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The farmer looked at the corpse of his wife, resting peacefully in his arms. All he could do was stare. There was no point in crying about what has already transpired, and even as the memories of the past four years flashed across his mind, the root cause of all his anguish was not being able to drown out the joy of those moments.She was blunt when they met.“You must be that new farmer-boy everyone's talking about.”To the point of being audacious, outright disrespectful.“Y’know if it weren’t for those horrendous clothes, you might actually be cute.”But she had a cute side.“Oh– for me?! That…Thank you!”A gentle, caring nature underneath all of the candy exterior.
“Y-You mean it?!” She looked at the bouquet of flowers, “I accept!” and She couldn’t stop smiling for the entire week.
She was his greatest headache, his greatest joy. The prettiest problem.“...You’ll really marry me?” She gasped before jumping gleefully. “Yes! Yes, yes, yes!!”She was all he ever wanted, and walking through life as her life partner filled him with an immeasurable level of pride. Yet here she was taken away from him, given to an eternal slumber amidst their burning home. The farmer tasted blood in his mouth, his injuries something a normal man would’ve died from ten times over. It was bitter, but it was somewhat a comfort, because he knew he would meet his wife again in the next life.He looked at the bracelet on her wrist, a distant memory resurfacing.“...Maybe it’ll wash up on another shore. I can’t bear to think of it at the bottom of the ocean.”He remembered searching for it for hours, managing to find it buried deep within the sand next to the writer's cabin. He would never forget the hug she gave her then, the moment that started everything.It was the time he managed to see through a crack of her facade, to witness a sweet girl who was deserving of love– love he wanted to share with her.
“...I was waiting for you to do that.” She said, looking up to him with a hungry look. “I wish you would've done that sooner.”
“Me too, Haley.” The farmer coughed, softly laughing at a memory from way before that.“Oh. My. God! This is my favorite thing! This is the perfect gift!” she practically jumped like a child, spinning around ecstatically. “Oh my god I could kiss you!”The farmer remembered he was so surprised by the remark that he took a step back. They knew each other for a sum total of fourteen days and they weren't really on the best of terms. “If I had the chance, I would’ve kissed you long before that.” is what he should've said that back then.He reached for the hand and interlocked their fingers, their marital rings touching as her grandmother’s bracelet touched his wrist. The act alone gave him comfort in his final moments, those memories more refreshing and more powerful than the monster that flew overhead.
Zrmmmm…
“Man,” the farmer just sighed as he looked at the pitch-black beast in the air. It opened its maws and began gathering magic power for another breath attack. “If I had another chance at life… I’d do two things.”It was long, fifty meters at least, with a presence as strong as a dragon without its magnificence. It was putrid, ugly, grotesque to look at with its giant eye.“I’d fall in love with this wonderful woman sooner, and I’d kill you.” The farmer grinned, “No doubt about it.”And in a final act of defiance against the creature, the farmer raised a middle finger with his free hand and closed his eyes as he dropped it.Even through his eyelids, the powerful purple orb was still bright so He couldn't help but frown.Flash!“If not in this life–” He gasped for a sharp breath of air. He puffed his chest to scream again but as he looked at his wife, his anger turned calm– but no less intense. “Then I’ll make sure to kill you before the first winter ends.”Crack!The adventurer closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of his wife, ignoring the flames and soot. The beams finally gave way, letting the second floor fall down onto the couple, he still did not fear or despair. He was at peace, a tranquil scent of sunflowers and coconuts filling his final moments.He awaited the weight of a home to crash into him, but a blinding light exploded from the bracelet on Haley’s wrist. And instead, the only crash he heard was his luggage landing on the dirt, four years and a month exactly before his death.Bonk!The first day of his first year.The farmer looked at his hands and curled them, feeling not a single callus.“Hello! You must be Daniel!” The friendly carpenter waved, catching the man jolting back to reality, her greeting quickly turning into concern. “Welcome to Stardew Valley– are you alright?”The young man grinned at his shoes and looked up, Robin finally getting a better grasp of his build and features. Tall, lean to the point of being skinny, broad-shouldered, young, and pale as snow. He was dressed in a white polo shirt with a sweater on top– a bonafide desk-job city boy. If he fixed his hair from that atrocious side-comb, he’d look just fine, but blunt remarks are for another time when he's settled in nicely.“If I said I've already lived through this day, would you believe me?” And suddenly he asked a strange question, but somehow saying yes would’ve been right, she feels.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
