~Chapter 11~
Elsa
Wind whipped at my face shortly after the light dissipated. I was quite out of it as I felt my stomach drop. As my eyes fluttered open, Niklas shook my arm.
"Elsa, wake up!" He cried.
The both of us were floating in the air and how or why I had no idea. As far as I could see we were in the clouds, but not descending as rapidly as I thought we would. I couldn't recognize anything around us. There was a spot of land mass below us surrounded by water.
"What happened?" I muttered, still dazed.
"We can worry about that later, mind blasting some ice platforms to break our fall?"
We were descending closer to the water now as I forced my hand out in front of me fighting against the pressure of the wind. Nothing came, but a hot sensation from the ring on my finger. My powers rejected my call for ice, but I kept trying. Again and again nothing came as the water loomed below.
"Elsa?" Niklas urged, "What's wrong?"
"I can't do it, something is blocking my power," I muttered.
Even falling into water at this speed would be lethal. I didn't give up until suddenly water swelled around us as we both splashed down into the depths. Not knowing how deep I was I kicked my legs hard to reach the surface. As I broke through the surface, my lungs sucked in the fresh air as I didn't get a good breath during the sudden descent. I flipped my hair back as my husband was treading water nearby.
"Elsa," He called, sounding stressed.
A few yards separated, but Niklas closed the gap between us quickly bringing his hand to my cheek.
"You okay?"
I nodded trying to ignore my racing heart inside my chest. It's like my heart was under attack or something. It wouldn't slow down or relax.
"Are you?" I asked.
"A little swim never hurt, but I think I'd rather do so without all the heavy clothes."
At least his sense of humor was intact. He was just coming to bed after the day when that light appeared after my conversation with my other self. Maybe that's why my mind was still racing. I was just in night attire and a robe, but as usual, even treading water in a windy location, I wasn't cold.
"Where are we?" I asked.
"Let's get to shore and find some dry clothes." Niklas nodded.
"But where is the shore?" I questioned.
A thick fog began to surround us and we both spun around trying to remember where that landmass was we saw as we were dropping overhead. I looked at my hands growing nervous. The ring I had found was still glowing blue. If only I could send out a trail of ice in every direction. Eventually, it was would strike against the land making a noticeable noise. The fog began to dissipate as I saw a faint treeline appear just above the declining fog cover. I swam ahead of Niklas as he followed right on my heels and even moved ahead of me being the faster swimmer. I was relieved where my feet touched the sand at the bottom of the water as we came onto a beach. Panting heavily, we wrung out our clothes and hair and tried to make heads or tails of this place.
"I don't recognize anything," I said.
"A forest is just that," Niklas shrugged, "Let's look around, we'll come across a town or something eventually and get a change of clothes."
I froze looking around thinking I heard something nearby. We weren't alone.
"Niklas, wait," I urged.
Suddenly, ice was shot at both our feet stopping us in our tracks. Then it grew stopping at our waists freezing us in place. I had never had ice magic used against me before. Niklas couldn't reach his belt for his sword and I was useless due to my power being blocked. Just ahead of us from the treetops, I could see a silhouette of a person hiding among the branches.
"Who are you and why are you here?" A woman's voice yelled.
She sounded younger, but I wouldn't say she wasn't a threat considering how she immobilized us in seconds.
"My name is Niklas and this is my wife, Elsa, and trust me, I wish I could answer why we're here, but there is no answer."
"It was an accident," I said, "We mean you no harm, we just want to get home."
The person leapt from the trees and out into the light as she flipped three times landing on her feet a few yards from us. Her dark hair was braided behind her left ear. Freckles were speckled over her cheeks beneath her intense blue eyes. This girl was a teenager.
"Strangers aren't welcome here unless approved by my father,"
"May we speak with him?" Niklas asked.
"I'm afraid that's-" She stopped glancing at the blue hue coming off my finger, "Where did you get that?"
