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At the mention of 'strange and bloody deaths', Thauvin's face grew grim. Strange and bloody was Krista's modus operandi; or, at least, that's what her reputation led him to believe. The veteran guildsmen, her mission reports--anatomically correct and painfully detailed, down to the very last drop of blood and severed digit--even what little he'd managed to pull from Ruin told the bard that where-ever Krista went, there was a swath of bodies a score wide in her wake.

Poor Eagleview.

Poor Thauvin.

Neither of them had any idea what was up ahead for them.

For the moment, the bard put on a brave face, hiding the rolling inner thoughts of blood, fire, death, and the general unpleasantness associated with a bloodbath (not the least of which being getting the stains out of his clothes) as he gnawed the herbs Ruin had provided for him. The leaves and roots didn't assist with the groggy surliness provided by the hangover and subsequent beating, but he could feel the ache in his head and the ache in his ribs start to subside as the medicine infiltrated into his system, slowly at first, then more quickly. He pulled himself languidly to his full height, his back and shoulders popping as they settled into their good and proper locations on his body. He rested one hand, absently, at the pommel of his broadsword.

"Any witnesses? Any living witnesses?" Thauvin's quick amendment was directed more towards William than Ruin. Although necromancy and communing with spirits was just as useful and legitimate a tool as any other discipline of magic--healing, for example, or hucking fireballs at unfortunate goblins--they were generally associated with the 'darker' edges of society. Darker being the places that meddled with the fabric of the universe; bending time, space, even the immutable laws of life and death to the will of the wielder.

"I shall handle this personally, as that Strykar fellow is nowhere to be found," The bard said steadily, "Although I would like for at least two guildsmen to join me in this venture. If this is indeed... Her doing, then I would like to take no chances. Also, as this is official Guild business, it would do well for our sullied reputation to make a show of force to the outlying communities; perhaps prove to them that, regardless of the threat, the Guild will be at their back?" Thauvin cocked a single eyebrow, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Either way," he added, "I will be prepared to leave within the hour. I trust I will be allowed to requisition a horse from the stables; but failing that I can travel by cart."