Richard
As the world around him once again orientated itself, Noctis shook his head. His amber eyes were somber, as if he'd put the fire out in them himself. He was bringing himself back under control. He'd spent years upon years, decades on decades training himself to never break and show emotions like that. He was an iron wall against droplets of water- but those visions had broken him. His pain was too raw, a wound that hadn't been able to heal. After all, the downfall of his life had only really happened less than a year ago in his eyes. 

He wasn't sure if that presence had been Esme, but it had been gentle and sweet. It was everything he had once thought he could want. Now he wasn't sure if he loathed it or not- but he was grateful. 

"In some regards." He replied to his spirit friend, pulling another candy out and handing it to them, before straightening up and glancing around. 

"Is it me, or is it her that's sad, friend?" He asked, moving deeper by following the blossoms. His hand itched to rest upon his sword, the sweet comfort of his Ebony Rose. Without his armor and his blade, he felt further from his life than he'd ever had. He felt alone, he felt weak. Yet what burned in his chest was determination now- he wouldn't falter when he'd come so far. He wouldn't let himself sink when something had kept him alive for eons. 

"Where are you, Esme?" He muttered, keeping a slow pace for his honored friend to keep up with.
Orlando
*The spirit is careful, taking a step back to allow Noctis some space as it holds the candle in it's hands. Taking a moment to inspect it over just as it did the last. There is no further hesitation and it promptly forks the piece into it's mouth. Growing excited by the sweetness, its blue flame turns a sweet shade of pink before reverting normal and the spirit begins to run around. Waving its hands in the air, it seems like it is simply on a sugar rush. If spirits can even experience them. But then it stops at the question of Esme, giving only a shrug.*

"Lake! Lake! Lake!" *It cheers before running ahead at an alarming speed, jumping into a bush and disappearing out of sight.*

*While Noctis is alone for a brief moment of time. Out the corner of his eye, as the winds pick up he may even see some of the soft rose-gold strands that would match Esme's hair. But again, she is simply nowhere to be found. There is a high possibility the woods are using illusions, whether it be as a taunt or a motivation. Or maybe she is truly watching. What cannot be denied is how healthy the flower is and it's jewel seems to shine proud.*

"Coming?" *Sudden the head of the spirit pops out from the bush while the foilage conceals the rest of it's body. Something so innocent, a forest so beautiful, has already shown cruelty. But perhaps the worst of it is over now.*
"Find witch now!" *It continues to chirp.*
Richard
He stood, taking in the sight of everything around him for just a moment when he was left alone by his strange, energetic little Fae friend. He was a dark specter in a world of color, a monochrome insertion into a bloom of brilliant colors. Taking a deep breath. He turned to look at his guide, or companion, and nodded his head. 

"Yes, let's do that." He said and followed after them, pushing into the bush while cradling the flower and its gem to his chest. His mind wandered to the two companions outside the woods. 

When had he become so cold and calculating? No... He'd been like this for a long time, only then he was fighting for someone else, something else- and he could overlook the monstrous being he'd become. Now he was only doing it for himself. 

*"How monstrous must I become to not be forgotten by this world?"* He thought to himself, as he tread ever closer to either his goal, or his demise.
Orlando
*As Noctis steps through the bushes and becoming lost to his own reflections. The great lake will serve to pull him from them. But it is not just the lake that awaits him. Towards the edge against the mystic forest horizon. A silhouette of a slender figure, outlined by her own white dress that hangs off of the shoulder. Her long hair pulled into romantic braids, her bangs curled and free flowing as they help accentuate her figure. There is no witch hat, no potion sellers garb. Rather, the clothes she is wearing is reminiscent of old elven beauty. With ankle bracelets woven of soft golds in the form of fauna.*

*The chimes, they return but this time they have an owner. As she slowly makes a pirouette forwards to face Noctis and his fae friend. Her right arm extends upwards towards the great mother moon while the left hand trails down the form of her body. Gracefully stopping just underneath her chin, gaze intense to reveal a bright gold to rival the king son. She smiles beautiful just as her movements are in her dance. Shifting her weight from one foot to the next, pointing to draw a line across herself. Another two steps, another two chimes and the petals glide across the lake as they sway with her. The moon blossoms flowing around the lake's edge.*

