Justin
The fire mage sighed, watching as the group was finally ushered somewhere where they could catch their breath. After what they dealt with the, it seemed like a gift from the gods with how the priestess seemed to react. Already rushing to rest her body after having a near death experience or two.

Wisteria? She just took a moment to stretch, an eye staring at the few elven soldiers watching them before disappearing somewhere. Probably to make a report of this strange group that had caused a fire and fought one of their greatest enemies.

"I don't suppose we're allowed to walk out of here if we get bored?" Wisteria asked, turning to raise a brow to Regulus. The tone was hard to pick up on. A joke, being serious or just testing the nerves of their honorable captors. 

Even if these warriors had good intentions, Wisteria didn't enjoy being locked up. Even if it was in a pretty cage with wine and ornate furniture.
Thomas
Noctis sighed and picked up the shield and staff, gently propping them against the wall. Then he took some blankets and pulled them over the priestess, stroking her hair once before straightening up. He strode across the room and sat in one of the large comfortable chairs, leaning his head back against the wall. 

- - - - - - 

```Regulus: Well this is a keep under the charge of the Czar of Velaris, blessed be his name, Cullen Stellae. I suppose I can't just let you walk around anywhere but if you wanted to leave I don't have orders to stop you, or if you wanted a tour I could take you.``` 

The dark haired elf said, looking at Wisteria thoughtfully a moment before stepping back. 

``` Regulus: If you need anything I'll be in the hall. ``` 

He gave her a warm smile before closing the door to leave them in privacy. 

- - - - - 

"I'm going to get some rest Wisteria, I know you have lots of questions. I have some of my own, but I'm still recovering from a wound. Keep an eye out, hm?" He asked, and then he closed his eyes, though not after gazing at her for a long moment. He was asleep rather quickly, amazingly quickly in fact. Healing magic was incredible but it held a terrible drain on the body's stamina. 



- - - - - 

Some hours later if there were no interruptions from Wisteria, there was a knock at the door and Regulus would step in. 

``` Commander Brightblade is ready to speak with you three.``` He said and there was a note of caution in his normally cheery voice. Noctis caught it instantly and raised an eyebrow. 

"Let me guess, no bodies were found in the tavern." Noctis said dryly, and the elf glanced at him nervously. 

```Regulus: No bodies were found at all, actually. Please, we should go right away.``` He said with a note of urgency, glancing nervously down the hallway.
Gwendolyn
*As hours passed and time went on, the devotee was in a deep slumber. Gaining a hard lesson on preserving your energy for unexpected events and troubles, to solely count on her magic could have easily been a weakness. A lot of guilt bleed her mind, regret on her choices and actions as she believed that more lives could have been saved if she was wiser. However, such feelings were considered sin and the devotee knew better than to drown herself in her woes. Sleeping for hours and regaining some strength, resting her body and mind. She slept like a dead body, unmoving and motionless. Only her breathing made her appear alive. No dreams were made underneath her shut eyes, only a blank slumber.*

*Almonde awakened an hour before Regulus stepped in, simply laying down and slowly waking up. Stepping in and out of being awake to sleeping again, before a sudden knock snapped her back awake. Rising from the bed, she listened to the elf speak. Tidying up her clothing and helmat, straps were torn or broken. She expressed a look of disappointment and dread, finding it impossible that any evidence of the bodies were gone. Pondering and putting herself in the shoes of these thieves.*

```"Understood, I can only hope the Commander is a man of words and ears."```

*She spoke with a tired tone, taking a moment to eat the fruits and bread that were placed in their room. The devotee began to ready herself for an explanation. Evidence maybe gone, but surely there something to be found. They were witnesses. Perhaps the vampires took the opportunity to hide their tracks, out of fear of their misstep. Almonde had their trinkets, details and such. The woman stood up, ready to use her words and wisdom to speak to the Commander. Brushing off ashes and dust off her person, the woman was eager to get moving.*

```"Lead the way, I'm ready when everyone else is."```
Justin
"No bodies, huh?"

She wasn't surprised. The dragon had seen many things in her time walking Aeterna. The world and its denizens did whatever it took to accomplish their goals. And for those such as these Black Nights, they surely had every good reason to not let anyone know of their activities or get in their way.

