from" Masked Troubles" by Aboneart

[esercito sconfitto]

"Jo? Did you listen to what I said?"

"Yes, yes, sure."

"Then go repeat it."

"Ehm... Something about dressing up and..."

Amy facepalmed in annoyance. When it came to her half-orc friend, the blue tiefling was rather familiar with having to repeat herself. But this time around it was actually important that Jo fully understood the plan. Amy turned towards her other friend. "Did you listen, Tia?"

The tall redheaded elf nodded.

"At least someone did. So once again just for you, Jo. If you don't get it this time around we will go without you."

The half-orc looked grumpy, but didn't object. She knew better than to provoke an already testy Amy.

The tiefling leaned against the small tavern room's wooden wall before she went over the trio's plan again. "We have been hired by a local noble lady. Or lord, we don't actually know. These people don't tend to reveal their identity in cases like these. But it doesn't matter who they are."

"What matters is that they will pay us", noted Jo.

"Right. But don't interrupt me again, just pay attention. Our mission is to enter the estate a few blocks down and retrieve a certain necklace, which rightfully belongs to our client. At least that's what they're claiming."

"But it doesn't matter", Jo interjected. "As long as they pay..."

"Shut up", Amy cut her off. "The estate is too well guarded and secured to ever forcefully enter it. Besides, this operation requires us to not get into contact with law enforcement. Luckily the estate will host a masquerade ball this evening. And thanks to these kind ladies..." She pointed at the three bound and gagged women lying in the corner, all stripped to their underwear and put to sleep thanks to a spell from Tia. "We have our dresses, masks and invitations. Your attire might be a bit too small, Tia, but you'll manage. Just make sure to stay hidden all the way through. Because as you can see, two of those ladies are black and one is white. Our skins on the other hand are green, brown and blue, which means we have to cover all of it up. So don't even think about putting off your gloves or these cloaks I bought for us. I also don't know if tieflings, orcs and elves are welcome at the ball at all. Basically, just stay hidden and leave the talking to me, alright?"

"I don't like dresses", Jo complained. "And I don't like being hidden or not talking either. Can't we just go for a different plan? One with more fighting and fewer... dresses?"

Amy frowned. "This whole thing is a terrible idea."


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