"Of course you are, my dear boy," Cid replied, patting his head. Balthier huffed slightly, only to snatch a book from the table.

"All you ever do is work. Must you, father? I have finished my studies for the day... I had hoped we may play a game..." He spoke as he pondered the book, grinning at his father over his shoulder.

A nod from Cid came. "A game it is. What would you like to play, Ffamran?" His voice was so gentle, so fatherly. A bright smile remained on Balthier's young face.

"I want to pla--" He cut himself off as his father vanished, along with the book in his hands. Bringing an empty palm up to his face, Balthier sighed into it before turning to look at Sephiroth and Laguna. "I don't suppose you were both selectively deaf to that little display?"