A groan escaped my lip as I opened my eye to try and figure out where I was. It didn't take long to realize that I was sitting up, forced to by the binds tying me to a chair. In front of me was a door made of iron bars, but the floor under me rocked. So I was in a ship of some sort.

Before I could question much else, I would hear a deep chuckle emerging from the corner of the cell. Looking to the right as much as I could, I said bitterly, "Ya would need a cheap trick to be the thief ya want to be, wouldn't ya?"

"I'm not the one that's been caught, dear boy!" he scoffed.

"I don't think bein' caught by another thief counts," I retorted.

"There are other ways of being caught, Duke," he taunted, "Your prison is another sort, and truly keeps you from achieving what you could to stay on top."

"An' what sort is that?" I questioned in contempt.

"A prison with arms to hold you back, blue eyes to entrance you, and pitiful emotions to make your heart far too soft to do what you do best," he retorted.

"Anyway, I'm not here to chat," he then said while tossing an odd stone up into the air and catching it again, "I have more pressing matters to tend to. Including getting back in Xanathar's good graces."

"Well, if ya wanted me dead, you'd have killed me by now," I noted sourly.

"No, you're far more useful alive," he assured with the same dark snicker as he strolled over.

Instinct told me to shut my mouth tight, as I was sure it was information he was after. They still didn't know where our base was, nor where Heart was.

"You're going to deliver that wench right to us," he confirmed with a cruel smirk.

I shot a glare at him.

"If looks could kill," he paused and laughed, "Well, some certainly can. However, Xanathar has more interesting plans in store for the slippery viper that's evaded him for so long. He wants to make her writhe like the insufferable welp she truly is, and you'll be a big part of that."

I didn't rise to his bait in words, but began to focus on the traitor. With this a wicked bolt of dark energy shot straight at him, catching him right in the chest and knocking him back against the bars. As he collided with the iron, I finished cutting my binds with the shadow blade I'd conjured into my grasp.

"I knew all I had to do was keep ya talkin'!" I laughed.

Jumping up, I tried to grab hold of my former friend to get my own answers. Finding the collar of his shirt, I slammed him again into that cell door and growled, "Ya really think you're safe with Xanathar? As soon as he thinks you're a threat, you'll wish ya were dead!"

"What are his plans for her?" I then demanded, "Where's Xanathar hidin'?!"

Falcone gave a bit of a strangled chuckle, "Why, right where he's always been. Tucked away in his lair, where I sought him out. You're no match for him, dear boy! And as long as I'm useful to him, I'll be just...fine!" He then kneed me in the stomach, causing me to release him.

Before I could dodge the next hit, he'd already recovered a bit, and was quick to step out of my way as I tried to punch him. Instead hitting me right in my shoulder, and then punching me right in the mouth. Causing me to reel back a little as I tried to steady my footing. Yet I wouldn't have long to do this as he slipped unseen behind me, and placed me in a choke hold. My hands grasped to pry his arm away from my throat, but he only laughed. As I would then feel him trying to place his hand over my mouth, with that odd shard still in hand.

Instinctively I shut my mouth tight, resisting as much as I could. Until he then kneed me in the back, causing me to groan in surprised pain. It was enough for him to slip that piece into my mouth, as he then clamped his hand over my nose and mouth, preventing me from breathing until I swallowed whatever it was.

"Don't resist, old friend!" he scoffed in a dark chuckle, "You'll find you have a better place with us if you simply follow your orders!"

I growled through my attempts to get him off of me, but something in me was starting to burn as I did. As that piece of stone made it's way down my throat, when I couldn't even recall swallowing, it grew heated. That fire radiated down my neck and into my chest, as though the acursed stone was getting lodged there. Somehow engraving itself into me, embedding it's form into my sternum, bone and flesh. The heat rose in me, causing my forehead to bead with sweat and leaving me gasping for breath I was finally allowed to take in.

Yet this didn't help, as the heat continued to burn in me. Until I couldn't take it anylonger, and blacked out, falling back against the treacherous snake I once called my best friend. As he insisted, "You'll be the great thief you once were when you deliver that prize to us."

With the time we'd had to wait for the drow to awaken, we had had time to rest to regain our magic.