"Lake! Lake! Lake!" *The little spirit chirps while rapidly pointing at where Esme stands, still tugging on the man's pant leg. Then it points to the blossom in his hand, as if telling him to bring it closer.*

*Surround Esme are more spirits that look similar to the smaller one that has accompanied Noctis up until this point. They dance in a circle around her as if to form her stage. They hum and play their grass whistles, producing the same tune Esme once hummed before when she was in town. This area is a stark contrast to the horrors of the haze and now that Noctis is here. The soft sound of rushing water in the nearby streams serve to prove that this place is safe, that no harm can be done here. Not with Esme around.*

*Around her neck seems to be a pendant that glows in the same hue as the jewel of the flower he carries. Her dance is whimsical, light as if she is always in a constant state of floating and never grounded. Her gaze equally inviting, she leans forwards in a small pivot in a swan bow. Slowly rising as she continues her dance again, drawing runic symbols in the ground with her feet, singing alongside the spirits as if in celebration.*
Richard
The scene was *Breathtaking.* Weak as he was, he could nearly feel his knees buckle, he was on the verge of swooning. Being born a demigod meant that he had a natural affinity and attraction to things that were in line with his fathers nature- and a more beautiful sight he'd never seen. 

Not to the north, where the snow on the mountains gleamed like white fire upon teeth of a world sized dragon. 

Not to east where the deserts sat in a rippling expanse like a shimmering ocean. 

He'd lain his eyes on many marvels of the world, many elven people with blood as fair as the earth was rich, seen the power of the giants and the tenacity of orcs. 

Yet this human woman and this lake were enough to climb to the top of that estimation. His footsteps were slow as his pupils expanded, one hand reached up and swept his cloak from off his shoulders, laying it down on the side of the lake. Let him come to this moment with no defenses- the cloak had been his last. One last connection to what he'd lost, but now he was set adrift chasing after the threads of this new life. 

"I found you." He murmured, knowing she'd hear him. Coming closer, he extended the glowing prize outwards, gazing with amber eyes framed by his long dark lashes. 

A tall, dark silhouette against a brilliant dancing light. 

Was this fate? 

Or were they spitting in the face of all that should and would be? Would it come collapsing down on them? 

Or were the chimes truly a song of hope for him? The only thing for certain was that he would not know the answer for a long time yet to come.
Orlando
"Found! Found! Found!" *The child-like spirit sings as it runs over towards the group to dance and frolic with the rest.*

*Esme's whole body is in complete control, down to the fingertip that gracefully move like the slow moving lake waters. She lets out a small giggle as she sees the small spirit run up towards the herd. Again, giving Noctis another look over before she turns her back towards him and fairy-stepping closer towards the lake. Right at the edge she extends both of her arms and as she takes a breath in. The wind rises around the area, the petals and leaves flying up towards the sky. It is fantastical and no surprise that a witch would be here dancing among the fairies.*

*As Noctis draws closer he can see the various runes that she had likely etched into the ground with her dance. It could have taken hours, maybe even days of continuous on and off work. The lines that make them produce a subtle hum and one by one the spirits join into the lights within the sky. All except for Noctis' honored friend who has been with him since the beginning. It turns around, beckoning him closer as it stands beside Esme.*

"Found I have been." *She whispers in response, a smile still present on her face as her number has come to an end. Her duty here is done, her protection have been given and as her hands fall to her sides. Catching her breath, she then glances over her shoulders at the other. Giving quite the impressionable look as Noctis truly comitted to finding the grove. Something not many dare to do. The test was never truly traversing it. But rather, to following through with passions and seizing the dreams many are so bold to make claim of making.*

*She says nothing, only waiting to see what Noctis will do. Even taking a step aside so that he may have a clearer view of the great lake before her. Her hair now a bit disheveled from the movements. A moment of peace... Until the little spirit interrupts it again.*

"Speechless!" *It yells out while pointing at Noctis. Causing Esme to chuckle before pressing a silencing finger to her lips.*
Richard
It took Noctis an embarrassing moment to realize he was dumbfounded. Stuttering, *Stuttering*, he cleared his throat and spoke. 

