First Reply Antique Dealers

[Pal Veda]

Setting aside the annoying sass and age-based discrimination, the kid wasn’t wrong. Time to go.

Veda slid the pack back over his shoulders and turned to leave. Before him, the stone block on which the treasure box sat began to descend into the floor. Then in the back of the room, directly across from the magnificent entryway from whence they came, the stone wall opened at a point near the top, revealing a sort of empty block. But it didn’t stay empty for long, The hole was soon filled with the shape of a beautifully carved dragon head, mirroring the figure from the box in form but exponentially larger in size. It stared at Veda with an open mouth that began oozing smoke.

“Run!” He yelled, quickly turning his pace from a confident stride to an all out sprint. Luckily Persephone and Zee were ahead of him and almost through the exit. Veda came barreling through behind them, slipping just out of the way as fire filled the empty chamber where they had stood moments earlier. The attempted cremation lasted maybe 10 seconds, but it felt like minutes as the flames escaped out the doorway and scorched the cold still air around them.

Then, just like that, it was over. Veda regained his posture and examined himself. Ten fingers, ten toes, skin still attached. Couldn’t ask for much more. “See? Dragons!” He called out to his immature companion and her robot. As his heart rate slowed back to normal, he refocused. “Let’s get these back to the Jedi and get paid.” But as soon as the words left his mouth, Veda struck another idea.

“Actually, you know, they’re only payin’ us to retrieve the holocron. Nobody said anything about the nice little orb that came with it.” A devious smile crept across his face as the trio made their way out of the hidden layer and back toward the real world. It seemed quite a bit of credits were in their future.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

While young, Persephone wasn't exactly what one would call a "gym girlie". Sure the outfits were cute, the aesthetics for selfies top notch. Yet using all the equipment was a nightmare. Having tried an early morning run with her adoptive father it was quickly found it wasn't for her. Yet she wasn't a slouch, ballet had been done over the course of the last few years for graceful movement as was expected of someone of her status. Toned the core but not so much for endurance.

So a little breathless on the way out. Almost dying tended to do that too, anxiety and all. Yet they had made it out and Mister Pal Veda had collected what he came for. In situations like these she didn't worry about payment or splitting any earnings. Those who took her on were assuming a risk and the credits were the reward for not letting her die and possibly teaching a few things along the way.

As he mentioned credits, she nodded. An excellent point. If they had wanted all the pieces in the little trinket box then it should have been specified. Persephone liked the way he thought. It was much like her own. Speaking of, she had to steal back a painting from Mauve du Vain while the woman was still laid up recovering.

Or maybe just hire some street urchins to do it. She would have loved the chance for real credits back when she was scraping by.

"Seems you're in for a payday Mister Veda."

EXIT POST