Zool

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

When the shop assistant offered to have their clothes taken to the inn, MacKensie accepted the offer with gratitude. She gave over the bags with her ranger gear and the ditsy floral sundress she'd purchased earlier. Why on earth she'd bought a sundress when her future seemed filled with nothing but fighting, she did not know. It was nice so she bought it. "Thank you so much."

As Fenna came to sit down, MacKensie scanned her from head to toe with a look of extreme approval. "Ma Soeur, you are positively divine," she told the woman. The dark green she'd chosen matched so well with her hair and skin - a very earthy theme that she carried so well and looked so comfortable in. The older woman would likely look good in anything, in all honesty - she was beautiful - but MacKensie thought that her friend's choices suited her well. She respected a woman who knew her own style. "I am so very jealous of your lips, Fenna," she complimented the other Ranger. "I inherited my father's," she chuckled.

She made the motion of toasting her glass, then sipped her bubbly as Fenna did. While they waited for Lillianna, watching the wizard make her final decision, MacKensie continued to get even more comfortable, leaning back on her free hand and crossing her legs. "My my, the decor of this place is amazing," she said with a brief look around. "Look at those coloumns. And that fountain is beautiful." She could have gotten all nerdy and started to debate wether or not the quarter coloumns in the walls resembled Doric or Tuscan order style, but repressed her desire to get deep into that kind of conversation for fear of boring Fenna. Architecture was not for everyone, but complimenting beauty was enjoyable enough for most. "Paris has some lavish shops, but this is quite beyond anything I've ever seen. I am sure Holland must have some great places to shop."

She talked with Fenna about frivolous things, relaxed into that unserious side of herself that often broke out in small gaps of the busy schedule of her previous life; when she could be in non-formal social situations with her friends. It was a rare moment. As the oldest child of the Trydant family - heiress to the fortune - MacKensie was required to grow up fast, be responsible, proper and approach all things in her life - social, academic and extra-curricular - with seriousness, determination and perfectionism. She had to live up to her parents. And she embraced it with honour, pride and positivity. But it was still nice to have those hours where she could just let her hair down with her friends. Usually these hours were when she was shopping. And so Fenna and Lillianna were now privy to this facet of her personality.

When Lillianna was ready, MacKensie noticed her sigh tiredly, no drink in her hand and quiet as usual. The frenchwoman's lips pursed in a smile of pity for the wizard and she quickly threw out plans to find more places to window-shop. Instead MacKensie decided she would suggest something to eat or even offer the idea of heading back to the The Mended Drum for a rest. As much fun as she was having, she would not neglect the shy woman. She also remembered that Lillianna had somehwere in particular that she wanted to go before the day was out, although she hadn't given any details.

As they left the clothes shop, MacKensie was still holding the bags that had her other things she bought at other shops and stalls. It occured to her that she could have had all of her bags sent back with her outfits, but that opportunity had passed. "Well," she said brightly as she twirled around to face her friends, somewhat flexing her new outfit, happy to be out of the ranger gear for a while. "Where shall we go next? Some food, or back to the inn for some rest? Perhaps we can visit the place you wanted to go, Lillianna?" She couldn't help but leave the option out there for more exploring. "I'm still open to more exploring if you have it in you," she said in a playful challenge, arching an eyebrow.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

I'll try to post tonight or tomorrow.

<Snipped quote by Teyao>

Noted, once Fenna survives the shopping our character will have a moment to talk.

@Loksfjoer

Lol at 'survives!' MacKensie was barely warmed up xD

Shall we save the spa day for another time then?

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Jay009 UwU Awwww! Barracker's a big softy xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Walking around the Bazaar with Lillianna and Fenna was more than enough for MacKensie to free herself of all weight and worry. That feeling of being with female friends and excitedly searching for clothes and accessories was precisely the tonic she'd needed today. A bit of 'Retail Therapy.'

As lunchtime neared she'd already found herself a beautiful golden comb and hand mirror to match, underwear, perfume, earrings and a necklace, incense for her room, some beautiful brown heeled sandals, a basic black hairband and some smaller elastic hair bands too, and a purse... All of this while chatting endlessly with Fenna and Lillianna about a whole load of nothing, and searching out bargains with inhuman precision.

