#agduna week 2020 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

fericita-s · 5 years ago

Text

The End

This is the last chronological story in When All is Lost, by @the-spastic-fantastic and me so...prepare yourselves. It’s sad. We'll add in more stories to round out the series, and will post here and on Tumblr.

@the-spastic-fantastic, I have thoroughly enjoyed this collaboration with you; you’re a fantastic writer and editor and brainstormer. So let's keep going with lots of AUs and fluff pieces. The End is not The End.

@queen-iduna-of-arendelle @legacy-from-lies This is for Agduna week; thanks for organizing!!

***

“It has to be me. I have to go find it. Maybe Ahtohallan will only open to a Northuldra, and that’s why Elias’s ship was lost to the sea.” Iduna had waited to say this until they were in bed, sated and sleepy. Agnarr instantly sat up, pushing her arms from around him and shaking his head.

“No. Iduna, no. It’s too dangerous.” She reached for him again, but he got out of bed and stood up out of her reach. She followed him, standing up and putting her hands on his shoulders.

“I know! I know it is. And that’s why we can’t ask anyone else to go. It’s been a year and the kingdom has barely recovered from the deaths. No one else can die on our account.” She put her hands on his face now, rubbing his cheeks with her thumbs, putting her forehead against his chin.

He again pulled out of her grasp, and began pacing the room. "So I’ll go. I’ll lead the trip, take a small crew.” She shook her head, tears beginning to fall, hands limp at her sides, knowing her touch was not welcome just now. “You've already saved my life once. Let me spare you this. I will go; you stay with our daughters."

“No. Absolutely not.” She could not stop her tears, but she was determined to stop him. “You’ll not go sailing towards death in the hope that Ahtohallan will know you.”

He came to her now, his voice softer. He took her hands in his and looked into her eyes. “I’ll go. I’ll find it. I can’t send anyone else to die in our stead. Even you.”

“But you can die? Agnarr, what of our girls? We can’t leave them alone. We can’t do that to them.” They held each other, and it reminded Iduna of the day he proposed, when he held her in his arms, cupped her face, and said I’m listening. But now he wasn’t listening. He would not let her do this. And just as part of her was heartbroken, but of her was relieved.

He looked at her steadily, despair on his face. “They already are alone. And you’re right, we can’t leave them like that. We have to fix this. For Elsa and for Anna.”

She took a deep breath. “Together. We’ll do it together.”

He nodded. “Alright. Together. Everything good in my life has come from knowing you. How can this be anything but good?”

Her tears fell heavily and she knew. She knew what it could be. But she didn’t know what else to do.

***

A tight hug from Anna. Iduna breathed in the earthy smell of her, enjoying the warmth of her head and the thin line of dirt under Anna’s nails from where she had been digging in the garden. She thought about how Anna used to always have worms in her pockets on gardening days and found that the memory brought tears to her eyes.

Down the stairs, they paused to say goodbye to Elsa.

“Do you have to go?” Elsa asked quietly. She curtsied and stayed a step away from them. She hadn’t let them touch her in five years.

Agnarr tried to put as much warmth and care in his words as he could, willing them to surround her in a comforting hug since she would not allow him to embrace her. “You’ll be fine Elsa.”

***

They were getting closer. Iduna could feel it somehow, and the song she used to sing to beckon the Wind Spirit had been swirling around her dreams while on the ship. But each time they got towards the tower of ice in the distance, they were pushed back by some invisible force, like the mist surrounding the stones.

“Is it a barrier? What keeps us from getting there?” Agnarr leaned into the wind, Iduna tucked under one arm. He braced himself on the side of the ship, raising a hand to shield from the pelting rain.

“The waves are too high!” Iduna wiped her mouth, the sea water on her lips tasting like tears.

“We keep going for Elsa; we won’t give up when we are so close.”

A wave crashed onto the deck. Iduna thought she heard the sound of horse hooves, but that wasn’t possible. A brush of wind pushed her hair back and she saw Agnarr look over her shoulder as the boat tilted down.

“Iduna!” water crashed over them, and he held her, her head against his chest, the fabric of his coat wet. His hands gripped her tightly.

“Agnarr!” She shouted back. The ship was tilting at a crazy angle as it went impossibly high and Iduna had the sudden thought they were climbing a mountain of water. It was the feeling she’d had as a child when the Earth Giants would build with rock as she jumped higher and higher still, finally jumping off to be caught by the wind. But the spirits would not intervene today; they’d hadn’t in over twenty years.

“I love you!” He shouted to be heard over the sound of waves and wind. Her ear was inches from his mouth but he wasn’t sure she heard him until he heard her shouted reply.

“I love you!”

As the waves crashed around them, Agnarr wished there was a way he could leave something behind to tell Anna and Elsa how much they were loved, how they would gladly sail through anything to ensure their safety.

Iduna wished the Wind Spirit would come and lift their ship out of the waves and set it on dry land, rescuing them as it had once rescued them from battle. But the fierce wind was not her friend; it ripped the sails and pulled her hair, and she knew the words she spoke into it would not make their way to her daughters, even though she wished they would. “I love you, I love you, I love you.”

#agduna #agduna week 2020 #agduna 2020 #when all is lost #mama and papa arendelle #frozen fan fic #king agnarr #queen iduna #the end #scene from frozen #lost at sea

39 notes · View notes

multimxsings · 5 years ago

Photo

Tiny spoiler or one of my upcoming fanfics for Agduna Week 2020.

You bet she’s gonna do something heroic and stupid ;D

#iduna #agduna week 2020 #frozen #disney #drawings

31 notes · View notes

postbasket · 5 years ago

Text

Agduna Week Day 4: Color Day

Hosts: myself and @multimxsings

NOTE: Incredibly short, nothing of much substance.. here it is..

To Agnarr, she was the sky. His sky. He would become lost in her eyes, at the sound of her voice, she was his everything. And her hair, once a reddish brown in color now a lovely shade of dark brown, it highlighted her face and he would run his fingers through it with a loving smile. Be the two sharing a plush cushioned chair in the study while they read togethet, or in the early morning before leaving the warmth of the bed beside her.

The last thing he saw, as the waves tossed the ship about in anger, was Iduna moving closer to his chest. He held her, tears falling down his face. This was their fate, together for all eternity.

"Iduna!"

"Agnarr!"

To Iduna, he was the earth. Her rock. His eyes of grass green, they calmed her when she was stressed. His strawberry blonde hair, once as gold as the sun, made him look very handsome. His voice, deep and calming, made her feel love when he heard it. Him calling her name, laughing with her and their daughters, him reading to her in the library.. It was everything to her. He was everything.

She heard the crashing of thunder, the pushing of the waves- Iduna curled into his chest, tears mixed with rain water as it rushed down her face.

"Iduna!"

"Agnarr!"

And, after that, all they saw was the black void of nothingness.

#agduna week #agduna week 2020 #agduna #tag #day 4 #color day #short story #...

18 notes · View notes

hungryhungryhippo3 · 5 years ago

Text

The Northern Lights

this is embarrassingly late but here’s my submission for day one of agduna week: first!! thank you to @queen-iduna-of-arendelle and @legacy-from-lies for hosting :))

a quick summary: it’s iduna’s 17th birthday, and agnarr has planned a surprise for her. this is the first time they’ve gotten to truly hang out alone, and poor kid is suffering trying to keep his feelings for himself. i also gotta say, while this is mostly canon-compliant, i wrote this within the same universe as another agduna fic i’m working where agnarr and iduna met months prior to the big fight at the start of the film, and actually got the chance to become friends. i’m saying this because it may or may not be relevant later in this story 👀 lots of fluff, lots of pining, lots of lovesick monologuing. i hope you guys like it :))

i give you... the northern lights...

***

“If I had known you were going to drag me out into the woods in the middle of the night, I wouldn’t have agreed to this.”

Agnarr chuckled as he dismounted. In the three turbulent years of reign, he had developed the ability to renounce himself in favour of the Crown, but somehow only Iduna had the ability to recall his humanity. He almost scoffed at his weakness; only a few hours ago, he had been able to work his way out of a high pressure situation with the Coronian Navy without breaking a sweat. But ironically, now that he finally had the chance to be properly alone for the first time with the person he most wanted to be around, he could barely keep his composure.

He secured his horse before turning towards Iduna and helping her dismount from hers. He was grateful for his riding gloves; his palms had increasingly grown clammy for the past hour whilst they rode to the spot he had prepared, and the last thing he needed was to scare her away with his sweaty hands. “You know, a little faith in me wouldn’t hurt,” he said, practically leaping at the chance to fall back into their usual banter. A little normalcy was exactly what he needed to help assuage his nerves. “Besides, I thought you liked the woods.”

“I do like the woods,” she said, securing her own horse. “I also like being in the warmth of my bed, especially at this time of night.”

Panic flared up within him. “Are you cold? I’m so sorry, I should’ve told you we’d be out here-”

She cut him off with a giggle and pulled out her purple scarf from her saddle bag. “I came prepared,” she said, wrapping it around her shoulders. “You worry way too much about things going wrong.”

She came to stand beside him, and he automatically reached out to adjust her braid from under her scarf. She flashed him a grateful smile, and his heart skipped a beat. “Yeah, well, when there’s an entire kingdom relying on you to keep things running smoothly, one can never be too careful,” he said, leading them down the path he had spent the past few weeks memorising. “Are you sure that scarf is enough for you?”

“Absolutely, it’s actually quite warm,” she replied. Then her voice softened. “And you know you don’t have to be the King around me, right? You do enough worrying back at home.”

In the darkness of the trees, he smiled as warmth blossomed in his chest. He had known for some time now that Iduna was more to him than just a friend, but he was afraid of openly pursuing her. Not only would it bring her more unwanted attention from the aristocratic vipers at court, but she had never given him any indication that she was interested in him. She was his best friend, and he didn’t want to lose her because of a stupid crush.

But that didn’t mean he couldn’t secretly relish in these quiet conversations and fleeting moments where her undivided attention was on him. Yes, he was pathetic for pining after her like a lovesick schoolboy; his other friends never failed to remind him. But Agnarr, by nature, had always worn his heart on his sleeve and followed his emotions. And when his birthright and duty were constantly demanded cold and unfeeling leadership from him, there was no harm in this tiny solace with her, where he was free to truly feel.

“I’ve been thinking,” Iduna said, pulling him out of his thoughts. “I think we need to update your name.”

“My name?” he echoed.

“Yeah,” she replied. “King Ribbon Boy doesn’t really cut it anymore.”

That caught his attention. He stopped in his tracks and turned around to face her, shocked. She had been calling him by an array of nicknames ever since they were fourteen, but King Ribbon Boy had been her favourite. He had long stopped letting it irk him, and only argued back half-heartedly from time to time. Although he’d never admit it for obvious reasons, he had eventually come to like the nicknames she gave him. As far as he knew, he was the only person she had them for. “You’re not serious.”

The corners of her lips twitched into a smirk and she strode past him. “You don’t really wear ribbons anymore. It’s not really accurate to keep calling you that,” she mused.

“Oh, so now you think it’s inaccurate?” he spluttered, jogging to catch up.

“Ever since you turned seventeen, you’ve stopped wearing them altogether,” she said, her eyes sparkling playfully as she glanced up at him.

He scoffed. “Yeah, because they’re childish,” he muttered.

“I’m gonna pretend you didn’t just disrespect ribbons to my face,” she said. He shot her a strange look. Her smirk widened when she saw his expression, and she shifted closer ever so slightly until their shoulders were brushing together. Despite the layers of clothing between them, every nudge sent a jolt through his arm. “Anyway the point is, we need to update your name. Keep things fresh and modern.”

“I really don’t think this is necessary,” he argued back half-heartedly.

“Oh, I’ve got it!” She strode ahead and stood in front of him, forcing him to stop. Her eyes were shining excitedly. “King Shoulder Fringes!” she burst out.

He blinked at her stunned. Almost unconsciously, he reached for the golden fringes on his shoulder. Most of the time, he didn’t really care much for the way he dressed; Sir Stefan would usually choose his outfit for the day, and he would allow the servants to dress him without complaint. In fact, he had initially balked when Stefan had him wear a bunad with the shoulder fringes for a dinner with some of their allies in the west. He had thought it stupid and distracting. But that had been before he had seen Iduna later that evening and she had told him that it made his shoulders look more manly.

“You wear them all the time now,” she continued.

Agnarr quickly grabbed her hand and continued along, determinedly facing away from her to hide the blush he was sure had appeared on his cheeks. “I… do not,” he grumbled.

It was the truth. They were quite distracting during meetings, and he steered clear of them whenever he needed to make a discreet walk throughout the streets. He only wore them when he knew he was going to see her.

“You wear them enough,” she replied airily. “King Shoulder Fringes. I think I like it. It draws inspiration from an iconic Agnarr-style clothing element just like King Ribbon Boy, but it also signifies growth as you transition into a more matured, more individual phase of your life, as reflected in your clothing choices. Rather than simply wearing whatever outfit is presented before you, you’ve progressed into making your own choices and asserting your preferences. It’s very fitting.”

He looked towards her, impressed by how easily she was able to come up with that. I can’t believe this is the girl I’ve fallen in love with. “You are unbelievable,” he said, unable to keep the awestruck smile from his lips.

Her eyes met his and she returned his smile. “I’m taking that as a compliment,” she said.

Soon enough, they came to the spot he had prepared; a small clearing at the top of a hillside, half enclosed by trees. Lanterns hung about on the branches of the trees cast the whole clearing in a soft glow, and there was a small picnic laid out in the centre. Agnarr watched anxiously from the treeline as Iduna walked into the clearing, taking in the whole sight. Although it didn’t seem like much, he had been losing sleep over this night for weeks now, perhaps more than any of the other political engagements on his schedule.

Finally, she looked back at him, her icy blue eyes sparkling with wonder, and suddenly, all those weeks of preparation and anxiousness were worth it. “This was the surprise you’ve been worrying about all along?”

He reminded himself how to breathe and followed after her, his heart so full of happiness that he thought he might explode. “Happy birthday, Iduna,” he said softly.

For a moment, neither of them said a word. Then, all at once, she came rushing towards him, throwing her arms around his shoulders and burying her face in his chest. He stumbled a little at the suddenness, but he found his balance and hesitantly wrapped his arms around her waist.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, looking up at him. For once, she was looking at him without the usual veneer of reservation that she usually carried everywhere she went, and the full force of her happiness and admiration was almost enough to bring him to his knees. “I… You don’t understand how much this means to me. Thank you.”

It was the closest they had ever been. Agnarr could smell the scent of herbs and earth in her hair, and see each individual freckle over her nose. The warmth of her body was seeping through his clothes, and his senses were heady with her. His heart was racing so fast, he was sure she could feel it in his chest. And in that moment, despite how fleeting and pathetic it was of him, he allowed himself to believe that she could really be his.

“This isn’t even the best part,” he said, unable to help his smile.

Her mouth fell open. “You’re kidding.”

His smile grew wider and he (painstakingly) released her, before guiding her over to the picnic spot. Then he gestured to the sky. She followed his gaze and gasped; the first hints of the Borealis were beginning to appear, streaking across the sky unobstructed by any buildings or chimney smoke as often was the case in Arendelle.

“You always said you wished you didn’t have to wait for the first of the northern lights on your own,” he said after a moment.

She looked back at him in shock, her eyes shining with unfettered yet inexplicable emotion. Then she smiled, the brightest smile he had ever seen. “Agnarr, you are unbelievable.”

It was all he could do not to declare his love for her at that very moment. Never before had his heart ached so deeply to be with her.

Mercifully, she turned back towards the lights, and Agnarr recollected his wits. He really needed to calm down. He couldn’t keep breaking down like this every time she so much as looked at him.

Eventually, they sat down on the small blanket where the food was laid out and began to eat, making idle conversation in between. Most of the time, they sat there wordlessly, in awe of the magnificent green and purple hues before them.

Although he had never really taken an interest in the lights in the same way Iduna did, he found himself drawn to them more and more often as of late. He couldn’t shake the sense that somehow, something significant had happened to him as he watched the lights. It was the same feeling he got whenever he thought about the elusive girl in his dreams, the only thing he seemed to remember from his time in the Enchanted Forest. The vaguest outline of a memory, so faint that it could be mistaken for a dream, that for some reason resonated within him as important, yet whose specifics he could never fully grasp.

“Sometimes when I look at the lights, I get this really weird sense of deja-vu,” he said. In his periphery, she looked at him curiously. “I’ve never told anyone this before, but I, I have this… vague memory, almost like a dream, of watching the lights with someone. I can never remember their face, or their name, or what their voice sounded like… But this person, a girl, I think, she tells me this story about the lights. That they lead the way to some mystical place at the end of the world and the beginning of eternity. That they guide the way for spirits to this mystical place. She even had a special name for the lights in this other language…” He tried to repeat those foreign words the girl in his memory-dream had said, but without success.

Then, Iduna spoke the exact words he was looking for. “The Path of the Spirits,” she said quietly, translating her words.

It was Northuldrian.

The language that the girl in his memory-dream spoke was Northuldrian. He was sure he knew it, but the name was always just beyond his reach. Much of his memory from the months he had spent in the Enchanted Forest had been lost when he had awoken in Arendelle, but he knew from his writings before he had been forced to surrender them that he had begun to learn Northuldrian. He could never forget the distinctively bright sound of the language, strangely like the sun itself.

And Iduna had just spoken it perfectly.

He looked at her in shock as realisation dawned on him. Suddenly, he remembered the rumours that had followed him wherever he went when he was finally well enough to leave his room; that a figure in Northuldrian clothing had been spotted near the Palace on the night before that he was believed to have returned, that a Northuldra had managed to escape before the mist had cursed the entire Forest, that there was no way the King would’ve managed his way back to Arendelle in the sorry state he was found without help.