"T-this lake... I mean, *Mm**, this lake is beautiful." He said, stepping up beside her, though it seemed he had difficulty looking away from her. It was a visceral thing he was feeling, all of his mastered logic and brilliant deduction skills were scrambling to get back into place. No one had even touched the core of who he was so perfectly before, nothing had ever encapsulated his vision of Aeterna more.

"Thank you for guiding me, Honored Friend." Noctis said to the small spirit, who he'd taken to calling Sweet Tooth in his head. He bowed low, the same as he had to older and greater spirit, though less so now in Noctis' mind- after all, what was greater than a Fae you felt fondness for? 

After his bow was over, he knelt by the lake and gingerly set the blossom upon its surface. He didn't rise instantly, instead he gazed out over the water silently, waiting to see what happens, wanting to speak to the witch he'd fought so hard to see- but he felt contented to wait. His raven hair fell across his face, framing his jawline against his dark clothes as his slender fingers rested across his knee. 

*"I might live another five hundred years and not see anything like that ever again. Burn- burn into my memory vision. Seat yourself to my core that I might never forget you."* He thought, and there was a soft flair of magic as he enhanced his brains functional power to literally photographically trap her dance frame by frame into his mind forever. Of all the treasures he owned, this would sit amongst the greatest, his treasured Ebony Rose- and a Witch's, no, Esmes' Lakeside Dance.
Orlando
*As Noctis bows it appears the spirit, now known as Sweet Tooth, steps forward as if to expect more candy. But when there are none, it the gives a puzzled look towards Esme who only shakes her head. It doesn't get upset nor show and discontent. Rather, it simply falls to its bum and playfully kicks its feet in the lake's water. Dipping its heels just enough to be entertained by the ripples but not fully submerging them.*

*Esme is patient and still does not speak, maintain a serene smile as her eyes trail Noctis' movements. When the flower is laid across the surface of the lake. It's step fades, leaving behind only the blossom. This is when the witch finally speaks up.*
"Knowledge can be equally painful as it is enlightening... I know not what the haze showed you. But I am glad you kept onto the blossom." *She quietly speaks up as she watches the flower drift.* 

*As it draws further and further away. One by one each petal falls from the core, leaving behind the gem stone. It produces an aura around the waters surface and before long, the gem cracks into pieces. Producing a small mist that trickles its way into the air. This causes Esme to smile even brighter as she clasps her hands in front of her, standing quite noble as her gaze follows the ascending sparks in the sky. They are beautiful and it seems that no matter how many times she sees them, it will never get old.*

"The lake has been around since even before my coven, maybe even the time of the first men." *She then continues, turning towards Noctis.*
"You've come far, I think it's time you rest. Shall we continue this conversation inside of my hut? It is not far, that I can assure you."

*She can brew him a bit of tea and even serve food should he desire it. At the moment explanations are secondary. Ensuring the man's mind and body are sound. Not even a demigod is immune to the harsh effects that the weave can bring. Such power is fickle and exposure to it can never have certain outcomes. Will or woe, even Esme has her limits of what she can prevent.*

"Oh, and I hope my appearance does not alarm you. I seldom appear in my traditional attire." *Esme lightly jests.*
Richard
"Well I haven't run back into the woods yet." He responded to her teasing with a slight rib of his own, grinning and rising back to his feet. Noctis had a crooked grin, a tricksters grin- it was the other half of his core, a schemer, a thinker, someone who was always trying to plan not just their next step, but their next mile. It was surprisingly boyish. 

He scooped up his cloak but did not put it back on. 

"A rest sounds fantastic." He finally said, and he'd follow her as she led them back to the hut. His body was a wreck, though he could hide it better than anyone else could hide such afflictions, even his very soul felt taught and stretched. He quite liked this outfit of hers, something about it made him feel... Nostalgic. He wasn't sure what it was. Maybe it was just something about *Her.* Before in the village, he'd seen her as a part of the plan, another piece of the puzzle- now? He didn't know what he saw, but it was something far greater than either of those. 

