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stardewsecretsanta · 6 years

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For CookieChii

Eva woke with a start, realizing at once that she was alone. She called her husband’s name, hoping he was just across the room, but no response came.

She reasoned that maybe Sebastian was just using the restroom, but she wanted to wait up to be sure he wasn’t out rummaging in the garage for motorcycle parts or something. As minutes passed, she twirled her thumbs in the cuffs of her sweater and gnawed at her lip. She didn’t know Robin and Demetrius’s house very well, and she knew everyone was probably sleeping at this hour. She hated to go wandering in the darkness, but she wasn’t sure what else to do.

With a sigh, she swung her stockinged feet off the bed. They had decided to spend the last night of the year with Sebastian’s family, who had a tradition of staying up late to play cards, drinking punch and telling stories. It had been a lovely night, and she had gone to bed rather tired. Eva stretched as she rose, wishing a little for her own bed and the company of her bunny.

Slowly, Eva opened the door, listening for any sounds. She took the stairs on her tiptoes, afraid they might creak–even though she knew well that Robin would never tolerate that. When she finally reached the landing, she noticed some light filtering down the hallway.

She whispered into the night, “Seb?” Still no response.

She moved through the house, looking all around for signs of her husband. Halfway down the hall, she caught a whiff of something familiar. Flour, a little sugar, a splash of vanilla… warm, toasty and topped with delicious, melty, mouth-watering butter…

“Pancakes,” Eva whispered with a smile.

When she rounded the corner, she stopped to lean against the doorframe and admire him at work. A towel slung over the shoulder of his long-sleeved t-shirt, his thin form swaying to some tunes pumping in through his headphones. He pushed a stack of pancakes into the oven to stay warm as he fished in a cabinet for Robin’s bottle of syrup. He turned to find a pan to warm it in when he caught sight of Eva.

A slow smile spread across his lips. He pulled off his headphones and tossed a thumb over his shoulder. “Want to make the coffee?”

Eva smiled back and nodded. Sebastian pointed at a cabinet and Eva set to work, pulling down the beans, grinding them (slowly, gently, quietly), measuring the grounds and setting it to brew. The smells of coffee mingled with warm maple in the air. Eva sidled up to her husband and sighed contentedly.

As the last drops of coffee hit the pot, Sebastian turned to his wife. “Ready?”

She furrowed her brow at him.

He smiled, pressed a kiss to her forehead, then sprung into action, loading a container with two stacks of pancakes. He poured syrup into one thermos and coffee into another and handed both to her. He grabbed some utensils and finally turned to Eva again and said, “Let’s go!”

She laughed. “Where?”

“Up,” he answered with a shrug. He took her hand and led her out into the main floor of Robin’s shop. He climbed on top of his mom’s desk and grabbed a handle that Eva had never noticed before. He opened a door and pulled down a rope ladder before reaching a hand down to Eva. She took it and pulled herself up onto the desk. She looked up at the ladder uncertainly.

“It’s sturdy,” he said with a laugh.

She climbed up, not sure what she’d find when she got to the top. The answer was a small attic space, not quite large enough to stand in at the highest point. The room was illuminated by moonlight pouring in through a round window. Eva scooted to the window and looked out at the landscape below. The snow glittered in the faint light, and she smiled to herself.

“It’s beautiful up here,” she sighed.

Sebastian smiled to himself and began setting up their picnic on the old rug that covered the floor. Eva folded herself in her arms, lost in the gorgeous winter landscape of Stardew Valley. Sebastian handed her a thermos cup full of coffee to match his own. They sat shoulder to shoulder, looking out at the first day of the new year, sipping coffee, enjoying pancakes and making plans for a bright tomorrow.

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stardewsecretsanta · 6 years

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A gift for @Lillixc

Sorry it’s late…

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stardewsecretsanta · 6 years

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This is for @fandomandscienceyay! Sorry for the delay–something went a but wonky. I hope you had a wonderful holiday and that 2018 brings you happiness!

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stardewsecretsanta · 6 years

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Late Gifts and Event Success

If you have not yet received a gift, then fear not! More Santas are to the rescue. I’ve messaged others who’s gifts may not have sent in correctly.

