Rhonda
"I see... Well if that is your agreement, I am in no place to question it."

*Without being cold, Esme doesn't seem to truly care on what their agreement is. It is not that she lacks empathy. But she is a watcher, and a real watcher does not weigh on matters that does not concern herself. Her hands stop fidgeting and soon Esme lets out a deep sigh. Not that she is bothered by Eliza's presence but more so having to come to terms with the fact she'll need to think of a few ideas. There are heavy thoughts on her mind, especially when the woods are put to question. But the witch must oblige the countess while also continuing her investigation.*

"I do not mean to be koi... I simply wanted a bit of information." *Esme hums, her voice a whisper.*

*Her gaze then flickers to the flier again as Eliza mentions it. Protecting children... It is what Esme must do along side other things. She can understand the countess' desire, which is also another reason she dare not give any input. Not that any is coming to mind anyways. But right as she is about to explain her idea, there is a tiny thud coming from one of the cupboards. Esme's attention is shifted and her shoulders slump again.*

"O-one moment..." *The witch says as she holds up a finger, quickly shifting over towards the sound.*

*As the doors are pulled open a tiny spirit tumbles into her palms. It's wings unfurl and in a panic, it makes a few whistle sounds as if to mimic crying. Such a creature, as cute as it is, should not be here. Though Esme is completely unbothered, how could she be. This is her companion after all. Setting it on her shoulder, she moves towards the counter to grab the flier so that it may be handed out.*

"Children have gone missing in the nearby woods. I know not of how much Noctis told you. But those woods are my domain. The wicked witch... Well I don't think myself wicked but I am a witch. I need to get those kids back- this is Sweet Tooth by the way."

"HELLO!" *The spirit then yells as it waves its hands around. It's voice is quite childlike and as innocent as it's appearance. The witch however, gives an apologetic look to it's outburst.*
Tracy
Eliza's eyes darted towards the sound of the noise, a small and delicate thud- one that Esme promptly reacted to as well. Her mind stirred, *Perhaps a mouse* She pondered. She uncrossed her legs and stood up to politely follow Esme and the peculiar thud, keeping a comfortable distance from the witch as not to startle her- Eliza had a habit of accidentally sneaking up on others due to her naturally graceful, quiet steps. Her eyes widened with bewilderment as she laid eyes upon the small creature. 

Surely it was a fae, she had never seen one with her own eyes but she had heard stories of them, of their playfulness and childlike spirit. She found the creature before her charming to say the least, it's soft glow and it's adorable antenna forced a genuine smile upon the countess' face. She then approached her and the creature.

"Sweet tooth... It's splendid to meet you, little one" She spoke with a gentle tone, as if she were talking to a child- in a way it felt as if she was. 

Eliza chuckled at the fae's excitable outburst, it reminded her of a certain daughter of hers, Alvyra. She missed the girl dearly, having not seen her in over a month after spending decades together. She then glanced over to Esme, before speaking once more.

"So I have heard, the wicked witch" She chuckled before shifting her weight into her right leg, popping her hip out to the side.

"They tend to misunderstand powerful women like ourselves, can you believe they call me *The Crimson Scourge?*" She then collected her thoughts, this was not the time for pleasantries, there were children missing.

"How can I help, I won't idly stand by as children are robbed from their families. I assume you feel the same, Esme?"
Rhonda
"HEWWO!" *Sweet Tooth promptly responds, leaning forwards on Esme's palm.*
"Name Sweet Toof! Sweet Toof! Sweet Toof!"

*The witch cannot help but giggle at her little friend. It is always excited to see new faces, which she often feels bad about. Seldom can Sweet Tooth meet anyone and it is even rarer that she allows it out of the sanctuary of her grove. The locals cannot know, they must not know of the truth behind many of the spirits. Not only would Esme be ostracized, but she fears what their own naivety could bring upon wisps like Sweet Tooth. It should have left with the spirits a month ago, but clearly due to it's attachment it won't. Yet that lingering pain of not being able to fulfil it's desires does bother Esme. But she tries her best not to show and remain positive for the little fella.*

"It is excited- it is always excited." *Esme then chuckles as Sweet Tooth uncurls it's wings and flies around Eliza.*
"But yes... Wicked witch, that's me."

*Esme is clearly no cruel woman. In fact, the woman looks like she could barely hurt a hair on anyone's or anything's body. Her shoulders are up, her posture reserved and a sheepish smile displayed. Yes, truly wicked. Even when she chuckles it is faint like her voice is to be stolen from her at any moment. Like she can barely cling onto as it threatens to fly away. But anyone would be a fool to think she is not powerful. The magic is radiating off of her like the sun and this is her when she has it surpressed.*

"We are unknown to most, this I understand. I cannot harbor such ill feelings towards their beliefs. In fact, I appreciate them. The woods are..." *She starts but struggles to find her next bundle of words to describe them.*
"They are dangerous and no, the locals shouldn't be going in them. Fairytales or not, there are certain truths in their stories. I may not devour children, pluck the hearts of men and steal the bodies of women... But some may believe my magic can indeed grant wishes... Just not in the way they expect."

*Esme then finds her seat and allows Sweet Tooth to slowly glide into her lap. Keeping it entertained, she playfully twinkles her fingers above it. It bats and thwacks against her nails, letting out giggles that sound akin to a small whistle. It is amazing how the witch can maintain conversation with such a loud and rambunctious wisp. Her hand occupied, the other now hoisted up so that her chin may rest against it. She gives a nod to Eliza.*

"I actually often work with the orphans here... So yes, I have no intention of standing by while any child is taken by the unseelie. I am not sure how much you are familiar with fae but if you really want to prove yourself... Then you be granted my blessing if the forest both accepts you and brings forth those babes."

*There is a strange sense of conviction in Esme's tone. Where once the girl could barely work out a sentence, unable to make eye contact. Suddenly there is an authoritative air about her. Her gaze unwavering, her shoulders firm. Sure, casual conversation may cause the witch to often fumble. But when it comes time to prove oneself, to stand before her greater sense of duty. Her call is to be quickly answered, work done at the witch's behest. If Eliza truly wants to get a sense as to why Noctis chose this woman, a woman who is no elf, no dragon, nothing except for the fact magic is keeping a mere human un-aging. Then she must face the greater horrors deep within the Far Spirit Woods.*