Spring, Year 1, Day 17 & 18 – Discoveries

Elliott entered the library one afternoon to return a few of the books he had borrowed from Gunther's library for inspiration during last year's winter. As he approaches the counter, Gunther greets him with a smile as he says, "Ah Elliott, come in. Brought some books back I see." He then asks, "Did they help ya with yer novel?"

Elliott shakes his head sadly, placing the books he was carrying on the counter as he replies in a depressed tone, "I'm afraid not, Gunther. It seems the literary spark I'm searching for keeps eluding me to no end."

Gunther frowns at his response and says, "Sorry to hear." A grin then paints his lips as he says, "Well, when you do find it I'm sure many would be eager to read it." He gestures towards the column of bookshelves to their right as he adds, "For it seems we have another bookworm in town."

Elliott glances over and to his surprise he sees the shy girl named Huyana that he met on the beach a couple weeks ago standing by a column of books. She was wearing a pair of light blue denim jeans and a white over shirt with a blue tube top underneath which he presumed were her work clothes for he'd seen her wearing them the most often. They had talked to one another a couple times during random encounters in town but he still didn't know much about her.

He looked back at Gunther with a raised eyebrow and asks in disbelief, "She's into literature?"

Gunther nods as he replies with a smile, "Yes sir, been coming here every day after she moved in and found out there was a library in town. Her eyes glowed like that of a child in a candy store when she first stepped in here." His smiles widens as he adds, "And dare I say she surpasses even you and Penny in the amount of book she reads. She doesn't talk much but is polite when she does speak."

His curiosity biting at him, Elliott steps away from the counter and makes his way over to Huyana, who meanwhile was mentally cursing at herself as she struggled in vain to reach one of the books on the top shelf of the bookcase.

"Almost there...Ugh...Curse my short stature..." She muttered as she stretched. She had come to the library to unwind for abit, however her literary pursuits were being thwarted slightly due to her height and Penny seemed to be using the stool currently to put a few books away so she had no choice but to try her best to reach for the book she was after. She had always enjoyed books since she was young, their prescence provided an escapsim from all harshness of the world around her.

Suddenly she hears a male voice say, "Allow me." and sees a slight tanned hand reach out from the corner of her peripheral vision and take down the book. She turns as the book is handed towards her with an accompanied, "Here you are." and glances up to see that hand's owner was Elliott, the man she had met on the beach.

Huyana blushes slightly as she takes the book from him and says shyly, "Um..T-Thank you."

Elliott smiles as he says, "You're welcome." He then asks, "Fine day for reading isn't it? I find the library an exquisite place to come and unwind in."

Huyana nods as she fidgets and replies softly, "..Yes it is." She then adds with a smile, "I find books relaxing as well. They are a garden of knowledge and can take one's imagination to places unseen by the eye."

Elliott's smile widens at this and he says, "Indeed they can." Curious about her interests, Elliott then asks, "May I ask what book you are about to delve into?"

Surprised by the question, Huyana replies nervously, "Um..well..I was going to look into the local fauna and flora of this place. I've been to the forest beyond my farm a couple times though it's landscape is quite different from home. Mother Nature though beautiful can be quite unforgiving if you wander her lands blindly."

Elliott nods in agreement as he says, "Yes, she very well can be. I have had my misadventures in the woods a couple times." He then gives her an apologetic look as he notices her nervousness and says, "Forgive me for my curiosity, you must be eager to get on with your day and I am preventing you from doing such."

Huyana shakes her head as she says reassuringly, "Not at all."

She then gets an embarrassed look as she says in an apologetic tone, "I should be the one apologizing, I am not quite used to the people here yet and well..strangers make me uneasy." A shocked look passes her face and she adds quickly, "B-But you're not a stranger..um..I mean..I don't know you personally, but..we've met alot." Looking for a topic to talk about so she could change the subject, she asks, "U-Um, what would you say you're favorite nature biome is? Forest, ocean, or desert? If you don't mind my asking."

Elliott gives her a reassuring smile as he says with a chuckle, "It's quite alright. I understand your feelings completely. I moved here a year before you did. I feel quite the stranger here still though I have acquired a few friends. Most of the townspeople are wary but good. In time they'll warm up to you and you them."

He then ponders for a moment then says, "Though the forest is charming I find the ocean to be my favorite. It had left quite an impression on me as a child." He then chuckles once more as he adds, "I suppose that would've been obvious given that I live on the beach."

