A/N: After finishing Crooked Kingdom, I knew I had to write something to make myself feel better. lbardugo has ruined my life. Also, I'm glad I wasn't the only one who thought about this, and depleti with her wonderful art here sealed the deal. Crooked Kingdom spoilers.
The wind cut across Nina's face, the Fjerdan chill unbothered by her and Matthias. The ice unrelenting as she chipped away at it, bringing the pick down in a solemn rhythm. Wolves howled in the distance, reminding Nina that despite Fjerda's ways, it was like Ravka. Another howl, but closer this time as the wind picked up and ice clung to her eyelashes.
She stopped, the ice giving way to the earth underneath, glancing at Matthias' body, thankful his eyes were no longer black as a product of her grief. Gathering his body in her arms, she gasped, looking back at the wolf in front of her as it stepped closer until it was at her feet, sniffing Matthias.
Part of it's eye was brown, a scar running across it's muzzle.
"Trassel." Nina rasped, her arms beginning to shake. He glanced at her, stepping back as she lowered Matthias into the ground.
Throwing the shovel down, Nina sat beside Trassel, a mournful howl rang from him, echoing as other wolves joined in carried by the wind.
"The water hears and understands. The ice does not forgive."