18+ Private Redchron The World's Greatest Lovers vs. The World's Greatest...Egg?!

Devi · Mar 29, 2023

A few days back, while they were still in Stokbon, Devi was woken up by a knock at their door. She groaned, as she tried to ignore it, rolling instead to her side on the bed, as the sheet covering her and the sleeping @Aika was cast aside by her brutish actions. For a few seconds, the knocking stopped, as if the morning's unwelcomed guest had immediately gotten the memo. The sleeping Devi grinned. More rest for the wicked.

Alas, it was not meant to be! The knocking suddenly continued again, and as Devi scowled in active persistence, a voice called out from behind their door: "You've got m-m-mail, buddy!" Furious at the audacity of the messenger, Devi threw the sheets back, off of her exhausted body, and stomped her way to the door, forcefully opening it with a scowl but with zero clothes on. The messenger's eyes grew wide as he realized before him towered a raging barbarian. Gulping, he warily handed her the sealed parchment, and once Devi took it, bolted straight out of there. "I'm so sorry I was just doing my job please don't murder me I have kids nice abs though again I'm so sorry bye see you later"

Devi simply groaned, took the sealed parchment inside, and locked the door behind her. Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, she ripped the damned thing open, not in the mood to be ever so careful and ever so graceful at the moment. She let out a yawn as she read the contents of the missive:

Mail

Meet me in my office on Third Street as soon as you can. I am begging your help in a delicate matter whose importance cannot be overstated. I shall await the pair of you, Lovers.

Signed,
Professor Jonas Indie
Arcian Archeology Association

"What in blazes is a Jonas Indie?!"

Devi scowled, raising an eyebrow as she turned to Aika. She held the letter out to the sultry seductress, knowing full well that if anyone in this room was to immediately raise any suspicions, it would be her. Besides, Devi knew no one named like a terrible default character. Was it an NPC? Was it one of Aika's old bosses? She herself hasn't worked for any of those big brains at the Association. Who was that guy?

Aika · Mar 29, 2023

Hm? Aika let out a calm yawn as she stretched her limbs upward, slowly lifting herself to a sitting position. What remained of the sheets on her body were completely ignored, with gravity taking them off her. Blinking a few more times, just to make sure she was seeing what she was seeing, Aika then chuckled at her partner-in-crime.

"My, my! Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Pray tell, you didn't scare the messenger, did you?"

Aika's eyes looked @Devi over, emphasizing that she wasn't...well-dressed to have received such a stranger in such a situation. Maybe if they had known each other well. Maybe if they were of the same mind. Alas, the messenger must have been spooked, if not only to have such an intimidating but attractive body towering over them with such disdain. There were those who would like that, but often not in such contexts.

Extending her hand out, Aika received the same letter from Devi and quickly read it. She was also confused at first, as she had no idea who or what a Jonas Indie was, but the fact that it came from such a prestigious institution, the Arcian Archeology Association, made her salivate in her head. That would mean they had a pass to enter the town of Redford, a place no one outside of those nerds ever could. That should be a great opportunity...for stuff.

"Well, there's only one way to find out, isn't there? Pack your bags, sweetie! We're going to Redford!"

There was a reason why the large town of Redford was heavily fortified and accessible only to members of the Arcian Archeology Association...and of course those associated with them. The town was, after all, considered the capital of the archeological world. It had within it various museums and an incredible artifact market, places Aika would love to visit for herself. All those treasures... Even the architecture of the town is splattered with gold. My kind of place!

Devi · Apr 1, 2023

And now, they were there, in Redford, at the office of Professor Jonas Indie of the Arcian Archeology Association on Third Street. It was hell to enter, the town, and Devi almost came to blows with its security. It was bad enough that she didn't know who the eff the Professor was but to be told to meet a stranger in a town secured to the butt? That did not sit well with one-half of the World's Greatest Lovers . Fortunately for her, @Aika was the other half.

The Professor's office was, as expected, quiet and plush, clearly, an establishment that catered to one of Redford's many academics and intellectuals. Beside is was a museum, though Devi didn't care much about it. Museums weren't her thing. Plenty of stuff in museums didn't belong there. Many of those who initially owned those things were slaughtered just so those same things could be displaced in a soulless building. Definitely not Devi's cup of tea.

When they first entered the office, soft light revealed mahogany furniture and luxurious carpets. What seemed like a genteel patron murmured something to the Professor before they left the premises at the sight of the Lovers. The same Professor gestured for them to sit, apologizing for not meeting them himself. There were lines of worry etched into his face, though Devi wondered if that was just normal for the intrepid explorer.

"Thank you for coming as soon as you could," Indie said as he joined them. "Let me get straight to the point: A few weeks ago, I attended a dig near the Sand Abscess that unearthed a furrowed, light-purple stone. I'll give you all the details, but the bottom line is that it isn't a stone at all—it's the egg of what I believe is an eldritch horror. Moreover, my research indicates that it'll hatch at midnight tonight, during the full moon."