Some adventurers were gifted with the Fire Domain. Some Light. Some Water. MacKensie's Domain was Retail.

She found herself at a herbalists stall, carrying out a conversation about facial creams with the shopkeeper and trying out small samples on herself and even dragging Fenna into it.

"This one feels very moisturizing," she told the older woman. "Hold still." And without even asking permission, she was rubbing a little of the cream on the other dutchwoman's cheekbone. "So nice, is it not?"

Later, they'd found themselves in a high-end clothing store, where, after flashing a little gold, they were treated with drinks and an extremely helpful assistant while they tried on clothes.

"Lillianna, you look fabulous!"

MacKensie had already bought an outfit and had it bagged but she was now trying on a beautiful olive tunic that showed off her neck and shoulders. The satin olive garb was embroidered with an elegant gold pattern across the top and hung down to her hips, tightened by a black sash-belt at her waist. The outfit was finished off with black pants and knee-high boots.

"I will wear this out of the shop, thank you," she told the assistant, who graciously bagged up her Ranger gear for her. "Fenna, have you decided on anything yet?" MacKensie asked, a flute of champagne in her hand. She gave herself one last look in the mirror, then went to sit down.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

<Snipped quote by Zapdos>
Wait what purple text?

Edit: Nvm, it was an oopsie on my part, fixed

@Teyao

I thought Lady Sillagy was playing tricks xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

The awkward energy at the table was something that MacKensie had tried to ignore, but forced to acknowledge several times. Perhaps it was just her - all in her own head - and thus, she was the one supplying the awkwardness, which would be rare as she was used to being able get along in social situations, even with strangers. Rare but not totally impossible. Either or; words whittling to silence felt rather pronounced to the frenchwoman. Pronounced and very awkward.

"Good morning, Fenna."

Thank god for Fenna. MacKensie hoped that the older woman would recue the situation - a situation that only got worse when Zell turned MacKensie's question about university studies onto the Lillianna, who completely ignored him. The weakest of forced laughs quietly came from the frenchwoman who, because of her upbringing, was so fragile to things like bad etiquette and manners. MacKensie clamoured for a way to brush over the moment. "Errr, and I would bet my last silver that you are quite the opposite of a Grade-A student, Zell Brooks," she said, half-joking. "Let me guess: Late to classes? Late with assignments? Too busy with extra-curricular activites?"

MacKensie uncrossed her legs to cross them the other way. When there was a chance, she decided to beg invite Fenna to come along and spend the day with them. "Umm, Fenna...?" she started. "Lillianna and I are off to the shops to buy a few things for our stay in the city - maybe take a walk and look around, get a bite for lunch. Would you care to join us?"

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Dabbing her mouth with a napkin, she fought a smile as he spoke. She could just imagine him and his frat-boy friends all lounging about, stuffing their faces with piles of bacon-egg sandiwches, then heading to the gym or something. Her sorority was, expectedly, quite different. And she was much more strict with her dietary regiment due to being an athlete. Aside from her exploits in the sport of archery, her highschool life had contained track and field, not to mention ballet. Taking care of her body was just a natural habit, at this point. She had no idea whether or not Zell played any sports, but it was an easy guess that he liked the gym, at least, looking at him.

So, he was also studying at the time of his death. Just like her. She was about to ask which degree he was studying for but he asked a question of his own first.

"What are you up to today?"

"Well, I think I'd like to do some walking around - explore the city of Valhiem," she said. She thought about the incredible views she'd seen on the way up the mountain, yesterday. "It is a beautiful place. And if we are to be here for the forseeable future, we should probably know our way around better." In the corner of her eye, she saw another of their group had come down. She greeted her with a smile. "Good morning, Lillianna."

