Redsand Canyon You float like a feather

He took the needles without question, chewing and swallowing the plant. He had expected the bitter taste this time and was not surprised by it. 

Her touch was gentle as she cleaned his wound. He wanted to brush his nose along her cheek in thanks but not with the imperator watching. Kallik could feel his shrewd gaze searing into the side of him as Aquene worked.

She mentioned she hadn't expected the wounds to be so bad. You are surprised? he asked, surprised himself that she didn't seem to know what they were capable of. They were trained soldiers; what else had she expected? He wondered if this changed her view of him. The worry leaked into his gaze as he watched her.