[] Spring / Day 1 [] 7:30 a.m. [] Sandy Shore Farm - Cabin []
“Yoba on a cross–” Daniel looked at his reflection in the very run down cabin. The thing was as decrepit as he remembered, a small cabin of only four parts: the modestly sized bathroom with perfectly running water, a perfectly sized bedroom, a ladder to a generous attic, and a hallway that connects the whole thing with a quaint kitchen. “I remember not being able to sleep for weeks because of this crusty-fuckin’--” the Farmer choked on a laugh, tossing the sunny side up eggs from a box labeled: “A gift from the Rancher down south! Welcome to the Valley friend! - M.“Oh god I’m sounding way too old for someone who's in a twenty-year old’s body.”But as the laughter died down, his gaze met the calendar posted on the wall next to the door down the hall— once again reminding him of the goal he set. Two years, that's all I have starting today. I made that promise because if Apophis was created at this exact moment, then in two years time he'll only be half as strong…
But that won't be the case for me.
“Because I remember every day that I've lived in this valley, and I know exactly what I need to do to defeat you.”
Fshh!
“Oh shit my eggs are burning–” [] Spring / Day 1 [] 10:00 am [] Forest West []
Chh!
The thicket, the leaves, the smell, the sun– felt heavenly. They were nostalgic when compared to the smell of blood and gore from the Crimson Badlands, a smell he would rather never smell again. Located south from the Secret forest and west of Cindersap, Forest West holds many secrets and valuable forage.But aside from the organic foodstuffs, the returnee was here for another purpose. He entered the forest and headed south into a hidden path, a path of historical significance. “It should be around here somewhere–ack!” Daniel sneezed, uncovering a very tall grass bush that had an unnatural shape, “Yep– this is it, the fabled forest sword.”The Forest Sword, a naturally growing unnatural formation of wooden matter that takes the shape of a sword. They were said to be the staple weapon of an extinct race that used to live in the world, who were reliant on nature and magic. They were known for their unique ear-shape, a sharp point instead of a smooth curved lobe. They were called elves, and forest swords like these were their staple infantry weapon.“Rasmodius did say that this forest was special, but only later did we find out that this forest was a battleground.” The Farmer plucked the weapon from its resting place, carefully removing the foliage that had since sprouted from the weapon. He took notice of the six ancient swords that surrounded the weapon, four in close proximity while the other two were in the path he took to get here.“This was the weapon of a great warrior, no doubt.” He grinned, “Six-against-one, and you took the remaining four with you.”The Farmer clenched his fist and put it on his chest as a sign of respect to the fallen, “I will make good use of it, to save my wife.” Daniel stopped, taking a look at his watch. “And the valley of course, but my wife comes first.”
10:37 pm. She’s probably headed over to the river by now– no, she’s probably already there, setting up herself and the camera. If I hurry up now, I can probably get a peek in but these…
The Farmer looked at his haul of goods, a hefty make-shift sack made from the old-crusty bedsheet from the cabin. It was held together by knots and careful stitches made from fiber, with both the bag and the high-quality forage inside a product of one of his friends’ skills which they taught him.While his crush was a priority, meeting the both of them today was a must as well.
[] Spring / Day 1 [] 12:15 pm. [] Cindersap Forest []
Haley purses her lips to check every nook for imperfections, finding none. With a smile she closes the pocket-mirror while she fluffs her hair. Before taking the camera to face the flowing river, Haley finds where the positioning of the sun was just right, the semi-reflection of the water gave the sunfish inside a proper glow.
Click! Click! Click!
