"The moon goes through many phases and displays several colors, but I find my favorite moon of all is the bright orange moon that comes just in time for the harvest."
Disclaimer: I do not own Harvest Moon.
The following Wednesday the twins were in town with the grandfather. The weather was heavenly, but the atmosphere around the family wasn't as pleasant.
"Why ain't we goin' to the festival?" Jack demanded, dragging his feet as he followed his grandfather around the general store.
"'Cause ya' got chores that day," his grandfather answered, "now stop ya' gripin'."
Jack stopped in his tracks, his shoulders tightened as he lowered his head. Jill stopped too. She was worried, she didn't know whether Jack was about to cry or yell. He leaned against a wooden crate of vegetables and mumbled.
"Speak up," his grandfather commanded, "ain't no man gonna hear you when you talk like that."
Jack looked up and tried to speak clearly. "I want to light a candle for mama and papa." His voice shook, but his tone was strong as he made eye contact with his grandfather.
The old timer stopped to look at him. Jill was holding her brother's shoulder, but she was staring strongly back at him as well. The old man huffed. There really was no reason that the twins couldn't go, he just wasn't sure if he could handle it. The last time he went was to light a candle for his wife and now he'd have to light three. He was being selfish and he knew that. He just didn't want to spend that day alone.
"I ain't too keen on goin'." He told them honestly. "But I reckin' Mrs. Lillian can take ya'." With that he continued shopping. Jack jumped up happily before rushing to catch up to his grandpa. Jill bounced up beside his as well, wrapping her arms around his left arm as she walked alongside.
As the three approached the counter Jack's bottom lip fell. The storekeeper was a beautiful woman. Her long golden hair held hints of chocolate and her eyes were as green as emeralds. At least that's what Jack thought. He was quickly smitten by the woman and all previous thoughts vanished the moment he saw her. However, as he got closer to the storefront, he noticed another person standing with her. A real life cowboy, the first Jack had ever seen, was leaning up against the counter. The hair visible beneath his hat was a dusty brown and his sharp eyes were purple. They seemed to be discussing merchandise, but as they approached the woman spotted them and smiled warmly.
"Pete," she gleamed as she spoke, "how lovely that you finally brought these two to see me. I was wondering if I'd ever meet them."
"I beg ya' pardon Mrs. Sasha. It was never a good time before." Their grandfather took of his hat to her.
"It's wonderful to finally meet you two." She smiled down at them. Turning around she grabbed two pieces of caramel candy and gave one to each of them. "It's on the house."
"Mrs. Sasha, you're going to fall on hard time if you keep giving away candy like that." The cowboy laughed, adjusting his hat.
"I'd be worth it, I like spoiling cute children." She winked at the twins and Jack nearly swooned.
As the cowboy moved to lean on his other leg, Jill saw something silver move from behind him. A boy, a bit taller that Jill, was standing or rather lurking behind the man. He was fumbling with his own piece of candy, but hadn't bothered to make himself known. Noticing Jill was leaning to get a better look the cowboy shoved his son out in the open.
"You forget how to talk, Vaughn?" He asked the boy. " I think the little lady wants an introduction."
Vaughn shrugged, but didn't say a word. He wouldn't even look up from the candy he was playing with.
"I just love shy boys." Sasha drooled.
"If he wants to be a trader though he needs to find that voice of his." The cowboy looked from Vaughn to Sasha. "Funny how he always remembers how to talk when he doesn't want to do chores."
Sasha, Vaughn's father, and the twin's grandpa laughed.
"We best be heading out. Nice doing business with you Mrs. Sasha." The cowboy grabbed the rim of his hat as tilted his head, before placing a firm hand on his son's shoulder and walking towards the door. As they passed the twins, Vaughn looked up for just a second. His eyes locked with Jill's for a moment before he looked down again and was gone.
"Sasha darling!" A voice came from the door behind the counter, scaring both Jill and Jack. They hadn't noticed the door behind Mrs. Sashe marked 'Private' and now there were loud noises coming from it. "Where did you put the credit booklet?" The voice boomed through the wood panel wall.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Dear." Sasha called back, a hint of annoyance in her voice. She proceeded to ring up their order, all the while more loud noises could be heard in the back storage. "That'll be four dollars, Pete. Would you like me to help you carry it out?"
"That won't be necessary." Their grandpa handed Sasha the bills.
Quite suddenly, out of the storage door waltz a chubby man. He had black hair that was thickly greased to his head, but one curl popped up near the front which gave him a goofy impression. Jack scoffed at his appearance. He couldn't believe such a pretty lady as Sasha would marry a dork like this. Jill noticed his smirk and quickly elbowed him. Jack hissed, but one telling look from Jill kept him from speaking up. He rolled his eyes, wondering why Jill was such a stickler.
"Nice to see you Pete!" The chubby man stepped over some boxes as he came to the counter, reached an arm across to shake their grandfather's hand. All the while Mrs. Sasha started to pack up their purchases into a brown bag.
"Think we'll have good weather for the candlelight visual?" He asked, peering at the two lanterns his wife was bagging.
"Not sure Jeff. I ain't plannin' on being in attendance." He placed a hand on Jack's shoulder. "I'm hopin' Mrs. Lillian will let the rascals go with her."
Sasha had finished folding the brown paper bags closed. "Well, if she can't then I would be happy to take them," she offered. She handed one one of the smaller bags to Jack.
Their grandpa scooped the other two bags up and tilted his head to her. "I'd be much obliged."
"Be sure to get some candles from Saibara." Sasha instructed as she walked them to the entrance.
The four nodded as they packed the buggy and prepared to return to the farm for supper. However, Saibara wouldn't be in his shop that afternoon, so they would have to wait for their candles.
Welcome to the world of Harvest Moon, and yeah this is a farming RPG. But I love this game so freaking much! It is crazy how much I love this. So, anyway, Jill is formally known as Pony in the series. She is the one of the first three girls to come out on Harvest Moon. If you couldn't tell I used Sara and the first Pete as their parents in this story. Jill is going to be seeing faces from all of the Harvest Moon games, so if you have a favorite, don't worry, it will show up eventually. But I have to start where my Harvest Moon game addiction started, Mineral Town.
