CHAPTER TWENTY: IDUNA'S JOURNAL
A couple of days had passed since the storm finally ended. In that time, the people recovered quickly since very few were deeply affected by the stormy weather. Fallen trees. Slightly damaged homes. Minor flooding. It was nothing that the Queen and Princess of Arendelle couldn't handle together. Afterwards, they vanished to find their mother's journal.
Kai walked down the Palace halls, performing his duties, when he stopped and heard a lot of noise in the attic. He came up through the open entrance to see Anna and Elsa going through their parents' chests. "Looking for something, Your Majesties?"
"Kai, hi," Anna greeted happily, after her head popped up from behind a big chest that belonged to her father.
Kai bowed his head briefly with a warm smile.
"Anna and I met a hunter named Baldur. He knew our mother since she was little. Hearing him talk about our mother…showed us how little we knew Mother," Elsa explained, her final words hinted with sadness.
Kai nodded, "Queen Iduna was a mysterious woman. She led this kingdom well, but kept much to herself."
"Baldur said Mother had a journal. That's what we're trying to find," Anna added.
Kai's eyes widened before he quickly walked around the attic clutter, looking for a specific chest. Elsa and Anna noticed and eagerly followed him. His eyes went from one of the many chests to another recalling the last conversation with Queen Iduna.
Kai entered the Royal Chambers when summoned by Queen Iduna. "You summon me, Queen Iduna?"
Iduna closed her journal. "Yes, Kai. My husband and I will be going on a two-week voyage."
"A diplomatic mission to other kingdoms in the Southern Sea. I'm aware," Kai nodded, recalling the fake news she and Agnarr fed everyone.
Iduna froze briefly. She hated keeping secrets, but Agnarr privately convinced her it was best to keep a secret from everyone. "Yes." She went over to her personal chest. On it was the letter I. In it she kept everything regarding her past, which only consisted of the scarf her mother made for her and now…her journal. She locked both in the chest before handing it to Kai. "Should the unthinkable happen and we don't return…I want you to give this chest to Elsa and Anna."
"As you command, Queen Iduna," Kai replied, but was worried about her thinking the worst. "But you shouldn't assume the worst. Of course, you and King Agnarr will return. Your daughters, the palace staff and your people will be right here awaiting your return."
Iduna smiled at Kai's optimism, but she still couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was going to happen. "Well then, when we return, I'll reclaim my chest. However, in the meantime, store this in the attic please."
Kai bowed his head before leaving the Royal Chambers.
Kai stopped suddenly, causing Anna to bump into him. He found it. He picked up the small chest and faced Elsa and Anna. "Prior to leaving on their two-week voyage, Queen Iduna gave me the order to give this to you should something happen to them."
Elsa and Anna looked at each other with smiles, overflowing with excitement. Kai handed to them before leaving. Elsa sat down and unlocked it with the key that was entrusted to her long ago.
Today was the day her parents were going to set off on their two-week voyage in the Southern Sea. Elsa finally left her room and say her goodbyes to her parents. She bowed formally to them. "Do you have to go?"
King Agnarr and Queen Iduna stood there smiling at her proudly. "You'll be fine, Elsa," Agnarr said softly.
As Agnarr and Kai began carrying their luggage to the ship, Iduna pulled Elsa aside. "You don't need to worry. We'll be back before you know it."
Elsa tried to put on a brave smile, but failed miserably. Iduna pulled her close and hugged her. Elsa took in her mother's warmth.
Iduna pulled away and handed her a special key. "When the day comes, use this. Keep it safe."
Elsa opened the lid, revealing a beautiful scarf and her journal. She grabbed the journal while Anna picked up the scarf to examine it.
"This scarf is beautiful," Anna exclaimed. She smiled before laying across Elsa's shoulders. "Here. You should have it. Scarves were never my thing anyway."
They both looked down at journal before Elsa opened to the first page. Elsa closed it and looked at Anna. "I promised Baldur we would visit again when we found her journal. He's as good as family."
Anna smiled, "Let's go."
