After a few days of rest the group had time to establish their own spaces within the clock tower. Heart remained there for the time being, and had been fairly quiet since her rescue. I had mentioned to the others that there was understandably quite a bit on her mind, and would often talk with her alone up in our shared room of sorts.

Night had returned to the city once again. There was quite a chill looming in the air, with heavy clouds forming a thick blanket hanging over the clock-tower even. From what we could see, the castle had remained untouched since the mocked investigation. It seemed Xanathar was going to run things from his hidden away guild while he felt comfortable there. Heart had told me what they'd planned to do with her when they found her harder to kill than they'd hoped. This included the mention of the being that had decided to try and sell her off, but to who she didn't know.

The jester was gazing out a window at the dark streets, his masked face hiding his emotions. He was perched on the sill like a gargoyle, the cool air blowing lightly, jingling the bells on his hat.

Latha made it into the hideaway with her hood up, bundle of assorted books, notes, and assignments in hand. Shaking off the chilly weather, she looked for a small corner in which to study.

Lidlienne had wandered out of town. Though she'd been happy to help, the call to move on tugged at her, and she slipped away undetected as far as we knew, back into the wilderness outside the city gates.

Heart, for once, was out and about in the upper part of the clock tower. This was especially odd, for I was missing at the moment. Mister Bump would tell me this was how he'd found the group that evening when he got back before me.

On this particular day, Buttercup had come to check on Heart, as promised when it was possible. The feline was also able to inform that the House of Pleasure was left undamaged fortunately. However, she soon admitted, she was mostly there to visit Mister Bump.

Going to the hidden entrance of the clock tower, the shaggy furred man glared out of the slit-hole, before seeing the feline's friendly face. His glower softened, as he opened the door for her, "Oi oi, nice ta see yer face again, Buttahcup! Come in now, it's awful cold out dere!"

Gesturing for her to enter, he looked about, seeing how the place was in dismay. Hurrying his hulking form, he hastily went about dusting and cleaning off the old, worn furniture, clearing off empty drinking glasses, and wiping down what he could, "Oh, do forgive! We wasn't expectin' nobody ta come visit today!"

Buttercup giggled, "Don't you get troubled over me, my fluffy bear!"

She winked an eye, while pushing her hood back to reveal her feline features.

Heart watched the group quietly from the door to the downstairs.

"You all did a wonderful service for us the other day, that creep left feeling rather foolish when finding the rumors to be false. Word has it he is leaving the city, empty handed back to his employer. Once he's gone, we can move Heart elsewhere if needed?"

His green skin turning a slightly darker hue at the nickname for her, Mister Bump checked out the door behind her for any followers, and promptly closed it, "Oh, yer know it was nuffin'. Just all in a day's work, yer know?"

Dusting off his shirt and trousers, he made a pitiful attempt to make himself presentable for our guest, "But if he evah shows up again, and cuz some trouble, just let us know."

Buttercup blushed beneath her orange fur, "I will remember that."

Then her ears perked up while remembering something, "It doesn't seem that Madame Lucille wasn't found among those lost at the palace, nor was anyone else taken as prisoner! Lady Moira's convinced that she got away and is probably waiting to fight back, or for you to find her? Her and Lady Moira were rather well acquainted, and visited one another often."

At this, Heart asked, "She did?"

"She spoke of you often, saying you were growing into quite the bold young lady. Sometimes they would talk of you when they thought I wasn't there, but I couldn't help myself," the feline giggled lightly.

"What did they say?" Heart would inquire as I was getting in earshot of their voices, returning to the clock-tower

"Well, they would try and figure out who would have murdered your parents for one, yet they could never figure it out. Then Madame Lucille would mention that it was quite the miracle you survived back then."

"Now I'm here hiding away after another attack on my home," Heart grumbled with disgust souring her tone.

"Lady Cezanni, Xanathar's influence is spreading through the city. It will be difficult to fight back as we are now. It's not that you're hiding, you're protecting yourself, and the hope you carry to others by being alive. We will find a way to win the city back."

Buttercup continued, "Until it is safe you need to hide."

As she went to sit down, Mister Bump pulled out a chair for her, and rushed off, coming back with a half filled bottle of ale. Taking out a wooden mug, he placed it before her, "Would yer care for a cup, since yer our guest and all?"

"You know me well," Buttercup giggled while taking her offered cup in paw.

Placing a hand to the back of his head, he gave a wide toothy smile... before realizing they weren't alone. Taking a breath, he regained his composure, putting up his usual gruff look.

"It seems some good news is needed?" My voice chuckled from the window across from Harlequin's perch, "There's plenty of gossip to hear while riflin' through cabinets an' such."

I now stood against the window with my arms folded over my chest casually, a smirk curving my scarred lip, "There are some offers for our services here an' there, missin' trinkets, gems requested for supposed rightful owners, an' other such tasks," I told them.

I then gave a smile to Mister Bump, "I see you are enjoyin' some good fortune of your own, far better than gold huh?"

Letting out a nervous chuckle, he then crossed his arms to save face, "Still, Aye won't complain if dere's coin ta gain."

I shrugged, "There's plenty of that when ya know where to look."

"You said you have good news?" Heart then asked me.

"Well, Buttercup's right 'bout the castle bein' empty at the moment. It seems Xanathar's figurin' out what to do with it, an' is makin' sure no one's comin' to look for the princess that got away. Luckily he's so paranoid," I started.

"You went there alone?!" Mister Bump exclaimed, quickly putting my statement together, "Are you lookin' to end up dead, man?!"

"Of course not, but I needed to go there to get some information I couldn't the night of the attack," I said, but clearly wasn't swaying him or the very worried Heart looking at me.

"I was careful," I insisted, "I'm here now, aren't I?"

"That's not the point-" Heart protested.

"Don't ya want to know what I found?" I pushed back with some excitement emerging in my tone.

Giving in, Heart nodded as I walked up to her. As I did, I slipped a worn book from my cloak pocket and offered it to her, "It seems Madame Lucille left behind some clues for ya?"

I watched as Heart carefully took the well aged item from my gloved hand, her fingers brushing over the tattered cover gingerly, "What is this?"

"Somethin' she was probably waitin' to tell ya," I said as she opened the cover to begin reading.

"One day, Heart will begin showing the heritage infused with her regal blood. When it does, I will have to be there to guide her on the quest she will have to go on to master such magic. It will be difficult to persuade Victoria, but it must be done. Heart will have to seek out a way to wield her powers, and take on the tasks associated with such a journey as finding what she really is!"

"What she really is?!" Mister Bump and Buttercup both exclaimed with mouths agape, and eyes quite wide.

Latha looked up in alarm, while even the jester turned his attention to the princess.

"What quest? What is this...?" Heart stammered as I noticed her hands starting to shake.

"It seems you were meant to find out with your mentor," I ventured while she read on.

"A dragon?" I questioned the mists before me.

"That's what the journal had said," he replied as though it were common knowledge.

"Weren't you afraid to hear that such a creature was tied to her heritage?" I asked.

"Not really. I knew somethin' in her blood had gifted her eyes like she had, an' her magic came from somewhere. I was still quite surprised to hear all of this. If anythin', it made me curious. Which is probably why I proposed..." he prompted while reaching a hand out to me for the princess's journal still open in my hands, "May I?"

I nodded and handed it to him. Only his oddly slender fingers and hands would emerge still as I placed the book in them. Pulling the worn book into the mists briefly, I would hear him turn a few pages and find with a bit of a soft laugh, "It would be overwhelmin' wouldn't it, Heart? You were scared, but so curious at the same time."

The book would be handed back to me, as he asked, "Would you...it'll break my soul to read it alone at this point?"

"It's still sewn to you?" I ventured while taking the book.

"Of course. It was my heart that went missin', not my soul," he assured.

"I see?" I replied as I turned my gaze to the next page he requested, "Alright..."

I knew my very core was trembling, as I tried to read what would have been told to me by my dear friend and mentor, had all of this not happened. It was difficult to tell if it was from fear or excitement. What sort of quest had she wanted to take me on? Yet how could I leave now with the city in another's power like this? Though wouldn't this be better than hiding away?

So when Duke asked, "Do ya want to find out?"

I didn't know how to react.

"What?"

"Ya need to find out what ya are, an' grow stronger, before you can confront Xanathar. Why not take on this quest, an' come back for your home when you're ready?" he encouraged, "Hidin' here won't help ya."

"I...how can I...?" I stammered.

