Redemption

Two

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.