"Huh," Devi frowned at the information. "So if we didn't come, you'd have been screwed? Why don't you big brains just destroy the egg? What do you need us for?"

"Yeah... Trouble is, no one will listen to me. My colleagues ignored me, and I was caught trying to steal the egg from the museum so I could contain it. Now I've been fired, the Purple Egg display at the museum opens tomorrow, and it's about to hatch," Indie shook his head, heaving a sigh of exhaustion. He had his legs crossed in front of him, massaging his temples due to stress. "You've got to steal the Purple Egg and bring it back so I can save the town!"

Devi raised an eyebrow, turning to Aika. She had expected a dangerous fight, a battle involving numerous warriors, but a job where they had to steal an effin' egg from a bunch of big brains? That did not sound like the kind of fun she wanted to have. But it did sound like it would pay a lot of money. She crossed her arms, curious as to what her partner-in-crime would have to say.

Aika · Apr 5, 2023

Aika had already anticipated the stringent security measures of the town of Redford. Still, she tried to just get by with her charms, seducing the guards with her feminine ways. She almost had them around her pinky until a female guard came to check on them with such deliciously narrow eyes full of skepticism and suspicion. For her, Aika had a ready gift: The letter from Professor Jonas Indie. The rest was...history.

"Say we agree to take this job, how do you propose we do it? Surely, you'd have thought about the stringent security measures in this place, and I assume the museum would have more of the same?"

The Professor's eyes shifted from @Devi to Aika, and for a split-second, he became obvious in liking what he was seeing, though he quickly regained his composure with a feigned cough. To that, Aika's lips curled into a playful smirk as she exchanged glances with her partner-in-crime. The Professor wasn't privy to that exchange, however, and continued his spiel, "Of course, but I suggest you both reconnoiter the museum in search of security measures, so you can be more familiar with them firsthand instead of just relying on what I have to say, then you'll, of course, need to steal the Purple Egg at the most opportune time before delivering it to me. I'll wait for you in the alley between the museum and my office."

As Aika exchanged glances with Devi yet again, the Professor got up from his seat, walked to his desk, and retrieved a strange box, which was seemingly made of crystals. "At this point, the only way to keep the egg from hatching is to encase it in this specially prepared crystal container," the Professor continued as he showed them the box. "I created this crystal box for this specific purpose. Unfortunately, I still need to seal cracks in the crystal, so you can't take it with you on the heist."

Although she began to talk, Aika's eyes remained on the expensive-looking box, clearly enamored with it, as if it were the flame to her moth.

"Let me guess, since whatever hatches from this egg is an extremely dangerous creature, we best not damage it, right? What if we destroy it instead?"

It sounded like such a great plan to Aika. If the idea was to keep the egg from hatching, then destroying it would fulfill the purpose without the need for more shenanigans. Devi can easily just crush it with her thighs. Alas, the Professor shook his head fervently and admonished her idea, "No, no, no! The egg cannot be damaged or destroyed. Unearthing the egg has already triggered the rapid development of the creature within, which will soon be ready to hatch, and my occult sources have indicated that safely containing it is the only way we can save the town."

Hm. Aika frowned. Something did not sit well with her. She felt that something was a bit off with this whole thing. Then again, it was probably just the Professor's frantic, stressed vibe that was messing with her own vibe.

Leaning back into her seat with a finger gracefully pressed against her left cheek, she turned to Devi with such deliciously narrow eyes full of skepticism and suspicion. What are you thinking in that beautiful mind of yours, partner?

Devi · Apr 9, 2023

Devi heaved an audible sigh of disappointment. Well, there goes my plan of just smashing the stupid egg with my bare hands... What even was the word ~~reconnoter~~ ~~reconoetur~~ recon... Oh, recon. Yeah, that one I know. The berserking burninator leaned forward on her seat, her eyebrows furrowed, as if she was deep in thought, contemplating such a grand plan.

"We can recon the museum, sure, but when would be the best time to do so? Any time? Can we just walk in there right now or do we have to spend money on entrance fees? Because I'm not paying any fee before I get paid for this job."

Devi shrugged and leaned back in her seat, establishing carefree dominance over the employer. Fact was, she wasn't going to do anything until it was clear and confirmed that she'd be getting paid. She turned to @Aika with the same look that told her of the same. World-ending stuff, knights and heroes can handle them for free. If you want to pay someone to handle them as soon as possible, the World's Greatest Lovers were your best bet, though they didn't come cheap.

"The Egg is going on public display tomorrow at the Museum," Indie offered an opportune moment to do the recon thing after shaking his head in a gesture assuring Devi that she would not need to pay anything before she gets paid, before they get paid. "A private gala celebrating the new exhibition will occur tonight in the museum's second-floor Gemstone Wing."

"Huh, sweet?"

Devi turned to Aika with a look of "what does that have to do with us?" while Jonas once more took something from his desk's drawer. It was a pair of gala tickets, one for each of them, which he gave to Aika and then Devi.

