Ralph
The barmaid beamed at the initial suggestion she take food to the patient in question. 

"So he survived! I saw his state- he looked right on deaths door. It's a joy that he still breathes, blessing of the sun mother are upon us surely!" She said, pulling an cheap amulet of Ember from her dress and kissing it. The golden sun Sigil fell back into her bosom and she beamed. "Consider it done! I'll make sure he eats his fill." She said with a twinkle in her eye. 

"Now let's see... Normally I wouldn't give out a customers room but seeing as you two are probably colleagues now and he made the initial move to go to you- well he's on the third floor in room twelve. As for chocolate- that's a considerable delicacy but we have some on stock you can buy from the chef. It'll be a hefty sum if you're willing to pay." She said and crossed her arms over her chest. A dark look fell across her face and she shook her head sadly. 

"Youd do well to consider those items lost. The noble Woodland Protectors and Mazikeen have been seeking out that group for over a year now. They're dangerous, bloodthirsty and incredibly elusive. Those who go looking for them usually find a knife in the dark." She said gravely. In an effort to change the topic, she beamed and said- "Let me rush into the back and ask the price for some chocolate! I'll be right back- wait a moment!" She said, and dashed into the kitchen. In less than a minute she came out, her hair slightly frizzy from the heat of the kitchens and she smiled. 

"A gold for a quarter pound- like I said it's expensive but it isn't a very common thing to just sell alone. Usually reserved for nobility deserts."
Gwendolyn
*Her smile would grow as the barmaid was more polite than she'd expected, perhaps her nerves were too high of late and simply needed to relax. She'd nod her head as the woman seemed happy that he survived, although Almonde hoped that this information wouldn't come back to bite her. Taking note of the woman's sun mother prayer, silently taking note of the scholar's room.*

```"Thank you kindly, it would be a great help and I'm sure he'd love the company."```

*Almonde said as a polite barmaid might be pleasant company for the grumpy young man, while she could discuss with the scholar. Upon hearing about the thieves in question, a disappointment expression could be seen on her face. Of course, it wasn't going to be easy but surely they'd be able to come to a diplomatic agreement with them, she thought to herself or so she hoped.*

```"A gold. Hmm, very well. It's small price to pay for his help. I'll take a gold's worth, we will need him at full capacity if we'd to find the thieves."```

*Almonde said while searching her pockets for a gold piece, eventually finding it and kindly handing it to the barmaid. Should she gain the chocolate piece then, she'd thank the warm barmaid for her assistance.*

```"Thank you again, I'll just take this chocolate and feed it to him while you feed the other handsome fella. Oh, a fair warning. He's a bit of a flirt."```

*The devotee said with a joking tone, giving the barmaid a fair warning and a smile. She'd begin making her way up to the third floor, keeping a sharp eye around for anything suspicious. Making her way to the room twelve, with chocolate in hand. Her mind pondering on the mystery of the young man, he didn't even tell her his name. Let alone the situation at hand, she'd hope to find more answers from Ben. Gently knocking on the door.*

```"Ben? It's Almonde, the healer from earlier? I brought some chocolate and some good news. Our man is awake and healthy."```

*The devotee spoke through a wide smile.*
Eileen
The barmaid seemed to gain even more interest in her skirts and her blouse when the information was revealed that he was a flirt. Tucking her hair back in, she'd pass the chocolate along and then hurriedly go to collect food for the previously injured man. 

The hall was quiet as Almonde approached the door, only the faintest sounds of mirth making it through the window panes and the flickering of lights from outside casting long and stretching shadows across the doorways. It was as if the very shadow of Mortem sat in this hall. A *Very* Perceptive Almonde might notice the red eyes that peered at her from a rooftop across the way- but they were only visible for a second before they blinked and were gone. Perhaps they were never there at all.

At her call, there'd be no answer. There was a deathly silence from within the room. There didn't even seem to be a candle or lantern lit within, it was dark, quiet. The hall itself seemed void of the life that had been present in the inn only moments ago. Was something off, or were the nerves of today causing her unnecessary worry? 

