Twelve be damned.
       Tobias tightens the muscles of his jaw with a slight grind of his teeth at the sound of another that enters the Gold Court. Unlike the Miqo'te, that enters, Tobias was very much alert to his surroundings despite having his eyes on Yloise.Â
       Tobias means no ill-will towards the new-comer, unless the new-comer meant him harm, which was obviously not the case. However, despite his belief that whoever was there was not a threat, he no longer has the luxury of taking chances. For one, the Miqo'te was out of his peripheral vision. Secondly, Tobias knows that if given the chance, Yloise would be half way across Thanalan if he were to dare peek over his shoulder. So now, the Hyur's hand was ever so slightly forced.
       Tobias keeps his center of his attention on Yloise's eyes the entire length of her staring at the gem before gazing into his stare. He does not lose peripheral sight of the gem, noting both of her hands holding out the prize she so fairly stole. The seconds that pass seem agonizingly long, but in his mind, thoughts process near instantly.
       Unknown by the fountain. Splashing? Splashing. Not far but enough to cause no concern. Unless she strikes. She can still strike during attempts to lay hands. It would land flush lest I block and evade, that leaves the gem exposed and vulnerable for her to take. The unknown could move in. Ignore them. She runs, I give chase. Handle them. She runs, I still give chase. Lest I...Twelve.
       Tobias first slides his right foot back to prepare to fall into a defensive stance if need be but makes little other movement save for his rising hand now. The right hand raises cautiously and slowly, until finally the tips of his fingers touch not upon the garnet, but instead cups and conforms to the curve of her hands as she cradles the precious gem. His touch as soft as the skin of his fingertips that splay over both of her hands, obviously a contrast to someone who was aiming to apprehend a criminal. For now. Then, just as carefully, he brings up his left hand to place upon the top of the gem this time. His piercing stare never loses sight of her gaze all the while.
       During the entire process that might seem like some kind of ritual to any passerby, Tobias hopes that she would not be so bold to interrupt his movements until his hands rest where they need to be. If everything went without a hitch, he would then issue orders for her to follow in a tone that was commanding yet surprisingly mellow.
       "Slip your hands from mine. Slowly. Then step away and retrieve your bag. Please." As he speaks, he delicately thumbs the top of her hand, yet the focus in dark eyes still evident to the task at hand.
       Tobias tightens the muscles of his jaw with a slight grind of his teeth at the sound of another that enters the Gold Court. Unlike the Miqo'te, that enters, Tobias was very much alert to his surroundings despite having his eyes on Yloise.Â
       Tobias means no ill-will towards the new-comer, unless the new-comer meant him harm, which was obviously not the case. However, despite his belief that whoever was there was not a threat, he no longer has the luxury of taking chances. For one, the Miqo'te was out of his peripheral vision. Secondly, Tobias knows that if given the chance, Yloise would be half way across Thanalan if he were to dare peek over his shoulder. So now, the Hyur's hand was ever so slightly forced.
       Tobias keeps his center of his attention on Yloise's eyes the entire length of her staring at the gem before gazing into his stare. He does not lose peripheral sight of the gem, noting both of her hands holding out the prize she so fairly stole. The seconds that pass seem agonizingly long, but in his mind, thoughts process near instantly.
       Unknown by the fountain. Splashing? Splashing. Not far but enough to cause no concern. Unless she strikes. She can still strike during attempts to lay hands. It would land flush lest I block and evade, that leaves the gem exposed and vulnerable for her to take. The unknown could move in. Ignore them. She runs, I give chase. Handle them. She runs, I still give chase. Lest I...Twelve.
       Tobias first slides his right foot back to prepare to fall into a defensive stance if need be but makes little other movement save for his rising hand now. The right hand raises cautiously and slowly, until finally the tips of his fingers touch not upon the garnet, but instead cups and conforms to the curve of her hands as she cradles the precious gem. His touch as soft as the skin of his fingertips that splay over both of her hands, obviously a contrast to someone who was aiming to apprehend a criminal. For now. Then, just as carefully, he brings up his left hand to place upon the top of the gem this time. His piercing stare never loses sight of her gaze all the while.
       During the entire process that might seem like some kind of ritual to any passerby, Tobias hopes that she would not be so bold to interrupt his movements until his hands rest where they need to be. If everything went without a hitch, he would then issue orders for her to follow in a tone that was commanding yet surprisingly mellow.
       "Slip your hands from mine. Slowly. Then step away and retrieve your bag. Please." As he speaks, he delicately thumbs the top of her hand, yet the focus in dark eyes still evident to the task at hand.
