Cedar Sweep pass the wasabi

She found herself suddenly peering at the figure of a golden wolf even as he padded closer and addressed herself and Tegan. Bat blinked, transfixed by the color of his pelt. When he said Ceara's name, it jolted her right out of her brief reverie. She shot a glance at Tegan, who had moved in between Bat and the stranger. He seemed pretty defensive at first, though the mention of Ceara's name seemed to have an effect on him too. He relaxed.

"Hi," she offered simply when her mentor introduced her. She blinked her silver eyes, then asked, "You're looking for Ceara too?" He'd said as much and Tegan had accepted it at face value. But Bat couldn't help thinking, What are the odds? She was a little suspicious. Had he overheard them—and seen the exchange with X—and then approached them to act as if he knew Ceara too? But why would he do that?

"Who are you?" she wondered, a very slight emphasis on the "are" but not quite enough of one to slap italics on it. Even as the question left Bat's mouth, she abruptly realized that he'd said Ceara's name, yet they hadn't mentioned it. So he did know her. Following Tegan's example, Bat relaxed slightly, though her gaze still burned with curiosity.