Why is she like this? I think, pacing around the now destroyed kitchen. She thinks that just because I’m willing to help her out with the occasional gnome infestation that she can just sit back and relax while I deal with the literal devil that her stupid prophesy brought to this mortal realm. Not to mention the fact that we need a new microwave now, which we definitely can't afford. 

I resist the urge to storm back to Grace's room. Experience with Grace had shown that the more I try to say to her, the less she was willing to listen. When she gets this way, there's nothing I can do. I sweep the pieces of a broken mug off of the floor, intending to throw them in the garbage can, but then I stop. Enough is enough. This doesn't have to be my problem. Let her clean up her own mess. I drop the shards of ceramic onto the kitchen counter and throw on my shoes.

"I'm going out," I yell, opening the apartment door. "Text me if you need me!"

"Good!" Grace's muffled voice replies from her room. "Nobody wants you here anyways." I can't tell if she's joking or not. I want to tell her she's being childish, but I settle for an eye roll and walk out the door. I'm not sure where exactly I'm going, but I'm hoping that Grace will be willing to talk by the time I get back. Something tells me that won't be the case, though.

What am I going to do? I think, making my way down the stairs. I feel bad just leaving, but I don't see much of an option. I can't deal with these prophecies on my own, they aren't even mine! I guess I could just try and find a new roommate, but I feel bad doing something like that to Grace. She might be irritating, but she's still my friend. I can't just leave her like that–

"Pardon me, sir?" As I step onto the sidewalk outside the building, a human-like figure with long, pointy ears and a map stops me. "Could you point me towards the one they call Destiny? I need her for a–"

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"A prophecy," I assumed, recognising the individual as a wood elf. In my experience, they tend to keep to themselves and rarely visit the human realm. There really isn't another reason for one to be standing outside my apartment.

"Yes. I need her to come with me on my travels to find the amethyst blade so I can slay the Creature of the Midnight Mist. I can't find it without the help of a brave human by the name of Destiny. According to this map she lives here. Would you be so kind as to try and get me an audience with her as soon as possible?" I nod.

"Second floor, third apartment on the left. Knock yourself out." The elf gives a stiff, formal smile and rolls up her map.

"Thank you, gracious stranger. Your help is greatly appreciated." I watch as the elf disappears into the apartment building. The Creature of the Midnight Mist, huh? Have fun with that one, O brave and mighty Destiny. I continue my way down the sidewalk, deciding to head to the community garden behind the library. It should be nice and quiet this time of day, a good place to think. I'm not even to the end of the block, though, when my phone buzzes. 

Hey, you know how you told me to text you if I needed you? Against my better judgement, I take the bait and respond to Grace's text.

Yeah, why?

I need you.

I'm sorry, I thought I wasn't wanted back at the apartment.

Come on, Oliver. Don't be like that. Some wood elf is here. She wants me to take her to a rock sword to fight some fog, I think. You might want to swing by and check it out.

You mean the Creature of the Midnight Mist? Idk, I think you should be the one to help her. She seemed nice and I'm busy.

Well, it was worth a shot. Wait, Oliver, did you tell her where to find the apartment?

Of course I did! She asked for your help, not mine. I got rid of the demon, you take care of the elf. I’m not doing your work for you anymore. My phone buzzes again, but this time I choose to ignore it and keep walking. I've made my decision. I have to leave. I don't know where I'm going to stay, but I need a break, at least for a little while. Grace can do whatever she wants, but one thing's for sure: I'm done taking on her prophecies. For good.