Chapter 66: Tsundere?
The old Dwarven woman’s eyelids fluttered open, her gaze hazy at first, then slowly focusing. She blinked a few times, a soft groan escaping her lips.
"Myra...?" Durnik whispered, his voice thick with unshed tears, hope and fear warring in his gruff eyes. He knelt beside the cot, his calloused hand reaching out hesitantly to touch her cheek.
"Durnik...?" Myra murmured, her voice weak but clear. She turned her head slightly, her eyes finding his. A faint, tired smile touched her lips. "You look... like you haven’t slept in days, you stubborn old goat."
Tears finally spilled from Durnik’s eyes, tracing paths through the soot on his weathered face. "Myra! Oh, my Myra! You’re... you’re awake!" He gently took her hand, pressing it to his lips, his broad shoulders shaking with emotion. "I thought... I thought I’d lost you."
"Lost me?" She chuckled weakly. "Takes more than a bit of a chill to get rid of this old battle-axe, Durnik. Though... I do feel like I am waking up after a very long sleep. My muscles are aching." She tried to sit up, and Durnik immediately moved to support her.
"Easy now, love. Easy."
Riku, Lila, and Elara watched the tender reunion, a small, genuine smile. It was always a nice feeling to watch old couples express their love for each other.
Durnik’s face flushed, and he quickly turned to Riku, bowing deeply from the waist, nearly thumping his head on the low ceiling of the sick ward.
"Master Riku! I... I don’t know how to thank you! And I... I am so deeply sorry for my earlier words. I was a blind, grieving fool. Please, forgive my rudeness. I owe you my wife’s life. Anything... anything you ask, if it’s within my power, it’s yours!" He looked like he was about to bow again.
"Durnik, please," Riku said, stepping forward and gently helping the Dwarf straighten up. "There’s no need for apologies. You were worried. Anyone would be. I’m just glad I could help." He smiled at Myra. "And it’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Myra. I’m Riku."
"Thank you, kind human. It looks like my stupid husband said some things that he shouldn’t have. But how did you help me? Last thing I remember, I was in a deep pain from the creep. But I feel almost normal now."