She turned and opened her eyes, and saw Crixus there. She blinked and groaned, turning back over on her back. She still had a fever, she knew. She licked her dry lips and tried to speak, but her throat wouldn't work. She opened her mouth and closed it a couple tomes, but words wouldn't go past her tight throat.

"Oh here!" Camomille lifted Eonwe's head up and supported her neck while putting the water skin to her patched lips.

_________________

Crixus was glad she had awoken and saved him answering the question. He wasn't even completely sure he knew the answer. Yes, he knew she was royalty but he knew nothing of her family, her history or where she came from. He sat and pulled out his own water and drank, thinking.

_________________

She swallowed "Thank you." she rasped out.she struggled to sit up, bit found she was disgustingly weak. Her head fell back onto the stone floor. "Anyone...?" she wanted to ask if he had seen anyone out there.

Crixus protectively lifted her up slightly so she leant against his chest, careful not to hurt her.
''No, there was nothing. I think the slavers may have given up on you'' he said, addressing Camomille.

_________________

"What is it?" Camomille asked, as Eonwe spoke putting her hear closer to Eonwe's lips. "Everything is fine. You really should sleep." Camomille said. Untill Eonwe was well enough to travel, they would be sitting ducks. And Crixus carriying her could prove exausting to both parties.

"That is good." Camomille answerd Crixus, though she was unsure.

Camomille also sat back agaist the wall, and resumed drawing. She didn't know if Crixus had declind answering her question because he didn't know, or he thought Eonwe would answer it. Looking at Eonwe's half conscious form, Camomille realized that either way, she would not be getting answers tonight.

_________________

She closed her eyes and breathed in relief. She sank back against him, then went into a coughing fit. She leaned back against him when she got her breath again. Fresh sweat breaking out on her forehead. "Crix...Crixus..." she whispered, feeling herself slipping out again.

He held her as she coughed and offered her more water.
''Drink. Do not worry, I will remain with you.'' The main thing on his mind was her recovery. He would not make her travel until he was sure she was better and could cope.

_________________

Camomille gulped, sencing the patience rising fever. As Eonwe fell back against Crixus, Camomille dipped another bandage in cold water and placed it on Eonwe's forhead. "Lets hope she stays asleep this time." Camomille said.

Camomille stared at the pair and thought they looked good together. They must be close after all they had been through. After a few seconds awkard silence, Camomille said "Right, i'll just be uh - keeping watch. Thanks for rescuing me - try to keep her asleep." And she slipped to the caves entrance, drawing book in hand.

_________________

"we...go...anytime..." she could travel, she knew she could. Her thoughts went to his words. He would stay with her? She didn't understand. She drank the water he gave her gratefully, then tried to get up, determined to keep going. She could do this. They would get Camomille home, an then she would get her cottage.

Watching Camomille go keep watch, Crixus held Eonwe close to him, not allowing her to get up. He pressed a kiss to her head.
''Sleep. You are safe.''
He lay back against the wall, he knew he would sleep soon, but for now he was content to be there with her, ready if she needed him.

_________________

She reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling it down so her cheek was against it. At the comfort, she began to fall asleep in his arms. She didn't know why he brought her so much comfort, or even how. She began to breathe regular now that she was asleep, and she didn't move again until she would wake up.

He let her take his hand and watched her as she fell asleep. After a little while, he felt sleep take over him as he lay back against the cave wall.
Giving up, he fell asleep, the comfort between both him and Eonwe as well as having Camomille keeping watch, helped him sleep better.

_________________

She turned in her sleep, now burying her face in his chest, breathing softly. It wasn't until some hours later she woke up. She opened her eyes, but didn't move so as not to disturb his sleep. She looked up and watched him as he slept, only now realizing exactly how exhausted he must have been.
(leaving for now..)

As dawn approched, Camomille kept watch - ok so, she ended up falling asleep for half the night. But she kept watch now, doing some final touches on her drawing to keep herself awake. The ink sketch was skillful, and portrayed her two new friends, Eonwe and Crixus. Camomille looked over her shoulder at them to compare them with her drawing. On the paper, they appeard in the same position they were now, contently close to each other, with trusting expressions of friendship on their faces. The drawing was realistic and powerfull, almost flawless. The only blemish was a small blot of ink in the left had corner that had appeard when the artist had fallen asleep, pen in hand.

_________________

Eonwe stirred within Crixus's arms. Her eyes slowly cracking open to squint into the light. She swallowed and realized she was feeling better. Crixus still slept on, she saw. She was glad he could get rest, he needed it. She carefully disentangled herself from his arms, blushing as she realized he had held her all night. She stood and stretched her muscles, getting the sore, stiffness out of them. She peered around to the opening of the cave "Camomille?" she said softly, hoping nothing had happened to her.