*"Careful Noctis, now you truly tread the razors edge."* He thought to himself. It was almost comical that he was more afraid of this woman than the run in he'd had with the rawest form of magic he'd ever encountered- save a few battles during the Cousin Conflict.
Orlando
*As promised, the hut is not fair. Travelling around the lake east, Esme brings Noctis and Sweet Tooth up a small sloped path. It is outlined by different poppies who keep their petals closed into a single bud given the time of night. Small fae lanterns hanging from outpost, proving light on the road so that one may clearly see where they are going. Up at front where small fences outline the exterior of the natural looking hut would be where Esme lives. A small fire pit going with a bit of smoke produced from the chimney just in the back.*

*She waves her palm in front of her and the door opens as if it had been expecting its master to return. From inside the warmth is comforting, easing any guest inside as it wraps the group into an embrace. Sweet Tooth is the first to go in, running in-between the legs of both Noctis and Esme without a second thought. Of course the hut is small. It is made up of a center room, two side rooms and likely a closet made for storage. The walls are outlined in different herbs and spices, properly stored in vials or racks. A potion brewing stand to the left, a small potted garden to the right. Seat allocated for visitors yet it is unlikely Esme ever gets any given where she lives. Which makes it all the sadder given it looks as though it is always prepared for them.*

"Feel free to make yourself comfortable anywhere. Do give me time to get changed and I will be out in just a minute." *She says as she gestures towards the comforters by the hearth of the fire, seemingly unaware of Noctis' rising nerves.*

"Wait here! Wait here wiff friend!" *The spirit calls out in the midst of already making itself home atop one of the seats. Foolishly climbing a pillow twice its size, the small cushion falling over and collapsing on the small spirit. But the critter in unharmed and it soon reappears as its head poke from underneath the cushion.* 
"Am okay!"
Richard
The small hut made his heart ache as it reminded him of home. His mother had been the Sword Saint, a machine of death in the early ages of man. Yet she'd had an eye for tender beauty- it had been what sparked the love between her and his father. He felt warm and cold all at the same time, he wanted to weep in that hug, but he simply smiled. 

"Your home is lovely, Esme. Take your time." He said, her name coming off his tongue like a caress. It was another gift of his fathers, though now he felt it almost a curse. When the pillow fell upon his friend, he crouched and lifted up off them. 

"There you are Sweet Tooth." Once the spirit was settled, he'd put the pillow beside them to rest their body against. Draping his cloak over the arm of a chair, he'd wander the small hut, gazing at the potions and the spices, fingers gently grazing as he admired the home, peeking out the windows. He felt himself a lad entering the tavern where a girl he was sweet on worked. 

He'd seen it countless time, young farmhands jittery as if lightning were dancing around inside them, pushed and shoved by their friends to dance and to speak. 

There'd be no pushing or shoving, and as far as he knew the dancing part was over. 

**Focus**. 

He was here to convince her to travel with him. She created high quality potions and had an exceptional magical ability. *That* Was why he came- not, not dancing and stupid little fancies. His goal could slip from his fingers with just *One* Mistake.
Orlando
*With a small curtsy, Esme soon makes her way towards one of the rooms. Just a peak of the bedroom shows that the herbal shelves continue even in there. The wood is well polished and there is not a scratch to be found of the soft green walls. Esme looks like a rose in contrast to her earthen colored hut where vines stretch across the ceiling, draping downwards to provide a sense of druidic mystery. She likely won't be gone for long, which gives Noctis plenty of time to save his spirited friend and take a small look around.*

"Sweet toof? Sweet toof!" *The spirit yells, no longer showing any shyness of when it first met Noctis. It flails its arms around against before falling backwards onto the pillow that Noctis had previously saved it from.*

*Vials of light blues and peachy reds bubble like sweet juice given on a warm summers day. The smell in here is intoxicating and it seems Esme already has something on the pot. As the tea kettle hums quietly though it is not quite ready yet. Sweet Tooth then gets up, crawling over the arm rest to move towards Noctis as if to take a look at the potions alongside him.* 

"Thinking!" *It chirps, unintentionally poking at Noctis as thinks to himself. It seems the little one is as observant as it is loud.*

