The audience was absolutely packed with soldiers and guards as Malicone nervously stepped out on stage. "Y-Your attention please..." Guards at the front of the crowd immediately began calling for him to leave the stage, so he quickly got to the point. "What you're about to see, is a dance of beautiful flowers that bloom in the desert. Dansez, s'il vous plait!" Stepping aside, the curtain raised up to reveal Kirche, Tiffa, Mon-Mon and Louise posing provocatively. The crowd went nuts and started cheering before the music even started.

Guiche and Malicone began playing instruments and the girls started to dance. Saito was busy handing out drinks to every soldier he could find. He was doing well, but Illococoo was having a much better time getting folks to drink as the men crowded around her. Kirche and Tiffa were the stand out dancers, Mon-Mon was even getting into it. Louise, however, was having some difficulty mimicking the moves considering her less than average proportions. Some of the men laughed at her attempt, even Saito had to chuckle at one point.

Following the dance, Saito walked onto stage. Louise remained as the other three walked off to hand out more drinks. "Ready?" He asked quietly. Louise grinned confidently, "Let's do it!" Beat for beat, they repeated the routine from the Exhibition. Saito cups his hands together and Louise jumps up, using them as a foothold to flip backwards through the air. She lands on her feet as Saito begins a reverse cartwheel himself. The crowd is hooked at the performance and starts watching intently at the acrobatics. Louise brought out a round drink tray as their target, throwing it into the air as Saito completes his cartwheel. He draws his knife and flicks it through the air at the tray. It comes down with Louise catching it in her left hand. She shows it off, the blade sticking dead center in the target. A burst of applause erupts from the audience as Louise tossed the knife back.

"For the next one, we'll need a bit of help!" Kirche walked back onstage to numerous whistles. Louise threw the tray frisbee style at the girl. Saito jumped against the stage wall. Using it as leverage, he flipped high into the air, throwing his knife downwards as the tray flew under him towards Kirche. The red headed mage caught the target, showing off the knife imbedded in the middle once again to thunderous clapping.

"Alright, I've got one more throw in me," Saito called out, retrieving the knife. "Who wants to see it?" Cheering went out again as Saito resumed his stance. Louise takes an apple from off stage and places it on her head. Kirche steps behind her, holding the final tray directly behind it. The crowd went deathly silent as Guiche played a drumroll. Saito brought up the knife and took aim, looking at Louise once more. She smiled back, mouthing to him, "I trust you."

Bringing his throwing arm back as far as he can, Saito throws his knife at top speed, imbedding into the tray and with the apple stuck between it and the handle. Louise is completely unharmed and Kirche shows off the target once more. Everyone busts into roaring applause as Louise and Saito meet at center stage, Kirche showing them off. Holding hands, they bow to the crowd before walking off to continued cheering.


"That was so amazingyou two!!" Kirche said in admiration. "I'm just glad we went over the act with you beforehand," Saito grinned. Louise was over the moon with the adulations she'd received. "You know, since we're both Peasants now, maybe we should take this knife act on the road!" She said, smiling broadly. "One thing at a time," Saito said, unsure if she was being serious. They did come here to do a job, after all.

"Has everyone received a drink?" Saito asked. "There's at least one left," Kirche replied, getting serious. "Baron Miscor, the man in charge here, had requested Louise come and personally be his drinking companion." The boy looked nervous at her remark, "Are you sure that's a good idea? Leaving those two alone could be dangerous." "It's alright, Saito," Louise replied, still riding high on the thrill of her act. "It's just chatting with him and pouring drinks, right? I can handle that much!" I can think of a few patrons at the Enchanted Fairy who'd beg to differ, Saito thought. "Alright, fine. But be careful." And he grabbed another bottle to serve.