The morning after the storm, I emerged from hers and my shared space.
The clock tower stood strong, even after the heavy rain and billowing winds trying to break down pieces of it.
The skies were still heavy with clouds, however, that threatened to unleash a down pour over the quiet streets. Most people stayed in to avoid Xanathar's goons. Castle Waterdeep had remained seemingly still and silent, as though it were just another thing for the crime lord to possess, even if he never used it.
Duke had been looking over our hideout to make sure repairs weren't needed after the storm. Luckily there didn't seem to be any need of that.
I had come out of the shared space towards the top of the tower, dressed in my Black Viper attire once again.
Duke was atop of the roof at the moment, being extra careful with the rain having left it a bit slick.
Fiddling with a large metal tea pot, Latha, Tiefling Sorceress and constant unwilling source of chaos began to fill up a few cups for the other occupants of the tower, unable to suppress a small scowl as she gazed out of the window at the unnaturally dark weather outside.
"...We can not allow this to go on for much longer," she stated.
"You're right," I replied while following my friend's gaze, "I miss the sun." She tried to smile, and thus encourage one as well.
"We haven't had much time to just talk since being back, have we?" I then realized, "How have your studies been going?"
With a slight sigh Latha gave a small, if somewhat sad, smile in return.
"About as well as can be expected. With all the goons and monsters roaming the streets lately most of the students and faculty have locked themselves into the school with what other people could make it. Not many classes, but the library is still open, and besides." Here her smile took on a bit of a ferocious quality. "It's not like anyone or thing could keep me from my books."
With a light giggle, she hands a steaming cup to me before loading up the others on a tray to carry.
"Speaking of studies, I hope you've been keeping up with your own? I'd hate for my student to be falling behind on her studies." She teases.
I gave a laugh, "In a way, I've kept up with things I guess? It's been fun learning that I'm part dragon and such."
A cup on the table starts to jiggle and rock, nearly tipping over from the ferocity.

"FEAR NOT, PLEBIANS!" a voice sounded in both of their heads, "FOR I, CAPTAIN CUP, HAVE AWAKENED FROM MY SLUMBER, I WILL CHOOSE YOU AS MY SIDEKICKS AND SAVE THE DAY!" The cup tipped too much and fell on its side. "...SHIT, I HAVE FALLEN SIDEWAYS! HELP ME BACK UP!"
I raised a brow, and looked about the room, "I've missed you too?"

Before picking up the cup and setting it on the table, humoring our masked companion.
Doing her best to look annoyed and suppress a smirk, Latha stage whispers to her fellow spell caster while lifting the cup back onto it's base.
"He's been entirely too proud of himself since her figured out how to do that. It's almost been insufferable."
"You should have seen Duke discovering he had magic in him," I remarked with a bit of a giggle, "It was like he was a child again."
Harlequin's masked head peeked out from a doorway. "Awww, did ya really?" he asks, skipping his way inside, bells giving off a jingle with each move. "I like to think I'm spicing up your lives with stay at home entertainment."
"It's funny, I know we all went to that ball together...but I feel this is the first time since leaving we've gotten to really see one another," I commented while turning to the masked jester, "And yes, I missed all of you."
"Shucks, you'd make me blush if I had a face." the jester said, doing a spin and giving me a bow.
I gave a smile and said to them both, "Thank you for doing what you can against all of this. Hopefully we can set things right soon."
"I hope so, taking pot shots at monsters can only do so much." Harlequin says.
"It does seem so long ago when we all met in that little tavern..." Latha softly says, lost in memories for a bit. "But we all agreed to see this through, for the city."
Her part said, the Sorceress picked up the tea cup laden tray, passing a small cup to Harlequin, and moved to finish passing them out.
"At least the mists have parted entirely, so that's one problem taken care of," I said while looking out over the city, "And the storm should break soon as well."
Being home had almost felt unreal at this point, after being away for months, dealing with one thing after another no matter where we went.
"I didn't get to meet you at a tavern," I recalled, "It's funny, I never adventured with you until the party the other night?"
"Didn't we rescue you from a tower, Cinderella?" Harlequin asks.
"You rescued me from a brothel?" I replied with a raised brow.
"I now live in a tower?" I then gestured around the tower.
"Oh right. There were SEVERAL towers in that place." Harlequin says.
"...Did the brothel have a tower? It might count then." Latha joined in.
I shrugged, "I...don't think so?"

I then thought back over our adventures through the last few months, "There have been other towers and structures, however?"
"Funny how often those particular structures pop up in these kinds of scenarios. You know, I've been doing some reading on mystical metaphysics regarding the kind of 'patterns' that seem to crop up whenever these kinds of events and emergencies crop up. I'll make sure to get you a copy." Latha mused.
"I think... it's a conspiracy..." Harlequin said, "The towers are trying to weed out the squares, and overtake them, soon we'll all be living in towers."
"Towers, spooky mansions, an underground magical lab, a basement altar for a ritual, a crypt...what else did we see?" I tried to think back on everything.
"We are living in a tower?" I then gestured to the large clock.
Harlequin looks around quickly, then leans in. "It's already starting..." he whispers loudly as he looked over his shoulder.
I couldn't help but giggle at this a bit.
"It's been a ride, hasn't it?" Duke asked from the windowsill he was now standing, or rather crouched down in.
"Ah, and our brave leader returns again." Latha proffers the tea tray.
At this remark, Duke's scarred lip curved into a bit of a smirk. He then hopped down into the room.
"Ahh good, our not so broody rogue has entered," Harlequin remarked.
"I don't think that's ever been my style?" Duke chuckled while walking up beside me.
Following behind the one eyed rogue, the big, burly hair beast of a man clambered through the window, much like one of the legendary apes of the far away jungles. His thick coat of fur soaked, he began to shake himself off. "Bloody rain' cats and dogs out d'ere... if dis keeps up we gonna have to swim frough da streets, I tells ya."
Smiling at the teddy bear of a Bugbear, Latha again offers the tea tray, "Well at least it's drier in here, right?"
"Much obliged," He stated, taking a cup for himself... which was almost comically small compared to his large, hairy mitts.
"There he is! The guy who makes every doorway seem too short." Harlequin chimed in.
"Is that my teddy bear?" a voice nearly sang from a side room, with a bit of a purr following it.

