An old woman entered Clare’s territory.

Kepler tensed, hackles raising when he realized it wasn’t just the kids stopping by.

The woman was frail, leaning heavily on a walking stick, but still gave off the feeling of power. To Clare’s aura, she smelled like sunshine and forest fires.

Following the old woman was Felix (to Clare’s relief), and then (to Clare’s unrelief) Celio and Ira. And Gloria the Dodo, for some reason.

“Why are you bring the bird—” Ira was saying, before pausing, “It’s changed?”

Felix nodded, unsurprised.

“I’m bringing Gloria because she’s lucky.” Celio replied, “Besides, the dungeon likes little people. And you’re a little person,” He cooed at the Dodo, “Aren’t you?”

Kepler growled.

[How dare you use a child as your shield.]

***

Celio froze as a ferocious growl echoed through the dungeon. It thrummed bone-deep, bringing memories that still haunted him with it.

He broke out into a cold sweat at the accusation that followed.

“No—wait, it’s not like that!” He cried desperately, “I just said that because Gloria’s adorable and I wanted to bring her along!”

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There was silence.

“Celio…” Ira was looking at him with concern. “Who are you talking to?”

“Well… I, you didn’t hear that?” Celio looked at his companions, who ran the gauntlet from confused to worried.

Behind him, Father Silas stepped into the dungeon as well, whistling cheerfully. “You hearing voices, son?”

Felix dug through his pockets, content to let the adults handle any crazy. He spilled a handful of peanuts on the shelf-thing, which was still there along with the degenerate statue. Its surroundings, though, had completely changed.

For one, the dungeon started sooner now, which meant it had gotten larger. The entrance room was much less ornate. Instead of bejeweled bas reliefs, there were subtly embroidered wall hangings in cream colors and various blues. Where arches had led further into the dungeon on either side, before, there were now mahogany doors on brass hinges. A heavy lock barred entrance, but glancing down at the colorfully tiled floor, Celio had suspected there was some sort of puzzle that would give you a key.

“Ah, yes, Father Silas.” Celio admitted. “It was quite loud, and—” He remembered that voice growl, “—thinking on it, I think I know who it was.”

As if to confirm his thought, a System notification pulsed at the edge of his vision insistently.

* New modifier recognized!

* Dungeon Touched: After exposing your mind to a sapient dungeon, you have gained a greater sense for all dungeons. Hearing and understanding their intent is now second nature.

Celio swallowed. Looked up at the statues. They seemed to gaze at him with a non-edificial intelligence.

[So, we meet again.] The voice of the clawed mind-monster said, somewhat quieter. [How presumptuous of you to invade my home once again. And don’t think I believe you’re claims of innocence for a second, you tried to enslave us--]

Hi there! A second, more cheerful voice said. It’s nice to meet you, Celio. It was the woman from before—what had Felix called her, the monster’s wife? It soothed him, knowing his benefactor was alright (even if she had terrible taste in men). She continued:

My name is Clare Hatt, and I’m a dungeon.