"I found it,"
"You have power?"
"Y-Yes," I said timidly, glancing at Niklas. I wasn't sure if I should have kept that fact to myself or not.
"Father should decide what to do with you."
The young woman released us from the ice and urged us to follow her.
"Can I ask your name?"
"It's Iduna." She replied.
This was no coincidence. Her name was just as unique as the person herself. I had found my mother, but as a teenager. The light that dragged me away sent Niklas and I through time. As I looked down at the ring on my finger glowing blue, I knew how. An alarm was going off in my head was that Niklas and I naturally didn't belong here, so we had to leave. The ring was the way in, so it was going to be the way back as well. I didn't memorize the incantation before, so I would need to write it down again. Niklas grabbed my hand as Iduna led us through the woods. We weren't bound and didn't want to cause trouble.
"Her name-" Niklas whispered to me.
"Shh," I hushed quickly, "I know."
"So that ring pushed us through time?"
"I know."
"But why did it bring us here now?"
"I think it's because I was thinking of her," I said, "But that could have taken me even to my childhood."
"We have to be careful, I don't think we should share anything we don't have to with anyone."
"Agreed." I nodded.
Iduna pushed through a thicket of trees even needing to do some bush whacking with her sword that she had on her belt. Iduna suddenly stopped and turned back to look at us.
"Strangers can't know this place exists, father may hold trial."
"Where are we?" Niklas asked.
"My home, Ahtohallan." She replied.
We were standing on the edge of a cliff looking down into a fogged up pit. There were no signs of a village or any sort of structure. Most especially there was no ladder to take us down. Iduna closed her eyes and swirled her arms around summoning a stream of water from below. There must have been a pool of water or something.
"Step into the water," Iduna urged.
"You're joking," Niklas said, narrowing his eyes.
"I'll go," I said, "Ladies first after all," I shrugged.
Niklas gave my hand a squeeze and stepped in front me stepping into the water letting go of my hand insisting he went first. Not that we know what to expect, but an ambush wasn't out of the question. My husband in seconds vanished out of sight seemingly carried by the water and moments later the stream of water returned as Iduna glanced at me.
"Your turn," She smiled.
I didn't know much about my mother's life before she met father, but this accidental escapade was showing me I should have looked into it more. I stepped on the water as Iduna hopped behind me and suddenly the water moved and I felt like I was flying. We moved through the fog layer and I saw structures made from stone and even clay. I counted ten, so this place wasn't big, but the amount of people who met my gaze definitely didn't match the house count. Niklas greeted me first as the water brought me to the ground beside a pool. A nearby stream flowed into the pool from another source. Behind the houses into the mountainside of the cliff, I saw a cave opening. This place was mysterious and I still didn't know where Ahtohallan was located and I think that's how they wanted it. If this is where mother was from, it couldn't be too far from Arendelle.
Niklas gave me his hand to help me out of the pool and we were met with all eyes on us. We were strangers and everyone surrounding us knew it. Iduna urged us to follow her further into the village. It was so strange referring to her by her first name, but this woman was not my mother, at least, not yet.
"We won't stay and upset your people. Please, we'll just go." Niklas said.
"Your wife has power and my father needs to know, but I suppose I can get you out of your wet attire first." Iduna offered.
She let us through the main square as it was awkward with people's eyes fixated on us. Children were playing in the streets, but their mothers took them by the hand to put distance between them and us. A familiar face came rushing us through the crowd stepping out in front of Iduna stopping her with her arms out.
"What are you doing, Isidora?" Iduna complained.
She was younger, just like my mother, but I easily recognized my aunt. Sky blue ethereal robes she wore with a circlet of flowers around her head. A more regal look compared to Iduna who appeared as if she were going hunting with her leather tunic and black trousers.
"You know father wishes to see the visitors," Isidora urged.
"Yes, but they're sopping wet, I thought it would be a nice show of hospitality if-"
Isidora shot her arm up pointing to the nearby building that was up the hill by the cave on a slight incline.