His fur stiffened up at the voice for the moment, before he turned around towards Buttercup. It was awful hard to him to keep up his gruff and imposing demeanor when the feline woman was around, "Sorry for takin' so long, Duke and I ran inta abit of trouble out dere."
Amethyst eyes sharpening, Latha looked Bump and Duke over quickly, "What happened. Are you alright?"
"... I may have... slipped..." He commented, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.
"Feather fall came in handy," Duke commented.
He turned towards the jester, letting out a snort... before releasing a sigh. "Fine... me mind may of been... elsewhere..."
"Thinkin of cats..."
At hearing he'd slipped, there was a sudden blur of orange that rushed by, and pounced upon the still mossy green furred bugbear.
The burly bruiser of the group found the cat upon him, and his stiff shoulders began to slump abit. "Aw, don't ya fret none. I'm alright."

"Moom, the cat got a hold of the teddybear again!" Harlequin called out.
Sighing partially in relief, partially in exaggeration, Latha fetched her own cup of tea and sipped lightly, "Do you need any healing? It's good that Duke was fast on that feather fall but still..."
"I don't think he was injured at all, other than a bruised ego?" Duke teased a bit.
He then added, "I also don't know how I feel that it was assumed I was the one injured first?"
"You have a knack for it," I mentioned, "And she did ask both of you?"

"Still," he said in mostly jest.
"Now who's ego is bruised?" I teased lightly, before taking a breath and looking over the group.
Buttercup was busy nuzzling Mister Bump's arm with her cheek. Who's fur was still green from Latha's wild magic during the storm the night before.
"...You're like the Green-Eyed monster, but the voice spasmed on the word 'eyed'." Harlequin says.
Rolling his eyes at this comment, he chuckled. "Yer a real funny on, ya know dat?"
"I'd be disappointed if this outfit was just for show," the Jester commented.
"And I'll be alright Latha... all de damage done we already repaired. I'm a hardy bloke after all," the bugbear assured.
"You'll need to be," Duke mentioned while catching a glimpse of the city outside.
Smiling at the antics of the others, Latha then spoke again, "So, repairs all good?"
Duke gave a nod, "We took care of it all."

"And you're...okay?" I asked him.

Again, he nodded, "I'm still me, if that's what ya mean?"
"So then, what's the plan?" he then asked.
I looked around the room, as though making absolutely sure that it was just our group. After everything that had happened in the last few months, I wanted to be extra careful.
"You want me to check?" Harlequin asked.
I gave a nod.
"Woo!" Harlequin says, taking out a small pouch and rummaging though it. He then pulled out a pinch of some ingredients and tossed them in the air. Nothing much happened, but through the black material mesh that was the mask's eyes, two circles began glowing as Harlequin looked around.
"That's not unsettlin' at all," Duke couldn't help but remark as he did this.

"Spooky vision for the win." Harlequin says as he stands up and is sure to do a once over through the tower to make sure we were all clear.
He would find the tower clear of anyone that might be trying to undo our plans.
Bump would shift in his spot, watching Harlequin work his mojo. "Said it before... glad he's on our side."
I gave a nod, and waited for the masked clown to give his verdict.
"Me too." Harlequin said as his eyes stopped glowing, "Could you imagine if that costumed freak was trying to kill us? That'd be crazy." He took a seat and picked up his cup of tea. "...Oh, we're clear."
Latha took a seat, waiting for the meeting to begin.

I shook my head, glanced up at Duke, and then produced a small and glossy greenish-gray stone that could fit easily in my hand, and did.

"I think we're ready?" I started, looking to our crew.
Latha nods, face set.
The large goblinoid gave a nod as well, looking down at Buttercup and taking on a more serious demeanor.
Duke, standing beside me, gave a nod, before going up to our shared room, and returned with what looked like a wrapped up sword tied to his belt with his rapier.
I continued with showing the stone in my hand.
Raising a brow at the strange stone, Mistah Bump leaned in. "... so what is it, exactly?"
"The stone of Golorr, a powerful key to an ancient treasure hidden deep within the city. It's said to bond with adventurers, and has, over the ages. I was able to keep Xanathar from getting a hold of it thus far, but it seems even with him controlling the city, he's looking for it to ensure his reign doesn't end," I would begin.
"...What is the treasure under the city?" Harlequin asked.
"It's called the cache of dragons. No one, since the days it was hidden away here, has ever seen it," Duke replied, "An' I've combed over the city a number of times myself to try an' change that." He shrugged.
Latha's brow tensed as she tried to see if she could remember reading anything on the subject.
As she searched her memory, she recalled reading of such a stone. For it was quite the legend of Waterdeep. The stone of Golorr, named after the name of the creature that was said to be trapped within it. It had indeed through the ages bonded with adventurers, giving them fleeting information in regards to the treasure they sought out. Yet it didn't like bonding to any one person for very long. While itwas connected to an individual, they could ask the stone possibly three times a day to share the knowledge of the ancient creature possibly within it.
"...So it really exists." Latha would mutter lightly, a trace of wonder filling her voice.
"What really exists now? What's is it exactly?" Mister Bump questioned.
Though Latha realized she did not know exactly what creature had been connected to this stone.
"It's... Actually I can't recall ever reading much on that part" The Tiefling admitted.
"I've seen a lot of strange stuff as of late," Duke commented, "But some of this is still very new to me. All I know, is that there's a vast treasure somewhere under the city. Xanathar wanted it to buy power, now he wants it to keep his power. We need to find it first."
"So... what I'm gettin' here den is... this little stone is gonna help us find it before Xanathar does?" Mister Bump remarked.
"That's the start of it," I nodded.

"Though we do need to be careful, even with it in our possession," I then added while placing something, or rather three somethings within the openings along the stone.
Duke raised a brow at this, "Ya took them out? When?"

"I had them with me while we were on our quest outside the city. I didn't want someone else finding it and bonding with it," I replied while placing the third eye in.
The stone then just remained resting in my hand. Yet my hand would flex out a bit while holding it, as though feeling something pushing out from my palm.
"So, do we know were to start?" Latha would ask, eyeing the stone a bit warily.
"Well, we need it to attune with us," I mentioned, looking as though I were watching something waking up.
We would then all here, in a strangely friendly voice, "...Friends...?" within our heads.
"Oh? Now that is interesting..." Latha would muse lightly. "Uh, g-greetings?"
"It-It's been a long while..." we would then hear in the same tone.
"... well, dat's certainly different.."
Duke stood beside me, facing our crew.

"Hello?" He said in response to the sudden voice.