"You're not required to attend the gala, but doing so is the only way to glimpse the Egg—and the security measures around it—before the heist. I've secured a gala ticket for each of you," Jonas then gestured for the two to follow him, and when they did, he led them to another room that resembled a dressing room complete with a giant wardrobe and huge mirrors. "You must, however, wear formal dress to the gala. It's a requirement from the event organizers, but it should also help you sneak around the museum after hours. I've gathered some appropriate clothing for you in that wardrobe, courtesy of my sister, but please don't rip them or destroy them since we need to return most of them once we're done with the job."

Devi raised an eyebrow at Aika again before opening the wardrobe and checking. She had expected the selection to be insufficient, as she also expected the man to have lied about asking his sister for help, but she was happily disappointed. The clothes were pretty good, the dresses vibrant and gorgeous, so kudos to the Professor's sister or whatever. Devi found herself too distracted by the free and fashionable outfits to ask anything else related to the job, so back to you, Aika!

"Damn, Prof! Your sister has good taste! If she's even real, I mean."

"Of course she's real! Why would you even think—"

Aika · Apr 11, 2023

A playful smirk founds its way across Aika's lips as she imagined herself in that gala, wearing one if not the most gorgeous dresses offered to them, with @Devi right beside her. Her heart skipped a beat as she focused on her vision of Devi in the dress the latter was holding at the moment. If the Professor wasn't there, she would've allowed herself to drool and perhaps something else...

"You've been busy, Professor. Let me guess: You've also prepared for us a map of the museum? An easy procurement for someone with your status, I assume?"

"Well..." The Professor feigned a cough as he went to retrieve a rolled-up scroll of some sort. Aika had already guessed it was a map before he unrolled it, though she also expected something less...amateurish, even though she shouldn't have. "I'm neither an architect nor a burglar, but before my unsuccessful attempt to steal the Egg, I did scout the museum, pretended to be a patron and recorded the layout, filling in what I knew about nonpublic areas, like the basement."

The Professor rolled his makeshift map up once more and then gave it to Aika, as Devi's hands were full with another dress she was checking out. "It's based on the public map of the museum's exhibits, so it's a bit incomplete and lacks information about the security measures. I mean, I know the museum is outfitted with alarms after it closes to the public, but have no idea where those alarms are or how to bypass them. That's why I hired you."

Aika smirked at that last comment. She took the map from the Professor's grasp and turned to Devi, arms crossing over her chest. Discreetly, she checked out one of the dresses for herself, eyeing it from a safe distance. That one looks perfect over my porcelain skin... When she noticed the Professor staring at her, she feigned a cough and thanked him for his troubles.

"You've done more than most of our employers have ever had, Professor. Rest assured we will get you your Egg. For the fate of the town, of course."

Aika's attention was suddenly drawn to a dark number currently in Devi's hands. It was in her favorite color, blue, and seemed to complement her skin tone more than the previous one did. If she was alone, she would have done things to it, ungodly things, unspeakable things, though the weirdo reading this would probably like that. Mm... That looks delicious!

Devi · Apr 14, 2023

When Devi accidentally caught a glimpse of @Aika, she raised an eyebrow. The pyromaniac pugilist grew curious as to what could have been in the regal rogue's mind as the latter stared at her with those pretty and playful eyes. She thought the worst, and by worst, she simply thought of 18+ things, things that were perfectly normal for adult lovers but not for little children who could be eavesdropping right now.

Suddenly, she felt the urge to press the dress she was holding in her hands on Aika's body, and only after then, did she realize it worked perfectly well for her aforementioned body. As her eyes loved what they were seeing, Devi asked Jonas another question at the top of her head.

"What about the staff?"

Jonas raised an eyebrow as he tried his best to resist just staring at the girls and imagining them in those elegant but very seductive dresses. "What do you mean what about the staff?" The man was confused, though rightfully so. He did say he was not a burglar. Damn wouldn't make for a good company head either, it seems.

"You know... How many guards there are, are there staff members we need to look out for, eavesdroppers, noisy Nancys, that sort of staff stuff?"

Devi turned to Jonas with a raised eyebrow of her own, surrendering the dress to Aika. Even though she wanted to see more of her partner and that dress, the curiosity from within was going stronger by the second. She let the girl in blue check herself and the dress through the mirror while she crossed her arms, waiting for Jonas' useful reply.

"Ah, well... The museum should have around a dozen guards. The museum curator, an elf named Arken Aldus, most likely has a record of the areas the guards patrol at night, which should be in her office, somewhere in the eastern wing on the first floor. Mind you, she is of course attending the gala as well."

"Huh. Sounds like the perfect new friend to make, eh, darlin'? The third to our duo?"

Devi purred behind Aika as she returned to gaze upon her beauty, enjoying every moment of sight she had been blessed with. Her hands were on the latter's shoulder as she held her from behind, staring at her wondrous reflection in the mirror. Truly a work of art, the woman was! Devi could not be any luckier!

Aika · Apr 17, 2023

Aika simply smiled as @Devi pressed the dress against her body. A thousand different things came to her mind, none of which were family-friendly, so she instead refocused her mind on what else was being shared by their employer as she went through the motions of staring at the mirror and satiating her own curiosity of how these clothes would look on her. Of course, they all looked good, but nothing beats seeing them with your eyes.