"Father demands their presence now, Iduna. You know the rules."
Isidora seemed quite annoyed and her younger counterpart definitely matched the demeanor that I knew her to have when I first met the woman. It was a different relationship than that I had with Anna. Iduna didn't argue further and brought us up to the main building as Isidora followed behind us to make sure her sister brought us where she was supposed to. A roughly stitched drapery covered the entrance as Iduna held it open for us. It was a simple home with a contained campfire in the center with a single cot in the corner. There were stairs that I figured led to more rooms upstairs. An older man stood up behind the fire as the four of us approached. He rested her hands behind his back and locked eyes with me immediately. The most intimidating thing about him was his gaze. A bit disheveled in appearance with fine wrinkles on his face hidden behind a greying mustache and beard.
"Iduna," He called out, "These are the strangers?"
"Yes father, she has powers." Iduna answered.
He looked Niklas and I over head to toe scrutinizing us. Anna and I never knew our grandparents. Mother said she lost her father before we were born, but she never went into detail because it was painful and I didn't want to pry. I was preoccupied with learning to control my powers in any case.
"I'm Jarl Njal of Ahtohallan. What brings you here?"
Niklas stepped forward crossing his arm across his chest bowing politely.
"Sir, it is but an accident that we are here and we don't wish to cause any trouble. If my wife and I can get a change of clothes and perhaps trouble you for some writing materials, we will leave immediately."
Njal stepped toward us closing the gap as his daughters moved aside.
"Your clothes are not that of any farmer or merchant." Njal surmised, "You are of noble birth."
He was confident in his answer and seemingly certain. I wasn't going to try and lie and make him more distrustful of us. Niklas grabbed my hand.
"I'm a king." He said, "But it is a danger to know where from, so if I may be so bold as to ask you not to question that further."
Njal narrowed his gaze as he contemplated the request. He looked at me as I bowed my head feeling nervous though I had no idea why. Njal lifted my chin smiling wide.
"Your gaze is familiar to me. Why is that?"
"I don't know, sir." I muttered, "We've never met."
Njal spun around toward Iduna and then back at me taking note of the blue hue coming off my hand.
"There's power in this ring," He said abruptly, "May I see it?"
I slowly offered him my hand unsure of what he was curious about. Njal twisted my hand this way and that trying to read the script though as I was already aware, it was hard to read while worn. He gripped the ring trying to pull it off, but he looked up at me when it didn't budge. Secretly I was hoping he would know how to get this thing off so I could use my ice magic again, it was strange to be blocked from it. As he tried to pull, I felt an intense heat building and Njal quickly released my hand as I'm sure it was hurting him.
"You're a traveler?" He questioned looking up at me.
"Thanks to this ring, my given power from birth was ice magic," I replied.
"Elsa," Niklas scolded, clearly not wanting me to reveal too much to these people from the past.
"This ring should be destroyed once it's removed. It holds power to move across time and that in and of itself can lead to disaster." Njal said.
"How do you know these things?" I asked.
"I tried to learn such power, but my late wife was the price of that knowledge. Messing around with time can be dangerous and can distort your very existence. I urge you to be careful and don't go to places that are in your reality."
"We'll be careful." Niklas nodded.
"Father," Isidora interrupted, "I don't wish to be rude, but they should leave. Their presence here is a threat to Ahtohallan."
"If we could trouble you for a change of clothes, we'd be happy to leave. The use of this ring was merely an accident. Once we're home, I have no intention of using it again." I said.
"You should stay the night here in the village," Njal said.
"Father," Isidora complained, but he silenced her by holding up his hand.
"Iduna, get them a change of clothes and show them to a guest chamber. We have dinner in a few hours."
"We appreciate your hospitality," I said.
"But we don't want to cause you trouble." Niklas added.
"It's no trouble, it's the least I can do for family." Njal replied.
