The warmth in her hand brought Iris's thoughts back to the man standing next to her, still trying to wrap her head around the situation that she was in. Despite the feeling that she somehow belonged to this place and she felt safe around him, there was a nagging thought at the back of her head that kept telling her that there was more to it. Her memories were broken she could remember only bits and pieces and none linked together as it should, so many things were missing as if someone had plucked them one by one only to leave with enough to know who she was. She reasoned that it was because she was on the brink of death that would be the cause of her memories being all over the place.
" We should get inside and start and prepare dinner, since we missed lunch" Ian's calm and soft voice brought Iris back to the present
Iris nodded and walked inside the hut dragging Ian with her.
" You should have some rest while I get dinner ready and latter I will help you wash your since we didn't get a chance at the river" the last words coming out in a wisper as he was feeling guilty about the whole matter.
" I want to help you make dinner " Iris chided with a smile.
" There will be plenty of time for you to do that, for now you should rest" Ian's was resolute in his statement
" I'll check the wounds on your hands later, they seem to be taking longer to heal" Ian continued his train of thought
"Alright" Iris replied with a small smile feeling somewhat uncomfortable at the fact that he was doing all the work
Sitting down on the edge of bed, with her eyes on Ian that was busy getting everything prepared for dinner and unpacking the herbs that he picked ealier. Her thoughts started drifting back to what happened at the river and how she felt while Ian had touched her. She closed her eyes as if trying to relive the moment, she didn't feel strange or ashamed, it felt familiar like they have done this before but it didn't make any sense since she and Ian never met before. His kiss left a burning feeling on her lips lingering even now.
The sound of water splashing brought her back from her reverie. Opening her eyes she saw Ian holding a large bowl full of water, he was looking at her intently as if trying to read her thoughts.
" It will be a while before dinner is ready, we can wash your hair while we wait" Ian grumbled while placing the bowl on one of the tree stumps .
Iris nodded and got up from the bed and made her way to where Ian was. Sitting on the floor she leaned against the tree stump and tilted her head back just enough for head to be above bowl.
Ian ran his fingers through her hair mesmerised by the soft feel and the shine of her har despite it being stained by blood.
He filled his hands with water and started washing her hair, all the while Iris was enjoying Ian's gentle touch and revelled in the feeling of being cared for. Squeezing the water out of her hair he grabbed a cloth and gently massaging he started drying her hair.
" You should sit in front of the of the fire, your hair will dry faster ". Ian's soft voice broke the silence
Iris got up from the floor and moved to sit in front of the fire with Ian sitting next to her both staring at the flame going ablaze.
Looking at her hands that were wraped in bandages, Iris started unwrapping her fingers one by one, so she could have look at the condition of her hands.
Grabbing her hands Ian looked at them and turning them to see if they were healed.
" You don't need the bandages anymore, I will apply some ointment on the ones that haven't healed completely, by tomorrow they should be healed at this rate" Ian concluded letting Iris know his thoughts
Iris smiled " Thank you for taking care of me"
placing a soft kiss on his cheek Ian closed his eyes at the touch of her lips and took in a sharp breath.