Huyana smiles, a wave of relief washing over her as she was glad she didn't offend him. Not only that she found something they were both interested in, much to her joy. Relaxing slightly, she says, "I had a feeling but one cannot make it truth til one asks. I too have loved the ocean since I was a little girl. It is so full of mystery and has created many myths and tales among different cultures.

A smile paints her lips, "My most favorite ones are about the merfolk. Beautiful creatures yet have such sadness and danger risk to them." She then blushes as she realized she was rambling and says, "Ah, forgive me, I tend to get carried away when it comes to my favorite subjects."

Elliott chuckles again, finding her modesty to be endearing and says reassuringly, "It's quite alright I am the same way."

He then glances at the clock upon the wall and adds, "Though it saddens me to end this pleasant conversation I must get back to my work. I merely came here to drop off some books." He looks back at Huyana with a warm smile, "If I may be so bold and say that should you need a break from your labors or would like someone to talk to feel free to stop by my place. I'd love to chat more with you."

Huyana nods as she shyly returns his smile and says, "Of course, I should return back to working on the farm too as much debris still needs clearing. Have a nice night Elliott."

Elliott nods as he says, "And you as well Ms. Branwen." He then turns and begins to make his way out of the library. Huyana watches him leave, happy to have found someone she could relate to and possibly make friends with.

The next day was greeted by the blessing of rain, much to Huyana's enjoyment as it meant she wouldn't have to water any crops and was free to do as she wished. She had spent most of her first weeks here clearing all the debris that had plagued the farmyard, leaving little time to socialize. After having breakfast, she set about unpacking the rest of her belongings and a few hours later the small cabin looked quite homey despite it already having a small kitchen and bathroom, a bed, Tv, and a fireplace as well a small table and chair.

Within the home now was a harp resting next to a large bookcase by her bed that she built herself out of the wood she harvested and filled it with books she had collected over the years. A tea set sat upon the small table. The kitchen cabinets filled with tea assortments, pickled vegetables and fruit jellies given to her by her mother and the fridge was filled with meat of fish that she caught. Lastly, a seashell wind-chime hung in front of her window over her bed that she made out of the various seashells and driftwood she found on the coast of her hometown.

Satisfied with her work, she prepares to go out to the woods to forage and fish with the new rod Willy had given to her when she stops as she realized something. She never did thank Willy properly for the rod and a sense of guilt filled her. The middle-aged man had been quite nice to her since she came here and it would only be right to give him something in return. But what? She wasn't sure what the fisherman liked besides fishing.

Her thoughts then drifted to Elliott. "He lives in a shack close by Willy's so maybe he would know what Willy would like?" She thinks to herself, "And he did say if I needed someone to talk to to come see him. I hope he doesn't mind this being the reason."

Thinking she should bring him something for her first visit, she grabs a few strawberries she had grown from her fridge and puts them into a small bag. She then sets out into town and heads towards the beach.

Meanwhile Elliott was at his writing desk, contemplating over what line to write next on a sheet of manuscript. He then hears a knock on his door. Wondering who it would be that could be out in this weather, he gets up from his chair and walks over to the door. Upon opening it, he sees that on the other side was a slightly soaked Huyana and he immediately opens the door wider and ushers her in as he says, "Ah Huyana, You're drenched! Here, come inside where it's warm."

Huyana nods and allows herself to be brought in and Elliott closes the door behind them. She then looks around. The inside of the cabin was well lit with a couple of small oil lanterns that flickered pleasantly on the wooden cross slats. A few potted plants provided decor and to the right was a table with a tea set on it.

A neatly made bed was tucked into the far left corner. A worn piano was the focal point of the room and still had sheet music sitting on the mantle. Placed on top of it were a collection of books and seashells, one of them being the coral she had given him. To the right was a wooden writing desk that seemed overflowing with papers. A couple of old fashioned quills sat in a bottle of ink. The room was cozy and well put together considering the small space he was working with.

Elliott walks over and grabs a towel off a rack then hands it to Huyana as he says, "Here."

She thanked him and begins to pat herself dry though deep down she didn't mind the rain or being wet but one does not be ungrateful towards chivalry when it is given.

He'd seen that she took in her surroundings and gives her a sheepish smile as he says, "Sorry, I wasn't expecting company today so pardon the mess. I tend to focus on my work abit much so things sometimes fall into disarray..but welcome to my humble..well shack."

Huyana gives him a reassuring smile as she says, "Thanks, it looks quite homey." She then adds shyly, "Oh, I brought you some strawberries. I thought maybe...you'd like something sweet." She hands him the fruit along with his towel as she asks, "Judging by ink bottle and quills I take it you are a writer?"

