AN: So I'd planned on having the picnic in this chapter but that would have put this chapter somewhere in the 8 to 10k word range and I don't want to put you all through that so it's gonna be in the next chapter and I'll go from there. So much for keeping this as a one chapter equals one day story, oh well, it'll let me put even more detail into it if I don't stick to that plan. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the chapter, and I'll catch you all in the next one! Oh and if you don't know I have posted my update order on my profile page so, for all you RWBY nuts out there, the next story update will be Desserts. Enjoy the journey, keep moving forward, and don't feed the guard dogs! - Phoenix Commander signing off!
Chapter Five
Matt stepped out onto his porch, the early rays of the sunrise filtering through the trees causing the dew on the leaves and grass to sparkle faintly. There was hardly a sign that a storm had been blowing through the valley the day before. Taking a sip of his morning coffee the farmer mused, "Not a bad morning if I say so. This place really is beautiful, I can't wait to see what it looks like during the other seasons."
Looking over to where his parsnips were growing the hazel-eyed man stepped off his porch, picked up a small rock with his free hand and hurled it at the patch of growing vegetables. A loud cawing filled the air as a crow took to the air, having been startled mid-feast. "Damn vegetables. "Ugh… well, that's one parsnip I won't be selling, I knew this would happen featherbag. I better not have lost any of my plants." He grumbled, setting his mug down on the porch railing and stalking over to the small plot of tilled soil.
Reaching the parsnips, Matt noticed that at least one of the plants had been plucked from the soil. The nibbled and pecked remains of the root plant were scattered among the other eventually." Matt grumbled, as he picked up the scattered remains of the plant and went back to his cottage to retrieve his watering can and a basket.
The disgruntled farmer looked at the remains of the eaten parsnip before tossing them away and started to fill his watering can from the small pond near the gate, "Well at least it looks like it was grown. Which means the others are probably ready for harvest as well, so at least this wasn't a total waste of a parsnip." Picking up the basket and the can, the greenhorn walked back to the small patch of parsnips and began pulling them from the soil.
After about half an hour the hazel-eyed farmer stood back up, stretching to relieve the tension that had built in his back, "Twenty-nine out of thirty is not a bad start I suppose." Matt bent over again to pick up the almost overflowing basket of parsnips, his smile was almost beaming as he carried the basket to the shipping bin. "They don't look too bad either. Though I should probably visit the library and see what Penny has on farming. That way I don't have to rely on my gut with harvest times and risk getting things wrong. Should've done that sooner come to think of it." Placing the loaded basket of parsnips into the bin and closing the cover with a thud, Matt turned back to his cottage to get cleaned up from his early morning work.
After cleaning himself of the dirt and grime from harvesting his first crop and topping off his coffee Matt was still smiling to himself as he walked back out onto his porch. This time he had chosen a deep green button up shirt and a light brown vest thinking the brown made a decent representation of the soil and the green for the growth of his crops. His gaze roved the now barren area where his plants had been. "Now I'm not just a farmer because I own a farm. I'm a farmer because I've finally started producing something. Hmmm... I think I'll stop by Marnie's before I head to the library and see if she has any recommendations that a greenhorn like me would be able to work with, at least until I get more skill under my belt. Just need to make sure I don't lose track of time and get back here before four O'clock to meet up with Abigail and Leah."
Walking back into his small home Matt finished the rest of his coffee quickly and after placing his coffee mug in the sink, picked up his satchel intending to start making his way to the small trail at the southern end of his farm that would lead him to Marine's and into Cindersnap forest.
However almost as an afterthought, the hazel-eyed owner of Serenity picked up his harp on his way to the door and placed it in the satchel before walking out and closing the door behind him. I think today might be the perfect day to play a little too. Anything to make the surprise for Penny that much better. Matt chuckled to himself already thinking of the song he would play.
Walking slowly down the small path, whistling quietly to himself Serenity's proprietor didn't hear the rustling in the bushes on the side of the path nor the pair of vibrant blue eyes that watched him. Leah had gotten up early this morning to see what she could find in the way of fruit, planning to make a dessert for later in the week. I know I shouldn't scare him too often but it's not as if I mean anything by it. The artist thought as Matt walked past her.
