I felt the familiar tug of fishhooks, embedded in my essence, dragging me to earth where my summoner awaited. Black smoke choked the contours of the pentacle and ice crept along the floorboards.
I was contemplating what voice to use. I could use something seductive and intoxicating, deep and booming, soft and serene…choices, choices. In spite of my mental effort at something impressive, I did a double take and scowled to find myself in Ptolemy's form. Blighter.
"Who dares to summon I, Bartimaeus-Sakhr-Al-Jinni-"
"Bartimaeus-"
"Silver Winged Serpent-"
"Bartimaeus, it's me!"
I choked on the noble words as a soft, glowing voice interrupted me. I blinked, to make sure my eyesight wasn't deceiving me. I flicked through the planes. Just an ordinary human, on all planes, But not quite normal. Yep, there was definitely something weird with this one. When I had pushed my jaw back into place, I tried to speak, but no sound came.
"Bartimaeus, look-"
"Wait."
He closed his mouth, looking impatient nonetheless.
I couldn't speak, only study the beautiful face before me. He had changed, but his features remained as handsome and slender as ever. It must have been his aura. It shone the most magnificent gold, and it made him seem like an angel in jeans and a t-shirt. It was a sorrowful beauty, that it made me bite my lip and brow know as though in sadness, but still curious. Such a terrible, lamented curiosity. His eyes were dark brown as always, framed by thick dark lashes. The lips had that slight blood red tint as ever, and his face was flushed beautifully from the cold I'd created.
Finally, in a hushed voice, I spoke.
"Nathaniel?"