MacKensie's fury did not vanish when Zigmund was ripped away from her by Aurok. She even tried to fire a shot at the assassin as he fled the scene. He killed Clive and now he was getting away! Her temper only flared further when she was forced to witness the heroic and tragic death of Arthur who might well have saved all of their lives with his sacrifice. Shock was her external emotion, masking the rage that was her internal. The two balanced out that she could make decisions and move, without being stunned and without flying off the handle. Balance, sure, but both very seperate and very opposite emotions very-much existed in fierce competition.
She ran to the edge of the gorge to see if she could see Arthur, but there was no sign. After that she counted her friends to make sure the rest of them were okay, then made a bee-line towards Lillianna to check on her, running into Zell along the way and returning his hug albeit shortly and sharply, without response. When she saw that the American girl was breathing and her injury was tended, she closed her eyes in quick prayer to thank god that they hadn't lost a third person in this battle.
"James, you are a miracle worker," she said. No warm tone. No smile. Just a matter-of-fact compliment.
She didn't properly reassure Adam that he wasn't to blame, only shook her head to deny the Druid his attempts to make it all his own fault. They had to get out of this place and fast. Maybe she could find a moment to speak with him later, maybe provide some comfort as Fenna had provided for her, but with two deaths on her mind and possible danger lurking behind every corner, she simply didn't have the strength to deal with the young man. Once everyone had gathered themselves, MacKensie went ahead to scout for danger, taking her cues from Adam who thankfully continued to navigate for them. It felt like time was of the essence, as MacKensie wasn't sure if Lillianna would make a full recovery without proper bed rest and consistent supervision. Apparently Valhiem wasn't too far now. Surely there was an infirmary in the city. MacKensie strafed around corners and grapplehooked her way up walls, her crossbow cocked. Her logical side prayed that she not find anymore enemies, but that angry part of her wanted an excuse to fight something.
Finding the edge of the horrible Mazy Hillocks was a sombre relief, and the Ranger returned to the group so that she could leave with them. She'd managed to escape with only a mild injury - far luckier than some of her friends - but the battle had left her emotionally drained and desperate for rest.
“
I will meet you all in the city, I have some business to attend to.”
MacKensie understood.
"I would like to come too, if that is okay," she said. Joji graciously obliged. Before she parted with the main group, she handed all one thousand silver over to one of the others, then gave Zell a stern look.
"Make sure your injuries are looked at. I am serious, Zell."Zell's coughing up blood had not gone unnoticed, even if he was trying to hide it. The man had exceeded all expectations with his actions since Hommas. He'd gathered information and come up with a battle formation, thrown himself into a sea of lightning to rescue Lillianna from further damage, and MacKensie was pretty sure the assassin would've killed her were it not for him. After the battle he made sure to touch base with everyone and make sure they were okay, trying to keep morale high. His strength of character was far greater than he allowed people to see.
She walked alongside Joji, up the hill, occasionally casting her gaze on the limp body of Clive in the Japanese giant's arms. So much death. Townsguards of Hommas. Clive. Arthur. Who was next? How many monsters waited in their future? Why were they here? What was the point of all this?
Together they made the gravesite and MacKensie joined her friend in prayer, closing her eyes and putting together her hands. When he offered her a chance to speak, she did so.
"Arthur, you saved our lives with your courage and sacrifice," she suddenly welled up with tears, but held herself together and her rage burned away the desire to cry.
"Clive, you fought to the end. We will never forget you. May you find your way back to our world and be welcomed at the gates of heaven. Rest in peace, comrade."They stayed there in silence for some time, in quiet contemplation and mourning. When Joji was ready, MacKensie reached up and squeezed his shoulder in comraderie and they headed down to the city together. The time spent made her feel slightly better. Sadness would remain but the rage was dying down.
Before they got to the city gates, MacKensie spoke.
"The assassin got away. Did you see?" she asked as they walked.
"I do not think it is the last we have seen of him."
Noctis
Zapdos
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Lucid Dreaming
xenon
Charybdis