It was her. She was the one who had saved him.

Agnarr could barely contain his joy. All of a sudden, he understood the guarded edge that never seemed to leave her eyes, the way she always evaded talking about her past, how she always seemed to grow nervous whenever the Northuldra were brought up around her, why she loved spending her free time in the forest beyond the city far more than anything else… it all made sense. She had always carried herself so protectively, with a certain fear of the world that he would give anything to alleviate. But now he knew! She didn’t have to be scared anymore!

“How did you know that?” he asked softly, every cell in his body practically vibrating with anticipation.

There was a beat of silence. Then, carefully avoiding his gaze, she answered, “The story sounded familiar. I read it in a book once.”

In an instant, his hopes plummeted. Every record of the Northuldra and the Enchanted Forest had been locked away in a deep chamber within the Palace, forbidden from ever seeing the light of day. Had he not interceded, they would’ve been burned as soon as they had each been tracked down and gathered together. There was no way she could’ve found that out in a book. She was still running away. Crestfallen, he settled back in his place and looked back over the sky.

But in the midst of his devastation, a single thought broke through. She’s Northuldra.

She hailed from a tribe of people who had killed Arendelle’s last king, and made an orphan out of their reigning monarch. She had given up her whole life in the Forest, her family, her culture, her home, in order to save him. And now had managed to rebuild her life in a kingdom that had been ready to march into battle with her people, who hated her tribe more than ever before in all of Arendelle’s history, who would crucify her if they ever realised her true origins.

A deep and hollow sadness suddenly took hold of him as he realised the full extent of her suffering. He looked at her again, the focused inscrutability of her features, the pallor of her complexion now that the topic of the Northuldra had come up. Of course her first instinct would be to protect herself. She had gone through incredible lengths to get to the place she was today. She had everything to lose if she was ever discovered.

Agnarr exhaled quietly and tentatively reached out, brushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear. She turned towards him in surprise, her expression carefully reserved. “What else have you been reading?”

She had always been an expert at keeping her emotions from revealing themselves on her face. But he had known her long enough to read the incremental changes in her eyes; how a little bit of that hard edge thawed in relief at his question. “Well, there’s this really good book about trolls I found in the library last week…”

Although he was a little disappointed, it was nothing compared to what she had gone through. He would never force her into revealing something she wasn’t comfortable with sharing. No, he would wait until she was ready. And as much as he wanted to reach out and take away every little thing that burdened her and kept her from freely living out in the world without fear, he knew it wasn’t his call to make. The only thing he could do his best to love her and support her in the hope that maybe one day, she would feel safe enough to stop hiding away.

Luckily for him, he was content to simply love her for as long as she needed.

#agduna #agduna week 2020 #agduna 2020

9 notes · View notes

fericita-s · 5 years ago

Text

There’s Beauty and There’s Danger Here

A new story in When All is Lost, by @the-spastic-fantastic and me, the canon-compliant stories of Agnarr and Iduna through the years. This takes place the first day after Anna’s injury and the visit to the trolls. It is the first day of the sisters’ separation.

For the Agduna week prompt “First.” Thanks for organizing @queen-iduna-of-arendelle @legacy-from-lies!

Thanks to @the-spastic-fantastic for helping me figure this one out.

***

Iduna stroked her daughter’s hair, learning the feel of this new streak of white which was somehow coarser than the rest of her red locks. Once again, she felt at her wrist for a pulse.

Anna’s heart beat was steady.

Iduna’s was not.

Her heart had not calmed down since the terrible moment when she had seen Anna lying on the ground, Elsa nearby and panicking. Their ride to the Valley of the Living Rock, Pabbie’s healing and pronouncement and his order to keep magic a secret from Anna. Iduna still felt as terrified now as she had during those horrible moments, clutching her daughter while standing amid the trolls, the crushing sensation that nothing would ever be the same again.

She closed her eyes and saw the scene Pabbie had cast into the air. Elsa, tall and queenly with ice floating from her fingertips. A vision of beauty quickly turning to danger as she was ripped apart by a teeming mass of anger and fear.

Iduna shuddered.

Agnarr had believed this warning at once. He was already telling various castle servants that their new duties would be at the academy in town or on the outlying farms owned by the crown and not inside the castle gates. He had ordered Elsa’s bed moved into a different room, her clothes and toys as well. He saw a threat and made a plan. Iduna couldn’t think beyond making sure Anna would open her eyes. The flurry of activity concerned her only in that she hoped it would wake Anna.

It had not.

Pabbie had asked if Elsa was born with the powers or cursed and Agnarr had quickly said born. But the longer that Iduna sat next to the too-still Anna, the more this felt like a curse. What else could it be if it meant Anna’s injury and Elsa’s death? If it meant her daughters would be separated from one another? How could they be a whole family if they were forever fragmented into pieces, fractals never joining, frozen in isolation?

It seemed impossible that she had once thought Elsa’s powers were meant to free Northuldra from the mist, to bring peace between the people of her birth and the people she had learned to live with and love. Was this a curse she brought to Arendelle? Was this punishment for her people starting a battle and murdering a king?

Anna mumbled something and rolled onto her side. Iduna tensed, leaning over Anna to see if her eyelids fluttered or if she made any other signs of consciousness. It had now been eight hours since she had clutched her baby to her chest and ridden hard for the Valley. Another two hours past when Anna usually bounded out of bed, brushing sleep from her eyes with impatient hands, ready to explore and laugh and climb and tug on her sister’s hand, begging her to “Do the magic!”

Iduna felt tears collect in her eyes and run down her cheeks. She turned her head to wipe her face on her shoulder, not wanting to let go of Anna’s hand and Anna’s hair.

***

“Elsa, I know you didn’t mean to hurt her. I know. We are not angry with you.” Agnarr knelt in front of Elsa in her new room, both of them exhausted, both of them unwilling to rest until they knew Anna was awake and recovered.

“But the troll leader said I have to learn to control it. That means I’m not controlling it now.” She leaned her head into his shoulder.

Then, in a whisper, “I hurt her.”

Elsa was wringing her hands, as if she could stop the magic from coming out of them by worrying it away.

Agnarr covered her tiny hands with his. “We can learn to control it, together. Your mother and I will not let anything bad happen to you. Or Anna.”

Elsa hugged him around his neck as snow started to gently fall around them.

It was one of the last times Elsa initiated touch. Agnarr would think about that moment later and wish he had held her longer.

***

“Mama?” Anna’s voice was coarse, like she had swallowed sand. Iduna leaned over her, relief making her feel lightheaded.

“Yes, sweetheart I’m here,” Iduna said, trying to keep her fear out of her voice. She kissed Anna’s cheek and squeezed her hands.

Anna eyelids fluttered as she slowly asked, “What happened?”

“Does your head hurt? You had quite a fall. We were worried.” She reached under Anna’s arms to lift her into a sitting position, eager to get her to drink some water.

Anna opened her eyes and touched the place on her head where the strands had changed to white. “Elsa was there. Is she alright? Where is she?”

“Elsa’s with Kai. She has a new bedroom and they are arranging her furniture. We wanted you to have quiet while you recovered.”

“But I want to play with her. I want her in here with me.”

“Sweetheart, you need to be still and quiet today. I know that will be difficult, but it’s important for your head to have some time to heal.” Iduna hugged Anna to her, and wondered how they could keep Anna and Elsa apart when Anna’s waking request had been for her sister.

***

“Judet, thank you for coming in.”

Agnarr had been calling in the staff all day and sending most of them to different jobs outside of the castle. Judet had been the girls’ night nanny, a job mainly requiring her to put the girls to bed when Iduna and Agnarr were attending evening meetings, state dinners, and other various royal duties. He hoped this would be one of the easier staff changes to make since Judet’s work at the castle had always been minimal. Agnarr hoped she would see a change in her position as a logical decision, not such a shock or an insult like it had been for so many of their beloved servants.

Judet curtsied upon entering. “You’re welcome, Your Majesty. Though I will tell you I know what’s about to happen. Twenty people before me have been called in and all have left with new placements.”

“Yes, that’s true. We – “ Agnarr tried to guide her towards a seat, but she closed the door and made no move to sit. Instead, she clasped her hands and shook her head, bowing it respectfully.

“Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but you need me here in the castle. “

“What did you say?” With the events of the last day and a half- Anna’s injury, the trolls’ dire prophecies, the tears of his loyal servants, and no sleep in all that time - Agnarr was out of patience. His tone was angrier than he meant for it to sound.

“I know what the design on your coat means!” She whispered, urgently. “And I know what Elsa can do. And if what she can do is becoming a problem, I might be able to help you.”

Agnarr dropped into the chair meant for Judet, not wanting to admit the truth of what she said. What did she mean? How could she know?

Judet waited for him to look up at her before she continued “I’m Northuldra. And that pattern is about powerful elemental magic. That’s what Elsa can do, right? Are you sending the staff away so no one will know?”

Agnarr had never felt less like a king. Or a good father. Someone had already discovered their secret, the one that would mean Elsa’s death if not controlled. And he could not think of anything else to say, any orders to give, any plans to make.

“What . . .what do you want?” He asked hoarsely. Judet looked stunned for a moment and then raised her hands, a gesture of goodwill.

“Nothing, Your Majesty,” she said softly. “Nothing other than to help.” She paused. “I really think I can help.”

He rubbed his eyes again, sleepiness making his thoughts slow. Could she change the course of what Pabbie showed was a curse? He took a moment to collect himself and then looked at Judet. “Stay here,” he said quietly, contritely. “I’ll get Iduna”

***

Gerda had come in with a tray of breakfast food, shushing Anna any time she talked and demanding silence. “Rest is what you need and you can’t get that chattering.“

Her strict adherence to silence and rest was tolerated by Anna only because Gerda also kept handing her sweets to eat, and patting her on different parts of her arm, murmuring how relieved she was that Anna had woken up.

Gerda again urged Iduna from the room. “Your Majesty, please. You need to sleep. You look nearly as tired as you did during the Rock Pox. And remember how you fared then? Go have a lie down. Princess Anna is safe with me.”

Iduna found herself staring at the love-in-a-mist bloom that Gerda had placed on the tray, its white petals beautiful, snow-like. Iduna grew them for spice in the garden, planted in the same rows as the strawberries that were used for depressive illnesses. Planted together, they grew well, the colors of each making the row even more beautiful than either left on its own. The spice and the sweet, the white and the red. She had thought before how that row in the garden was like her two daughters. Now she looked at the lone love-in-a-mist on the tray and thought how sad it looked, how lonely.

Gerda cleared her throat and took a more commanding tone. “Your Majesty. Go lie down. I will stay here and make sure the Princess has everything she needs.”

Iduna nodded gratefully, kissed Anna and left, trying to calculate how long it had been since she had slept. Her hand was on the doorknob to her room when Agnarr called out from the opposite end of the hallway.

“Iduna. Please come. There’s…I need you.”

***

“You’re Northuldra? How…how did you get here?” Iduna didn’t want to say anything about the mist or the forest closing. Judet had always seemed kind and truthful, but this was a big secret to keep. Let her explain where the Northuldra people were and why she couldn’t get to them. It seemed impossible she could really know. How could she have kept it a secret for so long?

Iduna immediately felt a wave of shame; this was a secret she had been keeping from everyone except Agnarr for almost twenty years. She could not fault Judet for staying silent.

Judet took a deep breath before she began, eyes downcast as she gripped her hands tightly together. “My brother and I were on a trading route, selling furs to the towns along the coast. It was about eighteen years ago. We tried to get home, but there was a mist, near the stones. We were shut out. We didn’t know why, but on our next trip to Arendelle, we heard about what you call the Northern Expedition. My brother, Dure, he asked around and learned that only you survived, Your Majesty.” She bowed her head towards Agnarr. “And he also learned what some of the townspeople were saying about the Northuldra. What some of them were doing.”

Iduna nodded grimly, acknowledging the truth of that. She would never forget the body in the woods, the boasts of the men who put it there.

“We traveled some more, trapped and traded, kept trying to get back in . . .but we never could. We were here again to trade during your coronation, Your Majesty, and that’s when I saw the symbols on your coat.”

Iduna raised a hand to Agnarr’s lapel, tracing the pattern. He had set it into his uniform for her, to show her she was a part of him, part of their rule together.

“It’s the elements. Wind, earth, fire, water. I know it well. It’s a pattern of one of the oldest Northuldra families, any Northuldra would know it. And when I saw it I wanted to find out why you had it. Maybe it was just a copy of a pattern you liked, maybe it was something you stole.”

Judet looked at Iduna, her eyebrows raised, perhaps in fear. “And then I heard you sing that song to Elsa and I knew. You’re Northuldra too.”

“Why didn’t you say anything then? Why didn’t you tell me?” Iduna felt slow, like she should be able to piece together questions, but that her hands were too clumsy to do it. Sleepiness was weighing her down. Her exhaustion felt like the mist, impenetrable and hard to see through.

“Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but it seemed unwise. And when I saw what Elsa could do, and how you wanted that quiet, I kept my thoughts to myself. “

Iduna had an apology on her tongue, but couldn’t quite say it. What was she sorry for exactly? For lying? For making Judet feel she had to lie? Hadn’t she herself been lying more than half her life?

“I don’t know what happened last night, but I know Elsa’s powers have been growing. And I think it has something to do with the elements. With Ahtohallan.”

“Ahtohallan. The river of memory.” Iduna whispered it, a name she hadn’t heard since lullabies were sung to her as a child. “That’s what my lullaby is about.”

“Yes, and remember? Ahtohallan is the source of all magic. Ahtohallan would know where Elsa’s powers come from and why she was born with them. That could be where she controls it, learns how to use it. A gift of magic like that is very rare, but it has happened before. That’s why we have the songs. To tell us where to go and what to do.”

Agnarr placed his hands on the table and leaned forward. “Where is it? How do we get there?”

Judet shook her head. “I don’t know. Just what the song says – where the north wind meets the sea. My brother might know more, we could send for him. He travels up and down the coast this time of year.”

“We’ll send soldiers to find him. In plain clothes. We’ll bring him back and ask him what he knows. Then we can search for Ahtohallan. We can find out why Elsa has this power and how we can keep her safe.” He turned to Iduna, a fierceness burning in his eyes. “We will keep her safe.”

***

“It’s my fault, Agnarr.”

They were finally in bed, and though it had been nearly two days since they had last slept, both felt unable to submit to their exhaustion. To quiet their churning thoughts enough to welcome the release of sleep. They lay facing each other, and at her words, Iduna leaned her head to bury it into Agnarr’s chest.

He put an arm around her to draw her closer and run his hand up and down her back, trying to calm her sobs .

“Sunny,” he murmured. “This is not your fault. This was no one’s fault. It was an accident.”

“But it has something to do with Northuldra. It has something to do with the magic my people could use. I brought that here.” Her words were hard to hear; she was choking them out in whispers, gasping them in the midst of tears. It was like she was being swallowed by a wave of grief, the pounding surf carrying her whispered words away. “And Revna, that was my fault too.”

“No.” Agnarr froze, his hand halfway down her back, the name Revna recalling loss and pain and worry in a visceral way. He immediately felt the terror he had felt the day she was born, when he thought Iduan was lost to him. The day Revna had been born already gone.

“You heard Midwife Jora then. That was not your fault. Sometimes it happens, and no one can control it.”

“But the way she was – the heat, the burning – it has something to do with my people. “ She took a deep breath and drew her face back from his chest to look at him. “I have brought a curse to you. I am marked by magic and our children are too.”

Agnarr put a hand on her cheek. “Iduna, marked by magic or not, you are my wife, my family. I love you. We don’t know why this is happening. It might have to do with Northuldra, and this Ahtohallan place. But it might not. There are other places with magic and stories of magic. We will search everywhere for answers and we will save our daughters.”

Iduna pulled back and put her face in her hands, unable to accept his kindness. Her exhaustion was giving reign to her long-suspected fear that if she had done things differently, her family might be safe now. “If I had told you the truth from the start it would have been better. If I had left Arendelle all those years ago, I would have saved you this pain. Maybe this is payment for my lies.”

Agnarr took her hands away from her face, trying to stop the tide of tears that had begun again, searching for her eyes so she would know the truth of what he was about to say. “Sunny, I love you. I can’t imagine the loneliness of life without you, without this family we have made. You have no fault here. We will solve this, together. For our family. For Anna. And for Elsa.”

He leaned in to kiss her, brushing his fingertips gently along her jaw and Iduna responded, half lost in the familiar taste and shape of his mouth. The warm familiarity of his body as he gently covered her like a shield. They came together needing to feel the solid presence of each other, steadiness in this world of magic that had suddenly become so unpredictable and capricious. To remember that regardless of what came next, they were one. To affirm that there was no curse here, only blessing in this coming together that made lovers out of friends, family out of the lonely.

And when they finally slept, entwined, and their worries came back in the form of half-fragmented dreams of what might happen and memories of what had, they curled tightly against each other, trying to shut it all out and seek the only protection they had known in their adult lives.

#agduna #agduna week 2020 #agduna 2020 #when all is lost #first day post accident #first day of separation #blame the trolls #seriously Pabbie WTH #don't show an eight year old an image of them being killed by a mob #frozen fan fic

32 notes · View notes

fericita-s · 5 years ago

Text

All is Found: New Earth (4/4)

Read the first three chapters first:

Genesis by @the-spastic-fantastic

Exodus by me @fericita-s

New Birth by @the-spastic-fantastic

The conclusion to the Agnarr/Iduna roleswap AU, but we plan to expand on this world more with some one-shots. Let us know if there is anything you want to see!

@the-spastic-fantastic I loved writing this with you! Your writing is gorgeous and your editing and revision suggestions are always great. Hooray for giving these two a happy ending (spoiler? sort of? we did promise it was happy).