Anyhow, I would call the exchange a success as majority of the original participants followed through at 31/36. Only one person however, notified me that they would not make the deadline due to real life emergencies. A few others I decided to dismiss due to the fact that they seem to have just... left?

Anyhow, if you were one of the people who signed up and didn’t deliver without notifying me beforehand that you might not be able to make it, just know that I will be a little wary if you ask to participate in any further gift exchanges that I will run.

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stardewsecretsanta · 6 years

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For @stardewbalverines from @adeliepennquinn!

“Sorry for the lateness! Sorry if it’s not great either! But I hope you like it! Merry Christmas, and happy New Year!!”

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stardewsecretsanta · 6 years

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This is for @Staredsat. I got you for Secret Santa. I hope you like this. It was inspired by David Bowie's "Heroes," which gave me a prom vibe which led to the Flower Dance. It's not exactly Christmas or winter, but I still hope you like it and I hope Mistig fits how you picture her. Merry Christmas/Happy Feast of the Winter Star!

@Stardewsecretsanta, thank you for organizing all of this! Happy Feast of the Winter Star!

- @Flirtaciousrose

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stardewsecretsanta · 6 years

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A Lucky Draw

To @strangebun, who I cannot seem to @, I was your Secret Santa! I hope that you like this ficlet, and that I portrayed both Hekate and Abigail to your liking!

And to our Mayor Lewis, who headed this whole thing - thank you for it, and please, do put in a read more somewhere if you think this is too long, haha.

from, @kashimalin

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

A Lucky Draw

Dear Hekate,

I would like to give you some information about an upcoming event: the Feast of the Winter Star. It’s a time for the community to come together and think back on all the good fortune we’ve had this year. A favorite tradition is the “secret gift exchange”, where everyone in town is randomly assigned to someone else. On the day of the festival, everyone brings a gift for their secret friend and surprise them with something special! This year, your Secret Friend is:

Abigail.

Hekate could barely contain her excitement as he read Mayor Louis’s scripted handwriting. Her plans had fallen so perfectly into place – Abigail being her Secret Friend, how she had managed to make it further in the mines, and how her collection of ore was growing at an exponential rate. She had a full chest in her house dedicated to the treasures from beneath the earth, but a specific shade of stone was being set aside for a special purpose, contained in the basket by gemstone displays. Quickly shoving the letter back into the envelope, Hekate dropped it inside her house before going back outside to feed the chickens and put water out for the cat. Moments later, she was darting back inside, pulling on hiking boots and grabbing her pickaxe. Hoisting a backpack filled with stores of food and medicine onto her bag, she shut her door and began to jog down the lane.

As she ran through the town square, she caught glimpses of the bustle of life. Alex and Sam were beginning to hang lights from the buildings, the mayor directing them from below. She saw Harvey chatting with George and Evelyn as he held the door open to the clinic, and Penny escorting Jas and Vincent to the library for their lessons.

And she saw Abigail, hanging the winter sale signs up outside her father’s shop. For a moment, their eyes met. Hekate waved as she passed, smiling wide.

“Hello Abigail!”

Abigail barely managed to return the gesture before Hekate had run by. She watched as the excited farmer continued on her merry way, staring after her. I wonder if she’s heading to the mines again, so soon… Every time I see you run by with that bag and pickaxe, I wonder if you would want company.

If you would maybe want me to join you.

But the words only formed in her mind. She could never articulate them without getting a stutter. And each time it happened, she would just walk away from her father’s shop. Clearing her head would do her some good, as it always did.

The basket was heavy as Hekate carried it through the forest. She trudged on despite the difficulties, but complained all the while to the biting wind.

“I know, I should have had one of the animals carry it instead… But I’m almost there, now…” She sighed as she reached the final stretch, admiring the icicles dripping from the branches and the frost on the bushes until she came to the clearing.

The tower was in view. It’s once-foreboding presence was no longer a foreign aura. Instead it was a familiar sight, to see the thin trail of smoke curling out of the chimney, to see the tiles of the roof over the tops of the cliffs. Marching up to the front door, Hekate knocked twice, not bothering to stand on ceremony for a friend.

