I apologize for the short length. Still in a rut, but I'm pulling myself out!

The group needed only to follow the path and keep left, which was helpfully marked by scarecrows at every fork in the trail. They had friendly smiles and button eyes stitched on their burlap faces.

"I bet Tenshi would want some fresh veggies," Clover mused. "Tatum grows pretty good stuff for a hobby gardener!"

"Hallow and Tatum talk a lot, we should've invited him," Julius said with a nudge to Jack's arm. "Maybe we could take him some painting stuff!"

"Yeah," Jack said, staring at the warm-toned leaves above them. "We should probably call him next time, though."

"He was pretty freaked out when we got there…" Clover pursed her lips. "Maybe if we all did something fun together, so it won't be as weird?"

"Maybe…"

They heard the muffled, yet rhythmic thuds of Bunny's stride against the ground catching up to them. The Guardians finally fell in step right behind the others. The path's leaf coating began to thin out, and finally they found themselves facing a new, spacious clearing. A wooden cottage sat near the edge. It was attached to a large, fenced-in garden with rows of bushes and planter boxes. All sorts of crops sat in the field, from a small patch of wheat to pumpkin vines to leafy greens and root tops. A figure stood in the very center, holding a trowel in their gloved hand.

"Tatum!"

The spirit wore simple farmer's overalls not unlike the scarecrows that marked the path. They had dark red hair cropped to their neck in fluffy curls. Their round, ochre-brown face was shadowed by their hat, and they wiped sweat from their brow. Clover hurried to the fence and propped herself up on it with a grin.

"Surprise visit!"

"Whoah, is this a party?" Tatum asked, sticking the trowel into the dirt of the nearest planter box. "Hi, Clover. Hi, Jay, Jack. Uh...hi, Easter Bunny…? Santa?" Their brow furrowed. "What's happening?"

"We came to raid your garden," Julius said with a playful smirk.

"Oh gods, PLEASE take the mint," Tatum relaxed and laughed. "I have mint in my freakin' walls, I swear."

"You have a beautiful garden!" Tooth said, flitting over to the fence beside Clover. Tatum broke into a smile and gazed at Tooth's feathers.

"What? That feels like high praise from someone so lovely!"

"O-oh, thank you!" Tooth blinked back her surprise. Jack felt a smile twitch onto his face.

"I just- your feathers…" Tatum pulled off their gardening gloves and stepped toward the fence, staring at Tooth's iridescent plumage. "I'm sorry, would you- would you mind if I- wait, no," Tatum shook their head and laughed. "I'm sorry. You all should come in!"

Tatum beckoned the group toward the cottage. The front door was enclosed by a screened-in porch with a basket swing and several gourds in each corner. There was a familiar scent in the air, and it only got stronger once Tatum opened the door. The spirits filed in and were hit by an aroma of sugar and allspice.

The floorplan was very open; to the left was a dining table, wood-stove, sink and counters, while to the right was a cove of couches, blankets, and pillows. Only a wooden step separated the areas. Tatum pushed around the cozy fluff to make space for everyone.

"I'll put on something to drink in a second," They said. "Ooh, and you know what, I need to check on something- wait, I'll put on the water, then I'll go check." Tatum mumbled more to themself than the group. "Make yourselves comfy!"

Everyone did just that. Jack, Julius, and Clover sank into a cluster of pillows and blankets while the Guardians shared the quilt-draped sofa - sans Tooth, who hesitated just a moment before settling onto a beanbag surrounded by even more pillows. Tatum sparked the stove and fed it wood, then put on a squat green kettle. They smiled and nodded at the guests before rushing to a room in the back of the cottage.

"...Tatum is quite friendly!" North said with a pleased grin. He hadn't worn his heavy coat, which was definitely proving to be a good decision in the cozy atmosphere.

"Always has been," Julius mumbled, looking like he might fall asleep already.

Feelin' mad cozy these days~