Chapter 2: Shipwrecked

Iduna's eyes slowly fluttered open, her mind foggy and her body aching all over. She was met with an unfamiliar ceiling, the wooden beams above her a deep, rich brown. She tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her back onto the pillow. As she lay there, she noticed the faint scent of saltwater and seaweed lingering in the air, a reminder of her ordeal. As she struggled to remember how she got there, fragments of her journey to Ahtohallan flooded her mind. She recalled the storm, the ship crashing, and the feeling of being swept away by the turbulent waters. Iduna's heart skipped a beat as she realized she must have washed up on the shore. The door to the room creaked open, and a gentle voice spoke, "Ah, you're awake, Your Majesty. How are you feeling?" Iduna turned to see a kind-faced woman, her hair tied back in a neat bun, holding a tray with a steaming cup of tea. Iduna tried to speak, but her voice was hoarse from the saltwater and exhaustion. She cleared her throat, "I...I think I'm okay. Where am I?" The woman smiled, "You're in the Southern Isles, Your Majesty. The fishermen found you washed up on the shore and brought you to our king, Westergaard." Iduna's eyes widened as she remembered the king's name. She had heard stories about King Westergaard, a just and fair ruler, known for his kindness and wisdom. The woman handed her the cup of tea, and Iduna took a sip, feeling the warm liquid soothe her throat. As she drank, she noticed a group of people gathered outside the door, their faces filled with curiosity. The woman noticed Iduna's gaze and smiled, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. They're just the locals, curious about the mysterious stranger who washed up on our shore." Iduna smiled weakly, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the woman. "Thank you...?" "My name is Elara, Your Majesty," the woman replied, curtsying. "I'll take care of you while you're here." As Elara helped Iduna sit up, a group of guards entered the room, led by a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression. Iduna recognized him as King Westergaard, his piercing blue eyes and strong jaw a testament to his authority. "Ah, Queen Iduna," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "I see you're recovering well. I'm glad to have you here, safe and sound." Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I owe you a debt of gratitude." King Westergaard smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You owe me nothing, Your Majesty. You're a guest in our land, and we'll do everything in our power to make you feel welcome." As the guards and Elara left the room, Iduna was left alone with her thoughts. She wondered how long she would stay in the Southern Isles and what the future held for her. But for now, she was safe, and that was all that mattered. The door creaked open again, and King Westergaard entered with a small group of people, including his sons, Kristoff, Sven, and Oaken. Iduna's eyes widened as she took in their rugged, outdoorsy appearance. "Your Majesty," Kristoff said, bowing his head. "We're glad to have you here. We've heard a lot about you." Iduna smiled, feeling a sense of curiosity about the young man. "And I've heard a lot about you, Kristoff. You're quite the adventurer, I hear." Kristoff chuckled, "I try my best, Your Majesty." As the group chatted, Iduna felt a sense of belonging wash over her. She knew that she had found allies in the Southern Isles, and that she would be safe here, for now. The conversation was interrupted by Elara, who announced that dinner was ready. Iduna's stomach growled in response, and she smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the woman. As they made their way to the dining hall, Iduna caught a glimpse of herself in a mirror. Her brown hair was tangled and messy, but her eyes sparkled with a newfound sense of hope. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but for now, she was exactly where she needed to be.