**Chapter 3: Recovery**

The warmth of the fire crackled through the small room, casting a golden glow on the wooden furnishings. The scent of herbs wafted through the air, carried on the gentle breeze from the open window. Iduna lay on the bed, her body sore and bruised from the shipwreck, but grateful for the care she had received from King Westergard's healer. The healer, a kind-eyed woman named Elara, bustled about the room, gathering her belongings and preparing to leave. "Thank you for your care, Elara," Iduna said, her voice weak but sincere. Elara smiled and patted Iduna's hand. "You're welcome, Your Majesty. You're lucky to have escaped the wreck with your life. Rest now, and don't worry about anything else." As Elara left, Iduna let her gaze wander around the room. The walls were adorned with colorful tapestries, depicting scenes of everyday life in the Southern Isles. The furniture was sturdy and well-made, but it was clear that this was a humble abode, not a palace. King Westergard had visited her earlier, bringing food and drink, and telling her about the Southern Isles. Iduna listened intently, fascinated by the stories of the kingdom's struggles and hardships. The king's words painted a vivid picture of a land ravaged by poverty and discontent. As she drifted off to sleep, Iduna's thoughts turned to Agnarr, and the pain of his loss welled up inside her. She had been so caught up in her own grief that she hadn't fully taken in her surroundings. Now, as she looked around the small room, she felt a pang of sadness. This wasn't Arendelle, with its sparkling fjords and snow-covered mountains. This was a foreign land, with its own unique struggles and challenges. The next morning, Iduna woke feeling a little stronger. She threw off the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed, wincing as she stood up. Elara had left a bowl of steaming porridge on the bedside table, and Iduna sat down to eat, savoring the warm, comforting food. As she ate, she gazed out the window, taking in the sights and sounds of the Southern Isles. The kingdom was a far cry from Arendelle, with its lush green forests and rolling hills. Here, the landscape was harsher, with rocky outcroppings and scrubby vegetation. Iduna finished her breakfast and stood up, feeling a sense of determination growing within her. She would recover from her ordeal, and she would find a way to make a new life here in the Southern Isles. She was Queen Iduna, after all, and she would not be defeated by a storm or a loss. The door opened, and King Westergard entered, a look of concern on his face. "Your Majesty, I see you're up and about. How are you feeling?" Iduna smiled, standing up straight. "I'm feeling better, thank you, Your Majesty. I was just thinking about my surroundings." The king nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I see. Well, I think it's time you saw more of the kingdom. I'll have my guards take you on a tour, if you'd like." Iduna's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly. She was ready to explore this new land, and to learn more about its people and its struggles. As they walked through the kingdom, Iduna saw the poverty and unhappiness that plagued the land. The people were struggling to survive, and the air was thick with discontent. Iduna's heart went out to them, and she knew that she had to do something to help. The king noticed her reaction, and he nodded grimly. "Yes, it's a hard life here. But we're working to make things better. We've had some... difficulties with our neighboring kingdoms, and it's made it hard for us to prosper." Iduna's eyes locked onto the king's, and she saw the deep concern etched on his face. She knew that she had to help him, and to find a way to bring peace and prosperity to this troubled land. With a newfound sense of purpose, Iduna continued her tour of the kingdom, taking in the sights and sounds of the Southern Isles. She knew that she had a long road ahead of her, but she was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.