*Then Esme returns wearing a soft white dress made form fitting with a darkened leather corset. Accompanied with her usual long socks and thigh boots and of course, a witching hat to finish the look. She is still in leisure wear but fashion seems to always be put first. Even her hair is brushed out. Quick, it only took her about five or so minutes. Again, she quietly passes by with a smile as she makes her way to check the tea kettle. Pulling back her hair so that it's length does not get snagged by the flickering flame. Her long ruby drop earrings are revealed, lavish and old. Clearly a style from many generations ago.*

"Chamomile or Lavender?" *She asks, glancing over her shoulder as she refers to the tea.* "It is best to drink it, even if it is not to your fancy. The haze weakens the mind and raises anxiety, which is not naturally good for your health." *Esme then finishes, true concern in her voice.*
Richard
"Everyone thinks, that's normal." He said, not wanting to give Sweet Tooth any ideas or fancies. 

"Lavender then, please." He'd respond, leaning against the wall and watching her make the tea. There was something about his stance, the way he walked in general- it was like a lion ready to pounce and hunt at any moment, even when he seemed entirely relaxed. "The haze, that's what that was? Has it always existed in these woods?" As he asked the question he walked closer, now leaning against the countertop and gazing at her with amber eyes that were slowly gaining little flecks of silver again. They were only a few feet apart now, he took in her earrings, her brushed hair. 

Aloof as she had seemed before and even seemed now, it was obvious she was taking care of her appearance. It wasn't haphazard or accidental. She was perplexing. As mysterious as Sylvar and as potentially dangerous as Valac. 

"Have you ever gone through it?" He asked, his voice soft and filled with genuine curiosity. Again she's catch the scent of something she treasured or missed, his own natural scent was always that which made the person he was talking to think of things they were fond of.
Orlando
*With Sweet Tooth's curiosity sated for now, it waddles towards Esme to watch her wave off steam from the kettle. As she gives it a blow over, she nods in acknowledgement to his request as she prepares to the tea. Multitasking, she turns her head to listen before rising to give a proper answer.*

"It has, at least as far as I am aware. Though I am immune to it, I walk through it every day." 

*Taking a small rag, she uses it to grab the heated handle of the kettle, setting it on heat resistant wooden pallets that rest on the table nearby. She thinks back to the days of her coven, the final trial was making it through the haze. The horror of it, walking alone to end up on the other side alone. There isn't a day the faces of her would-be sisters are forgotten. For Esme will always remember their names and under her breath, she repeats all four. Elizabeth, Clarissa, Nadia and Laura... Four girls who were taken by the haze, four girls whose fates will always be truly unknown to her.*

"You can call it the knight of these lands. It serves to protect... But if you are willing to persevere and have a voucher..." *Esme trails off, implying that without some sort of assistance then perhaps the haze would not have let Noctis or anyone go so easily. She then finishes pouring the lavender tea and brings the cup over.* 
"Careful, it's hot." *She promptly warns before continuing.* "The deeper woods, the haze and the memories in it that have been collected over time. It's been here since the days of Starri's worship I'd imagine. No one is brave enough to cross the mushroom line to willingly step foot in the maze."

*Esme now takes a seat. Though she did not pour any tea for herself, she seems content for now. Oddly enough, whereas the girl was a bit broad and soft-spoken. Her gentle disposition remains but she is at least transparent enough without divulging all of the details of the grove. Her eyes flicker towards the hanging star constellations that lay by the door. Old relics from a lost past. Causing her to sigh and briefly reminisce over it before turning her full attention back towards Noctis. Expecting him to ask many more questions.*

"Share some?" *Sweet Tooth asks as it waddles towards Noctis. Can a spirit drink? Maybe. If it can eat candy then tea shouldn't do it any harm.*
Richard
She was immune to it? Of course she was. It shocked him to find a mortal in this modern age that was beyond his capabilities. His eyes followed her every movement, watching as if at any moment she might spin and attempt to blast him to pieces. 

Trained to be an infiltrator, assassin and spy- he could read people. As perplexing as Esme was- she was still a person. For a moment there in her eyes was... But then it was gone. A flicker of something, pain? Pain was a familiar poison that he could recognize anywhere. 