"Ya need a way to fight that monster, an' stayin' up here won't get ya any closer. Besides, I have a feelin' ya want to do this?" he pushed a bit more.

"You could also seek out other adventurers to help defeat Xanathar. If he's as dangerous as Duke says he is, we'll need all the help we can get!" Lidlienne chimed in.

"Meanwhile, we can hold the fort 'ere in the city," Mister Bump offered with his furry arms folded over his now puffed up chest, "Leave it ta us, Mam!"

"Wait, we can?!" Latha exclaimed with sudden growing panic.

"We'll do what we can to protect the people here, while you seek out how to control that magic of yours," Buttercup gave her support with a bit of a wink, and a slight nudge to the tiefling.

The jester would tilt his head at this, the bells jingling again. While the tiefling whimpered with unease, "Things just got so much more complicated, didn't they?"

"I guess there's no other choice is there? I'll have to go?" I said while turning my gaze towards the window, seeing the quiet streets.

There was no sign that there'd been any sort of celebration only days ago. It were as though the city itself were in mourning for the blood spilt that night, as it's people wondered what would happen next? So far things had mostly gone on as usual for the markets, but this wouldn't last as Xanathar's ideals took hold. Chaos would be sewn into the streets, greed draining the merchants and artisans of every coin they would make, fear forcing the people to stay at home to not incur his wrath that would likely surface now that he went unchecked.

For our home, our people, my family, and myself...I would have to leave for now and come back stronger, if I were to give us any hope to hold.

"There's something I need before I go," I finally said, "If I can just get to my home."

"The castle? Out of da question!" Mister Bump interjected, "They'll be lookin' for ya dere if Xanathar got wind dat ya escaped da brothel!"

"It's not at the castle," I replied, "I couldn't hide it there, even in the study."

"What do you need? Tell us where it is, an' we'll retrieve it for ya," Duke then offered without batting his eye in the slightest.

"My parents had another home away from the castle built a long time ago. It's where they went to get away with Madame Lucille and Aunt Victoria left to tend to things for them. However, it's also where..." I trailed off as I remembered, a bit of a grimace twisting my expression.

Taking a breath, I said, "It's also where they were when they were murdered..."

"How old were you?" Latha questioned in fearful shock.

"I wasn't even born yet when it happened. Somehow they were able to get me out from the womb and save me..." was all I could really tell them in that regard.

Even the jester seemed to be taken aback by this truth.

"Anyway, there's a room I made for myself up in the attic, and it holds what I need for such a quest," I explained, "If I can just get in and find it?"

"It's not really safe for you out there," Buttercup sighed, "If you're found, then your quest will be over before it's even begun."

"Then what can I do?" I questioned in growing frustration, "I can't exactly head out like this?"

Since escaping to the clock-tower, I'd had to make do with what extra clothes Duke had been able to find for me. Otherwise I was stuck in the dress and robes from the Lady Moira. The attire he'd provided was comfortable enough, one of his tunics and a pair of slacks he had acquired for me. A pair of loose fitted boots were worn over stockings.

"You can ask us to steal it for ya?" Duke then offered while tilting his head slightly, "That is our job after all?"

"I want to be a part of this," I protested.

"An' ya will be. Jus' let us do this part of it for ya? Buttercup can stay here with ya, an' we'll get what ya need for the journey ahead. This way Xanathar's cretins don't find an' kill ya before ya can get out of the city," Duke insisted while reaching a hand out to rest on my shoulder.

I knew he could feel the tension in my frame, and thus attempted, "Part of bein' a leader means relyin' on others to support ya from time to time. This is one of those moments. Be proud that ya inspire the hope in us to want to help."

"Madame Lucille mentioned something like that before...Aunt Victoria didn't really rely on others...it was hard for her too after my parents were taken from us," I replied.

"Well, what about you? What will you be like?" Buttercup ventured with an encouraging smile on her feline featured face.

Looking over the group, the remnants of what fight was left in the sleeping city, I felt a fire beginning to ignite in me again. Despite my desire to do this myself, I knew what they were telling me was right. To start this at least, I would have to, "I am counting on you to steal this for me."

"What's the prize then?" Duke asked with a smirk on his face.

"Come with me?" I replied with a request while heading up to our shared space.

Raising a brow at this, Duke went ahead and followed me. Once I was sure we were alone, he asked, "Somethin' ya can't tell them about?"

"It's more so, I wanted to ask you something about all of this first..." I faltered as I realized how strange and abrupt it was.

Then again, a lot of this was at this point.

"Is it about the job at hand, or the quest ahead?" he asked, picking up on the latter rather quickly.

"I...well..." why was this so difficult to ask?

He stood, folding his arms over his chest as he looked to me in bewilderment. I realized I was still holding the journal from my mentor in my hands at this point. With a sigh, I looked to it's well held together, but still worn cover.

"I wanted to ask somethin' about that?" he then prompted when I still hesitated myself, "About the journey itself?"

"Y-Yes?" I replied while looking up at him.

In the moment of planning before, I'd managed to shake off the confusion spinning through my head about what my mentor had known all along. Yet now it came crashing through me again, perhaps making it difficult for me to put into my own words what I wanted to.

"If you'd like, I'd be happy to go with ya?" he then offered, causing my heart to skip in spite of the swirling in my head.

"Y-You would?" I stammered still.

"I didn't think you'd want to go alone, an' it would be better if one of us were with ya," he replied, "The others can hold the fort here."

"Don't they need you? You're their leader," I pointed out.

"Mister Bump can take charge while I'm away with ya," he assured, "Besides, I have a feelin' ya shouldn't go alone. We already know we work rather well together?"

He gave a nod to the corner of the room, where the stone remained tucked away. Then he mentioned, "I still haven't any idea what it is, or what it looks like, just as I promised ya."

"Duke...?"

"It's up to you, Heart. Either way, I need to know what you're after in order to steal it for ya," he then mentioned with a bit of a chuckle.

To this, I gave a nod and started, "I think it's for the better, that the Black Viper leaves the city in search of help. It will keep Xanathar off our trail, seeing how he doesn't know we're one in the same."

"Your sword an' everythin' is up in the attic at this manor?"

I gave a nod, "Yes. I couldn't risk Aunt Victoria or Madame Lucille discovering it, and knew no one would go there. So on nights when I headed out, I would go there first and change. The mansion is tucked beside the Dreaming Lady statue, looking out over the coast. Both my parents loved the water, and it was easy for me to get there and back to the palace around the castle ward bordering the path."

"Is there anythin' we need to know about the place itself? Are there guards left to protect it?" Duke asked.

I shook my head, "It's simply remained as a tomb of sorts. They wished to be buried there together to be close to the coast they admired there so much. It's actually rather peaceful there."

"Should be an easy job then. If it weren't for the circumstances, I wouldn't mind bringin' ya along to see them before headin' out, but I feel it's safer for ya here."

"I...I understand," I finally conceded, "Still, I thank you for this, and your offer."

"Of course, Lady Heart," he said with a polite bow to me.

When he saw my stunned expression, he insisted gently, "I don't want ya to forget who ya are in all of this. You're this city's hope, an' the princess Xanathar never should have messed with."

Biting my lip to withdraw the smile trying to break free with his kind words, I said, "I thank you for that encouragement, I really do.

I hoped that the low light would hide my face, knowing it was quite red by this interaction.

With some of this settled, and me left considering his offer to me, we headed back out to the others waiting in the main room. The jester had turned his attention back to the window while he'd been waiting. Mister Bump and Buttercup were discussing plans for a patrol of sorts to be worked out to help folks that needed it. In the corner, at a wobbly table and just as problematic chair, sat Latha as she poured over pages and pages of carefully jotted down words.

I couldn't help it as I looked to Latha and her books, "What are you studying there?"

Latha jumped slightly at the question, before looking about a bit nervously, "Oh, um, magical theory in-pertaining to bloodlines and their affects on one's magic. I figured it was a good place to try and... and figure out why my magic is the way it is..."

Genuinely intrigued while listening to Latha, I asked, "You hold magic too? That's incredible!"

"...Okay you mystics can go magic over there," Harlequin says from the window, "The grownups will make coin through questionable means."

Growing a bit more nervous, Latha replied to me, "Ah, y-yes, I attend the local mage college. I, that is, paying off certain debts to it is part of, of why I accepted this... endeavor..."

Then while glaring at the Clown, face flushing and scowling, she added, "And I'll have you know that I choose that particular path because it was supposed to be respectable!"

