Penelo consented to Balthier's direction, without arguing. Unusual for her to take things quite so meekly, but sure enough, she followed him to the inn, grateful beyond belief for the respite from the cold. A desert dweller had no business living in a place that experienced true winter.

What she didn't do is wait until they were well indoors, or even settled to talk. "Vaan's gone," she offered by way of explanation. Not that it nearly covered the full spectrum of what was troubling her. But it certainly felt like the final pebble that broke the chocobo's back.