Sharp as a tack this man. I figured he put it together by being so focused on my eyes. I take after mother after all and so does Anna.
"I wasn't trying to be deceptive," I muttered.
"I know," He said.
"Are they distant cousins, father?" Iduna asked.
Njal winked at me before nodding toward my mother. He so quickly acknowledged and accepted the truth.
"How did you know?" Niklas whispered.
"I have visions though they are often unclear. I knew I'd meet two strangers today and my vision told me you were trustworthy."
"Convenient visions," Niklas replied.
Njal gestured to Iduna and she began to lead the way out. Niklas followed in front of me, but stopped as Njal grabbed my hand.
"Take care, my dear. Rings of power such as this are drawn to strong magic. It clings to your finger because you wish to use it so."
"It was an accident," I nodded.
"I know, so you've said, but you shouldn't change the past. Everything happens for a reason. All magic has a price."
"Trust me, I know that all too well. My price was growing up alone and in isolation."
"I see, well, see you at dinner." Njal urged releasing my hand as I rejoined my husband as we followed Iduna out.
"I don't like this," Niklas whispered as he put his arm around the small of my back.
"He knows we're family. It's nice to know we have an ally." I said.
"I'm not talking about that," Niklas said.
We were trailing behind Iduna as she led us into the village square and she stopped as she looked back at us.
"Hurry up, slowpokes."
I didn't really take a good look at the village square when we came by earlier. There was a statue of a man made from clay. Flowers were grown at his feet. I'd ask Iduna about it later because now I was distracted by all sorts of magic on display. Kids running around at lightning speed. I saw a man change into a dog to corral a small herd of sheep into their pen. A young woman transformed into a different person before my eyes. All types of magic on display here and I was only used to seeing the elemental kind. Iduna brought us to a new building in the village. Fully furnished and filled with people also staying inside. I didn't know whether it was an inn or if this is how the village lived in large community housing. Up the stairs and Iduna opened the last door on the left. Small quarters with a table and some chairs and a large bed in the corner within the same space. The table had a few books and some paper and a quill with an ink bottle beside it. Tight quarters to say the least. There was a wardrobe across from the bed against the wall as Iduna showed us where to find the change of clothes.
"Well, see you at dinner. Sorry, it's not much." She shrugged as she looked out the small window on the vacant wall.
"Thanks Iduna," Niklas said.
"Sure thing," She said, still gazing out the window.
"Looking for someone?" I asked, curiously.
She snapped her attention back from the window.
"Just looking out," She shrugged, "Well, I must go. See you at dinner."
Leaving us alone, Niklas began rifling through the wardrobe. He pulled out some black trousers and a linen tunic that was dark brown. I found a dress that was grey.
"A limited color selection, but at least they're dry." I shrugged.
We both got dressed and I know we both were excited to finally get in some dry clothes. My dress was fitted as Niklas helped secure the laces at my back. Once they were securely fastened, I spun around to face him.
"Well now that we stick out less, I think it would be good to explore this place more. I'd like to find out more about this man depicted in that statue that they revere."
Niklas inhaled sharply pinching the bridge of his nose before taking my hands in his.
"Elsa, you realize we can't stay here, right?"
His question was direct and I could see the fear in his eyes.
"Of course," I nodded, "Njal's warning was clear, we won't linger and leave in the morning."
"No Elsa, I mean, let's leave tonight. We can show our face at dinner, but then we should be gone."
"Niklas, my family is here."
He shook his head as he sat me down on the edge of the bed.
"Elsa, what about your sister, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven? They are our family as are my siblings, Hans, and Aria. Have you forgotten?"
I narrowed my eyes.
"I haven't forgotten, but if I-"
"We're in the past!" Niklas interrupted, "The longer we're here, the more dangerous it is. Your grandfather said so."
"But here in the past, there might be answers to our future."
"How do you figure?"
"My grandfather sees visions. I was even wondering if I could take my mother back with us and my father when we find him here."
