Chapter Text
“Meow!” a protesting noise came from the basket in Feli's lap and dragged her back from her daydreams.
“I'm sorry, Gaius. Hold out just a bit longer. We're almost there.” she cooed softly.
The cat stopped stirring and rolled himself back together patiently.
“Good boy.”
Feli reached down into the box and stroked her furry companions little head.
“I'm sure you're gonna love all the new things to explore. It's exciting, isn't it?”
She had the feeling she wasn't only trying to calm her cat's, but her nerves as well.
As the letter from her late grandfather arrived, she couldn't believe the contents at first. It was too good to be true. Something she had always dreamed of, A little, quiet house on the countryside, lots of nature and space around to grow her precious herbs.
But now that she was actually about to reach her new home, slight nervousness and doubts clouded her mind. She was still very excited about her new life, but also worried if everything would work out the way she envisioned it.
A sudden abrupt stop of the bus jerked her almost out of her seat together with her transport box.
“Sorry ma'am. A deer was dashing across the road. We are on the countryside here after all. Happens daily in these parts.” The bus driver lazily explained the almost-accident, as if it was part of his working routine.
Her hands were starting to shake uncontrollably. Whenever she witnessed that an animal was about to get hurt, a knot tightened in her chest, squeezing nearly all the air out of her. Leaving her light headed for several moments. She was used to these panic attacks by now, but that didn't made them easier to tolerate. A grim reminder that she can't run from her past, no matter how far she fled.
A rough tongue licked her hand lovingly and a purr emerged from within the tiny box.
“You always know how to make me feel better.” She scratched his fuzzy, black ears and her trembling slowly subsided.
After about 10 more minutes, the bus stopped again. This time far more gently.
“We've arrived ma'am!” The driver called into the back and Feli grabbed her heavy bag and stepped out into the crisp morning air. The sun was barely up yet and a thin fog was wrapped around the area. She took in the atmosphere and the nature that was slowly waking up from it's slumber. An impatient scratching sound reminded her to put down the box and open the grit.
“There you go. But no straying too far yet, allright?”
A pitch black, silky haired furball carefully stepped outside and sniffed his surroundings. His tail went straight up and he let out an approving meow.
“I knew you would like it” she smiled and started downwards to the gravel path away from the bus stop.
She was about to turn right towards the farm, as she saw a blurry figure moving through the thick fog into her direction.
The person smiled excitedly while approaching and raised a hand to wave energetically before she reached Feli.
“I'm so glad I caught you here,Felicity! I'm Robin!It's s great to finally meet you in person!” the red haired woman introduced herself, slightly out of breath.
“Robin! I thought we were supposed to meet on the property? And please, just call me Feli.” She returned the smile and held out her hand to properly finish the introductions.
Robin took her hand for a firm shake, while never breaking her gentle smile.
She is just as warm and inviting as she was on the phone.
Feli wondered for a moment, as the woman pointed to her feet.
“And who is that pretty feline down there?”
Gaius sat beside her, as if waiting to be introduced by his owner.
“That's Gaius. My best friend and spider killing agent.”
“Nice to meet you too, Gaius. I'm sure you will have lots of spiders to hunt from now on.”
Robin squatted down and scratched his chin, which got rewarded with a content purr.
“Well then you two. Shall we?”
Feli nodded and the tree of them made their way towards the farm.
“I tried my best as this towns top carpenter to spice up the house for you and make it comfortable to live in. I hope it will be to your liking.”
“Everything will feel like paradise compared to the dirty apartment I used to rent in the city. I also have full trust in your abilities. My mother always used to fangirl about your skills in awe.” Feli honestly meant what she said. She trusted her mother's instincts. And Robin had such a cozy, calming aura around her, that made it hard to not love her.
“Oh my! You just arrived and are already making me blush!” she playfully retorted and grinned happily.
“Just saying how it is, Miss.” She learned very early on not to save up kind words and compliments. Cause people can vanish from one moment to another. Leaving you with regret about the things you never got to tell them. As suspicious as some people may react to her open flattery at times.
“Please dear, call me Robin! You are part of our little community now after all. We are like a big family here.”
Feli could feel her heart swell with joy.
“Allright, then again: Thank you, Robin. For all your hard work.”
She couldn't help but be overwhelmed a little by Robin's warmth.