Baldur sat on a tree stump towards the edge of the cliff where a single stone was erected. On it, names were etched on it by a knife. Freya. Thor. Iduna. As his hand gently touched Iduna's name, he shared, "I met your daughters again. They look just like you."
Elsa and Anna had arrived. Elsa stopped and gestured over to Baldur with her head and Anna saw him. The quietly approached him, hearing him talk to an erected stone. "I see you, Iduna. I see so much of you in them. Your face. Your heart to help others. You and Agnarr would be proud of them."
Anna and Elsa smiled at his words. "That was beautiful, Baldur," Elsa complimented, making him jump, thinking it was someone else.
"Oh…Elsa. Anna. It's just you," Baldur replied with relief.
Baldur noticed Anna looking at the names he carved onto the stone. "Freya was my wife. She died long ago from sickness. Thor was my brother. We were called the sons of thunder when we were little, because we would always solve problems with our fists. He died during a hunt when we were attacked by wolves. Iduna…"
"You thought of her as family," Elsa finished.
Baldur's face saddened, "After I lost my wife and my brother, I was alone. I was cold and everything just seemed…dark. Then along came Iduna to fill the void in my heart. It was almost as if Freya and Thor sent her…knowing she'd be able to reach me. Now she's gone…and I'm alone again."
Baldur became started when both Elsa and Anna smothered him with their gentle arms as they hugged him. "No, you're not alone," Anna said.
"You have us," Elsa finished.
As they continued to hug him, Baldur's eyes teared up. He hugged them back firmly. He remembered Elsa's promise, "You said you were going to visit again. Does that mean-?"
Elsa held up their mother's journal with a smile. "We found it. We didn't want to read it until we saw you again."
Baldur smiled and gestured toward his cabin. "Very well. Shall we?"
Baldur gave each some tea before they all sat in the living room space in front of the fire place.
When Elsa handed the journal to Anna, Anna smiled as she took it. Baldur sat in his chair across from them. Anna opened to the first page and began reading.
Dear Mother,
I'm all alone and I'm scared. I can't get back home. Please give me a sign you are still alive and I'll see you again. I want to come home.
Your daughter,
Iduna
Dear Mother,
A man named Baldur took me in. He's a hunter like the others back home. His cabin is warm and cozy. He takes care of me and teaches me lots of things. Sometimes, I feel like he's in pain since he lost others too. Maybe this is the sign, that I am where I am meant to be, to help him.
Your daughter,
Iduna
Dear Mother,
Baldur and I have become so close. I never knew Father. I knew you didn't like to talk about Father, so I refrained from asking too many questions. Often, I imagine what my father was like and all I could imagine was Baldur. He's the father I never knew. He loves me as his own, yet puts on a tough act, too proud to admit it. I don't feel alone. Thank you, Mother for Baldur.
Your daughter,
Iduna
Anna and Elsa glanced at Baldur who was struggling to contain his tears.
Dear Mother,
Baldur and I occasionally travel to the kingdom of Arendelle. I was terrified of going there, but Baldur refused to leave me alone in the cabin. Since he saw how scared I was, he gave me a cloak to hide in. We would go to Arendelle to sometimes acquire food and other supplies. Baldur has a garden that yields promising crop, which he sells in Arendelle. He asked why I was so scared of going to Arendelle, but I didn't tell him. I can't ever tell him.
Your daughter,
Iduna
"Elsa, could this be the secret?" Anna asked with eagerness.
"It could be. Keep reading, Anna," Elsa encouraged.
Dear Mother,
The more Baldur and I visited Arendelle, the less afraid I became and the more interested in the people I became. I struggled for a long time but finally told Baldur everything about my past. That I wasn't from Arendelle, but from a place frowned upon by the people. If they knew, they wouldn't receive me. Baldur promised me he would keep my secret until his dying breath. The weight lifted from my shoulders. However, just because Baldur received me, it doesn't mean that the people of Arendelle will. No one else can know.
Your daughter,
Iduna
"That's it?" Anna asked disappointed.
"We have another clue, Anna. Mother was from another kingdom," Elsa replied, trying to be optimistic. However, deep down she was a little disappointed too.
