About a month has passed since exploring the abandoned Cezanni Castle. We all had been lying low so things could awaken fully from their long slumber due to the mists. Our crew had started things by doing odd jobs to get by and stretch themselves a bit after being dormant for so long. We'd learned a great deal about how things had been since we'd left. For a while they'd been doing as we'd hoped, helping the people they could, defending the city from the shadows, and just stirring up trouble for Xanathar the best that they could. As well as learning how to fight such folks that would be taken in by the tyrant as his employ.

Then the mists had trickled in a few months after we'd left, about the time Orlock had wandered here. With it, they'd grown tired, until finally falling under their deep sleep. As the supposed queen felt that was the best way to care for her eternal subjects. Then, more and more statues had begun to creep up, including those of our other allies when they'd stumbled out of the mists. Yet the cause of such a spell had gone unknown, and still was with the dark fog now parted. With this, the people of the city had grown scarce, and our foe all the more hidden away. Proving that the castle was indeed an empty shell of it's former glory. Even as I explored it for more answers while giving Heart at least a little time to take in what all had transpired because of her aunt's betrayal.

We in turn had shared our adventures with our friends, telling them of our growth individually, as well as together. Mister Bump had nudged me upon hearing this, "It was those sapphires, wasn't dit?"

I'd shrugged with a loving smirk as I'd glanced over at Heart, "They were always my favorite."
Now it was nearly Spring again, but the weather was still rather cold. Heart had been helping Latha with her magic in the meantime. While Buttercup took to checking on the House of Pleasure and our Clock-tower home to be with Mister Bump often. Harlequin was in and out as usual.
While I kept an ear to the ground and stayed around, while also going out on odd jobs to help folks around town with Heart.
A late snow of lingering winter weather had begun to fall that cold evening. People were huddled outside, trying to find warmth on the streets and protection from their ailments. The clock tower attempted to be a beacon of light to those in it's view. To those inside, it gave a bit more protection, and it was needed with more guards being put on patrol.
Since searching Cezanni Castle, it seemed more armed figures walked the streets. Some times it had been noted that they were doing routine searches in homes and shops that have remained routine. The clock tower provided sanctuary from this as well.

For who would think to search it's abandoned walls and gears?
Latha pours over her book on magical theory in a little nook by a window, muttering to her self as she just down notes for page numbers for reference. A small pile of essays and papers lie next to her, a testament to the coming of mid session testing.
Mr. Bump, off in his corner of the clock tower, was busy taking care of his pet mouse, Ms. Nibbles. Offering the rodent a little morsel, the big hairy brute went about tidying things up around their base, humming to himself softly, a little playful diddy. His earnings from the most recent job was hidden away, along with a something he was saving for a special night.
Harlequin was being... himself. He would slip in and out of the clock-tower when he wanted to do something, probably rob someone, and oddly enough would stand behind Latha and look at her studies while she worked, the only indicator he was there would be the jingle of his bells... But only when he wanted to be known. Though with me back in charge, he DID try to refrain from slipping out as much as he used to.
On this quiet night, Heart was watching the city below from one of the windows, the boards over it giving her just enough cover to do so. The snow felt especially cold with the quiet, though Mister Bump's humming tried to help counter this.
It was still rather quiet when I slipped in through our side entrance and looked around to see everyone there surprisingly. With a bit of a smile curving my scarred lip, I declared, "Ladies an' Gents, put on your best attire! We're goin' to a party!"
Looking up in confusion, and staunchly ignoring the clown hovering by her, Latha quirk an eyebrow, "Party?"
I gave a nod, "We've been cooped up in here for a while, we need to stretch our legs a bit. It jus' so happens the higher ups of our dear city are obligin' us , they simply don't know it."
Giving me a befuddled look, the bugbear let out a deep laugh, before leaning against his broom... which began to strain under his monstrous bulk, "Oi! Been a while since we gone to a partee, Aye reckon! Tell us Duke, 'ere we be goin'? Oh! Perhaps da Drunken Deadman? Da ale d'ere's rotgut, but dey know how to frow a good partee!"
"Oohhhh~" the clown moved over to a table and jumped onto it, "I love entitled parties! Who's throwing it and how much can we carry out?"
At my comment about them joining high society, Mr. Bump let out another laugh, "Oh, dat's a good one dere, Duke! So, what's da plan? We go and sneak in the back, and nab what we can while dey hobnob wit each ofer?"
"Glad to see such enthusiasm," I remarked, "It's at Orothi Manshion, where many lords and ladies will be sharing the wealth as it were."
"Though I wasn't intendin' on stickin' to the back, there's some things we need from inside."
With a sigh, Latha puts her book away, "I suppose an outing could be... interesting. I suspect this 'Manor' is more than it appears? Connected with Ms. Heart's situation?"
"It's possible," I replied while glancing at Heart, who was in turn listening to them as we discussed this.

She seemed worried, but didn't say anything.

Giving a smirk, the over-sized goblinoid leaned forward, "Aye hate to tell ya dis, old chum, but... Aye don't fink Aye can blend inta dat crowd. Not many of my kin are exactly uppah crust now."
"I... also may face some... issues." Latha looks down, jaw tight.
"Ah, my friend, but you see even the upper crust need and appreciate a well built body guard; an' your Miss Buttercup wouldn't be caught without you now would she?" I smirked.
"I don't seem to have any issues. Lords love laughing at the lower class. Till they find a dagger in their ribs~"
"Hopefully it won't come to that," I said.
Pausing for a moment, he narrowed his yellow eyes at me, "Surely yer jestin' bout havin' Miss Buttahcup joinin' us. Don't want her to be gettin' herself caught up in all dis sordid business."
I raised a brow, "Miss Buttercup is the one that helped come up with this plan, an' found out about this to bring to our attention while...at work it seems?"
Pausing at this, Mr. Bump looked away, blushing slightly under his coarse fur. Taking a few steps to a nearby table, he grabbed a bottle of ale, and took a chug. "Alright, Aye'm in den."

