Carry Your Own Bags

Nathaniel Salem || There's a few knocks at the door, airy, noncommittal, and strangely musical in pattern. Should Kaat'a decide to ignore them... Ah, whoever was knocking would just do it again.
Kaat'a Sulra looks up from his armchair to his door suspiciously. If this is another solicitor, or worse, another prospective student who won't take no for an answer... he stays put, initially. Then it doesn't go away, and he rises with a sigh. He unlatches the door and opens it just crack, peering out to see who's bothering him now.
Nathaniel Salem towers, looking down on the miqo'te. His opaque shades flash in the sliver of light offered by the opened door. He is holding his staff in one hand, seemingly patient.
Nathaniel Salem: "...Is it a bad time for a visit? Kaat'a."
Kaat'a Sulra: II "Oh." Kaat'a blinks up at a familiar face. "No, I'm not-" He contemplates word choice, "Busy, or anything. I just wasn't- you don't write anymore?" The man is clearly buffering up to social interaction, in a way that is probably not unexpected on the part of his former teacher. He opens the door wider, standing aside so Nathaniel can come in if he so chooses. "Was there something you needed?"
Nathaniel Salem: "Just some time with you. To ask a few questions." He was even throughout's Kaat'a's musings and questions, answering only with half-scoffs. He does not need to be invited twice, the moment the door was open, he would slide in, past the man, to take a good look at the apartment. His eyes lay on the - assumed - altar, mild satisfaction evident. "I figured coming to see you would be better than writing, hah?"
Nathaniel Salem: "It's harder to refuse a man standing right in front of you, you'll find." He lowers his staff, now held in both hands.
Kaat'a Sulra gestures towards the armchair. The comfort of guests comes first. He sets himself on the stool before Nathaniel can try to out-manners him, if such an attempt was in the cards today. He crosses his right leg over his left, covering a web of very evident new scars on his calf. "Would you like some coffee? Tea?" A delaying tactic for questioning. He hopes ardently this isn't some sort of wellness check.
Nathaniel Salem knows how to respect his host's wishes; he goes to sit after a solemn nod, then shakes his head, ever so slightly. "How very kind of you, but, I will not keep you from..." He looks around the armchair. Books? Drinks? What was there? "Your meditations."
Nathaniel Salem lowers himself, keeping the staff against his shoulder, focus up, end on the ground. In a gesture, he removes his shades, tucking them nicely inside his coat. "Are you busy, these suns?"
Kaat'a Sulra II On the table: a stash of various liquor bottles, variously full according to Kaat'a's nightly fancies, and a collection of cookbooks sat beside. The remains of Kaat'a's breakfast were languishing on the side table instead of being washed. He shakes his head. "No. I've just been back from Gyr Abania," read: tour with the Flames, "And I've been... resting." By necessity rather than preference, judging by the sheer amount of novels littering the floor beside the armchair.
Nathaniel Salem: "Times spent resting is not wasted, as I always say. The Abanian canyons can be trying, to say the least." He cants his head to the side. "Well dear, sounds like you have no projects on the horizon. I'd like you with me in a few weeks - or moons, should you be available."
Nathaniel Salem: "Now, I think you know my mild dislike for Dravania and its surroundings, but there is a lot to be found in Idyllshire, and that is where I am going."
Nathaniel Salem smiles at Kaat'a without warmth and with lidded eyes, something familiar and proper to Nathaniel: "Maybe we will find some Sharlayan goods of interest while browsing its markets."
Kaat'a Sulra: II Nathaniel says that, but Kaat'a's evidently skeptical. Having had nothing to work on has only driven Kaat'a to miserable restlessness, and that feels like a waste of time. His ears perk. Not being in his house. Not... being in his house! His eyebrows raise. "You have the right of it. I'm certainly not busy. Surely you aren't just going shopping? You can carry your own bags."

