A Thaw in the Southern Isles

Queen Ravena's curiosity about the mysterious woman who had washed up on their shores had grown, and she decided to take Iduna to the palace. Iduna, still recovering, was provided with warm clothes and a comfortable room. Ravena couldn't help but notice the intricate details of Iduna's clothing, hinting at her royal status. As Iduna regained her strength, Queen Ravena requested her presence at the palace. Iduna, still weakened, revealed her identity as Queen Iduna of Arendelle, mother of Elsa and Anna. Ravena, familiar with the stories of Arendelle's royal family, immediately realized the significance of Iduna's presence. King Westergaard, Ravena's husband, was informed of Iduna's identity. He saw an opportunity to form an alliance with Arendelle, and potentially gain leverage against his own enemies. Iduna, grateful for their kindness, began to recover under their care. The Southern Isles were a far cry from the frozen fjords of Arendelle. The lush green landscapes and blue waters seemed to stretch on forever. But Iduna knew that she couldn't stay here forever, and that she had to find a way to return to her daughters. As Iduna recuperated, she learned about the harsh realities of the Southern Isles. King Westergaard's rule was brutal, and his people suffered under his tyranny. Iduna realized that she had a chance to make a difference. Queen Ravena asked Iduna to help with a sensitive matter. Hans, their son, was being forced to attend a political event with his father. His mother, Queen Lirien, requested Iduna's assistance in preparing him for the occasion. Iduna agreed to help, and Queen Lirien asked her to give Hans a sponge bath, as he was feeling unwell. Iduna, remembering her own experiences as a mother, agreed to help. She gently washed Hans's hair, massaging his scalp to ease his tension. She soothed his skin, paying special attention to the scratches and bruises on his arms. As she worked, Iduna talked to Hans about his worth and the importance of being true to oneself. She told him that he didn't have to conform to his family's expectations, and that he should be proud of who he was. Hans listened intently, his eyes filled with gratitude. Iduna learned that Hans had several brothers, Rudi, Runo, and Caleb, who were arrogant and dislikable. They, along with their father, King Westergaard, were spoiled and entitled. Iduna realized that Hans was caught in a web of toxic relationships. Crown Prince Caleb, tired of Hans's supposed "weakness," ordered Rudi and Runo to teach him a lesson. They beat Hans, citing that his mother needed to attend the political event with his father, and he needed to be "toughened up." Iduna was outraged. She confronted Caleb and his cousins, using her royal authority to put an end to the bullying. King Westergaard, though surprised, was impressed by Iduna's bravery. The Southern Isles, with its brutal ruler and impoverished people, seemed like a powder keg waiting to explode. And Iduna, with her experience as a queen, knew that she had a role to play in the drama that was unfolding. As she looked around the palace, Iduna noticed the intricate details of the architecture, the beautiful paintings on the walls, and the fine furnishings. She knew that she was in a place of luxury, but she also sensed that there was darkness lurking beneath the surface. The fate of the Southern Isles, and the people who lived there, was about to change forever. And Iduna, with her courage and determination, was at the center of it all.