Still whistling to himself the farmer didn't hear her creep up on him until she tapped him on the shoulder, causing him to jump a little. "Yoba!" Turning swiftly Matt was greeted by a grinning Leah.
"Morning Matty! Off the farm a little early aren't you?" She asked, her impish smile growing a little at the small glare the greenhorn gave her. A half-full basket of various roots and tubers clasped in her hands.
"Morning Leah. And yeah I guess I am off the farm earlier than normal. Just finished harvesting my parsnip crops actually. Figured I'd stop by Marnie's and see if she could recommend any other crops I might be able to handle." The hazel-eyed farmer said, relaxing as his heart rate slowed. "I could ask the same of you though. I thought you'd still be in your cabin at this hour."
"I was just out foraging for a few odds and ends. Mostly for as much fruit as I could find, no luck though. I might have to wait till later in the season, my dessert idea will just have to wait a bit longer." The artist said, pouting a little in disappointment as they started walking down the trail toward Marnie's ranch.
"Well, if you're set on the idea of making a dessert why not buy the produce?" Matt asked, curious as to why Leah would need to forage for fruit when she could just buy it from Pierre.
"I would but…" She paused, playing with her braid a little as she thought of a way to phrase her words. Her pout deepening into a frown. Why are you hesitating? Because you don't want to sound like your art never paid the bills as well as you'd hoped? You're afraid that HE was right all along? Come on! You know Matty has to have some idea about that already, so just say it! Leah realized she'd gone quiet, grabbing the former HR Director's full attention. She took a deep breath before continuing. "You probably already know this from my mom but, my art didn't really sell well back in Zuzu City. So instead of relying on it too much to make ends meet figured I'd try something a little cheaper. It helps that I end up with enough money after my bills to get through the winter. I don't really worry too often about food at all through the year."
The green and brown dressed farmer mulled over what she said for a moment as they walked before finally replying, "Are you happy living like this?"
"Huh? Well, yeah I am. I came out here to get away from the city after all and even if it means I have some hard times I still enjoy it." The artist said the ghost of her smile returning.
"Good, keep enjoying it. Because if you're happy it'll show in your art and I think happier art pieces are better than sad ones. There is too much sadness in the world sometimes, so do me a favor would you?" Matt asked, a faint smile filling his eyes.
"Sure, what is it?" The green dressed woman asked.
"Keep smiling, don't think about the bad moments and use the happier ones to be your muse." He said, Matt's smile now showed a little on his face. "And besides as long as you're happy with your art and the way you live then that's what truly matters. It doesn't matter what other people think."
What truly matters… Easier said than done, Matty. Especially with the crap I put up with back in Zuzu. I don't think I can let go of everything HE always kept saying but… I maybe I can, at least a little of it, maybe. The blue-eyed artist thought as they walked. Unaware of the growing silence that had started between them as the farmer was also deep in thought.
You're thinking about someone aren't you, Leah? Hhmm… the reason you're not sure about your skills perhaps? Possibly, but don't go digging Matthias. Let her open up to you first. If you go digging for answers you know you'll only make things worse instead of better. The former HR Director thought, his mind once again going into overdrive. Shaking away the inner monologue, the farmer broke the silence. "That said, you know that if you ever need any help, no matter what it is, my door is always open right?"
"Are, Are you sure about that, Matty? You've already helped a lot by setting up that stipend plan for my mom." Leah asked, stopping in her tracks surprised at his insistence to be willing to help her further if she needed it, her hand played nervously with her braid again.
"Of course, I wouldn't have said that if I didn't mean it. I might not be rich, I may be new to the area and I know I still have a lot to learn, but if I can help you and everyone else, then I will do everything I can." Matt replied seriously, looking back over his shoulder at the artist.
You really are determined to help people, aren't you? I can see how you made it almost to the top of Joja's corporate ladder, you tackle everything. I may have to remind you to take care of yourself too. The persimmon haired woman thought, before continuing forward again. She caught the change in his voice as the farmer continued his train of thought as they finally stepped into Cindersnap forest.
"Besides we're friends after all or, in my mind at least, family. Both mean the same to me, part of the reason only a couple people have my personal number actually." The green and brown dressed farmer chuckled, giving Leah a small smile and a shrug.
