The first four days were a challenge. Arthur came down with a fever, which wasn't surprising but it also wasn't ideal. Nora did what she could with medication, and keeping him cool. She'd never spent so much time keeping someone alive before. It was such a serious injury, most men would have died already, but it seemed Arthur was stubborn. There was a young man in camp named Kieran who'd been taking care of the horses. He'd given Khan and Arthur's horse plenty of care. Nora was grateful, because she'd only been out to see Khan once.

By the morning of the sixth day, she woke up to fingers brushing over her hair, pushing it away from her face. She'd fallen asleep against his bed, her arms resting on it. It was horribly uncomfortable. The feeling of fingers through her hair made Nora brush them away, before she realized she wasn't alone. Sitting up quickly, Nora met the clear gaze of Arthur. It was the first time he'd been conscious in days. Slowly pushing herself up, Nora reached out and laid her hand over his forehead, and then his cheek.

"Oh, Christ it finally broke," she breathed. "I thought we were both going to die."

"Nah," he rumbled. "Much tougher than I look."

"And you already look pretty tough," she chuckled, and sighed. "Thank goodness."

"Thank you," Arthur said honestly. "Thank you very much."

"It wasn't a problem," she admitted. "Are you hungry?"

"Shit, I'm starvin," he sighed.

Nodding her head, Nora walked out of the tent and headed toward Pearson's wagon. She had met him the second night, when he'd brought her in something to eat. Nora was still learning names of everyone. Before she got to the food wagon, she went over to Dutch's tent.

"Yes, my dear?" he asked, his voice pleasant.

"Arthur is awake," she said, and his expression lit up. "His fever is broke."

"Oh, that is wonderful!" he gasped, rising to his feet.

She smiled a little, and as the news spread she felt the camp's tension disappear. Everyone was so happy to hear he was awake. Except for one person. Micah. He sat against a table, carving something out of wood. She'd spoken to the man twice, and had already disliked him. She noticed that Dutch had kept him away from her for the most part.

"Hey Pearson," she greeted, once she got to the wagon.

"Hello, Miss Nora! I take it Arthur is hungry," he smiled big.

"Yes, he's starving," she chuckled.

"I made some soup," he nodded, getting her a bowl. "Should be easy on his stomach."

"I'm sure he won't complain," Nora smiled. "Thanks."

"You've done a miracle ma'am," he said honestly. "Thank you for keeping him alive."

Nora gave him another smile before walking back toward Arthur's tent. Dutch was in there, and she could hear them talking quietly. Arthur sounded furious, angry that Dutch hadn't listened to him when he'd clearly warned him not to take the bait. She heard a quiet demand of why no one had come to look for him, and Dutch didn't have an answer for it. Nora controlled her expression, not giving in to the anger she also felt. Acting like she didn't know Dutch was in there, she went into the tent.

"I know you're sick of it but…" she announced herself casually, but trailed off. "Oh, Dutch…I'm sorry."

"No, it's quite all right," Dutch nodded. "We were just finishing up. Thank you again for what you did for him. I don't know what we'd do without him."

Nora saw the sneer that Arthur gave Dutch's back as he walked out of the tent. He was very upset. She handed Arthur the soup, and moved to sit at the table. Arching her brow, she glanced back at the man who had been her patient.

"Don't ask," he growled, going to take a bite of soup.

"It's…" Nora trailed off at his irritated look. "Hot."

"Shoulda just let me die," he growled, and Nora glared at him. "Sorry, no..that's not.."

"It's okay," she said gently. "You're angry."

"Damn right I'm angry," he growled. "He didn't even…"

"I heard," she said softly, and ran a hand through her hair. "Maybe I'll get to take you up to the hot springs after all."

"Saved my life and already trying to get me alone," he mumbled, amusement clear in his gaze.

Nora laughed at him. "Maybe I was thinking of saving everyone from your brooding presence."

"Very funny," he muttered, and turned his focus toward his soup.

