The work had to be light if the farmer wanted to enjoy the festival. Not only that, but he had to make sure his horse was well-adjusted to his farm and the fact that he had to find the blacksmith to get horseshoes for the creature. After all, hooves do not go well with human infrastructure. The clapping sound his mount made as it casually strolled into town was one he missed for awhile. Even the rooms of elegant ladies and gossiping lords could not match the feeling of pride that all cavalrymen enjoyed.

Alexei's ride did not go unnoticed as he saw the mayor pass by. When he saw, the old man was taken aback by the man in the saddle. "Good morning, Lewis."

"Same to you, friend. You know that I can't allow you to participate in the Egg Festival. It would be unfair to everyone else."

"I knew you would say that," He replied, "It's been awhile since I last rode a horse and I'm getting a feel for her."

"So what is her name?" The mayor wondered.

He never thought of that after Marnie gave the horse to him. "I'm still thinking on it. A name is not something I considered after all of this time."

Lewis smiled. "You'll definitely have something in mind. I am sure of it. In the meantime, I could use your help at the festival."

"Sure, I can help."

"Just let me take a trip down memory lane." The expression changed as he made his way north of the town.

Something was off. Why was the mayor moping like this on what was supposed to be a special day? Alexei followed after him, getting his horse to move up some steps that went up a hill. The trip was relatively short when compared to the other parts of the valley, but this was different. There was an old abandoned building that the mayor was looking at.

The former cavalry officer approached him with his horse trotting into a stop. "This used to be the Community Center for Stardew Valley. You used to see a lot of people come in here to do all sorts of things back in my days. Now it's empty and I doubt young folks would spend their days with old men like me."

"I completely understand. You have a history with the life that once walked in those halls."

"You have no idea. In fact, I recall that your grandfather attended the center with me. We would make bets on who had the better suit. He would always win, but then one day I won… and he proposed to your grandmother."

Alexei imagined the thought of his grandfather leaving an impression on those who lived here. If only he had pictures of those moments.

"Come with me, I want to get a good look of the place before we get started with the festival."

The rider dismounted his horse as he guided the beast to a nearby spot and let it be. "Stay here, I'll be back in a bit." Then he followed the mayor to the front of the building.

Lewis reached into his pockets, only to produce a key and unlock the doors. The duo walked into the ancient building wrapped in vines as they were met with disrepair. It was to be expected for a building that had not been maintained for such a long time. Both looked around to get a sense of their surroundings as parts of the floorboards seemed to be torn apart by the vegetation. "Vincent and Jas must have found a way to sneak inside. It looks like they've been playing here for awhile."

He saw him point as he turned to his left to find a set of backpacks and notebooks on the floor with coloring pens. "Do you have any idea how they could have got in? It seems a bit dangerous for them to run around in a place like this."

The old man shrugged his shoulders. "I wouldn't know. There are a lot of places that might have an opening."

"It seems like a good place to hang out."

"Very much," He added, "My memories of this place is why I haven't sold it in the first place. Joja wanted to turn this into a warehouse of sorts, but I just can't seem to bring myself to the decision. The town could use some good money."

The young man approached a fireplace on the other side of the room to take a look at the pictures that showed the fun celebrations that occurred. "It seems like an awful waste of space to me. All of this to be turned into a warehouse."

Alexei was caught off-guard when he saw Lewis walk up to him and pass the key into his hands. "Take it. Maybe you could sell this place or perhaps do something to make it lively."

Past the old man was a strange sight that the former cavalry officer had not seen before. A strange green creature was lurking the shadows in a shape he could not define, reminding him of the slime creatures in the caves, but something different. "What is that?"

"Is something wrong?" The mayor turned around, but the strange creature disappeared in an instant.

"I just saw something watching us over there, but it disappeared when you turned around."

Lewis thought for a moment and shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever it was, it's gone now. It might have been the rats or some other critters running around. Who knows. Let's get going, the festival is about to start."

Perhaps he should forget about it? Maybe it was a trick being played on his eyes. As the duo made their way out the door, Alexei looked back at the entrance hall to find the strange green creature in the center of the room. This time, it was waving its hand at him while jumping in the air. Unlike the mines, the former cavalry officer did not feel tense hostility at this place. "Strange."

