Caleb doesn't miss that assumption, and finds it deeply encouraging. They have already agreed to study the Folding Halls together, but Caleb would very much like more time like this with Yussa, beyond their research. His blue eyes spark with quiet amusement as he agrees, "My memory is very good. It will be as though you were there yourself."

That continuing to vex the Concord is far more important to Yussa than any price they could offer him only serves to increase his esteem in Caleb's eyes, and he finds himself feeling dangerously fond of a man he barely knows. As Yussa continues, voice lowering as he sinks a little into his reminiscing, Caleb's quiet smile remains, but his amusement turns to thoughtful contemplation and cautious curiosity.

"You implied, early in our acquaintance, that you once were in the position I am now, traveling with a group of adventurers as their wizard." He'd said other things as well. Some things that had frightened Caleb at the time, and others he now knows to be true. The advice was so specific that he clearly spoke from personal experience.

Caleb finds himself leaning closer to the other man, just as fraction, as he wets his lips with another sip of wine. "Is that the life you were looking to retire from?"