Disposing of a body or two was child's play.

They weren't going to make pursuit any easier; that was for sure.

Shrugging, the fire mage shifted from her spot where she leaned on the wall, walking over to the poor soldier that had to tell them the bad news. The elf looked as if he was sweating knives from his very skin with the expression he held. He was nervous.

Just how bad was this situation? Noctis still had explaining to do.

"I'll follow. Sooner we get to this, sooner we find these Black Nights. I'd like some more payback for the fight from earlier."
Thomas
Noctis' grey eyes remained steady on the elf as he watched him, then he nodded nonchalantly. He watched Almonde get ready and eat, and took a finely polished walking stick from a stand near the front door. As soon as the trio was ready he led them through the halls. Twisting right and left, he continued to walk steadily until he froze. The head of Noctis' walking stick, which upon further inspection was actually a cane with a dragonturtles head carved on top. 

"Does the Commander usually speak with guests in the kitchens?" He asked softly, dangerously. The elf swallowed and turned to look over his shoulder at them, then behind them. 

```Regulus: The Commander is convinced that you're the Black Nights. You'll be arrested the moment you walk in- I was to bring you in without warning, but the keep has eyes in all its servants. If I said anything there we'd be swarmed by the Silver Regalia within moments. Now you can follow me or go back.``` 

He said the last bit fiercely, he wasn't cowardly, just not stupid. It seemed he was going against orders- but the question was why? Still stopping him to ask might mean they find trouble, if it even exists. 

Noctis looked to Wisteria and Almonde, sighing, he removed his cane and prodded the elf forward, following after him. It seemed the fallen demigod had made his choice, but what of the other two?
Gwendolyn
*As the followed the elf into what seemed to be the kitchens, Noctis asked a seemingly innocent question to Almonde. Perhaps the Commander was in a rush for breakfast or lunch, maybe he had some fine wine to share. But as Regulus spoke his answer, the words began to show their weight. Almonde wasn't sure at first, she pondered for a moment. Perhaps it would be easier to claim the trio were the Black Nights and enjoy a false victory, as the leader passed the blame. The captain always showed what kind of leaders the elves possessed. Even if the devotee used her words well and spoke with logic, a tyrant didn't need excuses. As the tale of the chicken and the cock went. But, she wondered why Regulus would take such a risk, was he sick of the terrible leaders? Was there corruption involved or perhaps the leaders of the army were simply fools that fail to see the bigger picture.*

```"Then lead the way. Something tells me that I can trust you, Regulus."```

*She spoke briefly and quickly, her tone was calm and careful. If he wanted them dead, poison or anything else could have been easier. Her gut feeling wasn't ring with dangers, the man sounded as if his heart was racing. A man of his rank surely had a lot to lose and risk, especially with people like the Captain. Perhaps the Commander was worse, more irrational and unwise. If that was the case, no wonder the Black Nights hadn't been found. Regulus didn't seem to be a friend of the Black Night, especially on how he spoke of losing his friends over them. She placed her bets on trusting him for now.*

```"Let's trust him. He's the kindest souls we've met so far here."```

*She said as her head turned to Wisteria and Noctis, a wide smile on her face as a nervous laugh escaped her lips.*
Justin
The dark-haired woman shrugged, listening to the elf try to explain what was to come next. She couldn't help but let out a scoff at the idea. Their commander thinks a little group of humans (well, supposed humans considering what she was), were the great and terrible group of criminals that had been plaguing them for so long?

"It sounds more like your commander is running out of options and looking for a scapegoat." The dragon woman spoke up, unafraid to insult the warrior. "These Black Nights are supposedly powerful and known for secrecy. To suddenly be found out, the way we were too, seems illogical. It feels more like he's desperate and the situation just so happened to fix a problem for him." 

She closed her eye, debating the best move. Go forward, get arrested. Maybe a fight ensues. Become enemies of Velaris. Not the best move. Especially for her case. But running made them look guilty. Or just more suspicious. They'd be chased after for who knew how long.

This wasn't what she was expecting to deal with when having to drag Noctis back.

"No rest for the wicked, huh?" Wisteria mused, watching Noctis and Almonde make their choice. She looked to Noctis, giving him a short nod. "If there's a fight, you sure you can handle it in your... State?"