As time passes, what will become ofDenmark and the other Nordics...?

Norway's P.O.V.

The spring in which Denmark gave America protective custody of Greenland had long since passed. I had since then been invaded and captured by German troops as well. I'll never forget when first saw him since the War had begun.

He was shivering. Sweat moistened his brow. When he breathed, I could hear a faint crackling sound from within his lungs. He sat on the bed in the room, the blankets wrapped tightly around his shoulders. He looked over at me and gave me his best attempt to smile. "Hey, Norge."

This wasn't him. This couldn't possibly be Denmark. The Dane I knew was loud and obnoxious and carefree. This man was pale and sick. Could he really be the same man I knew once before?

He turned back and watched the snow fall out the window. "How goes the state of neutrality?"

I looked away. His voice was raw and scratchy. "Well, it can't be going all that well considering I got captured, can it?"

He laughed a bit, but the laugh quickly brought out a harsh cough that racked his lungs. I patted his back, hoping it would help the least bit. "Dane, what happened?"

He took in a ragged breath. "Once Germany took over… My economy has been declining…" He looked at me with his once-wild, now-weary blue eyes. "I had to give Greenland up, Norge…"

I nodded, not really knowing what to say. I remembered when Denmark first brought Greenland home as a little girl, a newly-founded colony. None of us ever thought he would be such a good big brother to her. They were always so close. I had heard about his separation with Greenland before, and I knew his economy was suffering to some extent, but I had no idea it was this bad.

He looked back out the window as the snow continued to drift through the frigid winter winds. I could tell by the distant look in his eyes what he was thinking about. "I miss her, Norge… Do you think I did the right thing?"

I had never seen him so open and vulnerable before, not even around Greenland. I sat next to him and followed his gaze out the window. "Yes. I think you did. America may be hyperactive and hard-headed, but he's a strong country. He'll take care of her, I know it."

He closed his eyes and swallowed thickly. "I… I would give anything… to see her right now…" There was a short silence before he went into another coughing fit. I patted him firmly on the back a few more times. He looked at me again. "How are the others? I heard Finland went to battle with Russia. Is he alright?"

I nodded. "Sweden sent troops and supplies to his aid. I'm sure he'll pull through. He has a sensitive side, but he knows how to handle himself in a gunfight."

He replied with a "Hm" before looking out the window again. Then he asked, "How's Iceland?"

I sat quietly for a moment… Iceland was still neutral, or so he claimed himself to be. Denmark and I were neutral before, and where did that get us? "He's… He'll be fine, I'm sure."

He was silent again. I never thought I'd miss hearing his booming voice blasting through the silence. Now, here he sat, gazing at the snow falling. His health must have been worse than I thought. After a while, he laid back and forced himself to go to sleep. I sat in the room a while longer thinking. What will become of us? What will happen after the War? Will my economy fail me as well? Will I ever see Iceland again?

Wait… Where did that last thought come from? I admit, I'm worried about my little brother, but…

I looked over at the sleeping Danish man. He was curled up on his side, now muttering in his sleep. He was a mess. A downright mess. Not only did he have to face economic downfall, but he had to face the absence of his little sister, forever worrying about her well-being. War could really change a man in a number of ways. I also found my own thoughts swimming in anxiety for Iceland's safety now that I could no longer be there to protect him. True, he was a self-ruling country now, but he was still my brother. My gaze turned once again to the frost-covered window.

Iceland… Please be safe.

Chapter five, there it is! What will become of Denmark and Norway? Will Iceland suffer the same fate? Only time will tell!