In which it replied in everyone's heads. "It's been a while since I've had new friends! I hope to learn a lot from all of you!"
I would look to the others now, "Did you all hear it to, everyone ?"
The green furred thug's eyes went wide, as he nodded. "Wut in de bloomin' 'ells... wuz dat now from dat dere rock in ya hand?"
"...Whoah, the voice in my head got louder." Harlequin said, his head tilting.
With a deep sigh, Latha nodded.
"Sapient magical object?" She asked me, not even blinking.
I nodded,, "Something like that? The Stone of Golorr, is said to have something trapped within it, rather than the object being alive itself. I managed to swipe it before my home was attacked all those months ago, and hid it away until now. It should be able to give us a clue on how to find the cache of dragons with it's wisdom, if we're attuned with it."
Eyeing the stone, Mister Bump cleared his throat with a cough, "Well... guessin' dat's wut we 'ave ta do... so den... Mistah Golorr... ya can help us den?"
"My name's Golorr!" The boyish voice rang through our heads, "I can try and help you, yes! You have to teach me too though!"
"I believe the eyes of the stone indicate how many charges it has a day?" Duke ventured.
"... charges fer wut exactly?" Mister Bump questioned in bewilderment.
"How many times day we can ask for it's knowledge. It is supposed to have memories tied to the treasure we're seeking. That's why Xanathar wanted it so badly," I explained.
Mister Bump gave a slight nod, "... dat would make sense now."
"So, to teach us we have to teach you? In what way exactly? Is it an information for information deal or something more specific?" The sorceress would ask the stone.
"Something like that, I just really like to learn new things!" He said excitedly.
The goblinoid gave a smirk, before nudging the horned young lady. "Well den, if dere's anyone of us here dat knows plenty, it's her."
"...I could teach him how to cut a pocket open." Harlequin says.
"That sounds interesting!" He exclaimed to both.
"It sounds like a kid," Duke commented a bit surprised, "An' ya don't know what it is?"

I shook my head.
"Should we ask for a clue then?" I asked, "We all seem to be attuned with it now."
"Alright den... um... so, Golorr... wut should we know bout dis 'ere Xanathar? From wut Aye understand he's quite a scary bloke." Mister Bump recalled.
One of the eyes would glow, as the voice answered, "He's really scary, especially with all those eyes! Despite having others around him under his influence, he only trusts the soul of Sylgar, and will do anything to keep him safe as a result."
Then that eye closed for the day.
"...Soooo we take Sylgar, Xanathar won't touch us.. Or he'll put all of his effort into killing us." Harlequin mused.
"The latter," Duke remarked.
"Damn, it's never the former..."
"Have any of ya heard the rumors in regards to Xanathar?" Duke asked them.

Latha had only heard the name, and that they were currently in control of WaterDeep. Mister Bump recalled brief stories he had heard around the city, though mostly from Duke, who had admitted to infiltrating the lair once. He spoke of a strange being that he didn't know the name of, and that he was lucky to be alive to tell of it.

Harlequin had been rather busy getting information while helping with the resistance against the tyrant known as The Eye, and Xanathar. At first he thought the murmurs of a beholder being the head of the guild was just a rumor, until having to fight such things as Grells, Spectators, and other odd beings tied to the mind. He had also learned that he was indeed quite paranoid, so despite having attacked the castle, he had not claimed it as a dwelling so that he could remain hidden away, but still very much in power.
"You mean that he's a big monster that can turn you to stone? Make people burst into flames? Disintegrate people with a glance? And kicks puppies?" Harlequin asks. "... Only one of those stories isn't true"
"... how come Aye'm having the sneaking suspicion dat it's dat last one.." Mister Bump remarked.
"Well, he doesn't have feet," Duke commented. Revealing that he had indeed seen the paranoid entity at least once
"Ooohh... Someone got a close look at him, huh?" Harlequin asked, leaning in.
Duke gave a slight nod.
"So... he's one of dem beholdahs... and ye went and snuck into his base without any back up and coulda gotten yeself killed ye git?!" Bump exclaimed, giving Duke a solid thwack aside the back of his head. "Ye could've been turned into his new coathangah or somefing!"

I was ignoring how pale my skin was at this thought and shared concern as I looked to the thief beside me.
Rubbing the back of his head, Duke winced a bit, "I never said it was a smart thing to do. I was curious about the competition at the time."

He attempted a smirk as he said in jest, "Besides, he doesn't have a coat to hang up." This would reward him with a look of even greater concern from me.

"Dat's besides the point!" Mister Bump retorted.
"That could make things...difficult." Latha hissed lightly at the revelation trying to recall any classes she'd taken mentioning such beasts.
Latha, through her studies, had indeed heard of such creatures. Though the main thing about them would be to avoid them as much as possible! They were monstrous beings with great magic in each eye stalk, able to cast the spells Harlequin had mentioned, and then some.
Harlequin was suddenly close to Duke, like... Duke turned around and Harlequin was a few inches from his face. "Duke... How close did you get?" he asked.
Duke thought back and said, "Far too close for comfort alone, why?"
"Did you look into his eyes?" the clown asked.
"I don't think I'd be standin' here if I did," Duke replied with a raised brow.
Harlequin was still, the black mesh covering his eyes and mouth portrayed no emotion other than the grin/wail his mask showed. He moved a bit closer to Duke, and the thief got the sense of eyes looking right into his. Then the masked clown moved back. "Damn... what a pity..."
"Why's that?" Duke asked.
"...That response raises many uncomfortable questions that I'm not sure we have time for. Can anyone think of something else to ask the stone?" Latha stated, looking a bit worriedly at Harlequin.
"Well... dis might be a tad obvious, but... where dis Cache of Dragons we've been 'earin bout?" Mister Bump asked.
Again the second eye began to glow, as the boyish voice said, "The Cache of Dragons! Oh, the treasure! Yes, let's see...You will find the way to it in the place where the stone was risen before the city, to encourage the wind to blow in exchange for resources."
Then it closed for the day.
Duke placed a hand to his chin as he pondered over the riddle.
Harlequin stood still for a moment, head tilting towards the ceiling. Then he grabbed Latha and Bump. "Guys! We should ask it..." Harlequin leaned in to whisper. "The secret to true hapiness."
Eyeing the clown, Bump twisted his lips as he began to ponder, "Now, wouldn't dat be somefing that's relative?"
"I think we should save the last charge?" I suggested, "Anyone have any ideas for the way to the treasure?"
"... do we have a windmill Aye'm not aware of?"
"Stone was risen... wind summoning... What about a statue?" Harlequin asked.
Duke snapped his fingers at Mister Bump's remark, "There is one, built well before the city was even an idea. Trent told me about it."
"There are the walking statues of WaterDeep, but there are 8 of them, as opposed to one location such as the windmill," I mentioned.