“Are you already here?” The Wizard opened the door a crack, eyeing Hekate. “I had hoped you would stay too late mining again so I could clean up a bit.”

“I intentionally didn’t go mining so I could work on this present. Besides, I get to see your crafts when you don’t clean.” Hekate held the basket up a little harder, straining to keep her grip. “Can you help me select the pieces for the necklace before you send it off?”

“Only if you tell me who it’s for, Hekate.”

“Won’t that ruin the surprise?” When the Wizard remained silent, Hekate sighed. “It’s for Abigail. I thought the amethyst would look best with her hair.”

At the mention of the recipient, Hekate could have sworn she saw the Wizard tense up, but did not mention it as he opened the door further.

“Come in, then. We’ll finish the task as quickly as we can.”

As Hekate entered the tower, she took a moment to breathe in the lingering smells of the latest potion, the smoky scent of the open fire, and of berries and concoctions that covered the shelves. She always appreciated this space, so welcoming, a model for what she wanted her home to be like someday. Stepping over the books that were strewn about on the floor, she placed the basket on a table and took one chair while the Wizard took the other, removing the cloth from over the basket.

“Well, Hekate. You found far too many.”

“I wanted to be sure I had enough for the necklace. You can take some, if you like.”

“It would be more appreciated than you believe.” The Wizard reached into the basket, pulling out a handful of amethysts. Hekate followed suit. “Let’s just pick out what would make the perfect necklace, then I’ll send it off to the witch jeweler I know.”

“She’ll imbue it with a healing spell, like I asked? To bring out the properties of the amethyst?”

“And with the emotional balance as well. Goodness knows it would do Abigail much good.”

“What do you mean by that?” Hekate eyed the Wizard over the table, her hands pausing over the gems.

“I mean nothing,” was his quick reply. His tone sounded final, and Hekate didn’t dare consider pushing it further. “The necklace will be back long before the festival, don’t worry one bit.”

“I won’t.”

When she arrived in the square, Hekate could not deny that nerves were steadily getting the best of her. She had performed a couple charms that morning for good luck and a winter blessing, but they suddenly felt useless when faced with the situation before her.

In an attempt to distract herself, she instead looked around the town. She couldn’t deny it’s beauty at this time of year. The people had carried tables out and laid carpets across the cobblestones. A large Christmas tree had been moved into the square. Lights twinkled on every lamppost and tree as the sun began to set. People were exchanging merry conversation and placing food across the tables. Seeing that sight brought back all the anxiety in full force.

It wasn’t that Hekate had come without something to offer – she personally thought her stew was the best in the bunch – but, it was who she saw seated at the table nearest to her as she entered the fray.

Abigail was settled in with her family, but making no move to speak to either of them. Instead she was idly sitting there with her hands empty – presumably she had already given her gift to somebody – staring across the table at the turkey and bottles before her.

Hekate paused for a moment just to watch her, unsure of what to do. Her mind begged her to stay back, maybe just put the gift on the table when she wasn’t looking… but her heart demanded that she get over herself and walk over, sit down in the empty chair at her side, and put the gift in her hands. She knew that she had to give her the gift before the festival ended, or Abigail could get upset about her Secret Friend bailing.

In the end, her heart won.

Abigail jumped as Hekate slammed down onto the chair beside her. Blinking a couple times, she stared at the dark-haired farmer, wondering what they were doing. As if in response, Hekate bit her lip, her face warming up as Abigail watched her. Then, without ceremony, she thrust the present onto Abigail’s lap. “Open it.”

Abigail raised an eyebrow, but did not respond as she began to tear away the hastily taped wrapping paper and bow. Met with another, smaller box, she opened it — before letting out a sharp gasp.

Inside the wooden box was a shimmering amethyst necklace, nestled in black velvet lining. The stones glittered, the earth-cut edges catching the light with ease.

“I also have these, just from exploring.” Hekate held out a bag before Abigail next, prompting Abigail to place the necklace on the table and take the bag onto her lap to undo the string.

“They’re nothing special,” Hekate ventured as Abigail saw the contents. “I just found them while I was searching for amethyst, and thought you might like to have them, since I got way too many—”

“How far down did you go to get these?”

