**Chapter 7: Return to Arendelle**

As the fishing boat sailed into the harbor, Iduna's heart swelled with emotion, a mix of sadness and relief washing over her. The worn wooden planks creaked beneath her feet as she stood up, her eyes fixed on the castle that loomed above the town, its turrets and spires reaching towards the sky like giant stone fingers. She had been gone for days, and she knew that her daughters, Elsa and Anna, would be frantic with worry. Erik, the old fisherman, stood up and offered Iduna his hand, his weathered skin a testament to his years at sea. She took it, grateful for the support, and stepped onto the dock, the cool stone beneath her feet a welcome respite from the rocking motion of the boat. The salty sea air still clung to her hair and clothes, a reminder of her ordeal. As she walked through the town, Iduna was greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of Arendelle. The streets were bustling with people, going about their daily business, but they all seemed to be watching her, their faces filled with concern. Iduna nodded and smiled, trying to reassure them that she was okay, but her eyes betrayed her, still red-rimmed from crying. She quickened her pace, her long brown hair blowing in the wind, tied back in a coronet braid that seemed to symbolize her status as queen. The braid felt heavy, weighed down by the secrets and worries that Iduna carried. She couldn't wait to see her daughters, to hold them in her arms and reassure them that she was home safe. As she approached the castle, Iduna saw Elsa and Anna waiting for her in the courtyard, their faces etched with worry. Elsa's eyes were wide with fear, and Anna's face was set in a determined expression, but they both lit up with relief as they saw their mother. Iduna opened her arms, and her daughters ran to her, embracing her tightly. "Mother!" Elsa exclaimed, her voice trembling. "We were so worried about you! We thought we'd lost you too." Iduna held them close, feeling a surge of love and gratitude. "I'm home, my darlings," she said, her voice shaking. "I'm safe. I'm a bit battered and bruised, but I'm home." As they hugged, Iduna felt a sense of peace wash over her. She was home, and she was with the people she loved. She knew that she still had to come to terms with the loss of Agnarr, but for now, she just wanted to be with her daughters, to hold them close and keep them safe. The three of them stood there for a moment, holding each other tightly, as the sun began to set over Arendelle. Iduna knew that she had a lot to process, a lot to deal with, but for now, she just wanted to savor this moment, to be with the people she loved. As they pulled back, Iduna looked at her daughters, taking in their worried faces. "I'm okay, girls," she said, smiling. "I'm going to be okay. Let's go inside, and I'll tell you all about it." Together, the three of them walked into the castle, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as a family. The warm glow of the castle's interior enveloped them, a comforting respite from the cold and darkness of the sea. Iduna felt a sense of hope rising within her, a sense that she would get through this, that she would find a way to heal and move forward. She knew that it wouldn't be easy, but with her daughters by her side, she felt ready to face whatever the future held.