The night itself seemed restless as unease from the party lingered through the city. Guards continued to search for the assailants of Master Orothi, as well as seeking out the whereabouts of the stone mentioned to the crew.
Going out in it of itself was a high risk. The docks out in the distance from the clock tower seemed to beckon with the lights of the ship dazzling for some attention. Almost like a taunt to me.
It was decided that the jester should stay behind on this venture to keep an eye on things at the clock tower. Leaving me to now turn to Mister Bump and Latha.
With his cowl over his head, the tall furry brute looked towards the others, and gave a nod, "Come now... we've got a job to do."
Back in more practical clothing, Latha waited by the entrance, cloak on and hood up, covering everything but her long horns.
Mister Bump , upon looking over my attire, would be reminded of a character spoken of in his childhood. The Black Viper that had been a rogue like hero, whose fate remains a mystery decades after the last hearing of her...until a year ago when he had heard rumors of her phantom appearing through the city. Not knowing that this phantom had indeed been me.
Looking over me now, Mister Bump gave a smirk, "Wutz all dis den? Ya looking like a dat dere Black Viper from all dem years back now? I take it ya a fan of her's?"
"Black viper?" Latha looked from the doorway in mild interest.
I would nod and give the slight smile she could manage, "Something like that."
"Oh yes! She wuz a rather notorious thief back in da day, " He nodded to our academic companion.
"She is a legend of this city, from the days when heroes once dwelled here. She was said to be a noble woman who went against her family, taking up the mask and name of the Black Viper, to steal from those that could afford it."
"Huh, interesting," Latha nodded, "Oh! Do we have everything we need? Or might need? I ah... I don't think there are any books on 'what to bring when storming a pirate ship', so I'm a bit out of my depth."
The young Tiefling scratched her cheek lightly in slight embarrassment.
"Honestly...I'm not sure how to prepare either," I admitted, "This may be the most dangerous thing we've done yet...still..."
Taking a sharp inhalation, he gave a firm nod, "Aye. Duke 'imself wouldn't dare infiltrate dat ship."
"He did..." I slipped.
"... and dat's why he wouldn't dare try it again."
"W-well, if we go over what we don't need, that might help... So, bombs are probably out?" The sorceress tries to joke.
"Aye, don't want a fire out on a ship..."
"Being discreet is probably our best shot," I mentioned.
"Rope? Umm, things to hit people with, and anchor?"
"Anchor?" I asked as I began to head for the side exit of the tower.
"Lessen ya mean we're going to swim all da way out there?" The bugbear inquired with a raised brow.

He then paused a moment, before facepalming. "Lessen it's still at the docks."
Blushing, the Tiefling said, "I just though, well, boat, anchor...I'm trying."
"It's appreciated," I assured, "He would probably hate that we're doing this in the first place."
I then slipped out and began her decent to the street below.
Composing herself and making sure her hood was in place, Latha followed after.
With that, Mister Bump tailed behind the two of us, looking behind us to make sure we weren't spotted.
As the three of us crept through the city, we would hear guards still making their rounds, but in more force than before. The spilt blood of the night still seemed to waft in the air, pushing the armed men into a feverish search.
"Oh great," Whispered Latha as we snuck around the watch, "Now we have to avoid the guard to."
"Blood 'ell..." Grumbled the goblinoid, as he kept the rear for us.
As the trio of us made our way closer to the docks, one trailing guard would fall behind upon noticing the tall figure with the two of us. He would look into the shadow covered street and call out, "Who's there?!"
"Crap!"

Thinking quick, Latha raised her hands up, preparing to cast Dancing Lights as a distraction if needed.
The guard would quickly catch sight of his squad leaving him behind. Looking back, he would rub his eyes, shake his head, and mutter, "It's been a long night!" He then hurried after his group.
Letting out a sigh of relief, the hairy bruiser continued on his path along with Latha and I.
We would get close to the docks. I found that, for being kept in a manor most of my years, I seemed to take to this rather quickly, using shadows to mask my frame, and noises in the distance to silence my footsteps.
As we approached the ship, Latha would see it's lights dimming for the night as the crew likely was preparing to mostly rest for the night. A few drow could be seen standing at their posts, but that was as far as she could see in terms of defense to watch for.
Keeping his head down, and hefting his axe in hand, Mister Bump gave a quick hand gesture towards us, making sure we were ready. I nodded my head.
"I can cast Silent Image, make a distraction?" Latha whispered quietly, looking at us for direction.
"Might be a good idea," I replied just as quietly.
Nodding, Lath raised her hands and muttered lightly, focusing on the images of our group. Focusing on a point just a bit away opposite of the gangplank, she let the magic flow forth into the shape of us, working to make it seem like we were already sneaking around.
With the illusion cast, the drow would pick up on it immediately. Following after the false trio, they would leave their posts unguarded.
"Now!" Latha hissed.
"Good dinkin dere Latha," the bugbear gave an approving nod, as he scurried past.
I followed after the him. The true trio of us would make our way onto the ship, finding it rather quiet.
Latha would catch one of the men mumbling, "We'd better keep an eye on the brig. I don't like the feel of this!"
Gently tapping my shoulder, Lath whispered what she'd overheard.
I looked to my companion with concern showing in my eyes behind my mask.
Mister Bump leaned into the hushed tones, taking a quick listen.
"I think he might be in the brig. That's usually the bottom of the ship right?"
"Indeed it is..." the bugbear confirmed.
"Then that's where we're going," I replied.
Between Mister Bump and I, we find our way below deck a bit, pausing when needing to get our bearings. I would make sure that Latha was following us, overwhelmed by the sheer size of the ship.
"We really need to get to the brig and nowhere else... " I warned with growing unease.
"R-right. It can't be much further."
"After ya, miss." the goblinoid simply stated, making sure our tail was covered.
I would take the lead. However, we would soon see just how quiet the whole ship was. The guards became fewer in between the further down we went.
"I'm not liking this," Latha whispered.
This made unease creep up my own spine, "They aren't acting like there's anything to guard..."
"Or it's a trap..." the bugbear whispered, his fur standing on end.
"All we can do is keep going..." I pushed as we continued our decent.
"Bump, you have any matches? If things go...wrong I might have a plan, but I need an open flame," Latha inquired.
He gave a nod, pointing towards the torches on his back. "One quick drag and it'll light up."
"Good, if I say now very loudly and in terror, set it off and close your eyes," She said, whispering the same to me.
"Got it," I replied.

