#scarsdale

"Got to, but don't worry, " Levi says "The old man and I scream at each other all the time, but we still pass the bread. It's good. Not like we could keep the secret forever. Apes strong. STONK"

And with that, Levi goes in...

Hisssssssssssss.

Reginald now alone , eyes the house, looks to the doors, the windows, then says "Three can keep a secret, yeah.. .if two are dead" A mutter "Damn it, Levi. I tried to talk you out of it," ANd he reaches into his back pack to pull out grilling fluid, perhaps from a 4th of July set up? "And I thought Jews were supposed to be greedy. Fuck. Not my fault. I tried to talk him out of it. 80000 dollrs split one way will go a lot smoother anyway..." and he starts to dab the door... the windows as it gets dark again... quiet and he pulls out the lighter, lights a twig... and throws

Zara feels almost violently slammed as time JUMPS forward again... ears ringing from hearing the lfames roar and the screams going forward, even if at a the rate of the night of terror passing in a mere minute

Zara glares hatefully at the ashes. "Over money."

"So I saw" Almandine nods, sounding pained

"Five lives. For money." She spits.

"Money cannot buy peace. And he shall find no rest."

"Judging by that phrase, I take it you shall take it from here?"

Zara nods. "Thank you again, Seer."

He moves stiffly, touching at the chest area of his robe.

"You're more than welcome, Miss Zara" A nod "I believe I shall partake of Earth Rune's balefire"

SHe smells..burned flesh? Even now?

She touches his arm lightly. "Thank you." She repeats, sincerely.

"You would have done such for me wiht your talents if I asked " The sidhe assures , "And, as you said you said, five lives"

Zara nods. "And another in wreckage. Go home. Heal. I know my debt."

"Focus on helping the survivor, my 'debt' can wait" A look at the ruins "Wish I'd been here... I might have been able to command the flames to die down with a dictum, but, hindsight 20 20. I don't know what you plan to do to 'Reg', but I'm pretty he deserves it. Keep me posted on the basics how it turns out? And.. she doesn't know me, but extend my condolences to the girl. " A farewell

Zara places a hand on her narrow chest and bows to the sorcerer.

He returns it, somewhat, he masks any pain well but it is there, and off he goes

Zara returns home - climbing the tree to reach her bedroom window.

And in she goes. Earl has passed out on her bed! How rude... only, the makings for calming tea await there

Zara squirms her way into his sleeping arms, a little spoon. To sleep, for the work begins soon.

She is no stranger to nightmares but the humming of a raven helps keep unpleasant visions of a building filled with fire and screams from plaguing her any further.

Sometimes, perhaps, it is good not to be alone.

(fade to slumber)