"Neeeeeerrrrrdddd!~" the jester snarked.

Duke shot a narrowed eye towards Harlequin as well, "I wouldn't be so quick to make such a negative remark on their endeavors, friend. "

Ignoring the masked thief, I looked to Latha still, "It is, and perhaps we could study our magic together when I return, to try to help one another?"

At this, Mister Bump would then notice the briefest touch of a melancholy expression in Duke's eye, but only from knowing him so long. I'd seen it for a moment as well before he looked to the window, seeming to look for the best way to the manor I'd told him of.

With a surprised jolt, the tiefling looked to me. "A-certainly! Yes, that would be... agreeable. Is there any particular schools you want to practice or specialize in?"

I looked at my hands, "All I know right now, is that I was born with magic...it's probably what protected me that night my parents were murdered. As well as the other night, it's why they thought it would be better to sell me, it seems. Yet I only discovered it the night of the attack. They would have taken my life as well, had my own sorcery not manifested. Before then, I tried to talk to others about such curiosities, but most of them simply scoffed, if they weren't wary of my interest."

Latha flinched slightly, uncertainty filling their voice. "...I'm sorry. There's no way that could have been... I mean..." Taking a deep breath, she composed herself, trying to stand up a bit straighter. "Well then, no better place to start than the beginning! Have you manifest any particular spells or traits? If your magic is bloodline based, it'd be best to start with where and how it would have 'entered in' so to say." Trying to strike a pose like a more experienced instructor would have, the young Tiefling continued. "For example, in my case, and the case for most Teiflings even without any magical aptitude, most of our abilities tend to come from our ancestors dealings with..." And continued on, becoming lost in her lecture.

Latha would find Heart listening intently with every word. She could tell that I had never had anyone to explore this with, before they and Duke came along. Madame Lucille had shown me some minor cantrips with me being so open to magic, but that was it thus far.

Then, thinking of what Latha had begun explaining, I thought back to other night as I answered, "The night they attacked me, I remember lightning forcing them back in a sudden burst. In my mind, I heard a thundering roar they couldn't perceive. They said I was probably cursed by the dragons that I..." I faltered when bringing up one of my favorite things to talk about, "Anyway...I feel this magic was always there, but didn't wake up until then, or...at least close to then?"

He first listened to this conversation, but after a short bit, he lost his place in it, not being able to catch up. Giving a shrug towards the Jester, he smirked. "Truth be told, magic ain't my fing too."

Rubbing her chin in thought, Latha hums lightly, "Well, that could narrow it down a bit, there are many examples of Elementals or creatures with strong links to elemental energies getting into bloodlines. Hmm..."

Latha found herself trying to recall tell tale signs of bloodlines she had read about. She then seemed to remember that birthmarks and other such things are some ways of knowing.

Slumping slightly in defeat, Latha sighs, "I think I'll need to do some refreshers in my studies...Oh! Wait, I do remember one way. I don't suppose you have, or have developed, any strange or notable birthmarks? O-or scales? No, wait , that was if you drank a badly prepared decalcification potion..."

I looked over my sleeve covered arms and said, "Well...now that you mention it?"

With this, I pulled up the sleeve to reveal blue scales from my wrists to her elbows, shimmering in the low light, "They were all over me initially, but they seem to have washed away other than on my forearms?"

Blinking in a bit of surprise, Latha stated, "...Oh, well then, that certainly narrows things down."

Harlequin's head jerked a bit, now interested in the two of us as he asks, "Scales?"

I nodded my head, "I guess?"

Duke gave a stifled sigh, but smiled lightly while standing near Mister Bump now.

"Well well well..." the jester said, "Milady, you might be worth more than your throne."

"Well, Aye'll be buggahed..." the bugbearsaid, at the strange sight of a human girl with scales, "Yer don't see dat everyday..."

I wasn't sure how to respond to any of these remarks, now lowering my sleeve to hide the scales again, "They started spreading again a day or so after the attack. However no one could help me learn about them or my magic, especially with Madame Lucille still missing. Yet it seems to be part of what saved me..." I glanced at their leader briefly.

Then I turned back to Latha, "I want to understand this better, so that I can better help the city. Also, if I can retrieve some of my inheritance tucked away at the manor, I would certainly pay you for your tutoring and practice, and perhaps help with your goal?"

Duke perked up and looked to everyone, "That's right, we have a job to do tonight, don't we?"

Shooting ramrod at the mention of clearing her debt, Latha gained a rather...Worrying gleam in her eyes, "Yes! This is more than within my capabilities! I'll just need to make a quick stop at the school library to do some research, consult with professors, and, yes" She almost hissed out, "prepare a schedule and study guide!"

"Oh grotz..." Mister Bumpsaid, facepalming at this, "Dis is gonna be interestin' den, aint it?"

I felt excited and nervous from Latha's response. My own enthusiasm won out as I suggested, "Perhaps you could jot down something for me to follow while I'm on the road to start with? When I return we can see how much the other has learned?"

I would notice as Duke gave a bit of a smile at this, but then looked to everyone, "If we're to retrieve what ya need, we should head out then? It's quiet with the cold weather of early spring still, an' we need Heart to begin this quest as soon as possible?"

I looked to them and mentioned, "I haven't been there since the night before the attack..."

Duke quickly noted this meant when he'd brought me here to hide the stone that night.

"What happened at the castle should keep patrols busy there. Even still, please be careful." Duke walked up and paused to give a swift bow to me, "Don't ya worry sweetheart, I'm sure we'll be more than capable. Right everyone?"

Latha would be seen nodding a bit too enthusiastically

Letting out a huff, he shrugged... before looking over towards Buttercup. Puffing out his chest again, he gave a nod, "Of course, anyding to help a lady in need." He clenched his meaty fist before himself, perhaps making it a little overly pronounced than needed, "Now den... where we goin'?"

Duke bit his lower lip to stifle the need to tease his friend. Then he smirked, "It seems we'll be headed to the Cezanni family manor to find Heart's inheritance to keep it out of the wrong hands, as well as what she needs for the journey ahead of her?"

I gave a nod while drawing up a well done map of the insides of what was my second home essentially. With a melancholy grimace, I sighed looking over the layout and handed it to Duke. Looking it over, he said, "In the attic then?"

"They figured a bedroom would be too obvious," I replied.

Duke gave a thoughtful nod, while slipping the map into his vest pocket. Buttercup agreed to stay with me while they ventured out.

"Are you three comin' along then?" Duke asked Mister Bump, Latha Alish, and Harlequin "Sneak into a manor to nab a treasure?" Harlequin asks, "...Sounds like my Friday night."

"Yer can rely on Mistah Bump, yer know dat already," Mister Bumpnodded again, placing his hands on his hip glancing down towards the tabaxi in hopes of seeing her response.

Buttercup blushed, "What a roguish hero you are Mister Bump, my fluffy bear."

"And don't you worry about Lady Heart, here. I am plenty capable of keeping her safe just in case," she waved and flexed her claws before retracting them with a playful wink.

"O-of course! Yer a very capable lady yer are!" He smiled, before returning his attention to the rest of the group.

"It seems to skip over this part," I mentioned to the mists as the words trailed off a bit and into a different entry, "I'm guessing because she wasn't there?"

"I'm glad she wasn't," he admitted from the mists, "I still never told her what we found there that night."

Intrigue tugged at me as I asked, "Would you tell me? So I know the complete story?"

"Normally I'd say no, but considerin' ya seem to be a traveled adventurer, I guess you'll be alright?"

"Please?" I pushed.

"Alright," he began again.

With that the four of us headed out onto the streets, descending carefully from the high floors of the clock tower. As he left through the window, I received a wish of safety from Heart before I smile back to reassure her, and began leading the way through the shroud of black cloaking the city.

Safely away from Heart and Buttercup, I then couldn't help but nudge Mister Bump, "Seems ya didn't need my help after all in that regard, huh my friend?"

As we headed out, I couldn't help but notice Mister Bump making sure to give a wave to the cat lady, before returning to his usual surly demeanor. As we went through the city, he raised a brow at my teasing. "Aye don't know what yer talkin' 'bout."

"Oh yeah, our big bear has a fondness for kitty cats~" the jester chimed in, bells jingling with his movements.

"Really now?" I smirked playfully while leading the way carefully, "I'd say ya know exactly what I mean. She's quite a catch, my friend. Don't be embarrassed, or it might break her heart." I began balancing on a ledge as we continued on.