"Elsa, enough!" Niklas shouted.
His fear was making him angry and it was a side I rarely saw in him. I recoiled and he quickly cupped his face in his hands exhaling calmly.
"Look, I'm sorry, but as king, I have to think of Arendelle and the frost that's already growing there. Taking on consequences of time is too much."
"Put the king aside," I said raising my voice, "What does my husband say?"
"You're being reckless and every moment here is hurting us and I want to leave. The sooner, the better."
"Fine," I said.
I rose to my feet trying to stay calm and went to the door reaching for the handle.
"Where you going?" Niklas asked.
"Don't follow me," I said, bluntly.
I left the room going downstairs and outside the house. Niklas did as I asked and left me alone. We both needed time to cool off. I understood where he was coming from, but clearly he hadn't experienced a great loss before. What you would do to have that person back? I lost them once at sea and then again leaving them in the Black Hallows. My mother was young in this time, so it was only a matter of time until I saw my father. I would bring them home and figure out the frost endangering my family and my home.
Seeing the use of magic power on display in Ahtohallan was very freeing for me. Such a difference from what's in Arendelle. Anna and I are the only people with power to speak of, but maybe in the past there were more magic users, so after so many years, what happened to them all? I passed by a child who grew flowers with every step she took and when she saw me, this little girl smiled, waved, and handed me a lily. I thanked her and went on my way pondering my thoughts about what to do moving forward. I understood Niklas's concern, but I refuse to be overshadowed in a cloud of fear gaining freedom from that years ago and never looking back. Though every decision while Niklas and I were here in the past was important. Njal warned about visiting places we knew, so staying here in Ahtohallan was paramount. If we didn't go to Arendelle or the Southern Isles, there was nothing to be concerned with. After circling the village a few times, I spotted Isidora walking up the hill behind where Njal met us and going into the cave. Curiously, I followed keeping distance between us. There were no patrols or guards, so I kept to the shadows and went inside the cave. The inside of this cavern was huge, bigger than it appeared on the outside and it went deep even sloping downhill. I had to watch my step because if I slid, the rocks beneath my feet would notify to my presence falling below. Though luckily the ground leveled out and I could keep my distance safely. Isidora entered an extended cavern where she was alone with her father, Njal. A pool of water lay beneath them and I wondered if there was a waterfall somewhere nearby or was it a natural hot spring. Though the air was clear and devoid of steam. Njal was facing her though he was staring forward blankly.
"Father?" She called, shaking him, "Your visions are increasing, should I be worried?"
Njal seemed to come out of his trance and patted Isidora's hand.
"All is well, Isidora, be still."
"How can I?" She snapped, "Your visions are increasing probably due to those two strangers showing up. Plus, Iduna keeps venturing outside Ahtohallan."
"Again?" Njal inquired.
"That man from Arendelle across the sea to the south who shipwrecked here those months ago. He keeps returning to see her."
"This is unacceptable. Iduna cannot be distracted for what's to come. My visions have been warning me of something that has yet come to pass, so I want to make sure your sister is well prepared."
"You need to tell her, father," Isidora urged.
"Yes, I've waited too long, but I didn't want to burden her. She is so young."
"I wish I could take the burden from her," Isidora murmured.
"Your marriage to Colin will strengthen our alliances. Marriages formed between two users of magical power are not so easily broken."
"But why Iduna, father? I'm the eldest, it should be my responsibility."
"Your sister is more suited for the role, besides Colin has already distracted you, hasn't he?"
"To be fair, you arranged us,"
"But more came from it, yes?" Njal raised a brow.
"I love him," Isidora replied.
"I know," Njal added, with a warm smile.
It was interesting seeing my aunt in this new light considering her demeanor when we first met in Creawood and of course, we never knew she, Aksel, and Royan existed.
"When will you tell her?"
"Tomorrow," He replied, "I've put this off for as long as I could, but a wicked presence is on the move and your sister must be ready."