"Elsa, there was several kingdoms that Arendelle faced in conflict," Anna pointed out.
"Keep reading," Elsa replied.
Dear Mother,
I finally left for Arendelle after giving Baldur a gift for everything he has done. I know now you wouldn't want me to be afraid anymore or be alone. Baldur introduced me to the orphanage close to the palace. Diantha was the name of the nice lady who took me in. Diantha is an old friend of Baldur and his brothers and introduced Baldur to her friend Freya. Diantha told me stories of how the two acted around each other and we shared many laughs.
Your daughter,
Iduna
"Diantha did what?" Baldur asked angrily before muttering, "That wretched woman."
"I happen to know Lady Diantha, Baldur. She is a incredible woman," Elsa defended with a smile.
"Trust me, Queen Elsa. You didn't know her like I did. She was teased us and liked to gossip," Baldur replied.
Dear Mother,
I met him again. Prince Agnarr. I was so terrified that he'd remember me from that day I lost you. He didn't remember me. However, he's very friendly towards me. I don't know what to do.
Your daughter,
Iduna
"Mother met Father as children?" Anna asked, "Now we're getting to the juicy stuff. I smell romance."
"Anna," Elsa laughed.
Baldur chuckled before saying to Anna, "Read on. I want to know more about the boy who won Iduna's heart."
"With pleasure," Anna replied.
Dear Mother,
Prince Agnarr and I have been spending a lot of time together. I'm starting to worry about him. He is a boy that has to bear the weight of all the kingdom on his shoulders. We used to sneak out and read under his favorite tree. It was there I felt closest to him. However, due to his royal duties, I'm starting to see less and less of him. I wish I could do something to help bear the burden.
Your daughter,
Iduna
Dear Mother,
Since I began living at the orphanage, Diantha helped me secure my first job at the bakery. Since then, I have acquired other jobs to help support myself and get my own place in Arendelle. I was surprised by Agnarr's surprise visits. Despite how busy he was, he managed to make time for me and stay connected. Although I love being around him, my mind keeps taking me back to my secret. My heart is telling me to, but I'm afraid that I will lose him if I do. I never felt so lost. I need to distance myself from Agnarr until I can figure things out.
Your daughter,
Iduna
Dear Mother,
Something strange has happened today. I met the most interesting young lady named Anna. She was my age and looked so lost and scared. She wore a cloak so I couldn't see her face well, but I can't explain it, but I felt so drawn to her, like I wanted to comfort her. I reached out to her in friendship to help her and we talked about our troubles. I told her about my fear of telling Agnarr about my past, but she encouraged me to. She told me about her sister Elsa and it sounds like they experienced a similar situation like me. I found it comforting that if they could overcome that walls that separated them, so can I with Agnarr. I love their names. Elsa and Anna. Maybe one day, I can have two amazing girls just like them.
Your daughter,
Iduna
Anna began to cry, her tears falling onto the journal's page. Elsa began to hold Anna gently.
"That's when you used that spell to see your mother again, right?" Baldur asked, recalling what he heard them say last time.
Anna nodded while Else wiped away her tears. "Elsa, can you-?"
"Of course, sis," Elsa said, taking the journal and reading on.
Dear Mother,
I caught the attention of certain officials in the Royal Palace. Working under Oryon to make herbal medicine, I have received invitation by the Royal Visser to work under him as an herbal apprentice. Since I have been invited into the palace, I have been offered a room and get to see Agnarr much more.
Your daughter,
Iduna
Dear Mother,
Since I started working in the palace, I have seen much more of what Agnarr is faced with. The Kingdom of Arendelle has face different issues. First, there was a group of criminals that attacked Arendelle and Agnarr is forced to go to war. Next, there was a pandemic and anyone who had medical experience was called upon when Arendelle is placed in quarantine to contain the disease from a foreign land. Agnarr managed to lead everyone through both. The people are lucky to have a ruler like him.
