Chapter 2-4: One Big Family
Soon enough, everyone arrives at a two story house, and there is a small shed nearby. Then there is a fence around the area of the house. Of course, because of the weather, the house's roof is also covered in snow.
"Here we are guys-welcome to my house," Epel says.
"What a charming abode," Jade says.
"The house looks really nice," Briar says.
Trinket nods in response
"Look at how steep the roof is," Sebek says.
"That's to keep snow from piling up on it. Otherwise the roof would collapse if there was a heavy snowstorm," Epel says.
"Is the whole house made of wood?" Jade asks.
"Yep! And the walls are coated with stucco," Epel says.
"Stucco?" Jade questions.
"What's that?" Sereia asks.
"Oh, it's a finishing coat that's made with hydrated lime. Mount Moln's rich in limestone, so we've always used stucco in our buildings," Epel says, "From what I understand, the limestone in the mountain acts as a purifier for the hair and water around here. And stucco made only with natural limestone is supposed to be mold-resistant and a good deodorizer. That's why people call Harveston houses 'homes that breathe.' ...Or so the old folks around town tell me.
"So are we stayin' here?" Grim asks.
"No, we're staying in the town assembly hall. There's no chance this house could accommodate nine extra people. There's barely room for my family as it is," Epel answers.
"Is that right? It looks quite spacious to me," Jade says.
"Yeah. Your house is pretty big," Jasper says.
And Jade explains, "Well, we've got a larger family than most… There's eight people living there now, not including me."
"That IS a lot of people. I never knew you had siblings," Sebek says.
Eepl laughs, "Ahaha, you'd think that, right? But no, I'm an only child. There's my mother and father, my grandmother and grandfather… Then we got my aunt and uncle and their son, plus my great-grandmother."
"Wow. So you also have relatives living with you," Briar says.
"That's right," Epel says.
"I can see how it might be a tight squeeze," Sebek says.
"It would certainly be inconsiderate of us to make things even more crowded," Jade says.
Then Sebek asks, "Are the other families around here as large as yours?"
"I think my family's as big as they come in these parts…" Epel answers, "But it's pretty normal to live with your extended family. The farms here have been passed down through generations, so families usually want to work 'em together."
And then explains, "All our neighbors are farmers, and when things get busy, we're all expected to pitch in and help each other out. So in a way, it's like all us villagers are one big family. All the folks in town were nice to me growing up, too. Treated me like their own son.
"How nice," Briar says.
Then Epel says, "You know, I'd love to hear about all y'all's family too."
"Oh, uh, Ortho's my only sibling," Idia says.
And Jade says, "There are five in my family at present, including myself, Floyd, our parents, and our grandmother."
"At present?" Epel questions.
"Correct," Jade says.
"Huh... I'm curious what that could mean…" Epel says. Then turns to Sebek, "Anyway, what's your family like, Sebek?"
"There's five of us-my mother, my father, and my older brother and sister. We live by the river. It's all very pleasant, and I've never felt cramped in our house. My grandfather lives nearby and…" Sebek says, and sneezes, "Ah... Ah... ACHOO!" And shivers, "Brr, still cold."
Epel realizes, "Oh, golly! Sorry, Sebek! Here I am yammering away while you're freezing! Come on in! We've got some amazin' traditional outfits for you guys to wear while you're in Harveston. The rest of my family'll be out workin' on the farm or helpin' with festival prep, so don't be shy about getting changed!"
Sometime later…
"That should do it for you, Jade. Would you mind waiting outside?" Epel replies.
Soon, Jade is the first to come out. Jade is wearing the traditional attire, the attire is dark blueish purple with a bit of lighter blue, and with a white sweater. He is also wearing gloves, boots, and appropriate clothes. He is also wearing a dark blue and black hat.
Jade says, "Of course. Thank you for assisting me, Epel. So this is traditional Harveston attire? It's rather cute and cozy."
"The top is a sturdy knit, and even the pants have cotton padding. It's warming both my body and my spirit," Jade says.
Soon, Sebek walks out, and wears a similar attire to Jade, but his is a dark greenish color.
Sebek smiles, "Agreed! And it all fits perfectly. This hat is marvelous. The fur-lined ear flaps are keeping me toasty warm! The cold shan't deter me now!"
"You cut a fine figure in that, Sebek," Jade says.
Then Sebek says, "I don't typically wear clothes like this, but it's not bad at all. And same to you, Jade. You're giving off a rather different impression than usual."
Jade chuckles, "Heh heh heh. Yes, isn't it grand?"