It was difficult to pry my eyes open. That was one of the best nights of sleep I had ever had, no doubt because I had so thoroughly worn myself out the day before. Nevertheless, I knew that my uncomfortably full bladder wasn't going to hold out for much longer. I moaned quietly into my pillow, in protest, but I sprang up off my sleeping mat and hurried outside. I ran, or skipped, in a rather unladylike fashion to the nearby by bathroom to relieve myself. As I stepped out again, I realized Balthier hadn't been in the hut and as now looked around, I couldn't spot him. This wasn't entirely unlike him, but he usually told me when he was going to be off somewhere in the morning. I shrugged dismissively. He always had his own ideas about courtesy.
I walked more leisurely back to the hut, stretching my sore arms above my head. Some bread rolls were left on a small wooden table, which I assumed was my breakfast. I eagerly snatched at one and tore a large chunk off with my mouth. As I contentedly munched on my breakfast, I sat down cross legged on the floor to wait for Balthier. I was on my third roll when the flap to the tent was flung open and sunlight burst into the room. Balthier was silhouetted in the doorway for a moment, and then the flap was closed and we were left again in the dim light. He sighed as he looked at me.
"Meera, those rolls were for both of us. You appear to have eaten three out of the four," he said.
I shrugged again and continued eating.
"I thought you'd eaten already. Besides, you and I are both intimately familiar with the sacred rule of "first come, first serve". I was just doing my thieving duty upholding it," I said.
Balthier sat down next to me, letting out an exasperated sigh. He reached for the last roll.
"Fair enough. I doubt I'd want the rolls now anyway, as they're likely in a slightly less appetizing state now."
I stuck my tongue out at him, which was full of chewed up bread, to prove his point for him.
"Thank you. The visual aid was most helpful."
I swallowed the mess and smiled at him.
"So, where were you this morning?"
Balthier took a bite out of his roll, "Business," he said between mouthfuls.
I rolled my eyes at him.
"Roll your eyes all you want, this business is excellent. Magnificent, even. This next job and its pay out will more than double our last."
"We have barely had time to recover from our last escapade. You already have another job lined up?" I said.
"Well, yes. When a job this good presents itself, I can hardly turn it down. What kind of self respecting thief would I be?" He took another bite.
"Balthier, I would pay our entire stash of gil to see a respecting and respectful thief. What is it this time? Another government building? Another Judge?"
"No, it's not another Judge, though I don't think I'd ever get tired of those jobs. Apparently, this next one is merely an extremely lucky, and wealthy, nobleman. The job is rather pressing, which is why I couldn't wait to discuss it with you before accepting it."
"If I had said no, I hardly think it would have made a difference," I mumbled.
He popped the last bit of bread into his mouth and smirked again.
"I hold your opinion in the highest esteem, except of course when its wrong, as it mostly is," he said and I scowled at him. "In any event, we need to set out as soon as it is possible. As I said, there isn't time to dawdle."
"Who even gave you this job? Not one of the Garifs?"
"No, it was the businessman from yesterday. He mentioned I should meet him this morning and discuss with him another prospect. The price for the information about the job was a bit incredible, but it's well worth the expected pay out."
"How can you be sure of any of this? What if we get stuck with nothing, or worse, a nice pair of iron bracelets on our wrists, the kind that only a key can open?"
"I trust this man and I trust his information, however greedy that bastard may be. Besides, we could use the money," he said as he glanced sideways at me.
"Use what money? I believe we're richer than half of Ivalice," I said. He continued to look bashfully at me.
"Oooh, for the airship. I see. My gods, Balthier, you won't stop until you get it, will you? Why can't we just steal one?"
"Any airship worthy having would be one that would be easily recognizable. If I were to steal one, the authorities would have little trouble in spotting the airship, either in the sky or at port, and then we would be in fair amount of trouble."
"We are never out of trouble. Well, continue dreaming about this airship and tell me where this next job is" I asked.
"Archades," he said and looked at me warily.
"Archades?! Balthier, could you have picked further location? How do you suppose we get there in a hurry? Chocobos will hardly make the cut this time."
"Don't worry, we just have to walk to Rabanstre. Then we will take an airship to Archades."
"Balthier, don't by offended, but that is one hell of a stupid idea. In case you don't remember, Rabanstre is where we so recently came into some money, in a rather illegal way. Do you not think every official is going to be looking for us there? We won't be able to show our face for at least a month, maybe more. We will not be able to get through the gates, let alone board an airship."
"Meera, how many times do I have to explain to you that all of my plans are brilliant? We will get through Rabanstre's gaits without a hitch and we'll board an airship without gaining any unwanted attention. Though, I do anticipate we'll gain some attention."
"I have no idea what you're planning and I don't at all like that wicked grin, but you have got some brains up there, I'll admit, though devilishly twisted. What do you have in mind?"
"Well, it goes like this…"