The man's reflexes seemed to work against Arjan's deeper wishes as the water that trickled into his throat triggered the half-heartedly desired outcome. The man swallowed, his unconscious reflexes coming to the aid of his compromised body. The break in his leg that Arjan had tended had set in swollen and bruised with the pressure of bleeding bone just under the skin. The myriad of cuts, bruises, and scrapes all over his body seemed to be less angry and irritated after the healer's initial administrations. Even if it went the Spirit Shaman's way, and the man survived to consciousness, the extent of his injuries were portent to a long recovery time.<br/><br/>In the time that Rhiak and the Two-Spirit were gone, several of the villagers had stopped by. They were, of course curious, but they never presumed to have the sort of relationship with the healer that would make them feel free enough to ask about any of the news that was spreading through the village. The healer had a charge and the Two-Spirit had come; it was all very uncommon and even while he could see the curiosity in their expressions, they never once dared to ask any questions. They had simply stopped by of their own innocent intentions to offer assistance with the gardens, or animals, or errands as the news of the healer's quest to save the stranger. They brought bread, milk, and trinkets crafted and designed to bring luck and favor on the healer's house and to honor the Two-Spirit and then they simply went away back to their village and homes.<br/><br/>The ride to the Northern Territory wasn't so much long as it was arduous but Orri kept a tenacious pace even as the plains turned to foothills and the foothills gave way to the craggy ridges of the mountains that jutted out of the plains like the backbone of some long gone ancient giant. Orri had been quiet for much of the ride, but as the lowland hills gave over to mountain country and the air grew colder, Orri broke the silence as he turned half round on his mount to look at Rhiak behind him. "I do not see you often, Rhiak." He smiled to the other and then shifted completely about until he was sitting completely backwards on the horse looking straight on at the hunter. "We always cross paths when I need you most." He stated as his smile set in comfortably and he looked on at his company. "We must have been born on the same day. Wouldn't that be something? Wouldn't that be magical?"