[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/D9OBI9j.png[/img][/center]

"And you're right about Fenna also. She was so brave yesterday. She could've ran from that wolf, but chose to charge at it anyway. Braver than I am." 

[Colour=Pink]"We were [i]all[/i] extremely brave in that labyrinth,"[/colour] MacKensie said firmly, holding Adam's gaze.  She would not abide any argument to that.  If he was about to persist down this road of self-blame and self-pity, then the frenchwoman was ready to have the conversation she'd initially tried to avoid.  But judging by her instinctive and immediate response just now, she knew it would be a bad idea.  Fortunately, he said,

"and I hope you can see your family again also."

And she smiled, inhaling a sharp breath that she hoped he did not identify as relief.  [Colour=Pink]"I appreciate you saying so, Adam,"[/colour] she said.  She didn't hold out much hope for herself.  In spite of the vivid flash of a memory of her last seconds on that plane before the crash, she bobbed her head in gratitude.  [Colour=Pink]"I wish the same for you."[/colour]

It hurt that she was forced to admit to herself that she was in no mental state to be a true friend to Adam and handle his confidence issues with the kind of care and kid-gloves he required.  She would, right now, be too tough with him.  Firm.  Harsh maybe.  And not because she didn't know how to be anything else.  But because whatever words she had for [i]him[/i] would be words for [i]herself[/i] too.  For [i]her own[/i] confidence issues that were growing in her own mind.  [Colour=Pink]"We will find a way home.  All of us.  Even if I have to grapplehook us all the way across the universe,"[/colour] she added with a chuckle.

[Colour=Pink][i]I am sorry, Adam. I am failing you.[/i][/colour]

When Zell arrived with their new recruit, MacKensie stood up from her seat to return Barracker's salute with a short curtsy.  [Colour=Pink]"How do you do?"[/colour]

The four of them shared amiable conversation through to the evening and Barracker proved to be a very interesting person.  He talked very formally and properly, which MacKensie liked very much.  He was polite, very calm and measured, and not least of all, seemed like a quite capable addition to the party in terms of fighting ability.  As James, Fenna and Lillianna returned, another table was dragged over to connect with the original, creating more room for chairs so anyone who wanted to could sit down.  Overall, it was a nice and relaxing evening.

When Barracker took his leave, MacKensie decided to get up and follow him out of the building.  [Colour=Pink]"Barracker,"[/colour] she called as she got outside.  She went up to him.  [Colour=Pink]"I just wanted to say again; thank you.  For lending us your experience and skill.  It might not seem it, but you've really turned up in our hour of need."[/colour]  She bowed her head slightly, then lightened the mood.  [Colour=Pink]"You are one of us now.  I hope the world is ready,"[/colour] she smirked and arched a cocky eyebrow.  [Colour=Pink]"Sleep well."[/colour]

Back indoors, she stayed for a little longer, finished her glass of mead then bid everyone that was still at the table goodnight.  [Colour=Pink]"Sleep well. See you tomorrow."[/colour]

In bed, she was bothered by 'ifs' 'ands' and 'buts' for a while, but eventually sleep took her.