Iliskra was already up and moving, Willory and Firoz right on her heels - Leon somewhat humorously being left at the rear and having to tow in behind the others. The four waited until the outside guards had made their close pass and then scurried across the snow covered grounds toward the eastern side of the mansion - careful to avoid the burning oil lamps that illuminated the areas around them. The storm would quickly cover their tracks so there was no concern there. Neither of the crossbow-wielding guards were on the eastern side of the balcony so there was no chance that the four had been seen from above. So far luck was with them. They all pressed themselves against the frost-glazed wall, taking a quick deep breath despite the pain it caused in their chests given the cold air.

Iliskra raised her head and looked over the side of the structure. The luck would hold with there being enough ornamentation to give she and the others hand and foot holds to grasp as they ascended up to the second floor. The windows were all encased in a “frame” of swirling protruding stonework and just above them were miniature carvings of mephits of all things, winged little fiends sitting perched on small platforms. Above those was the edge of the second floor balcony and the ornamental fencing that banded all the way around it. So long as no one accidentally kicked one of the windows or let their hand slip causing a fall climbing up would be easy enough.

“Firoz and I will go around to the other side.” Willory said. When Iliskra looked at him the halfling said, “It’s not a good idea to have four people scrounging up the same side of a wall.”

“He is right.” Firoz added.

Iliskra thought about it for a moment and nodded in understanding. “Just be mindful.”

“Of course,” Firoz said, reaching into his bag and pulling something out, “take this.”

Firoz handed a smooth piece of polished flat metal to Leon. It had a slight upward hook at the end of it. It was about a forearms’ length and felt very heavy despite how thin it was. “It is good for opening closed windows,” Firoz explained, “just slide the hook under the eave of the window and gently force it up. If the windows locked, of course, then it will not work. I have a spare, so worry not.”

With that Firoz and Willory whisked away and disappeared behind the house. Iliskra looked at Leon with a raised brow and said, “After you, good sir.”