"Al-, Alright then. I'll keep that promise in mind, Matty." Leah blinked again, a little surprised at his way of thinking, before walking past him in the direction of her home. "I should get back to my cabin, I want to get a little further on a sculpture I'm working on. See you back at Serenity around four, alright?" The green dressed artist asked spinning on her heels to face him, a smile once again gracing her lips.
"Of course. I have an idea that might make things go even better as well." Matt replied, patting his satchel lightly with his left hand.
"Please tell me you're going to play your harp?!" Leah asked, almost begging.
"Got it in one." The hazel-eyed man said, chuckling at Leah's enthusiastic question.
"Yes!" The green dressed woman exclaimed with almost childlike glee, before shaking her head emphatically. "But don't tell me what song you're thinking of, I want it to be a surprise!"
"Alright, alright I won't spoil it." The farmer said, his smile growing at the woman's energetic response.
"Good, now I've gotta go. That wood isn't going to carve itself." After taking a few steps the artist paused and looked back over her shoulder, "By the way, I think the green and brown you picked out is the best choice yet. It really brings out your eyes."
Matt was left blushing and speechless as he watched Leah continue in the direction of her cabin. After a few moments, his mind started to work again, "How does she keep getting into my head like that?" He muttered as he walked toward the silos of Marnie's ranch that he could now see through the trees.
Shane woke once again with a pounding headache, courtesy of his drinking the previous night at the Stardrop Saloon. He looked around his dimly lit bedroom blearily and picked up a bottle of painkillers. Bad idea, you've already got one problem you don't need another. Just get dressed and walk it off like always. The dark haired man thought as he got out of his bed and started toward his dresser, biting back a curse as he stubbed his toe on a nearby chair. Pulling open the drawers the hungover man took out a blue work shirt and matching pants.
Shane stared at the patch that was on the breast pocket for a moment before sighing and putting on the button up. "I hate this company so much, but it's the only way I can help keep Aunt Marnie's ranch open besides taking care of the chickens." After a few moments, he turned on the light and looked at himself to see if he was presentable enough. You look so great in that blue Joja uniform, don't you feel proud to be able to help keep your Aunt's ranch from going under? That was a load of crap Morris. What I want is to be better than this, but I don't really have that luxury.
Walking out of his bedroom the Joja employee hoped he'd be able to leave without disturbing his aunt, he was wrong. "Shane, is that you? Don't leave just yet dear, I want you to meet someone!"
With a sigh, the dark haired man stepped out of the hall and into the main room of the ranch where Marnie met with her customers. She was talking with a man of average height, light brown hair, hazel eyes and dressed in a deep green button-up shirt and brown vest. Have I seen him around? I can't remember.
"Mr. Matt this is my nephew, Shane." Marnie said, introducing her nephew.
Joja… I should've known at least a few of the townsfolk would be working at the store. Serenity's farmer held out his hand, keeping his expression light despite his distaste at seeing the uniform. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Shane. I think I've seen you over at the Stardrop a few times haven't I?"
"Yeah, you might have. I go there every night after work. It helps me relax after a long day." Marnie's nephew said, shaking the hand loosely. Liar, you go there to forget that you work at the place that is hurting your family.
"I can understand that, but don't let me keep you I don't want you to be late because of me. We can catch up later tonight if you're interested." Matt said, giving the man a small nod. He's not happy with his lot in life. Hmmm… another one I may need to step in for.
"Thanks." Shane sighed, sticking his hands into his pockets and trudging out the door.
As the door closed with a thud Marnie broke the brief silence, "He's been like that since Joja opened their store. Helps me on the ranch during his days off when he can. Shane's a good man but he's not a happy one."
"I can tell. Joja has that effect on a lot of people, it's part of the reason I left." The green and brown dressed farmer said, sighing a little.
"You worked for them? I kind of surprised, you don't seem the sort to put up with their sort." The short ranch owner said.
"I wanted to make it a better place, so I took up a position as their HR Director for the corporate office." The hazel-eyed man said, thinking back to his time working with the company. He honestly had thought he'd made some progress toward that goal but looking back, Matt realized he hadn't even scratched the surface.
"They pushed you out didn't they?" The ranch proprietor asked.
