Embers to Soon Become Flames

Baeyl Teken'ghym 's boots could be heard climbing the steps up to the vista. Every footfall was accompanied by the light jingle of the chain under her cyclas rustling.

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "I hear there used to be an Aetherite here, where that statue now stands."

Nathaniel Salem looks upon Lolorito's likeness with absolute contempt, an ornate pipe in hand. The bowl is two-faced; one visage for Nald, the other for Thal, without a doubt. "You heard right."

Nathaniel Salem: "Vesper Bay as a harbor was a recent accomplishment. One that could not have been done without the E.A.T.C.'s gold."
Nathaniel Salem: "I'd spit if I had the gait to." He looks at her, up and down. "Good sun."

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "A shame that ease of access was sacrificed for a nice roost for birds to defecate on."
Baeyl Teken'ghym gives Nate a weak smile and a dip of her head. "Good to see you, Nathaniel."

Nathaniel Salem: "And you." He exhales a thick trail of smoke in a pause, eyes smiling, even if the corner of his lips do not follow. "You look good."

Baeyl Teken'ghym looks back out to the plaza. By habit, a hand lifts to tuck back some hair behind her ear. It's so short that it falls back into place after only a second or two. "I felt like it was a time for a change."

Nathaniel Salem doesn't linger, tactful. His eyes drift to a dancer by one of the palms, and he lowers the smoking pipe: "Change is good. Men in my family like to keep their hair long. It's only ever removed during ceremonies. There are times where I long to have that kind of freedom."

Nathaniel Salem smiles as the woman below finishes her routine, scattered applauses echoing under. "You are free to do as you please. That you would choose progress is magnificent."

Nathaniel Salem: "Most men prefer to die, as freedom of choice comes with the innate fear of failure: it suffocates them."

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "...It's only a haircut, Nathaniel."

Nathaniel Salem closes his eyes, disheartened. "Has your heart closed itself to poetry, too?"

Baeyl Teken'ghym chuckles under her breath, her lips pulling up in a smile.

Nathaniel Salem: "You know I am not just talking about the haircut, Baeyl."

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "I've survived things that others have not. Often have I looked back on the past and wondered why I didn't perish ten times over."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "It'd be a waste to come so far, other to wither and die from self-neglect."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "...Besides. He would not want to see me in such a state."

Nathaniel Salem greets a passerby below who seems to recognize him with a nod, vague. They leave as soon as they came, and Nathaniel's eyes follow them as he addresses Baeyl: "Just embers, now. They'll turn into flame soon enough. When you came to my office on the first day, you were but a pile of ash," he articulates, amusement vague.

Nathaniel Salem: "Anything I should know?"

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "No significant change."
Baeyl Teken'ghym leans back on her heel, straightening out her back. "...I've resigned myself to being without my magic, for the time being."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "So far as working in the field."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "The Collegia was called to investigate a chimera reported to be distrupting the roads out in Southern Thanalan. I went along with them."

Nathaniel Salem: "And?"

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "...It was a chimera. At one point. But it was a formor."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "Even with no magic, I was able to take off one of its heads."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "I thought it would be a help to me to go and face it. Chimeras have significance to my family, and our philosophy on Thaumaturgy. Strength through balance."
Baeyl Teken'ghym adjusts how her hand rests on top of the pommel of her rapier. "...It was helpful, but not in the way I anticipated it being."

Nathaniel Salem leans back, adjusting his position. He extinguishes the pipe's bowl, and a small umbral spell cools it; it is immediately returned under his mantle. "It almost sounds like you do not need me anymore."

Baeyl Teken'ghym: The small smile that there was on Baeyl's face diminished.
Baeyl Teken'ghym closes her eyes.

Nathaniel Salem looks at her.

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "It's a pity you would say that. I was only just getting to enjoy your company."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "Even so, that does not mean you could not need me. You wanted an escort through the Shroud, did you not?"

Nathaniel Salem: "I did. But I would rely on you as one would rely on an employee. Not on a ward who needs a distraction, and most of my attention." He explains, head tilted slightly. "Mages who think their skill relies solely on their aetherial output are bound to die quicker, and more violently than others."
Nathaniel Salem: "You are stronger than before. The kind of character I would want for a dive in a Gelmorran ruin."
Nathaniel Salem: "That's something worth celebrating, isn't it?"

Baeyl Teken'ghym: The smile returns. She adjusts the brim of her hat, lowering her chin to gather her thoughts. "...I suppose it is, yes. I still have a long way to go."

Nathaniel Salem: "You're walking for now, and it's all that matters. You'll get to think about the journey once you've done a few miles."

Nathaniel Salem turns to lean back against the railing, arms folded. "I was busy at the Flare. Maybe you've heard the news?"

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "You've mentioned it some in your letters. Is your business there concluded for the time being, then? All those renovations?"

Nathaniel Salem: "Aye, aye. Lady Melele is looking to attract new sponsors. Helen will host the festivities this Lightsday."
Nathaniel Salem: "If you can make it, you should come. People of all castes are to mix for a single evening."

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "I will be there. I should make a more forthright effort to be social, in general. Too often does it happen that someone in the employment of the Collegia sees me and has no idea who I am."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "...Thank you for the invitation."

Nathaniel Salem: "Don't mention it. Just doing my part as Lady Melele's body," he adds, with a hint of sourness.
Nathaniel Salem: "She will send me around the world like some errand boy, at times. Finds that people accept things more easily when I ask."

Nathaniel Salem: "I told her it mostly had to do with the fact that she would /demand/ rather than ask, and she does not want to hear any of it."

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "It may also have something to do with the fact that you are well known and well liked."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "People want to be where you are, Nate."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "...Nathaniel, I mean."

Nathaniel Salem doesn't react to the slip. "...They want to be where they think I am, Baeyl. And while it does matter, it is not quite the truth as Azeyma perceives it."

Nathaniel Salem: "I do my part for my city and my people, as most priests would, or should. This is not something worthy of praise, to do what fate intended."

Nathaniel Salem: "You know, more than anyone, how perception varies."
Nathaniel Salem: "And you know others who would paint me how you used to."
Nathaniel Salem: "People do not want to be where I am."

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "...I meant to say that people want to physically be in your presence."

Nathaniel Salem seems to shift at that, subtly. If his traits soften, it's to paint a suggestion of confusion. Or concern.

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "...Nevermind that, for now." Baeyl clears her throat. "I will be there at the Flare."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "Should I bring anything with me?"

Nathaniel Salem looks at her with lidded eyes, eager to move on as well: "Wear something formal. If you have nothing available, I can have something fashioned for you."

Baeyl Teken'ghym nods to you.

Nathaniel Salem: "What would you like?"

Baeyl Teken'ghym: "It's been a while since I've had the excuse to--"

You smile at Baeyl Teken'ghym.

Baeyl Teken'ghym tilts her head slightly to the side. "...I'm sorry?"

Nathaniel Salem: "We'll have your measurements taken at Sunsilk first thing tomorrow. So, what would you like?"

Baeyl Teken'ghym is taken aback by you.
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "Nathaniel, I couldn't possibly ask that of you. You've already done so much for me."

Nathaniel Salem: "Oh, but you won't ask that of me. I'll merely introduce you to a man who owes me a favor; and in you, might find a new muse."
Nathaniel Salem waves a hand, dismissively. "Takes the opportunities Nald offers, lest you offend Him."

Baeyl Teken'ghym gazes upon you in deep reflection.
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "...If you insist. Something simple and elegant. Flowing, but tasteful and understated."
Baeyl Teken'ghym: "...I find myself wishing now that I hadn't cut my hair so soon. I'll have to think of something to do with it."