"Sounds like it, sweetheart! I'm always game for adding a third to our duo, makes things exciting and less mundane, and an elf at that... Sounds deliciously uptight!"

Once again, the Professor feigned a cough, seemingly a bit uncomfortable at Aika's words, which made her smirk. "Yes, well, as for the reward, I can offer you the standard amount of gold a professor of archeology can. Would that suffice?"

Would it? Aika gave Devi a playful look, her eyebrow raised. Between the two of them, most would assume it was her who was gifted in the field of haggling. Surprise, surprise, however, as it was Devi, not her, who was blessed by such luck!

As Devi did her thing, Aika focused on the dress on her. She was most definitely going to go with it for tonight's gala. She could already see everyone else's reaction when they'd lay eyes on her in such a number, most especially Devi's. But again, not family-friendly, so best focus on the task at hand, right?

Scouting the museum's security, staff, and of course that elven tart... What could go wrong?

Devi · Apr 18, 2023

The talk of gold suddenly stole Devi's attention away from @Aika, which wasn't an easy feat. The sneaky seductress had never failed to capture for herself the pyromaniac pugilist's interest. One snap of her fingers and Devi would bend the knee for her. Then again, this time at least, Aika seemed more than happy for Devi to take the reins of the conversation with Jonas. It was about their just rewards, anyway, which both of them would share and celebrate in the end, a win-win scenario, especially if she could raise that amount.

Surrendering the gorgeous dress to her gorgeous partner, Devi shook her head as she approached their would-be employer. There was a seriousness in her eyes, though it wasn't something to be feared, even if Jonas unintentionally quaked in his boots. It was more of the kind of seriousness that gravitated toward concern, if not worry. Of course, Devi was worried: She was worried the reward would not be sufficient.

"The standard amount of gold a profess— Psh! We're not Professors of Archeology, Jonas. Do we look like Professors of Archeology to you?!"

Devi's disbelief startled Jonas. He did not mean to offend the pair, and Devi knew that, so the latter raised her appearance of having been offended to a higher notch, knowing their employer would dare not call her out on the sudden change of demeanor. After all, they were his only shot. If they declined his offer, with knowledge of what he wanted done, it would not end well for the Professor of Archeology. So, Jonas stumbled over his feet, trying to calm the fiery vixen down. "N-no, of course not! Not that there's anything wrong with not being Professors— Not that there's anything wrong with—"

"Then don't pay us the standard amount of gold a professor of archeology can. You know we're worth more. After all, we're not just risking our academic standing here, which we don't even have in the first place: We're risking our very lives, Jonas. If they catch you, you get a slap on the wrist. If they catch us, the two of us, a pair of hot non-archeologist girls from outside this town? We get executed."

Executed might have been a bit of an exaggeration, and for sure, Jonas would not just get a slap on the wrist for stealing an archeological find, but the thought was there. Jonas was part of this world, so his punishment would be less than what an outsider, someone who wasn't even welcomed in town, who wouldn't get in town without a proper invite, would get. He may get humiliated, exiled, a finger or two cut off, but they would get much worse than that.

And that little jumping-off point was enough for Jonas to bend his own personal rule. "Y-Yes, of course! You're right! You're both risking more than I am, and I'm sure you could just say no and inform the authorities on me, might even get a better reward—"

"Would we?"

Devi teased, much to Jonas' concern. "—so, I'm willing to raise that reward with an additional 50% for each of you. Would that, ehrm, be better, girls?" Jonas gulped, sweating from head to toe. Devi thought it was both cute and hilarious. More importantly, that raise wasn't that bad. Without even warning the man, Devi grabbed him and held him tight. She believed the hug would be a reward of its own to him, not realizing he was suffocating him until she had already let go.

"Oh, Jonas! You're gonna make a girl happy! Now why don't you be a dear and leave us girls to powder our noses, so we can get ready for the opening of the gala?"

"Y-yes, of course," Jonas straightened his tie and began walking out of the room, muttering that he already has a girl, even though no one has seen this girl, and she's quite happy with him, thank you very much! "Take your time, ladies, but not too much. I'll see you at the gala!"

Rolls

Expertise Check: ❰ Presence ❱!
1d100 (92) + 10 = 102
Presence | Devi | 1825

Aika · Apr 20, 2023

Aika couldn't help but put on a playful smirk when @Devi began to work her magic on the Professor. Despite being the more brutal, or even brutish, fighter between the two of her, she was also quite hard to ignore and definitely much harder to say no to. It might be because of that exotic look of hers. Or those intimidating but breathtaking muscles. Whatever the case may be, the pyromaniac pugilist's presence was second to none.

"Mm, I love seeing you work, sweetie..."

