Balthier caught Jote's look and gave her one back, just as intense. It wasn't that they'd ever start anything with Fran and Mjrn around, but it could happen. They'd already swapped harsh words at Garnet's ball. She disliked him, he disliked her. That was the simple fact of it and it was a silent yet mutual agreement never to fight in front of Jote's sisters.

Balthier reached to ruffle Vaan's hair lightly. "He can walk, of course. It isn't far." Sure, he said that, but if Vaan was too tired, he'd carry the boy. He'd missed their closeness.