Getting to the estate was rather easy. But it took a bit of effort to find the right track to narrow down the correct path. Val observed the staff, looking for anyone who would be handling the more expensive items. Since most of the cargo she was helping to unload was related to the party, she wasn't near the precious goods.
Eventually, she noticed the head butler hand over a rather ornate looking box to an older maid. This seemed promising, so she slipped out before anyone could notice, and followed the maid as best she could.
She took a box that was meant for the reception to make herself look busy. She made sure to put a little distance between herself and the maid. The maid began going upstairs, and Val noticed that she didn't seem to be stopping. She must be going to the top floor, Val thought to herself. There were three floors to the manor, and it would make sense to keep the most valuable goods there. The party would mostly take place in the first floor, while the second would attract some guests due to the large balcony. But the third floor didn't hold much appeal, and mostly contained living quarters.
Lost in her musings, Val failed to notice a larger man start to approach her. He took her by the collar as she began to ascend to the third floor. "Hey, you aren't allowed there." He stated with a gruff voice.
Val staggered back, slightly lost her grip on the box. She regained her composure, but kept her head down, so that he wouldn't get a to good look at her. "I'm sorry, I an supposed to deliver these supplies to the balcony, but I guess I got a little turned around." She knew it was a lame excuse, but she was a bit rattled by his sudden appearance.
The man stood there. He was taking his sweet time to decide if he believed Val's excuse. She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, not to mention that the box was rather heavy. Val took the opportunity to give him a once over. He was rather tall and broad. No doubt he is strong, but the jury is still out on smart. If she was right, the were probably a few more who would be working tonight. Of course the baron couldn't afford the best security there is to offer, but a few country brutes can still do an effective job.
"The balcony is in the other direction to the right." The man suddenly blurted out. Val blinked a couple of times. She couldn't believe that he actually bought that. Obviously, he wasn't hired for his brains.
"Oh, thank you." Val muttered as she walked away. Even though she wasn't able to follow the maid all the way up, she at least could narrow down the number of places to check. Since security wasn't that bright, it should be easier to slip in and out.
The day continued, and it was rather exhausting pretending to be a delivery boy. But it didn't stop Val from continuing. She reserved her energy because she figured the easiest way to get to the third floor was to climb. There were a number of thick vines in the back of the manor, and since the bricks weren't flush, she should have enough to grip on here and there. It was the most tiring way, but from her observations, the hired muscle didn't seem to take many trips outside the manor.
The staff let those who were involved with helping out today stick around for a bit, and have a bite to eat. Val greatly appreciated this gesture. It wasn't much, but it was enough. The party went into full swing in no time. Val watched as the staff in the kitchen went into a tizzy. As the sun continued fade, Val took her opportunity to slip out. No one was paying much attention to her, thinking she was just a young boy who wouldn't cause a fuss.
Val found a portion where part of the wall jutted out to create a right angle for her to propel upwards. She dusted her hands with some dirt, and then took a cautionary look around. No one was in the area, so she started her ascent. Val was incredibly nervous. A fall would not be deadly, but it surely wouldn't be great experience either. Even though she was quite fit, the climb was using all of her remaining strength. When she finally made it to the window on the third floor, Val slowly maneuvered closer. She brought a small rock, and used it to smash a panel to gain access to the handle on the inside. Before long, she was able to climb through the window.
Val dusted herself off, and carefully checked the room. She brought out her crystal and did her chant. The room looked to be a study, with books and maps. Nothing that screamed precious jewels. As quietly as possible, she left to search the floor. In the hallway, she could faintly hear the party. Her heart was beating out of control now. She was still new to this, despite the front she puts up. But she couldn't let fear take over, so she pushed her anxious thoughts to the back as best as she could.
It took quite a while, but eventually she found what looked to be a bedroom turned into a storage room. There were a number of crates and ornate objects carefully places about. This was more like it. Val took her time examining each item. Finally, she found wearable jewelry.
The Hecate earrings were obsidian black, with a silver accent. There was one large gem in the middle with three smaller ones places on the sides. Val made sure to take great care to look through each piece until she finally found what she was looking for. The moment her hands touched them, the light from her crystal went out, and the room went cold. An eery feeling enveloped her senses. She was rooted in place, unable to move.