[colour=#C0C0C0][h2]Nathaniel Stormlight [/h2][/colour]
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[colour=#C0C0C0] Location:[/colour] Eye of the Eye of the Beholder.
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Nestled at a quaint table in the heart of the Eye of the Beholder, Nathaniel took a moment to absorb the warm ambience enveloping the inn. Flickering candlelight danced in the lanterns lining the walls, casting playful shadows that mingled with the vibrant glow of the crackling fireplace, where logs snapped and popped, sending tiny sparks into the air. A brisk morning chill still lingered, causing a few patrons to huddle closer to their cups, their breath visible in white puffs as they engaged in hushed conversations.

He had expected to find the innkeeper, a serpentine being with a single eye, deftly orchestrating the staff, but the peculiar creature was absent, likely attending to important matters somewhere in the bustling heart of Dawnhaven.

As Nathaniel examined the faces around him, he recognized several from the previous day. Their eyes briefly met him before they instinctively dropped their gaze, an uneasy silence accompanying their shifty glances. 

His plate, adorned with crispy strips of bacon, plump sausages, and slices of toast slathered in melted butter, beckoned him. Unbeknownst to him, breakfast at the inn was typically self-cooked; however, he counted his lucky stars for the skills honed during his youth. His childhood escapades had led him to the kitchens of his family estate, where he often shadowed the skilled cooks, eagerly learning to create simple yet satisfying meals. He chuckled at the memory of a fondly remembered afternoon spent toiling over a stove, only to be met with his mother’s scalding reprimand when she discovered the kitchen was in disarray, the chefs equally chastised for allowing it to happen.

With a swift slice of his knife, he cut into a sausage, steam curling invitingly from its centre. He allowed a piece to linger on his palate, savouring the rich flavours of his breakfast and washing it down with a sip from his steaming mug. His thoughts drifted along with the steam curling into the air, revisiting his extensive research on the blight alongside Eris in the Alchemy Chambers and the imminent expedition that would soon take him deeper into the heart of the mystery. 

Suddenly, a sharp twinge of pain lashed through his stomach, causing his spine to stiffen as if a breath had been caught in his throat. He exhaled deeply, a wave of nausea washing over him, gnawing at his enthusiasm. Thinking of Isabelle.

With a resigned sigh, he nudged his plate aside, the untouched food whisked away by a diligent server. He finished his last few sips of tea, the warmth curling through him as he emptied the mug, glancing up to offer a polite smile. [colour=#C0C0C0] "Apologies, I just lost my appetite.”[/colour] he murmured. The worker flashed a warm smile in reply. "Not a problem at all," they said cheerfully, their voice crisp and reassuring as they disappeared behind the counter.

Pushing back his chair, Nathaniel stood with a newfound resolve. His day lay ahead, meticulously planned. He would need to report to the Prince regarding the fate of the other sages who had journeyed with him, ensuring their families understood the gravity of their loss. Just as he mentally organized the details, a voice sliced through his contemplations, unfamiliar yet tinged with a sense of authority. 

He turned to see a woman approaching, someone he thought he recognized. It was Persephone-- or at least he believed it was. Accompanying her was a striking man with silver hair and an imposing presence; his very demeanour radiated significance. But it wasn't the two of them who captured Nathaniel's attention; his eyes widened as they fell upon another figure preparing to depart the Blight-born. Her snow-white hair shimmered like moonlight, and for a heartbeat, he almost mistook her for the other pale-haired woman residing in the inn, the one often accompanied by a feline companion.

Eris had hinted at the process Blight-borns underwent to gain residency here, which included interviews with Flynn. Drawing a deep breath, Nathaniel approached her, clearing his throat as he prepared to address this fascinating individual. [colour=#C0C0C0]"Pardon me for being intrusive and prying. But I heard that you mentioned being a Sage."[/colour]

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Mentions/ interactions.

Sya, Lord and Lady Coswain [@PrinceAlexus] 
Eris, Flynn [@The Muse] 
Aurora [@BlackRoseSiren]
Nesna [@enmuni]