If she'd try the door, she'd find it locked.
Gwendolyn
*As she'd begin making her way to the scholar's room, her gut feeling was telling her that something was wrong. Her perception eyes had a brief glimpse of red eyes peering at her, it would quickly make the woman return to her alert state of mind. Hearing no response to her knocking and words, she began to ponder on what to do. She could return quickly down to check up on the man or the devotee could check up on Ben.*

```"Ahh... Heavens. Something is wrong. Alright, Ben. Hang in there."```

*She said as she'd begin to prepare herself, trying the door, only to find out it was locked. Either the thieves came to search for more treasures to steal or maybe the man's attacker's came to finish the job. She thought to herself as the short woman began to use her strength to kick the door down, kicking just below the doorknob. Trying her best to pick the right position and mark.*

```"Ben, open up! We have a emergency."```

*She'd assume that Ben was either asleep or wounded, the devotee was only comfortable to leave the man alone for a short while. Hence, why she'd begin kicking the door as if her life depended on it. A loud bang followed by a strong thud, she'd even try a long wind up run before kicking the door once more.*
Eileen
On her third running strike, the door would shatter. However what she might find odd is that there would be a very muffled sound. It was as if the audio had been dampened somehow. As she either tumbled into, fell into or rushed into the room- she'd find the place covered in blood. A very dead Wizard would be against the wall with three men in black cloaks laying dead on the floor around him- his wand missing. 

The room was a mess, however the bowl of cursed flesh was still there. His clothes were strewn about a black briefcase was thrown open- this had been done semi recently. The window was open and yet no sound came from it. Sticking a head out the window one would find that sound instantly hit their ears of laughter and mirth. There was a silencing charm in the room. 

Ben Koal, former professor at the Magios Academy, had been assaulted in his room for some reason.
Gwendolyn
*As she'd rush into the room, shed be shocked and saddened by the scene. Pausing for a moment as the situation was being processed by her mind, the devotee quickly made her way towards Ben's body with hope that he was still alive. Checking his pulse, confirming his death. Taking note of the silence spell, a powerful counter to wizards and spellcasters.*

```"I'm... Sorry, Ben. I'm so sorry. May the gods grant you a deserved slumber."```

*Her voice would be muffled as she'd speak, walking away from his body and the room. She had no time to investigate the scene, as this could only mean that the man below could be in danger as well. The devotee had tears in the corners of her eyes, quickly rubbing them as she'd bolt towards the exit of the room. Quickly running down the stairs as she'd jump over rows of stairs to quickly arrive on the ground floor. Tears gathering in her blue eyes in each step of stairs was travelled, some guilt began to grow inside of her as she'd drop the chocolate. Was she responsible for this? She shouldn't have sent him into his room while he was weak and vulnerable, perhaps there was something she could do.*
Thomas
Noctis felt the thundering footsteps coming and politely pushed the leaning in barmaid back by the shoulders. It had only taken a few smiles at her for the woman to become entirely enamored. It was surprisingly a relief, he had become convinced that he'd lost all his demigod blessings- however it seemed the Blessing of Masculo were all that remained. His near infinite mana supply as a demigod was gone, but he still had his charm and he still had the base strength that years of Enhancement Magic had given him. It was nowhere near enough to protect him from any powerful mages, but no regular man could stand against him. 

Even if he had lost his strength, he had hundreds of years of combat experience. He was a master swordsman and martial artist, and had incredible aim. Blast it all he could pick up a gun if he had to. The idea was sour in his head, it had been so long since he'd ever had to fight at range. 

He was on his feet and had the door opened by the time Garuda arrived. Seeing the tears in her eyes, he placed a hand on her shoulder and drew her into the room, closing the door behind them. The barmaid, who's name Noctis had learned was Cynthia Baylon, was also on her feet and was smoothing her dress with a reddening of her cheeks. 

"Is the Wizard dead then?" He asked calmly, as he moved the healer further into the room away from the windows with surprisingly strong hands for a man who'd been on deaths door hours ago and then swiftly moved to the window to peer out into the night at an angle. If there were assassins nearby then they could be ready to fire a shot into his throat. 

Surely that was it- she had been in a rush and in distress and that was the last place she was going. Unless she'd just received a letter that her husband had left her- which would be entirely impossible as she was a Sister- then all signs pointed to the most obvious. If only he had his damn sword- it always made him feel most comfortable in troubling times. 

Cynthia's eyes widened

At his statement and looked to Sister Almonde. 

"What in the world, has there been an attack?" She asked, her lip quivering as she glanced at the doorways, likely imagining assassins lingering in the shadows, boogeymen in the closest. The food she'd brought had been swiftly eaten apparently, empty bowls, plates and a couple of cups sitting beside the bed.
Gwendolyn
*With tears in her eyes, she'd arrive on the ground floor. Heart racing, blood pumping and her body temperature rising. As the door was closed behind her, she'd take a moment to breath and clear her mind. Taking a deep breath out, she'd answer the man. Glancing at the window occasionally.*