Looking at the scholar and the jester, he grinned. "Dis seems like it's gonna be interestin'."
Heart looked to Latha, "Why do you think that?"
With a bit of a chuckle Latha looked up, "Tiefling, remember? People tend to have... assumptions about us due to our ancestry. And the kind who find those assumptions as a positive aren't the kind I'd usually want to associate with. Plus while I was able to get into academia due to my abilities, I was still a street kid."
"I love the look on a noble's face as they're robbed of everything. Especially clothing," the jester chuckled from nearby.
Heart shook her head, "I don't think there's anything wrong with you or your heritage. You're a very dedicated worker and student. The more I hear about your predicament, the more I believe they set you up to be in this situation somehow."
Latha smiled in appreciation, touched.
"Dat's all well and good Heart, but, dat doesn't matter to to d'ose who see folks like Latha and mahself as monsters." Taking a moment, he turned towards Harlequin. "... wait, does dis mean yer gonna haffta take off ya mask?"
Latha's head whirled at Bump's statement, a particularly acidic grin forming on her lips as she looked at Harlequin.
The clown started cackling at that, nearly doubling over backwards. "If that was the case... You'd all be dead." he said, the laughing suddenly stopping as he straightened up.
I raised a brow, but didn't say a word.
"Buttercup will be here in an hour to collect us with a wagon, I suggest everyone that's goin' get ready?" I informed, before turning to Mister Bump, "Perhaps it's that mind set that got her in this situation in the first place? Stomp out change before it can occur for the better?"
Letting out an amused huff at the clown's comment, before crossing his arms, Mr. Bump asked, "Well... what iz da plan den?"
Latha gave the clown a withering look, before sighing and looking back at me.
"Get dressed for a start, be ready for when your emerald eyed lady love arrives, an' I will explain the rest on the way," I answered, before going to get dressed himself.

Though I paused before Heart and gave a bow, "I am hopin' you'll be joinin' us as well? We have a way to keep you hidden all taken care of."

Bewildered by this, Heart gave a slight nod as a reply.

Giving a chuckle, Mr. Bump shook his head as he headed to his quarters to clean up his armor and gear. He didn't have any finery, but as a body guard, he wouldn't need it.
Latha nodded and began to rise, only to stop short, a mix of confusion and annoyance coming over her features, "...I don't think I actually own any formal gowns."
I looked to Latha as I realized, "Anything like that is back at home, otherwise I would offer one to you. Though they aren't very comfortable if you ask me."
"Hey? Hey? Latha?" the clown tried to get her attention. And when she turned around, "What do you think? Flower?" He puts on a white corsage on his jester outfit, "Orr broach?" The clown switched the corsage out for a golden looking broach with a green jewel.
Eye twitching, Latha answered, "Broach is more fitting for the situation, though I'd pair it with a bucket one size too small over that head of yours."
The clown laughed at that.

"Broach it is. But where am I gonna find a bucket?" he wondered, after shrugging, he held out the corsage to her. "Here, I don't need this then."

Blinking in surprise, Latha took the flowers, "Oh, um, thank...you?"

As though summoned by the predicament, a certain orange feline slipped through the entrance with a trunk on her back.
"I saw the window was open and let myself in," Buttercup said while carrying over the trunk and setting it down.
At the sounds of the cat-folk's voice, there was a loud clatter coming from Mr. Bump's quarters. Scrambling out, with his armor hastily put on, he gave the feline a wide smile, his pointy teeth gleaming in the candle light. "Oh! Fancy seein' ya here Miss Buttahcup! Wasn't expectin' ya!"
"Eh, it's what all the ladies wear at parties, right? Flowers. Dunno why, but if the shoe fits, put it on." he then heard the clattering and looked over, "Ohh. The kitty's here. That explains the room shaking."
"I was telling Lady Moira of our plan, and we both realized a couple of rogues may be lacking in the formal wear department. She's collected some things through the years and offered to lend them out." As she opens the case there are several gowns and other fine wear inside. Looking up at the clattering, Buttercup gave a purring smile.
"Don't tell me you got all cleaned up just for me?"

"Well d'en, evah da resourceful one ya are." Mr. Bump chimed, and was quick to nod. "Just need to brush mah fur and get mahself all gussied up for ya-er-da partee ya see."
Buttercup pulled out a few ornaments and brought them over to Latha, holding them against her horns, "Very pretty if you ask me."

She waved a hand to the trunk, "Take your pick."
Looking at Mister Bump, Buttercup teased, "Is that so?"
Latha looked over the proffered clothing, trying to find something that would match with her unnaturally pale skin and bright, puffy red hair, eventually settling for a dark green gown.
The jester seemed content with wearing his outfit... and the broach on his chest.
"Yes! Umm... may Aye say, yer lookin' rather lovely today. Aye'm lookin' forward to seeing ya at da partee. Ah mean, it's gonna be quite a night wit ya. Aye mean... Aye'll go get mahself ready."
Duke overheard this from his quarters tucked up in the rafters. When Mister Bump went by, he chuckled, "Take a breath, big guy. She's already got those emeralds set on ya."
"That was so cute I'm starting to think you're part Teddy Bear." the clown says to the large thief.
"He's mine anyway," Buttercup purred as Mister Bump headed to his room.
Latha couldn't help but giggle lightly at the display, hiding her mouth behind her hand.
As he clambered up to his chambers, the goblinoid nearly slipped up the steps at hearing the catfolk. A dumb smile spread across his face, as he rushed to his room.
I watched all of this with a soft smile of my own on my face. Then Buttercup approached me with a deep blue gown and a necklace, "Lady Moira insisted on this one for you, and the necklace is a charm to keep you hidden."

As I put it on, my features would become more like that of an elf. My burgundy hair went to silver white, my deep blue eyes now a shade of pink, and my skin paled to nearly an ivory shade. My ears grew to be slightly pointed as well.
"It's not exactly safe for you there, but it isn't safe to be left alone here either. Besides I am sure you want answers for what happened to your family. This will keep your identity hidden as long as you wear this gem."
Buttercup then lead the two women to a tucked away room to help them with their hair and such.

Meanwhile I returned to the main room with Harlequin. Dressed quite nicely in a fine dark coat, a clean white tunic, and dress pants tucked into my boots, and an elaborate burgundy vest.
Shortly, Mr. Bump stepped out of his room, donned in his dark studded leather armor, with a pair of hand axes on his belt and a shield on his back. With his fur properly groomed, he made sure his armor was properly adjusted, he readied himself for the job at hand.
Latha returned to the main room, smoothing out the hem of her dark green dress, the corsage from earlier pinned to it. Her long hair, while still puffy, had been managed back into a ponytail. She had her silver thief's guild bracelet on her left wrist, shining against her bleached bone white skin.
"Very nice Lady Latha," I replied politely.
Behind her, Buttercup stepped in dressed in a lavender light fabric gown. The skirts grew deeper in shade all the way gown to her pawed feet. Her green eyes looked right at Mister Bump, her long lashes fluttering as she blushed under her fur.

