Balthier likewise to Lethodus took the opportunity to turn away from his professional rival, business with him could wait, he wished to see as well which other Hunters had received word to come here.

The Hunter Carlo Battio had been the first to reach them, a native Revossan and career soldier, though nowhere near as overbearing as the Knight Lethodus who was known for his ability and his joviality. He got along with the Hunter, though they hadn't had many opportunities to work together professionally. He inclined his hat as he addressed Carlo's comment.

"Long, but the road always leads one to cross paths again eventually."

The younger Huntress Yin Liu was an enigma to Balthier, he knew so little about her other than that she had made a name for herself as a "Fire dancer", as he was busy travelling most of the time and hadn't really been acquainted with her, much like Carlo, but she seemed nice enough, so he gave her a casual greeting. Her companion, the banished Hunter Asychis Nefer whom had now apparently become a monk was another story. Though he was prone to travelling a lot and didn't hear much of the internal actions within the House of Fire, he had heard of Nefer's banishment, as the cause of it had travelled with the wind. He didn't begrudge Nefer his decision, Balthier knew that if it would do any good, he would have done the same to get vengeance on the crimes the Lornitines had exhibited upon his own family and people. What he did begrudge was how Nefer had done it, the man had let his rage consume him, and turned the powers the Order had given him upon beings who were not Undead, a grave offence. But then, perhaps the Monks dealt with that as well judging by his current demeanour, and Gods knew that if Lethodus spoke truly, they'd need all the help they could get. Thus, Balthier decided to be cordial with the former Hunter, he didn't even bother looking at the letter, Lethodus would know if it was a forgery.

"Nonsense, I'd say even if Master Lydic hadn't requested your presence, it'd still be welcome. I'll leave it to Lethodus to explain since I don't fully know myself, but matters may very well have lent towards us asking for your assistance regardless."

Hunter Xho Sulune's appearance was a welcome sight, he and Xho had crossed passed several times on the road and had worked together a few times on occasion, they got along quite well. They had shared life experiences despite their drastically different origins which lent themselves well to make them a good pair when they did meet. He replied to Xho's remark as they started walking into the palace.

"Honestly, fairly rough lately, though the road giveth and taketh away as you well know, and I was rewarded in equal measure to the challenge I was posed just recently. I'll tell you later." 

Speaking of which, that "reward" might as well have been burning a hole in his coat pocket, but Balthier refused to talk about until Lethodus had outlined the situation. No point in getting ahead of themselves, or stealing away his thunder. That'd likely just make him more pissed than he was likely to be anyway.

[@Argetlam350][@Cubix][@Aristo][@Rekaigan]