Aika purred as she pirouetted her way behind the goddess of fire, flaming passion itself given alluring form and toned muscles. The Professor had already left them be, with the ravenous rogue having been left with no questions for their employer. The deal was done, the brief was given, and the rewards promised. There was only one thing left on her mind as planted a soft kiss on Devi's shoulder. Well, two things, but only one was a pressing issue.

"But now let's talk about the plan... I scout, you schmooze?"

She gave Devi a wink as she slid from one of the dark-skinned beauty's broad shoulders to the other, not unlike a cat slinking back and forth, traversing, between two sides of a stone fence. Between the two of them, Aika was the one more experienced in the roguish arts of the shadows. While Devi provided the power and proven presence, she provided the speed and the stealth. Together, they were an unstoppable force. That's why they were called the World's Greatest Lovers .

Well, it's one of the reasons...

Devi · Apr 21, 2023

Devi responded to @Aika's wink with a raised eyebrow, her lips curled into a smile. The ravishing rogue's touch felt nice to her skin. Devi had to close her eyes for a minute to savor the sensation, and when she opened them, she felt energized, refreshed, and raring to go. It was not unlike gulping down an energy drink. Or a coffee. Aika always had that effect on her. Her very existence inspires the bold barbarian to do things she would only dream of.

"Is there any other way?"

It was a rhetorical question, of course. Alternatives were not on Devi's mind as she asked Aika that query. Far from it. Something else was on her mind, though it might be best not to describe them here.

Anyway, she pivoted on her heel, carefully held the other woman's hand, and twirled her in place, admiring the view. Devi couldn't even help herself but whistle at how good Aika looked, and with that dress on, she had no doubts the latter would steal the gala. Before they stole the egg, of course.

"Can't wait to see you work that gala, darling!"

Soon, the women began to dress up, preparing themselves, especially their bodies, for the dual task of appearing presentable during the formal event and being able to carry out their mission while wearing heels. That last part was always the worst part. Even though Devi had sufficient training in all forms of martial arts, fighting in heels was still hell.

Fortunately for her, the heat of the battle always distracts her from any foot-related discomfort, especially when she's putting her foot up people's asses. Hey, if she has to suffer, so will the bad guys!

Aika · Apr 22, 2023

Aika chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief when @Devi began wolf-whistling at her. If it was any other person, she would've choked them out with her hard water wires, humiliated them in front of their friends, and taught them better at how to interact with a woman they barely knew. But of course, Devi was different. Aika has known Devi for a while now, inside and out of the game. The difference was consent and familiarity, two things their relationship was drowning it.

"Definitely not!"

Aika planted a soft kiss on the fiery fighter's cheek, savoring the taste of her skin. For a moment or two, she closed her eyes, pressing her entire face against the other woman's warm skin. It felt like paradise to Aika, one that was their own, exclusive to the two of them. But also one that she knew she could not spend more time in, especially when they had a job to do. The job comes first. Always.

"You need any help with those straps?"

Aika smirked playfully as she offered to help Devi with her dress. It wouldn't be long now until they left for the gala and made their grand entrance. They had the dresses, the plan, and everything else in between was more than ready for the heist. What could go wrong? A lot of things, as always, but Aika preferred to look on the bright side, which was mostly getting to see Devi in a really sexy outfit. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Devi · Apr 25, 2023

The facade of the Redchron Museum boasted enormous columns and elegant archways hewn from marble. Cosmopolitan visitors bustled about the entrance, including some clad in sleek formalwear. Devi herself was wearing a gorgeous number, a surprising find in Jonas' closet, while her date, her partner, the ever-ravishing @Aika would have chosen a similar jaw-dropping evening dress, if not more.

If Devi's memory served her correctly, however, the entire museum was open to the public today, and only the Gemstone Wing on the second floor was closed for the ticketed gala. The Purple Egg should be ensconced in that Wing.

Devi grinned, a playful smirk finding its way across her lips. They had ample time to prepare, but now the job was underway. Every second that passed by, every minute that passed, meant that they would either be closer to their goal or farther from success. The World's Greatest Lovers preferred to look at the brighter side of things, and there was no brighter side than Devi setting everything else on fire.

Together, the pair approached the private gala in the aforementioned Wing, giggling and chuckling to each other until they encountered a serious-looking woman. Judging from the way she carried herself, Devi could tell she was a veteran of sorts, maybe even of Redchron's very own town watch. Mariland Vikrush, the captain of the museum's security? Her suspicions were proven correct when the woman looked them over, asked for their ticket, and let them in. It was exactly as Jonas had said, and Devi even caught sight of others being turned away when they didn't have tickets to show.

But that wasn't any of Devi's concern. She held Aika's hand tightly and whispered quietly in her ear.

"Looks like we're in for an exciting night, darling!"

As always.

Aika · Apr 27, 2023

Aika relished and savored the very sight of her most delicious friend. @Devi looked every bit delectable tonight, especially in that dress she picked for herself, though to be fair, the dark-skinned vixen always looked delectable to the ravishing rogue. Aika herself with a dark blue ensemble, complete with sultry gloves and a luxurious white fur cloak of the most premier design. Needless to say, she was banging in her outfit.

