a/n: Sorry it took forever to release this chapter. Thanks for your follows, faves, and PMs- my goal for the new year is to have a more consistent update schedule! Happy 2019 :)
"Where have you been?"
Illaoi shrugged off Olaf's efforts to slow her down. He tried pulling on the Eye of God and received a swift clobbering from Nagakabouros. His second attempt was rewarded with a smarting slap across the face by the priestess. None of this was enough to deter him.
"Hey! You can't just ignore me— stop walking!" This time Olaf stepped into her path and was promptly removed by a tentacle. Illaoi crossed through the hub of the village with her irritating 'shadow' in tow. The weight of the bags under her eyes threatened to drag her down, but she had a mission that would not be slowed by sleep or dim-witted barbarians.
The infirmary was her first stop. Thanks to Nagakabouros' help there were few patients to deal with, but Illaoi was not concerned with their well-being or recovery. What she was looking for was not there. The unlikely duo went up to the stable and left empty handed; they left the auditorium and temple with the same success. Finally, the journey stopped outside the closed doors of Volibear's residence.
"Stop! You can't go in there. He doesn't want to be disturbed."
Illaoi looked down, really looked, and saw Olaf for the first time. His eyes were framed by pearly half-moons, likely from the lack of sleep, and his lips were chapped to the point of drawing blood. Ice and snow had settled into his mustache and beard, giving him a hoary appearance. Just behind his shoulder a makeshift camp had been set up; two axes stuck out of the snow beside a sleeping bag and the sad remains of a fire.
Illaoi shook her arm free. "I don't have time for this." She ignored Olaf's continued protests and pounded on the wooden door. It swung open on the second thump, leading the priestess to believe it was not latched properly in the first place. A wave of stale air blew out.
Olaf thrust his way through the gap under Illaoi's arm and took an aggressive stance. "Are you deaf?! Go away!"
From within the home came Sejuani's hoarse voice. "Have you no respect for the dead?" Her pale face emerged from the dim interior like a ghostly apparition. Time seemed to slow as Olaf and Illaoi beheld the Freljord's princess. White hair clung to her sweaty forehead and neck, framing a haggard face. "Are you just going to stand there?"
"What're— why are you- Volibear?" Olaf spluttered. In answer, the door was opened further.
Olaf and Illaoi entered.