Kenelm blinked a few times, not expecting the quick kiss Bella planted on his nose. It took him a moment to recover from the surprise, although once he had he was quick to offer the mountain woman a final smile. “Safe travels, Bella,” he bid her. “Whatever I find, I'll remember your kindness.”

There was nothing else to be said, nothing more for him here in this wood... for the moment, anyway. He turned away and loped off into the trees, back the way he had come, back to the cherry orchard. He only looked back once, a quick glance over his shoulder, a last look at the mountain woman, and then he was off again. The road ahead was clear enough to him now, and he would follow it until he found the answers he was looking for - whatever they may be. He only hoped he would be able to bring Bella some good news about this quest of his by the time it reached its end.