```"Yes, surrounded by three bodies and they'd use a silence spell on him. I don't know if it was the thieves or someone else. Whoever they were, they had an idea on what to do. I think they stole his wand."```

*Almonde explained in a panicked and saddened tone, she'd quickly begin reaching into her bag. Putting on her helmat and her linen padded armor, after quickly taking off a part of her blue dress. It was an emergency after all, she'd finish up her straps and fitting while speaking.*

```"I saw some red eyes on the roof aside, if they are thieves than they are on the run if not... I don't know. Take this, Boy."```

*She'd finish strapping herself in armor, quickly pulling out an axe intended for cutting wood. Extending it to Noctis, before turning her attention to the barmaid.*

```"Yes, an attack happened in room twelve. Ben is dead with three bodies with him, it wasn't done by amateurs. Do the thieves always do this? Any place that I can get a sword for this man?"```

*The devotee said asking the barmaid who was a local and could potentially provide some additional information on the thieving group. She'd lift up her shield and staff, before speaking up to Noctis with determination in her voice.*

```"Let's go get your sword and armor back, yes? And stop this violence."```
Thomas
Noctis hefted the axe with ease in his hand- it was a bit heavy on the handle but it would do fine, anything with a sharp edge would do fine for him. Shrugging on his cloak, scanned the crowd outside once again. Why had they gone for the Wizard? That was a question that was yet to be answered, but yes they had been professionals. Still, three of them dead and there had been a silencing charm? Then how had he killed them, unless of course he'd mastered some non verbal magic. Not easy to do but somatic casting was an obtainable feat. Noctis himself could cast with just a thought, something only the greatest Archmagi could do likely. 

"As you command, Old Hag." He replied, moving to the door to check the hallway. It seemed clear for now, though something in him told him that something was wrong still. 

"Oh gods! The Black Nights here in this very inn!" Cynthia moaned, cringing back from the open door. It was obvious that was terrified. "A-a sword you say? You could likely go to Micheals shop if it's open, you might be able to buy one from him? He sells everything." She said distractedly, still trying to process that a man was dead upstairs. Her eyes had a far off look now. 

Noctis watched this healer, this small soft woman, become an armored machine of determination. Once again fate had thrown another woman of incredible resolve and heart in his path- he could practically feel the puppet strings of his father tugging at his fate. It made him want to rage. Instead he simply nodded, quirking an eyebrow. 

"The Black Knights?" He asked, scoffing. 

"Like the night sky, not the armored man. They are said to be as unstoppable as the onset of night." She whispered, biting her lip. 

Suddenly Noctis perked up. 

"I can go alone if you'd rather not see it again, Almonde, but I think if we got a look at those bodies we could get some clues on where to find this group." He said, resting the axe across his shoulders. He couldn't help but stare at Almonde, it was as if some ha

Rd and powerful thing inside her had been pulled forth that he hadn't seen before. Now that he had, he was sure he'd never be able to miss it again.
Gwendolyn
*The devotee was driven and emotional, but she knew better than to let emotions get the best of her. With an attempt at clearing her mind, she'd think over her actions and plans. Her vows were to protect and heal, to stop these black nights would be her duty yet she must concentrate on not becoming another victim of their tactics. These thieves seemed extremely sneaky and experienced, and required a focused mind to stop their violent crimes. She was willing to let the authorities take the lead but after the death of Ben, it was her duty to stop more deaths. It was small window of opportunity as the scene above was fairly recent.*

```"Micheals shop, got it. Now, Madame. I want you to take a deep breath and keep yourself safe. Find a safe place to hide, maybe bring a few trusted friends with you and stay put. The black nights seemed motivated by profit, so you should be okay. Prioritize your safety first, then that of your friends and then if possible report it to the local guards."```

