**Chapter 4: Strangers in the Night**

The darkness outside was palpable, punctuated only by the occasional hoot of an owl or the distant crash of waves. Iduna lay on the pallet, her eyes adjusting slowly to the dim light within the hut. Elara and Luna had tended to her wounds, and the gentle ministrations of the two women had coaxed her into a fitful sleep. As she stirred, Iduna became aware of the sounds of the village coming to life. The thatched roofs creaked in the gentle breeze, and the murmur of hushed conversations drifted through the night air. Elara sat beside her, watching with a gentle smile as Iduna stirred. "You're awake," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I see you're feeling better." Iduna nodded, her throat dry and scratchy. She tried to speak, but her voice was hoarse and barely audible. Elara handed her a cup of water, and Iduna took a grateful sip. As she sat up, Iduna noticed that the hut was quiet, the only sound the soft breathing of the villagers as they slept. Elara motioned for her to follow, and Iduna carefully got to her feet, her legs still weak but manageable. The two women led her outside into the night air, the stars twinkling above like diamonds scattered across the sky. The village was small, with only a handful of huts clustered together. Iduna saw that the villagers were all asleep, their homes dark and silent. Elara and Luna led her to a small gathering of elders, who were seated around a fire. The flames danced and flickered, casting shadows on the faces of the gathered villagers. The elderly woman, who had introduced herself as Elara, spoke to the group in a language Iduna didn't understand. The villagers nodded, their faces filled with concern and curiosity. Iduna gathered that they were discussing her situation, and Elara turned to her with a kind smile. "We've decided to take you to see King Westergaard," Elara said, her voice firm. "He's a wise and just ruler, and we believe he can help you regain your memories and find your way home." Iduna's heart swelled with gratitude. She had been worried that she would be stuck on this foreign shore forever, with no way to communicate or find help. The thought of seeing King Westergaard, of getting help, filled her with hope. As the villagers began to stir, preparing for the journey ahead, Iduna felt a sense of trepidation. What would King Westergaard be like? Would he be able to help her? And what would happen when she finally returned home to Arendelle? The questions swirled in her mind as Elara and Luna helped her gather her belongings – or rather, the few items she had managed to salvage from the wreckage. Iduna's heart ached as she thought of her family, her daughters Elsa and Anna, and the life she had left behind. But for now, she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the journey ahead. With the help of these kind strangers, Iduna felt a sense of determination rising within her. She would find a way back home, no matter what lay ahead. As they prepared to leave, Iduna noticed a figure standing at the edge of the village. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a rugged face and piercing blue eyes. Iduna felt a jolt of recognition, but she couldn't quite place him. "Who is that?" Iduna asked Elara, nodding towards the stranger. Elara followed her gaze, her expression softening. "That's Kael, our village guide. He'll be joining us on our journey to King Westergaard's court." Iduna nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. With Kael's guidance, she felt more confident that they would reach King Westergaard's court safely. Together, the small group set off into the night, their footsteps quiet on the sandy beach. The stars above twinkled like diamonds, and Iduna felt a sense of hope rising within her. She was one step closer to finding her way home.