[ Balthier is working with the guild to pass off the meta powers as having been from the fear manifestations. The bigger issue is people assuming he's powerful in ways he isn't -- the last thing he needs is someone coming after him because he has fire magick, except he doesn't, and then being more or less defenseless against them.

Balthier would agree though. He's seen plenty of dangerous people with little technically in the way of meta-like abilities. But lately he wishes his were a little stronger. Alas. ]

Here's to hoping Excelsior is quiet for a little while. I'm not sure I'm going in next time there's a world-ending problem. I've had enough of that the last six months, I think.

[ He settles in, waving a waiter over for water and drinks, because he's an aristocrat with pretty table manners and that's comforting right now. And he's entirely forgotten he agreed to let Otto pay. ]

I don't want to bore you with my woes, but it has been an overall terrible month. I am asking the Scions to please let the next one be quieter. I think, though, the worst of it is past. [ Please let it be past. Otto doesn't seem like a social media person, at least, so he probably doesn't have to answer more weird questions about Loki and Tommy making his relationship drama extremely public. ]

I am extremely happy to see a friendly face and enjoy conversation and a good meal.