"In a way they did. I got fed up with them and lost the pride I'd felt in my work. Now I'm here, hoping to find it again." The green and brown dressed greenhorn said, shrugging almost as if to get the weight of his past off his shoulders.
"And you will, Mr. Matt. So, what can I do for you today?" Marnie asked, trying to shift the mood to a lighter subject.
"Well, I finished harvesting my parsnips this morning and I was wondering if you had any other suggestions for crops that I'd be able to handle until had more experience?" Serenity's proprietor asked, understanding her need to change the subject.
The rancher thought a moment as she looked for a small catalog, "Your parsnips are a good starting point, they're cheap and grow fast with little maintenance." Marnie started, opening the catalog, not noticing the look of surprise Matt was giving her as she started going through it. "If you want plants that'll bring in more money, keep in mind they may take longer to fully grow and cost more to get ahold of."
"Just to clarify for me, the more expensive crop seeds will take longer to grow compared to simpler ones. And the higher demand for them increases the cost of the seed and selling price for the produce?" The greenhorn asked, trying to fully digest the information.
The rancher nodded, "Exactly. So take parsnips, for example, they took four days to grow and depending on the condition they were in when you harvested them, you'll be looking at thirty-five to fifty-two gold per parsnip." The veteran rancher and grower spun the catalog so Matt could see it better, she placed her finger on the page detailing the plant.
The farmer's eyes roved the page carefully, "That's more or less what Louis told me about the horseradishes I'd shipped out when I talked to him yesterday."
Marnie turned the page to a few more crops, "Right now I'd recommend that you work with green beans, cauliflower, potatoes and your parsnips. They're still fairly inexpensive crops, and easy to work with. Though the green beans will need trellises to support them." The rancher pulled out a pen and started to write down the crops for the inexperienced farmer.
Taking the list Matt looked over it, the old rancher had included the standard prices and grow times for each of the four crops for reference. "Cauliflower, green beans, potatoes and the parsnips. Easy enough, thanks for the recommendations, Marnie."
"My pleasure Mr. Matt. If you have any other questions feel free to ask, oh do you know what you're going to do with the wilder part of Serenity?" Marnie asked curious as to his plans.
"Yeah actually, I think I'm going to keep it untamed. Let the wild produce grow to get a little bit extra." The hazel-eyed farmer said.
"You might want to build a fence then along the edge of the wilder part of the farm. It'll help keep the wilderness out of your growing area." The rancher suggested, pulling out a brief diagram for a fence that Matt would be easily able to make.
The brown-haired man chuckled, "I guess after picking what I'm growing next, a fence will be my next step. That and a scarecrow."
"Well, you have the tools and all the time to do it. Now if you'll excuse me I should see to my animals. Have a great day Mr. Matt and congratulations on your first official harvest!" Marnie said a large smile on her face.
"Thanks, I'll catch you later, Marnie!" The greenhorn said, returning the smile as he walked out of the ranch's main room.
"Barely a week here and he's already got his first harvest in and looking to plant more diverse crops that'll suit his current talent. He's like his grandad alright, he's gonna do fine as long as he doesn't push himself too hard." The rancher mused, as she picked up a pail and started walking toward her cows.
Matt was whistling to himself again as he walked through the southern edge of Pelican Town proper, checking a nearby road sign he saw that the library was on the eastern edge of the small town. As the farmer walked he heard a distant voice call out, "Ho there Matt, how has the day been treating ya?"
The green and brown dressed farmer waited until the person was closer before replying, a wide smile on his lips. After his introduction and a lengthy conversation with the fisherman in the Stardrop the other day, Matt could genuinely say he liked the old sea dog, "It's been going pretty well so far Willy. Catch anything yet today?"
"Not yet, I'm on my way up to see Pierre and get a new line. My old lines don't work as well as I'd like with my new rod." Willy replied, his pipe bobbing slightly with each word. "What about you, able to hook anything?"
"In a manner of speaking yes. A nice big herring but the line snapped at the last second." The hazel-eyed farmer said with a small shrug.
"Well keep at it, you'll get better with practice. Now I'd better go get that new line or I'll never get my bobber in the water. I'll see ya at the Stardrop later tonight Matt." Willy said, heading down the street with a wave.