Elliott's smile widens as he takes them both from her and replies warmly, "This is for me? Marvelous!" He then gets a bashful look, "Yes I am, though not officially. It has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. That's why I live out here on the beach by myself. I figured a lonely life by the sea would help me focus on my literary aspirations." He then asks, "Would you like a cup of coffee? Or tea if you prefer? I was going to make some before you came."

Huyana smiles brightly at the offer as she replies, "Tea would be lovely."

Elliott nods and sets bout on preparing them both tea. He then asks, "Do you have any preference? Green, Black, or Herbal? Also did you want it sweeten? I have both sugar and honey."

Huyana takes a seat on the piano chair as she replies, "I like all teas so any you choose will be fine." She then adds with a smile, "With honey please."

Elliott returns her smile then sets about making them both some black tea. When the tea was done, he begins to pour it into their tea cups and as he added a few drops of honey to hers, he says with a frown, "My family did not approve of my decision, however. They thought I was nuts, that I would never make it as a writer."

He sets the tea pot down and picks up the cups, then walks over to her and hands her one and she takes it as she thanked him. He sits down at his writing desk across from her and shakes his head slightly as he continues with grimace, "Can you believe it? They said, "For every successful author there's a thousand who fail miserably." Such pessimism...It's sickening. I've been called foolhardy before, but it stings when no one believes in what you're doing."

Huyana nods in understanding then takes a sip of her tea. It's taste was quite lovely to her palette. She sets the cup back down and says, "They are worried for you. Sometimes family has a way of showing that in a less tactful way. But I get what you mean, my family was worried for me when I decided to take my first steps in the land here beyond my home though they supported it as well as they wanted a better life for me. The only condition was to stay in contact with them." She then adds with a soft smile, "One does not know one's limits unless they try. I think you have what it takes to be a writer. You are dedicated to it enough that you came here."

Elliott gives her a nod as he says with a warm smile, "Well I am glad you think so. It's quite inspiring to hear." He then asks curiously, "If I may pry abit, what reason made you decide to come here to Pelican Town, Huyana?"

Huyana ponders for a moment as she looks into her cup of tea then replies, "Mostly to be free of the city, but the memories of my grandfather here and the prospect of being a farmer intrigued me. So after finding out I inherited his farm, I quit my job at Joja, took my grandfather's will and got a bus ticket here."

A small smile paints her lips as she let's out a tiny relieved sigh, "I must say tending to crops is better than sitting at an office desk and staring blankly into a screen like a zombie. I cannot see how they stand to sit for so long. I thought I'd go stir crazy with cabin fever. I wanted nothing more than to be outdoors and delve into a good book." She then takes another sip of her tea.

Elliott chuckles slightly then says, "I understand completely. I find nature to be an inspiration for my body, mind and soul, especially the wild beauty of the sea. Hence why I moved here." He then asks curiously, "Speaking of books, may I ask as to what your favorite genre is?"

Huyana smiles inwardly as she thinks, "He's an inquisitive one. It's a nice thing to come across after being kept at arm's reach." She gives him a warm smile as she replies, "I have many genres that I like. Poetry, mythology, romance, nature, anthropology, and fantasy. But if I were to choose a favorite it have to be fantasy as it can take your mind to many different places."

A look of excitement crosses her face as she continues, "If there's romance in it that makes it even better. My favorite story is the tale of Princess Nielide. It a story of a mer princess who was sent out onto human lands to bring peace among her people and the humans they were quelling with constantly. There's abit of forbidden tragic romance and danger in it but that is the main plot. I can lend ya the book if ya interested." She then blushes slightly as she adds with a sheepish smile, "There I go rambling again. Sorry."

Elliott gives her a reassuring look as he says. "It quite alright. Your enthusiasm on the matter is endearing." A grin paints his lips, "I never would've guessed that to be your favorite. I suppose even those of the "earthiest" profession have their head in the stars. I will remember that."

Huyana gives him a small smile then asks, "What about you? What's your favorite book genre?"

A small blush paints Elliott's cheeks as he gives her a sheepish smile and replies shyly, "You may find it surprising or odd for a man such as myself...but my favorite genre happens to be romance. Especially a good one that has both steam and plot."

Huyana chuckles as she gives him a reassuring look and replies, "I don't think it odd at all. Love is a worldwide thing that everyone admires no matter the gender."

Elliott smiles warmly at her words then glances at his potted rose that sat upon his writing desk and asks, "Hmm, you probably know alot about plants don't you?"

Huyana finishes her tea then sets the cup back down in her lap as she replies, "With a little guidance from my mother and grandfather I developed abit of a "green thumb". Though it also depends on the plant I'm working with for whether I'm familiar with it or not." She tilts her head to side as she asks curiously, "Why you ask?"