Captain Mattias did not know why he’d been kicked in the stomach, punched in the face, and tied up. There was a blizzard raging outside; surely Lemek didn’t think he would be stupid enough to stage an uprising in this kind of weather.

Mattias had tried to earn the trust of Yelana, devising new ways of bringing down the mist or attempting to create an opening in it. Once his leg had healed, he’d scaled trees to see how far it spread and walked the perimeter of the forest to plot the boundaries of their confinement, all under the watchful eyes of Northuldra. Other Arendellians were always in different groupings or scouting parties, none of them allowed to interact.

Mattias had suggested and then supervised the building of a catapult to fling willing volunteers into the mist. He had led charging reindeer to the border in an attempt to break it open. He had even started controlled fires aimed at the edge of the boundary, hoping it would create an opening. Nothing had worked.

He supposed it was fair that they didn’t trust him yet despite all of this work. As soon as he found a way through the mist, his plan was to find Agnarr and bring the rightful king of Arendelle home to his kingdom. King Runeard had died committing a despicable act, but Mattias’ allegiance had always been to Agnarr and Arendelle, and he couldn’t give up on either easily.

He had come to respect the Northuldra and their ability to live in the forest and use its resources without exhausting them, unlike the sugar plantations his father had told him about that clear cut trees and used up both men and land. Mattias had come to realize that the dam was not helping the Northuldra in the ways King Runeard had promised. Mattias admitted to himself it could have been another deception. He had not taken Runeard to be a murderer, but he had seen the king kill the Northuldra leader with his own eyes. What else might he have missed?

Despite the heartbreak of being separated from Halima, and not knowing where Agnarr was, he had days where the new skills he was learning were a delight. Catching his own dinner in the river, participating in the village-wide construction of new kotas...it gave him brief reprieves from the twist in his heart and gut at the thought that he had served an unworthy king, that the new king was missing, and that Halima knew nothing of where he was or how he longed to be home with her.

His reverie came to an end with the arrival of Lemek and Yelana, Lemek kicking him again. Mattias shot him a glare, letting him know what he thought of beating a man who was already tied up.

“Why is he back? What are you planning?” Lemek spit the words at him, and Yelana put a firm, restraining hand on his shoulder, not allowing him any further violence against Mattias.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Mattias ran his tongue over his teeth, turned his head and spit some blood onto the dirt floor. “Maybe fill me in a bit before you demand answers. And stop punching me in the face if you want to be able to understand what I say.”

Yelana spoke. “Agnarr has returned with Iduna, who is giving birth. Did you communicate with him? Did you know he was returning?”

Mattias stared at them for a moment, taking in what he was hearing, and then shook his head slowly. “No, I didn’t know. But I’m sure he’s doing it to help his wife. The Arendelle royalty has a sad tradition of losing women in childbirth.” He was sure Agnarr was frantic with worry if he was risking his life to bring Iduna to safety. He wished he could comfort him like he used to when Agnarr was a boy and his father’s sharply worded rebukes had sent Agnarr to the barracks or the stables, looking for Mattias and a round of chess or a ride in the woods.

Lemek and Yelana looked at one another, then departed in silence, leaving him alone. As they opened and closed the flap to the shelter, he saw that the blizzard had stopped and everything looked bright and still outside.

***

They came back in, perhaps twenty minutes later. Mattias’ arms were tingling in their position tied above his head. Yelana took out a knife and cut him down roughly, over Lemek’s protests.

“What are you doing? Keep him tied up! Surely this is part of a plot to hurt us! To kill more of us!”

Yelana answered sharply. “I’ve had enough of your hysterics. Go elsewhere if you want to complain about the blessings of this day.”

Mattias ran his hands along his arms, trying to speed up the process of getting feeling back in them. “Blessings? Did everything go well with Iduna and the baby?”

Yelana looked at him and smiled. It startled him. He had never seen her smile before. “Yes. The baby is born, the blizzard is over, and the mist has lifted. I want you to take your soldiers and be sure.”

Lemek scowled. “You want him to go? He won’t tell us the truth! They’re liars, the lot of them!”

Yelana shot him a look that had Lemek bowing his head contritely. “They want to leave more than any of us want to get out of the mist. Let them look and see. Then we’ll know if it’s safe. This imprisonment might be over for all of us.”

***

Agnarr fell asleep next to Iduna, exhausted from the journey to the winter encampment, the beating, and presumably from the strenuous five minutes he had spent holding baby Elsa. Iduna sighed and kissed Elsa on the top of her head, nestled as she was between her two parents, swaddled in the shawl made by Iduna’s grandmother.

Iduna was exhausted as well but too much emotion was flowing through her for her to calm herself and sleep. In the span of a day, she had been forcibly taken back to her people, given birth, thought her husband would be killed, and then told by Yelana that the spirits had lifted the curse and the mist was gone. And with it, the death sentence on her husband.

“The love you showed to your people’s enemy was seen as betrayal by myself and by your family. But the spirits saw it differently. They have rewarded you with a child whose birth broke the curse and healed our land.”

Lemek shuffled in, the anger on his face no longer in sharp angles and scowls. He seemed more like the brother she remembered from girlhood; the one who caught her when she threw herself out of trees, who carried her on his back as they laughed and raced among reindeer.

He took off his hat and held it, worrying it in his hands. “I came to find you last winter, to be sure he was treating you well. And I saw how well he was treating you. How much you had given yourself to him.”

Iduna looked at him, incredulous. Was this an apology? “You're angry I married him? Do you forget that I was forced to marry him?” She whispered her answer, not wanting to wake Elsa.

His answer was loud and Elsa began to stir. “You betrayed your people by helping a murderer!’

“His father was a murderer! Not him!” Iduna whisper-shouted, turning a bit towards Elsa so she could soothe her with the steady hum of a lullaby in her ear.

“His people are all the same. Greedy and clueless. And with all the power. You should have let us kill him that first day of the battle.” Lemek’s voice was pleading, but Iduna would not let herself be moved. She shook her head.

“Lemek, you're wrong. He is a good man who had a bad father. Leave him alone. You don’t get to impose more punishment than the spirits themselves.” Elsa was now crying, and Iduna felt a shiver of cold. Her desire to cover herself with warm blankets and sleep had the sudden intensity of a contraction. “Now hold this baby so I can sleep. I’m exhausted and you’ve beaten my husband too badly for him to be of much use.”

She lifted Elsa up gently and handed him to Lemek, who took her as carefully as he had his own sons when they were this small. In spite of himself, he smiled.

“The weight of her,” he said. “I remember when you were this small. It seems impossible a whole person can be this tiny. She’s no bigger than a salmon, though she’s a sight more beautiful.” Iduna smiled and thought of a retort about comparing her perfect baby to a fish, but she was too tired. She was so tired she thought she saw snow falling inside, covering Agnarr’s swollen face and Lemek’s surprised one, coating Elsa’s eyelashes and dusting her shawl.

Lemek held Elsa with one hand, his other out catching the flurries surrounding him like a swarm of curious insects. “Iduna, do you see - “ but his words caught in his mouth, and he saw his sister was already asleep, curled into the man who he wanted to hate, but who seemed to love Iduna deeply and without regard for his own safety.

***

“Born with the gift of magic.” Agnarr shook his head and then winced, his face still too bruised and swollen from the beating he received four days ago to be able to move without pain. “All of those fairy tales I’ve read and loved; I never thought I’d get to live in one. But here we are, a lifted curse, a magical snow princess, and me the happiest of men to have you both safe and healthy here with me.”

Iduna smiled and took Elsa from her spot in the blankets, unwrapping her a little to wake her up enough to feed her. She could feel the fullness of her breasts and knew Elsa’s need to eat was probably as great as her need to feed her. She guided Elsa to her, and then sighed in relief as her milk came out. Agnarr raised himself up and sat behind Iduna, pulling her into him and running his hands up and down her shoulders, giving her his warmth.

Iduna relaxed into him, her sigh of content matched by Elsa’s contented suckle. “You were a prince! Surely you always felt like you lived in a fairy tale.”

He tilted his head down to kiss her cheek and cupped his hand over Elsa’s head. “Never, my love, not until I became your husband.”

“And do you want to be king now? We could go to Arendelle. I’m sure they eagerly await your return. “ Iduna kept her words light, trying to make it seem as if staying here among her people or going to live among his was of no consequence to her. As if after coming home to her people after a year of banishment, she wouldn’t be heart-sore to leave them so soon.

Agnarr moved his hand to Elsa’s, splayed on Iduna’s breast. Icicles were forming on the tips of her tiny fingers. He gently pulled the ice from where it touched Iduna’s skin and left his hand between Elsa’s small one and Iduna’s breast, protecting her from the formation of new ice and snow.

“My father killed your uncle because he thought magic was evil. I don’t think it will be safe for a magical child in Arendelle. There is much my father kept from me, and I don’t want to bet our daughter’s life - or your life - on my ability to change a long-held fear.”

Iduna sighed again, relieved. “I’d like to stay here in the forest. The spirits are awake again and I’m sure Elsa’s magic is connected to them.” She nestled her head under his chin and closed her eyes. “My scarf shows the four spirits connected by a fifth. Yelana thinks it could be Elsa, that her birth is more than the lifting of a curse. She thinks her birth is the beginning of something new. A fifth element that binds them all together and to our world.”

Agnarr ran his fingers on Elsa’s cheek, her nose, her closed eyelids, tracing the shape of her and marveling at her features; Iduna in miniature and rendered in white. It wasn’t just the magic that made her miraculous. “Whether or not she is, she is the beginning of something new for us.”

When Elsa was again settled down to sleep, Agnarr curved his body around Iduna. And when she woke in the night, breasts leaking milk and her body aching from the birth, he helped her dry off with the blanket they shared and hugged her tightly to warm her. He thought again of the fairy tales he had read as a child and recently with Iduna in their cave, and didn’t think he had ever read of a happier ending than this.

***

“King Agnarr!” Mattias entered the dwelling and bowed deeply. Agnarr rushed to him and they embraced. “You look awful!”

Agnarr pulled away and clapped his hands on Mattias’ shoulders. “Me? You don’t look so great either.”

Mattias rubbed a hand over his face. “It’s nothing. Got worse from you when you were a bratty child, kicking and screaming because the kitchens were out of chocolate.”

Agnarr laughed and and led Mattias to a place to sit. Lemek and his sons had hurriedly dug them an earthen house in the winter encampment; a peace offering. Agnarr accepted it warily, and Lemek accepted his presence warily. They reminded Iduna of two rock ptarmigans, circling each other and showing their combs. While Lemek was no longer openly hostile, he wasn’t openly joyous about Agnarr’s acceptance into the family.

“Congratulations on the birth!” He bowed towards Iduna “Lady Iduna, Princess Elsa. You can count on my protection.”

Iduna smiled at Mattias. “Thank you.” She looked at Agnarr and saw his nod. It was time. “We think there might be some challenges to keeping this child safe outside of the forest.”

Mattias tilted his head, waiting for her to explain. She said nothing, but pulled the ball Elsa had been gnawing on out of her hands and showed it to him. “She makes ice.”

Mattias looked at the icy ball, and then at the baby’s hands, even now growing tendrils of ice. He shook his head. “Earth Giants that move mountains, wind that answers to your call, water that flows and stops on command. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised to see a baby with ice magic.”

Agnarr took Elsa from Iduna and cradled her in one arm against his chest. “Even with your watchful presence, I don’t think leaving this forest is a good idea for a magical child right now. People will be afraid, and you know better than most what happens when people fear magic. My father was wrong in his beliefs but not alone in them.”

“So you’ll stay here. With your family.” Mattias put a finger out for Elsa to grasp and watched as she curled her fingers around it, opening and closing them.

“And you’ll go home to yours,” Agnarr said. “I have the power to create articles of succession to name a ruler in my stead.” Mattias turned his head to look at Agnarr, his mouth opening in surprise. “And you already have the unwavering support of most of the Arendelle Army.”

“Your Majesty - “

“No, not anymore. That’s you now. King Mattias of Arendelle. Long may you reign.” Agnarr bowed to him and Iduna curtsied.

Elsa grabbed his finger once more, coating it in ice, like a scepter, bright as a diamond.

***

“Are you happy here?” Iduna asked quietly. The fires were out, Elsa was asleep and they lay under the furs and blankets, spent. The cool air of spring was turning into the warm air of summer and it had been months since King Mattias and some Arendellian soldiers returned south.

Agnarr covered her body with his, his hands feeling this new shape of hers, one that gave birth and fed a hungry baby and everyday taught him how to love. “I thought I just showed you how happy I was to be here with you. Shall we go again?”

She put her hand on his chest and laughed. “No, that’s not what I mean. Are you happy living here when you could be king a bit further south? Are you happy here when you have given up so much?” She thought of his trying to learn the ways of her people, and how he still struggled to do tasks that most found simple. How he had attempted to prepare lutefisk, an Arendellian treat and tradition, but ended up just making the village reek of fish guts for three days. A man born a prince might grow weary of being a foreigner, of having to learn so much.

He kissed her head and stroked her hair. “I’ve given up nothing. I gained a family who loves me, and that’s more than I ever had before. I don’t need to be king, I just need you to be my queen.”

He buried his face in her neck and kissed her until she believed him.

***

Elsa had already started to use her ice magic purposefully by the time Anna was born three years later. She would sit near the cook fire with Bruni, and they would take turns lighting the fire and putting it out. Iduna stopped hanging strips of cloth nearby, choosing other, more predictable fires to dry her bandages over instead.

Elsa would sit by the river and look for the Nokk just below the surface, stroking its mane with icy fingers that could reach below the surface and not get cold. Agnarr delighted in her love of the water horse and taught her all the terms for riding, hoping she one day would ride her equine companion.

Horses were one of the few things he missed from his life in Arendelle And though a spirit water horse might be different from the Arabian that had been his, he liked to think that Nokk would be as good of a friend to Elsa as Solv had been to him.

When Anna could walk, she and Elsa climbed mountains by making ice stairs, and the Earth Giants liked to race them by building with boulders. Elsa liked to climb up as high as she could, and Anna liked to skate on the surface of the ice, joyous with the feel of continuous motion, the North Wind always rescuing her just before she teetered off the edge.

As the girls grew older, Bruni would follow them around, asking Elsa for a snowball to cool himself down by hopping on her shoulder. Nokk would now come out of the water when Elsa beckoned, and she and Anna were learning to ride, the North Wind pushing them back onto the animal’s back if they slid too far.

Anna was born a month after Anja had died. Iduna named her for her friend and teacher, and hoped she could care for her people as well as Anja had.

Anna did not control ice or fire and no earth or wind bent to her will.

Her power was love.

When injured reindeer were brought to Iduna for healing, Anna was called with an urgency just as great to stroke the beast’s muzzle, whisper in its ear, help if feel safe while its wound was stitched or its leg was set.

When the Earth Giants tore up trees and threw boulders too close to the village, Anna would sing to quiet them or tell them a story holding them rapt and still with attention. She could even make them laugh with deep rumbles that churned the waters of the rivers, driving the fish upstream so the fisherman raced to empty their nets and cast them in again.

And it was Anna who, at the age of four, sat with her mother as she translated in a meeting with Arendellian engineers and Northuldra fishermen, arguing about the best way to dismantle the dam that was strangling the Northuldra river. “You could ask the Giants to do it. They like moving stones.” And so they did with Anna as the lead expert in Earth Giants relations. Anna told the Earth Giants which stones to please move where, and thank you so much for stacking them so neatly, maybe now we can build a house out of them.

“A better diplomat than any ten times her age!” Agnarr exclaimed proudly to Elias, as they introduced their families to each other during the celebration of the newly freed river. Anna saw her father cry as he hugged his friend, and told him that night “He loves you just as much as you love him. I can tell.” Agnarr cried harder at her words, and she knew they were happy tears. She could tell.

When new babies were born, Anna was the favorite to bring the shawl to the mother and babe. Her presence in the kota made tears turn to calm, her joy and charm bringing warmth and love back to the exhausted mother.

Anna asked Lemek if he wanted to make her happy and he said “Of course, my sweet.” She took his hand and said “Uncle Lemek, it hurts my heart that you don't love Papa like you love me." That night Lemek ate with them in their kota, seated between Anna and Agnarr, and the two men clasped hands at the end of the meal, much to her delight.

When the visits with Arendelle began, and King Mattias and Queen Halima brought her father books and her mother dresses so she could do something called a “waltz,” Anna was the one who led her Uncle Lemek by the hand and told him how much she wanted to meet the people who came from the same place as her father. She and Lemek watched the meeting, and as Anna spoke with Lady Wollen afterwards, admiring her dress and the fancy way she talked, Anna introduced her uncle by saying “This is my uncle. His wife died and he needs a new one. Will you be her?”

And like a prophecy, Lady Wollen’s answering blush and Lemek’s surprised stammer turned into a friendship that culminated with Lemek moving to Arendelle, ostensibly for better relations between the two nations, but clearly in order to court the delighted Lady Wollen.

Anna and Elsa played together often, usually with the children of the village, Ryder and Honeymaren especially. They made up games of tag, calling “No Fair!” when the North Wind intervened to push someone just out of reach of the chaser. They raced reindeer down the sides of mountains, the Earth Giants smoothing the way to keep the children from harming themselves or the herd. They made bets about who could ride Nokk the longest before getting too cold to continue and Elsa always won. When Elias and his family came for visits, Anna patiently and gently explained how to play with the spirits to his curious and cautious children.

Bruni would light their fires for nighttime stories by the campfire, the children huddled around it and making each other scared while Agnarr and Iduna sat a few paces back, cuddled under one blanket and watching the stars.

