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Author's Notes: Lots of new things in this update! And I know that the Harvest Sprites don't REALLY do everything that I made them do, but it's my fanfic and I can make them do that if I want to :P Anyways, if we play by the rules It would take forever to get some things done.

Note Added after entire completion of the spring chapter: I realize that updating things by seasons would not be a feasible thing to do, just from the sheer volume and size of the chapter (14 pages, MS Word). x_x Of course the prologue will still stay long, just because it is the prologue. :P

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Part 2 – Spring, Yr1: Tea Time For Two

Jenn wiped her forehead with her sleeve to remove the sweat as she finished planting the last bit of Potato seeds. It was a little past noon, and most people would find it odd that it would take her all morning to sow a few bags of seeds, however Jenn took a different approach at planting them then most other people. She planted each individual seed instead of just throwing them all around her in hopes that they would land on fertile soil. This way she could maximize her profits gained by each piece of produce, even if it took more maintenance. Thanks to this method Jenn had an average amount of money and was able to live on more than just the basics. She had even gotten her rucksack upgraded once. So far things were going great. Just yesterday she met Greg on the pier, early in the morning. He had been kind enough to give her a fishing rod, but Jenn couldn't bare to tell him that she didn't know how to fish. She had even gotten a horse from Barley and May, but it was only temporary. Jenn would have to take care of it and when it grows up, Barley would take it back. Jenn used the last drops of water in her pink watering can to water the seeds and then headed for the mountains.

She began to pick up some bamboo shoots and blue grass when she could here a small voice crying. Curious as to what this could be, Jenn rounded the corner of the mountains and headed up to the lake. She saw a small sprite, clad in bright green wear, being confronted by a snake. The sprite was on its back, trembling in fear at the creature. It tried to back away slowly, but as it did the snake advanced forward.

"Brothers! Help me, budum!" the thing cried.

Jenn rushed forward and stepped between the snake and sprite. She shooed the creature away with her hands into the nearby forest then turned to the sprite. It looked at her with fear it his eyes. She could see that the little guy was equally afraid of her. Jenn also noticed that he had a few minor cuts and bruises on him, but otherwise, was ok. She gave it a relieving smile and picked up the sprite, cradling it in her arms, and made her way back to her house.

"Where are you taking me, budum?" it questioned.

"I'm taking you to my house at my ranch. Once we get there I'm going to take care of all those scraps and bruises you have," she answered.

"Thank you….budum," it replied, still shaking, "My name is Timid."

They had arrived at Jenn's house and were now inside. Jenn set Timid down on her bed lightly and sifted through the junk in her toolbox for bandages and hydrogen peroxide. She began to apply to the medicine to him and decided to strike up a nice conversation.

"Well Timid, My name is Jenn. You've probably already heard, but I'm the shipwrecked girl. What were you doing in the forest anyway? And what exactly are you?"

"Shipwrecked, budum? That's sounds scary," he started, "But I'm a Harvest Sprite budum, just like my 6 brothers. When people need help with something, they ask us for help, budum, and if we like them, we help them, budum, unless it's spring, because we must go to the tea parties."

"So I guess if things ever get too busy for me I could ask you little guys for help, as long as it's not spring?"

Timid nodded and continued his explain, "I was in the forest budum, because I was looking for something to give to my brother. I forgot about Bold's birthday, budum. But I was lucky because it rained for the last few days, budum, and we can't go outside to celebrate his birthday on a rainy day, budum."

"Why didn't you just have a party inside?"

"Harvest Sprites must celebrate with their forest friends, budum. And they aren't allowed inside the house, budum."

"Well, that should do it!," Jenn said putting on the last Bandaid, "Why don't we go to the supermarket and get a present for your brother instead of one from out in the forest? We can even wrap it."

"Really?!?" Timid exclaimed, "Even flour?!? Harvest Sprites love flour, budum."

"Uh…sure," Jenn said.