The shutter fired three times and each shot was better than the last. Haley looked at the gallery of pictures, smirking with pride at her handiwork. However before she could open her mouth to praise herself, a voice from behind called to her.“H-Hey… I just moved here--”It was a new voice, one she hadn't heard before. It was gentle but present, hesitant but not nervous, a new sight in a sense. She turned to the voice to see a young man she had never seen before. He was pale, first and foremost, reddish-by the cheeks, and tall. He was by no means lanky, but his frame could've used more meat.He wore a baggy white button-up shirt, the sleeves rolled back to his elbow and the three top buttons were undone. By the looks of it, it was tucked in, but rigorous activity caused it to be pulled and then stained by dirt.And speaking of dirt, he had it caked all over his black slacks and leather gloves. He looks like a kid who knew nothing of the farming life. “You must be that new farmer boy, huh?” Haley’s eyes appraised, “If it weren’t for those clothes, you might actually be cute.” The newcomer only opened his mouth to balk at the comment, but instead of firing back or getting angry at the backhanded remark, he only turned his head to the side and laughed. Haley got a nice view of his side profile because of it, and she wasn’t exactly incorrect at her assessment.The short sides of his head complimented the bangs he let down to his eyebrows, significantly better compared to that Sebastian guy. It seems this guy has some sense of style, despite his state. However she was also wrong about another thing. It was supposed to be an empty remark meant to brush people aside, not something that would encourage someone to poke back. Haley is not a stranger to such reactions, but the words this smug asshole spat back made her face heat up in shame. And anger.There was anger too.It also didn’t help that when he laughed at her reaction, his laugh was not annoying to listen to.
[] Spring / Day 1 [] 3:40 pm [] Stardrop Saloon []
Clink!
The door of the saloon opened and the jingle of the door’s bell alerted the bartender. The blue-haired woman smiled as she met eyes with the stranger that walked into the bar for the first time. But this man was strange in a way, he didn’t feel knew.Well, he was caked in dirt in some places, his white shirt clearly showing signs of being dusted before he entered the establishment. Emily appreciated that in fact, as the person who was tasked of cleaning up. It didn’t help very much but at least he tried, not that it was new. Stardew Valley was a farming village, with many green thumbs scattered about, so a little dirt shouldn’t be unusual. But this person felt different. In fact he looks as if he’s nostalgic seeing the place, his aura said so anyway, but after a second that aura disappeared and he returned to looking like the new guy.“Good evening, miss.” The newcomer smiled. “Do you have a menu? I’m a little thirsty after a day’s work.”“Of course!” Emily beamed with a smile, immediately reaching for a laminated menu from the counter, “You must be the new farmer! I’m Emily!”“Daniel,” The Farmer replied as he received the menu, unphazed by her excited energy. Something told Emily that she was going to get along well with this person. “Thank you Emily, I’ll have two beers.”“Coming right up!” Emily grinned as she turned around to reach the supplies behind her, taking two large glass mugs and promptly filling quickly with bubbling beer. She brought it over to the counter. “You know, Daniel…” The farmer carefully received the two mugs as she spoke, “I have a feeling you’re going to enjoy your life here in Stardew Valley…”The farmer blinked before he smiled, it seems as if a distant memory appeared in his head. “You know, I’ve been thinking the exact same thing all day.” He said with a different look in his eye. Emily caught onto it and saw that it was something like…
Regret.
“I’m going to make the most of everything,” The farmer stopped and took a heavy gulp of his drink, emptying have the large mug in one go. “There's so much I need to do, and I’m overwhelmed, but…”
Cling!
He looked up at Emily with a genuine smile. “You people have been so kind and welcoming that I can’t help but feel accepted.” He raised the mug to Emily and to the insignia of Pelican town, the same one hanging next to the clock above the shelf of liquor. “So yeah, I’m going to enjoy my life here. I’m glad to have met you, Emily.”Emily’s smile only got brighter at that because contrary to her reputation in pelican town as a weirdo, she quite understands the emotions of others and as a bartender, she gets to see people’s inhibitions break free.
He meant those words, despite the pain he was in.
