Elana frowned when they went back with the caravan to take Belle home. "They said after what happened it was too dangerous to have kids around. They're taking me home too."

"I'm sorry", Belle said. "It was my fault."

"It wasn't", Elana said. "You saved us. Besides, it wouldn't be as fun without my best friend anyway."

Belle smiled. "Thanks. So we'll write to each other?"

"All the time."

Belle smiled, and Elana smiled back.


When they arrived, Elana gave Belle one final hug and a quick goodbye, then they waved till the carriage was out of sight.

Belle didn't want to leave the caravan, but she was glad to have left the experience with a new friend. For now, that was good enough. She walked back to the castle, where a guard was standing outside, and ran back in as soon as he saw her. With a start, Belle realized precisely how angry her father would be.

"Belle!", he exclaimed when he came downstairs. "Thank goodness you're okay!" He hugged her, and she hugged him back, thinking perhaps she was off the hook. But then he pulled away. "What were you thinking! Leaving without my permission, and worse than that, not even telling me!"

"I'm sorry father", Belle said. "I just wanted freedom. And adventure. And to make a new friend."

"And did you get all that?"

"Yes", Belle said.

"Well, I'm glad you were happy", he said. "But you're grounded for 2 months, twice as long as you spent on your little journey, and you are not to go farther than the meadow again. Understood?"

"Yes father."


She wrote to Elana every month, every week if she could. Their letters were full of gossip as they both grew up and the years of their respective noble lives went by. Belle read more, as well, and discovered other hobbies - cooking, for one, and various crafts. Despite her father's disapproval, she learned sword fighting and how to shoot a bow and arrow. She learned to ride a horse, and loved it. She loved animals in general. She learned some diplomacy, as her father began to train her for royal life. To her dismay, men also began to consider her for betrothal. But her father, thankfully, said she was too young - but only for a couple more years, she knew. And then there came a day, when Belle was 14, that another opportunity presented itself to her, in the form of her latest letter from Elana.

My friend Belle,

I hope this letter reaches you happy and well. It has been a couple months since I have heard from you, I suppose you were busy. My father has seen fit to consider a man for my betrothal; I am not even 15 yet, I see no need for such a commitment. However, he has said that if I am so against the idea of a betrothal, I may go on a journey to another land, to discover myself, and abandon my diplomatic duties for one year. If you can convince your father to allow it, or escape, I would be happy to have you join me. Meet me, if you can, at the cliff. You know the one I mean. The one where we became friends. I hope you are able to come (and want to).

Signed,

Your friend,

Elana.

And there are some opportunities in life you just have to take.