Everyone around Meriel was stunned into silence after she snapped at Gydarra. After a moment, Gydarra sheathed his sword and stepped back. He covered his mouth with his wrist but couldn't stop himself from letting out a suppressed chuckle, which soon turned into loud laughter.
"Hey, what is this? Is this the young miss I know?" Gydarra said.
"Stop it, Gydarra, that's enough," Gaem interjected, turning to Meriel. "Meriel, are you okay?"
Meriel smiled and nodded at Gaem's question, and they embraced. "I've missed you so much," Gaem said. "We were really worried about you."
Meriel then released her embrace and she stepped back, "Can't you see I'm fine now?" she said.
Gaem nodded, her face relieved of tension. She smiled warmly at Meriel.
"Ah, sorry," Meriel said, walking over to Nathan's side. "This is Mr. Nathan. He's my party leader."
Nathan waved his hand at Gaem. "Hi," he said flatly.
