Theft At The Exposition

JP with Lucian, Redsword and Cindy

Elizabeth and Sung finished their shaved ice and went into the History of Habation. First to the Eldren exhibit, which Elizabeth was more than happy to answer any questions Sung had. Then the area about Asia. Including Sung's homeland.

The exhibits were all fascinating and it made Elizabeth wish she had more time to spend here.

Like most of the Exposition, the History of Habation was bustling with people. It got more crowded going towards the center. Something there seemed to have gained the attention of most of the patrons.

Elizabeth's gaze caught sight of what the attractions was. An exhibit of the Araunda. While the araunda were all over Europe, they were rare and their artifacts rarely seen.

How useful it would be to have an arunda be part of the team. Just a passing thought as it was extremely unlikely.

Suddenly, the feeling in the room shifted. A woman screamed and another yelled thief.

A man bumped into Elizabeth and attempted to grab her broach but was twarted due to the magic placed on it earlier. Elizabeth watched the would-be thief run off as others in the crowd seemed to have more items stolen.

Sung had had his back to the man and missed his chance to get him. The man was fast and dressed like any other normal person letting the Man blend in. Sung looked over at Elizabeth there was nothing wrong with her. He would talk with Elizabeth about why she did not grab and slam the man to the ground or the many other moves she could have used.

Sung did not wait for Elizabeth's permission to go after the man. Sung dashed in a slightly different direction cutting through the crowd. Sung took a deep breath and blow it out hard focusing his KI power. His muscles bulged and Adrenaline flowed as his speed doubled. Sung leaped onto a staging area platform running along its edge. Then bounded again an amazing distance over the people there landing about ten feet behind the man.

Vor had moved on from the artifact, making a mental note to ask about its origins later as he perused the other exhibits. Alongside the human zones were those of the other races as well, humble abodes that gave praise to the dwarves and gnomes sensible, yet often ingenious sense of functionality and comfort.

Vor couldn’t help a small sneer at them though, often at odds with the earthen folk and their adherence to keeping water out of their homes and gadgets.

He eventually found himself at the Araunda camp, which he begrudgingly saw was the inspiration for the exhibit. He had to admit a tank of any size worthy enough to properly display his heritage would be quite the undertaking, but he would almost prefer a poor attempt at that than this.
He unfortunately didn’t get long to harp on the work, as he was unceremoniously shoved aside by a running man. He didn’t think much of it until word of thieves began to spread. He quickly checked his belongings, finding nothing missing, before having a panicked fervor take over him.

What could fetch a higher price than a rare Arounda artifact being left in the open. While he had hoped the security would be enough to deter such a thing, he began shoving his way, begging those around him to move, to where he hoped the statue remained.

Elizabeth had been caught, surprisingly off guard, something she knew would be addressed later by Sung. Taking off after the thief was halted by what, or really who, caught her eye. Only a brief instant but it was the Doctor Lamaire. She was certain it was a match to the photos in the case file.

With a bigger fish to go after, so to speak, the Eldren went after the doctor but he was gone in an instant and people had gotten in her way.

The robberies - a distraction? For what? She stepped backwards slightly but sensing someone behind her stopped and turned around. An arunda seemed to be behind her. Male. Maybe, he knew.

"Was anything taken from the exhibit?" She asked.

Vor looked to the woman with a fervent concern in his eyes, punctuating his curt tone. “That is precisely what I am trying to ascertain, you’re more than welcome to join me, but frankly I just need you out of my way, please!”

Elizabeth stepped out of his way but did follow him to find out if anything was missing. She had lost sight of Sung but the man was clearly capable of taken care of what he needed to.

Finally reaching the exhibit, Vor paid little mind to the flimsy chain fence surrounding it. All that mattered was that the artifact was no longer where he had seen it and his subsequent search only increased his disbelief of the moment.

He swiftly called for the guards, more worried about this than the other potential victims as he paced.

“By Mitera, I was led to believe this event was to show progress. Should have pocketed the Visage myself, at least then I’d know it’s in capable hands!”

Elizabeth heard what the arunda said. The Visage. The name was somewhere in the back of her mind.

"The Visage of Nimue?" Elizabeth asked. "Do you know a lot about it. Like why someone might take it?"

The Eldren was seeing what he knew and how much use he might be to team before deciding what to do next

Looking up from his thoughts, Vor did his best to curtail the frustration in his voice, aware that he was being addressed by someone of higher standing.

He made an attempt to adjust his waistcoat and settle his hair before speaking.

“Any child of the water knows Her Visage and many dream of having such a relic. Not only for its priceless historic value, but for the quality of the artistry and the coral used. It would fetch a good price for anyone.”

That wasn't what Elizabeth was looking for, still...there was something about him and an arunda could be of use.

"I do not believe that was why it was taken." Elizabeth paused. "I might have an idea but the information is not something I can share at the moment. Would you like to help retrieve it?"

The offer sounded suspicious, but if she was with a shady organization than maybe he could find a way to swipe the Visage from them after.
Right now, he wanted to make sure it didn’t vanish into the leprous black market or worse.

“I would be very interested, though I would be lying if I said the offer didn’t sound like a dance with Kasta. Would this secret information be divulged if I accept?”

"Yes," Elizabeth responded. "If you accept, the information will be brought forth. It is not something you can back out of easily, once you have decided to accept. So, if I may, I suggest you take a few hours to decide." Reaching into a small fabric bag, the Eldren pulled out a small card with her name and address embossed on the front in gold leaf, and handed it to the man. "My name is Lady Elizabeth Ellington. Here is my card. If you chose to accept come to my home at 7:00 tonight. There will be a meeting prior to dinner being served. Bring anything you have with you." There was barely a pause before asking. "And Sir, what name to choose to be addressed by?"

He cautiously took the card, not liking the ominous warning that came with it.
Either way, he wanted to know if other artifacts of his culture were under threat.

“My thanks for the offer, Ms. Ellington. Vor’Aster, muse and artist. I do believe we will be seeing each other again soon.”

With that, his notice returned to the approaching security that was combing the crowd for testimonies.

“If you would excuse me, ma’am, I now wish to bring this tragedy to the locals attention. Maybe then they’ll finally notice the severity of the loss.” He gave a quick, polite bow and then left to pursue this endeavor.