Agnarr never wanted to go back to Arendelle to live, though he thought he might take the girls to visit. Perhaps when they were both of age, they could travel there together and he would show them the castle of his youth, the portraits of their ancestors, and the large, lonely rooms of his childhood. He laughed to think there were so many things they didn’t know about – scepters and crowns, doors and gates - and he laughed to think those things had once seemed important. But watching Anna and Elsa playing with friends, with each other, and with the spirits of the forest, and watching his wife as she smiled at him from her place in their bed, he knew he was already home. He thought of his family like a bridge, linking Northuldra and Arendelle. They made a place where the two nations could be linked through love instead of bound in pain.

And he had found a way of helping his home, his adopted nation. He was teaching his native language and its written form to the Northuldra, and was devising a way for their language to be written instead of only spoken. It was a puzzle he enjoyed, and one Yelana agreed would benefit their nation. Though Iduna smiled to hear him speak her native tongue, loving the way the words sounded slightly garbled in his mouth, their daughters spoke both languages fluently.

Agnarr slowly created a library of sorts for Northuldra, eagerly accepting books from Mattias on each visit, and translating them into the Northuldra language. He read them aloud at night to his family, Iduna curled next to him with his hand on her knee, Anna in his lap with her hand above her head stroking his beard, and Elsa on Iduna’s lap, sometimes making the scenes and characters they were reading about out of ice. Agnarr had always loved stories but he thought he was living in the best one.

Children and adults who wanted to learn to read and write did so easily after lessons with Agnarr. He loved to tease Iduna about what it signified.

"Admit it. Say I'm a better teacher than you! Look at all of my successful students, reading and writing. And me, still unable to walk quietly in the woods or tan a hide." He grinned at her, enjoying the look of amused exasperation on her face.

"You're a better teacher than you are a student, certainly. Or maybe Northuldra are smarter than Arendellians if you're so slow to learn and we are so quick."

We drew closer to her, putting his hands on her cheeks and leaning in for a kiss. Against her mouth, he whispered "Was I so slow at learning this?"

Before he covered his mouth with hers she smiled into him and said "No, but I'm a great teacher."

***

From high on the hill, Anna could see the new herd approach before she could see the people accompanying them.

“They’re here!” She scrambled down the incline, jumping off the ledge and thanking the North Wind for taking her safely the rest of the way. When she was younger she worried she might grow too heavy to travel in this way, but now at eighteen she was fully grown, and still able to fling herself off great heights and feel the rush of the North Wind rushing up to meet her.

Elsa saw the motion and said “Maybe don’t do your crazy trust exercises when they first arrive. I don’t think these people have a wind spirit in their woods; you don’t want to frighten them.”

“Aw, Elsa, that’s no fun! Besides, how exactly would you even hide your powers, at all? You’ll be shooting out ice and snow before you can remember not to!”

Elsa laughed. “Well, I might try to explain it first.”

“From astride your magical water horse? They’ll figure everything out very quickly, or run screaming. And since Ryder says we need to mix up our herd with theirs for a year of good breeding, let’s hope they don’t scare easily.”

Honeymaren joined them, talking hold of Elsa’s hand as they walked towards the visitors.

Yelana was already stationed at the stones, her staff firm in her hand as she raised the other in greeting.

“Welcome to Northuldra. The People of the Sun invite you to enter the forest.”

A young man with light hair and heavy furs walked up to Yelana and extended his hand to shake hers. “Thank you, Yelana of Northuldra. I am Kristoff, and we are the people of the Black Mountain.”

Anna nudged Elsa. “Mine. He’s all mine.”

#agduna #agduna week 2020 #all is found #roleswap AU #agnarr #iduna #elsa #anna #mattias #yelana #NO BOATS

31 notes · View notes

fericita-s · 5 years ago

Text

The Red and the White

Another installment of When All is Lost for Agduna week; this one is a few after the accident when people are starting to ask questions about why the gates are closed.

Thank you @the-spastic-fantastic, who is the queen of making people do interesting things during dialogue and beta-ed the heck out of this story.

@queen-iduna-of-arendelle @legacy-from-lies I didn’t follow today’s prompt exactly; but tomorrow I will again!

***

“Are Iduna and Agnarr late? Or did they cancel altogether?” Elias asked the question of the room at large, taking a sip of his akvavit and settling into his chair by the fire. Greet, Maddie, Ingrid, Henrik, and Elias were gathered in Hudson’s Hearth. Halima was tending to the lanterns outside, making sure it all looked presentable for the arrival of the monarchs.

Greet nodded towards the door. “They’re still coming. That’s why Halima emptied out the whole place for us.”

Elias leaned towards the flames, taking off his hat and hanging it on the hearth. “I’m surprised they agreed to come out at all,” he sighed. “Has anyone even seen them outside since the gates were closed?”

“Iduna came to our new garden to help me plan out what to plant,” Maddie said, her arm around the small of Ingrid’s back. “And we’ve been at the castle for deliveries as usual, every week.”

Ingrid nodded, adding “We saw little Anna the other day during a delivery. I think she wanted to sneak out on our cart. You know how she loves to explore. It’s hard for her, shut up in that castle.”

Elias huffed and shook his head. “It’s hard on all of us with the castle gates closed. It’s been three months now. The kingdom will start to suffer if they don’t do more to put people’s minds at ease. The needs of the nation must be put first." He took another swallow of the akvavit, looking up as Greet kicked his boot with the toe of hers.

"I seem to remember your father not worrying about protocol when he practically held Iddy hostage during the Rock Pox so she could tend to your mother and sister,” Greet scowled. “Was that 'needs of the nation', Elias?"

He started to reply, but Maddie cut him off. “They get to be worried about their family first for now. You would be just as worried! The girls were sick. Something even Iduna couldn’t identify. Anna had it first, but she seems to have recovered. No one has seen Elsa yet.”

Elias looked abashed and ducked his head, scratching the back of his neck. “I just want them to tell me, to tell us, what’s going on. Surely they could tell their friends? We could help.”

Henrik clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Agnarr saw his father killed in battle. And Iddy - who knows? But it couldn't have been good if she showed up here at fourteen and never talks about it.” He reached back for his glogg and took a generous drink, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. “Didn't Eir once get drunk and say something about maybe she was Jewish and escaped the pogroms to the east? And now their two daughters are gravely ill. Is it any wonder that two orphans - now parents - want to keep this close? Of course they’re going to be overprotective. After my father took ill and died, I remember how mother had all sorts of funny, nervous little ways about her.”

Elias shrugged, but his expression softened as he considered Henrik and Maddie’s words.

Maddie raised her cup and tipped it to Elias. “A little patience for our king and queen, please. They remain our best mates and they do still have dungeons that they can utilize at any moment.”

The thought of Agnarr and Iduna using the dungeons on anyone led to a round of wild laughter.

Greet leaned over and tapped her cup against Maddie’s. “Besides, it's generous of them to come out at all. Your wives couldn't be bothered!”

Maddie laughed and laid her head on Ingrid’s shoulder. “My wife is right here! And it was hard to get her to leave the twins.”

Ingrid sighed and shook her head. “They’re still so small. I hope my father can handle them for the evening.”

Maddie squeezed her with the arm around her waist. “They were asleep when we left. I’m sure everything is fine.”

“Thea is nine months pregnant. I shouldn't even have left the house, but she insisted. And I did want to toast you, Greet.” Elias smiled and knocked his akvavit against hers. “Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! I confess I had my doubts that you would want to choose one man only for the rest of your life.” He laughed as she swatted his arm. “And thank you for not inviting us to the actual ceremony, just to the drinking beforehand. This is the best part.”

“The second baby is less scary than the first.” Henrik reassured Elias as he began to over-enunciate his words. A sure sign he had not only been drinking glogg. “Besides Greet, you know I left my family in England. Not all of us could make the voyage to drink to your good health. My wife is running the business in my stead.”

Maddie laughed. “You mean you were afraid Greet would tell too many stories to your wife?”

Henrik put his hand over his heart in an overly dramatic fashion. “I have no secrets from my wife! She knows all. She would probably become Greet’s best friend over the course of the evening. She’s said often enough she’s grateful that you taught me well." Henrik winked at Greet and she rolled her eyes.

"How do you know we aren't already best friends?” She raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Just because you keep no secrets from her doesn't mean she doesn't keep any from you."

Their laughter turned to cheers as Iduna and Agnarr walked in.

"To our king and queen!"

“To Arendelle!"

“To our families and our nights away from them!”

"I see you started without us," said Iduna, laughing, taking in the strong smell of akvavit from Elias’s laughing mouth as he leaned in to hug Agnarr. With a fond smile, she noted Henrik's reddened cheeks, Maddie and Ingrid’s joyous smiles for each other, and Greet’s effervescence. It was good to be among friends.

Greet waved a hand, dismissing Iduna's playful reproach. “The party only truly starts when you arrive, Your Majesties.”

Halima entered as well, barring the door behind her and then bringing over more pitchers of glogg and bottles of akvavit. “I’ll leave you to yourselves. I trust you to tend to each other, to keep this bride in good form for her wedding tomorrow, and to not burn down my establishment.”

Greet jumped to her feet and hugged Halima tightly. “One of these days, Halima, it will be your wedding we celebrate. I’ve seen how Tomas the fishmonger looks at you and how often he comes in.”

Halima laughed, waving a dismissive hand at Greet’s prediction. “Oh, he’s not for me.” She excused herself and began her climb up the steps to her quarters above Hudson’s.

“Goodnight, dears. Please be sure our monarchs make it home in good condition. I remember a night long ago when you lot left them alone and inebriated.”

Agnarr and Iduna groaned, but the others laughed.

“Yes, look how that turned out,” Henrik elbowed Agnarr, who smiled back.

“Iduna’s hardly ever had a drink since that night! That will be an easy task!” Greet leaned towards the stairs to shout at Halima as she disappeared from view.

***

"So. When are you two opening the gates again? My trade partners are getting nervous. They don't like eccentric monarchs. Everyone knows that's code for 'mad'. Mad, mad, mad. Are you mad?" Henrik poured himself the last of the akvavit, and Henrik grabbed the last pitcher of glogg before Henrik could finish that off too.

Elias poured the glogg for Agnarr and and Iduna, giving them a half bow as he delivered it. “Your Majesties, I…” he looked at the rest of their friends before continuing, and their laughter abruptly ceased. “Henrik means we hope you are well. With the gates closed, we have feared otherwise.”

Greet shot him a look but Elias persisted. “I was so sorry to hear your daughters were ill. Please, know that we will always help you in any way you ask.”

Iduna reached for Agnarr’s hand. He nodded to her and then stood for a moment in uncomfortable silence. “Everyone here,” he began, before taking a deep breath. Iduna stood and tucked herself under his arm, her eyes downcast and face uncharacteristically somber. “Everyone here has been so good to us. Henrik, you’ve always brought levity and joy to even the worst of times.” Henrik raised his glass and tipped it towards Agnarr as he took another sip.

“Elias, I’ve known you my whole life; the closest I’ve had to a brother. That’s why I asked you to be Elsa’s godfather. I know you’d protect her as fiercely as your own children.”

Elias swallowed hard.

Iduna put her hand on Agnarr’s shoulder and addressed Maddie and Greet. “And I don’t think I ever would have made it in Arendelle without you both as friends. Greet, you helped me learn to read. Maddie, you agreed to cover my portion of the rent for three months when I first moved to town and didn’t have a coin to my name,” Iduna said softly. “And Ingrid, I feel as though I’ve known you just as long. We trust all of you more than anyone else in the world.” There was another long moment as the fire crackled into the silence.

“Iduna and I have decided to tell you the truth about what happened.” He looked down at Iduna before continuing. “We have been lying to you about the closed gates.”

Elias’s expression was of such hurt that Agnarr rushed his next words, even though he and Iduna had been practicing this speech, this explanation for their closest friends.

“There was an attempt made on the girls’ lives. Anna was injured. Terribly.” His voice trembled slightly and it wasn’t part of the act. “She has a permanent scar now on her head. Some of her hair turned white from the stress. The doctors don’t believe it will ever turn red again. And though she has recovered, it was so traumatic that we don’t think she will ever remember what happened.” He kept his eyes down, not looking at his friends as Iduna spoke.

“Although, it might be a mercy that she can’t remember. To be honest, we don’t want her to remember. She’s so young.”

“There has been a credible threat made to Elsa’s life, and after Anna’s injury, Elsa is too terrified to leave her room. The closed gates give her a feeling of safety, and we don’t know when we will open them again.”

Agnarr looked up and saw Greet gasp and cover her mouth. Maddie and Ingrid were clutching each other tightly. Henrik’s mannerisms had sobered with this news, he was wiping his hands over his eyes and cheeks, straightening in his chair. Elias’s expression had changed from one of hurt to one of horror.

“Even though both Anna and Elsa were targeted, it was Elsa they were trying to kill first. Knowing she was the one they were after . . .and the trauma of seeing Anna injured - Elsa is too terrified to leave her room. And she feels such a tremendous amount of guilt that Anna was hurt and she escaped any injury.”

“We just don’t know who we can even trust now,” Iduna sniffled. “We’ve reduced the staff to our most loyal and long-serving friends. We’ve known Gerda and Kai as long as the rest of you. Askel was at the orphanage with me. But as much as it’s pained us, keeping the gates closed right now is the only way we can think of to keep the girls safe. And, thankfully, the gates being closed give Elsa some small measure of comfort. It gives her a feeling of safety.”

“We had hoped to resolve this quickly but have been unable to,” Agnarr sighed. Obviously, we do not want to communicate all of this to the kingdom. We don’t want fears of succession or assassination plots to take hold. We want business and trade to go on as usual. But Iduna and I agreed that we wanted you, our closest friends, to know the truth. To understand why we have not been outside of the castle much and why the castle remains closed. And will remain closed. And to explain, Greet, why we limited the wedding party to just your family and the groom. Everything right now is focused on keeping Elsa and Anna safe. And helping them to feel safe. We don’t know when the gates will be open again.”

Agnarr and Iduna both remained standing in the heavy silence that followed, holding on to one another and staring at the ground. Maddie winced as Ingrid held her even tighter, hard enough that it was getting difficult to breathe. She was certain her wife was also lost in thought about their babies and what they would do if any violence was visited upon them. Henrik licked his lips and started to take a sip of his drink before placing the cup on the table and running his hands through his hair.

Elias cursed softly. “Well - of course you’re keeping the gates closed. What else can you do?”

“We don’t know,” murmured Iduna as she and Agnarr slowly sank back on to their bench.

Greet raised a glass. “To Elsa and to Anna and to Arendelle. May all three be forever safe. And may our friends, the king and queen, forever know that they have our love.”

***

The castle grounds were bursting with flowers and bunting and banners. What Iduna and Agnarr had scaled back in the guest list, they had made up for in decorations.

Iduna had urged Agnarr to let this one last ceremony take place before the gates remained closed to the public for the foreseeable future. And despite Elsa refusing to leave her room for fear of hurting someone, in spite of Anna’s sadness over Elsa’s absence on this day and every day since the accident, Iduna felt hopeful. Dure would be back soon and they could make a plan.

Iduna looked at the bouquets of strawberries and love-in-a-mist, fussing with them to make sure the arrangement would be able to hold up for the duration of the ceremony. She had ripped up the rows of the two plants, unable to look at them without sadness. The red and the white, entwined and beautiful in a way that had joyously reminded her of her girls. Now when she looked it was a reminder that they remained apart. That Anna’s ignorance of Elsa’s magic was deemed necessary for her recovery.

Most of Iduna’s days were like this; flashes of hope when she remembered the steps they were taking to help Elsa, to keep her safe. And then the crushing feeling of despair that she had two lonely daughters, one who had narrowly avoided death, and one who had a terrifying death predicted.

Anna was running down the cobblestone path, a white crepe veil floating behind her as she chased a duck. She dodged past Greet’s mother and sisters; the only guests besides Iduna, Agnarr, and Anna. “The veil matches my new hair! I’m a beautiful bride!”

“Anna! Come back! Greet needs her veil - the ceremony is about to start!” Iduna laughed and Greet put a hand on her arm.

“It’s nice to see you smile. I’ve been worried about you these past few months.” Greet squeezed Iduna’s arm. “Don’t worry about that veil. I don’t think there’s much chance of me appearing demure or chaste for this event.” Greet grinned and gestured to her middle, where a keen observer might notice a certain thickening.

“Are you? Oh Greet! That’s wonderful news! I thought Oaken was just feeding you well.”

Greet laughed. “He is. And my mother and sisters too. But I don’t have his food to thank for this. That is entirely the result of something else.”

Iduna took her hand and squeezed. “Do you know where I come from, it’s considered good luck for a bride to be with child on her wedding day? A beginning already secured for the new family.”

“And what of your beginnings? Are your daughters bringing you all the joy you’d hoped?”

Iduna looked to the window in the castle where she knew Elsa was clutching Sir Jorgen Bjorgen, watching an event she did not trust herself to attend. She looked back at Greet, and guilt began to creep up into her belly, the weight of telling her friend a lie. She hoped it wasn’t a weight she would carry for long.

“Great joy and great worry. But I hope soon, we can be past the worry and only feel the joy.”

Greet leaned over to grab the veil from Anna, who had run straight into Iduna in a giggling heap. “To joy!” Greet said, raising her veil like a drink for a toast.

Oaken heard her across the courtyard and called “Ja! Much joy! Now marry me, my beautiful bride!”

The music began and Greet walked to where Oaken waited by Agnarr. Iduna smiled to see the eagerness in Oaken’s eyes to marry Greet, the lightness in Greet’s step as she walked towards him with her ever-present confidence in her decisions. She looked up at Elsa’s window, then down at Anna, who was clutching her hands to her chest and sighing over the romance of it all. She smiled at Agnarr as he clapped Oaken on the shoulder, and he gave her a wink.

