Calvin
*The noble, herself seemed to find it difficult to argue against the witch's words. There was no visible reasons to slaughter them yet, most of her kin and slaves were either dead or missing. A dull blade was better than none, yet the feeling of distrust grew. But that was as common as a tavern in the Capital, although she made her views on relying upon words and promises very clear.*

```"I hold no belief in your words. I put my beliefs on your self interests and fear of me, it's a much sweeter belief. However, if you act upon what you say... Then you may have all that you request. With my blessing, no less."```

*Maya said with a hue of sadism in her last line, the drow would ultimately take her leave. Allowing the air of the ruined campsite to lighten and intensity to fade down. Sitting on the rock as she'd regain her lost strength. As Almonde and Esme would reunited after such a dangerous situation, the devotee would let out a sigh of relief. Listening to the witch as she'd lean her weight on her staff. Providing a dismissing hand wave as she'd speak.*

```"Haha. There's no need. This is an adventure of a lifetime. But I take a potion lesson or two if you really wish to repay me."```

*Almonde said as the witch offered to pay her more, although it was tempting to have more profit to donate to the church. But she thought that this could be an opportunity for a lesson or two, as the witch was incredibly wise in her eyes. Upon being told to keep her distance from Maya and stay with the witch, her head would nod softly.*

```"I understand. I don't intend to leave hah, the church did not raise a quitter. Although, I could use a rest when the time arrives. Glad we rested when we did though haha."```
.

*Despite the situation, Almonde kept her positivity high and her easy air remained. Even if her heart was rapid a few moments ago, the woman quickly fell at ease with the witch's warmth. Although, she was very curious about the scroll, the drows, the slaves and most of all, the darn mushrooms.*

*Gwylyss was putting on a new set of leather armor, it was worn down and it's colors faded. Yet, it would serve better than his torn armor from before. With a steady hand, he held a short sword. His red eyes turned to the witch as he listened, his eyes hesitating to look the witch in the eye but ultimately locked eyes with her. Providing a firm nod, there was a hue of conflict within his eyes yet his body was at ease.*

```"I shall, there are many plans that demand our attention. I just need a moment."```

*The drow said in a calm and firm tone, there was no hate nor anger within those words. Simple and straightforward. The man was grateful and thankful to be given a second chance but the shame, broken honor and pride were heavy upon his shoulder. His hand would clean and oil the blade, for a few moments. Almonde would set down for a moment, resting herself as she'd simply lean against a rock. There was some peace for a moment, until Maya began casting a summoning spell. Suddenly, a the dried blood would be wet, fresh and warm. Creating a pool in front of her as she'd speak.*

```"Rise and serve me once more, I command thee. Rise and obey your Master. Rise."```

*Maya said as she'd cast her spell, her eyes were glowing with a light green and her hand commanded great necrotic magic. From the blood, came three haunting and broken souls. Three ghostly spirits moaned in pain and madness, hearing the woman's words.*

```"Protect me for now."```
.

*Her command was simple and the three ghosts would obey, flying to circle the campsite and secure the area. Almonde would watch wide eyed, with fear as one of the ghosts flew past her causing her to flee and scream out. Maya let out a chuckle while Gwylyss was silently preparing his equipment, he did not provide a great reaction to her magic unsurprisingly. The ghosts kept their distance from the camp, patrolling the surrounding area like guards. Yet would fall in and out of vision.*
Merle
*Esme has nothing further to say to Maya for now. Unlike with Gwylyss where she is a bit more approachable, the same cannot be said for the Lady. Their agreement is set and while betrayal looms in the air for both of them. The witch knows better than to undercut or put faith in this transaction. She will do her job in this bargain to ensure the safety of everyone. If things go well, not only will Gwylyss even be redeemed. Then maybe the woman he so desperately desires and envies he can win over. But perhaps that is too much hopeful thinking. One can never know, Drow customs are cruel but they are a prospering culture and race for a reason. So maybe there is opportunity yet.*

"You will always be welcome in my shops. Better yet, I will even teach you how to make a few potions if it fancies you." *Esme says with a small chuckle, lightly nudging Almonde.*
"But in all seriousness, stay close to me. There will be time to rest but as of now, we must be vigilant. A noble request has high stakes, I doubt this scroll is left unguarded."

*The thought of their quest is weighing heavily on Esme. A small group they are... But she images that perhaps if they play their cards right, all will go well. Not knowing the danger they face is plaguing her mind, corrupting it with the many what-ifs that could occur in the near future. Ultimately, Esme feels unprepared. There could be a beholder down there for all they know or something worse. Steeling her nerves, she knows better than to let anyone see her worries. Almonde is relying on her and at this point, she dare say Gwylyss as well to a certain degree. Even when he glances over at her, she takes notice to how he struggles to make eye contact with her but still gives him a smile as she thinks nothing of it.*

"Take your time, we will be here waiting." *Esme reassures before glancing over towards Maya.*

*Necromancy, it does not bother her. It is a means of another portion of the weave and given how Esme has been trained. She shall hold no judgement in her observations, no matter the state of those souls nor how the drow gained the ability to cast such a spell. In fact, it is commendable that Maya can cast so effortlessly. Though Esme cannot help but hope that she will stay behind. There is a strange feeling she has but now that their terms are set. She doubts that Maya intends to be completely passive. That crow she sent earlier and unsummoned. A magic caster seldom only has one familiar, she suspects there will be scrying eyes in other places... Then there are the slave concerns.*