"You think the path to the treasure is there?" I asked Mister Bump.
"Aye mean, unless anyone has any bettah ideas." He said, looking towards the others.
"Nah, my next idea was the whorehouse." Harleqin said.
"Sounds as fair a place to start as any other." Latha admitted, before blushing red. "The walking statues! Not the... uh you are incorrigible you clown!"
Duke shot Harlequin a look for the suggestion.
Turning back towards the clown, Mister Bump let out a snort. "First off, da women workin' dere ain't 'ores. Second..." With that, he flicked Harliquin on the mask between the eyes, before yanking his hand back. "Oh dat smarts!
Harlequin nodded, "Sorry sorry. Women of the nighthouse."
It was now that Buttercup hopped in from the window into the clock tower, raising a brow at the sight before her,,"Everything okay?"
She strolled over to the group. "I was doing some rounds after the storm, everything is quiet at the moment."
"Oh, everyfing's alright Buttahcup, we just deliberatin our next course of action." Mister Bump said, giving her a smile, revealing his large pointy teeth.
As this went on I was thinking deeply over something, before turning to Duke with a nod.
The rogue would vanish up to our shared sleeping space. Then he returned with a case in his hands that he carried down to the group.

"While facing what had become of my home when we returned, we gathered some things from my family's treasury," I started as Duke opened the case.
The top open, the group would see an assortment of interesting items before them.
"As a thank you for what you've done thus far, and continuing this fight with me, I wish to give you each a token of my appreciation," I said to them, "They may help with the task at hand."
"Dat's awful kind of ye, Ms. Heart," Mister Bump said, rubbing the back of his head as he looked over the gifts before them.
"You've been protecting what you can of our home," I replied, "You've earned this."
"Ohh you got a present for me? That's a twist. Usually I'm the one handing out gifts." Harlequin noted.
"I don't want to think about what you consider a gift," Duke teased lightly.
Still knelt down beside the case and I, Duke handed up the first item. An elaborate robe decorated with several designs of eyes woven over it. I would take it, and hand it to Harlequin, "Please take this Robe of Eyes."
"Ooohhh fancy~" the clown says, taking the cloak.

Buttercup would be given, "An Instrument of the Bards, better in your paws than sitting on a shelf."
Then Duke handed the next item to me, who turned to Mister Bump with a breastplate, "This armor of Adamamantine should serve you well, my friend?"
Taking the armor, he glanced it over, looking into the reflective surface. "Mighty kind of ya."

Duke would find a piece he hadn't recalled being in the case before, an ebony sheen could be seen when he lifted up the dragon scale shirt. Looking to me, he would see my shy smile as it curved my lips, "You didn't think I'd leave our leader out, did you?"

Duke smiled, standing now as he leaned over to kiss me on the cheek.
Hefting and examining the staff, Latha smiled at me with a nod, "Thank you, I do believe this will prove most useful."
"I wanted everyone to be prepared for whatever is to come," I insisted with confidence, "Once we head out, there's no turning back "
"We'll head out with nightfall?" Duke suggested, "An' we'll steal back the freedom of our city!"
"Here here!" Latha cheered.
Mister Bump took Buttercup close against his thick, hairy body, and gave a nod. "Ye know Aye'll be comin."
"Woo, only one of us might die!" Harlequin said.
"What?" Duke looked to Harlequin bewildered.
"Dere's dat gallows humor of his." Mister Bump chuckled, before giving Harlequin a friendly jab to the shoulder.
"...Don't make those kind of jokes, annoying as you are, it'd be... unpleasant, if you or anyone else weren't here at the end of this." Latha said, not looking directly at the clown.
"Awww you do care~" Harlequin couldn't help but reply.
"It would be, especially after everything we've been through thus far," I replied, giving Duke a glance with concern in my eyes, that then found the others as well, "I have faith in all of you."
Shortly after, Duke and I would vanish to prepare for the task ahead of all of us. Leaving the crew to ready themselves as needed. Buttercup would help Mister Bump with putting on his new armor, blushing through her orange fur. Just as his mossy green hair finally reverted back to it's natural shade.
A few hours passed, and the moonlight would push through the thinning clouds with evening sky. We'd all spent the day hours left and into the evening resting and preparing for whatever was to come. Everyone got used to their gifts, while I contemplated over the clues and what may come next once the treasure was in our hands.

This was when Duke stepped back into our shared compartment of a room, finding me sitting quietly in my bed. The stone of galoor was resting in my hands, as I knelt upon the thick blankets. When he took another step closer I set the sleeping item down beside me. Before he could ask, "What's wrong?"

"Besides the usual?" I half laughed.

"Heart..." he pushed carefully.

With a deep breath I'd quickly taken now escaping my throat, I looked up at him and answered, "I don't know what's about to happen...I don't know how to prepare for this one."

"I have a feelin' you're not talkin' about the treasure we're tryin' to find?" he ventured while taking a seat in front of me, resting an arm against his knee while tucking his other leg close to himself.

I gave a slight nod.

"There's a lot on your shoulders, an' even more on your mind," he replied, "An' little time to let it all sink in."

I gripped at my knees as I sat there with my legs folded under me, "How can I be raised for something my whole life and still not feel ready? Madame Lucille's taught me everything I need to know, I was raised to take the throne. Yet now that it's right there for me to see when this is over, I..."

"Heart, we're standin' with ya 'cause we believe in ya," he reminded me, "You've been tryin' to protect the people of WaterDeep well before he took over. We've been fightin' since he did, an' so have you. If ya didn't have what it takes, you would have given up."

Quite stunned by the confidence in his words, I looked to him still, eyes a bit wide. He gave a smile as he then reached a hand to rest over mine, "You'll be fine, sweetheart; an' ya won't be alone. You've got Madame Lucille to help advise ya when ya need her, an' you've got our crew's support. Latha's a brilliant mind an' an amazin' spellcaster that's been able to flourish through this. Mister Bump will help look out for the people an' bring to attention any problems that need to be sorted out, an' Harlequin, he'll...well, he'll be around to help somehow...I think?" he gave a chuckle, "An' there's Buttercup, an' our friends we made in Anaheim. As well as Prince Borg an' the alliance you've built with him an' Count Orlock. You've got a lot standin' with ya, don't ya?-"

"What about you?" I finally asked, my stomach twisting on me as I blurted this out.

He looked to me, was he blushing a bit himself for once? His remaining eye widened in surprise, as he would find me unwavering in my own hopeful gaze. His expression softened, with a warm smile gracing his scared lip, as he answered, "I'll be whereever ya want me to be, Lady Heart-"

"Duke."

He gave a soft chuckle, "Some things never change do they, darlin'?"

My knuckles were white as I grasped at my knees still. My heartbeat raced within my chest. Then I would notice Duke withdrawing his hand a moment and slipping it into the inner pocket of his tunic. Was that a more nervous sort of smile on his face?

"I was goin' to wait 'til things were settled, but...I think havin' somethin' to look forward to might help?" He prompted while retrieving something that now was held tight in his closed hand.