It was a beginning for them as well. They would find answers, they would make a plan. Their family could be safe and whole again. They could get through this together.

And the next time there was an event like this, she hoped both of her daughters would be with her, holding hands and playing together once more. She hoped she wouldn’t worry about answering questions about the new streak in Anna’s hair, Elsa’s absence, the reduced number of servants and limited number of guests they had allowed for this occasion. Soon, they would be able to open the gates once more and her daughters would be safe again.

#agduna #agduna week 2020 #agduna 2020 #mama and papa arendelle #when all is lost #explaining to people why the gates are closed #king agnarr #queen iduna #anna #elsa

29 notes · View notes

fericita-s · 5 years ago

Text

Gravid

A modern Agnarr & Iduna AU for @the-spastic-fantastic

and the last day of Agduna Week, organized by @queen-iduna-of-arendelle and @legacy-from-lies Thank you! I am excited to have new fic to catch up on!

***

They took a trip to Norway for their fifth anniversary. Really it was a honeymoon; after their wedding ceremony on a Saturday, Iduna went back to residency on a Monday. And then it was boards and the pediatric clinic right afterwards. Sometimes she bemoaned the holidays built into Agnarr’s high school teaching schedule and the freedom it gave him to research vacations and read for pleasure and not get vomited on.

“I think that just means I picked the right job. We're not royalty. You didn't have to choose medicine like your father." He rubbed her feet and brought her dinner; one long shift was about to bleed into another and she too often forgot to eat and depended on a Coca-Cola and a Cliff bar to make it through.

But he knew she was good at it; she already had a reputation for instinctive diagnoses and had caught appendicitis twice based on nothing more than "my tummy hurts." He was proud of her work and of her, and if they had to wait five years to celebrate their wedding, he would make it an amazing trip.

Which was how they ended up in Norway, a place both had longed to see after reading A Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Slartibartfast won an award for it; it had to be good. And Agnarr had some ancestors who had emigrated from there in the 1800s. He liked the idea of seeing the land his forefathers had left.

In the days preceding, he read aloud from Hans Christian Andersen as Iduna packed her bag. After wearing a long coat everyday to work, she was enjoying picking out clothes. She paused in her folding, head tilted. "He's Danish, not Norwegian."

He stopped reading, his glasses falling down on the bridge of his nose. She knew this look of patient exasperation was one he gave to his students. "I'm claiming all of Scandinavia as my birthright." He pushed his glasses back up and she saw the corner of his mouth twitch into a smile as he smoothed his beard, trying to disguise it.

"Ok, my king. Please proceed if it pleases you." She bowed solemnly and he continued to read: mermaids and snow queens and ugly ducklings.

They saw the fjords from a terrible boat ride that made Iduna seasick and hiked to waterfalls that made them both gasp at the sheer beauty of it all. They climbed to the top of a lighthouse that thrilled them with windy views and delicious salt air. They rode on docile Fjord horses and then joined a group of retirees for a Northern Lights excursion, their hands curled around mugs of hot chocolate that Iduna was more excited about than the astral splendor they had stayed up half the night to watch.

"Ag, there are hunks of dark chocolate in this. Entire pieces." She moaned and he laughed.

"Glad to know both the chocolate and I elicit the same physical reaction in you."

She snuggled closer, her hand high up on his thigh. "Oh let's freak out all of these old people on vacation. Quick, put the blanket over us and we can pretend to get up to something."

"Just pretend?" He asked, eyebrow raised. She laughed at that, and then gave a shriek of protest when he leaned over and took a large gulp of her hot chocolate.

He gasped "Hot!"

"Serves you right!" She covered his mouth with a kiss, and whispered into it. "Trust me, I'm a doctor. I know how to kiss it and make it better."

She loved the loved lingonberry jam at their bed and breakfast which made it all the more heartbreaking when she threw up her toast from just smelling the lutefisk on Agnarr's plate.

"How can you eat that? You know they use lye, right? The same stuff that murderers use to dissolve dead bodies?"

Agnarr choked a little and put the fish down. "I think you're making fun of my people. Please, respect my culture."

"I'm going to respect the heck out of the sauna. When do we go?"

Oaken's Sauna had rules posted in English and Norwegian right outside the door. After they stripped to nothing and wrapped fluffy white towels around themselves, Agnarr moved to open the sauna door, but Iduna held him back.

"Wait, I haven't finished reading." She put a hand on his shoulder to stop him, enjoying the feel of his bare skin.

"Anything important?" He turned back around, looking at the sign he had previously ignored.

"Yes. Don't let your skin touch the wooden benches, don't stay longer than thirty minutes, leave earlier if you get a headache. Oh, and consult a doctor before going in if you're pregnant."

"Got it. Pretty sure I'm not pregnant." He looked at her, expecting to have heard her laughter.

But she frowned, considering.

"Are you consulting with yourself? Wait are you - "

She looked up at him, uncertain. "Well, I don't know that I'm not. I usually know by now that I'm not. "

He suddenly felt like he was already in the sauna, sweaty and lightheaded, but also thrilled with the possibility of something new. "Maybe we should...find out?"

"I’m probably not. I would know, right? I would feel it, even this early? Or have noticed? Implantation bleeding? Cramping?” she was talking faster with each new thought. “I've been told I’m the best diagnostician in the clinic; how do I not know this?"

Agnarr put his hands around her waist. “We passed a pharmacy on the way over. I’ll go run back and get a test. Stay here, and relax. Maybe even in the sauna. I’m sure five minutes won’t be a problem.”

She looked at him, horrified. “I don't want to hurt our baby!”

He shrugged with his shoulders, keeping his hands on her waist. “It would be so early anyway, I'm sure it's fine.”

She pulled away and shook her head. He stepped forward, following her, trying to offer his comfort. “It will just give it superpowers or something.”

“Ag, be serious! If I'm pregnant my first act as a mother can’t be to recklessly disregard our daughter's safety!”

“Now it's a girl? Is she in college yet?”

He stopped when he saw that she was actually worried. He led her back to the changing room where they put their clothes back on and walked to the drugstore, and then to the bed and breakfast for Iduna to take the test.

He stood next to her, running the tap to make it easier to go under pressure.

She peed, and he set a timer on his phone for three minutes. She turned the stick over in her hand so she wouldn’t watch it as it made the declaration of “pregnant” or “not pregnant.”

“I know we stopped trying to not get pregnant. But I didn’t think it might happen so fast. Are you ready for this?”

“Iduna, I’m ready for anything with you. If it happens now, that’s great. If it takes longer, that’s fine too.” He paused. “Are you ready?”

She smiled, somewhat unsteadily. “Yes, I’m ready.”

The timer sounded, and Iduna flipped the test over. “Gravid? What does that mean?” She showed it to Agnarr. “What does it mean?!”

“I have no idea. Hold on, I’ll type it into google.” He fumbled with his phone, and she grabbed his leg.

“Why don’t you speak the language of your people?!”

“I’m from New Jersey. I’ve learned more Italian through osmosis than Norwegian from my ancestors. Google is going to have to help us.”

Iduna stood and washed her hands. “Why is it taking so long? Don’t they have wifi here?”

“Pregnant. Gravid means pregnant.” He laughed. “You’re pregnant.”

She laughed in a short burst, and then longer. “I guess I can’t go into the sauna. I’m pregnant. We’re going to have a baby. I’m pregnant!”

Agnarr lifted her up and spun her around, then set her down with a kiss.

“That’s good; that’s really good. I wasn't eager about rolling around in the snow after sweating with a bunch of strangers. But I would like to see you in just a towel again.”

#agduna #agnarr #iduna #modern AU #frozen #mama and papa arendelle #frozen fan fic #agduna 2020 #agduna week 2020

26 notes · View notes

queen-iduna-of-arendelle · 5 years ago

Text

First Kiss

A.N. For Agduna Week 2020, Day 1: Firsts

ff.net AO3

Agnarr was sitting under a tree, reading a new book. It was from a Danish author and it's about a mermaid falling in love with a human. It was a very interesting book and he couldn't put it away, he just needed to know what's gonna happen next.

But then something pulled him back to reality. “Boo!” Screamed someone, making him jump in surprise. Looking up, he was suddenly face to face with his best friend Iduna. She was hanging upside down from a branch. He didn't even notice her climbing on the tree...”Iduna!” The king took a deep breath, to calm down. “Don't scare me like that...”

“What are you reading, Your Majesty?” She asked, obviously pleased that she scared him. Agnarr raised the book to show her the cover. “Oh, some new Danish author.”

Iduna tilted her head, interested. “What's it about?”

“Well, it's about a mermaid. She falls in love with a human and wants to have legs. I'm currently at the part where she's swimming to a sea witch to make her wish come true.” He explained and noticed the wonder in her eyes.

“Sounds very sweet.”

Agnarr smiled up at her. “If you want, I can lend you the book when I'm done. I'm sure you'll like it. I couldn't put it away since I got it.”

“Sure. I'd love to read it, too.” The brunette returned the smile and this might be the only thing in this world that was better than any book. Even upside down she looked beautiful. Agnarr watched, as she reached up to get off the branch, but then it suddenly snapped and she fell. He acted fast, throwing the book away and jumping up to catch her. He did catch her, thankfully, she landed right in his arms.

But he lost his balance and they both fell to the ground. And sadly he didn't have the time to cushion her fall. He fell right on top of her. “Sorry. Sorry...” He mumbled, before realizing their position. Agnarr was lying right on top of her and his arms were wrapped around her protectively. The blonde let go of her quickly, but then froze when he saw how close they were.

“It’s okay. Thanks for catching me.” She looked up at him with these beautiful blue eyes of hers and Agnarr felt like drowning in them. That was...a common feeling, really. He had no idea when he started to feel like that, but one day it just happened and now he couldn’t be without her anymore.

Too dazed to realize what he’s doing, he leaned down to her till their lips touched, slowly closing his eyes. It was a very innocent kiss, just a light touch actually, but it still made his heart flutter with joy. Only a few seconds later did he realize that he rudely stole Iduna her first kiss and pulled away in shock. She may not have fought back and even closed her eyes, but he still felt terrible. And it was even worse when she opened her eyes again. Those innocent blue eyes looked at her with emotions he couldn’t guess and made him blush more than ever before.

Then he panicked, feeling like he betrayed her for some reason. He felt guilty for just kissing her like that. “I’m sorry!” He practically yelled in her face, before jumping to his feet and running away as fast and as far as his feet could carry him. His book lay on the ground, forgotten.

#agduna #agduna week #agduna 2020 #agduna week 2020 #iduna #agnarr #frozen #disney #fanfics #fanfiction

27 notes · View notes

queen-iduna-of-arendelle · 5 years ago

Text

The Fifth Spirit

For Agduna Week 2020, Day 3: Magic

ff.net AO3

Iduna was translating the old Northuldran runes when she noticed something wasn’t right. The ship wasn’t quite as steady as before, it felt like there’s a storm outside...She quickly rolled all the papers and put them in the waterproof container just in case.

Then she ran out of the little room and up the stairs to get on deck. They’re in the middle of a big storm...”Iduna!” Agnarr came running towards her and blocked her path. “Go back inside. It’s too dangerous out here.”

“No, let me see...” She wasn’t giving him a choice as she ducked under his outstretched arm to get out into the storm. She was drenched in mere seconds. Even with the ship wavering like that, she ran to the railing to look at the big waves. Just a second later, Agnarr was beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders protectively.

There’s no way they could get through these waves...But then she saw something on the water. Something very familiar. “Nokk!” Iduna looked at her husband with a smile on her face. “Agnarr, it’s Nokk!”

Of course he had no idea what she’s talking about and looked at her confused. She pointed to the waved, where a water horse ran over them, causing the waves to get higher. “Is that a water horse?”

“He’s our water spirit. I thought...I thought they’re asleep.” Iduna was happy seeing Nokk very much awake, but unfortunately he was very angry, too...It made her wonder if she could calm him somehow. She did have magic of her own. Wind magic, but still magic. She was always good friends with the spirits, maybe it’ll work. Without a word, she grabbed Agnarr’s knife and cut off the lowest part of her dress. “What are you doing?” Asked her husband, as her dress was now above her knees, showing off her legs.

Then she cut off her long sleeves. They’d just get in her way. “I’m saving you.” She answered. Of course Agnarr wouldn’t understand it right now. Before he could say anything, she stood on her toes and pulled him slightly down to kiss him. She had no idea if it’s gonna work so…It could very well be their last kiss. Then she pushed him away with her wind. Maybe a bit too much, for he fell a few meters away and landed on his back. “I’m sorry.” She said before climbing on the railing.

“Iduna!” She heard him call, but she didn’t look back. The men around them noticed what’s going on and tried to ‘help’, but then she jumped into the sea. Iduna wrapped some wind around herself to cushion the impact. And then she was underwater. Her dive didn’t hurt at all, it didn’t feel like she jumped down from that high. As she began to swim to the surface, Nokk appeared suddenly making her stop. Then it vanished again and appeared right in front if her, eying her suspiciously. And then he’s gone again.

Iduna kept swimming and eventually break through the surface, taking a deep breath. “Iduna!” It was hard to hear over the storm, but Agnarr’s voice still reached her. Before she could take a moment to look around for the spirit, she felt it pushing from beneath her, throwing her into the air.

Iduna had only seconds to let the wind wrap around herself to cushion the fall again. Sadly she couldn’t do anything underwater, and Nokk took advantage of the fact and pushed her down deeper. She couldn’t do anything to free herself and Nokk only let her go again when they were deep enough.

The second Nokk vanished, she tried to swim up again, not wanting to give up just yet. Some water magic would be very helpful right now…It didn’t matter how long she swam, though, it felt like she’s not moving from the spot. The surface was so far away.

Soon enough her limbs lost their strength, but she kept fighting. For her family! Her lungs wanted nothing more than some fresh air, her throat began to burn and she started to fee light headed, too. Iduna knew if she couldn’t take a breath right now, she’ll faint and drown. Her body reacted on instinct, trying to scream and pressing the rest air out of her lungs. She quickly covered her mouth but it’s not like she could force the air back into her lungs, it wouldn’t help her anyway.

After a few more tries to reach the surface, her body gave up. She was too weak and desperately needed oxygen. Then she felt herself sinking again and fainted.

When Iduna woke up again, the first thing she did was taking a few deep breaths. “Iduna!” Agnarr’s voice was so close...She needed a minute to realize what’s going on. Agnarr was holding her tightly and they were both in the sea. He must’ve jumped after her when Nokk tried to drown her. “Ag-” She tried to say his name, but had to cough up some salt water. Her throat was burning, but at least she could breathe again. “Go back to the ship...” She coughed, but as expected, he didn’t.

“You know I won’t leave you.” He said, holding her close. It was really sweet of him, really, but Nokk will surely attack again and Agnarr couldn't defend himself. At least she had some magic, but he didn't. “You—” Her burning throat made her cough again. “You need to go.” Agnarr was surely getting ready to protest, but before he could say a word Nokk appeared again and surfaced right between them, throwing them both into the air.

Now, instead of protecting herself with a wind cocoon, she did it for Agnarr, while she crashed into the water head first. Feeling slightly dizzy, Iduna swam up before Nokk could push her down again. Just as she hit the surface again and took another deep breath, something grabbed her ankle and pulled her along. Nokk surfaced, still pulling at her ankle, but at least she wouldn't drown right now. The storm and her hitting the water surface over and over again were very loud, but she could've sworn that she heard Agnarr calling her.

Iduna sent strong wind again the water horse, but it didn't do anything to stop him. If anything he's just getting angrier. She had to calm him somehow...Maybe if she could get on his back...Pushing herself up didn't work, but maybe she could make some magical reins? Well, she never tried something like this before, but maybe it could work. Not even she knew the full potential of her magic.

Reaching a hand out, she tried to make something like a very long and very thin tornado and wrapped it around his muzzle. It seemed like it worked, when he let go of her leg and struggled. Then in a swift motion she was pulled up, gripping the wind reins tightly —which she didn't know was even possible. The spirit bucked and tried to throw her off his back. In that moment Iduna was really glad that she had experience in taming horses. But would it also work on a spirit?

“Nokk, it's me! Don't you remember? We always played together!” She yelled over the storm, right before his water mane hit her. It looked like she couldn't get through to him with words...But there was still another way. Her spirit friends always loved to listen to her singing, she even used a special melody to call upon her friends —which thankfully worked when the forest fell. Still holding herself steady on his back, she began to sing that special melody. It was slightly distorted with all the movement, but Nokk's ears twitched as if he recognized it.

Then he calmed down and looked at her as if he just recognized her for the first time. Which might actually be true. “It's me, Nokk. Iduna. Remember?” The spirit stared at her for a moment, before nodding his head. Iduna smiled, sniffling slightly. She was so happy, she might cry. But now wasn't the time. “I'm glad. I missed you and the others.” She let the wind reins disappear and looked around for Agnarr. The sea has calmed down as well, so finding him was an easy task.

She guided Nokk over to him. “Are you okay?” She asked, as she reached a hand out to him. This brought back some fond memories of the time where she tried to teach him how to climb trees. It didn't really work out. “Fine...” He mumbled, taking her hand. Iduna pulled him up, also using her magic for this and let him sit behind her.

Agnarr hugged her, pulling her against him and leaning his head on her shoulder. “Don’t ever do this again...Do you have an idea how worried I was?” Iduna nuzzled against him and caressed him gently at the back of his head. “Sorry.” They stayed like that for a moment, before Iduna looked back to Nokk. “Can you bring us to Ahtohallan?” The spirit nodded and began to walk.

First she guided him to the ship and they ordered the crew to stay put. And then she let Nokk run with full speed towards Ahtohallan. Of course Agnarr was still with her. She wanted him to see this, too. Then they came closer to...something that definitely wasn’t a river, but a glacier. “It's frozen...” Iduna mumbled. There was nothing else around, it had to be Ahtohallan.

