A job well done

-Have you noticed?
-… What?
-The Countess. She had her gaze stuck on you, following your every move...
-Yes I noticed. What does it matter?
-You guess.

-Don't tell me that ...
-Yup.
-No.
-Yup.
-No.
-Do I have to remind you again that our task ...
-… It is to steal Kathrina's ring and bring it to Count D'Aschen for a hefty reward. And why is the countess relevant in this?
-While you entertain the countess I will steal the ring and get out of here without incidents.
-Don't you dare. Three times already you have tried to keep me on the side or feed me to the wolves while you went to collect the reward. This time I'll be the one to take care of it.
-Leaving a trail of blood behind you?
-If necessary.
-Come on, you don't need to shed more blood than necessary.
-Says the drow.
-The best plan is the one where we enter and exit without leaving trails or evidence.
-They won't find the bodies until we're far away.
-There better be no bodies to find. We are just two very talented dudes against the world, we need to take advantage of every opportunity to remain anonymous.
- And is that why we break into the building the evening before the reception?
- Exactly.
Jarlaxle helped Entreri to hoist himself up to the terrace, then followed him closely. After hiding the rope properly for the escape, the two slipped like shadows to the door, forced it, and entered the corridors.
-There are no guards at the upper levels.
-As they told us.
-For the jewelry room we have to turn right and take the stairs.
The two sellswords slowly made marks all the way to their objective. There were at least thirty guards at the lower levels and two wizards guarded the entrance to the hall.
-They really care about that ring. Do you know what it is?- Jarlaxle asked.
-Did you take a job without getting details- Entreri nearly spat in his face.
-Of course not. I was wondering if you did the same.
-Obviously. I do not trust you.
-That is wise but, it also hurts.
Entreri let out a small snort, which made the drow smile a little.
-Perfect, we can go- Jarlaxle explained, satisfied with their secret scout mission.
Entreri nodded e turned back, walking away silently
-Wait, where are you going?- the drow called him back.
-Going back from where we came from right? I'm following the plan.
-The plan will surely derail if we use the same exit strategy twice. Tomorrow we will use the rope.
-Then how do you expect we get out of here today?
-Going through the front door, obviously.
-… Are you trying to kill us?
-Do not worry, they'll open the door for us.
-Oh, are they now?
-I wouldn't have bothered to watch our arcane friends for so long otherwise.
Entreri made no sound as Jarlaxle replaced his dilapidated feathered hat with the hood of the dark cloak he had brought with him. Whenever the drow improvised a new plan, the killer had a 50% chance of getting screwed. But getting him to change his mind never worked, so with solemn regret (and the eternal promise to stick his life-draining dagger into the drow's back in case he caused too much trouble) the killer imitated his companion.
The two hooded and cloaked figures attracted no attention from the guards as they passed by, until they reached the gates of the complex. Entreri expected that they would continue forward, but Jarlaxle marched confidently towards one of the guards, and stopped to whisper something to him.
Entreri unconsciously held his breath as the man in armor turned a surprised look at the disguised drow. However, he nodded and motioned to his companions to open the gates. Once they closed behind them the killer approached the dark elf to whisper a question to him.
-What was that?
-One of my sources told me about a password among the palace guards. A gimmick of the Marquis.
-And you tell me now?
-I had to confirm the information before telling you.
-Do it when MY life is not on the line!
-And where's the fun?
Entreri stopped in front of Jarlaxle, staring at him with cold eyes.
-This is a job: either kill or get killed. It is not a fair at the market, or a circus. If you are interested in making your life more exciting, get hired in a brothel.
-I'm sure it would be a rewarding experience.
Entreri let out another snarl, before turning his back to the other and walk away. Jarlaxle gave him a bright smile, before following while lowering his hood and putting his flashy hat back on.
-Let me be clear on another thing- said the assassin once his companion reached him -I'm not going entertaining the countess.
-Of course you will.
-Oh no. Do it yourself if you like, but I take care of the ring.
-But it is not I who stole the sweet woman's heart.
-If you think to put me into a suit and make me be a clown, change your mind. That's your specialty.
-I have never seen you so inclined to have such a long conversation before.
-I'm tired of you. And I'd rather have this job to go smoothly.
-You mean to tell me that if I pay you you will trade with me more than a few monosyllables and grunts?
Entreri snarled.
And they went on all night.