Sunday, Fall 14
"Do you feel up for it?" Kyron asks. Abigail hesitates a second, wondering if Kyron is testing her. A number of answers, positive and negative, come to mind. She decides on the easiest, but still true response.
"No, but I'll have you. And I need to get down there." she smiles as she says this, and Kyron is struck by how very pretty she looks. With the warm oranges and yellows of Fall in the background contrasting brilliantly with Abigail's purple hair as it blows in the wind, and the smile that lights up her features, the farmer feels an inner peace as he marvels that image of beauty in front of him.
"Of course, you'll have me. And we can take it slow as you like. We'll be down there for leisure, not specifically hunting for anything. More ore is nice, but I don't need any currently."
The two decide to indeed go mining, but not today. Abigail isn't fully ready to try yet, but promises Kyron she will redouble her self-training to prepare herself for the mines. Kyron isn't bothered - he's happy to wait until Abigail is completely ready.
"We have the Fair to prepare for anyway." Kyron reminds her, "It's in a couple of days, isn't it?"
Abigail gasps. Stardew's Fair. 16th Fall. Of course.
"What are you going to take?" she asks, looking around the small, but well-kept field Kyron grows his crops on.
"Been keeping some special wine for it." Kyron admits, "Along with a few prized produce I've gotten over the year. I have a top-quality Squid I caught last winter that I've kept on ice since I caught it. And a few trinkets from down in the mines. I'll just cobble together some of my best stuff and see how it goes."
"Oh, I hope you win." Abigail cries softly. Kyron chuckles.
"Winning doesn't matter, long as you're enjoying yourself." he says, causing Abigail to nod.
"True!" she chirps.
The couple decide to travel to Robin's place. Kyron says farming stops dead in Winter, and as it isn't far off, the farmer is looking for other ways to gain income since the soon to be frozen soil of the farm will yield nothing for him in the coldest month of the year. While Kyron already has a few Coops and one Barn, he is visiting the friendly carpenter to see what else he could invest in.
"Fishing is pretty good to do in Winter." she says, surprising both the farmer and his purple haired partner, "And you can get somewhat good income from the mines but it's more effort than it's worth unless you dig up gold or whatever." she laughs, as she is only joking. Kyron guesses Robin actually has no idea that gold is an available resource if one ventures into the mines deep enough.
"Anything else?" Abigail asks Robin. the carpenter thinks.
"A bit of foraging maybe, but you won't find much in Winter. Other than that, you'll have to live off your animal produce and your wine." she smiles, "I'm sure you'll do fine, you haven't worried about Winter in the past, Kyron."
The farmer nods and admits she is right. He checks on the prices for upgrading one of his barns and bids Robin a good day.
"It's getting late." Abigail says, noting the sky, lit up like an eternal fire from the setting sun, "Wanna head back?"
"Yeah can do. Unless you want to see your parents quickly?"
Abigail debates the matter, then says, "Not today. I've only been living with you a few days and if I drop in everyday it'll just make them worried. I need to stay out on my own for a bit."
"As you wish." the farmer smiles. The ring on his right hand gets brighter as the sunlight falls, ensuring visibility even when it gets dark. They discuss it as they walk back to the farm.
"I presume that isn't the only ring you can find in the Mines?" Abigail asks. Kyron shakes his head, agreeing with her, and replies, "There are many treasures down there, if you look hard enough. Sadly, there's never much time in the day to get any decent exploring done."
"How deep have you gone?" Abigail is entranced by Kyron's bravery - she'd never even mustered the courage to descend the first ladder, despite Kyron saying there are no monsters on the first floor of the Mines. The swallowing darkness alone is enough to set Abigail's nerves off.
"Floor 40." Kyron replies, and Abigail gasps. Kyron turns and smiles at her.
"I've heard there's about 120 floors altogether. So still a long way to go."
They reach the Farm and, noting the sudden chill, head back into the house. Abigail rubs her hands together over the fire and settles down. Kyron joins her, Billy leaping up and curling up on Abigail's lap.
"What are we going to do?" Abigail asks. Her tone is light, hopeful, excited about the future.
"I'm sure we can make some plans for us." Kyron smiles, wrapping an arm around her back and pulling her close. Abigail leans in and kisses Kyron's cheek and neck, resting on his shoulder.
"Imagine me stubbing my toe has led to this." Abigail chuckles.
"Would you rather I'd left you in the rain?" Kyron jokes. Abigail punches his arm lightly.
"Of course not, silly" she giggles. She snuggles in closer.
"I've never been happier than these past few days with you." she whispers.
Kyron's last waking thought is of blissful comfort as sleep overcomes him on the sofa by the fire.