*But Almonde's scream catches Esme's attention and she swiftly makes her way towards the nun.*
"Fear not the appearance of the souls. No matter what, we each have one. Like I said, stay close to me." *She attempts to calm down with a soothing voice, her words coming out playful. Leaning in, she then whispers.*
"We don't want Miss Maya laughing at us." *Esme then jests as she waits for Gwylyss to approach.*
Calvin
*Almonde was deeply afraid of these haunting souls, the way they moaned in pain and how quickly the flew by. Putting a hand into her pockets in desperate search for holy water, before realizing that it probably would not work at all. It was then that the witch arrived to comfort the devotee, she'd take a deep breath in and out.*

```"The- They just... Suffering... But... Yea- yeah. We have each other. I'm sorry, I just never realized you could suffer so much even... While dead. Yes... I don't like her laugh... Hah.."```

*Almonde said nervously as she'd take a moment to breath slowly and deeply. She'd sit herself on a root sticking out of the ground, her eyes alert and following the haunting ghosts. With the witch with her, Gwylyss would eventually approach the duo after a short while. He looked rather intimidating in his black leather armor, fully geared and armed. Yet, it was Gwylyss and that intimidating aura quickly faded as he spoke.*

```"I hope you two are prepared. I have a plan made but we must be able to adapt. First, we must find a suitable new campsite. This was meant to be temporary before... Nevermind. This is our priority so ou- my lady, does not bear her fangs and keeps her venom at bay. Once we secure a base of operations, we can continue our search for the scroll. The slaves are not a priority yet, but if we encounter any of them. We will..."```

*Gwylyss spoke in a serious and firm tone, speaking to the two as if they were his fellow drow on a campaign or perhaps as equals. As he mentioned slaves and what they would do to them, his gaze met with Almonde's eyes. He paused for a moment before continuing.*
.
Terrie
```"Then we will extract information from them and neutralize them. Blade, fist, words or magic. As long as they do not threat the main goal. One of our drow was a tracker, the scroll was said to be hidden in a ancient grave. We... Believed to have found one but it was a nesting ground for the dark ones. We cannot confirm nor deny that the scroll was there. But I have reason to believe that the slaves knew more than they'd shared. They definitely planned a betrayal with care and caution. I do not know if we can capture them as they are probably dead or long gone now."```

*The drow spoke as he looked around, reflecting on his decisions and investigating former events. It was too convenient for it to be an accident. The enslaved translator urged drow to investigate that specific ruin, it was no grave. A simple tunnel to the fort gate for the surface. The drow seemed frustrated and hateful to the slaves, before glancing at the duo. He knew these two good souls would prefer to not harm slaves, but Almonde would speak up.*

```"How many slaves did you bring? And... Why? Like why not get a drow translator or something..."```

*Almonde asked curiously as she'd speak rather calmly and casually now, to the warrior drow. The drow took a moment to look at the noble drow woman, before speaking.*

```"We had a handful, six men and 2 women. Different uses for each. The information ok the scroll, everything from its very existence is meant to be kept hidden. Even you two knowing it exists is a threat... In her eyes. We intened to kill the slaves once we had the scroll. Lady Maya, only trusted a few loyal warriors to assist in this search."```

*Almonde listened with care as the drow explained with a lower tone, he spoke with a neutral stance. The drow knew this information was required for the duo to understand, they were a part of it now. Almonde grew too curious and asked the burning question.*

```"What's in this scroll anyway?"```
.

*The drow paused and raised his finger at Almonde, he gave a firm and serious expression. His red eyes were as sharp as a blade, he warned Almonde once more.*

```"Keep your curiosity in check, Healer. I share what needs to be known. I don't know what's inside the scroll. Even if I did know, I would take it to the grave."```
Merle
"We will not ask further about the scroll's contents, I understand." *Esme promptly interjects involving the sensitive subject matter.*

*Gwylyss' words do raise her suspicions. Killing the slaves after the scroll has been obtained can easily be changed from 'slave' to 'healers'. It would not be beneath Maya to command Gwylyss to kill them. In fact, the deal is safe passage to the pixie parasol but nothing further. Meaning once the contract is complete, them obtaining the mushroom could be their death sentence and as much dread as that would fill the normal person. But as Esme looks over towards Gwylyss, there is an emotionless gaze to her eyes.*

"If I may... If we come across the slaves it may be in our best interested to have me or Almonde approach. They may be more trusting to this whereas they will likely attack on sight if they see you. I want to minimize resource consumption." *Esme comments as she rubs the bottom of her chin.*
"I know a few languages, old and new elvish... And some others but... I think this would be our best course of action after we set up camp."

*Spending a few nights in the caverns is not going to be pleasant for Almonde and Esme cannot help but frown. Again, the girl is now obligated which she would have preferred to avoid. It cannot be avoided now and so long as the three of them stick together, Esme imagines they will at least somewhat seek comfort in one another once they get proper settled. It has been a long journey and their magic deposits are depleted, rest is a must.*

"Would you like to lead the way Gwylyss?" *She huffs out, trying to ignore the fact that at the end of thise there could be a very real face off. In fact, Esme is already becoming colder as she has a great sense that it will not be between her and Maya... The lady will use her warrior... He must prove himself afterall.*