Elliott gestures to the flower as he replies, "Would you mind taking a look at this rose here? I'm afraid it's not doing so well."

Huyana nods as she says with a smile, "Of course, I don't mind at all." She then adds, "I know abit about roses as my mother would grow fairy roses in her garden."

She sets her cup of tea aside upon a table as she gets up then walks over to next to Elliott and begins to examine the potted flower. The single rose looked kind of sad and the edges of its petals were wilting. She picked the pot up and examined it more closely. The soil was quite firm and didn't seem to drain water well. It was a bit too small of a pot as well.

She looked over at Elliott, who was watching her intently, and says with a uneasy look, "Well, the prognosis is both good and bad. She gets enough sun here, but her pot is a little small for her. Roses develop a large root system that can run out of room in a pot like this and begin to grow around its edges. She suffers for her roots takes up the space where water and soil should be. She also could use some well draining soil as you don't want to keep them too wet."

Elliott takes in her assessment and says, "Ah, I see. I'll check Pierre's tomorrow to see if I can find a new pot and soil for it."

Huyana touches the leaves and petals. She feels a salty residue form upon her fingers. She then sniffs it slightly and a worried look forms on her face as she asks tentatively, "Um...Ellliott, have you been watering this rose with sea water?"

Elliott gets a embarrassed look as he replies, "...Yes. I have quite a love of green, growing things though unfortunately I have what Leah refers to as a 'black thumb'..." He then adds," My head is often in the clouds, so I've mistakenly watered my plants with sea water every now and then...though I am determined to rid myself of this black mark. I do try to remember to water them with fresh water from the river."

Huyana nods as she says, "Sea water dehydrates plants of moisture. It's not the best for watering." An idea comes to mind and she then adds, "If it's alright with you, I can take your rose back to my farm to transplant and fix her up for you. I'll even write down some instructions to help you remember."

Elliott beamed at her offer as he replied, "Ah, thank you. That would be wonderful." Being this close to her, he could detect a faint hint of sandalwood and freesia scent wafting off of Huyana with a touch of salty ocean essence. He found the smell to be quite pleasant.

Huyana smiled then asked shyly, "Um..can I ask you something?"

Elliott nodded as he replied, "Of course, what is your question?"

She fidgeted slightly as she gets an embarrassed look and asks, "Well..you live across from Willy...maybe you know him well? Tis the reason I came by today, though this conversation has been most pleasant."

A small smile painted her lips, "Willy has been nice to me and had given me a fishing rod so I want to thank him. But I do not know him well so I figured I'd pick ya brain abit. Perhaps maybe you would know what it is he likes?" She let's out a small nervous laugh as she adds," Well, besides fishing."

Elliott blinked in surprise then smiled as he replies, "Ah, I see. Yes, I know Willy well. He was my first friend here when I arrived in Pelican Town. He didn't care one whit about my old life. As soon as he found out I loved to fish, he loaned me a fishing rod, and that was that. We been friends ever since."

He pondered for a moment then added, "If you're looking for something to gift him in thanks he loves mead and pumpkin. But if those aren't available, he likes a variety of fish meals such as fish tacos, crab cakes, which I myself enjoy, or baked fish."

Huyana nods as she says happily, "Wonderful, it just so happens pumpkin was one of the pickled vegetables my mother sent to me. Would that suffice?"

Elliott nods with a smile, happy that someone else adored the middle-aged fisherman like he did, as he replies, "That would be an acceptable gift." He glances at his watch as he adds, "Though I would hurry as it's getting close to five and he'll be heading to the saloon for the night. As for me I will be continuing to work on my manuscript."

Huyana smiles and gives Elliott a shy but gentle hug as she says warmly, "Thanks Elliott, I'll see you tomorrow. Oh and thanks for the tea as well. It was delicious."

Surprised by the hug, Elliott was unsure at first what to do at first but then relaxed and gently hugged her back. Huyana steps back from him and picks up the potted rose. Elliott walks with her to the door and opens it for her as Huyana says with a smile, "Have a good night Elliott."

Elliott smiles down at her as he replies, "You as well Ms. Branwen. Take care of yourself."

Huyana nods and Elliott watches as she sprints off into the rain, her bare feet kicking up wet sand as she headed towards town and he shakes his head. He was still perplexed as to why she would walk around barefoot. He decided he would ask her next time he saw her. He then turns around and closes the door behind him. A new spark of inspiration filled him as he sat down at his desk and began to write.