“Is that even possible?” Asked Agnarr, who’s still holding her tightly as if he’s afraid to lose her.

“I didn’t think it is. But I guess an ice age froze it completely.” When they reached the shore, they got off the water horse. “Thank you.” She said to the spirit, bowing to it. Nokk bowed, too, showing his respect for her, before going back into the water.

The royal couple turned to the glacier, looking for an entrance. “So this is it...I never thought I'd actually see this.” Her whole life Iduna thought this place was just a legend. But now she had real proof that it existed. Agnarr pulled her out of her thoughts when he took her hand. He waited patiently for her to do the next step and she really couldn't love him any more than she already did. The brunette took a deep breath and squeezed her husbands hand. “Let's go.”

“Lead the way.” Once they found an entrance nearby, they went inside. Iduna didn't know what to expect to see, but for now there's nothing. They had to go in deeper. At this thought she remembered the old lullaby her mother always sang to her. Not too deep...”Where to...?” Asked Agnarr and Iduna really wished she had an answer.

She needed a while to look around and make a plan. Legends said that the fifth spirit could go in and out of Ahtohallan and when Nokk's awake then the other spirits should be, too. And there's only one way to get the spirit's attention. Iduna sang the certain melody to call out to the spirits. And then there was a light, guiding them the way to another smaller tunnel that lead deeper inside. “There.”

“What kind of song is that?” Asked Agnarr, visibly impressed by her abilities to call upon her spirit friends.

“Well, the spirits like it. We've always been friends.” Still holding his hand, Iduna pulled him along hoping to find anything at the end of the tunnel. What they didn't expect is that the tunnel turned into a slide. And so they had no other choice but to slide down. And then there was a slope. The light showed them an entrance on the other side, they just had to get over there. “Hold on.” Iduna put her husband’s arm around her shoulder and wrapped hers around his waist. Then they reached the end. “Jump!”

A normal human being would never be able to get through there, but she wasn’t normal. She let the wind carry them over to the other side. Actually, that was kinda fun. But it looked like Agnarr had to get through his shock. “That was close.” She half joked. Actually she had everything under control.

“Have I ever told you how much I love your magic?” Asked Agnarr and kissed her cheek.

“You did. But I wouldn’t mind if you say it again.” She joked, but got a very serious answer from him.

“I love you, min kjærlighet.” Agnarr cupped her face and pulled her up to kiss her passionately. She kissed him back, clutching his shirt and pulling him closer. It really made her forget their task for a minute. When they had to part, they were both breathless. “I love you, too, dávvir.”

They looked at each other for a while longer, before they realized that they had to keep going. Taking his hand, Iduna lead the way deeper inside, wondering when they had to stop. If only they could finally find anything. The light kept guiding them and then vanished behind ice pillars that blocked their path. “Now what?” Asked the king and she gave him the answer by trying to lift them with wind. It luckily worked. There were a few more pillars on their way, that she, too, lifted out of the way.

And then they entered another room. It was empty and a dead end. The couple looked around but couldn’t find anything. “Hey.” Agnarr nudged her gently. “Sing that song of yours.”

“You think it’s gonna work?” She asked, raising an eyebrow. Ahtohallan was just a place and not a living entity. Right?

“It won’t hurt to try.” Well, he was right about that.

“Together?” She asked, her eyes glinting mischievously, because Agnarr couldn’t sing at all. Not even if his life depended on it.

“I’ll pass...” He mumbled, blushing at her suggestion. But she knew exactly what to do to persuade him. She looked at him with big pleading eyes and she could already see him crumbling. “Please. My life. Mu Ahki.” And with that she won. He loved her speaking the Northuldra language.

“Okay...” Iduna grinned triumphantly and took his hand. The king looked very uncomfortable that he had to sing with her, but he still did for her. He copied what he heard moments ago and sang with her.

Agnarr was off-key and of course he couldn’t sing high enough, but Iduna wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. As they waited for something to happen Agnarr burried his face in his hands, embarrassed. “I love it.” She said, pulling his hands down.

“You don’t need to lie for my sake...”

“But I mean it.” Iduna smiled at him brightly and it made him smile, too.

Then the room went dark. The light that guided them was gone as well and it looked like a big crystal emerged out of nowhere. Then it exploded and the room was now filled with little, floating crystals. After a moment tzey began to move. Some formed into the shape of a little salamander. “That’s Bruni...” She realized and at Agnarr’s questioning look, she answered. “Our fire spirit.” The crystals came together and showed them the symbol of fire.

Then they formed a leaf. “Vinny. Wind.” The leaf also became a crystal with the wind symbol. Next came a crystal horse. “Nokk.” And joined the other by forming the water symbol. At last the crystals formed a rock giant, before becoming the symbol of earth.

“All four elements.” Said Agnarr, while she moved the floating crystals around with her magic, just acting on instinct. She pushed the crystals to the ground and formed the pattern on her shawl that she was so familiar with.

Then they glowed brightly and in the middle appeared a fifth shape. “And then there’s the fifth...” She mumbled more to herself.

“A fifth element?”

“No...a spirit. It’s a bridge between the magic of the forest and the people. But it’s just a legend...”

Agnarr hugged her from behind, leaning his head on her. “If I had to suggest anyone, it might’ve been you. You’d make a good spirit. And you did calm Nokk.”

“Yeah, but...I don’t think a person can be a spirit...” Iduna always thought animals or mythical creatures could be spirits, but it’s only based on her knowledge of the four existing ones. Then Agnarr let go of her and she felt a light push. Before she knew it, she was standing in the center of the symbols.

The symbol she’s standing on began to glow and them grew to a beacon of light. Then the whole room was filled with light and the walls showed...her memories? Right...the lullaby said so. It showed memories of her time with her family. How she always tugged her daughters into bed. All her times with Agnarr and how they met. All the way to the point where she saved him and her oldest memories of her Northuldra family. Even her parents appeared and to be honest, she was close to forget how they even looked like. Iduna felt tears gathering in her eyes at the sight of them.

Then the symbols glowed again. This time the little crystals left their position and lined up all around her ripped dress. In the next second the dress was magically repaired. Well actually she got a brand new one. It had an open slit on her left leg, starting at the half of her upper leg. The symbols of the elements were all around the dress, forming the unity symbol, just as on her shawl.

It still had the same purple color on her upper body, but the skirt part turned from bright green to a darker one at the end. Weird. But at least she didn’t walk around in a ripped dress anymore. Not that she minded, but…it probably didn’t look very good. She looked to Agnarr, who was staring at her mesmerized and with so much pride and love that her heart swelled with an equal amount of love for him.

What she did next just happened out of instinct. She moved the wind around them. Iduna had no idea if its her doing or Ahtohallans, but a thick fog appeared and closed around them. At first she felt a slight panic, surely an emotion she repressed since childhood, but it left as soon as it came. This wasn’t the same fog that locked her out of her home. Probably.

Inside the fog formed people. Northuldra and Arendellians alike. The memories of everyone. Of Anna and Elsa and of course of her and Agnarr. For a moment the royal couple watched the fog versions of Anna and Elsa playing together. Agnarr wrapped an arm around her shoulder to keep her close. Surely to comfort them both. There was no explanation needed. Iduna sung the lullaby to him and told him everything she knew of Ahtohallan and he knew as well as she did what they saw here right now.

Then they kept going through the memories. They passed their girls childhood and went deeper till they found their memories. They saw her coronation, their wedding, their courtship, their friendship and went all the way back till the moment she saved him from the battle.

As they watched her little fog self saving Agnarr and then hiding him in a wagon, the real one gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I love you. More than anything in the world.” He whispered into her ear. Iduna turned her head to him, their foreheads touching.

“You know I speak more than two languages...yet I can’t find a word that can describe my love for you.” Said Iduna, feeling like she should try harder, but it looked like it was enough for Agnarr, for he cupped her face and kissed her as passionately as never before.

If she really was the fifth spirit, then they didn’t even got their answers to everything that happened till now, but it bonded them even more. But there was still one answer that they needed.

Taking her husbands hand, they walked in deeper into the memories. Until they heard two men talk. “King Runeard, I don’t understand.” They quickly made their way to the voice’s source. “Father...” Mumbled Agnarr when they were literally eye to eye with him and his steward. “There’s no reason to distrust the Northuldra.”

“They believe in magic.” Came the late king’s harsh reply. “Magic makes them feel too powerful. Enough to defy the will of a king.” So this was Ruenard’s true colors.

She felt Agnarr’s hand squeezing hers, as if to ground himself. “That’s not the magic’s fault.” He practically growled at his fog father. “It’s just your fear.”

The two fog men went past him and Runeard revealed his plan to his steward. He told him that the dam he build for the Northuldra wasn’t a peace offering, but something to weaken their resources and make them weak. That they’ll have a celebration and at this day they’ll see how many of them they needed to kill.

At this point not even Iduna could hold back her hatred for this man. They reached the end of the fog, but the men kept going. This must be the line they shouldn’t pass. But they needed to know…

Seeing how desperate Agnarr looked, she pushed the fog aside and went deeper. In her head she could hear her mother singing ‘Dive down deep into her sound. But not too far, or you’ll be drowned’. It was already getting colder, the deeper they went. With Ahtohallan being a glacier, maybe they will probably freeze instead of drown. Then the way was cut off.

Around them fog Northuldra and Arendellians went deeper inside and they could hear Runeard’s voice calling her people friends and that he’s welcoming them just as they welcomed the Arendellians. And by now they knew it was a lie.

Agnarr was about to jump off the ledge, but Iduna held him back, gripping his shirt tightly. “No! Don’t you remember? Not too far or you’ll be drowned!”

But he looked at her desperate but determined. “I need to know for sure.”

Iduna looked down, searching for another plan. But there was only one for her. She leaned her head against his chest and felt him wrapping his arms around her. There’s no way she’s gonna let him die here. And she knew he won’t let her either. Then she finally looked up, giving him an equally determined look of her own. “I’m sorry.”

Agnarr looked at her confused, but before he could say anything she gave him a gentle kiss on his lips. Then he seemed to understand her plan. “No.”

The queen wiped a tear away that threatened to fall. “I love you so much. Tell Anna and Elsa I love them, too.”

“Don’t you dare-” He couldn’t finish his sentence, as Iduna pushed him with her magic back to the room they came from. And then she jumped down, deeper than she’s allowed to go. “Iduna!” She heard Agnarr call her, but it was too late.

Once she landed, she immediately sensed the biting cold. Trying to stay warm, she kept walking, searching for the right memory. It thankfully didn’t take that long as she saw the chief of the Northuldra talk with Runeard, telling him that the dam’s damaging the forest. So he knew…Runeard suggested they talk about it over some tea at the fjord.

The cold began to hurt and as she looked at her hands, she saw them starting to freeze over. She had to hurry...Iduna quickly went to the next memory. It showed the chief kneeling down with a cup of tea in his hands. And then Runeard approached him, drawing his sword to attack the clearly unarmed and defenseless man. So it was him who started the fight. “No!” Iduna wanted to take a step forward but noticed that she couldn’t move anymore. Her legs began to freeze.

She needed to get out of here. The brunette tried to push herself up with her magic, but she lost top much strength too fast and fell right back down. Her back hit the ground and Iduna rolled around, coughing. There’s no way she could get out...

“Agnarr...” Using her magic, she sent this certain fog memory up to Agnarr with the last strength she had. And knowing that he won’t be able to leave this place without magic, she called out to her spirit friends for help. Maybe one of them will save him. Hopefully. They just had to save him! And that’s the only thing she could do before completely turning into an ice statue.

#agduna #agnarr #iduna #agduna week #agduna 2020 #agduna week 2020 #frozen #disney #fanfics #fanfiction

18 notes · View notes

queen-iduna-of-arendelle · 5 years ago

Text

Handsome and the Beast

A.N. For Agduna Week 2020, Day 5: AU

ff.net AO3

Tonight’s full moon again...A time that Iduna despised with every fiber of her being. Because since she was young she used to transform into a monster. A big wolf with no control. At least...that’s how it looked when she saw her surroundings after waking up. There was always destruction.

It was actually even worse when she fell in love with someone. Well...not just someone, the king of Arendelle of all people. Her beast side somehow reacted to him. As in a possessive way. It was disgusting...

But she was glad that he never found out. Whenever it was ‘time’ she could always hide away in the woods. But once she was courting Agnarr and moved to the castle it was more difficult to do so. Actually, her and Agnarr’s personal guard Mattias found out and after begging him not to tell anyone her secret was save again. It was even easier to hide then. They made sure Mattias would be the only one guarding the dungeons, so that ge could lock her away.

Over time they made sure that one cell was big and strong enough to keep her inside and now it was just a terrible habit...Iduna would always pretend to have work, so that Agnarr won’t be worried that she’s not coming to bed with him and when the sun set, she’d go down to the dungeons where Mattias is already waiting for her. “Mattias.” She greeted him, while he bowed to her. “My lady.” Iduna led the way to her cell, Mattias following close behind.

The man didn’t spoke. He long ago learned that trying to make her tell Agnarr wasn’t working. There’s no way Agnarr should know that particular secret. Okay, there was still the secret with her being Northuldra, but that was easier to hide. If Agnarr ever found out she’s a Northuldran monster...No, she didn’t want to think about it.

“I’m counting on you, Mattias.” She said, as she entered her cell. He only nodded, looking sad that she always did this to herself. And made him help. But there’s no other way. Iduna heard the lock behind her click shut, and then Mattias locked the door twice. The first time she almost broke out...this can’t happen again.

-------

Agnarr knew that at this time of the month Iduna had lots of work to do. Why, he didn’t know ad most if the time he was too tired himself to question her. Maybe she’s just helping him with a few things? She always did. He made sure she had her own room in the castle. A place where she wished to be alone and do whatever she wanted.

He was pretty sure that she must be there, and so instead of going to bed, like she always told him to, he went to her room and see what she’s doing there all alone.

When he knocked on the door, he didn’t get an answer though. And as he peeked in, he realized why. She wasn’t there. Confused that she wasn’t here even thought she told him she had to work on something, he walked through the halls, hoping to fund her somewhere. But there was no trace of her.

“Gerda.” The woman turned to him, trying to hide her tiredness. “Sorry, I know you wanna go to bed now, but do you know where Iduna is?” Gerda thought for a moment, while Agnarr tried to be patient.

“I think I saw her talking with Mattias.” She answered thoughtfully and that’s all he needed. “Okay. Thank you. Good night.” He said, as he immediately went to the dungeons that he knew Mattias was guarding tonight.

Mattias was very confused to see Agnarr there when he approached him. “Destin!” The king called, as he ran to him.

“What are you doing here?” Asked the guard confused. Agnarr took a few deep breaths before talking. “Where’s Iduna?”

Mattias looked conflicted, as if he thought about if he should tell him the truth or lie. “Don’t lie to me. I’m really worried about her.” But before he could say anything, Agnarr heard someone scream in the dungeon. And it sounded like Iduna! He intermediately pushed Mattias aside and ran down the stairs. “Iduna!”

“Agnarr, wait!” But he ignored the call of his guard and ran as fast as he could to the source of the screams. Then he realized it came from inside one of the cells. “Did you lock her in?!” He yelled at his guard, but before he could answer him, he snatched the keys from him and unlocked the door. “Wait!”

Again, Agnarr ignored him, pushing the door open and ran inside. There, Iduna lay on the floor, being in pain. Her clothes were neatly folded on the bed, though. What was going on here? At the noise Iduna looked up at him with despair in her eyes. “Leave! Go away!” She yelled at him, but he came closer to her, despite the panic growing in her eyes.

“I won’t leave you. What’s wrong with you? Why are you here?” Then he felt Mattias grabbing him from behind and tied to pull him out of the cell.

“You really shouldn’t be here right now, Agnarr!” But Agnarr had absolutely none of that and fought him. There’s no way he’d leave Iduna right now. She was obviously in pain and not to mention in the dungeons!

At this point Iduna was lying on the cold ground, squirming in pain and Mattias was still holding him back. “Destin, let me go right now!” He yelled at his guard, but then something caught his attention.

Iduna's body changed. Hair grew everywhere, her whole bone structure changed and she got a fluffy tail, too...And then a very big wolf was there instead of a woman. Both he and Mattias stared at the creature with wide eyes and then jumped when it opened its eyes.

The big wolf stood up slowly, staring at them the whole time. “Iduna...?” The wolf’s ears wiggled when he said her name. Then it looked to the open door and then back at them. Agnarr and Mattias were frozen solid, not daring to move. The wolf went towards the door slowly, while both men inched away from it.

“Did you know about this?” Whispered Agnarr, even though the wolf could hear him anyway.

“Yes…She made me swear I never tell you. She was afraid how you’d react.” Answered Mattias, still holding onto the king to protect him if needed.

The wolf —Iduna?— didn’t go out of the room as they expected. She closed the door with her hind leg and crept towards them. “Iduna...?” Again, her ears wiggled in recognition. Once she was close enough she craned her neck to sniff them. First was Mattias and then the big, wet nose was on him, sniffing him.

Then she licked him. She seemed to recognize him. She nuzzled against him and he put his hands on her muzzle and patted her gently. Moving forward, she pushed Mattias aside, curled up around Agnarr and lay down. Iduna looked at him with the same blue eyes that he loved so much, silently asking him to sit with her. After glancing at Mattias, he sat down and got a big wolf’s head on his lap.

He ran his fingers over her fluffy, brown fur and tracing the black stripe on her head and back. “We’ll be fine Destin...You better go and make sure no one’s getting lost in here...”

Luckily Mattias got the real message he’s giving him —that he just wanted to be alone with her— and left the cell. “Call me if you need anything.” He said, before closing the door behind him.