Glancing at the various herbs she'd been able to collect over the last few days, Nora started sorting and moving through them. The mint would help him with stomach issues, and when made into a paste, it helped sore muscles. She'd also been able to collect willow bark to make tea from, which would help with his pain. Anything she could use to aid his body, Nora would take. Resting was also his best bet, but Nora knew he wouldn't stay down for long. She moved everything around the tent so that there was a clear path to his bed, for those who filtered in to visit.

All of the women were happy to see him, and Nora noticed that they all cared deeply for him. There was nothing romantic about it, they were simply family. It was quite heartwarming to see. Most of the men came to see him too, and Nora took a liking to Charles. He was tall, with a very muscular build. He was a good man, and a dangerous one. Arthur seemed real close with him, and the older man, Hosea. This gang was his family, but Nora noticed that Arthur reserved certain things for certain people.

The last person who came in had Arthur silently tensing. Nora glanced up when he moved, and saw that his expression had hardened dramatically.

"Glad to see you up, cowpoke," Micah said, making her frown at her work.

"Sure ya are," Arthur replied coolly and Micah sighed.

"Listen, I didn't…I didn't know what they were going to do Morgan, really," he replied, and it seemed almost honest.

"No, you didn't," Arthur agreed slowly. "But you damn well knew something was up."

"Glad to know you still got the strength to complain," Micah grunted, and then glanced toward Nora.

"You speak a word to the lady and I'll slit your throat," Arthur purred suddenly, and Micah paused in surprise. "She saved my life. You don't need to be giving her a hard time."

"Fine, fine," Micah muttered, lifting his hands.

He left the tent quickly, and Nora gave Arthur an amused look. He was glaring toward the tent entrance, and she sighed gently. Rising to her feet, she walked over to him.

"So kind of you," she teased gently. "Shot up, just over a fever, and you're already threatening people."

"Can't help it," he grunted, shrugging gently.

"Here, let's change the bandages since you're so full of energy," she smiled, and he made an irritated noise.

Swinging his legs to the side of the bed, he managed to smoothly move into a sitting position. He didn't like being seen as weak, she had learned that quickly. There had been no hiding it before, but since he'd been awake, he was hiding whatever pain he was in. Nora admired that, and found it foolish. They'd left his shirt off for the last several days since he'd been sweating through everything, so it was easy to change his bandage. Nora went through the process of checking everything, making sure it was healing the way she wanted. Putting some of the paste she'd made, she gently put it around the outside of the wound. He trembled slightly.

"You're good at this," he rumbled, after she tied the bandage.

"I learned from the natives, and a few nurses I'd met along the way," she said slowly. "Served in a small battle a few years ago."

"Really?" he asked.

"I know, shocking," she chuckled. "I'm not as good as those professional nurses, but I know my way around plants. And that, can be just as good. There."

"Handy to have you around then," he smirked, and Nora rolled her eyes.

"I'm only here to make sure you don't die," she snorted. "At least not yet. I don't think it's safe for me to leave right now."

"No," he agreed sadly. "I don't think so. Once I'm better, I'll make sure to see you off. They won't touch you."

"Handy to have you around then," she teased, and he chuckled.

"Am I allowed to get up and walk?" he asked, and she shrugged.

"I don't see why not. Your legs aren't broken," she answered, and he laughed. "A short walk though."

"Good, come on," Arthur rumbled, and rose to his feet.

It put him right in her space, his chest filling her vision. For a moment, both of them froze. Color rushed to Nora's cheek, and she took a precise step back from him and grabbed a shirt. She thrust it at him, and caught the shit eating grin he shot her way. He needed help putting it on, so she helped him in silence.

"You need to keep your arm against your side as much as possible," she said. Preferably across your chest like this. I thought about tying it."

"I can handle that," he sighed, his features relaxing. "It's comfortable that way."

"Good, at least you have some brain function back," she countered, and he grunted again.

She chuckled, but gave the man some privacy when he asked for it. Stepping out of the tent and into the sun, she let it warm her face. She'd been able to keep him clean, but he'd wanted to brush his teeth and hair. The fact that he wasn't filthy seemed to give him a boost.