Latha would follow along while muttering to herself "... carry the two with five days a week after 4 for 3 hours and weekends for 4 at average tutoring rates..."

I caught Latha's contemplation, "It seems we're all benefitin' tonight. An' it's still early."

Furrowing his brow at the swashbuckler and clown, he let out a huff, "So Buttahcup and Aye are close... and Aye ain't embarrassed 'bout anyfing." As we went along, he added, "She is a fine lady, a good one at dat too!"

"...It's the tail isn't it?" the jester couldn't help but ask.

"Never said she wasn't," I assured, before adding, "Lady Moira mentioned to me the other day that Buttercup has resigned from entertainin' patrons, an' does other work around the place, cookin', sewin', an' takin' out the trash," I smirked, "It shocks the creepier guests that she can throw 'em so far."

Snapping out of their little trance, Latha asked, "Hm? What's happening? Did something occur?" She paused, and looked at Duke in confusion, "Aaand why are you staring?"

Doing his best to hide how flustered he felt, the goblinoid waved off the jester and I, "Oh, and yer don't have a type yerself?" At what I said about Buttercups new duties, he grinned. "She's a strong one..."

"Sure. Curved... sharp... Long and thin..." the Jester started listing off.

At Mister Bump's comment on type, I found myself clearing my throat as I shrugged, "Never said I didn't have one...but it's lead to some problems at the moment."

I then looked to Latha and said, "We'll be there soon."

Looking at the clown with a strained expression of forced friendliness, Latha stated, "I know a few people enrolled as Eldritch Knights in the college I attend?"

At any strange or questioning looks by Mister Bump or myself, she added, "What, it keeps his focus off us, plus just about anyone in that cause is as able to tie someone into a knot as well as they can set them on fire!"

"Note to self, don't get on yer bedside." Mister Bumpchuckled, as we followed the path to the seaside manor.

"You think you can help Heart with her magic?" I then asked Latha with some concern showing through my usually casual expression.

Latha suddenly became nervous and evasive, "Oh, well, I, ah, I am more than proficient in all of my classes pertaining to magical theory and... and..." She seemed to wilt while looking at me, her voice quiet and brittle. "...You know for yourself why I'm doing all this, don't you?"

"I have a hunch, but it seems to help both of ya doesn't it? You're both lookin' for answers right? You also both have to prove somethin' to others in your respective groups?"

I remained friendly in tone.

The Tiefling took a deep breath, straightening themselves and adjusting their hood around their horns, their voice resolute, "You're right. I'll do everything I can to help, every step forward is a step well taken."

"That's the spirit, an' speakin' of best foot forward," I looked ahead, "we're here."

Ahead of our group, was a grand manor that not so long ago seemed to be lit with life and light. Now it was silent as the grave, and just as grim in appearance somehow. Unease crept from it's windows, the stench of blood that was cleaned up still choked the night air all these years later.

Letting out an impressed whistle at the ominous structure, Mister Bump looked it over, "So... yer already know how to get in?"

"Well...I have an idea," I replied while looking up at the oddly unguarded building before us, "However, the way in or out may not be as it was before?"

"Could be haunted?" Harlequin said in observation.

"We're jus' goin' to have to go an' see," I sighed while stepping forward.

"Haunted he sayz..." The bugbear replied incredulously, shaking his head. Going towards the building, he began to look about, searching for a way in.

Pulling her cloak in around herself, "Please do not joke about that. If there are spectral beings here, that would mean I and my magic would be the best defense we have, and that would... be very far from ideal for any of us."

Harlequin and Latha both would catch a glimpse of someone looking out the window for a brief moment before the curtain covered them up with the wind. Then she was gone.

"...Welp I think we've done all we can, time to head home nice seeing you all!" Latha suddenly began to turn around and march.

However, the gates we had stepped through slam and lock shut. Thus causing the light whimpering to emerge from the tiefling.

Mister Bump's eyes narrowed at the sight, before turning towards the others. The gates shutting themselves caused his fur to stand on end, but, he quickly clutched his hand axes, "Spooks or not, we got a job to do... "

"...Go play with them, Latha..." Harlequin said in a slightly monotone voice, "You can be best friends forever and ever..."

Mister Bump would notice a sound at the front door, something unlocking before the door invited us all in, "... well.. it would be rude to decline.."

Only now, did I take note of the garden we'd walked passed to reach the front door, or rather the opening left for something rather large all dug up. Looking over, I would see a mound undisturbed beside it, the headstones at the base of them stating clearly who they were for. However, the empty one would show the ground being pushed up, the dirt shoved aside, from something underneath clawing it's way out, I realized.

I nodded my head, "You're right friend; but we have to tread carefully."

"Harlequin I will magic your bells off I swear!" Latha hissed sharply.

Then, looking dejectedly at the door, Latha asked, "There really is no other choice, is there?" Shoulders slumped, the young half demoness slouched forward.

As we reached the door, we all heard whispers flowing from the first hall. A small girl's voice giggled curiously, "Are they here, mama?"

"...Ugh..." Harlequin said, "...Kids..."

His large, pointed ears would arch at this, Mister Bump's knuckles whitening as he gripped his hand axes.

"Yeah... kids... Bugbears are good with kids..." He chuckled, looking towards the others with a wide grin, showing off his rows of pointed teeth.

"Aren't ya the local hero to the nearby orphanage, my friend?" I nudged Mister Bump.

His eyes went wide, as he turned towards me, "Shush yer! Ayes got a reputation to uphold!"

"...Doesn't change my opinion of you." Harlequin assured.

Latha would then suddenly shudder as something nearly grasped her hand, before fading through it. Another wind blew by, nudging us closer towards the door.

The girl's voice echoed, "They're here! I can't wait to hear their stories!"

"...Craaaaaaaaaapp..." Harlequin groaned.

"How could this happen to me?~ I made my mistakes~" Latha hummed worriedly.

"Bloody 'ell..." Mister Bump commented, backing up towards the two behind us, making sure we wouldn't get flanked from any unseen attackers.

Even I showed a bit of my perplexion, to say the least, as the voice giggled until it faded.

"Let's go then..." Harlequin said, stepping forward to the door.

As we all stepped through slowly, carefully, the door closed, and we would hear the distinct sound of a lock bolted in place. I tested it to confirm, "We'll definitely have to go out differently than how we came in, it seems."

We ventured forward to enter a front room, with elaborate carpet sticking to our boots and shoes in an unnatural way with each step.

Looking around, Bump's eyes adjusted to the darkness, surveying the room before him.

All, but Latha, would notice a crimson substance staining the carpet. Upon following the trail with our eyes, we found the portrait of a man and wife, their throats slit as blood poured from their necks until it reached the door.

Then, in an instant, it seemed the blood was gone, and the carpet clean, if not a bit dusty. Thus drawing my attention to the immaculate portrait before us. Through the image of the late and queen, I would see features gifted to Heart. The long wavy hair of her mother that would curl if cut short like her mother, the reddish shade of hair from her father that her magic bloodline had clearly made even more vibrant. Together they stood, smiling upon any guests that may enter their home, with the mother-to-be resting a gentle hand over her very showing pregnant stomach. A flowing skirt of lavender linen would be draped over her comfortably from her princess cut dress.

Mister Bump would then notice before I did, that my usually tanned skin was a bit pale as I regains my composure before the portrait. His fur bristling, he took a deep gulp. "... so.. Latha... yer got anythin' to deal wit spooks?"

Down a long, grand hallway we then began to hear faint melodies trying to capture our attention.

"Awawawaw F-fire! Fire works, right!? 'Cause I think I could make lots of fire right now!?"

"Not while we're stuck in her, yer not!" Mr. Bump was quick to say, before taking a deep breath, "Now... Aye'll take lead... watch muh back..." With that, Mr. Bump headed down towards the hallway...despite his better judgment.

"We need to find Heart's inheritance first anyway, if it hasn't walked away first," I replied as the music gradually grew louder.

"...Alright, let's go. This is, and I can't believe I'M saying this, too creepy for me," the jester noted.

"Oh! Wait! Dancing Lights!"Latha exclaimed with some hope.

I took the lead for the group, quietly listening as the music played still. Laughter could be heard trickling in as well, not just of the child, but many other voices as well. Until...the child's laughter began to fade, then twist into pleading for the others to stop as they only grew louder. Then the laughter transitioned to general mingling as the group of us entered a ballroom, empty as the sky.

"...I feel like the wallflower invited to the school dance... and there aren't any dancers," the masked rogue behind me commented grimly.

