She got into her green car with black trim and, when the driveway was clear, backed up and got out of the orc community.While Oory had been direct, there were six other locals who were casually out on their porches and watching her leave.Tight communities were stressful.
She carefully drove home, past the minotaur mansion, down the lane, past the Ganger house, the abandoned farm that was coming to life again, and then to her grandmother’s estate.Well, it was her estate now.
She got home, started a meal on low in the oven, and then took a basket full of food and walked it to the edge of the property between her and the farmhouse.She sat and smiled when the kobold showed up.“Hey, Abert.”
“Miss Izzy!You are back.”
“Yeah.I brought my grandma with me.”
“Isn’t she...”
“Dead?Yes.But I need her.I need someone to anchor to so that I don’t have another episode.It took me a decade to get out of the last one.”
“You are looking well and wearing both skins.”
“Yeah.I have had them bound to balance, but they hate it.Both dark, but one is angry and the other pure mischief.I have to feed them equally.”
“And, both are dark energy.”
“Yes.The dryad effect is small but how I make my living.Your house seems perky again.”
Abert was excited.“Yes.A dark elf has purchased it, and he and his mate are moving in with his siblings.The others who wish to ease into the modern world will begin in the old silver mine.”
“Well, if you need any new structure, let me know.I am happy to provide it.”
“Thank you.I want to provide them with some privacy or a folly or something.Hannah will tell me, but they are still moving in.They are planning a huge party once they are fully moved in.I believe it is called a housewarming.I know they are inviting the Gangers.I am certain they will invite you as well.”
“I am lying low and just doing structural repairs to homes right now.”She smiled at her old friend.“It is enough.People are hard.”
“Yes, but I am really enjoying the energy that they bring out.You could rent out rooms in your grandmother’s home.”
“I could, but then I would have to meet with others.I like my solitude.”
“Don’t believe her.She doesn’t want to remain.”Her grandmother’s voice was irritated.“Don’t look surprised, Izzy.This is still my home, and I can walk every inch of it.I saw you making the basket for Abert.”
“Morilina, you are looking very spry, considering.”
“I lived two hundred and seventy years, which is impressive for a human mage, Abert.I see she has been sending you care packages.”
Izzy blushed.
Abert blinked and smiled.“That was you?I wondered.Well, you have kept me alive for the last twenty years.It is appreciated.”
“It was the least I could do.You taught me dirty words in all those languages growing up.”
Abert laughed.“That was just fun, until we got caught.So, how long will you let your grandmother suffer?”
Izzy looked to her grandmother.“Are you suffering?”
“Dearest one, there are other things I could be doing.I have finished with this world and need to leave it.You need to live without me.”
Izzy looked at her, and a tear tracked down her cheek.“Then, go.Love you, Grandma.”
Inside the house, the crystal that held Morilina shattered.
“Oh, Izzy, I didn’t mean...”Her grandmother faded and disappeared.
Izzy sat and sobbed quietly.
