Danyla hurriedly helped Walda up and warmly drew her into her arms.
"Don't say another word about begging forgiveness. How could I not know how much you've suffered these past few months? The blizzards in the Bay of Ice during the Long Night were no small thing to endure!"
During the three months Danyla had been missing, Walda and the people of Bear Island had braved the bitter cold and snowstorms, tirelessly searching the Bay of Ice and the Frozen Shore for traces of her. Between the Long Night and the extreme weather, Bear Island had suffered considerable casualties.
It was easy to imagine the immense challenges they had faced throughout that time. Whatever their motives, Danyla was grateful and touched by what they had done.
So Danyla had ordered the Holy Flame Fleet bound for the Cisland Peninsula to bring Bear Island a generous supply of new, high-yield grain seeds suited to cold climates. She had also sent more than a dozen experienced farmers to provide guidance in person.
But she had no desire for a somber atmosphere now, so she deliberately pinched Walda's cheeks a few times and said,
"Look, this lovely face has grown so rough. It breaks my heart!"
"Your Highness..."
Danyla's playful antics brought a sudden blush to Walda's face. The normally dashing female warrior showed a rare trace of shyness.
"Your Highness! Your Highness!"
"My sister and I have come to join you too, just like Walda!"
Maggie Mormo was so tall that Danyla could hardly have missed her even if she had tried, and her voice seemed to have grown even louder during their time apart.
"Then you're both most welcome!"
Danyla gave Maggie and her sister warm hugs as well, teasing her as she did so,
"Your voice certainly carries farther these