Lion, Tiger, Bear | 131 comfortable level. The enlisted men had formally given apologies to her and Gwafa, suddenly enthralled by their insane story. Whether they believed it or not was another question. As Gwafa turned his back for privacy, Peter sewed up the bullet furrow on her breast and applied a bandage and ointment. Owl Watch the embroidery, Patches, I need both in good fettle. Nothing I aint seen before, old thing. Youve a nice farmers tan line, anyway. AU done. He smeared on some ointment and applied a plaster. He was a helluva gunner, smart and strong as an ox too, she whimpered, jangling his dog tags and wrapping them around her wrist like a coiled scarab bracelet. Top man. Having said a silent prayer, Gwafa rubbed his hands of cleansing dust. A brave man, monsieur le capitaine, the best. He said he was from a fishing village, so I called him Fisherman. He was my friend, and I will miss him forever. He then got up and helped with the pitching of lean-to tents and the preparation of supper, leaving Bea and her dear friend alone. Captain Whitehead walked over and grudgingly saluted him while Gwafa returned the military formality that lasted a hair longer than usual out of hard-won mutual respect. All was forgiven. Passions had run hot. Corporal, give this.. .coal-dusted, preening, prancing Panzer driver another tot of rum on me, ordered Whitehead as he walked off amongst chuckles, still sore, still showing signs of severe strain and bent nerves. Not one for spirits, and in fact hed never touched any, Gwafa downed his second rum ration anyway with a following smile of healthy ivory, receiving many pats on the shoulders. A man handed Gwafa porridge. Oi, mate, not bad, not bad, have some soggy burgoo.. .How many you lolled? Well done you dirty black bastard… Run over a lion you said, eh? Feelin a touch homesick for the jungle are ya? Where? Tim-buk-what? You mean Tim-fiick-you, eh, mate? She got loose? Wait, was the lion in the tank wit ya? Pure laughter. Well hell, I didnt know… Peter, disjointed by the days action and his emotional outburst, let go of a handful of sand as if an hourglass. Weve all lost good men. Good friends. Its their