[Eloquence was a gift that David often ran into, but rarely did he ever see it put to use not to convince someone to another's point of view, but rather to say that it was okay to hold one's own so strongly. Listening to it all from Balthier just made it feel all the more right. It... It gave him hope. This friendship would work. And comforted by that, he squeezed Balthier's hand again.]

Going to put it out there that if looking into antiques or acting doesn't work for you, you should consider writing your memoirs. Except make them more fantastical and sell them as fantasy novels. People would want to read them, Balthier. I would claim to want to read them too, but I think I prefer hearing them the way I am, little crumbs that can be gathered together to find the shape of you.

[Perhaps that was weird to say, but it was true. Then again, suggesting such a thing to Loki had only resulted in quite the fight, so he didn't press further on that direction.]

If, perchance, you hear rumors of that sort of tech with the Society, or someone planning for that, don't try and stop it alone, okay? Get word to me, and I'll make sure there are people to deal with it. There's a serious difference between living your life your own way and something like this Ba'Gamnan or your father. And I won't live in the shadow of people like that.

[He finally smiles again at Balthier and pulls him along. They have other stores to check out. He'd made a decision for himself, he was going to keep Balthier. Friend or whatever didn't matter. What David wanted was the showy man around him.]

So, I know it's a bit late into our work to be asking this, but how am I paying you back for this favor?