He didn't have to worry about tempting fate. It had its own way of finding him. He'd just rather keep it from meddling for as long as he possibly could.

Balthier nodded. "As well as a place to take flight in," he added, gaze sliding toward the window. The painted sun had moved lower in the sky. His mood sank. He wasn't sure just how much time had passed, but he did know that Fran hadn't returned yet, which bothered him. She should have been back back by now.

"I don't think I ever asked you how long you've been here," Balthier continued, attempting to forcibly tear himself from the problem. But he couldn't stop himself from glancing out the window every few seconds to see if she was coming.