Jenn pondered for a bit why they would like flour, but then shrugged it off. Timid hopped onto her shoulder and decided to ride the entire trip to the supermarket. Most of the villagers smiled when they saw Timid riding along on Jenn's shoulder. Before now she didn't even realize that they existed, but the Harvest Sprites seemed to be on good terms with all of the villagers. When they entered the supermarket, Timid bounded off of her and dashed to the cooking counter. Jenn bought two packages of flour, one from her and one from Timid, to give to Bold. She wrapped them and let Timid lead her to the Harvest Sprites hut, which was just behind the church. She was a bit surprised she never noticed it before. The hut itself was rather small and she had to duck a bit to get inside.

"Brothers, I'm home budum!" Timid exclaimed, "I have a present for Bold! Sorry it rained on your birthday and afterwards, budum and that this is late, but I know you will like it, budum."

"Thank you Timid, budum," said the purple sprite as he accepted the gift.

Bold carefully unwrapped the present and opened the lid. Several "oooohs" and "aaaahhhss" and even a few gasp of air could be heard when the sprites had seen the gift.

"Here is one from me too," Jenn said handing over her gift.

There was even more amazement as they learned of the second gift of flour. Bold thanked Jenn ad Timid a few more times for their gracious gift, and then asked Timid where he had been all day. Timid had explained the events of the day and how Jenn had helped him in the forest. As a token of their appreciation, the Harvest Sprites had offered to let Jenn join the tea party, even though she didn't bring a present for all of them.

"I'd really like to join, but I'm kinda busy with work you see…" she explained.

"At least take some relaxation tea leaves, budum," Chef offered.

"But, where can I put them?"

"You don't have a cabinet, or refrigerator, budum?" Staid asked.

"I haven't got the money or lumber to upgrade my house yet," Jenn replied, "I'm just trying to build up some money to get a few chickens and what not…"

"But you must have some tea!" Hoggy insisted.

"We will help you, budum," said Nappy, "tomorrow, after the festival, expect a surprise. Even if it means we have to miss tomorrow's tea party."

"Oh you really don't have to, I don't want to burden you with anything….but…this village has festivals?" Jenn questioned.

"Yes, it has several, budum," Aqua explained, "You should ask the villagers about it, budum."

It wasn't much longer before Jenn had to leave. As she strolled home she wondered what kind of festivals this village had. She was in Rose Square when Karen has spotted her and ran up to Jenn.

"Hey Jenn, You know the Goddess Festival is tomorrow, right? All the girls our age are suppose to go and dance here tomorrow. Would you like me to teach you the dance?"

"Uh, sure…I guess," Jenn replied.

They made their way to Jenn's ranch and immediately began practicing when they got there. Karen was a great dance and made it seem so easy to duplicate, however Jenn couldn't keep up at first. Karen's dance move where too graceful and Jenn had some difficulty duplicating them.

"The best thing to do," Karen advised, "Is to keep a count on the movements, like this…"

She demonstrated to Jenn an easy tip that would come in handy :

"1…2…3(bow)…1…2…3(step)…1…2…3(twirl)…1…2…3(walk backwards)…1…2…3(bow)…1…2…3(step)…1…2…3(twirl)…1…2…3(walk forwards) And repeated. Now you try it again."

At a much slower pace, Jenn began to dance. This time she had only a few mistakes, but had the general hang of the dance. She practiced a few more times until she got it down perfect. Then she and Karen danced side by side so that Jenn could get the feel of performing along side the other girls. They kept practicing until 6 o'clock. Zack even commented on how well Jenn did when he was picking up the produce.

"You learn pretty fast," Karen said, "The festival starts at 10 am, so don't be late. Also you'll need to wear the Goddess outfit."

"But I don't have one of those," said Jenn.

"No problem, I'll take care of that too. Gotz used to have a daughter but she died at a young age. I'll just ask him if you can use hers. I'm curious though, who are you going with?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Jenn asked, "I didn't even know there was a festival tomorrow until today."

"Well normally guys that like you will ask if they can escort you to the dance. Rick asked me again this year. So…I… guess… nobody …asked… you… huh? Well that's ok, I mean the important thing about the festival is to appreciate that Spring has finally come. I'll see you tomorrow ok?" Karen said leaving the ranch.