We would find ourselves at the locked cell of the brig, without much source of light at all. Though all three of us had little issue with this thanks to our own given traits.

Latha would be busy looking behind us to make sure we weren't followed. However, Mister Bump and I would look inside to see a figure tied to a chair, his lean frame slumped forward as far as his bindings would allow. He was quiet and still. His clothing was a bit torn, a decent bruise had formed on his cheek, and dried blood had stained his chin as it had trickled down. His hair was disheveled from it's ponytail as well.
"'ell..." He uttered out, rushing to the bars holding his dear friend in.
Seeing Bump move and break away, Latha would try to reach out, "Not so loud! Or fast!"
I was already at the bars as well, trying to find a way to get the lock open. Upon hearing the commotion, Duke would jerk slightly in his seat, but seemed groggy...fighting to just wake up more.
Without asking, I began trying to pick the lock to get to him. Having drawn out a pick from behind my ear, tucked away in my hair.

Latha would try to keep a look out, nails digging slightly into her palm in an attempt to not think about Duke's condition.
Mister Bump gave me a nod, gesturing with his large mitts.
Latha would see no one trailing us, or even returning to check on the unconscious captive.
With the first pick breaking, I would attempt with another tucked in her shirt. This time it would give a soft click, and with a rusty creak, the lock would fall open, allowing us entry.
I would waste little time hurrying over to the barely aware rogue.
"We're still clear, but we need to move!" Latha would whisper over her shoulder, not wanting to be rude, but feeling very nervous.
Mister Bump followed after me, quick to give aid to the rogue, "Let's get ya outta 'ere, old friend."
I would then carefully place my hands on Duke's shoulders to give support. It was now that I was able to confirm, "He's breathing."
Going through his satchel, Mr. Bump pulled out a potion of healing, and offered it to me.
Likely unseen by the other's, Latha's shoulders would slump just a little, as if a great weight had been lifted.
I took the potion and carefully opened it. While he was still supported by the ropes that Mister Bump was working on, I was able to get Duke to drink from it, "Please, wake up, Duke..."
As the potion ran down his throat, the rogue would jerk again, his remaining eye flying open as he looked up ready to fight whoever it was. Before realizing who was there, "Heart?! What are ya...?" He looked around to the others, "What are ya doin' here?"
While still facing away, and thus hiding the small smile on her face, Latha carefully whispered,
"What did you expect us to do? Call the guards?"
Stifling a chuckle, Mister Bump got up as the last bit of rope fell to the floor.
"Not exactly..." Duke said as he started to get to his feet.

He would stumble a bit, as the potion was still working through him. He'd been roughed up more than he thought. He looked to the threeof us, wanting to give his genuine thanks. However, upon seeing me, he grimaced, "You shouldn't be here. We need to get out of here an' quick."
Latha had trouble seeing passed the concern and frustration in his tone. Even Mister Bump had trouble hearing passed this.
I, however, spoke up, "Would you have left any of us behind,...Duke?"

He was quiet at this, but gave a slight smile.
With the potion working it's magic, Duke's stance grew steady.

"Shall we head back then?" He asked while rubbing the back of his head a bit, "I'd rather avoid another audience with the captain for right now. There's a lot of things in this ship that we shouldn't go messin' with."
"Let's get going den, old chap."

