Time twisted

24

Iduna POV

"2! 2! 1! 2!" I shook the dice up as I pray for a 1. I hid the dice from the others waiting in anticipation. Giving a short glance and groaned, the number wasn't what I hoped.

"6! She got 6!" The crew cackled. Who made the rule of making each step accounted for, I have been passed 100 twice, how could that not be counted as a win? Reluctantly I shifted my piece over to 100, and back to 99, and I passed by his piece at 96.

"99...95! The rope again!" I kick the barrel, not too hard for the surrounding crew to notice. Who places 3 ropes at the very end? I sighed as I moved my piece down towards 76, the same old spot I have fallen to thrice.

We started playing this game two days ago. I saw the crew playing ropes and ladders and was mildly intrigued by it. Agnarr and I decided to give it a try and that's how it went on, 10 losses and 8 wins for me, and I am determined to win this round back.

"4! He got a 4!" Apparently not. I fumed as his sleek hands slowly paved the way to 100. Lady Luck wasn't at my side as I rose to see his smug face and the crew splitting their bets.

Talk to him.

Brianna's voice came to my head, seemingly reminding me.

I very much did so. The first few days on board we talked about the water treaty, never did I know I enjoyed him explaining every bit with detail with passion, as if his dark circles under his eyes meant nothing compared to officiating the treaty. He also shared his hopes and dreams for arendelle, and from there I thought, why is he sharing it all to me?

"You're in my council, Aren't you?" He jokingly replied. I gave a laugh back, but he never knew it hurt me.

We hadn't touched on the misunderstanding we had, or maybe I am the only one who had them. He didn't ask and talk to me unaffected, as if he just forgot about how I treated him that day.

Some moments I just want to cut him off and tell him how sorry I was. But if he didn't mind, why should I? The guilt still lies in me and it's probably what I deserved.

Talk to him.

Reality hit me as I heard the bells rang. We arrived in arendelle in the late evening, the crew went up the deck, leaving the pieces toppling over.

"Well played." I conceded defeat as we cleaned up the board. I felt the ground shaking as I held the wooden walls for stability. Before Agnarr could help me, I interjected.

"I am fine, I may be wounded but I am able." He backed away as I went to collect my sachet. As I came out, I saw a familiar coat being held by Agnarr.

"You forgot to claim it back." It hit me as I remember giving my outer coat to him as I found him at the alley. His migraines are gone too, he assured me days ago in one of our many conversations. I then felt my shoulder getting enveloped by the coat, his fingers lingering on my shoulders as he helped me on. I then tucked the coat closer and we headed up to the deck, ready to arrive in Arendelle.

Breathing in the cold air and seeing snowfall at dusk, I stepped down the stairs and reached the harbour to be received by Lord Husan.

"How are you feeling? His majesty said you are unwell." Lord Husan felt my forehead, I am thankful that Agnarr didn't explicitly write back, I didn't want more to worry when I am healing alright.

Agnarr. This is the last day of the voyage, our time together had ended. It felt empty compared moments ago, the game of ropes and ladders.

I saw Agnarr climbing on his horse, without thinking, I ran towards him as he turned the horse, I shield my face as I thought I was getting hit by the horse.