Jenn waved goodbye to Karen and thanked her for her help, until Karen was out of sight. She walked back into her house saying something to herself.

"I guess…the people here don't like me yet. If it wasn't for Karen or the Sprites, I wouldn't have known anything about it and totally missed out on the party. Oh well, … like I need an escort to a dance anyway."

The morning Jenn was up at her pre-usual time of 6 o'clock. She scarffed up her breakfast and let her puppy outside to run around and play. A batch of seeds she planted a few days ago had sprouted. Jenn filled up her water can by the fishpond and watered the few crop fields she had. It was around 7 now, and she could see Gotz coming towards her with a box in his hands.

"Karen told me that you needed a goddess costume, so I came here to give you the one my daughter had when she was alive. The festival starts in a few hours so you better hurry and change, you won't be able to run in the outfit."

"Thank you very much Gotz," Jenn said as she accepted the gift.

She quickly changed into the outfit and peered at herself in her mirror. Jenn made a few minor adjustments with her hair and the location of the flowers then headed off for Rose Square. It took her a lot longer than it normally took her to get there since she couldn't run like she normally did. The dress gave little room for movement and she was afraid she might bit late, but it was all in her head. Jenn got there at 10 o'clock on the dot and was even greeted by the Mayor.

"Why Miss Jenn, I'm glad to see that you would wish to participate in our local festivals. You look absolutely stunning in your outfit, and I'm surprised you don't have an escort. I'm sure all those young men will be regretting then didn't ask you now!" he laughed.

"Mayor…I didn't even realize until last night there was a festival. No one bothered to tell me about it except for Karen."

"Really? That's a shame, I thought that some of the villagers would have been more friendly than that. They probably got so excited about the festival that they forgot to mention it to you. Fret not Miss Jenn, from now on I'll remind you the day before each festival of the event. If not me, then Barley or Zack will since they also host a couple of festivals as well. Now, please do enjoy the festival. "

Jenn came in the square slightly nervous and shy. She wasn't exactly used to wearing such flashy outfits and felt a bit silly. She sat down on one of the empty benches and looked around. She could see all the girls participating in the festival (besides herself) huddled in one corner talking amongst themselves.

"Cliff invited me this year," Ann said, " I'm so excited, after the festival we are going to the Goddess Pond and talk…"

"Yeah sure, just talk," Karen cut her off slyly.

"Well what about you Karen?" Popuri interjected, "Aren't you going somewhere with my brother afterwards too?"

"We are going to the beach," Karen replied with a slight blush.

"What about you two?" Popuri asked at Elli and Mary.

"uh…," Mary started shyly, "Well, Gray invited me to go to Mother's Hill flower garden with him afterwards…"

"And I'm going to the Lake with Doctor when the festival is finished as well," finished Elli.

"Kai isn't here since its not Summer," Popuri explained with a frown, "I came alone again. Even if he was here, Rick would chase him away with a baseball bat so I'm kinda stuck. But at least when I get home, mom always has a fresh batch of cookies and hot milk ready for me. That always brightens up my day."

Jenn sighed heavily. There would be nothing for her to do after this party except go home. When she got home what did she have to look forward to? Work. Some how the glamour of taking over a ranch had faded when everyone around you didn't want to talk with you or even see you unless you made a specific effort to talk with them. She wondered what her old home life used to be like. What were her parents like? Were they worried about her? Were they looking for her? Did she even have parents? What if she was alone were she used to live as well? What about her friends? All these questions and many more raced through her head, that she had hardly realized that it was time for the main attraction.

"Helloooo? Jenn? It's time to dance!" Ann said with an intent look on her face as she waved her hand in front of Jenn.

