The spring ground blossomed, bathed in the soft, rising light of early morning. Yet, for one orc family, this one day in spring carried a sting of sadness.
"It's only four years, for gods' sake," Dhurgan sighed as she patted the bawling blob of snot on her shoulder.
"That's way too long!" wailed her sister. "You'll probably forget we exist!"
A small pang of sadness stabbed through the red-headed orc as Dhurgan remembered what she was leaving behind. Gruz-kraza, her home, and her family. Sure, she'd only be at college for four years, but it would feel longer than that knowing she wouldn't get to spar with her friends, hike in those woods, and hug her loved ones at that time.
Dhurgan couldn't cry now though. She had to put on a brave face for her little sister and the rest of her family who was gathered around the RV, watching with pitying smiles as the younger of the two kept begging her to stay. Her Nar'ube stepped forward to pry the petulant orc off of her eldest.
"Grash, come on you," she chastised, yanking the child off her. "Your other siblings haven't said their goodbyes yet."
As Dhurgan finished putting the last box in the waiting van, her Nar'ube swept her into a tight hug. Pulling back, she scanned her daughter's face, with a worried look in her amber yellow eyes.
"You packed your toothbrush?" she inquired nervously.
"Yes, Nar' abe."
"And your clothes?"
"Yes Nar' abe," Dhurgan sighed tiredly.
"And have you-"
"She'll be fine, love!" interrupted her Nar'ube, putting an effective end to the interrogation.
"You show that team who's boss. Okay?"
"Sure thing, Nar'ube," Dhurgan smiled.
Smiling gently, the older orc swept them all into a tight hug. Dhurgan crooned in response, melting into the touch of her mothers. She'd miss them greatly and the tug of grief in her chest did nothing to help. Quickly scolding herself, she knew she made her choice and had to live with it.
Dhurgan quickly dried her tears as her younger siblings all rushed to hug her tightly.
"We'll miss you!"
"Don't leave!"
"Can't you come back for the renewals?"
"Why'd ya have to go to college anyway?"
Dhurgan just chuckled at their intermingling questions and protests. She would indeed miss those the most.
"I'll try to visit when I can, okay? Don't give our moms too much trouble while I'm gone okay?"
"Okay!" they chorused.
As a last goodbye, Dhurgan scented her family, running her wrists along the line of siblings' faces and her moms' hands.
With one long wave and a brave, tear-filled smile, Dhurgan climbed in her 1984 Spearstag and drove off.
In the rearview mirror, the saddened redhead cast a long look at her home.
"Goodbye Gruz-Kraza," Dhurgan sighed with a heavy heart. She could do this. It was just four years. The sooner she left the sooner she could come back. Muttering a small prayer to the Moon Mother, the redhead stared straight in front of her.
"Hello, Runa'an."
***
"Sheesh, ma! You didn't have to go all out," Homraz scowled.
"I didn't! If anything, I'd say I underreacted."
Homraz stared out at the festive display on the table. Snufftoads, his favorite pastry, sat in the middle of the bounty while fried harpy egg and toast had been placed neatly in a circle around it.
"Underreacting?" he chuckled, gesturing to the table.
"You're going to college, ya' damn brat!"
"It's not that big of a deal," shrugged Homraz. It was a very, very, big deal. Malak National was one of the most selective colleges ever. And they sent Homraz an invitation! He'd almost dropped dead in surprise when the letter came in. It took some eavesdropping to find out his mom had applied for him.
"Sure it isn't," his mom smiled. "Now shut up and eat before the eggs get cold."
The pair pulled out the rickety chairs at the small table. Just before they sat down, the sound of stomps came from behind them.
"Later," sneered Gargnar.
"And where the fuck are you going, young man?" their mother growled in warning.
"Out."
"Going out, my ass. Today is a special day for your brother and our family! You'll be here whether you like it or not"
"Like I give a crap."
"Your breath sure smells like it," Homraz growled lowly.
"Hey!" their dam growled. "Act like you're related for the few minutes it takes to eat breakfast!"
Homraz and Gargnar eyed each other warily. Asking the two not to fight was like asking one not to breathe. There was much hatred between the two, and only one who knew the family for a while could remember a time where there wasn't.
It didn't matter. Today, Homraz was leaving. Leaving for college, and hopefully for life.
After breakfast, Homraz had to get going. The plane was going to leave in three hours. Hugging his mama goodbye, Homraz ignored the stink eye Gargnar dealt him on his way out.
"Ama'na, Mama."
"Ama'na, damn brat."
The bittersweet goodbye sat in the pit of his stomach as he walked down the Ganite fire escape and out to the parking lot where the rideshare awaited. Homraz cast one last glance back at the flickering light from the apartment.
"Ay! Move it or lose it!" the driver shouted. Homraz glared at him in annoyance, his eyes catching on the elongated tips of the man's ears.
So much for turning over a new leaf.