Drasna looked at Isobella, she’d been dressed up in a battle dress as promised. It was clearly lovingly stitched, the dress was made of purple fabric with black swirls. She wore baggy black pants and sandals instead of fancy thigh highs and polished shoes. A pair of long arm warmers had been included to help combat the chill at the mountain peak even in the latter half of summer.

  Drasna spoke up, “You look so damn cute in that!”

  Isobella shook her head, “I feel rather exposed, but I must admit it's well made.”

  “Master Yuki, uses bamboo linen, it’ll last you forever. I told her all about you and she made it just for you!”

  Isobella looked at the mirror once more, “I believe I understand why you enjoy such clothes. Knowing someone made this specifically for me to feel comfortable, it makes me feel accepted before I even visit.”

  Drasna smiled, “Liberating right? Now come on, we’re burning daylight, we can walk up or I can carry you, or maybe both.”

  Isobella nodded, “Then let us make haste.” Isobella turned to Tristan who was nearby, “I leave the chateau in your capable hands, Tristan, I will return after nightfall.”

  Tristan bowed, “Of course M’lady, Please enjoy your date without worry. I will take care of everything.”

  The duo had been walking up the mountain for thirty minutes, the pine trees offering a fresh smell. The sound of wind rushing in all directions and birds chirping. The Chateau looked the size of a fist from where they were. Drasna was no worse for wear, however Isobella was struggling. Drasna looked behind her, the noble had stopped to pant, with her back ached over and her hands on her knees.

  “Do you need another break? There’s no shame in going at your own pace, that’s why I came early to get you.”

  Isobella dusted off a rock and sat down with a dramatic sigh, she pulled out a fancy canteen and sipped the water inside. Drasna watched her nose crinkle as she massaged her sore feet. She felt bad and decided she would carry her the rest of the way. She turned and plucked a few pine needles and sat next to her grumpy traveling companion.

  “The air starts to get thin the higher we go. Learning and exerting yourself in a place like this makes you grow even faster. Don’t feel bad about needing a rest.” Drasna assured.

  Isobella caught her breath, “You’re crazier than I thought…”

  Drasna brushed to comment off, and handed her a few pine needles, “Here, suck on these”

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  “...Why?”

  “Pine needles are loaded with vitamins, we make tea with them, but you can suck and chew them just the same.”

  Isobella hesitated, but stuck the pine needles in her mouth,“...I suppose a tea made with these wouldn’t be terrible, I shall have to try it once we reach the top.”

  Drasna nodded, “You should hear what we do with wolf pelts.”

  “You are surprisingly wise for being so remote.”

  “What? You think all we do is punch each other up here?”

  “I suspect punching and breathing fire are quite different.”

  “It’s called ki, or life energy, different from magic, everything that makes me cool is all me!”

  Isobella blushed, “You are unlike anyone I’ve ever met, but I believe I will stick to my warlock powers.”

  Drasna stood up and offered her hand with a gentle smile, Isobella reluctantly took hold of the hand and was quickly lifted into a bridal style carry. Drasna said nothing and began to walk up the mountain.

  “So you think I can see some of those powers? You keep hinting at them, but I never actually see them.” Drasna Inquired.

  “Many of my powers are Necromantic and Enchantment magic. They are considered the most evil types of magic. Decay and control of one's mind.” Isobella admitted.

  Drasna’s nose crinkled, “What in the world do you use it for?”

  Isobella shifted uncomfortably in Drasna’s arms, “Angry or disruptive guests are…often victims of my magic to make them relaxed and sleepy. I’m able to warp around my estate to see issues. I’m able to see in the dark, make plants grow or die, and a select few destructive spells.”

  Drasna gave the explanation some thought, “I don’t see what’s so evil about any of that. The way I see it you’re just using your powers to make life easier for you, Tristan, and all your maids.”

  Isobella countered, “You’d be surprised, many people are set in their ways of thinking, I don’t believe I misuse my powers.”

  Drasna smirked, “Just don’t go trying to use them on me alright?”

  Isobella giggled, “If I wanted to you wouldn’t even know it, perhaps I already have.”

  Drasna had placed Isobella down before they reached the gate, so as not to embarrass her. They approached the guards, who smiled at them welcomingly. They were of course all too eager to joke and jab at the love birds.

  “Wow, your pixie dream girl really does exist.”

  “Why do all the cute girls date each other, it’s not fair.”

  Isobella turned bright red with a mix of humiliation and anger, she was quick to hide behind Drasna, who noticed and put a stop to things.

  “Alright you two leave her alone.”

  “Of course, my apologies, welcome to the Coldstone Monastery Miss Isobella.”

  “Drasna has told us a lot about you, all good things of course, I hope you’ll enjoy the shows today.”

  Isobella peeked out from behind, “I’m…pleased to be here…it's very chilly though…”

  Drasna gave Isobella a playful hug, “I can keep you warm until it's my turn to test my mettle. Now come on, I want you to try a curry bun! Oh! I want you to meet my bestie Anti too!”