Perhaps not visible, but we could hear as the doors to the ballroom opened. With the child absent, they went about their dancing that couldn't be seen except for...Harlequin, who could see feint images, in and out, of dancers floating around.

"...I think the voices in my head grew bodies... and are dancing?"

He would also notice masks hanging on the nearby wall of the room, watching for guests through empty eyes.

"...I don't like balls, I always feel under-dressed," the jester noted with clear discomfort.

"Heart doesn't care for them either," I mentioned quietly.

Looking down at Harlequin, Mister Bump raised a brow, trying to see what he was talking about...clearly not seeing it himself. He searched about, trying to find anything that could hint at where they could find their target.

Latha couldn't help but attempt to hide behind the mass of muscles that was Mister Bump, while trying to will her self to disappear into her cloak.

Mister Bump was distracted by the growing volume of voices, now scoffing with contempt and amusement.

Latha would barely feel the same sensation of something tugging on her, but her cloak now. Then it faded again.

"...Hmm... A bunch of ghosts dancing around," the masked clown informed, "Well... Some of them anyway?"

"Some? Can ya see them then?" I asked Harlequin.

While poor Latha was near wailing, "Stop touching meeeeeee~"

Jumping at the screaming from behind him, Mister Bump would then grab the far smaller tiefling, and started bolting to the other side of the room with her under his arm.

The scoffing laughter grew louder, following Mister Bump and Latha, as though mocking their attempts at escaping.

"Yeah... A bit. Like... A weird dream or a high episode?"

I pondered over this a moment, "Is it from the mask?"

"Huh?" the jester asks, "Possibly? Or maybe..."

Barreling forward, with the mage in tow, the bugbear rushed towards the door, using the force of his bulk to break through it.

The door defied Mister Bump, knocking them backwards a bit. The laughter grew, and the group of us would fine splatters of crimson upon the ground, then burn marks scorching the floor.

He looked over at the rest of us, "Oi! Are you two having fun?"

Latha on knees, hiding in her cloak, cried, "Nooo-ooo-o-o!"

Getting back to his feet, he let out a defeated sigh, as he took in what was happening around him, "Yer said it's da mask?"

Trying to get a hold of herself, Latha's hands began to glow slightly, "De-Detect Magic."

I then walked over and took a mask from the wall, and took a quick breath as well, before putting it on. It now looked as though my eye and where my right eye should have been were hollow behind the mask. Still, I turned my head as though watching something moving along the room.

While Latha was drawn to the masks upon the main ballroom wall as well now. Her spell illuminating a hidden aura.

With this, Latha got a hold of herself, still sniffling a bit, and pointed, "Th-the masks. They have some kind of magic or enchantment on them." She shuffled over and, with shaking hands, slowly took one of the masks and placed it on her face.

Upon placing the mask on, she would then feel a sense of dread and confusion run through her. As her eyes looked through those of the mask, she would see a grand ballroom, alive and vibrant. Laughter fills the room, but she soon realized it was not pleasant sort. Instead it was touched with mockery as the dancers look upon someone far across the other side of the room.

"Oh. Oh that can't be good..." Latha commented grimly.

My scarred lip twisted slightly in disdain as I watched with everyone.

Looking at the demon blooded girl, Mister Bump raised a brow. "Wut yer seein' Latha?"

With a sigh, I watched on. For the others would quickly realize along with me, that the girl in the vision had looked like Heart, but weren't entirely sure. We would also see the scorch marks scattered around the room, with and without the masks now.

Swallowing hard again, Latha turned to me, "The, the night of the fire...the attack... was, was there supposed to be some kind of event going on?"

I looked to her and admitted, "There was a party that night, one of the balls her aunt was hostin'. As for the night her parents were murdered, I'm not so sure."

Grimacing at the evidence of a great fire, the bugbear joined us, keeping an eye open for any oncoming threats, "Mistah Bump must admit, Aye don't like avin' ta deal with ghosts. Yer can't just give dem a good thwack on da head now..."

Her brow creasing in confusion, Latha muttered "But the ghost looked almost like... but she's alive, obviously, so then what is this? Not a haunting, but an imprint? What..."

"I don't know Miss Alish. I don't know how magic works, but I can recognize some of it," I answered while removing my mask, "As far as I know, she didn't have magic as a child...but I think there was somethin' connected to it that is combined with the feelin's she must have had the other night...an'" I finally admitted, "An' I wish I had stayed with her the night it happened...Maybe I could have helped her somehow..."

Trying not to shake, the young woman answered hesitantly, "W-well, we-we're not going to get ans-swers here. So we might as w-well search."

"Mistah Bump agrees... best to get out of this place and get ta searchin'... " the bugbear beside menodded, as he headed towards the door, glancing backwards to make sure we would follow.

While we proceeded through the manor, leaving the ballroom, the hair on our necks began to stand on end as a chill rushed through the hall.

Mister Bump would distinctly hear a guttural voice drag out the words, "Doesn't belong..doesn't belong...to you...!"

Followed then by a more feminine voice echoing, "You won't find..."

Latha would find that she could hear the voices, but not what they said, and thus began her whimpers once more.

We would also grow vaguely aware that we were missing one of our party, but hoped to come across him as we ventured through. Perhaps he'd gotten turned around, or was ahead of us somehow?

If his fur wasn't so coarse, with how it stood on end he would appear fluffy. Mister Bumped raised a hand, trying to dismiss the voices, "Course dey say dat... we are intrudin' after all. If they were alive dey say da same fing."

However, I came to pause in my tracks, frozen in place it seemed as I tried to regain my composure. For I was looking dead ahead of everyone as I simply began staring into the abyss...

Looking towards me, goblinoid placed his big, meaty hand onto the my shoulder, "'ey mate, yer doin' alright dere?"

"I...I should have been there..." I uttered while taking a breath. Upon feeling and hearing Mister Bump reaching out, I jumped a bit while attempting a reply, "We need to get what we're here for an' leave before anythin' else happens..."

He gave a nod, and took a deep breath himself, "Aftah yer, friend."

I gave a slight smile, and began heading towards a winding stairwell.

As we continued on, more scorch marks were noticed here and there, almost mirroring the ones I'd seen through the castle after the attack. As we neared the bed chamber hall, the steps beneath us seemed to moan in gasps of pain, almost like hearing someone panting while sprinting away.

Heading upwards, the bruiser of our group kept his eyes peeled, "So... Latha... what exactly can ghosts do? Possess folks, make deir hair turn white... scare dem to death?"

Latha had heard many stories about ghosts in her studies. Many of them having to do with unfinished business. They can manifest on their own, or take over a person to relay their message if not carry it out.

Seeing a way to calm herself by not focusing on the situation around her, Latha began to try and enter her 'lecture mode', "Well, Mister Bump , there are a n-number of different abilities depending on the kind and strength of the specter involved. Most ghosts, however, are a result of lingering regrets or, as it's colloquially called, 'unfinished business' of the de...departed. Some are ca-capable of independent manifestation, or if need be poison of others, to relay a message or commit an action to see those regrets finished."

However, Latha was are too nervous now to notice much beyond her recited notes.

Mister Bump, on the other hand, would hear hungered growls emanating from the bed chamber ahead. He could also hear something speaking, warning us. The feminine voice from before, "You will not find it...doesn't belong to you..."

"Aye don't like da sound of dat.." He muttered, hefting his hand axes in his strong hands as they approached the bedchamber, "Now... if anyfing happens, yer let me take care of it and run, yer hear?"

Still shaking, but trying to force a smile, Latha looked at the Bugbear, "W-w-well, if there is a g-ghost on the haunt, as the onl-only spell caster, you be in rather grave need of my ab-abilities won't you?"

"True..." he admitted.

The three of us began to creep into the darkened room. By now we could all hear the groans of hunger rumbling out to us. Looking in carefully, we could see the ghastly answer as to where this was emerging from. For pacing back and forth, with long spread out claws grown out from the tips of fingers, what was recently a man patrolled the room. He was dressed in fine clothes now torn up and stained with blood, with rot and aged fabric hanging from his sickly thinned frame.

Fortunately, he had not noticed any of us it seems.

However, it was plain to see that we had arrived at what was once the bed chamber of Heart's parents. Sadder still, we understood perfectly that this being was that of the undead.

Eyeing his companions, the goblinoid grimaced again. Looking over to me, he began to quietly gesture, asking in Thieves' Cant if I knew who the man was.