It made him feel almost ill that he did not want this witch to feel pain at all. She was precious, like an aspect of nature itself made manifest. It was wrong for her to hurt at al- GODS BE DAMNED. If he couldn't stay focused then he'd might as well go rot in a tavern somewhere. 

"Thanks for the warning." He said, drawing some of the heat out of the tea with a touch of fire magic, evenly dispersing it throughout his body instead. Now able to sip at it freely, he felt it wash through his body before he turned with a blink to Sweet Tooth. With a grin he passed the spirit his drink. 

"Friends share." 

He sat across from her, leaned forward with his arms folded across his knees. It was as if he was trying to drink her in. 

"Since the days of her worship? Does your coven no longer worship the Mother of Magic? I'll admit that would strike me a surprise- and foolish. I've seen what happens when you piss off the weaver, I'd never do it and she's not even in my fathers panth-" He froze, realizing he was admitting that he was a demigod. Yet, thinking on it fully, Spirits could sense a demigod with ease. The ancient blood was strong, it was a beacon to magical creatures. 

Likely they'd already told her he was a Demigod. Maybe she'd sensed it somehow too. Perhaps that was something he'd need to look into. The less people who knew about his true origins the better. 

"Did you expect me to come to you?" He wanted her to say yes, to say that she had believed he'd come

The moment they'd parted. Yet, he hadn't even known he'd go the moment they parted.
Orlando
*Sweet Tooth suddenly strikes a pose of victory, happily taking the bigger cup and having a sip for itself. The liquid may be of no use to it, but it still seems more than happy to just be involved.*

*Letting out a small 'mhm' to his thanks, Esme glances over at Noctis for a moment and upon realizing his deep staring paired with thoughts that she is unaware of. She grows slightly nervous, only because even in her own home does Esme struggle with socialization. Work is one thing, that she can manage. But given the setting, even on the topic of the forest itself. Her freckled face is illuminated in a soft pink as she grows a bit anxious on what to say. Opting to look less and keep her eyes glued on the firepit.*

*But then she lets out a chuckle. Though it holds the sound of possible regret, maybe even anguish. Where the firepit served to ease her, now is a gateway for past thoughts. What coven? The Twilight Witches are no more and she is the youngest of them. It was there own faults but how can she be so cruel to think so little of those who gave her this life? No, Esme has vowed to live without guilt. That integrity comes before all and scornful thoughts only lead to a road straight to ones own personal damnation. But then Noctis gives a slip of the tongue and her gaze is shifted over towards him.*

"Gods or not, hubris is a fickle thing." *She forces a weak smile, now passing Noctis a small peppermint beautifully wrapped in a golden ribbon should he want one.*

*Esme looks at him no differently. Demi-god or not, she sees just a man who she met on the road. A potion maker on her way to business, stopped to have a small conversation with a dreamer. A man who wishes to find and complete his purpose. Whoever he is, whatever he is, matters not. That is the whole reason for the test after all and it was one of the few good teachings to come of her coven. A human shouldn't live for hundreds of years yet here she stands. It's why she brings no attention to it though her eyes show that she obviously caught on. But why care? Her attention to Noctis is unchanging and she is just as sweet as she has been prior no matter how soft-spoken she can be. It is not a demi-god she wants to know, rather the man with the appropriate name in front of her.*

"I knew I would be visited that day." *Esme finally admits.* "I have visions when I dream. A man coated in gold, cape adorned with feathers of the raven. A smog behind him yet no ill-intent in his golden eyes that reflect those of a dragon. Ambiguous they are... Then you stumbled in front of me and there they were, the golden eyes." *She rambles, now twiddling her thumb with her hair as she leans back into her seat.*
"But a vision is only a vision and what fate wants versus what the willpower desires can be quite different. I wanted to see if you would truly stick to your ideals."

"Ideal! Ideal!" *Sweet Tooth mimics, jumping up and down.*
Richard
Even if she struggled to look at him, he did not share the affliction. His eyes lingered on her as she spoke, taking in her words and pulling at their seems, trying to fit them into place to get as much meaning from them as he could. 

