Gerrard:

Looking to Dwal, Gerrard gives his thanks for the wise words and the healing, saying, “Thank you, Master Fiercehammer, I did not expect to survive another onslaught like that first one.  Do you think it prudent to check out this lake monster to the benefit of these gray dwarves?”

OCC: has Bjorn returned?

Peri:

With the duergar having retreated through the door he relaxes from his fighting stance.  He checks the tear in his towel -- still holding up and the bleeding has stopped -- and looks around the room.  "Gray dwarves, eh? Never knew there was such a thing. What do you reckon they're tryin' to learn? Whatever it is, maybe we should leave them to it.  We don't really have the authority or the need t' go startin' a war -- another war -- with Saltmarsh's neighbors."

Kei

"Leave them to it? Now why would we do that? As for starting another war, what if we were to kill this lake monster for them - wouldn't that prevent a possible war? Plus, imagine the treasure that a lake monster may be hoarding." His eyes seem to flicker, as if made if gold, at the mention of untold (literally) treasure. "I say we take a moment or two to gather ourselves and then despatch this foul lake dweller!"

((Short rest might be in order if we do intend to descend))

Gerrard:

"Let's discuss and rest for a few moments to let the bleeding stop on my wounds," says Gerrard, "Then we can explore more and/or at least investigate the lake and its monster, since we have a truce in place.  At the least, we learn what is down here and what the gray dwarves are doing.  At best, they may be about learning and exploring--or even repairing--this citadel and the destroying of the lake creature that threatens them can be our first step towards an alliance."  Looking at Dwal, he adds, "Though I have no experience with the gray dwarves, Master Fiercehammer, and look to you for guidance in this matter."

Short Rest HD 1:  5

Short Rest HD 2:  5

(Update in a few hours! Sorry a little slow today...)

Peri:

Peri takes a few minutes to clean up the cut on his hip, finding another use for his towel, which is coming in pretty handy. Might have to try this look out on a more permanent basis, though maybe not while going aloft. 1st Hit Die: 8 2nd Hit Die 7

You spend a short rest - an hour or so - in this old council Chamber. All is quiet to the east, where the duergar exited. There is still intermittent hammering from the southwest. Born sleeps quietly on Dwal's shoulder. (Has everyone taken the hit dice they want?)

Kei

At his own advice, Kei joins the others in tending to his wounds. With the notion that they will be exploring the area he summons Trill once more. The owl magically appears and immediately flies to a point some distance from the group. It's large eyes on Bjorn the whole time.

HD 2 HD 2

Dwal

Dwal watches over the group and keeps an eye on the closed door. 
"My bones tell me something ain't right." he says. "They claim these is their brothers but they retreat and leave the bodies here?"
Dwal goes to the closed door and takes his war hammer and knocks.

There's no answer.

Dwal

Dwal looks around a bit then moves back to the companions. 

"I figure they have barricaded the door but, I haven't tried it," Dwal says. Dwal ponders a moment then speaks; "Well lads, what do ye want to do?" he asks. "Do we press forward and find out what this group and place is all about or do we move on and try to find a few things that will interest us elsewhere?"

Dwal response to Gerrard: "I never had dealings with 'em" he states "I just know the story of them and how they came to be and some of their doings. if'n these is true to form, there be slaves with 'em. 

Gerrard:

”Understood.  We do have a declared truce which includes allowing us to look around.  Let’s check out the other passages from the main throne room, declaring ourselves as under truce,  and see what we can learn,” suggests Gerrard.  

“If we see slavery or other unpalatable activity, we return and discuss with their leader again—forcefully.  If they seem reasonable, perhaps we help them with this lake monster as a gesture of good faith,” he concludes.

Kei

"I knew I liked you Duke." he says to Gerrard with a wink. "I agree with you. Let's have a look about and if we find treacherous dealings by these full dwarves, we come back and finish what we started". He stands and calls to Trill. "Come little one, I'm sure the dragon won't eat you." Chuckling as he says it.

You've spent about an hour in this ancient dwarven council room with the body of the duergar guard. All is quiet except for the occasional hammering sounds. The closed door to the east is ornately carved with the face of some ancient dwarven ruler whose chambers these presumably once were.

Trill and Bjorn eye each other restlessly.

Peri:

"I hope we can trust these people to honor the truce.  I don't look forward to crossing swords with them.  That Ghared is quick as a snake and twice as mean.  Impressive moves, though. Say, Dwal, are these duergar as insular as you dwarves? How do they feel about halflings, for example? No, nevermind. We did just kill a few of her comrades; probably not a promising first impression.  Anyhow, let's go see what these distant cousins of yours are up to?"

Gerrard:

"Right," says the young noble after having rested and recovered from the worst of his wounds.  Gerrard adds, "Let's check the door between the one we first entered from and the one behind the throne," (northeast door in the throne room) and moves over to that door, checking it carefully before preparing to open it.

Perception:  8

Gerrard wanders through the great hall they had arrived from, where the two dead duergar guards still lay. The huge stone doors on the northeast open easily, if noisily.

Presuming he has a light source or a buddy with him who can see in the dark, inside Gerrard finds a large chamber with a dark pool in the center. Bits of smashed furniture and other debris are scattered about the floor. Hallways lead off to the east and the west.

A low, weird, unearthly moaning arises. It makes the hairs on Gerrard's neck rise.

Dwal

"If the stories about them be true then they'll look to throw ye in irons and work ye till yer death." Dwal says. 
Dwal will approach the large door and bang o it loudly. "Open up in there, we've a mind to see the place." he calls. 

Gerrard:

Gerrard, his glowing rapier already drawn to allow him to see where he is going, tries to localize the source of the sound, turning to face it if he can.

Perception: 11