To this I gave a solemn nod partnered with a pained grimace twisting my scarred lip. Again my skin was quite pale in fact, as though I had just succeeded in keeping my composure from the horrid sight before us. Yet as I did, I then carefully reached for my saber resting at my side.

I quietly signaled back to Mister Bump, "her father"

We then took in the torn apart room itself. The bed shoved into a broken window, a few bones scattered about, and the rest of the room in a bloody disarray.

Cringing at the answer, my friend let out a sigh. Seeing not much else to do, he carefully slunk into the room, making sure to keep out of the ghost's sight as well as he could.

Latha, trembling, readied a spell to launch at the first sign of trouble.

As Mister Bump began to move the ghoul turned it's head and faced him directly with a hungered growl.

"Aw bugger..." He sighed out, as he held his blades tightly, ready to defend himself if the undead struck at him.

I now readied my rapier and held action.

Latha, seeing the ghoul spot our comrade, let loose a Chaos Bolt!

It, in turn, let out a screech as it seemed to absorb the hit and lunged forward

Looking at all the nothing her spell seemed to accomplish, Latha stared at her hands, still glowing lightly, "Really? REALLY!?"

It lashed out with feral eyes set on me, a ferocious cry let out as I tried to make a defensive move. I managed to slash at it's arm. The ghoul howled in pain caused by the large cut in it's arm. This caused it to miss in it's own attack. Leaving it open for Mister Bump to strike.

Clutching his handaxe, the goblinoid lunged at the horrid beast, raising his blade high as he swung it upon the creature. It let out a howl of rage as the blade bit into it's side.

As I prepared to attack again, I whispered a feint apology as I readied my blade, but missed the ghoul in a weakened strike.

Hoping to be a bit more useful, Latha prepared another spell, this one more likely to work: Fire bolt. Suddenly the ghoul would let out a shriek of rage as it was now uncased in flame, crumbling to it's trembling knees.

It howled in a desperate growl, "Thief!...Not yours!"

It lunged at Mister Bump, swiping it's claws to do it's slashing damage against his steady stance. Letting out a pained snarl, he winced at the new gash upon his leg. Hobbling over, he made sure to get to the side opposite of me to strike again. Again he managed to hit, as it was on fire and panicking

As my friend raise his weapon, and plunged it into it's back, the ghoul crumbled into burnt up crisps upon the floor as it screeched, "THIEF!" Then it was still.
Seeing the monster dead, Latha went over to check on Mister Bump, with a concerned look on her face, "Are you alright?"
Blood trickling from his leg, the goblinoid breathed in sharply, "Aye be alright... just a flesh wound is all."
Looking nervous, but not knowing what else to do, Latha nodded, and turned to me, "So...So now what?"
I was quiet as the grave at first. Then shaking my head, I answered, "We don't tell Heart what became of her father for starters."
The tiefling looked first horrified, then conflicted, before slowly and hesitantly nodding.
"I guess we find the attic still, hopefully there aren't others..." I looked at the scattered nearby bones and grimaced.
Latha was terrified by the bones, and Mister Bump could see several trinkets scattered about as well. He would also notice a key tossed onto a desk. Limping over, he gathered about the trinkets and baubles, including the key, "Looks like it's not all a loss... perhaps dese can help her...?"
Latha took one look down, then immediately looked up at the ceiling.
Mister Bump, while turning to me, would then notice something off about me companion now. In the broken mirror, I would see it as well as my remaining eye took on an ethereal blue glow to it.

"... oh bloody 'ell..."my friend would breath.
"You should have left when we warned you," I said in my voice, but my accent gone.
Looking back down, Latha stared wide eyed, "...oh son of a b-..."
"Greedy aren't you? Haven't you all taken enough?! I will protect what is left!" my host warned while I tried in vain to break free of the ghostly grip.
Like a puppet on strings, I was suddenly pulled towards the hall again.
"A-a-a-a-all we're here for is to get Ms. Hearts stuff! Hones-WAIT! WHERE ARE YOU GOING!? COME BAAAAAAACK~" The Tiefling wails, flowing after my possessed form, "I HATE TONIGHT!"
Letting out a huff, Mister Bump took a tearing of the bed sheet and tied it around the gash in his leg, before following after, "Oi! Ya Heart's fatheh, aren't yer? We're 'ere to help 'er, that's what we're 'ere for!"
While I was forced to turn around and shake my head while speaking, "Not her father...but someone you should fear far more..." while I fought to pull free of invisible strings I couldn't seem to sever.
Latha sighed grimly, "Oh no, it's a mama bear."
In my voice it hissed, "I will not let you near her nonetheless. This thief will be the first example of what happens to those trying to do us harm!"
I was unwillingly pulled down the hall a bit towards another bedroom.
A strange calm over taking her, and absolutely DONE with everything happening, Latha pointed at me and called out, "Mister Bump! Use tackl-I mean, grab them before they force Duke to harm them-self!"

Giving a nod, he rushed up to my possessed self, and grabbed me with his gangly limbs. Mister Bump managed to stop me as he quickly saw that I was being pulled towards an open window in the bedroom ahead.
"Let go! As long as you are here, she will continue to hide! I won't let you hurt Heart, or steal her away!" The ghost shouted through me with a rising anger.
"We ain't here to steal or hurt anyone!" my friend snapped at the ghost, his eyes furrowed, "Yer friend da the one dat nearly sliced open muh leg!"
Looking at Mr. Bump holding a struggling Duke, Latha shut her eyes and decided to take a gamble, "She...Ms. Heart isn't hiding! We know were she is, and we can take you to her!"
I ceased my forced struggle and listened with the ghost taking me over, "WHERE IS SHE?! IF I DON'T FIND HER...SHE'LL...SHE'LL!"

Mister Bump would then notice tears that didn't belong to me falling from my remaining eye, stricken with rage.
"Sh-she's at our hide out, safe! We...We can take you to her, but you have to swear, by oath, that you won't hurt Duke! Alright?" Latha said, mustering up every bit of courage she swore she didn't feel right now.
"Wut she said!" Mister Bump answered curtly, nodding towards the fiend blooded girl. Words... were not his strong suite.
"Why shouldn't I rid her of him?" They demanded coldly, "This thief was there that night! He hid her away, and now I can't find her!"

"If he didn't hide 'er away, she'd be dead like yer would be, ya daft apparition!" Mister Bump shouted, before noticing in the bedroom ahead the untouched still body of the lady of the house, fallen dead by the blood staining the floor around her having poured from stab wounds in her chest.

And then the image was suddenly gone.
"I...I...can't find her...they must have... he..." the ghost trembled in words, "I must find her...to protect my child...I have to be there for her now!"
"It's his fault!" she finally decided through me.
Grabbing me by the shoulder, Mister Bump did the only thing he really knew how... react with violence. He began to shake my ghost ridden frame as he yelled, "Are ya dense?! Look at yerself! Dey made yer a pincushion, and if he wasn't 'ere to save her, she'd be 'acked inta pieces!"
"Bump! Don't start shaking them! You'll just give Duke a headache and freak the ghost out!" Latha pleaded, before realizing out loud, "...Did I just say that...? ye god's what become of my life..."
"I...I have to...find her..." I wept not of my own accord, "I feel her...here...they can't have her...HE CAN'T TAKE HER!"
"Yer wanna see 'er?! Yer wanna see 'er?! Come now den, we'll show 'er to yer!" With that, Mister Bump took a deep breath, and hoisted me over his shoulders.
I unwillingly struggled against my friend's grip. A fury burrowed into my chest as I yelled in pain.
"Bump! Ah, miss! Please relax I know it doesn't seem it, but he honestly is trying to help albeit in the most UNHELPFUL WAY POSSIBLE!" Latha shouted after us.
Latha, through all of this, would then faintly hear running steps, light and quick, just ahead and turning a corner in the hall it seemed. Mister Bump was too busy keeping me restrained to hear this.
With me hoisted over his shoulder, he took a sharp breath, before turning over to Latha, "Okay, do yer have a bettah idea?"
"Oh by all the gods in the outer plane and infernal pits. NOW WHAT!?" The tiefling screamed, nearing the end of her wits, and looking to see who, or what, was charging at them now.

Only to realize it was running away from us. Latha, looking ahead, would see a small apparition running further down the hall.
"... wut wuz dat?"
I looked over trying to see, but to no avail.
"Great, tiny ghost child is still here...wait, ghost child...looks like Ms. Heart... Bump, follow me!" Latha called out, beginning to give chase, "And hold on to Duke/The Late Mrs. Heart! Also, Mrs. Heart, please don't freak out too much!"

