Writer's note: This story is currently rated 'R' for future content, but is subject to change depending upon how I feel the story would best be played out in later chapters. The only major change is to the main character's name; typically she is Lillian, but in my game she is Ceres after the Roman Goddess of agriculture. There will also be minor changes to outfits and events, but nothing terribly drastic.
Polite critique and commentary would be greatly appreciated. As much as this story /is/ for me to get it out of my head, it is also for people to hopefully enjoy. This being said, any feedback I may receive will be taken into consideration as I write. If I remember, that is. My memory is unfortunately a bit poor.
With that out of the way, and with the assurances that I do not own or claim to own Harvest Moon (aside from a copy of the game on which this story is based), I will now leave you to your reading. Please enjoy.
She shook her head as she sat up, one hand rubbing at her eyes while the other braced her. Once the sleep was gone from her eyes, she glared at the owl on its perch. Pleased to see her attention was on him, he hooted happily. Slipping her legs from under the covers, she rose. Mumbling about obnoxious feathered rat catchers, she padded over to the window. She noted the drops of rain on the glass. This meant she wouldn't have to water her modest crop of soybeans. It also meant that she'd have some animals upset at not being able to graze in the pasture.
"Ah well, Merlin." she muttered. The owl, having been offended by her comments, screeched at her and turned its back. Shrugging, she continued talking under her breath. "They'll just have to be content with fodder. I'll be sure to give them some treats later to make up for it. Speaking of food, let's get our own breakfast."
Hours later, with the animals fed and brushed, the cow milked and the eggs collected, she carefully made the trek over the mountain. Nearing Bluebell, she sped up a bit, wanting to get her quests completed as quickly as possible. She smiled and hummed softly as she passed the fence of Jessica's store, lost in her thoughts. A voice shook her to her senses as it called her name.
"Good afternoon, Ceres!," Ash called. He leaned against the fence, a large smile plastered across his face as he stood sheltered under his umbrella. Ceres paused, startled. "Oops, sorry for disturbing you like that. I just was wondering if you wanted to hang out for a while if you have the time."
She hesitated, really just wanting to get her tasks accomplished so she could go about with her silly plan. "Sorry, Ash. I really need to get stuff done today. I'll stop by the shop later to bring you the blueberries for Cheryl that you wanted, though. Once I'm done with my business in town I plan to go pick some. They're better when they're fresh."
Ash's smile faltered a bit until he caught himself. "That's great, Ceres. Thanks so much for that. You know how Cheryl gets when she wants something..." he trailed off, his smile slipping again. 'Well, I'll see you later then, I guess. Bye."
She watched as he quickly turned and walked towards the barn, She was puzzled by his behavior. Knowing that no good would come of trying to distract herself with her confusion, she shrugged it off and focused her attention back to the task at hand. She dashed into the cafe to hand over the fish Cam had asked for then had a chat with Laney about her request. Hours later, a few more requests wrapped up, and the rain starting to fall a little harder she carefully made her way back to Konohana. She waved to Kana as she passed him walking into town, chuckling as he tripped while attempting to wave enthusiastically back at her.
As she finally neared Town Hall, Ceres ran to and up the steps, slipping quietly through the doors. She shivered as the warmth of the building enveloped her. She realized then how cold and wet it actually was outside, and how damp she'd become. "Damp is almost an understatement." she mumbled as she did her best to brush water droplets from her clothing with her free hand. Fortunately her satchel wasn't too affected. She carefully withdrew the hand that had resided there since she'd entered the path to Konohana earlier. In it she held the small dish that had been the reason for her journey into town.
Biting her lower lip nervously, she rounded the corner and stopped in front of the last door in the hallway. Mikhail's door. Her mind drifted back to the music festival. She had stood towards the back, having arrived late. Not paying much attention as Ina introduced the musicians, she waved at Reina and Nori. Suddenly, the music began, and all of her attention was immediately drawn to the stage. An elderly lady was at the piano, but her main focus was on the tall man lovingly playing the violin. The light glinted off his somewhat shaggy platinum hair, and something about his intense look of passionate concentration as he played intrigued her. She swallowed as her eyes scanned over him; he was as gorgeous as he was talented. Suddenly he seemed to fix his eyes on her, his eyes a deep, beautiful grey. She inhaled sharply and her breath caught in her chest , unnerved by his intent gaze. When he blinked she took the opportunity to quickly leave the room. Shaking her head to clear her mind, Ceres took a deep breath and with one shaky hand rapped her knuckles against the wood.
Note: THAT IS CORRECT; I HAVE COMPLETELY REWRITTEN THIS CHAPTER. Yes, it is shorter now, I know, I am sorry.
I started a new save file to try to get the juices flowing again, and obviously it worked. I mean, year and a half hiatus and then bam! a third chapter. After finally figuring out a bit more about where I wanted the story to go, I realized that a rewrite of the beginning was absolutely necessary. Hope that the folk who read the first version of this chapter do not mind too much, and that those who just now stumbled upon this story enjoyed themselves.
Ta-ta, lovelies.