Chapter XVI

I fumbled around my plate and clumsily picked up the stray bits of hare that were left, before blindly (haha) bringing them up to my mouth. Earlier, after I had almost choked on a bone that I obviously didn't know existed, Sejuani had taken the matter into her own hands and removed every single bone and cartilage from my plate. I felt like a baby that couldn't take care of herself, but I was grateful. We ate in silence, and quickly, as we had longed to feel the soft grind of meat against out tongues. Finally, my stomach no longer rumbled.

When the three of them had returned, Sejuani had inquired about the bone necklace, sounding extremely surprised. I told her exactly what had happened and how I was clueless and hoped that she would shed some light on everything. She didn't say any more until we had finished eating.

"The title of a healer is regarded as one of the most respected ranks in a tribe. Some would say that you can't win anything from blood shed, unless you know how to cure it." She said. "I wouldn't have expected her to pass the title on to you. Usually it runs within the healer's family. Then again, she had none, and I don't suppose anyone else would have had the knowledge that you managed to gain. We're very war-focused."

"So what does this mean?" I asked her, my fingers tracing the outline of the old bones around my neck.

"I guess you'll be the one tending to the wounded and the sick. From what I've heard it takes more wisdom than some would think. There was no reason for Olava to give up her job, but nobody ever understood her. I haven't seen her when we returned either, I hope she's alright." She answered.

"How would Quinn even do that? She's blind." Said Fiora.

"I don't need to see the herbs and plants to recognise them. They all have peculiar and unique smells, I can work with that. Valor will help me move around, I'm sure. He's always been my eyes. His job was just taken to the next level." I replied, and heard Valor shriek in approval.

"I will help you too, as much as I can." Sejuani added. "There'll be more peace in Freljord for a while now, since Lissandra won't be bothering us any longer and I doubt Ashe would have the nerve to try anything. There's little to worry about."

"Well you know we'd be back in Demacia any time you need us." Said Shyvana. "I think we better be going. Got everything, Fiora?"

"Oui oui. All set."

We all headed outside to bid them farewell as I heard Jarvan preparing the troops for the journey. Suddenly, his heavy and uneven steps seemed to be heading towards us.

"From what I hear it seems that you'll be staying behind, Quinn." He said. "You know, you're always welcome to come and visit me." He chuckled.

"Oh she won't be the only one to come and visit you." Sejuani answered for me, and I sniggered as I imagined Jarvan's grin being wiped off his face almost instantly.

"Right, right." He mumbled as he walked away, and I could feel Sej's arm around my shoulders pull me slightly closer.

"I'm sorry to see you all go." I said to Shyv and Fiora, before chuckling at my choice of words. They hesitated before they too expressed their amusement.

We said our goodbyes as they left, and I began missing them already. There was a long road ahead of all of us. Such a shame that it had to part.

After their departure, Sejuani led me inside a building which I immediately recognised to be the library by its familiar old and dusty smell. I was slightly confused as to why she would want to come here, but didn't question her. She helped me sit down at the table and I felt her sit besides me. She placed something on the table.

"I know you'll never be able to read to me again..." she said almost in a whisper. "But I was wondering if you still wanted to help me. I'll try reading myself... I'll describe the words I don't know."

"Of course." I smiled, feeling quite delighted that she still wanted me to help her. "What are we reading?"

I waited as I assumed Sejuani scanned the cover. I heard her mutter to herself before saying audibly, "Thawing ice."

I raised an eyebrow. The title sounded interesting...

"I remember it from my youth." She said. "It's a tale about a cold person who falls in love with a stranger they barely met."

I nodded. "I can't wait to hear it then."

I leaned against Sejuani's shoulder and listened carefully to her trembling words...

I focused hard onto the text, trying to recognise each letter as they seemed to dance around the page. It took me a while to get used to the way each sentence flows, but I remembered the way Quinn always used to make everything sound melodious and tried to copy that. My eyes strained more than they should have, and occasioanlly vision would go blurry before returning to normal. I didn't mind though, I managed to do something which I'd always wanted to.

However, I will always long to hear Quinn read again. Always long to look deep into her eyes and know that she could do the same. Instead, she was locked away in a world of nothingness, and I couldn't do anything other than blame myself.

We had gotten through the first chapter when I stopped and looked over at her. She was resting her head on my shoulder, unaware of her surroundings. I placed my arm around her as I brought my other hand up and cupped her cheek, lifting her head gently. I leaned forward and sealed our lips.

I pulled her closer when she started kissing me back and let her bodyweight rest on me as I leant into the chair. I guided her carefully so that she was sitting on my lap, her legs either side of my waist.

"I love you," I whispered as I pulled away slightly.

"I love you too," she replied, and time seemed to stand still.

Olava's shaking figure peeked through the window of the library as a wonky and weary smile occupied her lips. She turned away and began walking, her knees trembling and her hips supporting her at an angle.

"The Winter's Claw is complete. Freljord will be at peace." She muttered to herself. "And so will I."

As she walked, she met up with Makechau, who jumped excitedly when he saw her. She took her brother by the hand and together they walked on, disappearing into the gloom of the forest, into the unknowns of the snow.

"And so will we." Olava repeated.

Note - The End

SFKJHSAKLJFDKM

Okay so this fan fic is technically done XD I hope you enjoyed it all! I've had a great time writing it!

I would like to thank all the people that helped me along the way. (God, I sound as if I received an Oscar asdsgksakm)

Anyway, you better ship Quinjuani now! *stares angrily*