Sun Mote Copse then drop on the deck and flop like a fish

Niamh slipped away silently, leaving a much relieved Bat alone with Elwood. His manner was so unlike the other's. He was open and inviting, even welcoming the yearling to join him on a stroll through the copse. It meant a lot, especially after Niamh's harsh greeting.

"He's good!" Bat said. She hesitated for a beat before telling him, "He goes by Tristan now. The two of us have been together a while now. We traveled some but we've been staying on the coast for a little bit. We're actually starting our own pack. Well, it's his, I'm just support staff." She smiled, a little tremulously at first, though Bat was quickly recovering from the unpleasantness at the borders.

"He said to tell you—and Finley—'hello.' I'm sure he'd love to hear all about what's been going on with you guys," Bat said in the next breath, hoping there was some good news sprinkled in with the bad.