Chapter 4: Isabel

Isabel's good will towards her daemon evaporated with the drops of water rolling down her skin.
"Why did you do it?" Isabel's voice was tight and she kept her gaze firmly on the river.
"I lost my patience," Olin said with a note of humility in his voice that surprised Isabel.
"Why?"
"Because you never look at me. I'm a part of you that you don't understand and refuse to try to understand. It gets tiresome," Olin explained patiently. "You're cold," he stated before Isabel could reply.
With a start, Isabel realized he was right. They lay on the banks of the river where they had plopped contently down after their swim. The rain had stopped, but the wind was cold against Isabel's wet skin.
Together they picked their way through the forest back to the house. They walked slowly this time, the tension between them eased temporarily. Much to Isabel's dismay, her anger had been replaced by yet more questions. Despite herself, Isabel's eyes wandered severl times to her daemon walking gracefully beside her.