[ It's hard not to admire a woman who is determined to look on top of her game, no matter the circumstances. Admittedly he already admired her gumption prior to this too, but this can be added to the list. As well as the willingness to do the hard work for the sake of others.

Though it does make him wonder if it wouldn't be best for her to hang back and rest all things considered.

His smile is wry as he scans their group. ]

As ready as I'll ever be.

[ And it drops now, not even to be completely gone, but certainly enough to be barely present. ]

If anything I wish we could have done this sooner, but rushing in unprepared would have really stacked things against us. You know, more than they already are.