Chapter 1
And So It Begins
Sariel Shade sat at her desk on the 14th floor of Joja Corporation's Headquarters in Zuzu City. The 24 year old with rich mahogany hair and steel gray eyes stared blankly at her computer monitor. The only sounds around her were the repetitive clicking of a keyboard and mouse multiplied by 59. The massive central air conditioning system hummed mechanically as it pumped cooled air into the expansive computer farm. Everything about Joja screamed it was slave labor, but they swore everyone loved working for them. The walls were drab and deep gray and everything about the space seemed to suck the life out of you. The air was stale and musty, despite the complete lack of carpet or fabric furnishings in the work area.
On this particular Monday, Sariel sat in her chair wearing a sleeveless gray blouse and black slacks, with her trusty pair of black Converse. One of the few exceptions to the dress code she dared violate. January 1st. Her birthday. A day that would normally bring excitement and jubilation to some, however, for Sariel, such was not the case. She tended to avoid calling attention to her birthday when she could, and would more than likely celebrate with herself later this evening. Curled up on the couch in her small apartment with a glass of Scotch, and a good book, or a movie.
Occasionally an eMail or IM would come through from colleagues wishing her a happy birthday. She'd reply kindly, and go back to attempting to work. Her thoughts drifted away every time she tried to focus on the code she was working on.
"How did I get here? I got a degree, and thought I was doing well, but what do I have to show for it? My 3rd year here, and I'm still making peanuts, and I feel like I'm suffocating. I can't breathe, I can't thrive, I'm falling apart. I hate my life. I wish Grandfather was still alive." She thought.
Her eyes would fall to the small 3x5" photograph of she and her beloved grandfather. It was snowing, and the photo had been taken on the eve of Sariel's 4th birthday. Grandfather was holding her and reading a book to her. The photo was taken just a few months before he passed away. She remembered his last words to her as if he had just spoken them seconds before.
"There will come a day when you feel crushed by the burden of modern life… ...and your bright spirit will fade before a growing emptiness. When that happens, my dear, you'll be ready for this gift."
The gift he had left to her in his will was a simple envelope sealed with a purple wax, emblazoned with his initials. Sariel had listened to his advice and had yet to open the faded envelope. It had gone with her through every house, apartment, and job she worked at. Today was the day she knew it was right to open it. She pulled open the top right drawer on her desk, and delicately lifted the letter from its resting place. She quickly grabbed her letter opener and slid the thin blade behind the wax seal. She unfurled the envelope and removed the thick sheath of papers from document she saw first was a letter addressed to her penned by her Grandfather.
"Dear Rinn,
If you're reading this, you must be in dire need of a change.
The same thing happened to me long ago. I'd lost sight of what mattered most in life…
real connections with other people and nature. So I dropped everything and moved to
the place I truly belong.
I've enclosed the deed to that place… my pride and joy: Evenstar Farm. It's located in
Stardew Valley, on the southern coast. It's the perfect place to start your new life.
This was my most precious gift of all, and now it's yours. I know you'll honor the family
name, my dear. Good luck.
Love, Grandpa
P.S. If Lewis is still alive say hi to the old guy for me, will ya?"
Tears started welling up in her eyes as she read and re-read the letter a hundred times. She sheepishly looked through the documents and confirmed the letter was true. The deed to the land and farmhouse were all here, already signed over to her. There was the contact information for Lewis and a lawyer Sariel recognized from when she was given the letter.
She gently tucked all of the documents back into the envelope and hid it in her purse. She looked at the small watch on her left wrist and realized it was only 10:00 A.M. She stood from her desk and walked to the water cooler in the back of the office. She spied an empty copy paper box and took it back to her desk. She upended the desk's contents into the box and took the few minutes to transfer all her important personal emails from her Joja Account to her private account. She plucked her purse from the floor, tossed it on her arm, and shut her computer off for the last time.
Sariel hefted the box onto her right hip and triumphantly marched out of the Joja office to the cheers of her co-workers. On the way out, her manager, a snivelling prick named Daniel, physically got in front of her to block her exit from the concrete behemoth that was Joja Corporation.
"And just where do you think you're going, Ms. Shade?" Daniel whined aggressively.
"Out. Permanently. I hate it here. I can't work for you or Joja any longer." Sariel fired back.
"What do you mean? You can't quit! You're one of the top programmers here!" Daniel bellowed.
