[Kratos is slower out of the crowd, being much bigger and of the subject of attention, and perhaps some deliberate deterrent. He tries not to hurt anyone on his way out, but of all the things he has on him to lose, the locket is the one he will not. Even if it means a few people wind up on the ground.

[Once he's free of the crowd he can speed up, and does; but before he even reaches the corner he recognises the mana signature on the end, the particular sweep of an unfamiliar staff and the flick of white hair.

[Kratos doesn't give himself time to be surprised. The thief is already on the ground and rolling away from Raine; in two more quick steps Kratos is there, his foot coming down between the thief's shoulders to pin them down before they rise. He immediately regrets it; they cry out and they sound young. Kratos pulls back his foot like it was burned; but then he stoops to pull them to their feet, slightly more gently.]