By Lady Maren, Head Liaison of Northuldra-Arendelle Relations
Like Anna, I’ve been stunned by the power wielded by those that seek to manipulate her throne. A while ago I fought Countess Viola on board Muspelheim (I look forward to our rematch one day, by the way). It’s no surprise why this newspaper and even a commercial rival, The Fjord Times, have gone after Viola for pretty much running a “shadow state,” complete with a private army, loyal to her aristocratic family and its cause rather than that of the monarchy and the state. Are we in still in feudal times?
I suppose that’s the royal conundrum Anna inherited from her predecessors: so long has Clan Mundilfari puppeteered Arendellian politics and life, Anna has had to work doubly hard to uproot this centuries-old influence. Yet moving behind the scenes, lobbying, negotiating, and power-broking – these activities, I’ve learned quickly, aren’t always bad things. In fact, they might sometimes be the only way things can get done around here. I like to think of myself as a straightforward and frank person, but given the situation in my homeland of Northuldra, we’ll need to do lots of negotiating.
Consider the bill of re-integration or unification that Anna and I introduced in the Great Assembly some time ago, of which all its nine points are being scrutinized and debated meticulously by parliament’s ministers and jarls. While Yelena and I support it (I co-wrote the document with Anna), there are members within our tribes – some of them well-respected and have sent their kids to Arendellian schools and academies of learning – who aren’t so enthusiastic.
The reasons are complex: some don’t feel that Northuldra is being given enough autonomy, while others question the basis of cooperating with Arendelle in the first place. Other newly read Northuldrans, inspired by the revolutions across the oceans and nearer to home, in France, have altogether new and exciting, but volatile, political ideas.
All these questions of sovereignty, independence, and political transition have occupied me for many months now, ever since I started working in Arendelle with Anna. As it happens, I’ll be having a meeting with an Anglo-Persian investor over dinner. His name is Nahir al-Adil. According to Anna, he’s more well-versed in negotiation, persuasion, and power-broking than many of our most seasoned diplomats and businessmen. I glimpsed him many nights ago, at the state ball for Queen Victoria in the palace – he was part of the British delegation. At the time I’d started helping Anna with Northuldra affairs, and I noticed that Master Nahir was discussing ideas about investing in ethical markets with her. I didn’t talk to him much that evening, but knew that not only was he well-versed in British public life, but also a traveller of the globe, frequently returning to his home region of Persia.
I can’t help thinking that he’s extremely well-informed about the dynamics of power between the imperial powers that Anna is so wary of, and those regions that have had to adjust or submit to outside interference or settlement.
Although he seems somewhat distant and reserved, I would like to take him to Northuldra, to see for himself our way of life, and the rapid adaptations we’ve made to daunting new political realities. Chief of them all is the question of being true partners with Arendelle, and the terms on which we’re trying to do this through our re-integration bill. I wonder if he has any advice after having seen so much of the world.
Even though it’s been a wild ride with Anna so far, I’ve only travelled as far as to here, in Arendelle, outside of Northuldra. I’ve still got so much to see and learn.
Northuldra’s future isn’t just relevant to Arendelle. Viola is proving that entire countries and empires can be drawn into this political maelstrom. Nahir’s economic and political might well help Anna tip the balance in our favour.
Sincerely,
Maren
The Arendelle Guardian 
All I can say, Honeymaren, is that its obviously critical that Arendelle and Northuldra are working together and that all differences can be resolved. There has to be an understanding of the magnitude of no deal between us. No deal will be catastrophic.
That being said, I think there could and should be a little more give and take. Whatever it is, I hope everything gets figured out, and I can’t wait to visit sometime.
Alan
LikeLike
Dear Alan,
I’ve also come to believe in give and take. The question for my people, though, is: what are we to give, and what are we to take? Not all exchanges are equal, as many people under colonial rule are discovering. That said, with Anna as queen, I know we’re negotiating in good faith. That’s why I’m here.
Sincerely,
Maren
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, and with Anna at the helm, heck, even if Elsa was still Queen, all will work out. Anyone else? Highly doubtful.
Alan
LikeLike
I agree, Alan. Elsa and Anna represent a truly unique break from the past. Had Arendelle continued on Agnarr’s trajectory (spirits rest his soul), the reality is that Northuldra and Arendelle might never have come together. That is an unpleasant truth that Anna has had to come to terms with about her own father.
Sincerely,
Maren
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, we have all had to come to terms with that fact.
Alan
LikeLike
Meeting your people for the first time was a real pleasure, Maren. I can fully understand the position you have. On both sides, you have people who range from being in favor, to fence sitters to those who woukd like the status quo, in an ever changing world. I’ve spoken to Mahir. He’s not only smart and well-versed in world politics, he hax a gift of a “silver tongue,” so to speak. He is a well known negotiator, so you know he can bring parties together for an amicable agreement.
As for Vi, Hilde and her private army, they may be up to their butts in alligators. An outfit called The Conclave is looking to assassinate Viola due to her not wanting to assassinate Queen Anna. So they’re pissed off and want her rubbed out.
I’m at the Keep with Alan and a few of Mattias’s men and volunteers from A&N. I hope it’s not a double-cross. If it’s not, we can be a real help to someone who seems to be a new friend to Queen Anna, and keep this Conclave at bay.
Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Master Michael,
I think you, Master Nahir, and me would make a great team as we develop Northuldra’s connections to Arendelle. With you providing the infrastructure that encourages his own investments, we’ll be able to develop a positive circuit of shared prosperity that hopefully convinces detractors in both Arendelle and Northuldra that this long-term initiative will transform both regions for the better.
I dislike Viola intensely, and I’m afraid I don’t share the warmth that Anna exhibits towards her. Her goals are too dangerous to Northuldra’s survival, and her power too frightening to wish away. I don’t wish ill on her – actively – and while we’re in the dark about this apparent shadow war she’s waging against would-be pretenders to Anna’s throne, I think she’ll actually succeed. Stay safe while you’re in Keep Mundilfari – I don’t stop Anna from her sleepovers at that castle, despite my aversion towards the Countess. She certainly doesn’t seem to be a liar: she’s too honest about her goals for me to trust her.
Sincerely,
Maren
LikeLike
I know that all too well, Maren. Especially after the free nose job she did to you. This Hilde Von Altheim is a goose-stepping warmonger who needs to be reeled in.
I had a discussion with Queen Anna, my niece, and we agreed that if indeed those two come warring to Northuldra, Elsa and the spirits will be all to willing to teach those two a good lesson once and for all! The days of Imperislism and Colonialism are over! I told Anna that it’s a stench that nations want to get away from and act like good neighbors nowadays. Vampire Viola and Broom Hilde need to learn this!
LikeLike
P.S. Viola toom a fair hit from the first wave of Conclave assassins and took casualties. Vi made a good accounting of herself, However Hilde shot the last couple.
U.M.
LikeLike