Wrapping her arms around Devi's as the latter handled the head of security, Aika feigned blissful obliviousness, even though she was already scoping the place out. It was a strategy that they had employed numerous times already, with more successes than failures. Perception was key: Most people always find it much easier to simply discard Aika as a floozy with a light head while Devi seemed to engulf every room they were in with her precious presence. She was the eye candy and Devi was the star of the show, a set-up that worked really well in her shadowy favor.

A serious veteran? Definitely someone I'll need to avoid later. Aika thanked unaware Mariland Vikrush as she let the two further in, welcoming the untrustworthy mercenaries into the institution they planned to infiltrate.

For the World's Greatest Lovers , the Gemstone Wing's oaken doors opened into the luxuriously appointed ballroom. Red tablecloths and fine china adorned dining tables while chandeliers sparkled overhead. Cabinets with glittering gemstones surrounded the space. At the wing's center was a marble pedestal bearing a peculiar, purple egg. Aika counted twenty other gala attendees, mostly unarmed and unarmored nobles, milling around the event, all dressed in elaborate finery, and seemingly experienced donors to the museum. Aika would know the type. Aika had ample experience with that type.

"Mix and mingle... I'll be ready to disappear at your call, sweetheart."

Aika whispered softly in Devi's ear, as the game swiftly began. What exciting events she expected, all based on their collective experience!

Devi · Apr 28, 2023

There it is, the hecking egg. Devi grinned devilishly at the sight of it, though she quickly made sure no one would have noticed her reaction. She needed to play coy, uninterested until the last moment, until they managed to complete their job and take the egg away from these hoity-toity personages. For now, however, @Aika had the greatest of ideas: They needed to mix and mingle for some additional information.

What great timing was it then when the fiery fighter bumped into a sneering elf in a pretty dress? "Careful there!" The lovely woman grinned, her annoyance immediately turning into a playful smirk when she noticed how good Devi looked in her gown. "We don't want to ruin our lovely attires!" Stealing a glimpse of Aika, she continued, offering them, mostly Devi, her hand. "Georgina Lucia Van Dien, heiress to the Lyrwick Lucis Mining Company. Charmed, I'm sure."

Devi was quick to appreciate the elven heiress' aforementioned charms. She quickly took her hand and smooched it while making a curtsy.

"Charmed indeed, my lady. I'm...Devora Burns, and my companion is..."

Devi allowed Aika to introduce herself before continuing, looking to gain some tidbit of information from this particular gala attendee. Unfortunately, she didn't seem interested in sharing whatever little she knew about the proceedings, obviously more interested in playing the charmer beyond the friendlier extent. "Such lovely names, ladies! Where are your escorts, though? Are they late? Or in the bathroom with the boys?"

"We are each other's escorts and muses, Lady Georgina. What about yours? More importantly, how are you faring this evening? I heard this egg is quite the precious display!"

The elven heiress raised an eyebrow, a little confused at Devi's explanation. With a sigh and a shrug, she immediately waved the conversation away, much to the pyromaniac pugilist's dismay. "I see, but my escort's whereabouts and how I am faring is none of your concern, especially if you believe that stupid egg is that precious." Rolling her eyes and harrumphing, she turned her back to the pair before scurrying away, clearly not a fan of two women being more than friends. What a b-word.

"Well, that was a shameful bust. I think this may be harder than I initially thought. Maybe it's time for you to slink and do your thing, darling?"

If Devi was going to take as long as she needed to gather some additional information, it might be better for Aika to do what she does best at the same time. Less time wasted, more opportunities to perfect their heist. Especially with the apparent bumholes in this place.

Rolls

Roll Result
1d4 (2) = 2
derp

Expertise Check
1d100 (36) + 10 = 46
Presence | Devi | 1825

Aika · May 6, 2023

Following @Devi's lead, Aika watched keenly as she interacted with one of the gala's attendees, introducing herself after being prompted.

"...Ailene Waters."

When Devi revealed they each didn't have escorts, she grabbed the fiery fighter's arm and held it tightly against her body, emphasizing what they truly were to each other. That didn't seem to go down well with the aristocrat, which made Aika frown. Even in this game, terrible ideologies still existed. But that wasn't important at the moment. They had a job to do, and it was now Aika's time to separate from her partner and do what she did best.

"Good luck with the mooching then, sweetie."

Aika gave Devi a quick kiss on the cheek before discreetly fluttering away, grabbing a champagne glass from a passing server's tray. It was meant to be used as a prop. Should she get caught, she could use it as an excuse. Alcoholism was a terrible curse on the human body, but it made for a great excuse when committing crimes. Well, at least when a guard catches you trying to sneak into things you shouldn't be anywhere near.

And that was exactly what Aika was set on doing after she spirited herself away from the Gemstone Wing and back into what seemed to be an exhibit of prehistoric creatures, the same exhibit everyone passed by before entering the aforementioned Wing. There were two guards there at the moment, but when Aika feigned being drunk while waving at them, they both ignored her. Rude. At least she was able to take note of a vent that connected this place to the same Wing that she had just left.

