**Chapter 2: Washing Up on Foreign Shores**

The sun was setting over the small village, casting a warm orange glow over the thatched roofs and the bustling town square. The air was thick with the smell of saltwater and freshly caught fish, and the sound of seagulls filled the air. Iduna, still dazed and disoriented, lay on the sandy beach, her body battered and bruised from the shipwreck. She had been washed up on the shores of the Southern Isles, a place she had never heard of before. As she slowly sat up, Iduna took stock of her surroundings. The beach was lined with dense foliage, and the sound of birdsong filled the air. She saw a group of people approaching her, their faces concerned and curious. They were dressed in simple but practical clothing, with woven baskets slung over their arms. One of the villagers, an elderly woman with a kind face, knelt beside Iduna and gently touched her shoulder. "Frau, are you alright?" she asked, her voice soft and soothing. "We found you washed up on the shore. You must have been through a terrible ordeal." Iduna tried to speak, but her voice was hoarse and barely audible. She coughed, trying to clear her throat, and the woman handed her a flask of water. Iduna took a sip, feeling the cool liquid soothe her parched throat. As she drank, Iduna noticed a man standing behind the woman, his eyes fixed intently on her face. He was tall and imposing, with a strong jawline and piercing blue eyes. Iduna felt a shiver run down her spine as he approached her. "Who are you?" Iduna asked, trying to keep her voice steady. "I am King Westergaard," the man replied, his voice deep and resonant. "And you, Frau, are a mystery. You washed up on our shores, battered and bruised, with no sign of your ship or your people. Tell me, who are you, and how did you come to be here?" Iduna hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But there was something about King Westergaard's kind eyes and gentle manner that put her at ease. She took a deep breath and began to tell her story, starting with her journey to Ahtohallan with Agnarr, and ending with the shipwreck and her survival. As she spoke, Iduna noticed the look of concern on King Westergaard's face, and the way he exchanged a glance with one of his advisors. She realized that he was trying to piece together her identity, and her story. When she finished, King Westergaard nodded thoughtfully. "You are a long way from home, Queen Iduna," he said, his voice filled with compassion. "But you are safe now. You will stay with us, and we will do our best to help you recover from your ordeal." Iduna felt a surge of gratitude towards the king, and she nodded her head in acceptance. As she lay back on the sand, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was safe, for now, and she had a chance to recover and regroup. The villagers gathered around her, talking softly and offering her food and drink. Iduna accepted their kindness, feeling a sense of wonder and curiosity about this new place and its people. She had no idea what the future held, but for now, she was grateful to be alive. As the sun dipped below the horizon, King Westergaard gave an order, and two of his guards stepped forward. "Take Queen Iduna to the palace," he said. "She will need rest and care. See that she is provided for." The guards nodded, and gently lifted Iduna to her feet. She stumbled, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over her, but the guards held her upright, supporting her as she walked. As they made their way through the village, Iduna caught glimpses of the palace in the distance. It was a grand building, with towering spires and intricate stone carvings. She felt a sense of awe and wonder, and she knew that she was in for a new and unfamiliar chapter in her life. The guards led her to a comfortable room, with a soft bed and a warm fire crackling in the hearth. Iduna collapsed onto the bed, feeling exhausted but grateful. She knew that she had a long road to recovery ahead of her, but for now, she was safe, and that was all that mattered.