"Yer got it!" He gave a nod, making sure his grip was tight onto me, and followed after the mage.
So Latha lead the way to a door, far at the end of the hallway. As we drew near, the small image turned with a weary smile, and vanished through the door.
"I have had it with this whole place, don't think you'll get away that easy!" Latha cast Fire Bolt at the door so she didn't have to stop running.
The door promptly burst into flames and crumbled into ashes. Bringing us find a flight of upward steps, as we also heard soft crying up the way. Latha pushed her speed, despite already feeling like she was dying from that short sprint.
"Remind me not to get on yer badside..." Mister Bump commented.
Yet they both were too focused on the chase and calming the ghost within me to notice where we were right away.
However, I would manage to look over, and with my own tone breaking through, pointed out, "the... window?"
Latha looked behind at Mister Bump, still carrying me, while hopefully not running into anything, "What?"
Mister Bump would now notice a small apparition huddled near the window.

It became crystal clear that it was indeed Heart, but wasn't Heart at the same time. With her knees pulled up to her chest, the child image sobbed as she wonders, "Where are they...? Mother...father...? Duke...?"
Mister Bump would feel as I shuddered at this, and the ghost in me grew quiet.
His yellow eyes grew wide at the sight of the undead child. Taking a slow, deep breath, he set me onto my feet, and stepped back.
Latha would see this as well now as I was set on the floor.
Latha stopped, as well as she could after running full speed, and made her way back to the scene.
The ghost child continued to cry as though she was lost. Suddenly I crumbled to my hands and knees, released as we could see the ghost of her mother hurrying to her child.
Seeing me topple down, Mister Bump went to my side, helping me back up, "Yer okay dere Duke?"
I tried to nod at first, "Yes...an' no..."

Yet I was looking ahead to witness the mother sweeping up the child into her arms as she cried, "Why did you hide...?" Then she asked, "Why do I feel you slipping further away?"

"I have to hide...my friends wanted to hurt me...the ones in masks did this..."
"They took you away...and I had to hide...but Duke..."
Latha would now see it was not a ghost of Heart, but a projection sparking with energy. The electricity she must have used the night of the attack. Her fears manifested and fusing with the horrors both places held within them, now building within these walls. Stirring the mother to search for her dragged away king, as well as her terrified daughter trying to get away from anyone that might hurt her. ….and knew I was part of the cause, one way or another.

"This...Is...Get-urp...getting stranger and stranger..." Latha panted while trying to keep it together after her run.
Then the image of Heart was now as we knew her in appearance, "I was scared...they took me away after trying...after trying to kill me...Duke, he and the others, got me out...that is why you can't find me where you are..."

Leaning towards me, Mister Bump whispered, "Did Heart have a sistah or somefing?"

I shook my head.
Looking at Bump, Latha said while swaying slightly, "Itz a...itz a projection... Thoug' she didn' 'now magic... I'mma lie down'."
The mother looked to all of us as Heart's image vanished, tears in her eyes as she asked, "Is she really safe?"

Her memories began to return, "That night...I had a dream of that I was going to have a daughter, and I was so looking forward to seeing her...but I never got to meet her...Then, in my eternal slumber, I suddenly saw Heart...running through our home, and afraid...an image of her with this thief- with Duke appeared before me, and the fear felt through it. Shortly after the attack occurred, twice my family has been attacked in our own home by guests in masks."
"At some point I heard Heart fighting back through our manor somehow, with magic that had been resting dormant until now, but then I lost her in the chaos...I feared they had killed her...and worse...I feared they had tampered with her soul, and that was why I couldn't find it...like her father's recently pulled away from where we were resting..." she wept now.
Mr. Bump stood silent, letting the spirits take their time to absorb this information.
"You're here for what is promised to Heart?" she then asked.

"Aye, we're 'ere to give 'er what is rightfully 'er's," Mister Bump nodded.
She looked to Latha, "Help her to learn the magic she wields, if you can?"
On back, raising a single thumbs up, "You have... My word..."

After catching her breath at last, Latha stumbled to her feet to assist however she could.
To everyone, she then said, "Take what you can to Heart, and burn this place, rid us of our prison stained in distrust and blood."
To this, I would quietly ask Mister Bump for the key from before. Giving a nod, he pulled out the key, and handed it over.
I then walked over to a chest with an emblem matching the key and opened it. Inside I found a strange staff, as well as several platinum coin pieces, several gems as well, and a worn journal...and lastly a necklace that I almost faltered upon finding, before picking it up. The ghost then gestured to another chest and says, "In here is what is some of our fortune, take it as what reward I can offer for what you have done for this nearly heartbroken mother."
"Fank yer kindly, ma'am," Mister Bump nodded to the spirit, cracking open the chest.
Inside we found more gems and gold coins cascading a bit from the lid opening.
Latha bowed slight to the specter, "Rest well. And thank you."
The mother nodded and then looked to me as I stood up again. She approached me, before pulling me into a tight hug. With this, the queen whispered to me what I would feel, rather than hear. In answer, I nodded, and then she vanished with tears running down her face.

Quickly wiping my own from the left side of my face, I then looked about the attic room to find a tucked away drawer. Inside it, I would find the carefully folded pieces of Heart's Black Viper attire. With this was her sword that I carefully set at my side until I could get it to her. The clothing I placed in a found satchel to hide away before anyone saw it.
Once everything was gathered, we would all head out and I looked to Latha Alish when we were outside, "I believe a fire is in order?"
Hoisting the chest under his arms, Mister Bump followed after the two of us, a smile on his face as he held a few necklaces and rings in his other hand... special gifts for a special kitty.

With a solemn nod, Latha raised a hand and focused deeply, casting one final Fire Bolt with the remains of her magic for the day right through the center of the main entrance.
The group of us watched to make sure the manor would not survive. Looking inside, I would see the portrait from before as it crashed to the floor, the paint peeling from the intense heat pulling it apart. I wondered how often Heart would come here when no one knew, to have understood the layout so well? Her home away from home, the sanctuary for her parents to see how she grew when she didn't know it. Where she would hide, and learn to be who she wanted to be, away from the judgment of those that might scold her for it. Free to be herself. This was why I didn't dare step away, watching on out of respect, until they were finally set free.

Through the smoke and clearing flames, I were allowed to see her father's soul cleansed and reunited with that of her mother. Before they vanished in their embrace.

Once it was over, we would return to the clock-tower to find Heart and Buttercup waiting patiently for us. From the height of the tower, they had seen the fire rising up from where we were, and had grown quite worried, and eager for us to come back. Seeing Mister Bump's leg, Buttercup rushed over and hugged him, "My poor, fluffy bear! Let me fix you up!"

His green cheeks flushed a deeper shade, he placed his hands on her shoulder as he embraced her, "Oh, dat would be appreciated Buttahcup. Oh, and Aye got ya some pretties while we were out!"
"That better not be why you're hurt!" Buttercup blushed and scolded at the same time.

"Nah... just a run in wit a ghoul. Nasty fing, but seein ya pretty face makes it all da worthwhile."
While Heart looked to me and could sees the exhaustion in my pain ridden and fatigued body.
Breaking from restraints once shown earlier, she allowed herself to hurry over to me as she rested her hands on my shoulders, "Are you okay?"

Seeing her fearful blue eyes looking up at me, I forced a smile as I nodded my head, "I'm fine, Lady Heart, don't ya worry 'bout me."
I could tell she wasn't fully convinced, but I had made a promise to myself not to tell her what all had happened. However, I did have to inform her, "There was an accident, an' I'm afraid we couldn't save your home..."

"As long as you're all safe," she insisted while stepping back, clearly pained and relieved all at the same time.

"It's okay to mourn it, Heart," I pushed gently while pulling her into a hug, "An' it's okay to admit that you're scared."

At first she tried to shake her head, but then allowed herself to sink into my hold on her, weeping almost silently as she did. While I, in turn, caressed her hair to try and ease some of the pain causing her to tremble, "I'm sorry...for everythin' that's happened...I'm jus' sorry..."

