MacKensie opened her mouth to answer Lillianna's question but was cut off by the offerings of aid and introductions from the rest of the group. Happily, she watched with her hands together as if in prayer, as the newcomer recieved water and welcome, one by one. It was somewhat out of character for the university student - perhaps it was post battle feelings - but she was suddenly so giddy with excitement as she observed the togetherness that everyone was showing. This was something she could get behind! This was something she could relate to - to focus on - to maintain a positive mental attitude. Most of her life she'd taken part in ballet, athletics, archery, and while these were all individual sports and activities, each one of them promoted team spirit in preparation for competition. Team spirit provided a power that no one person could achieve. Common desires to aspire to. Common goals to set. Communal willpower to win. MacKensie was buzzing with energy, even with James' spell fully worn off.
"I watch this one's back so she doesn't get herself killed."
Lord have mercy, I will kill this man!
"Honestly, I must've saved her ass like four times already."
MacKensie held her breath, cheeks bloating a little, and held in an explosion of anger that saved her from being extremely unlady-like. Her hilarious facial expression only lasted a moment before she turned to Zell. "Why you... I..." She suddenly stopped and narrowed her eyes suspiciously before realising she'd just given him the exact reaction he wanted. She let out a breath, trying not to laugh, turned away and shook her head. Part of her was still angry as she tried to think of a response that didn't sound childish and petty. "I'll have you know, it was I who saved his life," she speed-talked to Lillianna, then gave a Zell a "Hmph," without even looking at him.
BIG fail on the whole 'not sounding childish' thing. Damn you, Zell.
Getting back into the group conversation, she nodded along with Arthur's observation and Lillianna's retort. Seemed plausible that it would be particularly tough on the woman and also Joji, seeing as they didn't have the comfort the rest of them had: A shared confusion. They awoke alone.
"...Apologies, all. I was a bit snappy there. But this is all...I can't even fully fathom it right now. What's next, a necromanc-"
MacKensie quietly and awkwardly laughed as she turned around to see the bones all over the floor, then turned back and tilted her head in concession. "This is a strange place, that is for sure," she agreed. Then she decided to answer the earlier question, or at least, she started with a bitesized piece of the answer. "None of us really understand how we ended up here. We arrived like you. But where we are travelling to now, we might find out."
And she left it at that to let it sink in, and also to let others say their parts too. As the conversation went on, MacKensie slowly faded into the background, listening for a moment and then taking her leave. She walked over to where Vadim, Clive and Fenna were, and where the travelling supplies were being brought.
"I am so glad you both came back after helping the residents," she told her two comrades, offering them a smile.
She grabbed a bedroll and after a moment to consider, she hooked it horizontally onto the underside of her backpack, then began packing a portion of the supplies away for herself, making sure to grab a waterskin. She found her eyes straying over to Fenna and what the woman was wearing. Her pants seemed much more suited for hiking, as did her boots. MacKensie herself was in simple blue leggings and her brown shoes were made of soft material, looking like something a medieval jester might where. Still, the soles of the shoes were hardy and she felt light on her feet. The leggings provided full range of movement which was suited for her newfound acrobatic ability. But if she snagged them on a bramble or bush and they tore, it could prove annoying.
"Did everyone get out okay?" she asked Fenna, eager to hear how the other half of the rescue went. She eagerly listened to any details Fenna had to provide. Once that subject was covered, she had to compliment the older woman, who was indeed a picture of quiet strength each time MacKensie had looked at her. "I hope I can stay as strong as you, throughout this ordeal." Then she looked at Clive. "Both of you, really," she added. Perhaps the woman-to-woman thing resonated with her more, but Clive had also been unwavering and steadfast in his resolve. Like Fenna, he'd just taken things in stride so well, or so it seemed from the outside looking in.
