Interlude: The Job

They arrived at the Galanel mansion, trying to blend in with the party. The crowd was mostly made up of high elves, but there were a mix of humans and wood elves too.

The entrance was typical of a mansion; a huge staircase that curved either side with a balcony at the top, from which Jibrash Galanel-the most powerful elf in Jocia-looked down. He wore a lavish red robe that was baggy on both sleeves, but tight around the waist and chest. His hair was white, his eyes a hint of red. He locked eyes with Saskia for a moment as she entered, his stare too powerful for her to maintain.

The group mingled for a short while in the entrance before being escorted to the grand ballroom.

The atmosphere was thick with tension as Saskia and Rilitar entered, filled with nobles and high-ranking elves, their eyes glittering with greed and ambition. The scent of wine and the clinking of cutlery on porcelain surrounded them. She gripped Rilitar's hand tightly, trying to console herself in the warmth of his touch.

Carlos had given them their assignments, and they had to be prepared. Rodrigo was to distract the guests near the main table, while Saskia and Evalina would slip away to look for the scroll. She didn’t know much about said scroll, only that it would be written in an ancient language of glyphs that she’d recognise.

Leon would stand by the entrance, ready to signal the team once Rodrigo had created enough chaos to allow them to make their move.

They moved through the crowd. Saskia and Rilitar were dressed in the finest attire, blending into the crowd as they made their way towards the main table. Her dress wasn’t too revealing; she didn’t want to draw too much attention. The room was filled with the chatter of elven nobles, the clinking of crystal glasses, and the soft strains of a heavenly harp that seemed to float in the air.

She glanced at Rilitar, seeing the same uncertainty in his eyes. They had prepared for this moment, trained for it, but there was something different about this job. It was as if the stakes were higher, the dangers more imminent.

Soon, they were standing near the main table, surrounded by the high-ranking elves. Rilitar started chatting with one of the nobles, his elven charm at full display, while Saskia stood by, trying to look like she belonged. She couldn’t help but feel awkward.

Not long after, Rodrigo signalled the start of their plan.

A burst of loud music and a sudden shimmer of light dropped from the high ceiling, drawing everyone's attention to the commotion. Amidst the chaos, Rodrigo's voice rose above it all, casting a spell that created a smokescreen.

Saskia and Evalina saw their cue and swiftly made their way through the haze, navigating the tables and guests. They weaved through the crowd unseen.

They made it down a few flights of stairs without being seen.

At the end of a corridor, they reached a locked door.

Evalina expertly picked the lock, and they slipped into the dimly lit room, their eyes adjusting to the darkness. The air was filled with the musty smell of old books and papers.

Saskia and Evalina split up, each taking a corner of the room to search for the treasure. Rilitar soon arrived behind them, making Saskia jump at first.

As the two thieves searched, they came across a cabinet filled with old scrolls and tomes, the dusty titles catching the dim light from the nearby window.

Saskia's heart raced as she picked up a scroll, the parchment delicate and brittle under her fingers. She could feel the power emanating from the object, her instincts screaming that this was the scroll. The glyphs looked right.

"Evalina, I think I've found it," she whispered urgently.

Evalina glanced up from the shelves, her brows furrowing in concern. "Are you sure? It's not enchanted?" she asked, her voice low and tense.

Saskia nodded, holding the ancient scroll tightly in her hands. "I can feel it. It's the real thing."

Rilitar stepped forward, his eyes scanning the room. "We need to be careful," he whispered, his voice filled with caution. "There's no telling what kind of magic might be lurking in this place."

Evalina agreed, her gaze darting around the room. "We should get out of here," she said with urgency, her voice barely audible.

Saskia swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. "You're right. Let's go."

Together, they made their way back through the dimly lit corridor, their hearts racing with nerves.