Chapter 6: Back to Arendelle

The familiar landscape of Arendelle unfolded before Iduna as she stepped off the fishing boat and onto the dock. The palace, with its turrets and spires, shone in the fading light of day, its beauty a stark contrast to the turmoil that churned within her. Iduna's brown hair, once neatly done up in a coronet braid, was now disheveled and wet, a testament to her ordeal. She took a deep breath, the cool sea air filling her lungs, and began the long journey back to her daughters. As she walked towards the palace, Iduna's heart ached with a mix of sadness and longing. The thought of facing Elsa and Anna, of telling them that their father was gone, weighed heavily on her. She felt a pang of sadness, knowing that she would have to be strong for their sake. The weight of her grief threatened to overwhelm her, but she steeled herself, drawing on every ounce of strength she possessed. The palace doors opened, and Iduna was greeted by the warm glow of candles and the concerned faces of her servants. They rushed to her side, offering comfort and support, but Iduna knew that she had to be the one to tell Elsa and Anna about their father's death. She took a deep breath, her eyes welling up with tears, and made her way to the chambers where her daughters waited. As she entered the room, Elsa and Anna looked up, their faces lighting up with joy. "Mother!" they exclaimed, rushing to her side. Iduna's heart swelled with love and sorrow as she wrapped her arms around them, holding them close. She felt a lump form in her throat as she struggled to find the words to tell them about their father's fate. "Girls, I need to talk to you about something," Iduna began, her voice trembling. Elsa and Anna looked up at her, their eyes filled with concern. Iduna took a deep breath and continued, "The ship... it didn't make it. There was a storm, and... and your father..." She couldn't finish the sentence, the words catching in her throat. Elsa and Anna exchanged a worried glance, and Iduna could see the fear and uncertainty in their eyes. "What happened, Mother?" Elsa asked, her voice soft. Iduna took another deep breath and continued, "Your father... he didn't survive. I'm so sorry, girls. I know how much he loved you, and I know how much you loved him." The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet sobbing of the three women. Iduna held her daughters close, feeling their tears soak into her clothes as they mourned the loss of their father. The weight of her grief threatened to overwhelm her, but she knew that she had to be strong for Elsa and Anna's sake. As they cried, Iduna felt a sense of comfort wash over her. She knew that she wasn't alone, that she had her daughters to lean on, and that together, they would face the challenges ahead. The palace, once a symbol of joy and happiness, would now be a reminder of their loss, but Iduna was determined to make it a place of comfort and solace for her daughters. In the days that followed, Iduna and her daughters struggled to come to terms with their loss. They cried and mourned, but they also found comfort in each other's company. Iduna knew that she had to be strong for Elsa and Anna, to support them and guide them through the difficult times ahead. And as they navigated their new reality, Iduna knew that she would face it with courage and strength, for the sake of her daughters, and for the kingdom of Arendelle.