"We'll help her," Isidora nodded.
Isidora was about to leave and moved to hug her father and I took this opportunity to leave quietly. Leaving the cave, I quickly curved around the opening several paces before Isidora came out. She didn't see me since it was dark along the cave path. I caught my breath before casually walking back through the village. My aunt talking so fondly about Colin stirred my heart with regret. I took my time to cool off and now it was time to make it right with Niklas. I refused to let any bitterness or argument fester. Finding my way back to our guesthouse and room, there I found Niklas on the bed resting with one arm behind his head. He didn't stir as I came into the room and I sat beside him pulling my legs off the floor and gently laid my head against his chest. I could hear his steady heartbeat thumping, but he then groaned finally stirring awake. He looked down at me as we both sat up. Silence remained between us. I didn't like this, it wasn't like us at all.
"Elsa," He finally muttered.
"Please," I said holding up my hand and silencing him, "Let me go first,"
He closed his mouth nodding for me to speak. Tears filled my eyes as I tried to blink them away locking my gaze with his.
"I'm sorry," I choked out, "I'm endangering your life by focusing on my mother so much, I've been selfish. Niklas-," I paused, "Please forgive me."
Tears streamed down my cheeks finally releasing right before Niklas cupped my face in his hands and wiped my cheeks with his thumbs.
"There is nothing to forgive, Elsa. You have every right and desire to see your parents.
I nodded as I placed my hand on top of his.
"We just have to stay focused." He nodded.
"Let's rewrite that incantation so we can return after dinner tonight."
"Okay." He agreed.
Niklas wrote down the letters that I told him after examining my ring once again. The blue hue coming off of it and it even was growing warmer, though not burning me the least. After writing down each word, Niklas flipped the paper over just in case of prying eyes. There were other people staying in this building after all. Then we just sat and talked and Niklas even brought up a subject that I didn't expect.
"Elsa," He paused, chewing on his lip nervously squeezing my hand, "You have grieved your parents, right?"
"Huh?" I asked incredulously, "Of course, I have."
"First the storm where they were feared dead, but then pulled into the Black Hallows where they sacrificed themselves to get the rest of us out and I know that was quite a bit to deal with."
I bit my lip looking away.
"I don't need the reminder of how they passed," I said simply.
Niklas raised his hand to my cheek urging me to turn toward him. Reluctantly, I did so as more tears streamed down my cheeks.
"Elsa, I'm just saying, use this moment in time to see your mother in her youth, but then let her go. We can't change what has already passed."
"I know, you're right," I nodded, "It's dangerous to dream sometimes. I'm just discovering how little I knew about her. Growing up my powers consumed everyone's attention and eventually Anna's power as well."
"We'll find out more together, in time." He smiled, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
As we finished our discussion, a cowbell rang out announcing the dinner for everyone in the village. I rose from the bed as Niklas followed my lead before offering me his arm.
"Hungry?" He asked
"Starving," I winked as we strode out our guest room and toward the main square where the citizens of Ahtohallan were setting up tables and chairs. One long table was put in the center as plates of food were set upon it. A cooking spit was cooking a large pig that was ready to be served. Niklas held my hand as we sat down by one of the tables. Isidora quickly found us amongst the rest of the Ahtohallan crowd tapping our shoulders.
"Father wishes you to sit by us, seeing that you are family."
Eyes of the locals were constantly fixated on us, such much attention was never anything positive.
"Are you sure that's wise?" Niklas asked looking around.
"If you have the favor of the Jarl, you will get less attention from everyone else," Isidora answered.