A bus arrived that morning and the first passenger to step out was an old man with a smile on his face. "Yes, this is the place," He looked over his shoulder and quickly waved at the woman operating the vehicle, "Thanks for the ride!"

The driver smiled. "You're welcome. The tip really helps."

He knew that extra hand of cash from his latest transaction would smooth things out. Then the bus stirred itself back to work and moved on with its life. In the meantime, the old man unzipped his jacket to find all of his belongings hanging where they should be. The stacks of bills he earned as a smuggler, the colorful variety of drugs, and even an occassional pistol or two. Yet, out of all of the things he decided to pick out, the old man brandished a camera.

Jorji Costava had learned from his informants that a hero of Arstotzka was hiding out on his grandfather's farm. He wondered what good reason he would have to leave his homeland, but he did not mind that at all. Everyone had their reasons to do the things they did, like how Alexei's grandfather shifted from being one of the best thieves in the world into a simple farmhand.

The old man followed the road into the town, acknowledging the beauty of the valley with photos and hearing his camera whine with life. There were few places in Arstotzka and a Obristan that this place could match. It was strange and quiet, but he could see why someone would enjoy living here.

He entered the town and was surprised by what he saw. It seemed like there was an important festival going on as tables were being set out and white sheets of cloth were covering them for food and drinks. People moved back and forth, placing chairs where they should be.

One of the locals turned out from his busy work and broke away from the crowd and approached him. The old man seemed to be the leader of the community based on the fancy mustache and hat. It always the men with the mustaches and hats to be the leaders. "Excuse me, are you lost. You seem knew here."

"Indeed I am."

He brought out his hand. "I am Mayor Lewis of Pelican Town. We normally do not get any visitors here, but it's nice to meet a stranger every now and then."

"Jorji Costava, mister mayor." The smuggler replied as he eagerly shook his hand, "I was looking for a guy who goes by the name of Alexei Vonel. Do you know where he is?"

Lewis nodded his head. "He's in the tavern painting the eggs with the kids. Have you two met before?"

"A few times when he was young," He answered as his head head nodded from side-to-side, "They were very brief moments, but his grandfather and I were well-acquainted with each other."

"You knew his grandfather? He's a good guy. How did you two meet?"

A laugh was all he could produce. "Mister mayor, if I told you the circumstances you might find it unbelievable and I would be out of a job. Let's just say that we were both in the same profession and he just so happened to be better at it than me."

Lewis looked around to see if the others were watching. "If its personal, I understand. It's just that he was a friend of mine as well and he spent a good chunk of his life out of town. Curiosity, you understand?"

Jorji smiled. "Yes, I do. Perhaps a better time."

"Will you really talk about it?"

"When there is enough trust between both of us."

One of the townsfolk approached them. The girl in the brown jacket was eager to join in on the conversation. "Lewis, who is this?"

The mayor glanced over to his neighbor. "Robin, you know the farmer? Well, this man knew his grandfather when he was out of town."

She widened her eyes. "Incredible. You came here at the right time. We're almost done preparing for the Egg Festival. Do you want to join us?"

"Yes, I would be delighted to join." Jorji answered.

Food was now being placed onto the tables with the theme of eggs everywhere. Jorji took a good look at the food and wanted to salivate over the sight. Not even Arstotzka and Obristan had food this good except for the army rations, which were just sacks of powder really.

The old man was about to reach for an empty plate, but was startled by the sound of a horse. His head turned to the clattering of hooves that came from his left, catching his full attention as a young man on horseback had showed up in public. It had to be Alexei.

The rider smiled upon arrival and waved his hands at a group of kids and teenagers talking amongst each other. "The eggs are finished and I already placed them where they belong."

A girl with violet hair was quick to ask. "Can you give us a free guess on where they are?"

He shook his head. "What kind of fun is that?"

"Thanks Alexei, I am sure Demetris and my mom appreciate an extra pair of hands."

When the rider looked past her, he noticed Jorji standing amongst the crowd as the townsfolk eagerly greeted him and reached for the food. Yet, the silent recognition was enough to know that he knew the smuggler as well.

Mayor Lewis walked to the center of the town, speaking loud and clear. "Are you boys and girls ready for the hunt?"

