The cool feel of water on his skin opened his eyes to twilight, though he was not sure what day it was. His attendant was scooping small amounts of water from a large basket to wet his skin, which she gently rubbed across his flesh. It was a bath of sorts. Carefully avoiding his bindings, her nimble, soft hands rubbed his skin clean before moving on. He jerked with abrupt discomfort when her fingers slid past his belly button.

"No," grabbing her wrists uneasily, feeling his heart pound, he roughly cleared his throat. "Thank you but no. I can wash myself, later."

She did not struggle in his tight grip, or look away, but kept her calm gaze fixed on his. Whatever her intention had been, he could not read it in her eyes, and she did not seem to mind his tight grip. Waiting until she nodded, he let her go, watching carefully to make sure she had understood him. Dipping her hands back in the water she slowly reached for him, stroking wet fingers across his face, almost tenderly washing the sensitive skin that was still healing. The stubble on his chin scratched roughly against her palms, the only sound in the gathering darkness. He closed his eyes as she began running her wet fingers through his hair, rinsing away dirt, sweat, and blood. When she touched the deep wound on his skull he gasped aloud, sparks of pain shooting down his neck. Freezing, their eyes met.

"Still hurts," he managed with a tight smile. Her mangled features softened, her touch feathery as she finished his bath. Refreshed, he relaxed, surprised at how much better he felt. "Thank you."

A soft hum from the back of her throat answered him as she pulled off her cotton shift, stripping naked. Startled, he gaped in open shock for a moment before squeezing his eyes closed and turning away. Splashing water and the smooth sound of hands on flesh told him she was bathing herself now. Heart throbbing in his temples, he had to concentrate to keep from looking. Without any memories to focus on, he was beginning to lose the battle when a gentle touch on his arm got his attention. He cracked open an eye to find her finished and redressed. Her skin sparkled with drops of water, the thin material of her shift clinging to her body, and he was careful to avert his gaze. Although everything about her seemed to indicate familiarity, he didn't want to offend his caretaker with assumptions.

Acting as though she had not noticed his discomfort, she reached behind her and set two baskets of food at his elbow. One was full of a variety of fruits, and the other was cooked meat. With a gentle look, she gestured to the food. Go ahead, eat, was her silent invitation.

"Thank you,"

He picked up one of the finger limes, wondering how he knew what it would taste like. Did it matter now? It was food so he popped it into his mouth, enjoying the sudden burst of tangy flavor as the small beadlike pulp popped between his teeth. Waiting until he took his first bite, she helped herself to some of the variety she had brought. Chewing thoughtfully, he watched her eat Lilli pilli, a pear-shaped red fruit that was sweet and sometimes a little sour or tart, but usually with a pleasing aftertaste. The Quandong he ate next was a sweet and highly nutritious fruit that had the look of a brilliant red peach.

Although good, chewing turned out to be more of a task than he had anticipated, as the muscles in his face were tender and sore. She seemed to have expected him to tire, because as he sat back she smoothly rose and went to the fire, returning with a bowl of hot broth. Kneeling at his head she helped him to take a few swallows before he pulled away.

"I can manage it, thank you," he gently took the bowl from her hands, "thank you."

Nodding, she settled back, keeping her pale lavender eye on him as she reached for the bowl of meat, picking up a thick piece in her fingers. He carefully swallowed more broth as she continued eating, taking his time, and letting the warm liquid work its way down his throat. Finishing, he set the bowl aside and resettled on his pallet, shifting carefully to get comfortable. A glance at his companion found her eyes on him, watching intently.

"You do not say much, do you?" he tried, half smiled. "No need to be shy, just you and me out here, and I'm no threat to you."

Her slight frown contorted her already disfigured features as she cocked her head. He wasn't sure if it was confusion or indignation over some unintentional offense. Clearing his throat, he tried a smile.

"I meant no insult to you, if you do not wish to speak that is your choice."

She still said nothing and did not move, only looking at him with her beautiful lilac eye. Exhaling, he wondered if he'd always felt this awkward in female company. It bothered him that he didn't know.

