Life was never easy, and things that came easily were rarely worth it. Least that's what Annora would tell herself while the sun beat down on her back, sweat dripped from her brow, watering the soil that she was slaving over. Someone was kind enough to have left a house warming gift, a few old tools and parsnip seeds. Wanting to show that their kindness was not waisted the girl set to work. Pulling everything she had, dragging rocks away by the barrel. her hands were blistered, shaking when open, her back was on fire while her legs begged to stop. she was a stubborn person, listened to everyone but herself when it came to life before she came here, and for once it was helping.
The more she worked here though, the more she loved this place. Despite the excruciating work that the poor thing had to throw herself in, she found it easier to breath. Her mind did not dwell on the thoughts that plagued it, she didn't have the time to do such things. There was land that had to be ploughed, a old trunk that had to be uprooted, there was not enough hours in the day , but she was going to make it work. Her grandfather made it work in his old age, and she was going to do him proud, even when the girl fell to the ground, breath coming out in great gasps while her arms trembled to hold herself up.
"You got quite a dent in here." Rising her head to be met with a set of kind eyes, she couldn't help but give a shaky laugh. A hand offered that was gladly taken, her legs unsteady like a newborn. "Just like your Grandfather, worked till you just about dropped dead. My name's Lewis I'm the Mayor of Pelican town, and I'm sure my guess is correct when I say you're Miss Annora right?"
He was an older man, with greying hair. Than again she had little to say about that, her own mane was turning a new color from the filth that clung to the silver strands.
He was dressed in a bright green shirt and a set of suspenders while his hat covered what was probably a balding scalp. Still he held a light about him, something that screamed he was still young at heart and had lived a great deal. Annora couldn't help but smile, her face twisting in emotion as she tried to shake his hand, a small wheezing sound escaping her.
His gaze swept around at the reminets of the farm only to give a deep sigh. "I understand, once this place fed most of the town. I can see why you're so keen on finding it back to the good old days. Just remember, you're human. I'm sure you can enjoy your cabin being rustic for now so you can say hello to the town." His hand swept over the brambles and vines, as if the never ending fields were still a proud sight as he puffed up his chest. Yet before he could continue, Annora could not help but notice movement by the gate.
"Rustic? More like Crusty" a woman's voice followed by a long laugh echoed from the parting trees. Lewis being quick to scold her as he explained that she was just trying to promote her business as a carpenter. Annora couldn't help it, covering her mouth she began to create a silent laugh. Her shoulders moving up and down at the sight of Lewis turning into a stern father, cheeks red even at the simple joke. The sight must not have gone unnoticed, as the woman bounded over to them, a prideful gate, standing a head taller than the farmer with her hands on her hips before shaking Annora's, almost ripping her arm out of it's socket in the process. "My name's Robin, and like Lewis said I'm the carpenter of this town. Actually we're neighbours, live just up on the mountain, always welcome."
Again, all she done was nod, the two villagers raising a brow as their gaze settled on the girl before them. She almost shrank under the stares, only offering a shy smile as she began to tense up. "Quite one huh? Just like my Sebby." The words quickly caused her to shake her head, waving her hands to try and clear the situation up but it only created more questions. "Than what is it dear? Don't worry you can tell us, we're all friends."
She felt bad at the kind words, Lewis was talking to her like her grandfather had whenever she would hid behind him as a child. Carefully she began to open her mouth, pointing only for them to look, again she shook her head as she began to point at her own throat. "Cat caught your tongue huh? You can't actually speak, can you?"
It was Robin who figured it out, and just like that Annora nodded her head, silver strands falling over her features, she began to watch them put the puzzle together. Lewis straightening out and coughing, trying to gain his composure at the new information before nodding to himself. "Well, that won't hinder you from being a excellent farmer, I'm sure of it. You don't mind if I mention this to a few people do you? Would make things a little easier when you get to meet everyone."
The girl shrugged her shoulders, she didn't mind, Lewis was right, it would make things easier. Back in the city it was beyond difficult to explain her situation without others judging. The Mayor himself offering to lend a helping hand was actually heart warming, even the way Robin kept the same lenient stance was like a weight lifted off her shoulders.
Both stayed for a little while, talking with her about events and tricks that she could use to try to get the land to bend easier. It was obvious that Annora was eager, despite the overwhelming pain and exhaustion that took her. She wanted to see how far she could get with this. Watching the two leave in a old pick up truck, she once again pulled her hair up, ploughing the land till the sun had set far away into the night. The cold air offering a soothing melody, crickets chirping in the distance while an owl hooted above.
Time seemed to slow at night, the world grew quiet aside from her rhythmic tapping from the hoe. It was an eerie feeling at times though, the scurrying of creatures would cause her to throw her head up like a doe in someone's sight. Her eyes wide for a moment only to get back to work. Just as she was beginning to relax into the environment though, she began to hear something in the distance. The sound of soil moving, the cracking of bones and ghostly moans. Eyes wide she grabbed her tool, holding it out like a weapon with shaky breath only to freeze at the sight.
She knew beasts made their way about the country side. But staring face to face with the undead was something she was not expecting. Cloaked in black wispy fabric, it moved in a hunting grace. Bellowing out a soul shattering note the creature moved to her direction. Annora began to tremble like a leaf in a storm, taking a step back, her foot hitting the porch she fell in a heap. Her own body animating in a spaz of movements she abandoned her hoe, kicking and scrambling for her door, her claws ranking into the splintering frame as she felt herself throw it open and slam the door shut on the beast.
Leaning on the boards, she slowly slid down, her breathing uneven as she felt a few tears sting her eyes. She's never been so scared in her life. Her heart beat in a painful rhythm that tried to tear her chest apart. Her head was pounding while the blood in her veins seemed to have frozen within her. She never took in the idea that monsters would be lurking outside her home. The realization of them kicking down her sanctuary becoming all too real. She felt lost, alone, fighting so hard only to be forced into something that she couldn't find a answer to.
All she could do was reach for the first thing she could find. A old pink lamp the she clung to for dear life as she slid to the floor. She tried to tell herself that she would be ready for the ghostly beast that moved about her yard. Yet the more she tried to convince herself, the more her eyes grew heavy, sleep was a demanding thing that refused to be ignored. The lamp falling from her grasp, Annora fell to the grasp of sleep, head falling to the side as her home began to spring to life around her.
Hey guys, Close Enough here! If you are reading this than thank you so much for reading! I started playing Stardew Valley and fell in love with is. I grew up on a horse ranch so the peaceful pace of this game really hit home only to add wonderful characters that I was unable to say no to. If you have any questions or if you just want to give constructive criticism than please do. I am always open to ways that can improve my writing style.