**Chapter 4: A Lifeline**

The ocean rocked Iduna gently, a soothing melody that seemed to lull her into a state of semi-consciousness. Her body, battered and bruised from the storm, felt heavy and unresponsive. As she drifted, Iduna's eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of rescue. And then, like a miracle, she spotted it - a small fishing boat, its sails billowing in the wind as it chugged towards her. Iduna's heart leapt with hope as she waved her arms, shouting for help. Her voice was hoarse and barely audible, but she didn't care. She waved again, her movements weak but determined. The boat drew closer, and Iduna saw the faces of the fishermen, their eyes scanning the water as they searched for any sign of life. One of the fishermen spotted Iduna and pointed her out to the others. They quickly adjusted their course, heading straight for her. Iduna felt a surge of relief as the boat drew alongside her. A rope was thrown out, and Iduna grabbed hold of it, her fingers closing around it like a lifeline. The fishermen pulled her aboard, their faces etched with concern. Iduna collapsed onto the deck, her body exhausted. The fishermen gathered around her, speaking softly as they examined her injuries. One of them, an older man with a kind face, gently took her pulse. "She's alive," he said, his voice filled with relief. "But she's been through a lot. We need to get her to shore and get her some medical attention." Iduna nodded, her eyes fluttering closed as the fishermen began to tend to her wounds. She felt a wave of pain wash over her, but it was quickly followed by a sense of gratitude. She was alive, and she was going to make it back to her daughters. As the boat chugged towards shore, Iduna drifted in and out of consciousness. She was vaguely aware of the fishermen's voices, their words soothing and reassuring. She felt their hands on her body, gently cleaning and dressing her wounds. Eventually, the boat docked, and Iduna was lifted out and carried to a nearby cottage. The fishermen's wives took her in, fussing over her as they tended to her injuries. Iduna was grateful for their kindness, but her mind was always on her daughters. She had to get back to them, had to let them know she was alive. The women gave her food and water, and Iduna ate and drank gratefully. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in hours. She was going to make it back to Arendelle, and she was going to see her daughters again. As she rested, Iduna's thoughts turned to Agnarr, and she felt a pang of grief. She had lost him, and she would never see him again. But she had to focus on the present, on getting back to her daughters and rebuilding their lives. The sun was setting when Iduna finally felt well enough to ask about getting back to Arendelle. The women smiled and told her that they would arrange for her to travel as soon as possible. Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was going home, and she was going to be with her daughters again. As she waited to leave, Iduna's brown hair was gently washed and braided into a coronet braid, a comforting ritual that reminded her of her life with Agnarr and the girls. She felt a sense of peace settle over her, and she knew that she would face whatever lay ahead, as long as she had her daughters by her side. The journey back to Arendelle would be long and difficult, but Iduna was ready. She had been given a second chance, and she was determined to make the most of it. She would return to her daughters, and they would face the future together, as a family.