Rags took the bowl and the utensil, which the savage quickly sussed out the meaning off; a device for eating the hot food without burning one's hands. The boy smiled at her, though. The first actual show of friendliness since her tribe had been killed. She of course, responded in kind, smiling back at the boy, her mood lifted. She held her fork sideways and ate the food off it sideways, treating it more like meat attached to a bone than eating in the manner of what passed for civilisation in this world.

She went to an unoccupied area near the fire and sat down on the floor, eating hungrily and ravenously. As she did so, she looked around at the rest of the camp. There were more men here than she'd ever seen in her entire life. She was still not sure how she felt about this strange place. It offered food, shelter, education and human company. She would want for nothing while here, but she still did not feel welcome. This sis not feel like a mutually equal relationship. If she left tomorrow, they would not miss her. They did not need her. She would rectify this, and the muscular woman seemed to be the key to that. They clearly respected her. All she had to do was follow her instructions and she'd be set here for life. The people would gradually see her as useful and a worthy inclusion. She smiled to herself. She'd started to figure out what 'home' meant.

When she finished her bowl, she returned to Aibhilin and held up her empty bowl and fork. Both had been licked clean. "Food gone. Learn?" she asked, with eyes filled with anticipation and wonder. Rags was ready for a challenge, both to her body and mind.