"Ah, may I join you both here? I must confess I am a tad famished and-"

The loud rumble of the wizard's stomach made MacKensie's eyebrows raise joyfully. "So it would seem," she replied with quiet chuckle. "Come, sit. Did you sleep well? The pillows were soft, were they not? I was quite satisfied." She waited for the answer, nodding as she listened with a welcoming smile. The frenchwoman's usual disposition was welcoming and sociable but perhaps she was overdoing a bit here as she guessed that the shy wizard might be having a little trouble socializing with them all. For one thing; she'd just asked to join them both and something about her demeanour suggested that she wasn't simply going through the motions of etiquette - as if she actually wasn't sure what the answer would be. But more than this, Lillianna had been somewhat on the edge of the group since they'd left Hommas, so it felt like, to MacKensie. Quiet and unassuming, sat in her home-made shelter all evening their first night here, then alone at the bar the second evening, even when Zell and MacKensie were right there nearby. Of course, there was nothing wrong with a person liking their own company - nothing wrong at all - but if there was a chance that Lillianna was simply struggling with including herself more, then MacKensie would try to help her. "Zell and I were just telling eachother our plans for the day. I was going to have a walk around the city, enjoy the sights, maybe take some lunch at a restaurant if I find a good one. And then I have some shopping to do as I simply will not live with only a single change of clothes." She chuckled at her own spoiledness and entitlement. "Perhaps you would like to join me. Enjoy some girl-time. What do you say?"

When she got a chance, she also said to Zell, "Oh, I meant to ask; What were you studying at university?" If he asked her: "Sociology."

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Crusader LordAlways feel free to assume that MacKensie says 'yes' to her friends when they ask to sit down. It gives you more space to do interactions, and I don't think it's too unreasonable to think a group of friends would be okay being around eachother xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Sat at the table with her legs crossed, braiding her hair into a ponytail, MacKensie was humming a tune to herself, thinking she was all alone. She jumped slightly and froze when she heard the groan, looking over to the corner of the room where the noise came, her fingers mid-braid as she watched the tables and chairs move around, before none other than Zell Brooks arose. Spell broken, she finished her hair, a trace of a smile and shake of her head as she watched him sleepily realise he wasn't alone either.

"Good morning," she greeted in return. It beggared belief to imagine how much drinking the man had done to end up sleeping under the table last night. When he disappeared up the stairs, she sighed exasperatedly. "My Lord, what a blockhead," she muttered, then two notes of a giggle left her lips.

When Frederick came with her food, she smiled graciously at him and thanked him as he put the plate down, then picked up her knife and fork and tucked in. Rampant hunger gave her a strong urge to wolf the food down quickly but table manners wouldn't allow it, now that Zell had sat down. When he asked if she'd slept well, she responded with a "Mm," covering her mouth with her fingers as she finished what was in her mouth before replying properly. "Very well, as a matter fo fact. It was so nice to have a proper bed under a roof, this time. And you?"

She took another bite as she listened to his response. When James appeared, she gave him a smile. "Good morning, James." It seemed he had business to attend to - business that likely included their new party member, Barracker. MacKensie was reminded how glad she was that they were getting some help. "Do have anything planned for today, Zell?"

At whatever point that Zell recieved his food and took a bite, she would smile. "Good isn't it? We French call it 'Croque Madame.' It is commonly served with toasted brioche bread. I am just glad that this world has something resembling our foods, at least."

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

MacKensie wandered down the corridor and ran into an old woman who introduced herself as the maid. After finding out that was a shower and clothes washing services, she gratefully accepted and took a towel on offer, then hopped in the shower while her clothes were washed and dried. Suprisingly, it took no more than a couple of hours sitting on her bed for the maid to come back with all of her clothes, clean and folded.

"Thank you so much," she said shutting the door.

After combing her hair roughly with her fingers, she decided that her first order of business was to buy a change of clothes and some quality of life accessories.

Washed, dressed and ready for the day, she went downstairs where came out of the backroom and took her order for breakfast. Luckily, Mytherians had similar options to her own world, so she requested ham, cheese and eggs on toast. A little fatty for her regular tastes but it had been a rough couple of days so she decided she deserved it. She sat down at a random table and sighed, not yet noticing any of her friends.