Chapter 5: Discovery

As the sun began to set on Arendelle Castle, Elsa and Anna made their way to the gardens, seeking a moment of peace and quiet. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birdsong echoed through the trees. As they strolled along the winding paths, they noticed a figure sitting on a bench, staring blankly into space. The figure, a young man with auburn hair, looked lost and forlorn. Elsa and Anna exchanged a concerned glance, and then approached him cautiously. "Hello?" Elsa said softly, trying not to startle him. The young man looked up, his eyes red-rimmed and his face pale. "I...I'm Hans," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. Anna's eyes widened in surprise. "Hans? What are you doing here?" Hans looked around nervously, as if he was worried about being overheard. "I was left behind," he explained quickly. "My family came for a diplomatic visit, but in the chaos of their departure, I was accidentally left behind." Elsa's expression softened, and she sat down beside Hans on the bench. "You're welcome to stay here," she said gently. "We'll make sure you're taken care of." As they talked, Iduna appeared, her brown hair styled in a coronet braid, her eyes warm with kindness. "What's going on here?" she asked, her voice gentle. Elsa filled her in on Hans's situation, and Iduna's expression turned thoughtful. "He's welcome to stay with us," she said. "We'll make sure he's comfortable and safe." As Iduna spoke, Hans felt a surge of gratitude towards her. He had been feeling so lost and alone, but now he felt like he had found a sense of belonging. Over the next few days, Iduna got to know Hans better. She discovered that he was a member of the royal family of the Southern Isles, and that he had been left behind in the chaos of his family's departure. Iduna's heart went out to Hans, and she knew that she had to help him. As she spent more time with Hans, Iduna began to notice signs of physical and emotional abuse. There were bruises on his wrists, and a look of deep-seated fear in his eyes. Iduna's heart ached with sorrow and anger, and she knew that she had to do everything in her power to help Hans heal. She decided to adopt him, to give him a new life and a chance to heal from the wounds of his past. But before she could take action, Hans's situation took a dark turn. In a moment of crisis, Hans slit his wrists, and Iduna and her daughters found him just in time. Iduna was shocked and horrified by what she saw. She quickly called for help, and Hans was taken into custody and placed in a straight jacket. He was given a sedative to calm him down, and Iduna was determined to help him heal. As she looked at Hans, lying in his bed, his wrists bound by the straight jacket, Iduna felt a surge of love and compassion. She knew that she had to help him, to show him that he was loved and valued. She carefully removed the straight jacket, and began to tend to Hans's physical and emotional wounds. She gave him a gentle sponge bath, using a soft, white rag with intricate lace trim to clean his skin. The rag was warm and soothing, and Hans felt a sense of peace wash over him as Iduna touched him. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was being cared for, like he was loved and valued. The rag was a symbol of Iduna's kindness and compassion, and Hans felt a sense of gratitude towards her. As Iduna cared for Hans, she used the rag to clean his skin, gently wiping away the dirt and grime of his ordeal. Hans closed his eyes, feeling a sense of peace and tranquility wash over him. He knew that he was in good hands, and that Iduna would do everything in her power to help him heal. In that moment, Hans felt a sense of hope that he hadn't felt in a long time. He knew that he still had a long way to go, but with Iduna's love and care, he felt like he could face anything.