Jenn snapped back to reality. She effortlessly stood and got into position. She stood in the front line, between Ann and Karen, at the very center of the dance and everyone's attention. As the dance began, her thoughts wandered back to those same questions. As if she were in a trance, she performed with 100% accuracy, not making a single mistake. While Jenn's mind was in a far away place trying to find out who she was, she failed to notice that she had caught the eye of a few bachelors. From underneath his hat Grey took a few peeks in her directions, Rick pretended to watch Karen and Popuri, but clearly his eyes wandered. Doctor gave a few glances from the corner of his eyes every now and then, and Cliff flat out stared with a wry smile on his face. When the dance was over Jenn blinked and realized what had happened. Everyone clapped and cheered. Several villagers had given her compliments on how well she performed. They continued to talk and gossip but ended up discluding her from any conversation because she had no idea what they were talking about. Jenn sat back down on the bench and watched everyone have fun, except for her. At one point Cliff had approached at commented on what a good job she did, only to be pulled away a few moments later by Doug and Ann. It was 6 o'clock now. Jenn was standing alone in the square. Everyone else had left, and all the girls had been escorted somewhere else for the evening, with the exception of Popuri, who was skipping home to Milk and Cookies. She took the silly flower crown off her head and began the slow trip home in her goddess outfit.

"I guess I'm still a stranger…," she muttered to herself silently as she walked home.

Jenn didn't notice it, but from one of the bushed behind the bench she sat in popped out a sprite small figure. Timid was given the job of watching Jenn the entire day since he would be to afraid to do the things that needed to be done for Jenn's house. He had seen and heard everything than Jenn had gone through that day. He got out from his hiding place and stood briefly in the square for a few second then decided to follow Jenn from a distance at a slow pace.

"Poor Jenn, budum," he whispered to himself, "always alone…"

Jenn had just past the poultry farm, the smell of cookies filled the air, when she heard a tiny voice call out to her.

"Jenn! Budum, wait for me!"

She spun around to find the tiny figure of Timid rush to her. He jumped into her arms and Jenn greeted him with a smile and a giggle.

"You were great at the festival, budum."

"Oh, you were watching? Thanks, but I still get the feeling that not everyone trust me here."

"I think some of the boys like you, budum."

"Don't be silly, I hardly know them."

"You weren't paying attention, but I saw, budum. Everyone else saw too, budum. The girls are going to get jealous of you, budum."

"Nobody even bothered talking to me, except for Cliff, who got side tracked by Doug and Ann. I don't even think that he would have bothered talking to me if there was someone else I was with. It felt like more of a sympathetic meeting."

"You should marry someone so your not always alone, budum," Timid blurted out of the blue.

Jenn was a bit startled by his statement and didn't know what to say. She quickly recovered by saying that she was too busy for romance and had to fix the ranch up. She set Timid on her shoulder and finished her way home. When she got there she was shock. Her house was…BIGGER, A lot bigger. It was completely fixed up and everything. Before she only had a little shanty of a home, but now it was a full sized house. The six remaining brother's jumped out from various locations screaming 'SURPRISE, SURPRISE!'

Inside, everything was much more spacious. Things that were left unpacked in crates were now decorating her house. She had a kitchen, a cabinet… a table! The Harvest Sprites quickly ran inside and began preparations for a tea party in Jenn's newly renovated house. Jenn went over to her toolbox to put up her watering can she was carrying with her before to find that it was overly filled with seeds for each season. There were at least a hundred of each seed type: pineapples, carrots, potatoes, onions, corn, turnips, eggplants, even flowers! Jenn almost started to cry when she could smell a sweet aroma. It completely relaxed her, and she took a big whiff of the smell. She went over to her new dinner table and sat down with the sprites, who needed pillows to reach the top of the table.

"How can I ever thank you for all your help?" she asked gratefully.

"By drinking tea with us, budum," replied Hoggy and Chef simultaneously.

Jenn gave off her trade mark smile and raised her teacup to the Sprites.

"Then to good times, and great friends," she toasted.

That night Jenn slept more soundly than any other night in her life. Who needed the villagers to play the good neighbor role? Who needed true love to come knocking at her doorstep? Who needed a past life and its memories when you had the Harvest Sprites looking out for you?