**Chapter 2: The Strangers' Mercy**

The sun was setting over the small village, casting a warm orange glow over the thatched roofs and the people gathered around Iduna. She lay on a pallet, her body battered and bruised from the shipwreck, and her mind reeling from the loss of Agnarr. The villagers had found her earlier that day, and despite their initial wariness, they had taken her in and provided her with food and shelter. As she looked around at the faces of the villagers, Iduna saw a mix of curiosity and suspicion. They had clearly never seen an outsider like her before, and she wondered what they made of her story. One of the villagers, an elderly woman, approached her and spoke softly, her words unintelligible to Iduna. The woman's eyes were kind, and Iduna felt a sense of gratitude towards her. The villagers had taken her to King Westergaard, who had examined her injuries and provided her with food and shelter. Iduna was grateful for their mercy, and she knew that she had to be careful not to overstay her welcome. As she lay on the pallet, she couldn't help but think of her daughters, Elsa and Anna, and wonder what they were doing back in Arendelle. The next morning, Iduna was visited by King Westergaard himself. He was a tall, imposing man with a kind face, and Iduna felt a sense of relief wash over her as he approached her. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice low and soothing. "I trust you are feeling a bit better today?" Iduna nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I am grateful for your kindness." King Westergaard smiled and nodded. "We don't often get visitors from Arendelle," he said. "Especially not queens. I must admit, I am intrigued by your presence here." Iduna smiled weakly, feeling a sense of wariness. She knew that she had to be careful not to reveal too much about herself or her kingdom. But there was something about King Westergaard that put her at ease, and she found herself opening up to him. As they talked, Iduna learned that King Westergaard was a just and fair ruler, beloved by his people. He was curious about her story, and Iduna found herself telling him about her journey to Ahtohallan, and the shipwreck that had brought her to his kingdom. She also told him about her daughters, Elsa and Anna, and her husband, Agnarr. King Westergaard listened intently, his eyes filled with compassion. When Iduna finished speaking, he nodded thoughtfully. "You are safe here, Your Majesty," he said. "We will do everything in our power to help you recover and find a way back home." Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this stranger. She knew that she had a long road to recovery ahead of her, but for the first time since the shipwreck, she felt a glimmer of hope. As she looked at King Westergaard, she saw a kind and just ruler, who was willing to help her in her time of need. The villagers continued to care for Iduna, bringing her food and water, and helping her with her injuries. Iduna was grateful for their kindness, and she began to feel a sense of belonging in this foreign land. She knew that she had to be careful not to overstay her welcome, but for now, she was content to rest and recover. As the days passed, Iduna grew stronger, and she began to explore the village. She saw the poverty and hardship that the villagers faced, and she wondered what had brought them to this state. She knew that she had to be careful not to interfere, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of compassion for these people. Iduna's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps outside her hut. It was one of the villagers, who had come to bring her food and water. Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this stranger. She knew that she had a long way to go, but for now, she was content to rest and recover in this foreign land.