Calvin
*As the scent of rosemary grew closer, the devotee began to search for the source. Her open visor revealed a curious pair of blue eyes, as she saw the figure with a witch hat. It was rather easy to see that she didn't want trouble. But Almonde couldn't help herself by spacing out for a moment, remembering bard songs of witches in the deep forests and what wonders or horrors their potions could bring. She was brought back by the stranger's voice, slowly Almonde rose up to her feet while leaning on her staff.*

```"Sister Almonde Jagger, traveled here for freelance work. Specifically, to assist a potion brewer in their search for a rare mushroom within the Merii caves. I suppose it wouldn't be a big leap to guess that you would be that potion brewer."```

*Almonde said with a tone spoken through a smile, resting her weight over her staff. The young human began to wonder what the chances would be for another potion brewer to arrive at such a specific time and place. Her eyes kept a close gaze on the woman's books and satchel, more curious than cautious about what they hold. The devotee motion her hand over towards the campfire as she'd invite her employer to her humble campsite.*

```"There's no mistake that you're my employer, although I wish I had time to send a raven on my description. Nonetheless, please make yourself at home. We may regain our strength for the day ahead, but I am sure you wish to exchange a few pleasantries and details. Would you care for some tea?"```

*The woman slowly sat back down, her tone calm and warm as the flames before her. Almonde tried her best to be professional and polite, as the woman before her seemed unsure and cautious. Reaching out, her hand would grab the pot of tea before pouring a new cup for her guest. Almonde hoped that she could confirm that this was in fact her employer, it would be incredibly awkward for it to not be the case. The devotee sat comfortably over a log, taking a moment to sip her warm tea.*
Merle
"Ah, I would indeed be your employer." *The witch returns with a smile, extending out her hand in greetings.*

*Waves of relief wash over her, anxiety cascading until she feels it no more. Travelers, good and bad often frequent the roads and wilds. Travelling at night is typically dangerous. Bandits bring trouble where the shdadows are cast, away from the mother moon's light. But a witch is not to be tampered with, especially one who knows her power and just how lethal they can be. Still, there is no need to dwell on dangerous what ifs since her contract is here and hospitable too.*

"I do apologize for the delay. There was a small collapse on the road, so I had to bypass it." *She explains as she nods in gratitude in the offering of the tea.*

*She knows not if she should request they seek the materials tonight or wait until the morning. Risking anyone is not in Esme's agenda. In fact, the more she can avoid it the better. Normally if it were just her alone, she would be able to weigh the risks of her own safety. But she isn't alone this time and she does not know exactly what Almonde is capable of. Of course she notices the staff, perhaps a druid or a famililar spell caster. Esme always admired those who could channel magic through objects so easily. Or perhaps it was quite the opposite. Nonetheless, there is a flashiness to a wand that a grimoire simply cannot achieve,*

"You need not worry about the raven. It worked out in the end. Of course if you have any questions for me, feel free to ask them."

*Settling in, Esme gentle sets down her bag. The sound of glass clinging together can be heard paired with the sloshing of liquid. As she opens it, small vials of healing potions. Sealed with a single red ribbon and a star chain around the cork can be seen. A seller who equals herself an artist it seems. Past them are small snacks that she brought along with her on the journey. An asortment of nuts and dried fruit which she promptly offers to Almonde.*

"Would you like any? Contracted or not, I do not prefer the term boss." *Esme explains as she sees herself on equal level to the woman before her.*
Calvin
*As the distant coos of owls echoed between the thick brush, the steady sounds of crickets and the soft cracking of burning firewood filled the air. The devotee would reach out and shook the hand that was politely given to her. Her soft gaze would glance at the Potion maker's ears, confirming that she was not an elf. Much to Almonde's relief, she would listen carefully to her explanation on the extend of her trip.*

*Almonde's mind began to fill with plans and precautions, to endure the success of the quest as well as the safety of her employer. Carefully and gingerly, a cup of warm tea would be given to the witch's hands, the apple aroma with hints of honey and hay. The devotee listened carefully to what she had to share, although curious about the potion maker. All the potion makers that she met, although few, were always elderly people who spent their lives perfecting the art of potion making. This one particularly had a youthfulness which was oddly refreshing.*

```"No need to apologize, but I appreciate it. And yes, I do have a few questions."```

*Almonde answered with a calm and warm tone, her attention turn to the potion maker's clothing before glacing at the bag curiously. Upon the offer of savory nuts and dried fruit, the nun couldn't help herself. Softly nodding with a smile, finding her new company to be rather interesting and kind.*
.

```"I would, thank you. I'll remember that and treat you as a friend. But, I do have a few questions that have been eating away at me. First, what are you capable of in terms of defending yourself? The caves that we wish to head to, are considered the homeland of drows. They are not particularly friendly and could pose a threat. Not to mention what else we may encounter. Knowing what you can do and such, would give me a better idea of what to do if we get into a troubling situation. I don't intend to seek out a battle, but the homeland of the drows may lead to it. But, a small party of two would have a good chance at avoiding trouble. I'm sure."```

*The young nun explained, asking her first question with a genuine tone. There was no judgment or hostile behind her words, concern and curiosity mixed in her voice. As a handful of nuts began to make their way to her lips, Almonde would enjoy the snack.*
Merle
"Well the hat is not just for show." *Esme jests before extending out a hand and producing a great orb of magic.*

*Of course she isn't going to rain down fireballs from the sky, reverse gravity and plane skip. That would not only be insane but overkill of a demonstration. Instead, she pulls out a dagger that she had sheathed within the garter that is locked around her right leg. Making a small incision, enough to produce a small bit of blood but to not end in disaster. She takes the hand alight in the weave, pressing it against the wound and instantly closing it. A simple healers trick but one extremely useful nonetheless.*

"I am a witch, though I know the term is more acceptable now. I understand there are those who harbor rightful concerns of those with my title. As we do not train in colleges like higher born wizards do."

*Giving the cup a soft blow to release some of the steam. Esme takes her first sip, closing her eyes and allowing the tea to warm her core. It is rejuvenating and well appreciated after such a long deal of travel. With a smile pressed acrossed her face. She takes a secondary sip before continuing, as if not wanting to miss a second of the well brewed drink that serves to give her aching bones a bit of rest.*

"I am diplomatic but our safety comes first. I have done a bit of scrying in advance on the future of our endeavors and any troubles we may come across with be handled swiftly and most importantly, ethically. Though I would wish it not to get to that point, I have no quarrel with any drow."

*Her hope is that they can avoid the Drow all together. They are ultimately intruders on their land. So a fight would likely be unjust and just add further strife between the under elves and those who dwell outside of caverns. Esme holds no ill will towards them, their distrust and aggression is warrented. Especially giving their history even if their kind is not always moral. But it is not her place to judge culture. Only to go in, retrieve the herbs and return.*