Taking a deep breath of his own, he would look over me and attempt, "Heart...I'm not lookin' to be a prince or a king...when I met ya I had no idea about any of that, but I know I was drawn to ya even still. I've been ever since, even when I tried to hold back from ya..."

"Duke, what are you...?"
"I want to be with ya, Heart. No matter what happens. Whether you're a queen, or jus' adventurin' through the streets as ya were when we met. I want to be at your side," his voice grew firm with his returning confidence, drawing me closer to him.

"Heart," he prompted while taking me by the hand again, "Will ya marry me?"

My heart skipped a beat as I found myself tackling him, throwing my arms around him tightly in a trembling hug, "Of course I will!"

He'd jumped a bit from this reaction, catching me in his embrace. Then I would feel his hand caressing my hair, as a sigh of relief escaped his lips. Our hold on one another tightened as we took in for a moment what we would celebrate once all of this was over, what we would fight for on top of everything else.

Then I began to pull away a bit, looking up at him as I did, and grasping him by his firm shoulders. He gently brushed thr loose strands of hair out of my eyes, tucking them behind my ear as he often did. A smile remained on his face as he then traced his thumb along the scar on my cheek, fighting past the lingering regret he harbored from the memory, and then brushed against my lips. Before slipping his fingers under my chin and having me tilt my head just enough, as he leaned forward and closed the distance between us with a deep kiss.

"I love ya," he whispered when he pulled away just slightly.

Before I pulled on his shirt front to kiss him back, "I love you too."

When we were finally catching our breath from this shared exchange, Duke took me by the hand and slipped the ring he'd been holding onto my left ring finger. The gems of our birthstones glistened, set together to be side by side. Aquamarine for him, and Sapphire for my own, securely held by the clasps emerging from the gold band I now wore.

"Duke, where did you?"

He gave a playful smile as he replied, "I got it before we left Anaheim, when you were double checkin' we had enough supplies. So...I took a shot, hopin' ya might like it?"

My answer was tackling him once more, hugging him just as tightly as he was holding me.

A little after this, Duke and I emerged, with me dressed as the Black Viper once more, and him in his signature tunic, but with the dragon scale shirt worn in place of his leather armor one underneath.
"Is everyone ready?" I asked.
Making sure his gear was ready, the burly furry man nodded, before giving Buttercup a hug.
Talking one last deep breath, Latha nodded, "As ready as I can be..."
"Harlequin ?" Duke asked to be sure he was there and ready.
"I will stay and protect the clock tower," Buttercup assured, before kissing Mister Bump on the cheek.
He blushed under his fur, before grabbing Buttercup and giving her a tight squeeze, lifting her up. Setting her down, he began to lumber towards the door. "Oh, make sure Ms. Nibbles get a smidge of cheese tonight Buttahcup... much obliged."
Harlequin had an assortment of daggers ready, and a spellbook... He looked up and gathered the knives. Then he walked over. "All set." he said, tossing the spellbook to Latha.

"Wait... That was HER book. Thank you, Sesei." Harlequin said with a respectful bow.
"...We will talk later about stealing a teammates property." The Teifling seethed slightly. "But so long as you, learned something useful, so be it.
We would then head out of the clock tower, leaving Buttercup waving after us, before standing ready to protect our hide out. It took about an hour, but with patience and luck, we found the old mill still turning it's large wheel.

It was difficult to believe that the wheel of this old mill still turned. The building itself had been abandoned for quite some time, and it certainly showed. The crumbling, two story structure had been built well before the city was. It's wooden doors now closed, but left unlocked. Graffiti posted along it's walls inside and out. With the windows being empty lead frames without glass. Itis easy to tell that no light emerges from within this old mill.
A thin fog was our group's allie tonight, as we made our way through the city to reach this quiet place.
"...So, here we are. So where should we start looking?" Latha asked, looking about.
Taking a good look over the building, we could tell that it had been undisturbed. Even with Xanathar's men at large. Going inside the main door, you found a long room, stretching from left to right. To the left was a long upward staircase. The right lead to two locked doors.
"Aye doubt it be a good idea to split up now..." The hairy ranger commented, looking around the inside of the windmill.

Harlequin couldn't help but comment, "Split up and look for clues! Bump can be the talking dog, and I'll be the one that eats dogfood."
"...I think Bump has a point, we work best as a unit and this structure is old and likely not so stable, stay together." Latha advised.
"I agree, especially with Xanathar lookin' for us by this point," Duke mentioned.
He slowly turned towards the masked man, raising a brow. "Surprised d'at ain't in yer diet already." He said with a chuckle. "Now den... we can try upstairs first, cause we saw how tall dis fing is..."
"Oh, unstable like me?" Harlequin asked, "Huh, I might move in~"
"Upstairs then?" I asked while heading to the left.
"Yup!" Latha cut off Harlequin quickly.
The stairs would be proven to be a bit slick from mold and broken shingles from the caving in roof as we climbed.

Duke, Mister Bump, and Harlequin would have no trouble at all getting up the sleek steps. While Latha would slip and slide a little, but managed to catch herself before falling. Just as I would lose my footing and began to fall.
However, just barely, Duke was able to break my fall a bit, having climbed up after me. Leaving Mister Bump and Harlequin to lead the way up while he helped me.
20 feet up, the group of us would find an open room where the windmills heart stood rotating.
"Yer okay down d'ere?" The bugbear would call down, before heading back up.

Latha, after fussing over me a bit to make sure I was alright, would hurry up to behind Bump and Harlequin, looking about the room they'd entered.
"Jus' fine!" Duke called up to our friend, rather cheerfully as he helped me with my footing.
Both Latha and Mister Bump would see three doors in this room from where they stood at the steps. Dust and cobwebs covered most of the room. It was clear that the roof had been caving in for quite some time from the weakened ceiling.
Looking over the doors, Mr. Bump rubbed his hairy chin. "Looks like nobody's been 'ere for a while..."
"I do not like the looks of that ceiling..." The sorceress muttered, knowing her habit for clumsiness and the general madness of her life recently.
I shook my head, "Though it is impressive that it's still going after all this time."
Looking at his large form, and back towards Harlequin, Mister Bump pondered for a moment. "Yer wanna go ahead first?"
"It's like that old horse down at the farm. Tall, big, and still plowing." Harlequin said, then blinked, "Ohhh yeah, I probably should, huh?" he asked, donning his cloak.
"..." Placing his arm before the jester, the bugbear let out a sigh. "Aye'll go first... Latha, if anyfind happens, make sure ya got yer magic ready." Taking a deep breath, he would then head toward the door to the right, and open the door.
With a nod, Latha spread her arms slightly away from her body, palms out.
Harlequin put his Robe of Eyes as Mister Bump opened the door.
Opening the door, Mister Bump would find a very small room before him, but with another door across from him. Standing in the doorway, he would begin to examine the room, checking for traps. There were no traps from what he could tell from checking around. And everything about the building seemed to creak in general. So he would slowly begin to proceed into the room, his hand over the hilt of his axe on his hip.