They walked a few more moments and Feli explained her plans for the farm and her job. Well, technically she is self-employed. Running an online shop for medical herbs she grows herself, talismans for every occasion and other witchy stuff she's been learning and interested in since she was little. Her mother taught her all she knows. From growing herbs, safely preparing them for usage, to casting spells on protection charms.
The thought of her mother made tears prickle her eyes. She quickly tried to blink them away, but Robin didn't notice as she was to occupied going through all the work that still had to be done on the farm house.
“Aaaaaand, here we are!” Robin announced with a grand hand gesture.
Feli stopped dead in her tracks and adjusted her glasses, letting her eyes wander over the overgrown plot of land.
Giant pine trees, wild grass and colorful flowers were claiming every spot around the property. She couldn't believe how beautiful everything looked. Especially with the sun now climbing up the morning sky, to the mountain peaks and tinting the sight in a breathtaking rose color.
Robin must have thought she was not staring in wonder but in terror, because she cleared her throat and put on a reassuring expression,
“Don't worry. It's not as bad as it looks. A little bit of elbow grease and it'll be up to speed again. For everything else regarding coops or house upgrades, I'm your specialist.” she said and promptly added her self advertisement.
“It's just like you to already try and reel her in as a new customer, Robin.” a raspy voice approached them from behind. An elderly man gave Robin a mischievous side glance and extended a hand towards Felicity.
“Don't let her too much freedom on her work or you're gonna have a castle built instead of a chicken coop” he warned her with a wink.
“A castle wouldn't be too bad but only if you add a free dragon and maybe a prince as a bonus.” she teasingly countered.
“A dragon might be difficult, but I could introduce my son to you. I would have to get him to wear some princely thighs first though...” Robin laughed.
Her laugh was so contagious that Feli couldn't help but giggle along.
“Well, well. Before we marry you off immediately, let me finish introducing myself first.” he cleared his throat, ”I'm major Lewis and I'm very happy to welcome you into Stardew Valley. Your grandfather was a kind man. Stubborn as hell, but with a heart out of gold. We all miss him dearly.” the major looked very solemn as he remembered his old friend and Feli felt just as sad, despite her not being able to recall much about her grandfather anymore.
She was very little as her father broke off all contact with him and he was never mentioned again in front of her. Dad never explained why, but got furious every time she would ask to visit the farm again.
“I'm very happy to hear that he was so loved by everyone. I wish I could have had the chance to say good bye to him, but things were complicated with my family back then.” and they still are...she added silently.
Lewis gave an understanding nod and looked over to the house.
“Then we shouldn't keep you any longer from getting settled. I'm sure you want to start unpacking soon. You look quite exhausted, young lady.” he said in a voice laced with concern.
“I would love to just drop dead asleep after arranging at least the essentials of daily survival, but I'm REALLY hungry. In fact. I'm starving and the fridge will probably be empty.”
Her stomach gave off an almost comical rumble, making her blush in embarrassment.
Robin and Lewis both laughed heartily at their new members predicament. But it was a kind laughter. Not the type she was used to back in high school and work. They laughed with her, not at her. She relaxed her tense shoulders and turned her gaze upwards again.
“I can only recommend for your first evening to be spend in the Stardrop Saloon then. Gus will whip something amazing up for you.” the major suggested, “But just between us, the vegetable medley is the best. Heaven, I assure you.” he whispered while leaning in closer as if it was a well hidden secret.
“That sounds absolutely delicious. I'm definetly gonna try it.”
Since she was a vegetarian, the outlook of a meat free meal made her mouth water in anticipation.
“I better get ready and go on my quest to achieve a full belly then.”
Lewis and Robin said their good byes and returned the way they both came from.
Feli stood in front of the perch were Gaius was on top and rolled around lazily. Stretching all of his paws out, showing that he clearly already owned the place.
Fumbling in her coat pocket, she pulled out the key while ascending the three wooden steps towards the entrance. The wood creaked pleasantly under her feet.
She opened the door and took a step inside. A scent of fresh wood and dust clouds floating in the air.
Now she really started feeling like a true witch. A tiny cottage near the woods, overgrown with nature; plans for her herbal garden laid out in her mind and a black cat as familiar. It has been a long time since she felt like this. Far too long. Like she was truly coming alive again.