"I don't believe I stuttered when I spoke. I quit. I'm through. All I do is spend my days Monday through Saturday at that tiny desk in a horde of other corporate zombies that have lost sight of what matters in life. I'm relocating. I need to get out of the city before I die here with no accomplishments besides graduating College early and landing a job at Joja Corporation like 90% of all the other programmers in the Republic." Sariel's words pierced like daggers through the air.
"B-bu-bu-buh what will you do? You'll never get a recommendation from us! You'll be finished in this industry!" Daniel roared.
"I honestly don't give a shit anymore, Daniel. You're a horrible boss, and Joja is a horrible company. I sincerely hope I never see you again. Goodbye." Sariel quipped as she shoved her way past her now former boss.
With her final sentiments given to the company, Sariel walked out of her job with her head held high and her spirits renewed. She wound her way through the labyrinthian corridors to the parking garage and found her beloved silver truck. She fished her keys from her purse, tossed the box into the passenger seat and departed towards freedom.
She stopped by Lilly's Cafe, her favorite coffee house and bookstore. When she entered she caught Lilly's attention and sat at their usual table. A few moments passed and Lilly sat herself at the same table, with two steaming mugs of Chai Tea in front of her. The woman was the same age as Sariel, but on this particular day, her hair was a flamboyant shade of purple. Her nose was pierced, as was her bottom right lip. Various tattoos adorned both of her arms. She had a somewhat gruff exterior, but had a heart of gold and was one of the kindest, compassionate people Sariel knew.
"Okay, sister, spill. You look like you just murdered your boss and the jury let you off with a slap on the wrist." Lilly chortled.
"I walked out. I quit. I can't do it anymore, Lilly. I could feel my soul dying at Joja. The money was nice, but my god, the environment just drained everything out of you." Sariel earnestly replied.
"Woah! What brought this about? I knew you'd talked about it before, but you were always scared to leave. What changed?" Lilly inquired.
"I opened Grandfather's letter." Sariel whispered.
"Oh? What was in it?" Lilly replied.
"Read it for yourself." Sariel stated as she handed the precious letter to her friend.
Lilly pulled on her silver-framed glasses and took the letter out and read through it and the legal documents a few times. She smiled softly each time she re-read the letter. When she finished she replaced everything and handed the envelope back to Sariel.
"Rinn, it really looks like everything's in order. When are you leaving?" Lilly lamented slightly.
"Today. Stardew's only 4 hours from here. I don't have much stuff, I just need to get some boxes and tape, and I'm hoping to get packed up and on the road before 1." Sariel softly replied.
"Well then! You've come to the right place. I've got boxes and tape. Let's go." Lilly boasted.
"But what about the shop?!" Sariel bemoaned.
"Shop, schmop. I own the place. I can shut down for the day since my best friend is leaving town." Lilly smiled brightly as she tugged Sariel from her seat while she spoke.
"If you're sure…" Sariel stated flatly.
"As sure as the sun rises in the east. I've got plenty of boxes in the backroom. I'll make you a care package while we're at it." Lilly chided.
Sariel walked behind the counter, following Lilly closely. The two young women made quick work of their task, piling up Sariel with boxes, tape, markers, you name it. When she took the last load out to her truck, Lilly followed and placed a large box in the back.
"It's a care package. All the tastes of home. Sorry I'm not small enough to fit in the box. Just means you'll have to come visit me once every month or so." Lilly beamed as she spoke.
Sariel hugged her friend tightly and returned her smile, with an equally bright one of her own. She was relieved to feel so at peace with the decision to leave. She knew in her heart it was the correct thing to do.
"Have you called Mr. Lewis yet? I'll drive and you can call. Let him and the lawyer know, so they can make any arrangements they need to." Lilly stated matter-of-factly.
"Oh, no I was going to do that at the apartment, but you're right, I should do it now." Sariel replied.
Sariel moved the box of her office decor to the back of the truck and climbed into the passenger seat. She slid her tiny phone from her pocket and dug out the contact information for both Lewis and the lawyer. She quickly dialed Lewis' number and waited as it connected. After a few rings the call was finally answered.
"This is Lewis Williams, Mayor of Pelican Town. How can I help you today?" Lewis said kindly.
"Hi, Mr. Williams. My name is Sariel Shade. You may have known me as Rinn Shade? I am, or well, was Eric Shade's granddaughter." Sariel said calmly.
"Why I'll be. I knew your grandfather quite well. I suppose you've grown up quite a bit since the last time you came to visit, hrm? I believe you were just a little four year old the last time. Was shortly before Eric's passing, wasn't that?" Lewis said solemnly.
