love to think I have some enchantment with a look. You can trust I will not give even a hint of it." *Esme mumbles, trying her best to remain poise despite the little giggling that can be heard from her.*
"Apologies... But again, as I said. You are a warrior and we will not undermine you should we come across your troupe."

*What Almonde says is true. Together they can likely solve this diplomatically and better yet, perhaps gain unsuspected allies. Then again, this is partial hopeful thinking. The drow are secluded as they are shifty. They are human and it is unlikely that such an allegiance will ever form. Esme cannot even suspect that from Gwylyss... Wait, bewitched by her smile? Her eyebrow shoots up in thought now as her gaze flutters over towards the man. What an odd thing to say.*

"Sa-say..." *Esme starts, whispering quietly to Almonde. At least she thinks she is quiet, who knows if Gwylyss is truly listening.*
"Is my smile bewitching? I... I did not mean to make anyone uncomfortable... I-"

*She then comes to a stop, crouching beside the others as she hears the howls of the horrors. What a time to descend into the caves. Mating season is lethal for any adventurer and without realizing it, Esme is in the midst of pinching the bridge of her nose. This is will add... Further complications. The Horrors will be more alert due to sheer adrenalin alone. So they must stay vigilant for now.*