There was something strange in that punch. Leah could not put her finger on it, but she felt a bit woozy after her tenth cup. The artist was stumbling every now and then, but did her best to stand up straight and tall.

The festival was fun as always. The participants had their fun for the entire day as they cracked the eggs open to find out little presents on the inside. It was surprising because that had never happened before. For whatever reason, she somehow felt it was related to Alexei's help with painting the eggs.

Now that she thought about him, it was time to pay him a little visit to see what he would do with another of his guests. This old man was now the talk of the town since he knew the farmer's grandfather. She had heard stories from Lewis about their friendship, but to meet another who knew him in person made her wonder. After all, she knew about Alexei's past and perhaps this Jorji fellow would provide some kind of insight into the family.

Leah slowly snuck her way into the farm and made her way behind the cabin. It was a blessing that she could hear inside from one of the windows. Then she slowly peaked her head up to see the old man and the former cavalry officer talk.

"Jorji, how have you been? The last time we met, you were brought to my father for your smuggling gig across the borders."

The old man let out a slight chuckle. "You still remember that? Of course you did. How could anyone forget those days when the border checkpoint between Arstotzka and Kolechia?"

"So, what brings you here?" Alexei asked.

He paused for a moment and slipped his hands into the pockets of his jacket. "Your grandfather and I had a special deal to settle. There was a time when we made a heist at a museum and snatched some good valuables off some poor sods."

The former cavalry officer took a moment to lean against the wall as he crossed his arms. "He was a thief?"

"Of the gentlemen sort, but that is beside the point. You see, he knew he was getting old and so he decided to make some good efforts to secure your… inheritance when he passed away. So he entrusted that duty to me so I can tell you about the large cache of-"

Alexei cut him off. "You mean the one under the floorboards?"

Jorji was taken by surprise. "Oh, you found out eh? Good for you, kid. It looks like I won't be needed here any longer."

"So you came here to tell me that? I am sorry it was a waste of your time."

"It's fine. I quite enjoyed it here," He replied, "It probably explains why you decided to settle down here in the first place."

The young man nodded his head. "Indeed. The town has rubbed down on me."

"Well now, I think I should take my leave."

The old man was about to leave the cabin before he was stopped at the door. "How is my childhood friend? You know who I am talking about?"

He turned around to see meet his gaze. "The border inspector and his son? When I made my last visit to Nirsk, the doctors say he's recovering from his wounds. The father is grateful you still managed to save his life."

"That… that is good to hear." His voice was filled with relief at the news.

Leah watched as Jorji slipped out of the door and let the Arstotzkan to his own devices. What she learned was too good to keep a secret, but then she remembered Alexei's desire for privacy with his life. Still, he was becoming a fascinating man day-by-day.

It was time for her to leave the Bakersfield farm and head back home; however, her body was incredibly weak. There was something in the festival's punch that made her feel this way. Did someone put alcohol in it? When she took her first steps to leave the farm, she fell down.

Harvey was still thinking about that night. It was too suspicious that the same night that Alexei was with his guest that a body dropped right after. He was not sure if wasting the resources of the police was worth it or not. The doctor stared at the phone across from him and wondered if he should call the authorities. Perhaps he was overthinking the coincidence, but somehow it felt wrong to ignore that possibility entirely.

Maybe he should sleep on it? Who knows? Yeah, it might work. After the festival, the young man considered on going to sleep early.

Everything changed when he heard three loud slams against a door downstairs. "Who is trying to kick down my door?"

Harvey immediately departed from his apartment as he made his way towards the front of his clinic. Another set of knocks came in as the doctor unlocked the door. He was totally unprepared at the sight before him.

The young man recognized him. He was Alexei's guest, but this time he was covered in dirt and blood. "Evening, I hope I'm not bothering you."

He froze up for a moment. 'Uh… do I know you?"

"We've met before, doctor. You know the night you showed up."

"So, what is the problem?"

The man looked down at his person. "I could use a catchup, really. You're the closest doctor I know so I came back here. Besides, I need your help with something as well."

"That is?"

Kaevink stepped aside, revealing a sight of corpses presented to him. They were all wearing police uniforms. "It's a slight clean-up problem we need to take care of. Don't worry, I'll tell you why you need bleach to get rid of the bodies."