[That drew Lara up straight, her back stiffening, her eyes blinking in surprise. She looked up and scanned the horizon, noting the position of the sun and mentally cursed herself. She had missed check in, and she hadn't even thought about it. Felicia's worry was more than justified now, and Lara's stomach sank a little as her gaze finally met her friend's.]

Shit. Shit, I'm sorry, Felicia.

[Swallowing heavily, she stepped closer and took the girl's free hand in hers, the rough strength of it apparent even though she squeezed tenderly. Of course Felicia had been worried, and this was not the way to greet her. She may have been a softer person than Lara but that didn't mean she was any less important.]

I didn't mean to worry you, love. I just got...well...

[She gestures to her face, finally accepting the towel. She didn't use it yet, still holding onto Felicia's hand, smiling a self deprecating smile. Admittedly Felicia sometimes made her nervous, and she'd been a little reticent to bring her along instead of Jonah, but the big Maori had been laid up in the hospital and the other girl had practically insisted. And here Lara was, failing to live up to the promise of always checking in.]

I had a bit of a time of it, I guess. I must look a right mess, eh?