RP:What's Done Is Done

Part of the The End's Not Near Arc

Summary: On the heels of Muzo's disappearance, Reginae makes her way to Pilar in search of stable ground. What she finds is the charred remains of their house and regret for not being there sooner. Regret for how everything has gone so wrong. It strengthens her resolution to end things once, and for all. Through this, she might find redemption.

Chartsend

Reginae had been, for a word, lost. Her teleportation in Alithrya had gone badly, bouncing her back to Cenril’s shores. What’s worse, however, is that Muzo hadn’t followed after her. It’s gut wrenching to think about. That she’d stood before him, drank the potion, and...nothing. The thought occurred to her that he could have gotten through the barrier but then, why hadn’t she been able to? Or maybe he’d been transported elsewhere accidentally? Either way, she couldn’t go back to the Uyeer Kingdom and after helping Brennia and friends take back Schezerade, Reginae had turned her eyes to Chartsend for Pilar. If there was anyone she could count on to help her, to venture into the depths of Jaize’s sanctuary...it was her and Yozenra. When she reached the town and the street she knew to belong to the newlyweds, the naga in disguise stops short of the front stoop and stares at the charred ashed with a critical glare. His hazel eyes scan the perimeter for any posted signs or any indicator that the house had been condemned on purpose but none appeared. “Hmmm…” He hums, swiveling his broad shoulders around in the street to see if he could snag a passerby to inquire what had happened. The more he thinks about it, the more worry starts to build in the pit of his stomach. The last time they’d been together, they’d dug up the money stolen from the city by Jaize’s minions. In Reginae’s mind, all Chartsend conflict -should- have come to an end.

Next door, an old woman was gardening. Reginae was not the first person to stop in front of the house, looking bewildered. When she noticed the young man, she got to her feet and wandered over. "We really ought to put up a sign," she joked. "Looking for the couple who lived here? Don't worry, they're alright. They're staying with a friend somewhere in town."

The rogue turns to regard the woman with a smirk of gratitude. “I’ll come back and do just that on my way out of town, I think.” He takes one of the old woman’s hands in his and kisses the back of it. “Thank you, my dear. I owe you a debt. I was starting to panic a little. Can you give me directions perhaps?” He holds onto her hands until she pulls free politely and then follows the path to the house she’d mentioned, stopping to ask a couple locals if it was the right place. In small towns like this, it’s common that everyone know...everyone else. Alithrya had been much the same in it’s prime. Reginae misses that, wants to bring it back to the people. When he finds the place, the male approaches cautiously to rap his knuckles against the front door with uncertainty. Had the woman given the right address? Was Pilar really here?

It was Yozenra who opened the door. She blinked in surprise, then smiled. "Hey. Come on in. Have we got a tale to tell." The house was small, but cozy. Pilar was in the living room brushing the dog when they entered. "Reginae. It's good to see you." She embraced her friend. "I assume you saw the house?"

Nicolau’s hand rises to clap Yozenra on the back in greeting. “You gave me quite a scare.” He says, once he’s made his way into the room with both Pilar and Yozenra. “It’s good to see you too. Yeah I went there first and your neighbor was kind enough to give me directions here. I’m so sorry about your house...it looks rather nasty, to be honest. I wasn’t sure you would have survived if you’d been caught inside - not that I doubt your skills!” He holds his hands out, palms facing the women as if begging them not to rebuke him for his comment with a grin.

Pilar smiled sadly. "I appreciate that, but, well... It wasn't exactly an accident. Kahran's forces came for us in the night. They slapped us in chains and set our house ablaze before taking us to their camp in the forest outside Venturil."

Nicolau’s laughter dies in his throat immediately. It’s replaced by a serious annoyance. He scuffs, “I’ve had enough of that guy, to be honest.” News has circulated here and there, at least places she’s been. “I just ran in a rescue mission to get people out of Schezerade because one of his ‘generals’ took over, or some such thing. What a pain…” But then, Pilar mentions being taken in chains to a camp. “What camp? What for? How did you escape?” If the place wasn’t already destroyed, she was dead set on going back and delivering some well deserved ‘justice’ of her own.

"They wanted me to heal their soldiers," Pilar said. "The witch Lanara and the illusionist Johnny saved us. Godsends, both of them. Daermon is renting this house and letting us stay."

Nicalou sighs. "I just meet Lanara officially not to long ago." He admits, shaking his head. "For Aramoth's sake, I wish I'd been there."

Pilar offered a smile. "What's done is done. We're okay now." Yozenra nodded. "If nothing else, they didn't abuse us. I mean, they didn't treat us that well, but there was no torture."

Nicalou doesn’t appear soothed by this, though it is ‘good’ news based on the way kidnappings usually go. “They took away your agency. That’s more than enough.” But ultimately, Yozenra is right. They’ve survived without grave injuries or worse, and their house was toast. Ugh. “I came to ask for your help but...I have no right to. I wasn’t there to help you.” He rubs the back of his neck anxiously, the skin starting to turn red, irritated.

Pilar touched his arm gently. "It's not your fault. You didn't know. You're still our friend, and that means we'll do what we can." Yozenra nodded.

Nicalou reaches out to pull Pilar into his arms, leaning his head down atop hers. He’s a head or so taller than her. “I’ll help you rebuild your home, with my bare hands, I swear.” It’s the least he could do, to try and get them back to their normal lives after all this madness has ended. Who knew how long it would be, truly, until it reached that point? After a beat, he releases her, embarrassed and staring at his boots. “I need to go back to Alithrya. Muzo is missing...and I...can’t do it alone.” His voice is graveled with emotion.

Pilar smiled softly and returned the embrace. She held his hand and squeezed gently. She knew how Reginae felt about Muzo, and how what had been happening hurt her. "Give us an hour, and we'll be ready." She needed something other than a skirt to wear, after all.

The rogue wipes at his face with the heel of his palm. “There’s no rush. Give me a week, I still have to gather a few more resources, talk to a couple more people. I need to know if Hildegarde wants to get involved. I know Frostmaw has it’s own issues with Larket right now, based on what I’ve heard through the grapevine. I’ll come back before I go, okay? You both deserve a break from conflict for a little while.” He tries to smile but it’s rough and faded.

Pilar nodded. "Yeah. Okay." She squeezed his hand again. "We'll be here."