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

"I'm hoping you, me, and the rest of you can figure out why we're here, what we're doing, and how the hell any of this makes sense. It's been a while since I've been to church or brushed up on my theology, but I don't remember anywhere in the bible or otherwise saying the afterlife was anything like this." MacKensie laughed as she agreed.  Alison had a commanding presence to her - very naturally authoritative - but when mixed with her quips, there was something about it that tickled MacKensie fiercely.  "Let's put our heads together and figure this out. Or, at the very least, survive this siege. Hell of a distraction to put up with while trying to solve this problem." The younger woman nodded and turned about as Alison told her to, "Lead the way."

The walk from the Brass Monkey, across the city, to The Mended Drum gave Alison and MacKensie time to talk and get better acquainted.  MacKensie explained how most of the party landed in the village of Hommas and gave an account of a few notable moments that had led to this point, keeping things mostly on the positive side, but she would be remiss if she did not mention the tragic loss Arthur, who died a hero when he saved them all from Aurok the Maneater's dying attack.  Clive being killed and recently resurrected also required an explanation, though, had she known how treasonous resurrection actually was, she may have left that detail out.  Nevertheless, Alison was somewhat informed of Second Chance's trials and tribulations so far.  MacKensie, in turn, listened attentively to whatever Alison was willing to share with her, asking questions where appropriate and having a joke here and there.  Alison was an interesting person and MacKensie was taken by her cool charisma.  She had already impressed MacKensie from the start, when she so closely pinpointed her city of birth, Lyon, just by hearing her talk for a minute.  This suggested that the woman was more than well-travelled and would undoubtedly have some stories to tell.  MacKensie was intrigued, to say the least.

[Colour=Pink]"James and Zell are quite the duo and so much fun to be around.  Barracker and Adam are darlings.  Clive is a character and Fenna is an incredible woman.[/colour]

MacKensie was glad to have another woman in the group, already decided in her imagination that Alison should and would stay with them, in their group, from now on.  She did her best to make a good and welcoming first impression, as was her sociable nature, but also with the notion in mind that she was the sole representative of Second Chance right now...

...And the sole representative she would stay, for this evening.  No one was at The Mended Drum when they arrived.

"Zell just left about a half hour ago," Frederick told them.  "The others, I've not seen all day."

[Colour=Pink]"Oh,"[/colour] was MacKensie's response, disappointment in her voice.  She looked apologetically at Alison, then more positively introduced her to Frederick.  [Colour=Pink]"She is from our world,"[/colour] she told the innkeeper.  Then to Alison;  [Colour=Pink]"Fred has been a perfect host and gentleman to us, since our arrival in Valhiem.  He and his staff, have been nothing short of excellent."[/colour]

Awkwardly, there was nothing else to do but reschedule Alison's meeting with the rest of Second Chance for tomorrow.  [Colour=Pink]"I do apologise for wasting your time.  I will tell the others about you and - if you are available - perhaps we could all meet here for lunch, tomorrow?  Or at The Brass Monkey, if you would prefer."[/colour]

She would hope that Alison would choose The Drum over The Monkey.  MacKensie did not like the latter establishment one bit.  But she would offer the option out of courtesy.  When it was settled, gave an encouraging smile and resounding nod.  They said their goodbyes and before they parted ways, MacKensie gave the woman a short hug.  [Colour=Pink]"I am so glad we found you.  You no longer have to be alone in this, Alison.  We will get through this together."[/colour]

Once Alison was gone, MacKensie ordered a late dinner and stayed in the taproom to eat while she waited for any of her friends to arrive, so she could give them the amazing news; There was another person from Earth, here in this city.