"Never mind, forget I said anything at all. Forgive me,"

Moving forward to sit directly at his side, she held his gaze, slowly lowering herself to come even with him. Taking his hand in hers, she shook her head when he opened his mouth to protest. Her fingers trembled slightly as she guided his hand to the distorted side of her face, her eyes locked with his. The vein pulsed in her throat as she opened her lips toward him, tilting her head back, gently slipping his thumb into the corner of her mouth. Her grip tightened as he resisted the unexpectedly intimate gesture, her mouth opening wider. His gaze was drawn into the deep pink depth, looking for what she was trying to show him.

"I do not understand," he said softly. "What do you want me to see?"

He could not tell if it was hurt or confusion he saw on her face, but he felt bad.

"I am sorry," his finger brushed lightly across her cheek. "I see nothing..."

The words were not yet out of his mouth when a jolt of shock hit him. Staring into her mouth for a long moment, he looked back into her eyes, understanding and compassion filling him as he gently held her face in his hand. The woman was mute, her tongue gone.

"I...forgive me," he said softly, "I had no idea."

She smiled faintly and briefly covered his hand with hers. Her manner seemed to say 'it's alright'.

"I guess this puts a dim light on you telling me anything about myself."

She nodded slightly, a strange look on her face, and lowered her head onto her arm, settling in at his side. He wondered briefly what she was doing until her eyes closed and soon the even rise and fall of her shoulders indicated sleep. He smiled faintly, the nearness of a warm body comforting in the vastness of the country. It was a familiar feeling, so putting his head down he closed his eyes and let the wildlife around them sing him to sleep.

Abruptly awake, the feeling of impending danger flooded him with adrenaline. The night was heavy, the darkness alive with sound. It took a second for him to recognize the noises and he felt himself tighten, his heart quickening. Dingoes!

Looking around revealed the ominous flicker of green lamps in the darkness as the moon reflected off the predators' eyes. There were too many for him to keep track of, and they roved in the darkness not thirty feet away. A movement at his elbow turned his head, seeing his companion rising, keeping her body low. She edged over to the embers of the fire, adding fuel to the burning coals, letting it catch before slowly moving away. Bending to retrieve something off the ground, a leather strap hung from her fingers, along with a supple leather bag. It wasn't until she took a smooth stone from the pouch and placed it into a leather cradle that he realized what it was.

With an ease that spoke of practice and skill, she slipped her right index finger into the loop and gripped the other end of the leather between her thumb and forefinger. Whirling the sling rapidly above her head she slowly spun in a circle, her eyes looking for twin lanterns in the darkness. With a flick of her wrist, a startled yelp announced her accuracy. She loaded another stone whirling it briefly before slinging the stone with great force at another set of eyes. Another loud squeal of pain announced her victory and she smiled grimly. They would not find a meal here tonight! In rapid succession half a dozen stones found their marks, sending the hungry dogs into flight.

A rapid patter of retreating paws told of their departure and the woman relaxed somewhat turning around in a full circle to be sure the dingoes had left. The fire was burning brightly now and she went over and added more fuel, letting it grow large. She looked over at her companion and was surprised to find him sitting upright, braced with his arm. The look on his face was something between surprise and admiration.

"That was quite impressive," he complimented her softly and she looked away, smiling. He could not know he had taught her to do that.

The firelight flickered off the right side of her face, the smooth skin seeming to glow in the light. Studying her, he decided how beautiful she must have been before. Yet, it was the look in her eye, the confident set of her shoulders that touched him more.

"You are a very good shot with that thing," he commented warmly. "I find myself grateful to be on your good side,"

Heat rose to her face, a flush spreading across her cheek and she turned her back to him, embarrassed. He found it somewhat endearing.

"If you think it is safe, I'm going to try to get some more sleep. You should too,"

With that, he lay back down, carefully repositioning his body on his pallet. Closing his eyes he let the warm breeze wash over his body, the scent of eucalyptus carried in the air. It was quiet for several minutes then he felt a movement at his side and the warm brush of her body against his arm as she lay back down next to him.

Slowly, a smile spread across his face.