"Turned into a goblin?.....How?"

She looked towards a dusty old rocking chair placed in a seemingly forgotten corner of the living room, it and the wall around it was covered in cobwebs and dust, a strange sight within an otherwise well kept and tidy room. She took in a deep breath and sighed before moving to sit in another chair placed next to it, she gestured for Stan to sit in another nearby seat before starting to talk.

"Not long after your dad left to start a new home with your mum we had a visit from the rangers asking about some "suspicious local activity" they called it."

She looked down at the floor shaking her head.

"Couple of days later I was in the kitchen making dinner while Alan....was sat in his favourite chair reading one of his old history books."

She paused for a short while, her bottom lip quivering slightly as she seemed to relive a painful memory.

"Your grandfather loved his history books, when he wasn't in the garden he would be sat in his favourite chair reading what he often called "amazing echoes of the past". "

A small smile crept onto her face.

"Personally I found them quite boring."

Tears started to form in her eyes so she closed them briefly doing her best to hold back the flow.

"Anyway, all I remember from that day was hearing a massive explosion, and then darkness.....When I woke up I went to see if Alan was ok, but all that was left of him was ash."

She stared over at the dusty old chair, seemingly lost within her own headspace. Stan reached forward placing his hand gently on hers, that seemed to wake her from her memories.

"I know I should clean up the mess, but I just can't bring myself to scrub him out of my life yet...... maybe I never will."

They sat there in silence for a time before Stan finally stood up.

"I should ask the rangers what happened, they would have records of something like that. If I can find out what happened, I can maybe find a cure."

The old lady sighed and waved a hand at him.

"They already tried, have been trying for a while now....there is no cure."

She reached out and took his hand, looking into his eyes she forced a small smile.

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"I am old Stan, have had a good long life, but now my time is almost done....won't you stay? Spend what time I have left at my side?"

Stan just shook his head at that.

"The guild isn't far, I just need to go talk to a couple of people, check some records, find out what happened. I will be gone a couple of days at most, I promise."

She just sighed, closing her eyes and looked down.

"You young ones will always do what you need to do, at least wait until tomorrow before you set off...its getting a little late."

He looked out of a nearby window, the sun wasn't far off setting meaning it would be middle of the night before he made it to the guild hall. He simply nodded, agreeing to stay the night and set off first thing in the morning. They finished the stew, and the dumplings as always were one of his favourite foods, he had never been able to find out what extra ingredient she used within the dough, all he knew is that they always tasted better than any others he had ever had.

The following morning he set off, the sun was just peaking above the horizon and while it never managed to fully penetrate the forest it did produce enough light that he would be able to see the path home, so he said his goodybe while leaving his promise of being back soon. Shortly down the path however he ran into someone, he was a loan man, not much taller than 5ft wearing a white priest robe, around his neck was a chain holding the star like symbol of the celestial protectors. While not actually gods they were celestial beings of great power who were said to watch over man kind, guiding them from on high. The priest stepped out in front of him holding up one of his hands and greeting him with a warm friendly smile.

"Greetings traveler, did you happen to come from the old ladys house round dry peak? How is she faring?"

Having been made wary of the road and the often obscured intentions of random travelers Stan scanned the area looking for any signs that others may be hidden nearby, noticing his reluctance to engage the priest held his hands up in front of him.

"I promise you I am alone, and unarmed, I am not here to hurt anyone just going about my rounds.....so, did you visit the old lady? Is she faring ok?"

Stan frowned at thim for a short while, his hand hovering near the hilt of his dagger for a couple of seconds before easing off.

"The old lady is my gran, and she seems to be doing fine, several more years left in her I'd wager."

He nodded, hesitating a moment before responding.

"I know about her...situation, and well, as the changes occur she will find it more and more difficult to function....erm, to the point where she will likely need round the sundial care, w we have a facility nearby that can help with that, should you need to pop out for a couple of days for whatever reason. Perhaps you would like to visit? Take a look around, I am sure you would agree that it is a good place to retire..."

"Where is it?"

"Just down the road in the direction you are traveling, turn right at the cross roads then take the following left turn, you really can't miss it. Would you like to come now? I could give you a tour myself."

Stan looked down the road ahead and started walking forward, he walked past the priest without looking at him as he spoke.

"I have to go somewhere, but I will be back in a few days, will pay this "facility" a visit then."

He stopped turning to look back at the priest who hadn't taken his eyes off him.

"Just stay away from her until I get back... she isn't overly keen on visitors.

The priest held his hands up as he responded.

"Of course, I look forward to your visit, will make sure that I am nearby, so I can give you the tour myself....Good luck on your travels good sir."

He waved at Stan who just turned round and continued his walk down the road towards his guild.