Merle
"You could say that, we found him trapped in web which we saved him."

*Esme rubs the back of her head as her mushrooms are very much likely at the gravesite that the Drow want to find. Of course, this confirms her suspicions of the fates intervening. As she takes a seat, her hands settled in her palms. Her ears perk up to the past mentioning of this poor lad's shop. It is heartbreaking to say the least. Not like she can do anything but there is a slight hope in Esme's eyes. She could use an assistant or two and she has been thinking about Almonde as a prospect. No, she cannot take every poor soul she comes across. But perhaps if he is reliable and she can give good faith, then maybe their paths will cross again. She can understand why he snuck up on them, but it doesn't make first impressions good.*

"Thank you for telling us this information and I hope my potions can serve you well." *Esme assures with a smile, approaching to hand over a last few snacks for him to take along in the journey.*
"The Drow are a hardy type indeed, but it is not my first time dealing with them."

*Up the river, find the waterfall and look for the hidden entrance. Taking a seat, Esme watch the gnome walk off. Another sigh escapes from the depths of her chest as stress begins to rise. She has options, betray the Drow and possibly escape with the gnome? Or work with them, condemn the gnome and likely get betrayed herself. Both options she hates and for a moment, she feels truly alone once more Almonde's voice pulls her out of her thoughts.*

"Pretend we ne'er seen him, yes." *Esme responds, her old elvish tongue slipping as she rubs at her temples.*
"I am sure you are aware that Maya likely has every intention to betray us. What I did was to simply buy us time and put Gwylyss in the spotlight, for better or for worse. I did not wish to see him brutally killed."

*Getting up, Esme then walks over towards where she had originally set up her things. She will take watch first and allow the girl to get some sleep. But not without her grimoire which she rapidly flips through. Spells forming and runes igniting on the pages. Thoughts rush by as each page is turned. What will she do? Survive, it is her priority, Almonde is her priority which is reminded by Esme as she looks over her shoulder at the other. Her book shut closed as ideas quickly form.*

"We will lead them to the site as promised. If we wish to survive the drow, we must think like them. As promised, we would be given safe passage to the parasols. Afterwards... What happens is up to the fates and our own abilities. We have upheld our deal and if Gwylyss wishes to stay true to his cause... Then we will meet as combatants, not comrades."

*Esme speaks with conviction as she holds no emotion in her tone. Grabbing hold of her cloak, the witch moves over towards a flattened rock surface and finding a place to sit.*
"I'll keep watch and then afterwards, I will consult the fates to see what their visions hold. You should get some shut eye Almonde."
Calvin
*As the gnome couldn't help himself from carefully retrieving a few snacks, his expression was rather puzzled. The gnome's eyes were sharp and serious, yet a hue of curiousty was within. Clearly, he was a stranger to humans yet held his tongue on. A simple exchange and a plan was made, his survival chances and that of his kin rose from this exchange. With a simple nod, the gnome was gone and away from sight.*

```"Got it, never seen him. Technically we are not lying since he's invisible. Maybe there's some redeemable qualities in the noble? But, yes... If we are gonna keep each other same... We have to be a step ahead of them. Isn't like... Lying and cheating bad for integrity? I don't know if integrity and drow mix or not. I also don't wish for either of the drow to be harms even if their crimes hold weight, but... My priority is keeping you safe and those darn mushrooms."```

*The devotee said as her eyes refused to remain fully open, a deep sigh escaping from their lips. It almost seems that each step was a challenge yet they were on a steady path, with Almonde's only concern being where it would end. Her hopes of a happy end where all were safe and happy seemed like native dream, so she set her priorities to protect the witch and accomplish their goal. When the witch spoke of fate, her eyes widened with interest. Runes and spells forming from her magical book, a rather lost expression on the devotee's face. Her body moved as if it was made of lead, a soft nod provided to Esme.*

```"Thank you, I could definitely benefit from some sleep. Take care, Esme. I pray the fates are nice and honest."```

*Almonde said her goodbyes, leaving the witch and retreating to her tent. Where she'd almost immediately fall asleep as soon as she'd enter her bedroll. Not even bothering to remove her armor, her hand gripping tightly onto her staff. Falling into a deep slumber, her body burning of exhaustion began to cool and rest.*
.