Your daughter,
Iduna
Dear Mother,
After everything that has happened, Agnarr has made his move and asked me for the honor of courting me. I feel too overwhelmed by happiness. We've been going on picnics, riding through the kingdom, exploring different places in Arendelle, going out on the seas for fishing large fish, we went to the beach to swim, we would watch the stars and Northern lights. For the first time in forever, my life is perfect.
Your daughter,
Iduna
"How romantic," Anna exclaimed.
"It sounds like Father and Mother were having fun," Elsa agreed with a smile.
"I'm glad she finally was," Baldur thought out loud.
Dear Mother,
After a year of courting, the man I love has asked me to marry him. Arendelle's method of proposing is quite different from us. However, his way was even more romantic. I am being trained in the ways of a Queen to prepare me for my duties after our wedding. Agnarr has been made King. I can't wait to become Queen and stand by his side for the many years to come.
Your daughter,
Iduna
Dear Mother,
Arendelle just became flooded by the overflowing fjord. Several people have lost their homes. As Arendelle's monarchs, Agnarr and I opened the gates to those affected and helped rebuild their homes. During this, I came across a lost cat that obviously belonged to someone. I went from door to door until I found the owner. It warmed my heart to see someone so happy to be reunited with their loved one. This is the kind of Queen I want to be. In a position of power, I can help everyone.
Your daughter,
Iduna
Dear Mother,
I am pregnant. Agnarr is by my side as much as he can, but when he can't, he has assigned several maids to serve my every need. I love Agnarr dearly. Really, I do, Mother, but Agnarr need to relax. However, I am worried about this first pregnancy. I have helped you with other pregnant women at home and it wasn't like anything I saw. I should be sweating but I'm so cold. Even Gerda, the head maid is concerned but assures me I will be okay. I wish you were here, Mother. I wish you could tell me why this is happening to me.
Your daughter,
Iduna
"That must've been because of my powers," Elsa thought out loud before she continued.
Dear Mother,
Agnarr and I just had a beautiful girl we named Elsa. Something strange is happening with her. She has magic that creates snow and ice. We are trying our best to keep her magic a secret from the staff and the people, but I can feel the stress getting to Agnarr. We both are aware of how people can act around things they don't understand. So, in the meantime, we'll keep Elsa in the palace until she's old enough to understand why she can't show others. At least, not yet. Not until we understand them more.
Your daughter,
Iduna
Elsa stopped reading but looked at Anna when Anna put her hand on her shoulder. She kept reading. The last few entries were about that night, all except the final entry which made Elsa freeze and tear up. She held the journal closer to Anna so she could see.
Elsa and Anna,
If you are reading this, your Father and I have perished. Thank you for being born and blessing my life in so many ways. You have given me the greatest gift a woman can ever have, motherhood. My deepest regret is that I kept secrets from you, the secret about my past above all. Also, for the secret that kept you apart for so long. I hated having secrets. Especially when I had to keep them from you. The more I told myself it was out of love, the worse I felt. I have talked to your father and we came to a decision. In case something happens to us, I want to reveal the truth so you two can be reunited once again.
Anna, Elsa was born with magic. After an accident, the trolls had to alter your memories to keep you safe. Elsa isolated herself from you because she loves you. It was a mistake to keep you two apart. You would've found a way to help Elsa. I know you would've. There's nothing you can't do. Your love could hold up the world. Please, find Elsa and help her in the way your father and I failed to do.
Elsa, we never should have asked you to hide who you are, your gift. We neglected you and made you feel unwanted. I just wanted you to know how much I love you and Anna. I hid you from the world, but you two are my world. Please forgive us and be the better leaders Arendelle deserves.
Love,
Your Loving Mother, Iduna
Elsa and Anna looked at each other as they broke down in tears before they hugged one another. Baldur stayed quiet until he finally spoke up jokingly, "Okay, you two. Easy on the water works. I don't need my cabin flooded again."
Anna and Elsa laughed before rushing him and making him grunt when they hugged him.
(A/N: This was meant to be a more sentimental chapter for Elsa and Anna learning more about their mother. It was getting difficult to write as the chapter seemed to drag on. Sorry if that bothers anyone. XD)