The wolf whined, looking at him with big, sad eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me...?” Iduna looked away, but still made the sound. “Did you really think I’d love you less if I knew? That I’d hate you?” She was still averting his eyes, but it told him that this is exactly what she thought. “My love...I don’t care what you are. Even if you’re a skunk or raccoon, I’d still love you. It just makes me see that I’m right about you.” At that she finally looked into his eyes. “You are magical.” Agnarr leaned down to kiss her head.

The wolf smiled at him and wagged her tail happily. She even kissed her back. Well, maybe he’ll get used to it eventually. But a kiss from Iduna is still a kiss and he liked it.

For the first time he finally could look at the cell properly. There were claw marks everywhere. As if she wanted to break out before. He looked down at her and saw that she was staring out the little window at the full moon.

“Do you want to go out?” Iduna immediately looked at her pleadingly as if she asked 'can we’? “Uh, we’ll have to be very careful then...” In that moment Iduna jumped up, making him fall backwards, since he leaned against her. She was acting like a big puppy, wanting to play. “Okay, let’s go.”

Agnarr managed to sneak her out of the castle with Mattias help. They went to the forest nearby, actually Iduna wanted him to climb on her back so that they could ‘run’ together. Then they played. It was kinda like playing with a gigantic puppy. It was really fun.

When it was time to go back she didn’t fight it. She carried him back and they sneaked in together. Actually they sneaked all the way back into their bedroom.

-------------

Iduna woke up in her bed. Naked. And confused. She tried to remember what happened last night and realized with horror that last night was her wolf night.

So why was she in her and Agnarr bedroom with him sleeping right next to her as if she didn’t transform into a monster? She quickly sat up and wrapped the blanket around herself, trying to remember what her wolf side did to end up here. Did it break out of the cell? Did Agnarr see her like this? Just when she wanted to get out of bed, Agnarr’s arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. “Don’t go.” He mumbled sleepily, hugging her tightly.

“Agnarr?” She said, testing if he’s really awake, as she had her back on him.

“Yes, my little wolfy?” The queen’s heart stopped at the nickname. He knew. And...he was okay with it?

“Did...did you see...?”

“Everything.” He replied, giving her another heart attack.

“Then why...”

“Stop right there.” He interrupted, hugging her as tight as he could. “I still love you. I’m okay with this. I love your wolf, too. I still want to marry you. Nothing can change my feelings for you, wolfy.” To be honest, she couldn’t really believe him. How could he still love her? She’s a monster. “We went out last night and played in the woods. You’re so cute as a wolf, you know. And I understand that you had to keep it a secret.”

“Uhm...” Well if he knew that, then...“I-I’m Northuldra, too...”

At the next confession, he just covered her neck and back with kisses. “Okay.”

“Y-you’re not upset that I lied to you the whole time?”

“No.” He said between kisses. “I still love you more than anything in the world. And it won’t change. Ever.”

Iduna cried at his words. If he knew he’d react like this then she would’ve told him the truth sooner. But she’s been so afraid all these years...Agnarr turned her around so she could face him and his loving eyes made her cry even more. “I love you, too.” She sobbed into his chest, while he kept kissing her face to calm her.

#agduna #iduna #agnarr #agduna 2020 #agduna week #agduna week 2020 #fanfics #fanfiction #werewolf au

16 notes · View notes

fericita-s · 5 years ago

Text

Into the Unknown

Agnarr and Iduna enlist the help of a trusted friend to help them track down the source and meaning of Elsa’s magic.

@legacy-from-lies @queen-iduna-of-arendelle for Agduna Week’s magic prompt

Part of the When All is Lost series by @the-spastic-fantastic and me. Anything you liked in this probably came from her careful editing and thoughtful suggestions. Thank you @the-spastic-fantastic!

***

Thea and Elias welcomed Agnarr into their home. Thea, caught off-guard by the unexpected visit and a bit flustered by the late hour, brought their daughter and son in to bow and curtsey before taking them up to bed and retiring to her drawing room. Elias began to pour them drinks and Agnarr closed the doors on either end of the room before settling in his chair. He accepted the glass with a word of thanks before Elias sat down to join him.

“What is this about Agnarr? I was surprised when the courier came to say you would be coming by tonight. What couldn’t wait until the council meeting tomorrow?” Elias looked at Agnarr while he spoke, and noted his somber expression, the defeated curve of his shoulders. This was the king at the end of a trying day, of which there had been many lately.

Elias had become used to this version of Agnarr. Preoccupied with the lives of his daughters under constant threat, as he had been for the past four years. Since the attempt on Elsa’s life had ended in Anna’s injury, Agnarr had not let the girls leave the castle, and few people had gone in. Council meetings now happened on properties owned by the crown in the town, and most official events were off castle grounds as well.

It was one of the reasons Elias had stayed on the council as Minster of Trade after his father’s retirement. No one could make Agnarr laugh these days but Elias could at least make him smile. And even though Elias desperately wanted to explore new trade routes and see the lands his father talked about, he was more desperate to help his friend through this long crisis.

Agnarr ran his hand over his eyes and took a breath. “This is about something that cannot be spoken of in the council meeting. At least not in its entirety.”

Elias raised an eyebrow and swirled the contents of his glass slowly. “Well you’ve piqued my interest. Are we removing someone from office? Defying Minister Wollen by proceeding with Weselton negotiations? Oh no, do you need me to get Henrik out of some trouble? Did he finally cause an international incident?”

“No, it’s…” Agnarr set the glass down and leaned forward, his elbows on his knees on hand on his forehead. “It’s about Elsa.”

Elias sat up in his chair. “Elsa? Have you found those who wish her harm? Have they made a new threat?”

Agnarr shook his head and breathed deeply. “She is still in great danger.” He licked his lips. “Elias, this is difficult to tell you. Only Iduna and a handful of servants who have seen what we could not hide know what I am about to tell you.” He paused and winced. “And the trolls.”

“The . . .Trolls? Agnarr, are you alright?” Elias smelled his glass, making sure he hadn’t given Agnarr something too strong. Trolls were a nighttime story meant to keep children from climbing out of bed in the dark. It wasn’t something a king believed to be real. It wasn’t like Agnarr to state fantasy as fact.

“Yes, trolls.” He sighed. “I told you it would be difficult. This is . . .going to be difficult to believe. And it’s going to be difficult to say.”

“You can trust me, Agnarr. I’ll remain silent. Just speak.” Elias leaned back into the chair, and tried to keep his incredulous reaction off of his face. He nodded to Agnarr, encouraging him to begin.

“Elsa was born with the gift of ice magic. She can make ice and snow and form shapes out of it.” He reached inside of his coat and pulled out a small coin, and handed it to Elias.

Elias took it and saw that it wasn’t a coin. It was a piece of ice, intricately carved to take on the appearance of a coin; Agnarr’s profile, perfectly shaped in relief on the surface. There were even grooves along the side. It was exquisite. Elias held it up. “What are you saying? She carved this? From ice?”

Agnarr shook his head and Elias could see the frustration in his movements, could hear his sigh of irritation. He tried again to be silent, to let Agnarr explain this bizarre story.

“Elias, she made that. When she was eight. It was before the accident with Anna. Now she won’t make any ice on purpose.”

Elias turned it over, and noticed that it hadn’t left a trail of water on his hand. Nor had it lost its shape in Agnarr’s pocket on the way over. Or in the four years since she made it if what Agnarr was saying was true. It was difficult to keep the surprise out of his face, but he stayed silent, hoping Agnarr would continue to explain.

“She used to make figures from ice and snow. She could also make snowfall - great drifts of it. Enough to fill the ballroom. Only, now she can’t control it. She hurt Anna, once, and we went to the trolls for healing. They saved her. They healed Anna. But they showed us the future and that Elsa would be killed for her magic unless she can control it. That’s the night we closed the gates.” Agnarr took a sip of his drink, and looked at Elias, and Elias could see the grief on his face. “So, it wasn’t a lie we told you. Not really. Their lives are both in danger. And we don’t know who from. But it’s because of this power she has.”

Elias reached to Agnarr, handing him back the ice coin and then clasping his hand. There was a time he would have felt hurt to know Agnarr kept such a great secret from him. But seeing the anguish and knowing how much it had weighed on him, Elias only felt compassion for his friend. “I understand. Or, I don’t completely, but I want to. And I understand why you would keep this a secret. I know you’d do anything for your children, any father would.”

Agnarr kept his hand in Elias’ and his voice became thick with emotion. “We’ve been trying to help her control it, but nothing works. Not gloves, not prayer, not isolation, not ignoring it. She’s grown stronger in her powers and less sure of herself.”

Elias remained silent, his body completely still as he waited for Agnarr to continue.

“There is a place Iduna knows about. It’s something her people told stories of when she was a girl. I…” He looked up. “I think we both need to finish our drinks before I tell you more.”

***

Elias was silent for a long moment. Then he drained his third drink. “Does Iduna know you’re telling me all of this?”

Agnarr took a long drink as well and then wiped hands over his eyes. “Yes. She suggested I talk to you. Entrust you with the truth of the matter. We’ve been trying to find Ahtohallan for some time, but we haven’t given any information on what it is or why we know about it to the agents we’ve sent out. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, our search has yielded nothing.”

“No, I mean she knows you’re telling me that she’s Northuldra?” Elias stood up, lifted the bottle from the table and poured them both more drinks.

“Yes,” he nodded, still wiping at his eyes. “She was very worried about it hurting you, since you lost your cousin in the battle. And Elias, she had every reason to lie and to be scared. Did you know she found the body of a murdered Nothuldra man near Eir’s? She was only fourteen. She buried it herself.”

Elias whispered a curse at that and took another sip, reconsidered, and downed the whole glass. “When shall I begin?”

***

Iduna walked carefully onto the ship, bringing her baskets of medicines and tonics, jars of lingonberry jam and stalks of boska. She knocked at the door to the captain’s quarters and Elias beckoned her inside.

“Better close the door. Some of the men think it’s bad luck to have a woman aboard.”

“Even while you’re firmly docked in the harbor? I just came to bring some supplies.” Iduna walked closer but Elias said nothing, intently studying the map on his desk.

The ship rolled slightly, bumping against the dock, and she stumbled a bit. Her heart thudded and the muscles in her arms and legs felt tight, like she might need to run and hide. “My best tonics for seasickness, preventatives for scurvy, some boska to chew for strong health, and a few others you might need for whatever comes up.”

Elias looked up from the map, rose, took the offerings and placed them on his desk. “Thank you. I’ll see that they’re used properly.”

He still wasn’t looking at her. And she knew why. She kept her voice quiet, knowing sound could easily travel even through the thick wooden beams of a ship. “I’m sorry Elias. For lying to you. For so long. About who I am. I know your family was hurt, maybe even by mine. And I’m sorry.”

He finally looked up, and she saw the tight line of his mouth, his fists on the table. “I’m not upset you’re Northuldra. I’m disappointed you didn’t trust me enough to tell me. Iddy, we’ve been close for so long. I thought I’d shown you I could be trusted.”

“I do, Elias. I do trust you. That’s why we asked you to do this for us, for Arendelle. There is no one we trust more.” She put a hand over his fist, squeezing it. “I was scared. A scared girl, and I kept acting like one long after I was fourteen. Can you forgive me?”

Elias was silent for a long moment, and she wondered what he was thinking. Just when she thought she could bear his silence no longer, he gave her a faint smile. “There’s nothing to forgive, Iddy.” He unclenched his fists, and cradled her hand in his hands, bowing his head. “I’m just sorry that you had to go through all that alone. And that you, Agnarr, and the girls have had to go through all of this alone.”.”

She sighed, relieved, and felt her shoulders relax. “May you have an easy journey.”

Elias smiled at her, and it felt like they were fourteen again, about to sail out to the skerries, baskets for berries and buckets for shells in their rowboat. “And may I find what you need to save your daughter.”

***

The first year Elias took his ship and a small crew up the Otra River. The council was told it was to scout for a new trade route, but he was following a lead about water acting in strange ways at its head in the Setesdalsheiene mountains. He hoped it could be the head of the Ahtohollan river of memory. It yielded nothing. Instead of a river of memory, he brought his goddaughter books on sailing and maps of the world.

In the second year of the search, Elias and Askel took a few guardsmen to the stones and walked the length of the mist. It took several months and Iduna was half terrified and half hopeful that the mist would open. The thought of seeing her family again was always tempered by the sobering reality that Arendellian soldiers could again lose their lives in her homeland. But, as it always had been since the day of the battle, the mist remained impenetrable. Ahthollan could not be reached by land.

In the third and four years of the search, Elias visited Corona and the surrounding lands for a witch said to be in possession of a magical flower that grew from a drop of sun. It had the power to heal, if the stories were to be believed, and had saved a queen. But eventually he found that the flower and the witch had vanished, and his search was again fruitless. He brought Elsa and Anna flowers from Corona, but they weren’t magical, and the petals were already curling in death by the time they made it home.

***

They had been so sure they were looking in the right place. Years of dead ends, each one more fraught than the last, as Elsa grew older and gossip spread throughout the borders of Arendelle and beyond about her absence from public life. Anna grew lonelier and lonelier.

Then while on a trip to Russia, Dure had traded some royal jewels for a map with Ahtoholallon labeled on it as though it was as common as the Southern Isles or England. When he brought it to the castle and Iduna took it to the library to study, she realized how singular it was. She went about thanking him with a feast in the kitchens and a sack of gold.

Agnarr joined her shortly afterward, having been to a tradesmen’s meeting by the pier where she had sent the runner for him. “What have you found?”

Iduna looked up and her face was white. “I think we’ve been looking on the wrong side of the sea. I think,” she took a shuddering breath. ”Agnarr, I think this is it. I think this shows the way to get there.”

Agnarr sat down next to her, grabbing her hand and asking in a tightly controlled voice, “And we will find the past there? Do you think understanding the past can save Elsa’s future?”

“No,” Iduna shook her head. Her color was returning and she was already formulating a plan. “But I think understanding what she’s a part of can. And this is where we learn that.”

She leaned into him, and as his hands came around her, her sigh of relief was matched by his own.

“I’ll go get Elias.”

***

He had been thrilled to go. After so many years of searching and finding nothing, he had put his hand on Agnarr’s shoulder and said “On my honor, I will find Ahtohollan for Elsa.”

Thea had seen him off at the docks, their two children with her. “Wave to your Father! Off to look for a new trade route to the Black Mountain!” Iduna packed boska and lingonberry jam and she and Agnarr stood beside Thea and the children as they said goodbye, Thea pleased and proud that the king and queen would grace the advent of the journey with their presence and blessing.

To cross the Dark Sea, Elias needed a bigger crew than the ones he had used in previous expeditions, so twenty sailors boarded with him.

They never returned.

***

Iduna sat in the chapel, her right hand in Agnarr’s left, gripping it tightly to the point of pain and focusing on the throbbing instead of her grief. She was unable to look at Thea who was unable to stop sobbing. Or stop her children from sobbing. She was just now visibly pregnant with her third child who would never know its father. A father who had sailed before he knew he and his wife were even expecting.

And it was her fault.

She had urged Agnarr to enlist the help of trusted friends. No one was more trustworthy than Elias; no one more eager to help.

And now he was gone. Swallowed by the waves and water. His ship lost with all twenty sailors aboard. They had hoped Elias was merely delayed, that he had found something that required further attention before sailing back to Arendelle with the mystery of Elsa’s powers uncovered.

But as two weeks turned into two months and then to three, Agnarr proclaimed the ship lost and commended their souls to the water. He felt like he was a fourteen-year-old all over again, presiding over a country in mourning for those lost on an expedition.

It was a task that had not become easier with age. At least those families knew what their loved ones had been doing. These families only knew that a new trade route was being explored for the good of the kingdom. Small comfort to grieving men and women and children. And the sheer number of funerals, especially one for a citizen as well-known and prominent as Elias – it seemed everyone was grieving in one way or another.

It had been an endless week of funerals, several each day, and Iduna had a harder time breathing at each one, a harder time not confessing to the distraught families that she was to blame, she was the cause.

As the priest intoned a passage from the Bible, Iduna felt an ugly heat climb up her neck and into her cheeks, a weight pressing against her chest.

“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof…before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

She would be judged for this. Twenty-one deaths on her account. The guilt over Elias was like an open wound.

As they left, a feeble Captain Calder hugged Iduna tightly and shook Agnarr’s hand and told her how glad he was for their friendship to his son. Thea thanked them for coming and told them how proud Elias was to sail for them and for Arendelle. “I hope the trade route becomes a success. His legacy will live on as our nation prospers.” She covered her mouth with her hands and Iduna and Agnarr clutched each other, silent.

***

That night in their room, Agnarr wept in great heaving sobs. He had maintained an air of solemn stoicism throughout his boyhood friend’s funeral. Had kept his composure even as Henrik, Greet, Maddie and the others had broken down. But there was no audience in their bed chamber. And he fell apart like Anna had when she realized that her separation from Elsa would not end soon.

Iduna held him like she had held Anna then, stroking his head in her lap, running her hand up his arm and whispering soothing words. “He loved you. We’ll take care of his family. They’ll want for nothing. He wanted to do this for us.” But he wouldn’t accept her comfort.

“My mother, my father, Mattias, Elias, all of those sailors…the list grows longer of those who have died for me.”

Iduna’s tears began then and she covered her face with her hands. “Elias and the others, they would be safe if not for this magic I have brought. You say I’m not a curse, but surely this is.”

Agnarr sat up put his hands on hers, his forehead against hers. “I love you. You love me. That has to be enough right now. We can keep going on, knowing that. We can survive this.”

