Isabela was never one for love.

She reminded herself of this as she pried the relic from Wall-Eyed Sam's fresh corpse, and placed the note she had writing for her saying goodbye on top of his chest.

"I can't believe mother is gone." Marian sobbed into Isabela's bosom, holding her tightly and for a moment, Isabela wondered if she'd ever let go.

Then she said it.

"I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you, Isabela. I promise you. If anyone ever took you, I would search ever corner of Thedas to find you, and I would kill them. I will not make the same mistake twice. I will not lose another loved one. Not matter what the cost."

That was the moment that Isabela knew she had to run, with a broken Hawke's tearful and fierce eyes staring back up at her. If she didn't she'd stay forever, become domesticated and be happy for the rest of the days.

However, if she didn't return this damned book to Castillon, they'd be hunted and Hawke would know it was all 'Bela's fault.

She wouldn't have that on her conscience. It wasn't the life she wanted.

She allowed herself one last look at the warehouse where her companions fought for her, believing in her when no one else did.

Then she left. Kirkwall and Hawke, and with a heart as heavy as lead, she was determined to never look back.

She was halfway to Ostwick before she knew she had to turn around, and that she had to get Marian back. She had to save Kirkwall, and Marian. And she needed Marian to save her, and when Castillon came for her she knew Marian would be by her side, and they would win. They'd always win as long as they were together.

Maybe love wasn't such a bad thing after all.