If it wasn't for his dark fur, everyone could see how red his face was becoming. Rubbing the back of his head, he smiled awkwardly, "Lookin' lovely dere, Miss Buttahcup."
Then Heart stepped out, appearing as herself briefly, hesitant in her steps. I looked to her, stunned at first to see her this way for the first time in a long while. Then, barely holding back a smile, I strolled up and offered my hand with a bow to her, "Ya look beautiful sweetheart."

Heart blushed bright red. Then she placed the necklace back on, transforming her into an elf again, and took his offered hand.

With this, I turned to the group, "Ready then everyone?"
Giving a nod, the bugbear crossed his arm. "After yer guyz."
Harlequin was actually wearing a white and black jester outfit, the golden broach still on his chest. His mask was also cleaned up too, shined and decent looking.
Latha nodded and began to make her way to and out of the exit of the tower.
Buttercup lead the way to the wagon waiting outside, asking Mister Bump to ride up front with her while she drove. The window was open so they could converse with those of inside. Eager to appease, he climbed up into the front of the coach, and gave her a hand up to sit with him.
Taking his hand, Buttercup hopped up. Once everyone was inside the coach, she cracked the reigns and we were off. Inside the wagon, I shared the plan, "We are invited guests, a part of Lady Buttercup's an' Lady Rose's entourages. While we're there, do what you do best."
"...I'm not sure I could afford to pay the owner of the building back if I blew it's roof off."
I then mentioned, "However, keep a watchful eye on who you're around, an' listen to what news ya can.'
"Ohh incognito. I like this mission more and more~" the jester said.
"It's possible that we may find answers tonight. What the guards are lookin' for, info on Xanathar an' his followers, an' where he's givin' orders from."
"I would suggest givin' aliases instead of your names," I then advised, "Mister Bump gets a pass with his feline lady friend."
"Ohh can I be the Masked Stranger?"
"That's a title," I replied with a smile, "Ya may want a name of some sort if they ask?"
"...Oohhhh. Okay." he thinks, "How about... Bumpkin?"
"Sir Bumpkin?" Heart asked curiously.
Holding a hand up to Heart, Latha insisted, "No no, it fits."
"John Bumpkin," the jester confirmed.
As the others conversed in the back, Mr. Bump sat up in the front with Buttercup, their fur bristling in the wind as she held the reigns. Occasionally he would take a glance at her, but would refocus on the road, trying to keep up a stoic and intimidating appearance to himself.
"So then, Lady Buttercup has Mister Bump as a body guard. John Bumpkin is her entertainer that she has brought along? I am attendin' Lady Rose along with her good friend Lady...?" He looks to Latha .
Trying to think quickly, Latha gave the first name that came to mind, "...Lilith." And immediately was flooded with regret, barely fighting off the wince at going with something so cliche.
"What's wrong?" Heart asked with concern, "If you don't like it then choose something else?"
Looking at Heart, Latha explained, "Nothing, really, just that it's considered a bit... on the nose and over used. To the point of stereotype almost and..."

"Lilian." the Jester says.

Before pausing as Harlequin's suggestion registers, a look of wonder on her face. "That's... That's actually not bad."
"All flowers?" I pondered softly aloud to the three ladies with a playful smile, "Easy to remember."
"You look like a Lilian," Harlequin said, "And you should own the stereotypes. Who cares what others think?"
A complicated look came over Latha at the Clown's words, before taking a deep breath, "I'm afraid to say that I've spent a good part of my life trying to break those stereotypes. After all, when you spend so much of your youth being told your only options growing up were monster, or scoundrel or... well, I suppose I actually did decided I didn't much care for what others though after all."
I winced a little at the term scoundrel, taking my hand from Heart's for a moment. I looked out the window briefly, as though regathering my thoughts. With a returned smile I said, "Ya know, people say a lot of things, 'bout what others should an' shouldn't be. We have those in manors an' mansions hostin' parties an' performin' worse crimes than us. Yet we're considered to be the lowest of the low? Here we are tryin' to be a sliver of hope for a dyin' city?"
"Sliver of hope? I dunno. I just like showing those nobles they aren't safe just because they have a bunch of money~" the jester shrugged.
Latha winced, realizing what she said, "My apologies, I hadn't meant to imply... A-and your right, in the end, we are doing what we can to make this city better, more than most of the high class. It's just... frustrating, being told who you are and who your going to be for so long, just because of something one of your ancestors did that you had no part or say in."
Heart looked to Latha with deep sympathy in her eyes, "I know how you feel. That's why I am here in the first place."

To Harlequin, I said, "You are helpin' to harbor one of 'em aren't ya?"
"Technicalities." the clown says, shrugging, "Besides, hurt one of the herd, and they leave it behind. That's why you injure ALL of them... Hypothetically, of course."
Leaning back, calling to open the window in the front of the carriage, Mr. Bump chimed in, "Couldn't help but ovah hear abit of dat. Trust me Miss Alish, Aye completely hear ya. All the more we lot gotta stick togetha, look out fer one anudda."

Latha looked around and smiled at her friends, even the Clown, before nodding and leaning back into her seat.
Heart smiled as well, leaning against me. Even with his darker complexion, a hint of red was certainly seen on my face as I smiled, "Tonight should be fun."
"It'll be the best night ever." the clown said.

As we draw near, the group of us rogues could hear general merrymaking from the large mansion ahead of us. Laughter, music, and other such sounds filled our ears. However, along the streets we could see the absence of direct contrast of people struggling to simply walk on in the cold. As we approached the party, we could see many guards posted to keep these souls from getting too close.
The wagon drew closer and closer,until it veered off to a side entrance. Buttercup then stated, "While I was given an invitation, I was instructed to not go in the front door due to my lack of status, and...occupation."
Suppressing a sneer at the implications, Latha rested a comforting hand on Buttercup's shoulder, keeping pace with the catgirl.
The bugbear let out a sigh, and nodded. When the carriage came to a stop he would hop off, his heavy form landing with a strange silence, and he held his hand up to Buttercup to help her down.
Buttercup couldn't help but purr as she took his hand and hopped down beside him.
Inside, Duke opened the door to step out and offer a hand to me, that I in turn took. He then offered the same to Latha.
Latha took the hand, trying to look as proper as she could, holding up the hem of her dress slightly to avoid tripping. Duke helped her down and gave a pleasant smile, "Nicely done, Lady Lillian."

