As soon as he is alone, he starts to scrub. And scrub, and scrub, long after any residue of the last assault is gone. It was the first time he has ever...well, he does not like to think of it. It is not an act that has ever been shared, and it is not the way he would have wanted it to be, if he ever gave it any thought. But it is too late to change it now, and the burning red of his face when he thinks on it is enough to tell him that it is not something he is willing to repeat with another person again.

He dries off vigourously, and dresses as quickly as he can. He does not trust Tepesh not to appear again, and does not trust himself if he is caught unawares. But no one comes; he exits for food, not because he is hungry, but because he will not allow himself to feel weak here.

'My thanks, Abel.'

He sits, and drinks the water first.

'I may not see you again. I am leaving today, and will not return.'