“Then I suppose we’re friends?” The Bartender chuckled and the drinker laughed too.“I sure hope so.” Came the muffled grin as the new farmer finished the last of his drink, “On an unrelated side note, do you know where I can find clothes around here? None of my clothes are fit for this kind of work.”“I know just the person.” At that, Emily proudly crossed her arms as she pointed to herself with her thumb, proudly raising her chin. “By the way have you met my sister?”“O-Oh, about that–”
[] Spring / Day 1 [] 4:05 pm [] Stardrop Saloon []
Cling!
“My usual.” The doors of the Stardrop saloon ring again, this time another farmer walked into the door, ordering his usual from the door of the room instead of going to the counter. “Coming right up, Andy!” Was Emily’s simple response from the counter. And was a tall, large, aged man, gruff in both appearance and apparent personality, and he wore his Joja hat low to cover his eyes as he looked down, not that it impeded his vision at all, because he noticed two servings of beer go onto his table as he sat down.Not even Emily could get here that fast, no matter how efficient she was. “It’s my treat, farmer, as thanks. From one farmer to another,” Andy looked at the newcomer, the new farmer apparently. He was younger than he had imagined but at first glance he seemed different from what he imagined of a new farmer.He looked like someone who knews what he was doing.“Why?” Was Andy’s simple answer. He didn’t refuse the beer, he liked beer, but it seemed random. “Nothing, I just saw you foraging and thought I could do that too.” The new farmer smiled, “And guess what? I got some extra coin for it, so thanks for that.”Andy thought about it for a second, not seeing this person forage with him and come to think of it, he barely found any forage despite being next to the forest. The location and time did not match up. He did not show this farmer how to forage. “Huh… sure.” Andy pinched the bridge of his nose, but he managed to nod by tipping his hat, “I… don’t remember… must be tired, thanks for the drink.” “No problem, Farmer.” The new person grinned and walked away to the exit, waving to the bartender as he did. “Emily! I’ll be off early now, I still got some work to do.”“Sure thing! See you whenever, Daniel!” The bartender replied as eagerly. Emily was making her way over to him with the drink he order. “Daniel, huh?” Andy sipped slowly, “Strange kid.”
[] Spring / Day 1 [] 4:15 pm [] Stardrop Saloon []
“Haley…Emily, Andy–” Daniel whispered to himself as he walked back to his farm, a single tear falling down his face despite him smiling, “It’s nice to see you all again. I won’t fail, not this time.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Yesterday’s Flashback:
[] Spring / Day 1 [] 12:18 pm [] Cindersap Forest []
“Is that so?”
He coughed himself back to composure, looking back at Haley with a grin, his left dimple appearing. It wasn’t a bad dimple, “So is yours, your highness.” He started to laugh, but managed to control himself just long enough to deliver the next half of his insult, “If that outfit was a tad skimpier, I would’ve asked for a price instead of a name.”
Haley blinked. He was calling her a whore! A random stranger. A random City-boy. A greenhorn who did not know her, just called her a bitch! She opened her mouth but the audacity of such a title caused her brain to lag. This just caused the newcomer to laugh even more! She even lost the perfect picture from yesterday!
“I’m screwing with you,” He wiped a tear– a tear! –From his eyes as he was clutching his side, “I was going to say that you were beautiful and where the general store is– but nevermind.”
Haley couldn’t remember what she said next but it probably was better she didn’t. It definitely wasn’t profane but it certainly was ineffective as he kept laughing at her even when he was walking away.
Only when he stopped to turn to her did Haley stop shrieking at him, “See you around, Princess!” He waved his dirtied glove in the air, “The name’s Daniel! I’ll apologize when we meet next time!”
“There won’t be a next time!”
“Hahaha–”
Haley’s mood was ruined for the rest of the day. Both because of how she lost a fight she wouldn’t have lost and because she liked the sound of his laughter. It was a laughter full of joy, genuine happiness.
So imagine her annoyance when she met him again the next day, on her doorstep.
Today: [] Spring / Day 2 [] 11:00 pm [] Pelican Town - Haley and Emily’s House []
Ding! Ding! Ding!