Nathaniel Salem takes silent note of his body language for a time. "I can. And I most certainly will," his eyes go through Kaat'a for a moment, as he rubs his jawline in thought: "My political inclinations are no secret for you, love, and you how my royalist tendencies and relentless activism tends to draw attention. The wrong kind, of course. Not that there could ever be a good kind of attention in the political scene of our Great Ul'dah, unless the favors came from Her Grace herself."
Nathaniel Salem smiles flatly at the remark, then continues, a touch more bitter than before. Though it is not meant for Kaat'a: "I meant to go on an approved expedition. And I would like people I /do trust/ with me. And people the Ossuary could trust, as well."
Nathaniel Salem: "It's either that, or I end up with whoever the Guild will assign to the enterprise - a risk and a liability for a variety of reasons I do not have the strength to list immediately."
Nathaniel Salem: "You were a good student and I know you to be an even better lorekeeper. I would like you with me," he reiterates, more articulate.
Kaat'a Sulra: II Oh. /Oh./ He'd misunderstood. His brow furrows. "Who has been giving you trouble, Father?" He seems ready to fight, ready to ride to Nathaniel's defense against Whomever this could be. Kaat'a internally preens at being trusted, but he's outwardly focused on anger at the small-minded individuals so intent on making Nathaniel's work difficult. "I'll assist you in any way I am able." With a pen or with potential public shouting matches, apparently.
Nathaniel Salem seems content with Kaat'a's reaction, though he raises a palm to signify a halt - lowering his head slightly without breaking eye contact. "It is nothing you should look into, and it is nothing I want you to investigate. Monetarists and corrupt priests are legion, sending a paid alumni or two to sabotage or risk the research is a common poison in the sands, and you know it."
Nathaniel Salem: "...I just want you to work with me as we did before. Nothing more. I mentioned Sharlayan earlier, but, in truth, we will be looking for Allagan tech."
Nathaniel Salem: "Things found from beyond the Sea of Clouds, ending up in Idyllshire and Ishgard's markets most of the time, hence the need for the trek."
Nathaniel Salem: "The Ossuary could benefit from it, as it has a... Surprising list of things it would want to study. Though I will not lie, I am going for my own, personal research."
Kaat'a Sulra: II Something flickers on Kaat'a's face for a moment at the mention of Allag, and he shifts on his seat before his expression is schooled back into nebulous malcontent at the city's state of affairs. "Just because I know it doesn't mean I think you should have to accept it," Kaat'a murmurs, but it's obvious to Nathaniel that his call to cease has worked by the relaxed set of Kaat'a's shoulders. It's been years since he fought with his peers heedless to appearances>
Kaat'a Sulra: or political strategy in the Ossuary. If Nathaniel thought it would help, he would allow it, Kaat'a figures. He's always understood these things better than Kaat'a can, so he defers. "Allag, then? When did the... when did /you/ decide to pursue this?" He asks carefully. There must be a good reason, but in his personal experience, Allagan knowledge was almost more trouble than it was worth.
Nathaniel Salem listens to the younger man, some measure of warning in his look at Kaat'a's initial comment. Though as he moves on, that same look is gone. "When I realized their alchemical accomplishments could be of use to Ul'dah. To /me/." He states, clearly. The man sounds all too solemn, "My collection is limited, but I have never excluded Allagan artifacts. Some... Years ago, I came across an item most rare. Are you familiar with Allagan crosiers, Kaat'a?"
Kaat'a Sulra: "No." Kaat'a has made a valient effort to remember very little of what he has encountered of Allag despite his usual nature. "What would this do for you?"
Nathaniel Salem: "A specialist's item used to perform feats of aetherochemical prowess. Both a catalyst and a focus, not unlike a staff, or a scepter. The one I found is missing a heart. The framework has made some of my most trying alchemical tasks a child's play, with the right amout of research alongside it. Though it is missing its /heart/, and I have been using simpler gems within its chassis."
Nathaniel Salem: "A lot of people reach out to me in my quality of alchemist /and/ thaumaturge at times -- most of them in dire need of mending. The kind that touches their core, the soul. The kind that demands constant attention, years of meditation, and brews, and therapy."
Nathaniel Salem: "A Crozier's heart would ease this, and I am sure of it."
Nathaniel Salem: "An item most rare," he explains. "Though one of my benefactors is willing to pay for it. I need only track one."
Nathaniel Salem: "The Adventurers and... Privateers flying to Azys Lla and beyond often comes with crate after crate of loot to be traded. They rarely know the worth of the items they're carrying."

Nathaniel Salem: "If they have the proper licenses, it is sent to Ishgard. If not, Idyllshire's markets are the first place they go to. Simple enough, yes?"
Kaat'a Sulra: II Kaat'a listens quietly, occasionally nodding to indicate he was following. A benefactor? At least one person in Ul'dah sees the immense value in Nathaniel's work. Thank the Twelve for that, at least. Kaat'a understands how life changing this could be for so many, and despite his private trepidation, he cannot bring himself to back out on his teacher. It is merely sifting through junk for a- perhaps literal?- gem. That, he can do. To the point then: "Do you know when we leave or are>
Kaat'a Sulra: preparations still being made?"
Nathaniel Salem: "I need to know who I am taking proper before we get to the finishing touches, so I would say we're still... Preparing. Some things. Now, I do count on your discretion as well." He smiles to the man, fondly, "No need to let people know what I am planning."
Nathaniel Salem pushes himself up, slowly, "I'll send a missive if anything new comes up, though, should you need anything prepared for /your/ attendance, whether its tools or items of comfort, please, let me know personally."
Kaat'a Sulra: "Oh? I'll have to keep that in mind when I run through the Quicksands shouting about every facet of my life, as I usually do." Kaat'a responds mildly, at ease enough to joke. When has he ever been known to /talk/? "If I have any needs I'll let you know, but for now... well, I appreciate the opportunity." He rises as well to see Nate out.
Nathaniel Salem chuckles at that, but his mirth is kept tightly in check. The kind of thing that means 'really funny, but seriously, don't'. Kaat'a's appreciation expressed, he walks up to him to nod: "Fantastic. I will keep you updated, my good friend. That being said,"
Nathaniel Salem: "Kaat'a?" He asks, pulling his shades out of his coat.
Kaat'a Sulra looks up. "Yes?"
Nathaniel Salem puts his shades back on, tone low: "Love the gown."
Nathaniel Salem: "And the shorts, too," He pats the man's shoulder as he passes him, giving it a nice squeeze.
Kaat'a Sulra colors just slightly. "If you'd announced yourself I would have been dressed!"
Nathaniel Salem: "Of course, love. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an execution planned in just half a bell. Nald'thal's blessings."
Kaat'a Sulra: "I wouldn't dream of keeping you, Father." Kaat'a grouses, opening the door to shoo Nathaniel out.
You beam with delight at Kaat'a Sulra.