His fingers took the peppermint and he turned it over slowly as she talks about her vision. Chewing his lip, he watched Sweet Tooth jump up and down, slowly unwrapping the peppermint before speaking. 

"I've never been fond of visions. I've received a few in my life- though none since... Well, not for a very long time." He'd received a vision two months before his "Demise", of a blue and white dragon that swallowed up a flaming rose. Guess his father had wanted to warn him- but gods were fickle beings and oftentimes didn't directly bother to interfere with their children. They were inherently selfish, and he couldn't fault them for it, they were immortal and all powerful beings that shaped the earth. It was hard to keep their attention on the realm of mortals. 

He hadn't gotten even a whisper from his father since he'd awoken in the age of man. 

"And...? Will you come with me for a time, Esme?" He asked, once again bringing his amber eyes up to gaze at her as he put the piece into his mouth, though not before breaking a piece off to share with Sweet Tooth. 

"I would understand if you won't." He said, flinching even as he said it. That would not help convince her to come. 

"If this place was a home to me I'd struggle to leave it behind for a while too." He murmured, wishing he could stop the words from tumbling out of his mouth. 

*"Just enjoy the damn peppermint and shut up!"* He thought harshly towards himself.
Orlando
"You learn to appreciate them." *Esme quietly chuckles as she leans into her chair, now completely relaxed.*

*Propping an arm up so that her chin my rest upon her hand. She continues to watch the flames flicker as Noctis asks if she will join. She has always been a traveler and no matter how long she is away. Esme always returns to this place. It calls to her, so she is not concerned with leaving it behind for a time being.*

"I did say if you passed the trials, I would concede to you and assist in you dream." 

*As she speaks, she holds out a playful finger towards Sweet Tooth who happily gives it a little shake. As it chirps at her she chuckles again and pulls the little spirit into her lap. As Esme is used to them, as they are used to her. Even down to the way they look at one another it is like a mothering relationship. She then brushes off the concern of leaving. Simply reassuring Noctis with a smile. She dare say he is more nervous than her, which is a surprise because of how steadfast the man is.*

"I do apologize if this had made you nervous." *Esme accidentally blurts out. In the midst of realization, she quickly gestures towards the tea in slight embarrassment. If anything will help, the lavender in the mixture will at least help his thoughts somewhat clear. But she really shouldn't have pointed it out.*

"A-anyways..." *She stutters with a small clear of the throat.* "When do you intend on leaving?"
Richard
He almost wanted to breathe a sigh of relief. It felt as if he'd been holding his breath and only just now remembered to breathe in. He hadn't, of course, his body was practically programmed to never give away his thoughts or his emotions. It had been faulty but he'd officially brought it back around and put it under an iron like control. His crooked grin returned and he picked up the tea, sipping it more out of politeness than anything else. 

"Says the one who struggles to make eye contact. You'll get better at this part." He said with a laugh, teasing her with both his words and those dancing amber eyes- which held even more silver streaks now as their original color began to return. 

"Soon, normally I'd say we'd be off tonight. More places to see, more work to be done. But the haze has taken its toll. I'll camp outside and we can meet with my other companions in the morning." He stated, drumming his fingers upon the edge of his cup. "It'll be a pleasure to have you potion maker." 

He knew now that she was so much more- but he'd honor what she called herself. The night had been one of storms and harsh winds, but he'd survived it and made it to the other side. Noctis had always had an intense will to survive, to outlast, to be known. He was another small step closer to knowing what had happened all those thousands of years ago. 

"I should let you and I rest. Thank you for the tea, Esme." Setting the tea down, he paused and then removed one of his gloves and held his hand out to her. His fingers looked almost delicate, pianists fingers and yet there was something about them that were reminiscent of a beats claw. His nails were perfectly trimmed and neat even down to the cuticle, a natural side effect of his lineage and yet... It was an almost feral energy that radiated off him, mingling with the natural beauty effects of his divine blood. 