Watching him closely once he joined her, Nora took in that he was still weak. All that blood he'd lost was leaving him on shaky ground. Maybe Pearson would be able to give him more red meat, and make sure he ate certain vegetables. She'd have to make sure that happened. It would help him fight off whatever infection that might come back. Since Arthur hadn't thrown up what he'd eaten, Nora took the win. It was progress. Sighing softly, she stood firmly when he lifted his good arm and put it on her shoulder. Nora gave him a gentle look, and saw his gaze was on the horses.

"Ready?" she asked, and he nodded. "All right."

Slowly making their way over to his gelding, Arthur hummed softly when he laid his hands on the horse. His gelding was very excited to see him. His body language softened, yet remained firm so Arthur could put his weight on him.

"He's very excited to see you," Nora said gently.

"I'm glad they didn't shoot him," he murmured, stroking him. "Usually they do."

"I feel less bad about killing them then," she offered, turning toward Khan who walked over. "Hey boy."

"How were you able to find me?" he asked, finally looking over the horse's back and at her.

"I had started making my way back toward Strawberry," she said, running her fingers through Khan's mane. "Stayed on the main road and stopped by the tracks that went across the river. I was taking a break when the gang passed by. Khan noticed you, and I saw your horse. I wasn't sure what had happened, but I wasn't about to leave you with them."

"Fucking luck," he drawled, pressing his head against the gelding.

"Just take it," Nora said softly. "You could have been tortured for far longer."

"True," Arthur agreed, and Nora noticed he was growing tired.

He'd been up for most of the morning, and judging from the sun it was past noon. Nora didn't have her pocket watch. Patting Khan, Nora pressed her forehead against his face for a moment. He heaved a happy sigh and stood there for a moment, before turning to wander off again. That meant he was content. Turning back toward Arthur, Nora went over to him. He slanted a glare her way, but she smiled.

"Come on patient," she said cheerfully, and his hand found her shoulder again.

"I already hate you," he answered miserably, making her laugh.

"Good, that means I'm doing something right," she grinned, helping him back to his tent.

Those that they passed smiled at him, but Nora felt the lingering gaze of Micah. Dutch was watching them as well, but she didn't feel as nervous with him as she did with Micah. Bill was grumpy as well, so she didn't look toward the man. Helping Arthur sit down, she watched as he leaned back, choosing to stay propped up instead of lying fully down.

"Do you need anything?" she asked, glancing at him.

"No," he rumbled. "Not yet. You should sleep. You look about as bad as I do."

"I need a bath," Nora grumped, making him smile. "But I'll settle for less."

"I told…Charles to keep an eye on you," he admitted, drawing her gaze again. "Keep you safe."

"Don't trust your family?" she asked, keeping her voice low.

"Mainly Micah," he muttered. "But we're dangerous, Nora."

"You seem to have forgotten that I am too," she answered softly. "Don't worry about me. I know what you are, what they are. I'd make the same decision again."

The tension on his face eased a little, so Nora reached out and patted his hand. He was tired enough that she didn't need to hang around too long. Grabbing a bucket and a small towel, with some soap, Nora headed toward the lake edge. The water was clean enough at the end of the dock. The lake itself was pretty nice. She made sure not to attract too much attention, and managed to wash her hair and dry it. Nora was sitting quietly, braiding her hair when footsteps sounded on the dock. Whoever it was wanted her to hear them coming. She assumed it was Dutch, or Charles. Turning her head slightly, she laid eyes on Micah. Nora hid the expression that wanted to surface, and turned away again. Finishing her braid, she tied it off, and gathered her things.

"Must be nice sharing cowpoke's tent," Micah mused. "How nice it is to have a lady come to the rescue. Why did you?"

"Because clearly you weren't," Nora replied dryly, as he approached.

"Oh I bet you feel like a hero now don't you?" Micah snorted, sneering at her. "Feeling so confident, walking into our den…I think…"

"Frankly, I don't give a shit what you think of me," Nora snapped suddenly, stepping up to him. "Arthur needed help, I was there. I helped him, and now I'm making sure he won't die. Go fucking bother someone else."

