So, I'll be thanking supernae for yet another review!

Maybe this time, I'll be a little more patient on the update, but the last two were practically continuations of each other originally planned to be one Chapter, and I just felt I had to bring a new part of the story in soon. Sadly, it's not all that exciting, but it is a part of the Harvest Moon Experience that I decided to spruce up with some writing. Hope you enjoy it:

Chapter 6: How Art Thou, Brown Cow?

Two weeks have passed since Claire joined the citizenry of Mineral Town. In that time, she foraged constantly for money and watered her free turnips in order to for them to grow. In her free time, she hangs out with either Gray, Mary, or the both of them in the morning, depending on their schedules. In the afternoon, she drops off a sample of colored grass to the good Doctor, while getting to know both him and the nurse she neglected to meet with during her first visit to the clinic. She's also come to meet the rest of the residents, and among them, has befriended the goofy yet affable Mayor Thomas, the confident beauty Karen, and a shy yet affable wanderer named Cliff. Eventually, she has caught wind of a mysterious entity named Ann whom she has was convinced was just as elusive as the Harvest Goddess herself, but she has yet to meet either. Why she has yet to meet an individual that nearly everyone else is familiar with remains a mystery. Instead, what is certain is through sheer effort and luck, she made just enough money to finally purchase a large animal. And so, with ample anticipation, the eager farmer headed straight towards Barley's Barn in order to lay claim to her first livestock…

"Yee-haw!" Claire cried as she bust open the doorway.

"Ah, so the prodigal girl has returned." A wizened voice proclaimed.

The lively blonde saw an elderly bald man with glasses right at the counter.

"Barley! Barley! Get this! I finally have enough money to buy an animal!" Claire squealed with joy.

"Is that so, little Claire?" Barley said with a hearty laugh, "Well, good golly! I knew all your hard work and perseverance would pay off eventually, and it looks like today's you're lucky day!"

"It sure is!" Claire grinned.

"So, what's it gonna be? Will you be going for a cute and cuddly sheep, or a big and purdy cow?" Barley asked.

Claire arrived at a crossroads she anticipated since the first time came to this place. Luckily, she did some in depth studying on the two animals and had a discussion with Mary before hand on the issue…

--

"You know, it says here that sheep are generally less expensive than cows, and are easier to take care of for beginning farmers." Claire recited while staring in her animal info book.

"Then a sheep sounds very much to your liking. I'm sure you'd also enjoy the fluffiness of its wool as relief when you get tired from the rest of the work around the farm." Mary mentioned.

"That's a good point, but it also says that its fur takes a week to grow, and I won't be making much of a profit when starting out." Claire frowned.

"Still, that just means less work and energy for you, right?" Mary noted.

"I'm not sure if that will do me good though if I spend so much money on something for that slow of an income, though." Claire sighed, "On the other hand, Cows are more expensive, but can provide milk on a daily basis. They require a good deal more handling and feed, though."

"I suppose cows sound more statistically wiser according to the book, but the problem would be that initial price tag. Do you think you might be able to pull off that sort of earnings well before the summer?" Mary asked, "You might be best off getting some sort of animal before then, or you'll really fall behind."

Claire sighed.

"I don't know. If I worked out the math right, it might take me about two weeks of thorough foraging to pull it off. Even then, I also have to be concerned about having enough left over for any other expense I need to take care of."

"Wow, that IS a big concern." Mary agreed. "I'm just surprised that you didn't decide to go with the chickens, first. I hear that's where most beginning farmers start off with."

"Um… I don't really like eggs, Mary." Claire stated.

"Well then, you'd be making a lot more money that way if you're not interested in your product, right?" Mary noted.

"Sure, but… I'd really like to try and use the product of the animal I raise every so often. That's what it means to have your own animal, right? To be able to use and enjoy what they have to offer for yourself?" Claire refuted.

"Unfortunately, what you'll need to be "using" your animal's offering for most is income, since you're so low right now, and I'm really starting to get concerned…" Mary suggested sympathetically.

"That's true, but… just not chickens for now. I really wanted to start off with a dream animal, and it's either a sheep or a cow." Claire sighed.

The librarian then came up closer to her good friend and gently placed a hand on her shoulder with an assuring fine.

"Then go with your heart, Claire. I'm sure you'll be fine with your choice regardless if you decide it in this manner."

--

A few more seconds of last-minute pondering later, and the greenhorn farmer finally reached a firm decision.

"Okay then! I choose a cow!" Claire claimed dramatically.

She then proceeded to slam a big bag of gold right at Barley's desk, while the old man himself gazed at his earnings like an eager prospector.

"Well, howdy! It looks like we got ourselves a big first time spender! I heard no word from the Poultry Farm about you, so I assume this is your first livestock ever, right?" Barley asked.

"That's right, sir!" Claire answered back.

"That's a pretty brave choice, going for the big guns so soon, but I respect your decision! It might not be easy at first, but if you give the animal enough tender loving care, it should be offering you more money and happiness in return than you can ever imagine!" Barley mentioned.

"Yay! I'm gonna be a real cowgirl!" Claire cheered.

"So, little lady, what will you be naming your new darling?" Barley asked.

"Hmm… well…"

"So Claire, what did you decide to name your cow?" Mary asked after Claire returned to the library.

The eager blonde was in a fit of joyful giggles before she finally gave he answer.

"Her name is Epona!" she declared.

"Epona? But… doesn't that sound more like--"

"My first cow is a noble steer, Mary! A very noble steer! And I thought a cow like that deserved a very majestic sounding name!" Claire defended.

"Well, it's certainly a unique name… for a cow, at least." Mary replied shakily.

"I'm glad you think so!" Claire said. "So, now that I have a cow, I finally have an animal to milk, give me free rides whenever I want them, and maybe even tip when I get frustrated or something!"

"I don't think Epona will enjoy the tipping part." Mary warned.

"I was just kidding about the last part, silly!" Claire giggled, "Unless it was like, tipping it like you would a waiter! Say… how would I offer a cow that kind of tip, anyway? I doubt it would accept currency."

"Maybe adding some extra feed would suffice?" Mary suggested.

"Oh yeah! That could work!" Claire cried. "Oh man… I can't wait to try Epona's milk! I bet it will be delicious!"

"I look forward to trying Epona's milk, as well. I'm sure Gray will, too." Mary grinned.

"Right, right! If Gray will be willing to stomach any goods I can offer him, it better be milk! At least it isn't sweet like honey!" Claire agreed.

The affable pair shared yet another laugh together as they celebrated the purchase of Claire's first animal.

Up Next: It's the Doctor... again. The two decide to talk a little about family matters in the form of Claire's Dad. And what's this whole deal with "Making Yourself Taller?". Disturbing reference aside, tune in Next Chapter!