Checking around, Harlequin also couldn't detect anything amiss.
So when Mister Bump stepped into the room, no one could have warned him without being familiar with how to tell if a structure was sound or not. The floor would immediately crack and fall in on itself.

"Blood 'ell!"

"Bump!" Duke exclaimed in alarm after his friend, wincing as he heard a hard thump on the floor 20 feet below.

Mister Bump then found himself in a room exactly like the one he had fallen from, but with only one door leading out rather than two. However, with landing, he would feel something quite odd under him.
Racing, carefully, over Lath would look down the hole, calling out, "Bump! Are you alright!"
While the rest of the flooring was made of wood, a decent slab of it would be made of stone, with an odd divet on one side.
"If you meet Asmodeus, tell him I don't have his gold!" Harlequin called down.
"Aye'm alright! Da floor broke me fall!" He called up, as he groaned, getting up and brushing the dust off him. Looking around, he raised a brow. "... wut have we here d'en... guys, ya might wanna take a look at dis!"
"We're comin'!" Duke called down as he was already casting the spell of spider climb on himself and I to reach his friend.
"...Okay, ah, sure..." Blinking a bit, Latha would turn to Harlequin. "...How do we get down? I know how to create web, but I'm not sure it'd be able to hold us?"
"Without jumping." Latha added, not liking the look she could imagine the clown having behind his mask.
Sighing lightly and hoping to cut off any potentially painful plans, Latha would, with a small wince, wrap an arm around the clown's waist and push forward into the hole. Aiming one glowing hand upwards and saying a small prayer to herself for this to work, a blast of thick spider's web would shoot out to the ceiling, the rest anchored to m hand.
The web would cling to the wall leading down. Making it easy for the two of us to climb down.
"...Well I knew it'd come to this." Harlequin said as he was grabbed.

"Going out with a leap of faith..." He then saw she casted the spell. "Ohhh..." he looks at her as the two slowly slide down. "...Miss Latha, we mustn't, what would the children think?~"
"I will waste a spell to leave you tied up in webbing." The Teifling said cooly.
"Ouch. Venomous like the black widow, miss Spider Queen~"
Duke and I would hear this, and share an awkward glance for a moment.
Jumping off the slab, Mister Bump looked down at it, and gestured towards the rest of us, "Make sense of dis?"
We would all reach the bottom safely. Then Duke would examine the stone on the floor, tracing his fingers over the single divet.

Mister Bump, Latha, and I would then notice something about the stone square. Reaching out to the divet, Latha would pull it up, revealing it to be a door. Leading to a descending stone staircase.
"... well, guessin' dey were wantin' to hide somefing." Mister Bump commented.
"I guess we'll find out?" Duke prompted with a bit of a smirk curving his scarred lip.
"Ohhh dirty secrets are the best." Harlequin said with a laugh. "Ladies first!" he then added, taking a step down the stairwell.
I raised a brow, but followed after him and Duke.
Mr. Bump would head down as well, gesturing for the demon descended student to follow after him.
Latha would nod, raising the hem of her dress slightly as she followed behind.
Harlequin still had his Robe of Eyes on as he took the lead down the stairs, looking in... every direction.
The group of us would find ourselves traveling 120 ft downward.
"Incredible..." Latha would murmur. "How long has this been right under everyone's noses?"
Luckily everyone of us would have a way to see in the growing ebony around them.
Including myself as I cast Dark Vision upon my own form.

Though Mister Bump may have been wondering how his long timefriend could do this now.
As they headed down the dark hall, the furry man kept his guard up. "Right spooky down 'ere... surprised ya don't need a light d'ere Duke..:
"It's dark, mysterious, and the stone goes from a soft gray to a deep black... Soo it's every loanshark's office."
"I picked up some new tricks on our adventure outside the city," Duke replied while glancing at me with a playful smile, "Turns out I had magic in my blood that I didn't know about."
"... well d'en..." He commented, as we pressed on.
"Everyone has magic nowadays. You have magic, I have magic, the dog has magic..." Harlequin commented.
"I wouldn't discount it that way. Yours either," I lightly scolded.
"I dunno how I feel about it. The only normal one is Mister Bump... How do you feel?" he then asked our large companion.
He gave a shrug. "Aye got me wits and me strength, dat's all Aye need."
"...Well, I mean what is normal anyway?" Latha would mumble to themselves.
"Doesn't Buttercup make potions Mister Bump ?" Duke couldn't help but tease his furry friend.

"Aww I think you're both cute." Harlequin said, "And I'd hug you, but I'd see your bodies pressing up against my eyes and it'd be weird."
Latha's eye would twitch a bit at that comment, but she would otherwise remain quite.
"Aye didn't say anyfing against magic."

We would make a turn, and continue down another 60 ft. Before we would arrive at a towering set of locked doors.
Standing 20ft high and 20ft wide, were the adamantine double doors bearing Dwarven runes. The symbols would begin to glow faintly as they drew near.
"...Ohhh I bet you need a password." Harlequin stated.
"Well... hopin' one of ya can read d'is, cause Aye ain't caught up on me Dwarven." Mister Bump said with a shrug, looking over the impressive barrier..
Unslinging the staff she'd been given, Latha stepped forward and placed her hand on the stone, channeling the power of the staff through herself and the wall.
Latha was able to read, "The three keys, bring them forth."
"Three keys? Anyone have any ideas on what that may reference?" Latha would ask outloud.
"Friendship?" Harlequin took a guess.
I shook my head, but retrieved the stone tucked away in my satchel, "We have one more question of the day we could ask?"
"Ask it where da three keys are d'en?" The goblinoid asked
At this, we would feel a tingling in our heads for a moment, as the stone seemed to wake up. With the voice from before asking, "Oh! Did you need me, friends?"
"We need to ask what the three keys are?" Duke went ahead and asked.