He then returned his attention back to me and offered his arm, "Lady Rose?"

I gave a smile as I accepted him as my escort. The group of us then head in towards what can be described as the kitchen entrance. Wonderful smells wrapped around us as we were ushered through the busy, warm room. At last we found ourselves in a grand hall filled with those dressed for a wondrous evening. Soothing music greeted our ears, jewels adorning nobility and other such folk glistened to catch our attention, and gossip trickled in and out of earshot.
A bashful smile crossed Mr. Bump's face for a moment, before they turned towards the manor. A more stern, stoic look crossed his face, as they started to head into their job. He stayed behind Buttercup, and silent, as a body guard should in such occasions... best not to rise up any suspicions.
While listening in we could hear talk of guild activity had begun to stir. The notorious Xanathar Guild, in particular, had been in search of something with aid of the now corrupted watch, but clearly hadn't found it yet.
Mister Bump, keeping his eyes and ears open as well, tried to catch some insight on the current goings on too.
At the mention of the name, Xanathar, the bugbear raised a brow, and whispered to his companions, "Now if Aye know anyfing, dat's a name to run away real fast from."
Latha moved around the area, keeping Duke and I in sight, while trying to see if there were any familiar faces. And maybe a snack table or floating waiters with finger food. Which she would find plenty of food at a nearby side table.

Duke, however, seemed unable to resist the music playing, as he turned and invited me to dance with him it seems, "May I have this dance?"

I couldn't help but oblige it seemed, placing my hand in his. With this he lead me into that waltz.
Buttercup looked to Mister Bump, "Is that so?"
Small, tastefully and not at all over-portioned plate in hand, Latha moved back over to listen in on what Mister Bump had to say.
"Indeed... rather vicious sort, utterly cut throat... even his own men are terrified of him." He kept his voice low, to not draw any attention to himself, "Fing is.. nobody know what he looks like. Nevah comes out inta da public."
They would continue to see several couples of varying races mingle and dance. As well as seeing other performers showing off their magic, with tricks and spells to dazzle and amaze. Prestidigitation, dancing lights, and other party tricks sorta spell casting. Mage hand to help with some tricks as well. With this, they would also see that the trays of food are floating in and out.

As the platters of elaborate dishes levitated around, the goblinoid had to resist snatching up a morsel himself. Sticking close to the catfolk, he awaited his leader's cues to take action.
As the music swelled, Buttercup tugs on Mister Bump 's hand, pulling him onto the dance floor. Flustered, he would try to protest at first.. until he was pulled onto the floor. He awkwardly tried to keep up with Buttercup, but despite being a deft prowler, he had two left feet when it came to dancing.

Buttercup giggled a bit, but continued to dance with her over-sized teddy bear.

Despite trying to focus on his mission, Mister Bump was too distracted by his emerald eyed beauty before him. Was she blushing beneath her fur?

With some luck, and following after Buttercup, he managed not to topple over his own legs and crush any nearby nobles... speaking of which, he kept on guard with those around him.

"Umm... well den... Missus Buttahcup... ya certainly know how to dance, if Aye may say."
Buttercup purred, "Surprised?"

"N-no! Not at all! Ya always had a grace to ya, Missus Buttahcup."

While this went on, we could have sworn the clown entered with all of us, but as we entered the threshold of the party, he had vanished. Then, while we allowed ourselves to enjoy the party a bit, we heard some cheap chuckling. Looking over, we would see our masked clown companion preforming small juggling feats with some biscuits from the food table.

Duke made note of Harlequin, giving a brief nod, and continued his dance with me. With me trying to ask why he looked so withdrawn through our dance?
Latha, happy to stay under notice, kept an eye on her companions, and a look out for anything that might be important. While she watched on, she was approached by a slender, well dressed silver haired woman, "I sense magic about you, am I right?"
Finding herself caught off guard by the woman addressing her.

Latha, up to that point over focused on the free food being offered, as is the want of most university students, jumped slightly at the sudden social interaction.
"O-oh! I mean, y-yes, I'm actual enrolled in th- in a mage college in the city." The tiefling replied, recovering as well as she could.
The tiefling's jaw dropped as she would look to see the living rendition of the painting she had seen countless times when going to her school. Wearing the silk white robe of the archmage that stood before her. Her silver strands done up with jeweled ornaments.
The young sorceress blinked a few times, before nearly dropping her plate in surprise.
The older woman gave a smile, noting the appearance of the horned young woman, "A tiefling? I think I have heard of you?"
"I-I-I swear, it was an accident, I didn't mean to blow the roof off the tower it was just supposed to be a dancing light spell and I paid for the damage and no one was hurt which when you think about it is a miracle considering and I've been talking too long." Latha panicked, pale skin going a startlingly pink color at the end.

The woman maintained her smile, that was surprisingly warm, "You have to start somewhere, I seem to recall in my early days casting frost on my gardens."
The clown was too invested in his juggling to also pay attention to the gossip. He always enjoyed this part, enjoying the entertainment and happiness before they suddenly realized they had been robbed.

Latha slowly relaxed, scratching just behind one of her long, black Onyx like horns in mild embarrassment. She giggled a bit self-consciously, "True. And as I suspect one of my..." She trailed off, trying to find any other word to describe the Clown before admitting defeat, " One of my friends would probably say, 'if your going to fail, at least make a spectacle of it'. That certainly sounds like him..."

The older woman stifles a laugh, "That is an interesting way to put it. However I wouldn't say that you failed. You succeeded in summoning magic, now you need only harness it to obey your will."

"That does tend to be the hard part. I've been trying ever method I can read about, but nothing seems to work. It's just so, so wild, that trying to focus it is like trying to grab an active thunderstone..."
"Give it time, and don't let others make you feel this is impossible based on what ever you may be," the robed woman assured with a firm look in her eyes.