After gathering herself, she stepped away and dried her eyes with her sleeve. I watched on, forcing myself to let go of the guilt I'd felt since the night of the attack. For it was better that I focused on how I could help now, to amend for it, and support her. Our hope for our home, and...?
Heart, after receiving what was promised to her, turned to Latha Alish and offered, "I hope this helps some?" as she handed the tiefling 100 platinum pieces towards her debt. 1,000 gold all together.
With a tired, but shaking, smile and hands, Latha held out her hands to take the coins, eyes tearing a little, "Thank you..."
With a deep sigh and a slight smile, Latha makes her way to the nearest flat surface, face and body weary from the all the fear and effort she'd had to go through. As she slumped down, eyes heavy, she breathed in, basked in the quiet.
Only to sit bolt upright, equal parts worry, annoyance, and outrage in her voice, "Wait, where'd the damn Clown go!? DON'T TELL ME WE LEFT HIM IN THE HOUSE!?

Tears falling from my eyes due to the weight of what he'd just told me, I remained silent for a few long moments.

"Are you alright?" he asked from behind his veil of mists.

I nodded my head, "Y-Yes...it must have been hard to keep that from her, and to face her afterwards?"

"It was, but it made my resolve to support her all the stronger. Even if she didn't trust me to go with her, I wanted to show her I'd be there in some way. If she wanted me to stay behind, I would take care of things in the city while she was away," he answered.

"Did...did you have feelings for her by this point?" I asked.

He paused, as though trying to look back, before saying, "I don't think I was aware of it yet. Then again, there was too much going on in the moment to realize that may have been some of the drive in me. Still, I knew I wanted to help her."

"Too close to the situation to process it perhaps?" I suggested.

"Somethin' like that," he admitted.

"I wonder if her decision is written down?" I then prompted while looking over the book in my hands.

Soon we would begin settling down for the night, with everyone worn out. Latha had about begun an expedition back through the city when the jester came climbing up through the window. Apparently he'd been wandering through the manor as though lost, until suddenly he was released. He mentioned vaguely something about being a masked figure forced out, lucky to get away, but I wasn't able to hear it all.

Buttercup would help prepare a meal for the worn out group of us. As the city slept on beneath the steady eye of the clock-tower watching over them, we remained awake despite our fatigue. It was difficult to sleep with everything that was running through our heads.

Traces of smoke from the fire had blown in with the spring breeze, reminding me that my home away from home was now ashes in the wind. My actual home was barren of life as well, with me forbidden to return to it.

"This is cheerful," the jester commented from the window he was looking out from.

"Hard to be that with all of this," Latha retorted before sipping the warm broth she'd been offered, "Though this is quite tasty."

"Glad to see it helps," Buttercup said from beside my bugbear friend, her feet tucked under her as she sat upon the floor at his feet.

Her tail swished back and forth as she purred comfortably.

"Hey, we're actin' like everythin's been lost already," Duke then said from the table he'd been sitting at, in the chair backwards and leaning forward against the back of it.

"We don't know how long this quest of Ms. Heart's will take before we can fight back much. The rest of us will have to wait here and manage things while she's gone. And I still need to study because exams will most likely not be put on hold due to someone usurping the city!" Latha finally exclaimed towards the end of her frustrated comment.

"It does look pretty grim at de moment," Mister Bump chimed in before drinking down his broth, a smile crossing his face, "Dis does hit de spot, Buttercup!"

I was holding the two discovered books in my lap, pondering over where to start in this quest. Madame Lucille's entries had hinted at what needed to be done, but she would have been with me through it had things gone according to her plan. Yet I knew as I was, there was little choice but to go. I understood this well, as I looked about the room at the others.

"The city's been so quiet since the attack. Xanathar's waiting to set his claws deep into it. Even soldiers gave in to him when they were offered the chance," I said, my own determination dimming as I noticed the buildings themselves slumbering in a way, "I have no idea where to start this quest, or how to fight this monster."

It was then that Duke suddenly got to his feet, pushing the chair back under the table he'd been sitting at. I had actually jumped a little when he did this, looking up in alarm, "Duke?"

"We can't give up. If we do, then the city will be lost. We're still here, wide awake an' tryin' to find a way to get our home back! Ya have our support, Heart. It might not be much, but it's better than nothin'!" Duke insisted, his tone steady and bold as he looked to our allies, "We have to fight this, 'cause there's no one else! That doesn't mean we're not enough! An army wouldn't be able to march their way in, but we can sneak in when the time's right! For now, we can survive an' build our strength! There's plenty we can do in the meantime, from takin' back food an' supplies to the people of our city, to practicin' magic, an' keepin' our skills sharp! We can be the ones in the shadows that they tell stories about to keep Xanathar from gettin' comfortable! We can give hope to those too afraid to even dream in these horrible times!"

Everyone was looking to the rogue, with varied expressions of awe and shock at his brave words. Including myself, as I gazed up at him with widened eyes and lips slightly agape.

Seeing the lingering doubt in some of us, he pushed a bit more, "We might be thieves, but 'cause we are, we can steal back freedom!"

Turning to me, he said, "An' we will. We'll be your army, ready to stand with ya when it's time. For now, we'll do what we can 'til ya come back?"

"Duke, I..." I faltered a bit, not wanting to dim the fire igniting in our companions.

"Duke's right! Dis isn't de first tight spot we've been in! We're gonna send dat sorry creep packin'! As for the city, we can defend de folks here in de meantime!" Mister Bump raised his cup of broth in the air.

"I'm still getting some notes together for when you head out, but after that it's back to studying my magic to try and do what I can!" Latha promised.

"And I'll stay good at stabbing things- I mean putting on a show to make the people smile as best as I can?" the jester attempted with some enthusiasm.

"Your tunes changed?" Buttercup teased while looking up at the bugbear.

"Oi, Duke's right! We've been in tough scrapes before, and we're still 'ere!" Mister Bump laughed.

Duke had a genuine smile on his face as he turned to his friend, "Like when we met?"

Suddenly the bugbear gave a bellowing chuckle, "Ah, dat! Dat was a fun one, wasn't it?"

Sitting around them as we shared in this surprising calm, I took in the cheerful chuckles from our allies still sitting around us.

"Dose were good times weren't dey?" Mister Bump asked while shaking his head, "We've been good friends ever since, gettin' each other in and out o' trouble."

By now I'd tucked my legs underneath me as I sat beside the rogue on the floor. As his story had finished, I couldn't help but think about our first encounters. I recalled how he'd helped me before even knowing my name, and was content to go on not knowing it if I had wished that. Then glancing over the journals he'd risked himself to retrieve for me, my grasp tightening on them as I did.

"Duke...?" I attempted, softly at first.

He'd heard my attempt, and looked to me, "Somethin' wrong, Lady Heart?"

"I..." I didn't want to ask, I was too scared to admit. Yet somehow, the words found their way out, "I was hoping that maybe your offer to accompany me still stood?"

His remaining eye widened a bit to hear this request, and I found myself holding my breath as I waited for his answer. Then, a smile curved his scarred lip as he replied, "Of course it does, sweetheart."

"What about your crew?" I then asked while looking to them.

"We thought Duke was going with ya in de first place?" Mister Bump chimed in.

"You...you did?" I asked in a bit of surprise.

"We didn't think you were going alone, and Duke's been a part of this for a while it seems. It makes sense," Latha replied, "Though the rest of us are also really new to this sort of thing...at least I am?"

The jester shrugged in response.

Duke then looked to the bugbear and asked, "Mister Bump, do ya mind takin' the helm for a while?"

"Yer can count on me, my friend," he assured.

"That settles it then," the rogue beside me said rather cheerfully, "Jus' tell me when, an' I'll be ready."

"After a good night's rest?" I suggested.

He gave a nod, "Then we'd better get some sleep?"

To my genuine surprise, I found some of my tension easing up. The fatigue I'd been fighting back would set in instead. Duke would see this, and thus lead me up to our shared space after bidding everyone a good night.

The next day, our quest was to begin. Answers would hopefully be found along the way, and perhaps we could grow stronger while we searched. What allies were to be met as we looked to save our home? What does were waiting for us to face?

Obviously neither of us knew then. Yet as I found my make-shift bed and allowed myself to rest, I realized I wasn't as scared as I'd been since the attack. Of course some stayed with me, but at least I wouldn't be alone along the way?

"Ya alright?" Duke would ask when he turned over in his bed to face me.

"I...I think so, all things considered?"

"Knowin' what I do of ya so far, you've got to be a little excited?"

When I wasn't sure how to answer, he added, "The adventure ya live for as the Viper? The chance to discover what an' who ya really are?"

"I appreciate what you're trying to do," I said to him, "Thank you."

"No problem, sweetheart," he replied as I finally allowed myself to drift off to sleep.