Heron Lake Plateau boo! bitch!

The next few words out of Niamh's mouth relieved a little of the tension building inside Bat. Perhaps Tegan and his companion hadn't run afoul of anyone, they were simply far away. And assuming Ceara might be in bad condition for one reason or another, it might slow them down on the return trip.

She didn't expect the praise, though she smiled despite herself. It felt good to hear positive feedback. She'd never really made such an effort to be something before. Perhaps Bat really had found her calling. Although the circumstances of her latest scouting trip hadn't been ideal—and she looked so much worse for wear—Bat had genuinely enjoyed herself.

"Okay. Thank you," Bat said appreciatively before abruptly remembering to add, "I'm Rory, by the way." She assumed Niamh must know that, since she'd known to ask for news, but Bat wanted to make the formal introduction anyway.