No love, no friendship can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever.
Yesterday had been absolutely insane as far as Isabel was concerned. Oh, it had started out as nondescript as most of her days tended to be on the island, but then Banky had accosted her while she'd been in the kitchen making cookies, cakes, and pastries for her booth at the market. He had insisted that Isabel whip up several batches of specialized sugar cookies and cupcakes for some impromptu party he wanted to throw some kid on Sunday. Like Isabel didn't have enough of her own things to do -- most that did not involve her staying in the kitchen all damned day baking for hours on end while blowing off her friends. But Banky, for as loud and crude as he could be, turned on charm Isabel hadn't even known had existed -- and she'd been powerless to resist. Besides, Isabel was a sucker for seeing little kids happy. How could she refuse something meant as a surprise for a small child?
So that was why she'd spent all day slaving in the kitchen and trying to stay out of the way of the people who were supposed to cook meals. But in the end, it had been worth it. The cookies and cupcakes she'd made for Banky's little friend were freaking adorable, if she did say so herself.
Completely exhausted from her hours-long marathon of baking, Isabel had slept in today. Dawn had long since came and went by the time she stirred. Normally up and ready for her morning run in no time, Isabel had to practically talk herself to get out of bed and moving. But move she did, taking her morning run at a slower pace than usual. She swung by Hyacinthe's hut as usual, but she only left feeling pangs of disappointment. He hadn't returned. It was doubtly the island would ever bring him back, though Isabel wished it would. Hyacinthe wouldn't know her if he did return, but Isabel didn't care. Seeing him would just be a relief.
Then it was off to the compound for a shower and a change of clothes before she was due at the Market. Having loaded up a basket full of the items for her booth, Isabel made sure to tuck in two large plates of boar meat and fruit from the kitchen, as well as a small cup of meat for Muffin.
Though it was strange to not see Lucius or Pullo talking to one of the vendors as she made her way to her stall, Isabel thought nothing of it. They were likely out back, repairing something or perhaps sparring.
But when Muffin sidled up to Isabel, whiskers whirring like overworked antennae and mewling as though she was starving, Isabel found herself frowning and an uncomfortable niggling sensation in the pit of her stomach.
"What's the matter, kitty?" she asked, stooping down to scratch Muffin behind the ears. The cat nudged Isabel's hand and then sauntered off in the direction of the tent, occasionally looking over her shoulder to see if Isabel was following. Her frown deepening, Isabel followed. When Muffin slid into the tent and was met with silence, Isabel crouched down. She pulled back a tent flap and instantly she knew.
There was a stillness in it, a sense of something wavering on a precipice.
All that was left inside the tent, other than blankets, was a single light bulb, carefully and lovingly wrapped so as to protect it.
Lucius and Pullo were gone.
A loud, startled cry rose from deep within Isabel. She had to move.
Hand clamped over her mouth, eyes stinging from unexpected wet warmth, she practically fell out of the tent in her haste to get away.
[Timed to this morning. Not a bad time to meet her, despite all appearances.]
So that was why she'd spent all day slaving in the kitchen and trying to stay out of the way of the people who were supposed to cook meals. But in the end, it had been worth it. The cookies and cupcakes she'd made for Banky's little friend were freaking adorable, if she did say so herself.
Completely exhausted from her hours-long marathon of baking, Isabel had slept in today. Dawn had long since came and went by the time she stirred. Normally up and ready for her morning run in no time, Isabel had to practically talk herself to get out of bed and moving. But move she did, taking her morning run at a slower pace than usual. She swung by Hyacinthe's hut as usual, but she only left feeling pangs of disappointment. He hadn't returned. It was doubtly the island would ever bring him back, though Isabel wished it would. Hyacinthe wouldn't know her if he did return, but Isabel didn't care. Seeing him would just be a relief.
Then it was off to the compound for a shower and a change of clothes before she was due at the Market. Having loaded up a basket full of the items for her booth, Isabel made sure to tuck in two large plates of boar meat and fruit from the kitchen, as well as a small cup of meat for Muffin.
Though it was strange to not see Lucius or Pullo talking to one of the vendors as she made her way to her stall, Isabel thought nothing of it. They were likely out back, repairing something or perhaps sparring.
But when Muffin sidled up to Isabel, whiskers whirring like overworked antennae and mewling as though she was starving, Isabel found herself frowning and an uncomfortable niggling sensation in the pit of her stomach.
"What's the matter, kitty?" she asked, stooping down to scratch Muffin behind the ears. The cat nudged Isabel's hand and then sauntered off in the direction of the tent, occasionally looking over her shoulder to see if Isabel was following. Her frown deepening, Isabel followed. When Muffin slid into the tent and was met with silence, Isabel crouched down. She pulled back a tent flap and instantly she knew.
There was a stillness in it, a sense of something wavering on a precipice.
All that was left inside the tent, other than blankets, was a single light bulb, carefully and lovingly wrapped so as to protect it.
Lucius and Pullo were gone.
A loud, startled cry rose from deep within Isabel. She had to move.
Hand clamped over her mouth, eyes stinging from unexpected wet warmth, she practically fell out of the tent in her haste to get away.
[Timed to this morning. Not a bad time to meet her, despite all appearances.]