*As the witch sat on a flat rock surface, the sounds of rushing waters pouring down, the soft cracking fire and the looming silence of the underdark met with her ears. The glowing of blue mushrooms and ore above her, as nothing would approach nor appear in her line of sight. The occasional boar, insects and lizards but nothing of note for awhile.*

*Consulting with the fates, it would not be long until her eyes were answered with two visions of what her future may hold. The fates provided two firm warnings, visions were brief and difficult to understand. Yet, each vision held a very threatening aura as the witch felt her body tense and her heart race.*

*The first vision was painful, she could hear a woman's scream as green cube blurr consumed her. The desperation in her screams echoed in a ruined hallway. It was too brief to see anything else.*

*Suddenly, another warning was given by the fates. It was even more intense than the last. Instead, her eyes were burning with heat, her body temperature rose as she'd witness a giant demon like creature looking down at her with a smile. Holding a person in his claws, the demon motioned Esme to come closer as his voice seemed to break the vision.*

```"Curious, aren't we? I am quite curious as well, savory soul. Come."```

*The creature's voice was oddly alluring as if spoken by a chrismaric bard that sang into the witch's ears, almost making her forget the warmth growing within her. The fates immediately shut and stooped this vision before it could really harm the witch. The vision stopped and Esme was left to her own devices. It was then that two familiar drow began to come to her sights, slowly arriving as a 3 ghosts began to circle the camp. Gwylyss held a boar over his shoulders as Maya lead on.*
Merle
"I believe it will be alright, we just need to keep our wits about us." *Esme chuckles as she begins to watch ahead.*
"And we are neither lying nor cheating. We have information and we will use it as we see fit."

*Not that Esme feels good about it. But they must survive and unfortunately when they arrived in the cave. Being faint of heart and attempting to act out of all pure good intentions, was signed away. Just because the girls have the capacity to do good and to act in the best interest in all, doesn't mean it is realistic and feasible. The desire can do good can be driven by pure selfish desire. Esme must be careful not to give into it, no matter how much she agrees or disagrees with either party. This is what they signed up for and Esme knew the risks when they saved Gwylyss. This trip was never meant to be easy.*

*As her gaze then follows Almonde, Esme is able to take a deep breath. Her palm pressed against her grimoire as she gets lost in thought. Keeping a steady eye ahead, her hood pulled down in order to hear better. She hums quietly to herself as she can feel the weave swirl around her. She needs guidance and feeling closed off from the weave for so long has left Esme unsure. The fates must have something to show her, something to warn her of... Or set her up. Knowing something is better than not knowing at all, bad or good. This is the very reason the witch is sought after, her true power. Briefly she closes her eyes and as they re-open, they are white like the moon. Glowing as small rune twist and form around her. Esme's own hair glowing a faint gold as she allows the fates to embrace her form.*

*The world morphs around her and soon Esme is cast in darkness. Seeing only through weave, her gaze flickers back and forth as the witch finds herself standing in an endless void. Her heels clicking against the grey stone surface underneath her. Then a scream catches her attention and Esme promptly lifts her head to view the blur. Yet Esme does not try and syphon further information than what the vision provides. A cube... Dangerous but stagnant. Just how did Maya get in there? Her breathing comes to a sudden stop as warmth trickles up her legs and soon... Turning around.*

"What is this?" *Esme gasps out as her eyes widen to the sight of the Devil.*

*Devil? Is that what this creature is? No, demon. Creatures that often seek out her kind, for there is no true witch without a demonic companion. Many girls are born from their union afterall. But now is not the time to question her own genetics and potential father. Why a demon could be here is beyond her. It even addressed her in the vision and as he breath returns to her. Esme gasps out, trying to catch her breath as she suddenly falls forwards off of the rock and onto her hands. Panting for air, Esme's hair returns normal as her eyesight. The weave fading as she grips onto the gravel underneath her. The feeling of heat rising, the sight of the cube and worst of all... Who was it that the demon was holding?*

"Shit..." *Esme curses, a rarity. As her gaze slowly rises, she can see the approaching Gwylyss and the ghastly figures from behind. She is vulnerable but not entirely weak. That demon could have very well been here for her... Or something will occur that will unleash it. The visions may even tie together, which makes it all the more worse.*
Calvin
*As the witch fell to onto soil below, the cool dirt cooling her warm fingers. It was as if she had a sudden fever, before it thankfully passed with each heavy breath. The two drow would eventually arrive to the campsite, the noble drow gave the witch a disappointed look. Raising her brow as she'd inspect the newly made campsite, the woman did not approach the witch. Instead, she began ordering Gwylyss to complete tasks for it. It was rather obvious that she'd use slaves for such jobs, and had none at her disposal yet.*