Matt reached the library after a few more minutes, it was a simple single story building painted a deep green. A large magnifying glass and a book were hanging over the door serving as a sign.
"If I have time I may as well see if they have any exhibits as well." The farmer mused as he stepped inside.
As the door chimed announcing the arrival of Serenity's proprietor Penny called over to him from a nearby desk. "Matt, I wasn't expecting to see you here. Anything I can help you with?" She asked, a small pair of reading glasses dangling from a small chain around her neck.
"Actually I was wondering if you had any books that focused on growing techniques? Specifically parsnips, cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes." The hazel-eyed man asked as he walked over to her, his mind going immediately to Marnie's recommendations.
The librarian thought for a few moments before snapping her fingers and standing up. "We should have what you're looking for over this way."
As the yellow dressed librarian walked him over to the isles that he was looking for Matt asked, "So do you know anything about the exhibits here?"
Penny pursed her lips, frowning slightly. "Unfortunately, we don't have any. The old curator took them all with him when he left, Professor Gunther would be able to tell you what is missing though."
"I see. Well, I'll definitely ask him about them. Who knows, once I can get into the mines I might get lucky and find a few artifacts to donate." The farmer said, with a small. It wouldn't hurt to go digging for them every now and then, it'd probably be just as enjoyable.
"Well, I think he'd appreciate that it'd help bring more people here which would help us all out in the long term." The green-eyed woman said, running her fingers along the spines of the books looking for the ones her friend requested, her glasses perched on her nose. One of them was a large, old, leather-bound book. "Here we go, The Farmers Almanac, you're not going to go astray with this. It covers general grow periods for just about everything in the valley, including wild produce." She paused, pulling out three smaller books, and stacking them on top of the almanac. "Growers Guide to Green Beans, Roots and Tubers, and Cultivating Cauliflower. The first and third books are entirely focused on green beans and cauliflower, but Roots and Tubers covers everything from parsnip and potatoes to carrots and radishes."
"Thanks, Penny, these are going to be a big help! At the very least I won't have to guess when my crops are fully grown." The greenhorn said, giving her an appreciative smile.
"It's why I'm here Matt." A clock chimed on the wall signaling the time, caught Penny's attention. It was noon. "Oh, will you look at the time, I've got to ready for my students class." Penny exclaimed, almost running to her desk to log the books as checked out.
"Anything I need to do?" Matt asked, looking from the books to the orange haired woman.
"No, no, you're all set! I'll see you later, Matt!" The bespectacled woman said, writing hurriedly in her book.
You have no idea about how true that statement is, Penny. Hhmm almost noon, I may as well wait till another day to have a chat with the curator about the exhibits. The brown and green dressed farmer thought trying to hide a smile as his mind wandered to the surprise he would be helping Abigail and Leah out with as he picked up the books before leaving.
With the books in his satchel, Matt started to make his way over to Pierre's store. He wanted to get a few odds and ends, most importantly though he wanted to get a journal. It would help him order his thoughts and let him plan things a bit better. As he stepped into the small store though, all thoughts of planning vanished immediately as his gaze fell on to the back of a well-dressed man. His black suit jack held open, the small chain of a pocket watch dangling out in the open. His pitch black hair combed over to one side a pair of spectacles balancing on his nose. It was clear to the farmer that he was looking at Morris, the manager of the Pelican Town store. "Now, please Pierre, you know you're inferior to us, why not just give up and work for Joja?"
"You know I won't do that, Morris. Why bother asking? My answer is still no, you'll have to bankrupt me first!" Pierre snarled, oblivious to the farmer and to the other patrons in the store.
"You know I can do just that. Think of your family, if you work for us then you don't have to worry about them starving." The Joja manager said, a hint of cruelty lacing his voice.
Matt could see that Pierre was fumbling for a response to the obvious threat, something in him snapped. His normally calm demeanor shattered, and he all he saw was red. The farmer didn't even wonder if Morris had received word from the corporate office, he just wanted the man out of his sight and Pierre's store. "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REPRESENTATIVE MORRIS!" The farmer roared, causing the patrons in the store to go quiet, Pierre's eyes were wide at the sudden outburst. And Morris spun swiftly turning to face him, his own face white as if he had just seen a ghost.