As I danced, even I found myself growing more distracted by the only thing I really wanted while she was in my hands.
By this point Buttercup had lead Mister Bump back to Latha after a while. Following after the feline, Mr. Bump returned to his stone face, brutish self display. Best to keep others thinking he was just dumb muscle hired to protect Buttercup. While the clown cackled a bit, but took the biscuits he had been juggling and gave a bow to the small crowd. For he was more than happy to shake a few hands or give a few bows and look the fool. His small treasures were more than enough to take the laughter and mocking.
Buttercup tapped on Mister Bump 's shoulder as she gesturds, "Look who decided to show up as well?"

Among the crowd they would see the well dressed former friend of mine, the thug of a thief we'd briefly encountered before while on our journies outside the city. Falcone.

Buttercup tried to stifle a low growl, "He was such a pain to send packing back with Lady Moira."
With his new feathered hat, we were able to follow his trail to a side room with a few drow following him.
Holding back a growl, Mr. Bump nudged his nearby companions, and gestured towards the dark elves, "Be keepin ya eyes out.." He quietly spoke.
"Should we follow him?" Buttercup asked.
"He might recognize me..." the goblinoid replied, before looking towards the others.
"Have you seen him before the other week?"
"Let's just say me and his men had a few... scuffles before."
By now the older woman had excused herself, but not before saying to Latha , "If anyone at the university tries to squander your potential, send them to Lady Silverhand."
Latha nodded, thanking the archmage for her time. A smile worming it's way onto her face.
They would then notice her walking over to Heart as she has walked away from me.
Buttercup was too focused on where my former rival was going, leading the way after him, "I want to know what he's up to."
Grimacing, he followed after the catfolk, ready to grab his hand axe in case things turned sour.

With me conversing with the school founder, I noticed Duke going after the two as they followed Falcone, and the drow with him. Looking for the others, I would see that Latha was still coming down from her personal high, but tried focusing again to see what was going on. Seeing now that after following where Silverhand had gone, I did my best to put on a face at the moment. After being around her while learning magic together, it seemed Latha grown somewhat familiar with my mannerisms.
This was, concerning, Latha decided. Trying not to draw attention, the Tiefling carefully worked her way closer, trying to listen in.
The clown had gotten a bit more serious by this point. He started slowly moving so that he could jump to Latha if she needed help, or Bump if he needed backup.
I noticed Latha's approach as Silverhand gave a quiet nod and walked away. With this, I looked to Latha, wiping my eyes with the palm of my hand.
"Heart, are you alright?" Latha asked.

I nodded while looking after where Duke had disappeared with the others. The remnants of a blush was on my face as I replied, "I wish I could do more. You and the others are doing what you can to fix things...while I hide...and Duke... " I trailed off, as though saying his name stung my lips.

Latha placed a hand on my shoulder, lightly squeezing, "You're learning, and that takes time. And it's not like all of us were, or are, exactly the end all be all choice for what we're trying to do either. Just be patient, and you figure out your own way to help. After all, you've got yourself an excellent tutor to help you on the way." The sorceress finished with a wink.

I gave a strengthening smile as I nodded my head. Though not fully better, the effort was felt.

While they conversed, I approached after Harlequin and Mister Bump. Buttercup had brought us to a closed room that Falcone and the drow had disappeared into.
Looking around to make sure the coast was clear, my goblinoid friend would lean in and place a fuzzy ear against the door.
I followed my friend, though admittedly a bit distracted by my own thoughts before refocusing.
Between the two of us, the conversation inside unfolded. With Falcone snapping at the others, "What do you mean you haven't found her or the stone?!"

The other drows tried to defend their attempts, even the bigger ones that had gone in.

"Do you not realize what could happen if they aren't found?" The thug of a rogue questioned sharply, "Lady Victoria and Xanathar already did part of the work by having her family put out of the way! Now we are to handle the rest by taking her away and getting rid of her! Without her we can't fulfill our end of the bargain and we lose the footing we fought to gain in Waterdeep!"
His eyes narrowing, Mr. Bump glanced to those with us, relaying what he heard in the hand gestures known by those who dealt with the goings on of the criminal underground.
My own facial features had already formed a glare as I looked at the door. My hand balled into a fist that I forced to flex back out.
Making another gesture to our companions, Mr. Bump asked what we should do. Despite his heavy accent with oral language, with his big, furry mitts he was surprisingly articulate.
The clown was listening, nodding a bit.

"So, do we soil the blighters knickers and leave them crying?" he asked softly.
I looked to the two and shook my head, whispering, "We'll be outnumbered. We need to get Heart out of here-" before I could finish, we all heard steps approaching the door.
With that, the bugbear took Buttercup by the hand, and was quick to escort her away to the safety of the crowd. Both of them getting away just as the door opened, getting to the ballroom with the girls.

I would look over to see Mister Bump and Buttercup returning to the party. Yet our leader was nowhere to be seen, despite having started to go along behind them.
Looking at the others and seeing their expressions, the Tiefling tensed in concern,
"What happened?"
"Well, ya see, Heart here is in grave danger it seems... Falcone an' dose drow from before are searching for her, and plan to ship her out soon... Duke and Aye... wait.." As he whispered to them, he looked around... realizing we were missing one of our number. "... oh bloody Hells... Latha, come wit us, Duke might need some help. Buttahcup, stick wit Heart... and be careful now..." The bruiser grumbled, before heading to the swashbuckler's aid.
"And so the master needs help from the students..." the clown said with a mock bow before helping to find Duke.
Mister Bump , through the crowd as he went along, could now see his good friend being seemingly shoved along forward. Yet nothing seemed to be there to cause this motion. Nonetheless, they was heading towards a back set of doors in the manor.
By they, he would notice a few of the drow at the sides, but nothing looked to be holding Duke.
Despite his bulk, the hairy brute tried to slink along, tailing the group through the crowd. He begin weaving through the crowd while Buttercup attempted to pull me away out of the crowded ballroom.
Fallowing Bumps gaze, Latha waved a hand quickly through the air, casting Detect Magic to see if something was compelling Duke. With this, we were able to find that there was magic more so behind him, rather than cast over him. Duke, in fact, seemed to be fighting against someone that simply could not be seen.
"Someone's behind him, invisible!" Latha hissed quietly to Bump.
"Cheatahs..." He mumbled, as he followed them out, waiting for a chance to strike.
He paused for a moment, looking back to Latha, "No offense."
Latha simply shrugged.
As they tried to follow, they would suddenly hear a whistle as the two broke off from the sides of Duke. They look to be engaging in a possible fight...until a scream was heard from several feet away, up a flight of stairs in the hall closest to the ballroom.
Latha looked up at the stairs, then back at Duke, her face screwed up in concern, "...I have magic, I should be able to keep them busy, you want to go check?"
"Ya got it!" Mister Bump nodded, as he quickly ascended the stairs to check on the commotion.
Still with Buttercup, both of us were looking where the scream had come from in growing alarm and confusion.
Mister Bump would find a hand maid trembling at the sight of a lifeless figure lying on the ground, blood spilling from his cloaked frame.
"Lord Orothi!" She screamed in horror.

