Penelo softly hummed a tune as she got dressed in the waitress uniform, her hair perfectly straightened. She was inside the palace, preparing to 'help' serve the royals for their dinner. Vaan was helping Migelo, safe at home.

She grabbed the silver tray and put on a fake smile, walking out. She kept her posture and smile perfect while serving food. Of course, she slipped some silverware into her pockets.

When time lulled between dinner and dessert, she took the opening and slipped free. She smiled politely at the guards and turned a corner, slipping through the hidden passage. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail, her smile faltering.

She slipped the stone out her pocket and looked over it, padding down the stairs quickly. She wouldn't be noticed missing from the staff. Besides, once she got that treasure, she'd be set for life with more to spare.

She easily snuck past the guards and solved the puzzle, slipping into the hidden doorway. The door sealed shut behind her and she walked forward, glancing over the gold. As tempting as it was to fill her pockets, she had more important treasure to collect.

She walked past it all, staring up at the statue. She let out a small cheer, pumping her fist. She grinned widely and reached up on her toes, plucking the stone from the statue.

Humming happily, she turned around before softly squeaking when she bumped into a chest, the stone slipping from her hand. The man caught it and smirked as he stepped back. "Well, well, what do we have here? A thief, it seems."

Penelo quickly snatched it back, glaring up at the handsome man. "That's mine! I stole it first!"

He grasped her wrist and pulled her close. "Perhaps I should steal you away, then?"

She gasped and his Viera friend stiffened, her ears twisting as metal armor clanged from moving quickly. "Our time is running thin, Balthier."

Balthier nodded, looking back as the hidden door began to open. "Let's not dally, thief, and a move on, shall we?"

Penelo huffed as he pulled her off, pocketing her stone in her pocket. "Hey! I'm not some girl you an just kidnap."

The Viera followed close after them. "It's either us or them, now let's go."