A Refuge in Arendelle

The stormy night had passed, and with it, the secrecy of Hans' escape from the Southern Isles. Iduna stood on the castle walls, watching as the ship that had brought him to Arendelle sailed into the safety of the fjords. Her decision to help Hans had been impulsive, driven by a desire to protect him from his father's cruelty, but now she was faced with the consequences of her actions. As she descended into the castle, she was met with the warm glow of candles and the soft murmur of voices. The castle was quiet, most of the staff and guards busy with their evening routines. Iduna made her way to a secluded wing, one that was rarely used, and there she had instructed her staff to prepare a room for Hans. She entered the room, finding Hans lying on a narrow bed, his body battered and bruised. Iduna's heart ached as she saw the extent of his injuries, the tar and feathers having been removed, but the wounds still evident. She called for her Northuldra healer, who arrived quickly, bearing potions and salves. As the healer tended to Hans' wounds, Iduna sat beside him, her hand gently stroking his hair. Hans' eyes fluttered open, and he looked up at her, a mixture of fear and gratitude in his gaze. Iduna smiled softly, trying to reassure him. "You are safe now, Hans," she said. "You will be cared for here, in Arendelle." Hans' eyes searched hers, and Iduna could see the questions in them. But she just smiled again, her hand continuing to stroke his hair. Over the next few days, Iduna spent hours with Hans, tending to his physical and emotional wounds. She used Northuldra healing practices, ones that her people had used for generations, to nurse him back to health. Hans was a quick learner, and soon he was sitting up, his eyes brightening with curiosity. As they talked, Iduna learned more about Hans' life in the Southern Isles, about the cruelty and abuse he had suffered at the hands of his father. She listened, her heart aching with compassion, as Hans shared his story. In turn, Hans learned about Iduna's life, about her love for her daughters, Elsa and Anna, and her grief over the loss of her husband, Agnarr. Iduna found herself opening up to Hans, sharing with him her fears and doubts. As the days turned into weeks, Hans grew stronger, his injuries healing, but his emotional scars still evident. Iduna's maternal instincts had kicked in, and she found herself caring for Hans as she would for one of her own children. Their bond grew, a platonic one, rooted in mutual understanding and respect. Iduna knew that she had taken a risk in helping Hans, but she also knew that she had done the right thing. As she looked at Hans, now sitting up in bed, a small smile on his face, Iduna felt a sense of purpose. She had given Hans a chance at redemption, a chance to start anew. But she also knew that their journey was just beginning. Hans' presence in Arendelle would not go unnoticed, and the consequences of her actions would be far-reaching. Iduna steeled herself for what was to come, knowing that she had made a decision that would change the course of their lives forever.