```"You will make a meal worthy of me, set up a place of rest and secure the area. This is below my expectations and standards. Now correct it with haste."```

*Maya said with a stern voice as her eyes glanced at the area, her sharp eyes slicing through the sleeping Almonde, the fire and then at the witch. Her eyes had a heavy judgement within them yet she'd simply snap her fingers at the warrior drow who rushed to meet her needs. It would take awhile, cooking a boar and serving it to her while also trying to set up a nicer and more fancy looking tent while she ate. The noble had nothing to say to the witch, yet made her disappoint on the campsite rather obvious. After a heartily meal, and a moment of thin patience. The luxurious tent of grand textures and size was built, it wasn't perfect but it would hold. The male drow was in the middle of a few adjustments before being suddenly dismissed by Maya.*

```"Enough. Go secure the area. Keep an eye on those things, brief them and report to me when I rise. I expect a fine breakfast and good news when you speak to me again, unless you wish to serve as an undead slave. Dismissed."```

*Maya said waving off the warrior drow would kneeled in silence, giving her a firm nod as she'd disappear into her tent looking rather frustrated and tired. The drow rose up and let out a deep sigh, as if he could finally breath. His red eyes began to loom around, as he approached the witch.*
.

```"Anything to report? When we arrived, you seemed ill. We cannot allow you to... Be sick in the presence of her ladyship. So, I command you to take a health potion and sleep now. Ohh... And if you wish to devour the remaining hog, then you may."```

*Despite his rather commanding and demanding tone, his eyes would betray him as they were softer than before. Perhaps it was exhaustion or simply concerned on the subjects of his Lady.*

```"And before you get concerned about me. I've been trained to stay awake for weeks on end. Her ladyship holds such a strength as well... But that's no matter. Go rest. We have a busy day tomorrow."```

*Gwylyss spoke with some confidence for a moment as if proud to share his strength and feats with the witch before snapping out of it. He stood up and held his crossbow with care, before beginning his patrol around the area. Leaving the witch to collect her thoughts, devour the boar and rest up. The drow wouldn't take too long to speak to the witch, his focus on the orders of Maya.*
Merle
*Esme does not hesitate to push herself up as she sees Gwylyss and Maya draw near. She may not harbor any ill will but she dares not show any form of further distress or wandering thoughts. With a final deep breath, the witch will rise to her knees and she promptly brushes off any grime that has found it's way to her palms. The fates are not kind and given she has seen Maya's possible death, at least who she thought was Maya. Her options are weighing heavily on her.*

"We picked up what we could, Almonde is resting for now." *She says, her tone a bit airy as she tries to regain her composure.*
"But nothing of notable interest. We mostly gossiped and watched the glowshrooms. Though I doubt you wish to hear about that."

*Though her tone is calm, her smile ever present and a giggle to back it up. Her tone is just as misleading as Gwylyss'. Her gaze holds distrust and as warm as she is, very little of it will reach the Drow. Giving a slow nod over, she simply waves off the concern of her health. Not that she will go into detail to him, especially not with Maya around. But the witch can handle herself and she has no intention of resting with just Gwylyss on watch. Leaning forward, she takes a small bit of meat. It's a lot better than eating simple rations and given that Maya has had no interest in speaking to her. Esme figures she'll at least keep her voice low.*

"And you need not worry about me Gwylyss. I may not look it, but I too have stayed awake for many of days. Gone the same amount without eating. I promised Almonde I would keep watch and I intend to do so." *She further confirms her distrust with yet another misleading smile.*

*Her gaze does not linger either when he leaves. With her grimoire in her lap, Esme rather focuses ahead. Her visions replaying in the back of her mind. Serving as a reminder of the severity of her situation. But dwelling on them will do nothing for now. So the witch does what she has always done best, hum. Her voice angelic as it is soft. She cannot resist the old Drow tune that had been taught to her. Again, Esme is reminiscing. Though Gwylyss and Maya are nothing like the group she had come across. Her name... Baedaeth. It was given to her then and at times she questions if she was ever truly worthy of it, especially now.*

*Esme will rest when Almonde is up. But no time before.*