Hawk will find a nice spot in the inn to rest for a bit. During this time, Hawk will observe the Zhents, trying to get a precise idea of the numbers, their positions, and their skills (if some are getting drunk, if some seem to be stronger and such).

(also, if the Potion of Heroism is the one we took from the chest here, Hawk will gladly offer it back to the Dwarf innkeeper)

Bert nods, and whispers back to Zook, in elvish, "perhaps we should watch them, like Hawk seems to be doing, and get a sense of where they are bedding down, and then later tonight we can try to quietly apprehend the Zhents in their sleep? How many have you seen? I was sneaking around as we entered, because I assumed the Zhents would tell the villagers they've taken over, and the villagers would react poorly, and the Zhents would respond with threats, giving us a chance to stop them. But that hasn't happened, and I'm very confused about what's going on. I'm ready for anything."

"I agree with you Bert, my friend; this river appears to be much more muddied than it was earlier. I'm not one to make threats, and since no one appears to be in danger right now, there's no reason to take up arms or confront any of these people with force."

"Perhaps you're right. We should take a day or two to watch them, if not mores and see what happens. We certainly need some rest tonight after our long day, and I for one, would like to lend my services to aid the cleanup efforts, especially here at the inn. That could take a few days, during which time we can be quiet observers, and maybe even ask Kella and Xolkin what their intentions are for establishing themselves here in Nightstone."

"The stream is not flooding right now, but it is my feeling that if we stick around long enough, we shall see the water begin to overflow its banks, if you get my drift."

"As for numbers, I seem to remember that seven of them rode in on that first morning. Plus Kella. I'm not sure if more of them arrived while we were gone into the caves."

"If you are going to take care of them then do so sooner rather then later. It is not wise to let them gather strength or call in reenforcements." Halizthan says back in elvish, keeping his hand in his lap but noticably clos to at the very least his dagger.

(The potion was in the chest. And no more have arrived, there is 8 in total. As said in the messages, they aren't outright hostile but they are effectively bullying into submission)

Bert suggests asking the dwarf (is there a name we missed?) if he wants to try to assert his ownership of the Inn, and we can back him up, as can any other villagers who want to fight if it comes to that. Or try apprehending them quietly as they sleep and running them out of town. Fine to wait a day if we need rest...

"He's already told me that he wants them gone, and that he'd offer us aid. However, I suppose that you should go ahead and ask him outright. Go ahead and toss that stone in this river and see what kind of ripples form on the surface."

Mandaway was resting up from gravedigging, " What it comes down to is are we warriors or murderers? The smart thing to do would be to wait until some of those currently active have retired for the night and then make sure they don't wake up."

" Smart......but it is not something I can be a part of.  If we get a full rest and then try and strong arm them I think we have a decent chance, did you note spell casters or Clerics among them?"

(Bert was thinking more along the lines of gagging and subduing them as they slept, and tying them up and taking them outside the town. Not slitting their throats in their sleep. He doesn't have that kind of bloodlust.)

 "I am no murderer. I would not sneakingly slit anyone's throat on suspicion alone. While it's fairly clear that these men follow a path of greed over good, at this point, the worst they have done in front of us is to act like bullies and opportunities. To me, that doesn't warrant a death sentence, not until they cross the line, or outwardly threaten our lives, or the safety of these villagers. They have done neither yet, but that does not mean that we should stand aside while they bully and degrade the villagers."

"As for subduing them as they sleep, that plan sounds like one where everything could go wrong. And it puts us across the line first. I'm all for dispatching these thugs, but we should make them cross the line first. And we need to stand up to any kind of bullying or outward disrespect to the people of Nightstone. Show these thugs that such behavior will not be tolerated."

"And, in the meantime, why not inconvenience them as much as possible? A little bit of innocent annoyance can go a long way."

Zook then walks over to the table where the two Zhents are playing cards. He sits down and watches them, and then after a few minutes, uses his Elemental Attunement ability to create a puff of wind and blow all of the cards off of the table.

Bert asks the dwarf what his name is and assures him that if he wants to reassert ownership of his Inn, Bert will have his back.

Mandaways hand went to the Pacifier as Zook did his thing, if these men had much experience with spell casters this could go very badly;  he dropped his voice low to the others. " As I said, I'd recommend waiting til morning to start something if you want me to stuff your innards back inside and get you on your feet. Anything starts now and your on your own healing wise."

Halizthan will stay quiet since he is fully able and ready for a fight since the most be had done that day was travel from the town he had heard of the trouble to Nightstone. Of course the moment he saw any hostility towards the townspeople he would be up and ready for a fight.

(I have returned)

The name is Morak Ur’gray. I thought I had said it somewhere but might be mistaken. He really doesn't like the Zhents being here, but is worried that a conflict would start if he tried to evict them, and he isn't sure he could survive that by himself. And as far as you are aware no one has been physically hurt but they have been bullied via emotional hurting. Assuming you guys do nothing else before a rest, go ahead and have a long rest (if you choose to set up watches let me know, if no one does then we will jump to morning)

Bert only needs to rest for 4 hours - he will take half the watches if people want to rest up.

(Before resting can Bert cast Find Familiar?)

(he can, you can get the materials from the ransacked shop) 

Halizthan will head up to a room to sleep once it becomes late enough. He will lock the door and window, sleepy with all of his weapons in arms reach.

Eventually, Zook becomes bored of watching the two Zhents play cards and he retires to one of the rooms as well and rolls his bedroll out on the floor. He ends the evening with his nightly meditation before lying down and taking advantage of the relative safely that Bert offers from his watch.

Right before he falls asleep, he finally remembers the name of his new companion, and the name pops into his head. He quietly whispers, "Halizthan..." to himself before shutting his eyes and drifting off to dreamland. 

Mandaway said his prayers and settled almost immediately into sleep, he was older and didn't have quite the reserves of energy that he used to.

Zook cracks up Bert as he sets up to take watch.