"Ah Hells..." he said to himself, quickly looking around to catch any sign of the assassin.

"...I did NOT do it." Harlequin says to Bump quietly.
He jumped at the jester's voice. "Bloody! Aye thought ya were wit Heart and Buttahcup!"

Befire they would look to see, running through the crowd, a strange creature appearing to look like a brain on legs.
"No. I thought about it, but if you guys... the Hell is that?"

Mister Bump, had heard stories, and seen on occasion, similar creatures attacking individuals walking alone at night. Though usually they sought to puppet their victims, occasionally they were just too hungry. He knew this as he then would see it heading towards the ballroom.

He face contorted to a horrified grimace, as he looked to his masked friend. "Itsa brain snatchah! It hops inta people's skulls and uses dem like puppets! And it's headin towards the crowd!" And so, Mistah Bump rushed down, and hurried after the monster.

Then they would hear several screams fill the room.
Looking at where Duke was, Latha prepared to cast Silent Image, screwing up her mind to remember the amour and heraldry of the party guards. Waving an arm and starting the illusion within the crowd, she tried to make an illusion of one of the guards walking up to where Duke was, hand raised and weapon drawn as if in alarm. Hoping to distract Duke's assailant till she could get close.
Latha would then see Duke pushed along as though they didn't even see the illusion that several others backed away from in confusion.
"Blast!" Latha cursed, double timing into a full sprint.
Focusing on her attempt to save our leader, Latha couldn't tell why everyone was screaming.
Luckily Harlequin had managed to keep track of the running brain gunning right for Buttercup, Latha, and myself.
"It's there!" he said, grabbing Bump's hand and yanking him towards the brain monster.
Latha would instead see a chandelier above them, but also see the beast coming up to her now!
With his attention drawn to the beast, the furry bruiser pulled out his hand axe and shield, rushing to the monster, in hopes of disposing it before it hurt anyone.
Ignoring this, Latha tried to cast Control Flame to direct the flames from the chandelier downwards in a loop towards the invisible assailant first and then the Mind Snatcher. From both attacking it, the brain monster squished in sounds as it was hit into the wall.
The invisible attacker moved along with ease. While Duke tried to get free, but it could be seen he was avoiding something along his neck in his attempts.

By now, I'd begun trying to slip away from Buttercup, as I saw Duke being lead away still. Trying to push through the now panicking crowd, I tried to summon up my own magic to try and get him free. Only to be grabbed and pulled back by the catfolk as I gasped, "No! Duke, he-"

"He doesn't want you captured, remember?!" Buttercup hissed, only raising my frustrations as I tried to get free in vain to reach him.
As the brain tried to get up, the jester's blade skewered it as it flopped onto the floor and grew still. Thoug the crowd had all but cleared by this point.
"Small creepy little..." the clown says, shaking his head.
Through all of this, perhaps in swirling confusion, I had remained standing with Buttercup. Now seeing that Duke and his captor had vanished.
"No, no no nononono!" Latha cried, tearing after them and pushing through the remaining crowd with all the might her nerd arms could muster.
"Duke?!" I exclaimed as I followed after Latha.
Looking at the impaled and splattered gray matter, Bump let out a sigh.. before realizing what else was going on.

"Crap!" He bellowed, caring no more about stealth, and charging his way to where he last saw his partner in crime.
The group of us would find no trace of our leader at this point, the invisible captor having taken advantage of the commotion.
However, upstairs we would hear the staff trying to cover up the dead body of what was now revealed to be Lord Orothi, the name Mister Bump overheard from before.
"Well... damn..." the clown said after assessing how bad the situation had gotten.
"No, nonono this can't be... I can't have screwed up this ba...No no no no..." Latha ran her shaking hands through her hair, looking around frantically for any trace to follow.
Latha would then see me beside her, trying to hold myself together while searching as well.
Mister Bump had grown too frustrated in his search to pick up anything. Though the rest of us would all notice a tall, thin frame watching from the hallway we had just left out of to the outside. Walking up, he stroked the tentacles on his face, in what could be determined as amusement.
Latha, nerves pushed far over the edge and angry, immediately went into an aggressive stance, arms out and eyes narrowed.
"Who are you?" She all but hissed, eyes glowing slightly. "Did you see where they took him!? So help me-"
"Interesting in deed, I will inform Xanathar at once about these events," he said, before waving a hand and stepping through a portal he opened and closed in mere moments, "It seems our plan worked quite nicely."
The people left inside were focused on the murder victim. Outside they were scattering from fear and confusion.

