Eclipsed in Transit || Prof. Ceiba & Steven
A bashful, appreciative smile overcame his features as she appeared to have heard of him elsewhere, the man mildly caught off guard by her display of appreciation due to the fact that he had slightly fell off the radar since he had taken a hiatus from his reign as champion to pursue further areas of research. Perhaps then, she recognized his name from the articles and findings he had listed in various publications? No matter the case, having his work appreciated in such a manner always rendered him rather abashed, Steven always being on the humble end of famous figures, never quite able to comprehend what was so outstanding about pursuing his passions but being flattered all the same. He was certainly the kind of person to consider himself no better than a child that had just received their first Pokemon, and so therefore when she clasped her smaller hands within his calloused ones his eyes widened momentarily, a faint pink rising to his cheeks as he released a small, vaguely nervous chuckle.
"I’m truly flattered that you appreciate my work, Professor," he began, the Aron on his shoulder leaning forward ever so slightly to lift its steel snout at the woman, as if curiously sizing up the person who had caught its trainer’s attention. "It’s as great an honor for me that such a reputable researcher as yourself takes interest in my findings, I assure you," he continued with a cordial smile, his hand fondly grazing the smooth, cool head of the tiny steel type before he caught sight of the roaming dining cart in his peripheral. Turning to the woman guiding it, he voiced sincere thanks before retrieving a steaming cup of invigorating black tea, the scent of the liquid filling his senses and drawing him forth from whatever grogginess may have remained from his early day.
He smiled once again at the brunette as she inquired about his planned destination, the man raising a finger in pardon before he answered. With a polite “Excuse me for a moment”, he strolled casually back to his own seat, retrieving his belongings before making his way back to the booth the professor occupied.
Sitting down in the empty seat beside her, he arranged the materials neatly beneath the chair, the steel type apparently deciding that it had more adventurous matters to tend to than listening to yet another impending conversation about stones as it leaped off of his shoulder and began a descent down the side of the seat.
"I hope you don’t mind me sitting here, but I’m sure you know how rare it is to come across someone with such similar interests," he explained, eyes shining with an enthusiasm akin to her own. "I’d regret not taking advantage of the opportunity. Anyway, I’m planning on heading toward the Dragonspiral Tower, located to the northeast of the Unova region. Ever since…a few years back, questions surrounding various artifacts and how they’re tied to ancient legends and titans haven’t left my mind," he explained, his tone almost a murmur as his eyes briefly appeared distant, as if recalling haunting memories.
"I hope that, in researching the lore surrounding Unova, I can solidify my conclusions about legends worldwide. I believe they’re all tied irrevocably to each other, and that perhaps in understanding as many as possible, I can assist in preventing further disaster or temperance with the world’s natural balance. Similarities do not exist due to mere chance, after all. The more subjects to be studied, the more reliable the research. But I’m sure you’re aware of that, Professor," he concluded, smiling kindly with a certain respect present in his blue gaze.
"And where might you be headed? I’d love to know if it’s something to do with a new project or thesis of yours," he said, turning slightly toward her, his interest so apparent it was as if he were a child anticipating some sort of story. Though, knowing Steven, it was most likely he was more enthralled than that, his blue gaze shining with full, rapt attention, though he sat stately, one leg folded over the other as his tea-occupied hands were placed neatly on his lap, as if a child thirsty for new adventures was trapped within his gentlemanly form.
Steven found a seat beside her, to Ceiba's bliss. The professor was hoping that she hadn't scared him off; as it turned out, it appeared to be the complete opposite. It was refreshing to hear of him talking about his work and appreciation of the same sorts of subjects. Even if her work was primarily centered around astronomical materials and hypotheses, terrestrial discoveries aided vastly in her research. As she saw it, space wasn't the last frontier at all - there were plenty mysteries scattered around the globe that had yet to be brought into the light. She was eager to experience each and every one of them.
The man's little Aron scurried off, and Ceiba giggled in delight as she examined its adorable mannerisms. She had only seen similar Pokemon while journeying through Hoenn, as a part of her field study during her days as a student in Castelia. Steven was interested in Steel-type, from what she understood, one of the most uncommon and perplexing of the Pokemon types. It wasn't any wonder that, sitting next to the once-Champion of Ever Grande City, the woman found herself to be a little starstruck. It wasn't time to show it, however, and so the professor refrained from diverting her attention anywhere other than what the gentleman was speaking about.
She listened intently to Steven, as he continued to delve into his current endeavors. His passion was, without a doubt, contagious; she began to feel a rising in her gut to kick it up a notch in her own studies, even though she'd been making little progress as of late. Perhaps it could be attributed to a funk she was in, or perhaps she momentarily lost sight of what she was trying to accomplish. Either way, Steven peaked her interest in subjects she had yet to examine.
"This tower, in Unova," Cecilia spoke, softly, straining to gather her thoughts in a cohesive manner. "I've heard of it several times, but have yet to set foot there. It is most certainly on my bucket list - you are a very brave soul, as I hear it is quite dangerous." The professor understood what the pursuit of knowledge would do to one so thirsty - things such as vices and limitations became irrelevant when someone was bent on succeeding in any given expedition. This was yet another similarity between the two.
Without a doubt, Ceiba was certain that the tower held many secrets that could potentially aid the professor in furthering her research. The thoughts of that unknown expanse of history, a history so rich in lore, made her lose all sight on reality for a few moments.
Eyes glistening in wonder, Cecilia's head sunk from the clouds and landed back on earth the second Steven inquired about her own journey. He looked over at her eagerly, curiosity lingering behind his eyes. It was then that the professor realized she had no where on her current agenda to stop. Up until that moment, Cecilia was nothing more than a drifter, simply happy to have concluded her presentation at Nimbasa an hour or so prior. However, she was against disappointing Steven. If anything - and as per usual - the girl was full of more questions than answers.
"Unova is such an interesting region, I must say," she delivered a small grin, hoping to continue their discussion with ease. "There is still so much to be observed here - I was planning on venturing out into the territories I've yet to explore, but lately, I've been so aimless. I've no had rhyme nor reason to travel. If anything, I've succumbed to the cycle of presenting old materials to an uninterested public." Cecilia sighed, before perking right up. "Although, if I hadn't visited Nimbasa today, this encounter might have never happened." She smiled once more, beaming with appreciation for the man, who - without a second thought - was an inspiration, in and of himself.
