Lunise took one more deep breath and let it out through pouted lips before they stepped through. The desert heat instantly blasted against her skin and the bright sun made her squint, even as it was getting low towards the horizon.

The others in camp turned their heads at the spectacle of the portal. No one had expected Meesei to return so early. Bringing someone back only glued their eyes more surely.

Janius and Lorag were the closest, being nearest to the camp fire. Janius and the others looked curiously to recognise the fair High Elf in the dress.

In the moment of silence following her eyes adjusting, Lunise stiffened. Her back straightened, she held her hands behind her back, and she scowled, looking about. The expression made her recognisable out of her uniform.

"Justicar Lunise?" Janius hazarded with narrow, confused eyes. "What are you doing here? Did you find Meesei while..." His jaw dropped agape. His eyes widened in the dawning realisation. "...Oh."

One by one, the others in the pack connected the dots. Fendros and Sabine, practising a short distance away, stood shocked to silence. Rhazii held his bow and arrow, glancing around to everyone's faces. He was not as familiar with Lunise as the rest of them, thus the silence caused him to be confused by the confusion around him.

Janius refrained from speaking further. He knew as well as the rest of them that Lunise was not known for any sense of humour. The situation was too absurd to say anything that would have no chance of offence. Fendros and Sabine were similarly afraid to speak.

Lunise glanced to each of them, hiding nervousness behind her veneer. She did not know what to say either.