"Come back here you son of a -!" Latha lunged, hands crooked like she intended to try and scratch him apart.
Until I reached out and grabbed Latha by the arm, trembling as I did.
"...Well that guy had horrible facial hair." Harlequin says.
With his attention brought to the tentacled figure, seeing as it vanished, Mr. Bump let out a snarl, and kicked a nearby crate, "Blast it all!"
Latha, by now, was too upset, and saw that red fury.
Harlequin and Mister Bump, however, both noticed a drow, one of Falcone's men from before, trying to get away.
His yellow eyes gleaming in the darkness, our goblinoid friend gave pursuit. Chasing after the drow, he used his gangly arms to his advantage, and as the distance was closed, took at swipe at him.
Looking over and seeing a new target, Latha's hands lit with fire as she began to hurl as many fire bolts as she could just ahead of the drow. Hoping to pin him down. As the drow tried to run, he was struck in the shoulder by the bolt just as the clown grabbed a hold of him. Still in pain from the magic energy, he didn't fight back very much.
"Git him alive!" Mister Bump bellowed, as the others struck.
"Good. Cause I don't have any qualms using this," the clown said, holding a knife to his side.
Buttercup kept me shielded as this went on.
The drow threw his hands up to show he didn't want to fight. For he was one of the smaller thugs to accompany the well dressed leader from before.
Latha stormed over, hands still alight, and grabbed onto the drow's shirt. Raising one flaming hand up close to his face, and eyes still giving off their eldritch purple glow, she growled, "Where?"
The drow raised a brow at the attempt at shaking his knees with fear.
By now I'd pulled away and walked over to Latha and the captive. My own eyes had darkened in shade as I looked on and then to my tiefling friend.
Seeing the drow dismiss his fiery companion's threats, Mister Bump lumbered up, and grabbed the drow by the hand.

"Look here. Ya gonna tell us just where dey took our friend, and ya can go along all merry like. But if ya don't, and if ya try lying to us..." He grinned, revealing his sharp teeth, "Aye will be happy to show ya why muh clan name is 'Fingerbiters'"
The drow nearly laughed, "sounds like something you tell a child that won't stay out of a cookie jar!"
His eyes narrowed, as a smirk crossed his mug, "There's reasons why dey tell children to be scared of muh kind." And with that, he brought the hand to his mouth, and took a chomp on his pinky finger.
The drow bit his teeth to keep from yelping in pain. He forced a laugh, "You know...if you get caught out here...they will think you were behind...all this!" He then started to wail for attention and from pain.
"Good point" With the detail brought up from the drow, he clasped his free hairy hand over the drow's mouth.
Meanwhile Harlequin tried to knock out the drow.
It was now that I walked over as the drow had his cries muffled.

"Where is he?" I asked sharply, with magic sparking lightly around me.

Basically raises the dagger and hits him in the head with the hilt.
The drow began to tremble between the pain and being unnerved by the magic energy, until he was knocked out by the clown's dagger.
"What now?" Buttercup asked, "We can't stay here, and going after in formal wear won't be a good idea."
"He's going to cause a commotion," Harlequin said, moving the drow around to carry him, "Back to base. We'll make a plan there."
I tried in vain to look around, feeling lost as I sought out my thief.
"What about what happened in there... the m-murder..?" Latha sags, rage dying, "And the Brain Snatcher? How did it get in? Is this connec-."
Then she noticed me and looked like she was suddenly prepared to bolt.
Spitting out the nub of the finger tip, Mr. Bump shook his head, "Well, all dis went to hell real quick."
I looked to the others, my trembling hand covering my mouth as I tried to hold myself together. After everything we'd gone though on our quest, how could Duke just be taken like this? And after...the words said during that dance?
Buttercup looked to Mister Bump, "Back to the Clock Tower for now? We can get information when he wakes up?"
"Aye, let's get movin'. The longer we stay here, the riskier dings get."
"I'm sorry..." Latha almost seemed to whimper, "I thought I could... Sh-shouldn't have told Bump to go, I thought I could... Heart I swear I... This, this is all my...I-I'm sorry..." The Tiefling seemed to shrink in on herself as she devolved into muttering.
"No Latha, you tried...you at least tried!" I starts to shout, but out of frustration at myself, "You didn't stand there! You fought back! How can I..." I barely stopped as I realized, "This isn't helping him either..."
"Will you both stop?" the clown snapped, turning towards the two of us, "Could either of you have predicted ANY of this was going to happen? No. We all knew the risks going in, so did Duke. Let's get to the hideout and work on our next plan to get him back."
Mr. Bump nodded at the clown, who for the first time that the goblinoid could remember.. wasn't making a joke of the situation. Helping him get a hold of the drow, he would lead the way through the twisting alleyways of the city.
Latha took one, two shuddering breaths, composing herself as best she could, "Y-you're right. You're right. We have to focus on what's in front of us. We have...this." She glares at the downed Drow. "We can get a lead. Your right...Thank you."
I too had fallen silent and gave a slight nod. We began to make our way back.

Back at the clock tower, we all waited for the drow to awaken. By now I had changed back, and was standing nearby the tied up drow. Latha tried to make some tea to calm down, losing herself in the process. Harlequin dawned his sillier clown attire, and had the drow tied to a chair, idly spinning a dagger. After making sure Buttercup was alright, Mister Bump accompanied the jester, looming behind him to help back up the interrogation.
I was then told by Buttercup to wait outside the room, so I could still listen without being seen. After a while, the drow thug began to stir, "W-Where am I?"
"That part doesn't matter." the clown said, bending over towards the drow. "But the facts are, you're here, everyone here doesn't like you, and normal people can't hear us. So yelling will only damage your throat."
Mister Bump nodded, and grinned widely, showing off his choppers with his arms crossed.
The drow looked up with unfocused eyes, his head still aching and groggy.
Latha arrived back in the room, looking around flatly, holding a steaming tea kettle and a few cups on a tray. Without a word, she set the tray down, poured herself a cup, and sat facing everyone. Waiting.
I had given a nod to Latha as she went into the room. While I stayed waiting with Buttercup outside.
"So... I know you're tired, and I doubt you like the feeling of rope on your body. So let's start simple. Tell us about your boss."
The drow bit his lip a bit with a growl and a glare.
"...Mr. Bump? Our friend is having a hard time remembering."
Licking his lips, he approached the tied up elf. Glaring down at him, he placed a hand on his shoulder, firmly grasping it as he let out a huff through his broad nostrils.
The drow looked up with widening eyes, his teeth chattering against his lip, "...Falcone...the thief...he...he's the one you're looking for...I don't even work for him!...I was one of Orothi's men!"
"Until tonight that is..."
"There see! You're doing swell!" the clown said, patting his head, "Speaking of tonight... What was the plan? Orothi dies? What does Falcone get?"
"That-That wasn't the plan! We were loyal to Orothi! We thought it was your lot! Our plan was to find that Cezanni girl and take her from here!"
"Falcone promised to do this in exchange for a bit of his own power in the city with Orothi!"
"Where would Falcone's men have taken D... Our other associate then, if it wasn't your compatriots?" Latha finally spoke up, taking a slow sip of tea.
Trying to reign in his composure, the drow tightened his lip. His eyes narrowed at the magic caster.
Taking a deep breath, Latha stood, bringing the tea kettle with her. Face still flat and emotionless, she stood before the bound drow and slowly began to pour the still boiling water on his crotch.
"... and Aye thought Aye was scary."