"I do believe it was, sir. I'm actually calling about my grandfather. I believe I have the deed to Evenstar Farm in my possession. It was left to me when his estate was gone through, during the reading of his will. I live in Zuzu City, and assuming the information is valid, I'd like to relocate to the farm and get it up and running again." Sariel stated gracefully.
"I believe that can be arranged. The house is in a slight state of disarray, however, our local carpenter can get it up and running for you in no time. When can we expect you?" Lewis replied.
"Thank you, sir. I'm hoping to depart Zuzu before noon. It's a four hour drive, so if I make good traffic, I should be there by early evening. I don't have much to pack up, nor do I have any family, just my parents, so it'll make the move easier." Sariel stated remorsefully.
"I understand. I'll get Robin over the the farmhouse immediately. We look forward to seeing you. Please have a safe journey." Lewis stated.
"Thank you Mayor Williams. If there should be any delay, I'll keep you notified. Goodbye." Sariel said softly, as she disconnected the call.
She flipped the card over and dialed the number for the lawyer next. It felt like eternity until the call connected. After several rings he finally answered as well.
"Scott Gilmore." His voice was rough and weathered.
"Hello Mr. Gilmore. My name is Sariel Shade. I am Eric Shade's granddaughter. I have finally opened the letter he willed to me. I believe I am in need of your counsel regarding certain contents of the letter." Sariel spoke delicately.
"Ah, Ms. Shade! So good to finally hear from you. If you're referring to the deed and title documents, they're completely legal. We went through the paperwork before Eric passed. You own it all. He left a small inheritance to you as well. I'm afraid it's not much, but it should help to get you started. I do have to advise you, that you legally must claim ownership of the house. You can not sell it, nor the land. If you decide to go that route it was stipulated in the will that it be sold at Auction and the money donated to charity. Joja Corporation has tossed their hat into the bidding, to build a bigger Joja-Mart Warehouse in Pelican Town." Scott said calmly.
"I have no intentions of selling the land or house, Mr. Gilmore. I am preparing to relocate to Stardew Valley as we speak. Thank you so very much for your advice. Are there any documents you need me to sign?" Sariel inquired.
"That's wonderful news! There are a few documents, yes, but I can have them mailed to the farmhouse, and you can return them at your leisure. I am positively certain you're going to find everything you're looking for in Stardew. I wish you the best of luck, and safe travels on your journey." Scott replied kindly as he hung up.
"Well, what'd they say, Rinn?" Lilly finally chimed in from behind the steering wheel.
"Everything is legal. The Mayor is having someone come to the house to do some immediate repairs on it, and grandfather left a small inheritance to get me started on the farm. This is really happening!" Sariel exclaimed.
It was then she noticed they'd been parked outside her apartment building for who knows how long, while Sariel made the two phone calls that would change her life. She climbed out of the truck and bounded up the stairs to her apartment on the 2nd floor. She quickly propped the door open and rushed back down to help bring in all the boxes.
It took the two women two and a half hours to box the small apartment up. Lilly had called her girlfriend to come over with a rental trailer so that Sariel could load all of her furniture for the move. Between the three women, they finally had everything loaded up after another thirty minutes.
Sariel made the calls to her parents informing them she was moving to the old farm. Her father was excited to see his father's farm remain within family. Her mother on the other hand was a bit apprehensive of her daughter's sudden decision. She called Lewis again to inform him of the changes to her arrival time.
She glanced at the wristwatch on her left wrist and noted that it was now 2:15 P.M. She'd be arriving in Pelican Town hopefully before 6:15, if traffic was cooperative. She double checked everything before locking the door to her apartment for the last time.
Lilly hugged her friend tightly. Sariel knew it was only a matter of moments before either or both started crying. She vowed to keep their goodbye short, as she knew she'd be back to visit again.
"I can't believe you're leaving me!" Lilly bellowed.
"I'm only going to be four hours away. You could always come visit, you know. I'll try to come back when I can, I promise." Sariel lamented.
"I know, but it feels so far. You're my best friend, Rinn. I thank Yoba I met you every day. You've come so far from the shy 19 year old programmer to the amazing woman you are now. You're gonna knock 'em dead in Pelican Town. Who knows, maybe you can even find your soulmate there." Lilly teased.
"Who knows. I think that's why I'm excited. I don't know what's going to happen next. My life is mine again. I'm not a Joja Zombie anymore." Sariel replied.
She gave Lilly one last hug and climbed into her faithful truck. She pulled the GPS app on her phone up and keyed in the address for Grandfather's farmhouse. The app finished its calculation and she set out on her journey.