Going back down the massive stairs that led to the Grand Entrance, Aika quickly searched for the curator's office. The Professor had mentioned it was in the eastern wing of the first floor, so that's where she headed, only to find three rooms that she guessed were locked. Fortunately for her, there were two guards in the area and none of them had noticed her yet. Aika slinked into the shadows before sneakily approaching one of them, trying to steal that guard's pass card without the guard's knowledge.

"Oy, what are you doing?!" Alas! Fate wasn't on her side today. So, instead, Aika decided to turn on her charm, pretending to be drunk af.

"Oh, sorry! I was just trying...to cup a feel. I've never been with a guard before. My escort just left me, so..."

The ruse had worked countless times before. Aika was pretty enough, and her body was banging, so anyone caught in the charm would be easy pickings. She didn't expect the guard to be a cute elven girl, however, so that was a little concerning. The act usually worked better on males. Fortunately for her, Fate gave her a leeway this time.

"Oh, well, I mean, you're pretty, but between you and me, I really need this job to pay for my graduate studies at the university, so," the guard chuckled for a bit before gesturing for Aika to go back up the stairs and presumably back to the Wing. "Why don't I just escort you back to the Gemstone Wing? I'm sure better dates could be found there. You're too pretty to be that desperate, ma'am."

"Thank you, and I'm sorry for the disturbance. You know how spoiled rich ladies like myself tend to be! So troublesome! I do hope your studies are going well, though. You are so smart to remain a museum guard."

Aika did not fight the graduate student. Her words were a little offputting but they were true. If she wasn't dumb, if she didn't really need to study, then the guard would have realized that the last bit was the truth: Aika was too pretty to be this desperate, but a job is a job.

Rolls

Devi · May 13, 2023

While @Aika did her thing elsewhere, Devi tried her best to continue mooching while her partner was gone. Hopefully, with better success this time. Grabbing herself a glass of champagne from a passing tray held by a passing waiter, the fiery fighter looked around her room for her next target. Her eyes fell upon a stout dwarf, loitering by himself at one end of the room, having just wet his tie or something, Devi wasn't sure. The guy seemed to be staring at it, though, in a way that reminded her of an old friend who kept smearing his tie with crumbs. This one was a new acquaintance, but old men tend to be the same.

"Charming party, isn't it? Devora Burns, charmed, I'm sure."

Devi held out her hand for him to shake. The dwarf was a little surprised when the lovely lady approached him, seemingly not used to the scenario happening to him, but he was quick not to let it slide him by. Gently grabbing the woman's hand, he planted a soft kiss on it, before introducing himself, "Dr. Harriet Stonecrusher, surgeon and lover of all things gemstones and natural history. The pleasure is all mine, Lady Burns."

Devi's eyebrow raised on its own, surprised that the dwarf was a surgeon. It might be stereotypical, but most dwarves she's met were usually far from being a surgeon. They all liked to work with their hands, so she supposed a surgeon does the same, though with more precision and less...boneheaded temperance. Shee was more impressed than anything, though.

"A surgeon? My, my, you are quite the impressive lover, my good sir. Much more impressive than the rest of us here, aren't you?"

She feigned laughter and the dwarf joined her, shaking his head. He looked around them first before whispering back to Devi, now more comfortable than ever. It seemed he wasn't as delighted with the proceedings as most of the attendees and was more interested in sharing sharp gossip with his new friend, "Well, with the exception of you, of course, how can one be so impressed with such a crowd?"

"All aesthetics, no substance, my good doctor?"

The dwarf chuckled once more, his ego being inflated by Devi's feigned reverence for his line of work. "And don't get me even started on the curator..." Rolling his eyes and harrumphing, he didn't even wait for Devi to say anything else, already on a roll with all the gossip he's been hiding behind his massive gut. "I heard she adores oversized vintage dolls...even keeps one in her office that's as big as a grown human!"

"Well, well, well... Isn't that...strange?"

The surgeon went on and on about how inappropriate it was for someone with the curator's position to be caught with such a hobby, especially using her own office to indulge it, even lamenting how the good old days were long gone, when offices only contained books and other related accessories to their respective fields instead of playthings. Devi had to endure all this, feigning interest in such a terrible story, that she missed the sight of @Aika being returned to the area by a guard.

Rolls

Roll Result
1d4 (4) = 4
1825

Expertise Check
1d100 (76) + 15 = 91 (Success!)
Presence | Devi | 1825

Roll Result
1d4 (4) = 4
1825 | Something Else

Aika · May 15, 2023

Upon their return to the Gemstone Wing, where the rest of the gala was being held, Aika feigned a stumble, which sent her toppling toward the very helpful guard. "Oh, careful there, miss! You almost took a fall! Are you all right?" Aika continued feigning innocence, even though the entire thing was a ruse, all so she could successfully swipe the same guard's pass card.

"Oh, clumsy me! Thank you so much, my dear friend! Without you, I would have embarrassed myself in front of all these important people!"