*She would say to Cynthia with a calm tone, explaining what she could do. Hoping a clear plan would keep her safe and to avoid panicking, surely a tavern would have a few guards or bouncers around to protect her. Her attention turned to Noctis as make her way to the door, checking the outside with care as she spoke.*

```"I've keep you breathing so far, so I don't intend to stop just yet. Also, it doesn't hurt to have someone watching your back. Let's go and investigate."```

*Almonde said with a calm yet firm voice, as she'd open the door and began to make her way towards the stairs. A frown could be seen on her face as she'd wonder if the devotee could have armed the boy better. She was tempted to ask the man to stay with the barmaid, but knew that was a fruitless request.*
Thomas
Cynthia shuddered but the authority in the Sisters tone was enough to make her nod. Already she'd made a plan to go and alert the owner of the bar, get it locked down for the night. They had some plans for things like this- sometimes bar fights went wrong and a man was killed, it was rare but it had happened. Never before had it been the cause of the Black Nights. 

"Be safe you two.. And, perhaps..." She cast a glance at Noctis as if she were going to say more but she caught sight of Almonde again, turned red and ran from the room. She hurried down the stairs and within a minute shouts could be heard as chairs scraped and pots clanged. 

Noctis sighed and followed after Almonde, trying his best to check their surroundings. His senses were much, much better than the average man's but with Enhancement he could easily know if anyone was even *Breathing* Within half a block. Now he felt naked, felt exposed. His grip on the axe was so tight that it creaked. 

As they came up to the room, Noctis would let Almonde go first if she tried. He did not want her to think that he did not believe in her- in fact the truth was he was sure she was made of steel. There was a strength in her that few still had. 

"Check their bodies for any sort of markers, identifiers. I doubt they were pocket searched like their target most likely was." Noctis said and moved to Ben. He studied the man's scarred arms and hissed between his teeth. "Hells- these are runic scars. He was a Rune Mage." He said in amazement and with a bit of lamentation. 

Rune Mages inscribed Runes onto themselves so they could cast spells by flooding the runes with mana instead of casting. Explained how he'd killed them without having been able to say anything. Noctis slid off the man's boots to check for hidden notes, but upon finding nothing he took the time to put them back. Then he placed a hand on the man's head and uttered a prayer in celestial, requesting Mortem show this mortal mercy for any crimes and give him b

Lessings in his afterlife. 

The man had assisted in his recovery after all. Noctis was good at wearing a stone mask for a face- he wanted these people to hurt. They'd wronged him twice now- rarely did people survive doing it once. 

"Any luck?" He asked looking over at Almonde. 


Upon searching them, if she bothered to check inside the lining of the jacket of the middle body- she'd find a metal disk with a strange engraving. It was a macabre design that depicted a symbol used to mark quarantined houses during Great Plague which had killed so many in the Nine Realms. She would also find three throwing knives in ones boot and a dagger attached to a pushing mechanic on another's forearm. 

All of them were men in their *Later* Years, the youngest seemingly about fifty. Each was human, one had the dark skin of someone from Rhakotis. Despite their age they were also in good shape, and strangely enough were all missing their ring fingers.
Gwendolyn
*As she'd take the lead up the stairs, the devotee wondered what the barmaid wanted to say to the young man. A final kiss goodbye? Hoping to meet again after? Clearly, the young man was a charmer to make a woman red faced so quickly. But that was hardly a priority now.*

*Upon entering the room first, she'd take a moment to look around. Seeing Ben dead again would challenge her nerves and focus, but luckily Noctis's voice snapped her out of it. She'd take a knee and began to check the three other bodies. As Noctis began to mention Ben's runes, she'd remember his rune scars on his arms. Hearing him say a prayer for Ben, would warm her heart in such a cold scene.*

```"I found this metal disk, with some old Great Plague symbol. Think it's plague or some plague spell thingy?"```

*She'd carefully lift the metal disk as her history knowledge helped her recognize the symbol but the device. Perhaps it was some odd cult or a troubled mockery, she began to worry that these so called Black Nights had an horrible plan in the making.*

```"Some throwing knifes, an odd dagger with a mechanism thingy on his forearm. They seem less like thieves and more like assassins. All older human men, missing ring fingers. I am starting to believe that these aren't a simple thieves gulid anymore."```

*The devotee took the throwing knifes and looked closer at the craftsmanship, perhaps it could help them in some way. Taking a moment to inspect the odd mechanism on the forearm of another, she'd be left puzzled at the scene.*

```"Why would they want to kill him. If they wanted to steal from him, they could have been sneaky and stole as he slept. I don't understand. Hmm. I think one of them got away, must have been wounded maybe? They could have escaped through the window?"```

*The lack of Ben's wand would make it clear that someone had escaped. But would it be possible to simply walk out of the room... No there would have been too many witnesses. Maybe he simply went back into his room. Almonde would begin studying the blood trails, checking the window and then searching for signs of an escape.*