Author's Note: Yes, I realize that this story has been on hiatus for FOREVER. Let me explain: I had the whole story written out, and I was just revising chapters as I posted them on the site. When I revised Chapter 16 (or was it 15?), anyway, the one with the epic, curse-busting kiss, the story changed itself on me. Originally, the Kiss did away with both Isabelle and Trestan's curses, but then that left me with about ten chapters that were all "happily ever after" aka. Plotless. So I was just as surprised as you were when Isabelle's curse was not broken and it threw this story into temporary hiatus. I know this chapter is short and a little choppy, but I hope that the writing style has improved since I started. This story has been over two years in the making and I want to wrap it up so I can move on to the story that I've been leaving on the back burner until Isabelle's tale is complete. Wow, I think my AN is longer than the actual chapter. ;-) Remember, more reviews=more updates.
With love,
Pimpernel Princess
~*~
Not long after Isabelle had stopped crying, she and Trestan burst into the hut to tell Friar Justin and Peabo the news of their engagement. Friar Justin smiled knowingly, while Peabo was quiet for a moment. He did not quite know what to think as far as romance was concerned. Trestan could not stop beaming at her; Isabelle was glad to see him so jubilant and full of energy.
That night, when everyone else was asleep in the lean-to outside, Isabelle sat up in her bed, stomach twisted into knots. She was excited to marry Trestan: to feel his arms around her as she slept, to bear his children, to fathom his thoughts as only a soul mate can. But she could not put him through another curse, to drag him down again so soon after being set free. "I have to leave," she commanded herself in the darkness, "and come back once I too am freed." A vow, a resolution, a direction.
Over the next few days, Isabelle quietly, slowly, guiltily gathered some things into a small pack that she his beneath her pillow.
"Peabo," Isabelle said, attempting to be guileless, "have you seen the flint stone? I need it for something."
"No," Peabo said slowly, "I don't think I have."
"Well then," Isabelle said, exasperated at his hesitancy to answer, "let me know if you do see it."
Peabo nodded and banked up the fire, not meeting Isabelle's eyes. Isabelle had no inkling as to why he was acting so oddly. Even Friar Justin seemed to be acting unusually.
"Why father, where did all of your books go?" Isabelle said, noticing that the volumes usually stacked on the table were missing.
"Oh, those books?" Friar Justin replied absently. "I packed them up. We needed more space. Now excuse me, I must see to Dymphna."
Isabelle shrugged; no matter. She was ready to leave early the next morning.
The most difficult part of the journey was finding a time to say goodbye to Trestan. She finally cornered him when he and the other two were heading to the lean-to for the night.
"I love you," Isabelle said, heart in her throat.
"And I you. What's wrong?" Trestan asked soothingly.
Biting off her urge to tell him, Isabelle managed to choke out "hold me."
"I shall," Trestan said, wrapping his strong arms around her. He kissed her forehead. "Goonight, tesoro," he whispered.
"Goodby—goodnight!" Isabelle replied. "Sleep well," she added after regaining control of her voice.
"The same to you," Trestan said, turning toward the door.
Without a word, Isabelle flung herself after him, drew his head gently to hers, and kissed him desperately. She would miss him, even if she was only away for a short while.
At dawn, Isabelle woke and tiptoed through the hut and the lean-to. By the time that she reached the door, all three men were still breathing evenly. The light from the brightening sky stroked Trestan's face; he looked wearier than ever. Peabo gave a slight snore, rousing Isabelle; she needed to be on her way. She drank in Trestan's features one more time and then started on the path. After all, it was him that she was doing this for. Isabelle started along the path, almost eager for noon to come; traveling as a wolf was much easier than traveling as a human.
Around noon, Isabelle stopped at a fork in the path. Which way was she supposed to go? Where was she supposed to go? Isabelle realized that she hadn't managed to plan much beyond actually leaving Friar Justin's hut undetected. It wasn't as if witches had set up curse removal shops in every town. At best, Isabelle would wander through the land until she found a sorcerer powerful enough to remove her curse. At worst, Isabelle would be robbed or murdered by brigands. She was half tempted to return to Friar Justin's hut, but that would be admitting defeat.
Chin thrust out in determination, Isabelle was about to head down the right fork of the trail when she heard footsteps behind her. She whirled around, only to find herself facing Friar Justin, Peabo, and Trestan.
"Why are you here?" Isabelle demanded. She wondered if her mind was working correctly, or if she was just imagining them.
"I don't even merit a hello?" Trestan asked roguishly.
"What? Why?" Isabelle fumed.
"We're coming with you," Peabo offered helpfully. He was leading the cow, Dymphna, who was loaded with Friar Justin's books and gear.
"How did you know I was leaving? I tried to be so secretive about it!"
The three men shared a conspiratory glance.
"It was fairly obvious, cara," Trestan said, approaching her and taking her hand. "Common household objects disappearing, you uneasy and on edge, last night's dramatic attempt at goodbye. All of the signs were garishly obvious."
"You may come with me if you wish," Isabelle said dramatically.
"I do," Trestan said nobly. "I cannot believe that you left without me," he added melodramatically.
"I shall never do that again," Isabelle said, still pretending to be cross with him; bantering was so much more fun that way.
"Good," Trestan replied. His eyes caught hers and Isabelle's face cracked into a smile as they began the road to Conradia.