[ Balthier turns his head away as his companion so clearly puts that together. Surely there are other entertainments for the man, but to have gotten the jump on him then he had to have put real work into the effort. He still doesn’t know how it had happened, and that’s the part that frustrates him most of all.

He’d been so damn careful, and yet— ]

I don’t think it’s occurred to him, but we’ve upped the ante of late. Best to mind our step. [ In truth, Fran has never been much of a concern. Jack would pull back a stump were he to try to lay a hand upon her, after all, but not everyone he knew managed to be so dangerous and canny as a viera. ] Ah— and we’re coming upon our temporary residence now. Let’s talk more when we’re to my room, mm? Too many sharp ears.

[ There’s a distinct shift to the way he carries himself, warier now as he leads the way into the inn to head up to his room. It’s subtle, enough so that the inn staff he idly offers a lazy wave here or there to as they pass don’t seem to notice the chance in his demeanor. It’s always best to maintain the best face one can for the locals, after all. ]