As a reward, the ravishing rogue gave the surprised guard a quick peck on the cheek, which made them smile. Then, as the guard left the premises to return to their post, Aika fluttered her way back to @Devi, a grin on her face and the palm-sized pass card that had the museum's logo on it safely stowed inside her dress. It seemed she was just in time to rescue her partner from the boorish old dwarf that had trapped her.

"There you are, Devora! I've been looking everywhere for you! Mind introducing me to your friend?"

The old dwarf's eyes lit up at the sight of her sultry form, almost salivating like the dog that he was. Once Devi finished her introduction, Aika gave the dwarf a simple smile and gave him her hand to shake or kiss or whatever suited his fancy. Then she decided to take Devi away from him. Just so they can compare notes.

"My pleasure and privilege to have made your acquaintance, my good doctor! Unfortunately, I must retrieve my wife from your company. Maybe we can converse again before the night is done?"

The old dwarf calmly accepted their departure, bidding them an honest farewell with wishful blessings before turning his attention back to his coat. It made Aika grin, his entire demeanor, which reminded her of her own grandfather. Alas, there was still work to be done, so she shook those nostalgic thoughts away, and as she fluttered to another installation with Devi, began whispering to her in their usual work tone.

"My trip down surveillance lane was for naught. Got seen by a really perceptive guard, though I did manage to take note of a vent that connects this room from the outside. Also, a pass card. What about you, sweetheart?"

That pass card was the most important thing. Now that they had it, the theory was, they could potentially bypass most of the security once they returned to the scene after the gala was over. It would be Aika's finest moment, as it was always her time to shine. Hopefully, Devi learned a thing or two from the guests while she was gone. That would be an icing on their cake. Something useful perhaps?

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (66) + 25 = 91 (Success!)
Knack | Aika | 1825

Devi · May 17, 2023

Devi heaved a sigh of relief when @Aika made her triumphant return, gracefully bidding the old dwarf adieu as they moved away from him to share their respective results.

"Oh, hey, darlin'! Welcome back! Doctor Harriet Stonecrusher, Ailene Waters... Doctor Stonecrusher is a venerable surgeon and a gemstone enthusiast. Miss Waters is my lovely wife."

The good doctor turned to Aika with wide eyes and then back to Devi and then back to Aika, almost in disbelief. However, instead of anything terrible, a fond smile found its way across his aged lips, "Wife? I never envisioned... Oh, good for you both, ladies! Enjoy the rest of your night!" Devi could only respond with a quick nod before the pair had to escape his hearing range. The job was more important than making friends, as she had learned the hard way herself, though that was another story.

Devi's relief immediately turned into excitement when Aika revealed she had found another alternate way into the room for later. And a pass card from one of the guards? If they weren't playing hoity-toity lesbians, she'd give her a big ol' kiss right then and there. But hoity-toity deserved the emphasis, and she felt it might draw more unnecessary attention to them if she did that. Maybe later, though.

Her excitement soon turned sour when she realized she herself had found nothing really useful for this job. Devi tried her best, but it seemed her best was not good enough tonight. There was an air of blatant disappointment in her tone as she whispered her results to her partner.

"Nothing useful, to be honest... Only managed to speak with the doctor while you were gone, and... Well, does the fact that apparently, the curator adores oversized vintage dolls useful? She keeps one in her office, too."

Devi subconsciously looked around for any sign of the curator. Perhaps there was still time to mooch on her? Or maybe Aika can...procure her own pass card, which would probably have more benefits than that of a random guard? A lot of maybes going around, even though there was no doubt they'd succeed in this quest. By stealth or by Devi punching everyone else unconscious.

"...about the size of a human, according to the good doctor."

She couldn't help but chuckle at that thought. Devi realized that, even in this world, a weeb was present. Hard to escape them, it seemed. Might just be the luck of the draw. Or maybe anime and all things Japan was more culturally profound than she gives them credit for. Heck, they have hecking galas here. Why not hecking weebs?

Aika · May 19, 2023

Aika raised an eyebrow as @Devi shared what information she had gotten from mooching while the ravishing rogue had been away trying and failing to sneak around the rest of the museum. She crossed her arms over her chest as she scratched her chin, pondering the profoundness of the uncovered fact.

"Oversized vintage dolls? The curator, hm? Is she around? Maybe you can...speak with her, befriend her, while I try to...procure her pass card?"

She already managed to snag a guard's pass card, so she was still confident that she could do the same with the curator's pass card. If not, then they'll just rely on the pass card she already...borrowed. Still, it would not be a waste of their time to try. What's the worst that could happen? They'd get arrested before they could even begin the heist? Surely, they could just feign ignorance of the attempted theft as she did with that guard. Easy.

"...do you see her anywhere? Maybe it's best if you approach her first, alone, and I swoop in from behind? Just like old times."

Just like old times. It was one of their basic strategies. Devi was of course the more eye-catching woman of their pair, which suited Aika just fine because she was the one who was better with her fingers. That's not to say Devi wasn't good with her fists. They were both good with their hands, just in different ways.