The town rejoiced—quietly—at being rid of Odessa. Even in her most human form, she unnerved everyone. Knowing what she was. The truth about the talismans was a shock to most of the residents, who assumed the stones were made by ancient humans. Dakota’s neighbors wanted even less to do with the crystals now, and they looked at him with a hint of suspicion, since he owned several and never felt the need to explain their origins.
But at the end of the day, they trusted him with their safety and wellbeing. His decisions put food on the table, kept them warm, and protected them from the evils of the world. After all, he got rid of Odessa, didn’t he? And he made them part of the Oceti Šakowiŋ country. Because of him, they received monthly provisions to keep them well-fed. Keep their kids health