The doorbell chime rang, three bells from one button press. “Ugh–” Haley let out an exasperated groan. She was still in a bad mood from yesterday, but she still stormed over to the doorway. She turned to the knob and threw it open to glare at the guest.“Who uses a doorbell in Pelican town!?”Haley didn’t really know who would do that considering the whole town knows who’s who by now because of how small the community is, even including the people of ridgeside, so doorbells were more or less redundant and were more or less courtesy items.And only one person fits the description of someone who would use a doorbell, a newcomer. “Y-You!– Oh!” Haley’s anger flared like a volcano but before it could explode, she came face to face with a beautiful daffodil. It was a bucket of ice-cold water on the proverbial eruption. It shouldn't have worked but it did. “F-For me?... I like them, thank you– wait! You!”Only for a second, maybe.She pushed her second favorite flower aside to glare at the visitor. Not even a pretty, healthy, exceptionally vibrant Daffodil was enough to quench her anger for that uncalled for remark.“Oh, didn’t think that would’ve worked but it was worth a shot,” Daniel grinned sheepishly, turning his head to the side again, scratching the back of it. “Good morning to you, Princess.” Haley crossed her arms, keeping them tight on her chest. She cocked her head to the side and leaned on one foot to tap the other angrily. She only gave the meanest glare she could muster without actually scrunching up her face. She intended to give him the silent treatment combined with the look, to make him apologize or at least intimidate him to walk away.“Hey look, I’m not exactly one to–” Daniel gulped at the stare. It was working, albeit slightly. He put forward a large note and pointed at the last name on the bottom of the list. “Kindly sign here and I’ll be out of your probably fake blond hair.”
It was labeled as: “Emily’s Newcomer Introductory Quest!”
"Hey, Newcomer! Will you introduce yourself to all the townsfolk of Pelican Town and Ridgeside Village for me? I’d love to accompany you but I have work on Spring 2-3!All you have to do is introduce yourself with a few sentences and have them sign their names as proof! After you’ve done that, you can come to me and present to me the note, and then we can do business!" Haley raised her eyebrow and looked at Daniel with a coy smile, his current appearance finally clicking in her head. “Yikes, all of the townspeople?” She let ‘all’ roll off her tongue for extra measure. The emphasis caused Daniel’s eye to twitch, “It’d be a real shame, if I just…”He looked haggard in a sense, his clothes disheveled and somewhat dirtied from the walk of the entire day. Haley thought about it but when she replayed it back in her head his voice was weaker. “Haley–” the farmer cut in, “Yoba be my witness I swear–”“Or?” Haley took the note and pushed it onto his chest. She let go of the parchment and let it slowly float down onto the sidewalk, her hand finding the tip of the farmer’s chin. “You can’t do anything, Dan. I have all the cards here.” Haley angled his head down. “Much better, my neck was getting tired from having to look up to you.”Haley’s proud smile grew wider as an irritated grin grew on Daniel’s face, a vein in his left temple twitching alongside his eyebrow.
Oh you'll be tired once I'm done with you—
Slap!A quick hand to the face was enough to silence even the rumbucious musician next door. “Yoba, are you always this…this?” Daniel turned to face Haley, who was surprised at how he used his own hand to bring himself back to reality. “God I'm too tired to even think.”Haley quickly recovered her composure and returned to her previous stance. Daniel cut in though. “I was not going to ask you to sign this for free, you know.”Haley could only widen her eyes at the polaroid he held in his hand, it was the picture she was missing. “I intended to give this back with or without the signature.”“Then why ask?” Haley snatched the polaroid and appraised it. The picture had properly been treated with an adequate amount of darkness. “Because I have a hunch that you're not someone to do good without having received it first.” She looked from the Polaroid to the paper again, “And I also needed to apologize for yesterday.”Hey couldn't suppress an eye roll and a small smirk, and it did not fade even as she signed the papers.
Haley is vain, but not without principles.
Emily looked in the distance at the doorstep of her own home, seeing how her own cold-spirited sister was smiling genuinely whenever the new farmer spoke.“I knew it! It was destiny that our paths crossed! “