A full moon scowled over the streets of Stella. A grizzly night had befallen upon its populus. Many people of Nenequetzal had gathered in order to celebrate their dead. During this period of time, the capital captured the elan of a bitter sweet festival, a tradition that had been deep celebrated for generations. Participating in such festivities wasn't Noels usual MO. But there was an alternative cause, a more nefarious one. Regardless, he'd put on his swankiest outfit.

In Nenequetzals more finer establishments a ball was held every year. The event took place in the large lobby of a government administration building, which was formerly the royal court. Getting in wasn't as easy. Many of its deceased former royals have been known to show up.

This of course drew Noel--these dead were sometimes outfitted in priceless artefacts. And after a few hours, nobody would be around to file a police report. Noel had been talking to someone about how the third empress shows up every year. Supposedly her posse is nearly overburdened with immense treasures.

Noels target of tonight was a shining white pearl. It was worn by a dead nobility. He had brought a decoy pearl with him to the ball.

Though the first challenge was finding a way in... because he did not have an entry ticket. With arms crossed, he stood outside eyeing the building. A fair distance away from where the queue to go inside had been set.

Getting into the building was a small feat for Noel. He had several options. Some even may think that his arsenal is set to break into places--with him being able to turn into a cat, a mouse and a raven as well as his ability to scale walls or fly around as per his gravity magic allowed him to do so. This was much more challenging for others than himself. He supposed that word had spread about the wealth inside the ball. Unbeknownst to him, the invitations had personal names on them. Stealing one directly from a guest standing in queue was ill-advised for this reason.

Though it had become obvious that this open secret(the wealth worn by the dead), was in fact--not a secret at all.

A ruse had been unfolding at the main entrance. Some patron was pretending to have a heart attack, while their accomplice snuck in as the guards were momentarily distracted by the scene. Noel felt amused by the sight of such cons.

At roughly the same time Noel overheard someone talking to themselves, mentioning manholes. Spoken from a voice that reminded him of his horse Mustang for some reason--it was so long since he had met this woman that he'd not recognize her. They didn't field the typical face of someone who would crawl through sewers, Noel thought upon turning his body to face this passing figure. Though the heavy cloak might suggest otherwise. It made the man interested enough to inconspicuously tail her. Luckily he enjoyed being soundless, a perk granted to him by his mask.  

He'd vaguely remembered a favor he owed to her as he followed her from a fair distance, or maybe it was someone else he thought of. Once she had stumbled upon a conundrum--that being a large man, supposedly a guard, covering the manhole.

Noel decided to give her some help, by turning into a cat and leaping out from wherever he hid, jumping onto the guard. Pawing his face before bolting away, and circling the block. If the manhole was still open by then, he'd chose to enter it still in being his cat form. Closing it on his way in. If the manhole was closed on his way back, he'd have to find another way in.

Noels little trick to distract the guard had worked. Immediately after bolting away, said guard angrily attempted to give chase. Once he looped back around and closed the lid. He'd jump further into the sewer--ever so curious. It seemed the cloaked figure knew the route, so he'd tail from a distance. Still being in his cat-form. A convenient stone stairway led to a door which was exposed to a maintenance room inside the public administration building where the ball was being held. Assuming that the figure was about to pick lock that door, Noel chose this moment to reveal himself. An audible puff of smoke could be heard three meters away from the stairs. From it a large man began to appear after the smoke had been given a chance to dissipate.

"Voilà!"

The man from the dissipating smoke had said. A gentleman like curtsy followed his dialogue. In which a gesture that can be perceived as a thank-you, or a respectful nod--but perhaps in a custom different to what one might be used to around in Stella. Noel had done a poor impression of adhering to Stella's cultural behavior--mistakenly assuming it was attributed to Minstrel. Meaning he had mistaken Stella for Minstrel. His costume for the ball tonight was Minstrel inspired. His Animagus Kraken mask did do a decent job of hiding his identity, lest he be identified due to his reputation. If the woman hadn't fled but instead was inquisitive enough to inquire what had just happened, Noel thought to explain, while brushing off his suit as he did so.

"You are 泥棒, I am too. Miao- that's me."

He'd then reveal the fake white pearl, and point at it with his free hand. That is what he wanted. By bodily explaining it, he surely not needed to explain further. There was one more item he'd have heard about, a big ass painting. For this he definitely needed some help, at least a distraction of some sorts.

"Work, together?"

Ironically Noel thought by simplifying what he was saying he thought it'd make it more clear. Had she agreed to this, he could easily unlock the door by placing his thumb over the keyhole and use his masterful manipulation of gravity to knock the switches around in order to turn the lock with a key made out of wind.

The maintenance closet looked empty save for some brooms and other cleaning supplies. One more door, and they'd be immediately into a hall leading to the ballroom. Music could be heard being played. There was a live band. Some members of this band were spirits.