Latha and I would quickly and quietly start our way up. However as we neared the top of the ship, a guard would come into sight.
He would narrow his focus on the two rogues, a smirk on his face, "Came to get your friend I see? That was a mistake!"
Latha, moving quick and taking advantage, would ready her quarterstaff and swing for his head.
Yet the quarterstaff would miss, whizzing past the guard's ear.
I would be focusing in the meantime, looking downward as a rope was snaked around the guard's leg.
Quickly hefting his hand axe, the bugbear quickly rushed up to the drow, taking a swinging hack at him. Upon impact the guard is heartily knocked into the wall, and everything goes black for him. Wiping the blood off his axe real quick, he hustled ahead.
Duke winced, "Were ya worried, friend?"
Blinking at the downed Drow, Latha would look to Bump, equal parts impressed and woozy.
"...Nice hit."
"Ya could say dat, and fanks," he nodded towards the two
With luck on our side, the four of us would make our way off the ship.
"A shame we can't take some things off their hands, but it would be wiser to get the heck outta here for now," Duke said with some regret.
Nodding, Latha followed after us, the stress of the night slowly beginning to seep in.
"It almost seemed too easy...?" I mentioned while looking over my shoulder at the ship. However, not wanting to push our luck, she simply followed the others. Remembering Duke's warning about the boats contents, and my comment, Latha would raise and wave a quick hand, searching for any nearby magics.
When the spell was cast, Latha would be almost overwhelmed by the presence of magic within the ship. However...she would also feel a tug towards their rescued leader. Though it could have been from the potion he'd just drank. It was hard to tell. From inside the ship, many things warned her of their presence.
"Sweet Azuth that boat is like looking at the sun! " Latha hissed at the spells completion.
Mister Bump , upon leaving the ship and heading into the alley, would notice Duke pausing briefly with a hand over his chest, as though in discomfort, or even pain, but it would fade quickly as he then took the lead towards the clock tower. He let out a concerned grunt, as we hurried off.
Before long, we would at last reach the clock tower, all four of us in one piece it seemed.
Duke would ask for Mister Bump to assist with making sure all the windows were covered. He wold quickly follow his old chum's request, covering the windows up throughout the tower.
Once it was certain no one would come in after us, Duke allowed himself to fall back into the arm chair he favored. Only now did he finally wipe the blood off of his chin with the back of his hand, "That was quite a party, wasn't it?" His tone was light, but he was clearly worn down still.
The bugbear gave a weak laugh, before shaking his head, "Sum party indeed..."
Slumping into a chair, eyes heavy and shoulders low, Latha looked to Duke.
"That is one way to put it, isn't it?" She tried to smile, but it couldn't quite reach her eyes. "Duke... Heart's already told me this, and I know you'll say the same as her but... I'm sorry I wasn't faster."
Duke rubbed his head, "You tried, that's more than I can say for others I've partnered with. A few have left me in far worse conditions even."

He gave a shrug as he then added, "I do thank you for comin' to get me out...jus' need some time for my pride to heal a bit..."

I shook my head as I watched him quietly from the window.
Duke didn't meet me eye to eye, not while he was still bruised up and bloodstained. Instead, he shifted to planning mode, "There's somethin' we need to go an' find once things settle down."
"We need to get to it before anyone else does. With what happened tonight, they'll be lookin' for it harder than before."
"Wut is it?" Bump asked, crossing his furry arms before himself.
"That stone they're lookin' for..." he looked to me, "When we've rested, we should go an' retrieve it."
Mister Bump would be resting a hand over his chest again, briefly grimacing, before taking a breath to relax.
Latha nodded, a grim but tired look coming over her, "Right, the sooner we find it, the sooner we stop whatever it is their planning."
Looking at Duke, Latha would frown deeper, "Are you all right? Do you need someone to look you over?"
"Aye can get Buttahcup."
"We need to lie low first for a bit, otherwise we'll be followed," Duke mentioned.

At the question of concern, he tried to wave it off, "Just a bit roughed up an' sore. That potion helped, but...-" he paused, as though trying to remember something, and from seeing the worry in my eyes as I removed my mask. "I'm fine."
"Right-o den. Keep our noses out of trouble until we're ready to strike"
"Exactly," Duke smirked as he went to get up, but faltered a bit.

Trying again, he said to everyone, "I do thank you for what ya did tonight...as dangerous as it was."
"Fink nuttin of it."
Duke smiled as he finally pulled himself up and went to climb up to his tucked away quarters. Though he looked to Latha as he did, "Are you alright?"
He was still avoiding eye contact with me. As he had since our dance.
"As good as can be given the circumstances. Just tired now," Latha replied.
"Well, get some rest then, I'd say we all earned it," Duke insisted cheerfully.

However, I would follow after him, but not before saying to the others, "Thank you."