**Chapter 9: Wound Care**

The warm glow of the candles in the room danced across Hans' face, but it did little to lift his spirits. Iduna had been right; his brothers' cruelty had taken its toll on him. He felt like he was drowning in their scorn, suffocating under the weight of his family's expectations. As he lay in bed, Iduna gently tended to his wounds. She had been caring for him for days, and he was starting to feel like himself again. She cleaned and dressed his wounds with a gentle touch, her hands moving deftly as she worked. Hans watched her, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. She had saved him from himself, and he didn't know how to repay her. He looked away, trying to hide his emotions. Iduna smiled softly, her eyes filled with compassion. "You're doing well, Hans," she said. "You're going to be just fine." Hans nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that he had a long way to go, but with Iduna by his side, he felt like he could face anything. As Iduna continued to care for him, Hans began to notice the small things about her. Her brown hair was done up in a low braided bun, and her eyes sparkled with kindness. He felt a sense of comfort in her presence, and he knew that he was lucky to have her. The room was quiet, the only sound the soft crackling of the candles. Iduna worked efficiently, her movements smooth and practiced. Hans watched her, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. As she finished dressing his wounds, Iduna smiled softly. "You're all done, Hans," she said. "You're going to be just fine." Hans nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. He knew that he owed her a debt of gratitude, and he wasn't sure how he would ever repay her. Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Come in," Iduna called out. The door opened, and Lars, one of Hans' brothers, walked in. "How is he doing?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Hans. Iduna smiled softly. "He's doing well," she said. "He's going to be just fine." Lars nodded, his eyes filled with concern. "I'm glad to hear that," he said. "I'll let you two get some rest." As Lars left, Hans felt a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that he had a long way to go, but with Iduna by his side, he felt like he could face anything. Iduna smiled softly, her eyes filled with compassion. "You're not alone, Hans," she said. "I'm here for you." Hans nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. He knew that he would never forget her kindness, and he was determined to make it up to her. As the night wore on, Hans drifted in and out of consciousness. But he knew that Iduna was there, taking care of him and comforting him. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, and he knew that he was in good hands. The next morning, Hans woke up feeling refreshed. Iduna was sitting beside him, a warm smile on her face. "Good morning, Hans," she said. "How are you feeling today?" Hans thought for a moment before answering. "I'm feeling better," he said. "Thank you for taking care of me." Iduna smiled softly. "You're welcome, Hans," she said. "I'm just glad I could help." As Hans sat up, Iduna helped him into a warm bath. The water was soothing, and Hans felt his muscles relax as he soaked in it. Iduna sat beside him, chatting softly as she helped him clean and dress. Hans felt a sense of gratitude towards her, and he knew that he would never forget her kindness. He was determined to make it up to her, and he knew that he would do anything to help her. As they finished up, Iduna smiled softly. "You're doing well, Hans," she said. "You're going to be just fine." Hans nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that he had a long way to go, but with Iduna by his side, he felt like he could face anything. Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Come in," Iduna called out. The door opened, and Elsa and Anna, Hans' sisters, walked in. They were young and vibrant, and Hans felt a surge of love for them. He knew that he had to protect them, and he was determined to do whatever it took to keep them safe. "Hello, Hans," Elsa said, her eyes fixed on him. "We're glad to see you're feeling better." Hans smiled softly, feeling a sense of gratitude towards his sisters. "I'm glad to see you too," he said. "I've missed you." Anna smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We've missed you too, Hans," she said. "We're glad you're feeling better." As they chatted, Hans felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that he had a long way to go, but with Iduna, Elsa, and Anna by his side, he felt like he could face anything.