The prone, lifeless corpse of Edwin VanCleef lay sprawled upon the splintered planks of his conquered and ravaged ship. The still bodies of Captain Greenskin and his first mate, Mr. Smite, were not far from their fallen leader, the cold stare of death misting over their wide, open eyes.

Cookie's angular form rested on the lower decks of the wooden leviathan, his amphibious maw left gaping in one last plea to the heavens. Gilnid had been laid upon the frigid, smooth floors as the smelting machines roared defiantly above, Sneed's corpse surrounded by the cutting embrace of his beloved Shredder. Rhahk'Zor's hulking frame was left blocking the entranceway in which he had defended so fiercely.

There was not a sound within the Defias stronghold, nothing to break the suffocating silence. The intruders were gone, having completed their mission in the name of justice and shiny coins. One of VanCleef's eyelids popped open. The coast was clear.

"Are they gone?" VanCleef said in a surreptitious whisper.

"I think so!" Greenskin chirped from nearby.

Edwin lifted himself from the wooden floor, stretching on his tippy toes and patting himself down. Then, he looked down at the lower decks of his ship and brought both hands together in a loud series of claps which echoed throughout the mines. "Alright, alright people! Ten minute break! You all were just splendid! Nice touch at the end there, you almost got 'em, haha! Keep up the good work!"

The formally lifeless corpses of miners, sailors and the lot sprung back to life, shaking hands with one another and patting each other good naturedly on the back. The stone mason's face then took on a frenzied look and he shrieked, as if an afterthought,

"Lapdogs, all of you!" There was a stunned silence... then an uproar of laughter, with VanCleef chiming in. "Hahaha, gotcha! Anywho, go and grab yourselves something to drink and some num-nums before the next show. Cookie's making something real tasty today, I can already smell it, mmm mmm!"

VanCleef pulled down his signature red bandana, smiling as Captain Greenskin came up, twirling his Emberstone Staff.

"You see, the cast really likes when I make jokes. Makes them feel more connected to me, like I'm one of them. That's how we bond."

Greenskin sat down heavily, his devoted entourage taking the time to massage his hunched shoulders. "That last group... they were a handful, weren't they? Caught me by surprise! The rogue pilfered my belt right off me!"

VanCleef chuckled, having collapsed onto the ground as well to do some much needed pilates. "I know, right? I was so impressed, I gave my corsair's shirt to that mage fellow. He earned it!"

Mr. Smite's hooves clattered on the hard, wooden floors as he approached, wearing an excited look about his face. "Did you see that hunter? Dreeeeammy!"

Edwin glanced up, sharing in a sly grin. "Oh mah gods, I know! Talk about a hunka hunka hunter. He could put his mark on me anyday. Rwar! "

"And did you see that gnome warrior?" Greenskin added, nodding his head. "She was a cute lil thing, like toy soldier all covered in mail!"

VanCleef had to concur. "I know, I wanted to just eat her up and pinch those cheeks, but I had to tell myself: Vanny. Remember, you’re an actor first and foremost. That sort of relationship would be inappropriate. Just think of the lawsuits! And Smite! You’re such a sweety, giving her your mace. She was thrilled!"

Smite blushed slightly, replying, "I know, I saw her other weapon and I was like hon, that just won’t do. So I had to let her have it, poor thing. 'Sides, gnome warriors are my favorite, I don't care what anyone says."

Heavy footsteps coming up the plank brought their attention to a new arrival.

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