"H-Human R-Resouces D-Director M-M-Matthias?! What, What are you doing here, Sir?!" The black-suited man stammered, clearly unaware of the recent developments.
"I'm on holiday, visiting some friends of mine. Now, what in Yoba's name are you doing away from your store?" The hazel-eyed former Joja employee asked, his voice dropping in volume, no hint of emotion remained. It was almost hostilely calm as if he were a circling shark and Morris was a wounded fish waiting for the coming strike.
Off in the corner Leah, who had been going through a few of the art supplies and other items for the surprise picnic, shivered. I've seen him thinking about things, almost detached from the world and analytical but this… this is different. I never want to see this side of him again.
"I, I-" Morris stammered trying to formulate a reply, his former superior's arrival had him severely off balance.
"Never mind I don't want your excuses, just get back to your post and don't let me see you in here again or under Joja regulation seven eight two nine I will terminate you." Serenity's farmer said, all too calmly. The manager didn't respond, he moved as fast as his legs would carry him toward the door. Looking around the store Matt could easily see the shocked looks the patrons were giving him. With a deep sigh, the green dressed farmer stepped up to the counter, as the other patrons continued their shopping. Today was going so well too. I'd better start trying to smooth this over.
"W-Welcome to P-P-P..." The general store manager stammered before the hazel-eyed man cut him off.
"I'm sorry you had to see me like that, Pierre. Morris always did have a way of bringing out the worst in me." The green and brown dressed farmer apologized, giving the man a regretful frown.
"S-So that's w-what you meant about k-knowing the t-trouble they cause. Y-You work f-for them!?" Pierre stammered, more from shock and a little from anger.
"Not anymore, they fired me a little over a week ago. I was actually hoping word hadn't reached Morris about that so I could make him sweat a little before he found out. Guess I was right, but I won't be able to do that again, he's probably calling the corporate office as we speak." Matt said, glancing at the door.
"Still could have told me sooner." The manager huffed and then sighed before switching gears to business again. "So what can I help you with today, farmer Matt?"
"Just a journal if you have one, a ream of paper, some envelopes, and a few pens." Serenity's farmer said, tallying off a mental list.
"Coming right up. Can I ask a favor?" The bespectacled proprietor asked, setting the supplies down on the counter.
"Sure, ask away." The green and brown dressed man said.
"Next time you explode please warn me first? I don't want you scaring everyone off. And if you have any Joja secrets that would be nice too." Pierre requested.
"Well, as for me exploding, I'll keep my head on. As for Joja secrets, unfortunately, I do not. Most of those procedures would've been changed once I left to keep me from causing too much trouble." Matt said, with an apologetic shrug.
"I figured I would at least ask." The proprietor of the store said with a shrug as he passed the farmer his change.
The greenhorn shook his head and slid the coins back, "Keep the change, it's the least I can do to help make up for causing a scene."
"Are you sure, Matt? Part of it is because of the discount." The bespectacled manager asked.
The farmer nodded, "Positive, just this once keep the change."
As he walked out of the store, Leah followed him. "Hey Matty, wait up!"
The hazel-eyed man paused in his tracks letting the artist fall into step with him. "I take it you saw all that?" He asked, with a sigh.
"Yeah, I did. I have to say I think you could get like that." The blue-eyed woman said, chuckling a bit, "You had Morris shaking like a leaf."
"That's a side of me I wish I didn't need, but the detachment the coldness my job called for it. The anger though, that was from hearing him threaten Pierre. I've only been angry like that a handful of times." Matt said with a small shake of his head.
The persimmon haired artist smiled slightly, "You meant well and got Morris out of there. Honestly what scared me was the way your voice and eyes were devoid of emotion, I couldn't help picturing you like a shark about to strike."
The green and brown dressed farmer chuckled, "That's not a bad comparison. Someone once called me a hawk."
"Well, whether it's a hawk or shark that side isn't the real you. I can easily see that. But enough of all the doom and gloom, I say as long as we're in town we may as well get some lunch before planning that picnic!" Leah said her smile growing.
The farmer could help from smiling himself, "Not a bad idea, lead the way, Leah!" He said, as the artist took his hand and pulled him in the direction of the Stardrop.