"All deals are sealed with a handshake."
Orlando
"I-I-... Oh... Uhm..." *Esme stutters as she quickly averts her gaze, as it dances back and forth between the flame and Noctis. Then he reaches out his hand and Esme promptly gives it a shake, nodding in response.*

*She eventually responds with a nervous smile, her nails tapping against her leg. But then it drops as he mentions camping outside and she promptly shakes her head. There is no reason for that and Noctis is her guest. So she comes to a stand, moving towards the side closet. Being a bit short has it's downsides as she stands on her toes to reach up and grab a spare blanket. Again, another bit of proof that Esme always prepares for guests yet seldom does she get any.*

"We cannot have that. I don't think your friend would agree either." *She chuckles, now setting the blankets up on the couch.*
"Stay warm! Stay warm!" *Sweet Tooth commands as it attempts to scale up Noctis.*
"You are a guest here and while no harm can come to you here. Having you stay outside is unacceptable."

*Now patting the blankets to even them down. Paired with the fire, getting warm shouldn't be too difficult. Plus if Noctis needs anything, she can assist in such. She doubts the man will steal, it would be quite the bad business practice. So she decides to trust on the rare occasions that no harm will come of this. Esme has to, otherwise there is no point in going.*

"If you need anything, you tell me. Okay?" *She finishes, dusting her hands off before setting them on her hips.*
Richard
Having already risen from his seat, cloak in hand, he watches curiously as she prepares a spot for him on the couch. An eyebrow cocked, he can't help but shake his head and chuckle. 

"We'll never let me say you aren't hospitable." Setting his cloak back down, he stood watching her and Sweet Tooth a moment before crossing the room and moving past her to sit on the couch. The fire, the smell of the tea and the natural scents that filled the place were enough to make him feel drowzy as was. Perhaps he should have been skeptical of a trap, but then, surely if she'd wanted she could have made a move a dozen times over. 

Unlacing his boots, he smiles at Esme one last time and lays down, throwing a forearm over his eyes. His long and lean body spread across her cushions, his lips slightly parted- 

"Sweet dreams, witch of these woods. Till the morning, where we see what fate or the lack thereof has in store for us." Activating his enhancement magic, he fed the pineal gland and produced a high level of melatonin. The demigod was asleep within less than a minute, soft breathes coming from his lips. He hadn't even thrown the blanket over himself, just lay there in his black clad clothes sleeping calmly and without defenses up for the first time since he'd awoken from his years long slumber. 

He looked both a young man and ancient, timeless as stone and fresh as a sapling. A gods son, and the child of a human woman. 

His final fading thoughts were of the dance, the one he'd burned into his memory. In his dreams he joined her in that dance.
Orlando
"It is the least I can do for your troubles." *Esme says as she preps the pillow before taking a step back.*
"Do rest well Noctis." 

*Esme gently waves her hand past the firepit. This causes the flames to lessen so that they maintain warmth but not blast or assault the eyes with their light. She even chuckles as Sweet Tooth waddles up towards Noctis, climbing up and curling within itself to sleep beside him on the couch. Seeing the two comfortable, Esme figures her job here is done for now. Which is why she quietly steps forwards to grab the spare cup and set it aside for cleaning in the morning. Only to pass by the sleeping duo and in helping, she fixes some of the blanket so that Noctis is proper warm. She takes care not to hover. Gods forbid if he wakes and she is above him, what an awkward scene that would be.*

*Once that is taken care of, she double checks the locks on her door. All clear. Again, she gives a final look over at Noctis and the fae spirit. She isn't quite sure what to make of it. Esme has been alone for more than fifty if not sixty years. Frequent trips to the town doesn't count as she seldom interacts past dropping off potions. The thought of healing people passes her mind and she soon remembers the mother daughter duo she had helped. The mother is probably in her elder age and the daughter likely was too young to remember. That was... So long ago.*

*Small bits of doubt raise in the back of Esme's mind and as she makes her way towards her room, she glances over her shoulder at Noctis one last time before whispering the words.*

"I short amount of time we will know each other... May you understand."

*And then the witch closes the door behind her softly. Lighting a small insenced candle and going over her spell tome. Lists of components, diagrams and explainations. All written in old elvish. A sigil in the top right of each page, signaled by the twilight witches. Then a voice in her head, heeding as a warning. She is an observer, nothing more.*

"I understand..." *She mumbles before continuing in her studies.*