Isobella helped Drasna on the remaining walk back to the chateau, the monk was still feeling woozy after the spider bit her. Isobella struggled to hold up her beloved, but refused to quit, she knew Drasna would do the same for her after all. The journey took twice as long but once they got to the front year of the chateau, Drasna stood back up straight.

  Isobella’s face turned sour, “Have you been able to walk this whole time?”

  Drasna chuckled and shook her head, “I started to feel better twenty minutes ago, but I was enjoying the attention a bit too much.”

  Isobella pouted and shoved the monk, but Drasna stood firm, “You jerk!”

  Drasna rubbed the back of her neck, “Sorry, I couldn’t help it, watching you go mage rage on that monster was really…well hot. I felt clingy.”

  Isobella frowned and crossed her arms, “Well your knight in shining armor says go home after making me carry you.”

  Drasna rolled her eyes, “I leaned on you at worst, but I guess you’re right.”

  The two girls held each other's hands and gazed into each other's eyes. They both smiled and leaned in for a kiss, then tipped heads to make their foreheads touch.

  Drasna spoke up, “I had a really, really good time, I’m glad we got to do that, and I hope we can go on more trips in the future.”

  Isobella smiled, “I already have ideas for the next one. I’m glad you're safe after that cave incident.”

  Drasna frowned, “That was all my fault, I’m sorry, but hey you got something out of it? You’re scary when you get all business like.”

  “I have much to speak to my patron about after that, there’s also the bandit from the first day.”

  “Think I’ll ever get to meet your patron?”

  Isobella felt her face turn red and could hear her heart beat. Drasna meeting Calathiel sounded wonderful on paper, her two favorite people meeting. What spoiled the thought was the choice she might have to make. Isobella wasn’t sure who she would pick if she was given an ultimatum, she’d lost plenty of sleep over it already. She felt her palms start to sweat and let go of Drasna. Exhaling a breath she didn’t realize she took, Isobella finally answered.

  “I’m not sure if that is a wise decision, Fae can be quite tricky, I don’t wish for you to say something and unknowingly lose your name, or ability to say thanks.”

  Drasna cocked her head, “Fae? All this time I thought you worked for a devil or something. Don’t fae steal baby teeth or make people grow bunny ears?”

  Isobella’s eyes widened, she hadn’t meant to reveal what she had, “Yes, I’m a fae warlock. I bring my lady Calathiel guests to have tea in her garden. In exchange for her hospitality, she requests something in return. I’m selective about who I send, as sometimes people leave worse off…”

  Drasna frowned, “That’s a bit creepy, but I guess I shouldn’t judge you. I’m sure there’s a lot more to it. I hope you’ll share more later if you feel comfortable. I want to be someone you can talk to. I’m not sure I agree with what you do, but I struggle to think of much you could do to make me stop loving you.”

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  Isobella felt her lip quiver and gave her monk a hug. Drasna’s response was as good as she could’ve hoped for. She felt a hint of worry that Drasna did disapprove, but joy that she accepted it regardless. The two shared another kiss before stepping back.

  “Welp, I’m gonna head back up the mountain now, I’ll see you tomorrow, Izzy!”

  Isobella laughed, “You’d better!”

  The noble watched as her ever energetic girlfriend jogged up the mountain. She watched until she lost sight of the blond then proceeded into the chateau. When she opened the door she was pleased, everything looked better than she had left it. The floors had been waxed and the room smelled of fresh paint and varnish. Her maids curtsied in greeting, while Tristan bowed. Isobella could also detect a delectable scent from the direction of the kitchen.

  “Welcome home, lady Isobella. I hope you had a wonderful time with Miss Drasna. I’m pleased to inform you that everything has been running smoothly in your absence. We are all of course jubilant to have you back.”

  Isobella nodded, “Thank you girls, and thank you especially Tristan. I had a most marvelous time with Drasna, but am quite tired from my travels.”

  Tristan suggested, “The meal I suspect you smell will be ready within the hour. No doubt you wish to bathe and rest yourself right about now.”

  Isobella nodded and handed the puzzle box from Vulcarose to her maids, “Indeed, by the way. Drasna and I found this on our trip. Find a place for it in the chateau, anyone can attempt to solve it and keep what is inside.”

  Tristan cocked his head, “What a curious box.”

  Isobella explained, “In solving it, Drasna and I have become part of a puzzle society. Expect mysterious packages from a wizard every month. I also encountered a spider monster on the way home. She has been dealt with and will be providing us with luxurious silks.”

  Tristan chuckled, “Staying busy even on vacation, I expected no less, I will make the preparations to receive and store it.”

  Isobella began to walk to her room, “Excellent, you should all expect a bonus in your pay this week.”

  She smiled as the maids cheered, and walked to her room.

  Drasna kept her pace for twenty minutes, making it to the top in record time. She stopped to catch her breath outside the monastery gate. The wolf guards waved at her as she walked inside.

  “Hey Drasna!”

  “Did you have a good trip?”

  Drasna interlaced her fingers behind her head, “Oh I had an incredible time! We saw belly dancers, solved puzzles, I even got kidnapped by a spider and watched Izzy beat it down.”

  “Wait, what was that last one again?”

  Drasna smirked and ignored the question, “Oh and I got meditation beads! Real ones!”

  “What! They look beautiful, I want a rich girlfriend.”

  Drasna shook her head and pouted, “I don’t like her because she’s rich, I like her because she’s cute, mysterious, and makes me happy. Anyway, I’m tired from traveling, so I’ll see you guys later.”

  Drasna sauntered through the monastery, waving and greeting people as she made her way back to her room in the dragon house. She slid her door open with ease and plopped down on her bed. The sheets smelt clean with a hint of orange soap, it felt lonely without Isobella, but she would manage. With Isobella on her mind, the monk sat back up and locked her door before opening her bag and carefully pulling out the belly dancing outfit.

  Drasna quickly slipped into the outfit and posed in a full body mirror she kept in the corner. She practiced the techniques she was taught and giggled. The book that came with the outfit had several advanced moves that she was eager to experiment with as well.

  “This is gonna be the best birthday present ever!”