Chapter 4: Wash ashore

As Iduna stepped onto the fishing boat, the worn wooden planks creaked beneath her feet. She felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her, the adrenaline that had sustained her through the ordeal on the shipwreck finally beginning to ebb. Grand Pabbie's wise eyes met hers, and he nodded in understanding, his own face etched with concern. The fishermen, rugged men with weathered skin and weary eyes, bustled around them, providing them with warm blankets, steaming cups of tea, and plates of hot food. Iduna's stomach growled in response to the savory smells, and she devoured the food with a sense of ravenous hunger. The warmth of the tea seeped into her chilled bones, and she felt a small spark of gratitude towards these kind strangers. As she ate, Iduna's thoughts turned to Agnarr, and a fresh wave of grief washed over her. She felt a lump form in her throat, and her eyes pricked with tears. Grand Pabbie placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, offering what comfort he could. Iduna took a deep breath, steeling herself for the journey ahead. She knew she had to be strong for Elsa and Anna's sake. The fishing boat chugged along, its engines steady and reassuring. Iduna gazed out at the sea, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of Arendelle. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the water, she spotted the familiar outline of the kingdom's mountains in the distance. A sense of relief washed over her, mixed with a trepidation about facing her daughters. The fishermen, noticing her gaze, nodded and smiled. "You're almost home, Your Majesty," one of them said, his voice warm and respectful. Iduna's heart swelled with gratitude towards these kind men, who had taken her and Grand Pabbie in without hesitation. As the boat drew closer to shore, Iduna could see the palace in the distance, its turrets and spires glinting in the fading light. Her heart swelled with a mix of emotions - sadness, grief, and a deep love for her daughters, who were waiting for her return. She felt a sense of resolve form within her, a determination to be strong for them, to be the rock they needed. The boat docked, and Iduna stepped off onto dry land, her legs trembling beneath her. Grand Pabbie offered his arm, and she took it, grateful for his support. As they made their way towards the palace, Iduna could see Elsa and Anna waiting for her, their faces etched with worry and concern. Iduna's heart swelled with love and gratitude as she saw her daughters, and she knew that she would do everything in her power to protect and care for them. She felt a sense of peace settle over her, a sense of belonging. She was home, and she would face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with her love for her daughters and her determination to be strong. The palace doors opened, and Elsa and Anna rushed towards her, their arms outstretched. Iduna smiled, weakly, and opened her arms to envelop them in a warm hug. "Mother," Elsa whispered, her voice trembling with relief. "We were so worried about you." Iduna held her daughters close, feeling a sense of peace and comfort wash over her. She knew that she would always carry the scars of her ordeal with her, but with her daughters by her side, she felt a sense of hope and resilience. She would face the challenges ahead, armed with her love for them and her determination to be strong. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Iduna felt a sense of closure wash over her. She had made it back to Arendelle, and she was home. The storm may have been fierce, but she had weathered it, and she was ready to face whatever lay ahead. The sound of the palace staff, bustling to prepare a warm meal and a comfortable room for Iduna, filled the air. Iduna smiled, weakly, grateful for the kindness and concern of those around her. She knew that she had a long road to recovery ahead of her, but with her daughters by her side, she felt a sense of hope and determination. She would heal, she would recover, and she would be strong for Elsa and Anna's sake. In that moment, Iduna knew that she would always cherish the love and support of her daughters, and that together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead. The darkness of the shipwreck and the loss of Agnarr would always be a part of her, but she knew that she would emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient, armed with the love and support of her family.