Hearing the Strahl referred to as home makes her want to cry all over again. It sickens her to think it, but she had given up hope that she would ever have the chance to see his airship again, much less go back to it being home. As much as she does, there isn't time to dwell on how she regrets not taking hold of his hand. The imposing shape of Piaget halting their progress fills her with dread, and, when he speaks up Aerith can feel herself shaking.

The way Balthier changes - his rage evident in the way he levels his pistol and the firm ire of his voice - is unlike anything she's ever seen before. She wants to believe in him, and she feels like a fool for relinquishing that in the dingy little cell she's been locked in.

He isn't the only one who balks at hearing her captivity referred to as dignified, and she glares at Piaget from over Balthier's shoulder.

"I don't think there was anything dignified about the way you treated me!" Her hands ball into fists even as she trembles, wishing the knife Balthier had given her was still on her person.