In the following weeks they continued to take turns comforting and being comforted. Iduna was thankful that Elsa did not know the reason for Elias’s trip, but she knew her parents were grieving the loss of her godfather. She gave her mother a pair of gloves that seemed to permanently feel cold, telling her to put them against her forehead when she needed to ease the tightness brought on by tears.

Anna picked them both flowers, leaving them on their pillows and on their dinner plates, scrawling notes in handwriting that remained messy even though she was fourteen and had a penmanship tutor.

Iduna had so hoped that at fourteen her youngest daughter would have a happy and whole family, something Iduna forever lost at the same age. It was an icy stab to her heart when she saw Anna knock on Elsa’s door, and heard Elsa’s “Go away, Anna.”

Even worse was when Anna walked by the door and didn’t even bother to knock.

Iduna couldn’t give up. But she couldn’t ask anyone else to go in their stead. The next time, she decided, she would go. Alone.

#agduna #agduna week 2020 #agduna 2020 #when all is lost #mama and papa arendelle #frozen fan fic #king agnarr #queen iduna #anna #elsa #getting close to the end now

16 notes · View notes

queen-iduna-of-arendelle · 5 years ago

Text

A Damsel in Distress

A.N. For Agduna Week 2020, Day 7: Modern; Part 1 of the ‘Single Mother’ Series

ff.net AO3

Iduna took another sip of her champagne and watched all the people around her. She’s in Norway to visit her parents and decided it wouldn’t hurt to have a night out and probably meet new friends. She moved to Germany two years ago. It was her father’s homeland and she really liked it there.

Actually she lived here for the majority of her childhood until one day they moved to Norway -her mother’s homeland. Iduna loved both countries, but decided early on that she’d like to go back to Germany once she turned 18. Now she had a very good life there, and worked as a teacher. She was multilingual since forever and taught history and is a sports teacher.

Yeah, things worked very well for her. And since she’s been working so hard till now she decided to have some relaxing days in her second home. And have a few drinks. She didn’t mind going to bars alone and even if nothing exciting will happen, she could at least relax.

Just as she finished her drink something did happen. She noticed some girls gathering around a guy and practically harass him. Granted, he did look cute, but also very uncomfortable with all this attention. He really looked like he needed some help, so she’ll give him some help.

Putting the glass away, she went over to the little mop of girls surrounding the poor guy. “Hey! There you are!” She said, gaining the crowd’s attention. “I’ve been looking for you. Sorry I’m late.” The blonde looked at her confused and the girls glared at her. “And who are you?” Asked one of them.

“I’m his girlfriend, duh.” Iduna rolled her eyes, but they didn’t believe her. Not yet. “He didn’t tell us anything about a girlfriend.”

“Of course he didn’t! How could he if you won’t let him speak at all? I suggest you leave us alone now.” If he didn’t understand her plan before than he surely did now.

He made his way over to her and hugged her. “Glad you could make it, honey.” He said loud enough for the other girls to hear. She hugged him back and with an annoyed huff the girls left, probably looking for another poor guy. “...Are they gone?” He whispered in her ear a moment later. “Coast is clear.” Then he let her go. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.” He said, grinning at her.

“Well, you looked like you needed some help there.” Iduna said, shrugging as if it’s the most normal thing ever to pretend to be someone’s girlfriend.

“I did. Thank you. I’d like to treat you to a drink.” He offered, looking almost hopeful.

“Sure, why not.” Another drink won’t kill her. He offered her a chair like a real gentleman and then sat next to her.

“What do you like?”

“Some red wine would be nice.”

When the barkeeper arrived, he orders for both if them. “I’ll have some beer and the best red wine you’ve got for the lady, please.” The best they had? He’ll surely spend a little fortune for this. He noticed her look and gave her an innocent smile. “Only the best for my savior.” Okay, that was really cute. “I’m Agnarr. And what’s your name, my lady?”

The way he’s talking to her made her blush...“I-Iduna.” The blonde took her hand and kissed the back of it.

“What a lovely name for a lovely woman.”

Iduna’s blushed darkened and she looked away, embarrassed. “Now I know why these girls were crowding you.” He only tilted his head, telling her to keep talking. “You’re too nice.” She kept avoiding his eyes but saw him smile at her from the corner of her eyes.

“Maybe I am.” In that moment they got their drinks. Agnarr raised his glass and she followed suit. “Skoll.”

“Skoll.” Then she took a sip of the wine. “Wow. That’s a real good one.” The blonde smiled at her as if he expected this reaction. He really meant it when he said ‘only the best’.

“So...” He began, obviously now initiating small talk. “Do you come here often?”

“No. Actually it’s my first time here. I don’t even live around here.” She answered and took another sip.

Agnarr looked quite interested. “Oh? Where do you come from if I may ask?”

“Germany.”

“Really? Then I must say your Norwegian is perfect.” He seemed to be very impressed by that.

“Thanks. It’s because my mother’s Norwegian. She made sure I learned the language.”

“I see. I’m impressed. That’s why you have a very Norwegian name, too?”

“Pretty much, yeah.” The two smiled at each other. They may have just met but it felt so natural to talk with him. Actually Iduna didn’t plan to stay there so long, but she had fun talking with that guy. They talked about everything really. A little bit about their family, their hobbies, their favorite things and whatever else came to their minds. And when she looked at her watch, she realized how long she stayed there. “Oh. It’s really late...I should go now.”

Agnarr looked at his watch, too and looked equally shocked. “You’re right. I didn’t realize how long we sat here. Please, allow me to bring you home.”

Iduna smirked at his offer. “I can take care of myself.” She did tell him that she was a sports teacher and that she even trained martial arts.

“I’m well aware of that.” Agnarr was smirking right back at her. “I only want to protect the burglars from you.” He said, making her laugh. It seemed he already knew exactly how to do that. Actually she couldn’t remember the last time she laughed as much as tonight.

“Okay then.” Iduna still giggled and had to wipe a tear away. “You may bring me home.”

Agnarr smiled and payed for their drinks. Actually…he put quite a lot on the counter and even said they could keep the change. How rich was that guy? She raised an eyebrow at him, but he just smiled at her sheepishly. “Let’s go.”

Maybe it’s better if she didn’t know that. Iduna grabbed her things and stood up. Just as she put her coat on, she saw him offering her an arm. “Shall we, my lady?”

Iduna looked down to hide her blush and smile, but accepted his arm. “A real gentleman, huh?” She always thought those men were extinct.

“Only for you.” He said, while Iduna rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on. I’m sure you’re saying this to every gal you meet.”

“I swear this is the first time.”

Iduna looked at him suspiciously and he looked at her very innocently. They talked a lot on their way to her place -or rather her parents place- that it felt like they were teleported. The time was over too soon and Iduna kinda wished they could talk more. And it looked like she’s not the only one.

“Iduna...look, I...” Agnarr stammered, obviously very nervous and self-conscious. “I’d like to see you again.” He admitted, before giving her a little piece of paper with his number on it. She did see him writing something down from the corner of her eyes...“Just think about it, okay? You can call me if you want. Actually...I’d really like it if you did. But it’s your decision. I don’t wanna force you into anything.”

For the first time this night he was so nervous and rambled like this. It was really cute. “Okay.” She said, leaving everything open, since she didn’t know herself if she’s gonna have time for a date.

“Okay.” He repeated and turned to leave. But she wasn’t done with him. “Agnarr.” As soon as he turned back to her, she grabbed his collar and pulled him down. Then she gave him a little kiss on the cheek. “Thank you. I had fun tonight.”

Iduna smiled triumphantly when he blushed for once. “Me too...” Smiling brightly he waved at her, which she returned. “Bye.”

“Bye-bye.” Now she let him go, but she had to giggle every time Agnarr looked back and waved again. As if he’s making sure this isn’t a dream. Well, she couldn’t believe this either. But she’d really like to stay in contact with him. She’s definitely gonna call him soon.

#agduna #agduna weel #agduna 2020 #agduna week 2020 #iduna #agnarr #frozen #disney #fanfics #fanfiction

14 notes · View notes

queen-iduna-of-arendelle · 5 years ago

Text

Love is an Open Door

For Agduna Week 2020, Day 2: Music; and Part 3 of my brand new ‘Single Mother’ Series

I had to cut a whole fic worth of story and info’s to write this, but don’t worry, part 2 will be written very very soon

ff.net AO3

Saturday morning and Iduna is already wide awake and dug through her wardrobe. She knew she had a few hours till she’s gonna meet Agnarr —the whole day actually, since they’ll meet around 6pm— but she was just so excited. Actually she was always excited to meet him. But today’s date, he said, is gonna be something special, that just made her even more exciting.

The brunette tried on new outfits for the past hour and still couldn’t decide what to wear for the date. Should she wear something fancy or classic? Or just something she felt comfortable with? But what if he’s dressed fancy and then there’s she wearing a plain shirt and jeans? God, even after 2 years of dating this guy made her crazy! Though, she couldn’t say that she disliked it.

At some point she heard her phone buzzing on the table. She asked him if he could just tell her where they’re going and hopefully now came an answer. Well it was him, but it wasn’t the answer she wanted.

[Wolfy]: It’s a surprise

He ended it with a kissing smiley. Cute. But it’s not helping her! As she kept digging through her wardrobe, she found the dress that he bought for her. It was still weird to date someone as rich as him and at first she refused to accept the gift, but he insisted. He practically pushed the dress into her hands and refused to take it back. What a cute dork he was.

She decided to take this dress and match it with the necklace he also bought her. It was actually very embarrassing to get so many presents from him, while she’s unable to give him something back. Whenever she asked what he’d like for a present he said that being with her was the best present he could ever get. Which was even more embarrassing. But so very cute.

Satisfied with her decision, she put the dress on her bed, before cleaning up the mess she made. Once she was done, she went to the bathroom to have a long, cool shower to calm her nerves.

Once that was done as well and she felt refreshed and calmer than before it’s about to decide how she should style her hair. With the dress being half fancy, her hair could look classic. And so she dried her long hair with a hairdryer and began to braid them into one big ponytail. And her short fringe could stay like that.

Then she put on the dress. It was purple and had some nice accents that looked like crocuses. It just so happened to be her favorite flower, too. The necklace had a pendant in a shape of a hamster. It’s one of her favorite animals and he let it made especially for her. The hamster was covered with different gems that made it look fancier. It surely cost a fortune...And she did feel bad for accepting such an expensive gift. Then she put on a little bit of make-up and she was ready to go.

Just in time to meet Agnarr. Those times really made her realize how long she could take to look perfect for him. Even if he once said that she might as well meet him with bed hair and her most comfy clothes —which are clothes that are way too big for her— and he’d still think she’s beautiful. Of course she’d never do such a thing. Then the doorbell rang and she quickly ran to the door and opened it. “Hey.” She greeted him cheerfully, opening the door wider.

Agnarr leaned down to give her a quick kiss, before accepting her offer to come in. “You look beautiful.” At his compliment, Iduna looked away, blushing and tugged a lose strand behind her ear. “Thanks. You look quite handsome yourself.”

“Thanks, my little crocus.” Then she was suddenly face to face with a bouquet. Iduna was surprised, actually always was, because after two years of dating he really didn't need to give her flowers when they went on a date.

Of course she always accepted the little gift. It was really sweet of him. She took the flowers. “Agnarr, you didn't have to—“

“Stop right there.” He interrupted her, as always and kissed her passionately. And, as always, Iduna was melting into the kiss. When they parted, she wanted to pull him back, but they had to go. “I'll...put them in a vase.” Somehow this is how every date started. But she wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world.

Iduna went to the kitchen to get a vase and heard Agnarr follow her. “So, where are we going?” She asked again, as she put the flowers in the vase and filled it with water.

“It's a secret.”

“Come one! Tell me!” The brunette pouted, something that always helped her to get anything she wanted from him. But it looked like it didn't work this time...

“Sorry, crocus, I can't. But I can tell you one thing.” Iduna tilted her head, telling him to continue. “I hope you don't mind...Destin and Halima will be there, too.”

“Oh, did he finally ask her out?” She asked, smiling brightly. “Of course I don't mind.” Destin Mattias was like a father figure for Agnarr. His real one wasn't...exactly the best father ever. He even tried to separate them at one point and always accused her that she's only dating Agnarr for his money. But she was really glad that Agnarr didn't believe it. And then Mattias was there and actually cared for Agnarr since he was a kid. Agnarr told her that he even called Mattias 'father', while he called Agnarr 'son'. It's both sweet and sad.

Same went for Halima. Agnarr's mother died soon after he was born and she was his mother figure. When he told her this story, she always wondered why Mattias and Halima weren't dating even thought they obviously loved each other and where already parents to Agnarr.

“Great. I promise, we'll have a lot of fun together.”

Iduna got on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I always have fun with you, sunflower.” Agnarr blushed at the nickname, like always. He’s so cute. “Shall we go?”

Agnarr kissed her forehead, still blushing. “We shall.”

-----------------

Agnarr drove them to a bar. At first she thought it’s just a normal bar, until they entered it. It was a karaoke bar. “No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Agnarr, no. There’s no way I’m gonna sing anything here.” It’s not like Iduna couldn’t sing. Her family, friends and Agnarr said she had a beautiful singing voice, but she was still very self-conscious about her singing.

“You’re singing great, birdy. You’re singing better than an angel.” He praised her, making her even more embarrassed.

“Don’t say such things...”

“But it’s true. Come on, my love. Destin and Halima will sing, too.” Iduna took a moment to think. Mattias wasn’t really the best singer either...and if he’s gonna be brave enough...“Okay.”

“Great! I love you! I promise you’ll have fun. I’ve got the perfect song for us!” Agnarr grinned at her excitedly, and Iduna couldn’t help but become excited as well.

“Some love duet from Disney?” She guessed.

“Of course!” The blonde gave her a peck on the lips, before looking for Mattias and Halima. They told Agnarr that they’re already here and got a good spot near the stage.

“Agnarr, Idy, over here!” Came Mattias voice and then they saw him waving at them. The man stood up to hug them. “Glad you could drag her in here, boy.” He said before letting them go again.

“Well I said it’s a surprise.” Explained Agnarr and looked at her sheepishly.

“Ah, I see, so she just found out?”

“Yes and I’m not happy about it.” Said Iduna and glared at her boyfriend playfully.

“Don’t worry, this is gonna be one of your best dates ever, I promise.”

“You guys promising me a good time is getting suspicious.” The brunette looked at the guys who looked like little boy who got caught taking a cookie.

“Will you believe me more when I say you’ll have a good time?” Asked Halima and hugged her.

“Yes.” Iduna hugged her back. “I’m glad that Mattias finally asked you out.” She said, as they sat down at their table.

“Me, too, sweetie. I thought he’d never ask.” The women laughed at the expense of the boys and they all were sure it’s gonna be like that the whole night.

-------------

For most of the time they drank, ate some snacks and talked about everything. The people that were on the stage were sometimes good, sometimes crazy, sometimes terribly bad, but every time Iduna was glad that she could wait with their performance longer.

Then it was Halima’s and Mattias’s turn on stage and they also chose a Disney song. It’s funny that all four of them were such crazy Disney fans. And if Mattias wasn’t there for Agnarr he’d surely think it’s just for kids, just like his father always told him.

The new couple sang A whole new World from Aladdin and even if Mattias wasn’t the best singer, he tried his best.

But sadly after them it was her and Agnarr’s turn. “Come on, birdy.” Said Agnarr, having to pull her from her chair and onto the stage.

“No, no...” She mumbled anxiously, even if she’s being encouraged by their mother and father figure and practically everyone in this bar.

“You can do it, my love. Just look at me.” Said the blonde, but it was hard concentrating on him when she knew so many people were staring at them.

They got their mics and their song was revealed: Love is an open Door from Disney’s movie The Snowqueen. It was both their favorite movie of all time and knew all lines and songs by heart. But it still didn't make her any less anxious. “Okay...Can I just...say something crazy?” Iduna began, as she music started.

“I love crazy.” Agnarr replied and then it really started. While they sang, Agnarr made sure that she was only looking at him and not at the crowd watching them. It actually made her forget their audience for the whole song.

“Can I say something crazy?” Said Agnarr as the song’s about to end. She knew how the song ended and she knew what she’s gonna say. She’ll say ‘Can I say something even crazier? God, no, are you insane? I don’t even know you!’

But he crushed her plan immediately by actually going down on one knee and pulling out a box with an actual, real engagement ring in it. “Will you marry me?”

Iduna stood there, frozen in shock that he actually pulled this on her. She couldn’t even talk properly. “Can...can I...can I say something...you know...crazier?” She stuttered, watching Agnarr nodding and waiting patiently for her answer. She only realized that she started to cry when a tear was already gliding down her cheek. Sniffling, she began anew. “Can I say something even crazier? Yes!”

The whole bar began to cheer for them, as Agnarr put the ring on her finger. Meanwhile Iduna was hiding her face behind her hand the whole time, too embarrassed to look at anyone. Once the ring was on her finger, she felt Agnarr hug her and lead her off the stage. The applause kept going till they were finally back at their table. “I can’t believe you did this!” Iduna said behind her hands. “I hate you!”

“I love you, too.” He said with such a loving voice and pulled her hands away from her face. Then their foreheads touched and his eyes sparkled happily and with a crazy amount of love in them. “Forgive me?”

Iduna looked away and then saw Mattias holding up his phone. “Wait. Are you filming this?!” She asked pulling away from Agnarr and trying to snatch the phone away from him. But it didn’t work. “Stop filming!” Obviously Agnarr didn’t mind at all that they’re being filmed, as he cupped her face and kissed her deeply. Meanwhile Iduna reached out to grab that stupid phone or at least cover them a bit.

#fanfics #fanfiction #agduna #agduna week #agduna week 2020 #agduna 2020 #iduna #agnarr #halima #mattias #frozen #disney

13 notes · View notes