The air grew colder and the trees got barer, and All Spirits Eve has made it's yearly arrival to Stardew Valley once again.

As per tradition, Rasmodius would make his haunted maze for the townsfolk. It started as practicing illusion the first time he did it, but as years went by the demand for these mazes had increased, and for some reason Rasmodius felt compelled to adhere to them.

This year, however, was a little different.

It started when Spencer stopped by from the farm to drop off a book Rasmodius forgot at his tower. He didn't stay long, as he had his own responsibilities, but he stayed long enough to plant a kiss on the others cheek before leaving.

That was when the whispers started.

"I'm just concerned, that's all," Jodi said to Caroline as they walked by.

"He's not all that bad, Jodi."

"But he just spends so much time in that tower doing Yoba knows what… Then suddenly he shows up to town one day with Mr. Spencer?"

"I think it's a love potion," Haley said snidely as she glanced over her shoulder, "Some sort of spell, I don't know."

"Mind control, maybe?" Alex suggested.

"It has to be, no one could possibly 'like' such a crusty old man."

Rasmodius shook his head and focused on his work. He didn't stick around for the festival.

Spencer walked down the dirt road leading home that night. He saw Rasmodius in the field, reading from a book.

"I was wondering where you were," Spencer said as he approached him, "I didn't see you at the festival. I thought you would be watching everyone figure out your maze like last time."

"I wasn't feeling up to it. Besides I'm behind on this book."

Spencer frowned and crossed his arms, "I see," he said skeptically. He sat down next to him, "How about you tell me what really happened?"

Rasmodius shut his book. He looked up, staring into the distance, "I… Heard the villagers talking…"

"About you?"

"About us…"

Spencers face softened, "You don't say…"

"I believe they think I'm hurting you in some way…"

Spencer put a hand on the others arm, "Mordecai, you know that's not true, and I know that's not true," he leaned against his shoulder, "They just don't understand. Not yet, at least. They'll come around one day."

But after what almost happened the last time, Spencer could only hope that was true.