For a day that had started so brightly, it was proving to be a difficult day to get through. Théadan supposed he should have probably been a bit more prepared for these sights, he had already witnessed them, but with Navia at his side it was proving difficult both with watching the pain it caused her to see parts of her country destroyed, and because of his own lingering guilt for having been a part of that destruction. Graciously, even with the strong emotions coursing through her, Navia never held any blame for him, instead offering her hand for him to take as they rode, pressing it to her lips for a sweet and comforting kiss. There would be many more sights like this, Théadan knew that would be the case, and knowing the destination they were heading, and what kind of man his brother was, he had an inkling of what to expect. He did not have the heart to tell Navia though, he did not want to trample on her hope, they had come too far for that. Perhaps the city would still remain, Rhodon was nothing less than a liar after all. It was to that thought he clutched as they continued their journey towards Zyena.<br/><br/>A sombre mood had befallen them, the lands around the roads they took was starting to be encroached upon by the wilderness. Less foot traffic passed this way, a sure sign that trade had stopped between cities, and a hint at what to expect, one which neither of them sought to acknowledge in anyway. Théadan could only sense a growing tension in Navia, her worries were only growing as they drew closer to their destination. Approaching the crest of the hill she spoke, drawing upon memory of how close they must have been, remembering what the city looked like when she paused mid way through, bringing Wyndagar to a halt with her. Théadan was only a step behind but the shock in Navia was obvious, he felt his heart sink as he knew in this instance, how Rhodon had stolen that necklace was not a lie.<br/><br/>The city was in ruins just as every where else they had passed by on their journey out to Zyena. It's buildings were burned, the statues pulled to the ground, and the place ransacked for its wealth and supplies. All was silent but for them and the sounds of nature, it looked likely those who had survived Rhodon's attack, had long since left. Théadan's studying of the ruined city came to an end the moment Navia dismounted, his eyes now watching his lover helplessly as she stared out at the ravages of war with disbelief. No more words left her, there was only sorrow for the destruction the Mes'Mo'Tanians had left behind. The moment Navia dropped to her knees Théadan was clambering off the back of Varinata, intent on not letting her suffer the pain she was going through alone.<br/><br/>Navia pulled out the necklace she had carried all the way from Nygaard, that they had fought over when he had first discovered she had taken it. He had thought it a silly thing to have done, taking a piece of jewelry, practically goading Rhodon to chase them and come after it. Théadan could not claim to fully understand the sentiment behind it, but he understood enough to know its value went far beyond the simple worth of a jewel, that it had meaning to her people. He dropped to a knee at her side, and wrapped his arms around her. There were tears on her cheeks, and the sob she coughed back pulled at his heart. He gave her a soft pull to bring her to his chest, hoping she would find at least a little comfort in his embrace. "I'm sorry." He whispered, wanting to apologise for everything, every wrong his people had done upon hers, and the ones he had personally done. But he knew no amount of apologising would bring back what was taken. "Your people never deserved this, to have their homes burnt, or their land treated with such disrespect." Or a war thrust upon them by a war hungry neighbour. The Khluri he had met were peaceful, they did not look to have ambitions of growing their influence, just enjoying and celebrating their lives.<br/><br/>Théadan's gaze cast out over the city, looking at the land, the river flowing through. He wanted to give Navia back her hope, her hope of seeing her friend, and returning the necklace. "It's ruined now, but the land is still good, as is the river." He said quietly. "People will eventually return and rebuild." They would, a good place to build a home is never overlooked for very long, but it would never be the same town. A place can be rebuilt brick for brick, but the memory of what happened remains, and the departed can never return. He did not wish to speak those thoughts however. "Your friend may have left this place before Rhodon arrived, she and her family may have even been elsewhere." It was probably foolish to think such a thing, rulers always sought to defend their land, but her friend may yet live, she may have sought to round up all the survivors and lead them to a safe place. "You may yet be able to return the necklace to them. Would they go to Mandira? Or somewhere else?"