The stone would begin to glow as the being inside pondered over this request. Then they would all hear, "Oh, yes! I remember now!" He tried to clear his nonexistent throat.
Then in a more mature, but still childlike voice, it replied, "The keys you seek are not made of any metal exactly. For there is no lock to place them in. No, the three keys are as followed; A performance of "Your Beardy Face", then the gifts of a queen, and finally a pair of bugbear ears. Only these three keys will open the doors to the vault."
Then we would hear a childlike yawn as he added, "That made me really sleepy...so I think it's time for a good nap!" Causing the tingling to stop as it went to sleep.
"Thank you... We are not cutting off Bumb's ears." Latha would say flatly.
"Sleep well... and yeah, Aye'm rather attached to d'em Aye'd say..." the bugbear said, his large pointy eyes twitching at the thought.
"Well, we still need to figure out the other keys...like this song or somethin'?" Duke mentioned.
Latha had heard this song while trying to get a bite to eat in local taverns here and there. Though usually played as a duet with bagpipes, she is able to recall it's melody with a hum or whistle, but will need a partner.
Latha sighed a bit, realizing where this was going.
"It's a tavern song, I've heard it in the background enough to remember the tune but I'll need someone else to sing." She explained.
"Who even enchants a door to a song anyways..." She'd bemoan slightly.

Mister Bump let out a chuckle. "Well, if all Aye have to do is listen, supposin' dat wouldn't be too hard... but.. what about a queen's gift.."
Duke looked to his friend a little surprised by the comment.
Then to Latha, he mentioned, "I believe it was a love song, wasn't it? A favorite among dwarves. I haven't heard it enough though."
"Have you heard it Harlequin ?" I asked.
Duke then slipped beside me, taking the item that looked like a second sword from his belt, and placed it in my hand...a staff with a dragon's wings at the top.
"I think ya forgot with her bein' a part of our crew for so long, but Heart is the rightful heir to the throne, even if Xanathar is tryin' to call the shots," he said while resting his hands on my shoulders, "An' I believe she gave ya each somethin' before we came down here?"

"Do ya think you two can perform the song?" Duke then asked Harlequin and Latha. He looked to Mister Bump, "I doubt we have to remove your ears, friend."
He gave a nod, and leaned against the wall, ready to listen to the bard's tune.
"...A love song for dwarves?" Harlequin asks, "Well I've done stranger."
"Do you know it?" I asked hopefully.
"I can certainly try just... don't expect to much." The sorceress admited.

"I've heard it." the clown says, "I guess I can give it a spin."
As Latha and Harlequin performed, they became more confident in the lyrics and humming tune brought back to memory from nights studying at taverns, or performing at them. Mister Bump listened on. Then the items gifted to our group would begin to softly glow.
With his arms crossed, Mister Bump looked toward the illuminated objects, and raised a brow.
Suddenly the double doors of stone, and the now glowing runes on them. They begin to part, sliding open as the song drew to an end.
Uncertainly at first, Latha would practice a few bars, her eyes screwed up as she tried to recall the lyrics. Patting out the beat against her leg as best she could remember, the volume and confidence of her impromptu acapella grew.
Harlequin listened to Latha's humming, tapping his foot and nodding as the song came to him. While the easiest target would be the usually nervous sorceress, he instead turned his mask to Mister Bump, and you could feel the grin behind his mask. Harlequin acted and danced with a flourish, occasionally throwing himself against the large bugbear, twirling a finger through his beard as he sang a very... tavern style version of the song. And at the end of the last verse, he leaned against Mr. Bump, taking one of his large hands in both of his and sighing rather dramatically.

Where it began, I can't begin to knowing
But then I know it's growing strong
Was in the spring
Then spring became the summer
Who'd have believed it'd grow so long

Beards, touching beards
Reaching out, touching me, touching you

Your beardy face
Good beards never grew so good
I'd be inclined
To believe they never would

But now I
Look at the mine and it don't seem so lonely
We filled it up with only two
And when I smite
Power flows out my shoulders
But how can I smite when holding you

Beards, touching beards
Reaching out, touching me, touching you

Your beardy face
Good beards never grew so good
I'd be inclined
To believe they never would
Oh no, no
Your beardy face
Good beards never grew so good
Your beardy face

Mister Bump would stand there awkwardly as Harlequin went to serenade the gruff furry bruiser. He shuffled in place as the clown played with his facial hair, and gave most unamused looks as he lightly squirmed.

Duke barely stifled a chuckle, "I'm glad I don't have a beard."
"Awww Duke, you're never far from my heart~" the clown said as he released the large bugbear from his embarrassment and stood up, dusting himself off. "Never a damn talent agent when you give it your all, huh?"
"... Aye will say, when ya find somebody, dey'll be lucky ta have someone dat passionate."
"Probably, but my passion is thievery and my mistress is the night~" Harlequin says, "...We're going through a thing, you know how clingy she is. Wants to see me 12 hours a day at least."
"Yes well, currently 'she' is asleep, so keep your passion focused on the job." Latha indulged the clown.
Duke raised a brow over his remaining eye, but shook his head. As the doors opened before us, we would find a large chamber before our group.
"You'd be surprised how passions can change," Duke then mentioned while glancing at me.

Though I currently was looking into the chamber in awe.
"Right, our big treasure chest~" Harlequin said, looking to peer into the chamber too.
The large, hairy man would look in, taking a cautious glance around, before stepping in. "Aye'll take da lead..."

I stayed at Heart's side, ignoring the odd sensation in my chest again. Latha could see this, as well as the chamber in detail. Three age-worn columns support crumbling stone bridges 60 feet overhead, with the ceiling rising another 20 feet beyond that. Set into alcoves are 12 sets of double doors made of iron. Each door is 10 feet wide, 10 feet high, and embossed with images of dwarf warriors in plate armor.
Harlequin and Mister Bump took in the room detailing as well as they look inside.
"Ohhh. Fancy vault's gotta have fancy treasure~" Harlequin said as he looked around.
Carefully sulking in, the bugbear started to examine the room... taking care to avoid any traps lying in wait.
"Right, so, spread out and search or stick close?" Asked the Teifling.
"Maybe stick close?" I suggested while looking around the chamber as well. I glanced up at the bridges overhead being supported by the columns.
"There's gotta be a way up there?" I mused.
Heart looked about as well from beside me.
There appeared to be no traps lying in wait in this first room. Only a lot of large doors. Latha would notice several sets of doors. Harlequin would begin to push against the doors, finding most of them to be fake. However, towards the back left corner, something looked a little different. One set had been moved, and recently.
"Ohhh... Fake doors. That's... Highly weird." the jester said, "I would just make the normal door look like the... oh?" he noticed the moved set of fake doors. "There's something weird about these. They were moved here."
I joined the jester to look over the doors as well.
"This was moved very recently?" I mentioned as I began to pull at the door.
Hearing Harlequin's muttering, Latha, cast a quick Detect Magic just in case there was anything they weren't seeing. As she would feel herself becoming quite alert when casting her spell, as she sensed something quite strong passes the door, and something behind them that was much smaller.
"Wait!" Latha would call out to the other's as her heart jumped in her chest. "Something's there!"
Pulling out his handaxe and shield, the bugbeard loomed closer towards the door, "Alright... wut we should do... kick in da door, or let em come to us?"
"...Make them come to us, obviously." Harlequin stated.
The source of magic would be growing further away, and moving upward it seemed. It's essence a stronger, but similar form, as Heart's magical aura.
"It's heading upwards!" Latha alerted the others, moving forward. "We should follow before they get away."
"All together then?" I prompted as I began pushing the door open.
Heart would begin to assist.