"I don't trust you," he snarled, trying to lean over her. "I'd sooner…"

"Micah!"

Dutch's voice had him turning sharply, and taking a quick step back from her. The gang leader walked over, and for a moment, Nora wasn't sure who's aid he was coming to. She was quite surprised when Dutch shifted to stand in front of her, moving Micah several steps back.

"She risked her life, while we all sat here thinking he was fine," Dutch snapped coldly. "Let her be."

"Sorry boss, I just…I just want to make sure our people are safe," Micah replied, dipping his head, and Nora rolled her eyes.

"You don't make that choice," Dutch glared. "I do, and I've already spoken with her. Arthur wouldn't bring someone into camp that would threaten us."

Lifting his hands in surrender, Micah stalked off. Dutch watched him for a long moment, before turning toward her. He walked with her back in camp, giving her what little protection she needed. Nora found herself letting out an irritated noise, making Dutch chuckle.

"I don't want to cause any trouble here," she admitted when he stopped at his tent. "I just want to make sure Arthur heals. He helped me, so it's the least I can do for him."

"You'll have to excuse some of them while you're here then," Dutch answered, his voice gentle. "They aren't the friendliest lot."

"Well I'm not here to please them," she muttered, and Dutch chuckled. "I'll help around here. I'll hunt, and do what I can."

"You do what you feel you must, Miss Nora," Dutch replied. "But what you're doing right now, helping Arthur, that's a help to all of us. How is he?"

"He kept food down this morning," she answered. "And he managed a short walk. The wound itself looks good. I think we're out of the scary part."

"Good," Dutch nodded. "He needs to stick around…can't go dying on us."

"Don't think he wants to," Nora smiled, and Dutch patted her shoulder.

"Thank you, Miss Nora," he nodded.

Arthur hadn't been lying when he'd said Dutch could inspire people into following him. He was caring. Very caring. Which also aided in how dangerous he was. She dropped her things off in Arthur's tent, and then slipped out again. She frowned at that, thinking things over. Lifting her gaze, Nora watched Charles approach her. Charles was a large man, tall and muscled. His broad shoulders tensed slightly when he got to her, and he sighed softly.

"Don't let Micah run you off," he greeted, making her smile.

"Nah," she answered. "I've faced worse."

"Good," he rumbled, and gestured to the lake. "Walk with me."

Turning to follow him, Nora stayed cautious as they approached the sandy shore of the lake. It was warm out, and she enjoyed that. Better than freezing in the mountains, but she hadn't planned on going far into them. She stretched a little, and Nora smiled at Charles.

"Arthur said he'd asked you to play bodyguard," she mused, and he smiled.

"He did," he nodded. "Not that you needed it. But he also told me other things about you."

"Well, I assume you grew up with whatever tribe you were in?" Nora asked, sitting on a large rock.

"Till I was 13, and then I wandered," he shrugged, leaning against the boulder. "But, I stuck to our ways. Visited the reservation as often as I could, till I ran into these guys. They'll do for now."

"You act like you can leave whenever you want," Nora said quietly, and Charles smiled.

"I'd like to see them try and stop me," he purred, and she looked over the lake.

This man clearly wasn't someone she'd want as an enemy. Smirking a little, Nora looked down at him again. It wasn't that she couldn't leave either, it would be easy to disappear. Nora just didn't want to look over her shoulder.

"So, you want to know?" she asked, and Charles turned toward her.

"I do," he nodded, but Nora shook her head.

"All you need to know is I'm not a threat. Mostly human," she smiled. "I promised Arthur I'd show him first."

He chuckled at that, a low pleasant sound. From all she'd been able to gather, Charles was a good man. She'd been around them for about a week now, and snakes never hid for that long.

"Then after," he suggested, and she shrugged.

"Maybe," Nora smiled.

"I'll take that," he chuckled, and she kept smiling.