"It'll be fine," I told Niklas, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
My aunt moved us to the head table and as Njal gestured for us to sit on his left, there was a vacant seat between him and us. Scanning the crowd, my mother Iduna was nowhere to be seen. Njal urged dinner to begin as utensils began to make noise against the plates. It grew loud due to the conversation, but it was an interesting experience to dine outdoors with everyone unlike in a grand hall like we in Arendelle so often did. Even if it rained they were prepared with stitched together linen canopies to pitch into the ground overhead. As serving dishes came around, I didn't realize how hungry I was until my plate was full of steaming hot food. The scents hit my nose and it wasn't long before my mouth was watering. In moments, the crowd grew quiet as my mother Iduna joined us. Njal looked anything but pleased as his daughter strode in beside him wearing a new accessory in a color I had yet to see anywhere in Ahtohallan. A bright magenta scarf, rather shawl because of its length draped around her shoulders comfortably. It was stunning, but I think it was drawing negative attention. Mother came and sat down between me and her father and began plating food.
"What's everyone's problem?" Niklas leaned toward me in a whisper.
"I'm not sure, but I'm guessing magenta isn't a popular color." I shrugged.
Everyone went on about their business as Iduna sat down and the dinner service continued. Njal wasn't hiding his disapproval of my mother's scarf. Their arguing wasn't even discreet. Once Njal had enough he sat back in his chair in a huff looking irritated before getting up from his seat and left the dining area.
"I like your scarf," I whispered to Iduna.
She smiled weakly, clearly upset.
"Glad somebody here can appreciate it."
"Something like that isn't made here, right? I mean, don't get me wrong, if it is, I would like to get one for myself." I winked.
"It was a gift from someone who lives far from here." She replied.
Isidora glanced our way rolling her eyes. I knew what she and Njal didn't approve of.
"Iduna, is the scarf from Agnarr?" I whispered cautiously.
My mother began coughing surprised by my question patting her chest before taking a drink of water. She turned toward me in disbelief.
"H-How do you know that name?"
"I overheard your father," I nodded,
"Father doesn't approve of meeting people from the outside of Ahtohallan, especially those without power."
"Do you know why?"
"Father saw a vision of a strange omen years ago. The words he spoke were quite ominous,"
"What words?" Niklas chimed in.
"Two worlds that collide will bring an age of calamity. If the dead rise, there will be a shift in power. Where ice and fire collide, a sister will change the line of succession. Two siblings, one to bring about new life, and the other ushers forth an age of pain."
I had heard this before from myself. The night before my wedding to Niklas. Maybe I was meant to come here after all. I thought she referred to me and Anna, but perhaps it was my mother and my aunt in the past. This revelation confirmed it and suddenly I felt as if a huge weight was lifted.
"Elsa?" Iduna murmured.
I shook myself from my musings snapping back to attention.
"Right, sorry. You're right, Iduna. Those words are quite foreboding."
"I can't help it wanting to meet people especially on the outside. Father is preparing for something and I understand discretion, but this isolation is extreme."
"Trust me, I get the pressures of isolation." I nodded.
Niklas put his hand on my shoulder as we continued eating. Iduna hurried off shortly after finishing her meal disappearing again. I wondered if my father was close by unbeknownst to Njal. I recognized my mother's mischievous grin and she took her scarf with her disappearing.
"You shouldn't encourage her," Isidora told me.
"You're right, you're her sister. It should be you."
"But you're her-" Isidora began to say before stopping herself short, "you know what, nevermind."
She cleared her plate before rising to her feet in a gruff.
"Isidora, we appreciate your hospitality," I told her.
She slowly nodded her head before leaving the table. Niklas and I had eaten our fill and it wasn't long before he grabbed my hand.
"You ready?" He asked.
"Yeah, I think I am."
We excused ourselves returning to our room in the guesthouse closing the door behind us. I grabbed the paper I wrote the ring's incantation on earlier and looked it over before folding the page and putting in my pocket. Niklas took my hands in his looking at me seriously.
"Time to go home, though I have to say it was fun getting to jump to the past with you."
I kissed his cheek before I read the incantation, but I wasn't thinking about home. I was thinking about my parents as the familiar blinding blue light appeared.