"All for one." Harlequin said as he aided.
Mister Bump would give a nod, followed by a bestial huff. "Give em 'ell."
Latha's hands would begin to glow as she ready her spells, "Here we go again."
"An' one for all!" I smirked.
Together we would get the door to move just enough to allow the group of us entry to a large stairwell leading back up a bit.
Mister Bump would slowly begin to stalk up the stairs, hefting his axe in one hand. Harlequin decided to do the same, slinking into the shadows. The group of us would ascend the steps, noticing how time has worn them down in places, causing there to be broken up pieces and crumbling walls to avoid using for support. Eventually we would find ourselves at a very long corridor. To the left of coming out of the stairwell, we would find the three bridges, all three broken up in the middle. Then we would hear something grumbling just ahead of us, more amused than annoyed, "I almost forgot this pudding was here. Too bad I can't just eat the stuff!"
"...What?" Latha would quietly mutter.

"... puddin'?" the bugbear questioned in bewilderment.
"...And pie?" Harlequin chimed in.
We would look closer to see a very old dwarf of bronze like skin with white hairs sprouted from his head and chin. He wore red robes with gold detailing. He turned around and chuckled as he knew he wasn't alone, his eyes steady and bright, despite his age, "I wasn't expecting anyone? As you can see, the place is a mess. Perhaps you should come back later, after I've tidied up a bit?"
Mister Bump gave the dwarf an odd look, lowering his blades. "... well... we weren't expectin' anyone ourselves either..."
"...Apologies for the intrusion? We... were not aware anyone lived her." Latha explained.
"The place would be rather lonely if no one lived here, wouldn't it?" He chuckled, "Black pudding isn't great company."

He gave the floor at his feet a look, as though he were scolding the substance he'd smoothed under his feet. Causing Heart and I to both look at him quite surprised.
"Now, what can I do for you?" He then asked. Then he realized quickly, "How rude of me, I haven't introduced myself! I am Barok Clanghammer!"
"Latha" The sorceress would reply without thinking.
"I'm the clown who's not locked in a big vault." the jester said.
"... Mistah Bump... and... just wut are ya doin' down 'ere?"
"A big vault?" The dwarf pondered still pleasantly.
He would notice Heart and I as I introduced, "Duke L'Orange, sir, an' this is Lady Heart Cezanni. We're hopin' to find some answers here?"
"Answers?" The dwarf asked, turning to the bugbear, "I am doing what I promised I would years and years ago, well before any of you were even a gleam in the eyes of your parents."

"Cezanni, hmmm? I do believe I recall that name...?"
"... and.. just wut would that be?" the bugbear asked the dwarf, rubbing the back of his head.
"Guarding what you are most likely seeking," he replied with a good natured laugh.
"Well then that makes everything easier." the jester said.
"Does it now?" The dwarf asked.
"I am unsure of your intentions with the cache of Dragons, but I will not simply hand it over. Especially by force," he warned.
"Awww... Pleeeaaassee?" Harlequin asked.
"I have been sensing a great deal of discord above me. For decades now. What of the king and queen?" He then asked.
The bugbear shifted in his spot, and looked over towards Heart. "Dey... aren't wit us anymore..."
"I see," he said with a visible show of distress to hear this news. He gave a deep sigh, "The king was a dear friend of mine... "
Latha noticed that the source of magic was indeed coming from this dwarf as we spoke with him.
"And the queen was quite the cook, she brought me wonderful treats during her reign. Last I saw her, she was with child..." the dwarf would trail off in his regret.
Coughing slightly, Latha would slightly nudge Heart forward a bit, looking very blatantly between her and the Dwarf.
Heart would step forward a bit, though was admittedly stunned a little to hear of the parents she never got to meet.
"I...I am their daughter," she finally found her voice to say, "It's an honor to meet you, sir." She gave a respectful bow.

I would rest a hand on her shoulder in support, "And we are in need of the Cache of Dragons to secure the future of our home."
"Aye... she's da sole survivor, and there are does in da city which seek to take it over for demselves."
The dwarf elder looked over Heart with a stern, steady eye. Seemingly disbelieving this claim.
"She's the survivor. She's not gonna give up. She's not gonna stop, and she's gonna work harder." Harlequin says.

"Well... ya see, Heart here was taken away from her rightful spot on da throne... and we're tryin ta git 'er back. We need dat treasure dough... it could be of great help to our cause." Mister Bump furthered his support.

"It's true, Heart is the true heir to the throne. I realize how difficult that might be to accept without on hand proof, but I swear we are not lying." Latha backed us up.
The dwarf walked over to the group of us, looking up at Heart a bit closely. He listened to the trio and commented, "Your comrades seem to believe it more than you do. They stand in support, while you fight to face what may be before you. Though, I can sense as to why." He glanced over at me, "Despite what it could mean for you both, he has seen to it that your title is restored. This crew of yours seems loyal, albeit a little questionable?" He eyed Harlequin with some amusement in his old eyes.
"Only a little? I'm losing my touch." Harlequin whispered to Mister Bump.
The elder dwarf then looked back at Heart, as he sighed with nostalgia in his voice, "You have your father's eyes, and your mother's spirit."

Hearts knees shook a little upon hearing all of this.
Then he noticed the staff in her hands, and said, seeing Heart trying to offer it to him, "I am happy to see that the dragon staff is finally being returned." He took it, and it looked well place in his hands.

"Now, follow me, everyone, " he instructed while turning towards the end of the long hall, "I have remodeled things a bit while I was bored."
Mister Bump gave the others a wary look, before he began to follow after the fair bearded dwarf. "Now... wut waz dis about a puddin'... Aye doubt yer talking about a confection."

Latha had certainly heard of the substance, even practiced how to fend against it while at school, or possibly create the ooze to use against foes. Heart and I had encountered it as well during our journey, while heading home at one point as we rested in a cavern. While Mister Bump hadn't had to really deal with it, however.
"It's a mess is what it is!" The dwarf insisted as though he were talking about an ill mannered pet.
The protector of the vault would then bring us up another staircase, before pausing at a set of doors. Holding up the returned staff, they would begin to open...