Immediately the drow shouted out, "Alright I'll tell you!"
"Whoah ma'am!" the clown exclaimed.
Latha stopped pouring the water and made her way back to her seat, sitting down and drinking her tea once more.
Panting with pain, the drow looked up, "Falcone said he was going to take care of the thief once and for all...he...he apparently tried to before...but the guy survived..."
"Falcone will then continue looking for the Cezanni girl so he can take her away and he can seize power here..."
"He probably took him back to his ship to get information out of him...but even if he talks, he's a dead man...Falcone doesn't keep those that annoy him alive."
"Where are dey takin' him?" Mr. Bump demanded curtly, snarling at our captive.
"His ship...it's the only one at the docks due to the mists that recently vanished...!" The drow blurted out.
"Dat's leaving soon... " He thought out loud, before looking to the others, "We don't got much time to lose."
The drow looked up, "He plans to leave once he has the girl in hand..."
"Which she's here... But they have one of ours..." Harlequin mused.
The goblinoid slowly turned towards the jester, and shook his head.
"She-She's here?!" The drow exclaimed, his eyes wide.
"...Welp. I messed up," the clown said, readying his dagger, "Quick fix."
"More tea you say?" Latha piped up suddenly, smiling and holding the pot up.
The drow sealed his lips at the sight of the tea pot.
Satisfied, Latha put the pot back down, and continued to watch.
"...That works too." the jester said, then paused, "What do they want with the girl?"
The drow growled in pain and whimpered a bit, "She-She is the only remaining Cezanni that could be declared the Open Lord of Waterdeep, without her here, Falcone and Orothi could take over. They tried to kill her, but with her powers... some magic protected her, so we stuck her somewhere until he could retrieve her. But she was gone when he went to do so!"
"Alright... Anyone else have any questions for him?"the jester asked.
"If they find her here, they'll burn this clock tower to the ground," the drow snarled.
"Okay, hush sweetie. Mommy and daddies are talking," the clown mocked.
The drow fell silent after glancing at Latha and her sinister choice of torture.
Mister Bump smirked at the clown's comment, before turning his attention to his companions.
"I can't think of anything. So, I suppose the next choice is to decide how we save Duke, yes?" Latha prompted.
"Just one thing... ya know anything about that little brain beastie? And a stone?"the bugbear asked.
At first the drow shook his head, before jerking his head up and saying, "The stone...? Do you have that too?"
Deciding the point of hiding was thrown away now, I walked in with Buttercup.
"Hey, the question was: What is the Stone?" the clown mentioned.
"The stone of Golorr? I don't know anything about it other than they want it. That's what the searches have been about..."
I looked to the others, "So then what do we do? We go to the ship?"

Harlequin shrugged, "Oh, but first I better take out the trash. Fill me in when I get back," Harlequin said, grabbing the chair.

"It seems the only course of action we have. But I'm out of spells at thi-Harlequin what are you doing!?"
"...What?" he asked, "Like I said, I'm just taking the trash out back. You know, I don't normally volunteer for garbage duty so... You're welcome."
Seeing me walk in, along with Buttercup, the bugbear placed a hand to his face, "By the gods..."
"I-is...Is that really necessary!? He's unarmed! And bound! I-it's not as though he's a threat!" Latha panicked.
"Heeey hey," the clown said, putting a hand on Latha's shoulder, "You just sit down and relax. You look like you're gonna faint. I got this."
While this was going on, I was looking out towards the ship yard. From the window, I could see the deep blue sails of the ship in question.
"Unfortunately, he knows too much, and our job is to protect Heart, so, unless ya have a way to guarantee he won't divulge where she is..." Mister Bump chimed in.
"...we...we could just leave him tied here, couldn't we? We have Buttercup and Heart to keep watch, I just..." Latha looks down, obviously uncomfortable and struggling to think of something.
"I am not staying here," I replied with my voice growing firmer.
"Wait what?" Latha says, now looking at me in confusion.
"Yeah, what?" the bugbear turned to me, just as confused
"I am not staying here," I answered.
"Nanny?"
"What good is this magic if I sit back? Why have it, if I am not supposed to use it to help others that have helped me? I know I need to be careful, but I also need to fight back...for the city, and Duke."
"Well, if ya not staying here..." the bugbear looked back to the thug, and smirked, "Looks like it might be ya lucky day."
The drow looked up in fear.
"Right!" Started Latha, grabbing on to this development, "If Heart's not here then, even if we leave him alone, it's not like he can do much of anything! Plus his boss is dead anyway, so it's not like he has anyone to report to, and even if he did tell anyone..." And here her sudden smile strained and became brittle, " I'd have more than enough time to learn how to do far worse things to him than the tea pot!"
Buttercup put a paw to her chin, "You know...Lady Moira may be able to tuck him away, maybe even make an honest worker out of him?"
She gave a grin to Mister Bump, "With you saving the city, we're lacking in muscle."
The drow looked up with a shred of hope in his eyes, "Muscle?"
"I can drag him there without a problem," she assured with a swish of her orange tail.
"Keeps him out of the way but somewhere we can keep an eye on him. Sounds good to me," Latha agreed.
"I'll do it! Just please no more tea!"
"Does that settle it? We don't have much time to argue," Buttercup points out.
"...Alright fine. Saves me a trip." Harlequin sighed, "Sorry for screwing up."
Buttercup gave a shrug, nuzzled Mister Bump 's cheek, and then began to drag the drow away.

He blushed, nuzzling her back... and gave the drow a wave, "Ya behave for her now... or Aye'll be going aftah da rest."
The drow nodded eagerly before they vanished.
With this done, I turned to the others with eyes as calm as before a storm hits, "So, to the ship then?"
With a nod Latha stood, "We need to move a quickly as possible."
As everyone looked to me, it was quite apparent that I was wearing rogue like clothes myself. Mister Bump, in particular, would recognize the attire from old stories he'd grown up with.
"To the ship then to find Duke?" I declared in earnest.