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Seeing the Zell already engraciating himself with the locals was no surprise.  The man seemed the type you could put anywhere in any world and he'd have no problem becoming the life of the party.  Sure, there'd be quite a few folks he'd undoubtedly rub the wrong way, but the swordsman had a big personality and natural charisma that he seemed able to switch on whenever he chose, and there were always people who'd be drawn to that.  MacKensie felt she had a foot in both camps.

[color=Pink]"James,"[/color] she started, after he'd ordered his food.  When the healer had mentioned leaving the Academy until tomorrow, MacKensie had shared a look of concern with Fenna, who was holding the cube.  It didn't take a psychic to know that the other Ranger was not thrilled about this decision.  Nor was MacKensie.  And she knew for a fact that Adam would feel the same, even if he was being extremely quiet on the discussions between the group.  [color=Pink]"Perhaps it would be best if we just deliver the cube.  Each hour we delay could have dire consequences for the people of this country.  The Academy is only up the hill and we will all sleep much better tonight if we are rid of it."[/color]  She had posed her thoughts as a suggestion, but having said them out loud, only convinced herself further.  [color=Pink]"We can wait for you to finish your meal, or we can go ahead?"[/color]

If James told them he would go with them after eating, then MacKensie would quickly and eagerly order something for herself, and it would take all her table-manners and grace to stop herself just [i]devouring[/i] the food instantly like a starving monster.

Whether James chose to come or not...

The walk up Citadel Mountain was not easy on the legs, after such a long day.  Maybe too it was knowing that this would be the last stretch before their first task in this world was complete.  MacKensie had looked at her new city map a little as they climbed, but her attention was soon take by the beautiful views that the altitude presented to them.  Valhiem was a true marvel on the eyes.

Reflecting on earlier, MacKensie was glad that Fenna had agreed with her about taking the gold contract.  She didn't want to be left alone with just the macho swordsman on the side of the taking riskier path.  But also, she needed reassurance that her strong-headedness wasn't getting in the way of her decision-making.  Lillianna had made her doubt herself.  The wizard was very intelligent - it was obvious from just hearing her speak - much smarter than MacKensie.  Lucy had only confirmed this theory.  So when Fenna, who had been nothing but level-headed from the beginning, sided with herself and the men, she was a little more confident she wasn't being too hasty.  She thought about what her father would've done - a man who'd spent his life assessing risk and reward - made his fortune on both thoroughly thought out decisions [i]and[/i] snap judgements.  Would he see it her way?  The more she thought it about...

[color=Pink][i]Yes,[/i][/color] her inner voice spoke as her father.  [color=Pink][i]There is danger in both the silver and gold.  The safety in the easier option is just an illusion - a hole in the sand for an ostrich, the cocoon for a butterfly.  Danger is your destiny, no matter what.  So you face your destiny head on (Qui n’avance pas, recule) and you get it over with.  Get your information quickly and make your next move a little less blind, a little less deaf.  Or you can dally and loiter, take your time, take it easy.  For what?  Weaker enemies but more time spent wandering around in the dark.  More time to be flanked by the Witch Queen, by the water ninja, by this war in general.  More time to make a mistake out of ignorance, fatigue or misfortune that may cost you dearly.

Which option is truly the more dangerous?[/i][/color]

By the time they reached the summit of Citadel Mountain, MacKensie was glad they'd chosen the gold contract.  Only time would tell if it was the right choice.  Looking around at the collosal buildings and statues, the beautifully paved and clean streets, the well dressed people walking around - MacKensie used her map to figure out the direction to the entrance of the campus grounds.  When they saw it, she looked at Adam and Fenna and smiled with relief, then looked back to their destination.