“Excuse me?” Hekate finally met Abigail’s gaze – and was stunned by what she saw.

Abigail was glowing, her eyes brimming with curiosity. The transformation in her nature caught Hekate off-guard, and the remainder of her explanation died on her lips. As if to fill the silence, Abigail replied.

“I’ve only gone down to the thirtieth level, and I didn’t make it that far after. I don’t like using the elevator, though, because what if it drops? It ruins the adventure, too. But climbing down and finding all these… and enough for the amethyst necklace? Hekate, these are…” She sucked in a breath, her smile wide. “These are amazing.”

“… You really like them?” Hekate’s voice was squeaky as it finally found itself. When Abigail nodded in response, Hekate let out a breath she didn’t know she had been holding. “Oh, thank the stars. I wasn’t sure.”

“I only wish I had gotten you something in return, now, since you got me something so wonderful. My person was Jas, I had the hardest time thinking of something appropriate. Apparently, a ‘Witch’s First Spells’ book isn’t the best thing to get a Secret Friend.”

Hekate and Abigail shared a laugh at that, their amusement only matched by each other. Pierre and Caroline had long since left the table to talk with others, leaving the two of them alone.

“Here, let me make sure I got the size right. Do you mind?” Hekate reached for the necklace, and Abigail shook her head, going to brush her hair away.

“I don’t mind. Need me to turn around?”

“That would help,” Hekate said quietly, lifting the jewelry around Abigail’s neck as she turned away from her. Fingers brushed against the soft skin for only a moment, but Hekate did her best to work past it, attaching the two ends and letting Abigail’s hair fall back. “There. Let me see it.”

“What do you think? Need to take my present back?”

For a moment, Hekate could only stare. Abigail’s small smile, coupled with the necklace and the way it matched her rich hair color… but she shook those thoughts away, pulling her senses back. “No, it’s perfect.”

“Okay. Now, tell me all about the mines!”

“All right. Let me think, where do I start… I suppose I should tell you about things past level thirty? Well, after that, it’s colder. There’s darker earth and stranger creatures that look almost human. I’d swear they were zombies, but maybe, there’s something more to them…”

As they talked, the festival moved on around them. Conversation continued through the meals and even after. They talked as they never had before, finally discovering something about themselves and each other that they could share.

And, neither of them knew it yet, but that moment was start of a relationship which would last a lifetime.

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stardewsecretsanta · 6 years

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Due to specific special circumstances, the deadline has been extended to the 28th

Additionally, anyone who wants to stand in for people who have not handed in presents/stepped down from the exchange, please send me a message if you still feel up to volunteering that role.

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stardewsecretsanta · 6 years

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what about .. christmas* in july

Not sure about that! July is a super busy time for me personally and I’m not sure if I could handle the responsibility of running an event there.

Buuuuut… that does give me another idea for an event that can happen sooner than July. What would everyone think of a Stardew Valentine’s gift exchange?

#get it #Stardew Valley-ntines

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stardewsecretsanta · 6 years

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From @slightly-nerdy-rambles, this is to adeliepennquinn! I hope this goofy little story is enough happy Shane content for you <3

—–

When Shane first nudged open the door to the Stardrop Saloon, Emily offered him a smile and a little wave but otherwise thought little of it. It was no secret that Shane was one of the Saloon’s most frequent customers, and even though he’d recently cut alcohol out of his life, he still enjoyed giving the place his patronage with the help of soda, sparkling water and the occasional plate of Gus’ excellent food.

In fact, it wasn’t until Gus called her attention back to her friend that she stopped to take a really good look at him. When she did, she realized that he was in fact trying to keep himself turned away from the bar as he slowly and semi-casually edged toward the game room. All told, it made for what the waitress humbly thought was a very poor attempt to look inconspicuous.

Emily shared a glance with her employer. Shane may have tended to keep to himself, but he hardly had anything to hide when it came to his regular visits at the Stardrop Saloon.

Gus scratched his head and hummed in thought. “Emily, do you think you could…?”

Emily nodded. “I’ll see what’s bothering him. I’ll be right back!”

With all his inching along, Shane had only managed to get about a third of the way across the main room by the time she reached him. He was so focused on his goal that he jumped when she called his name.

“Uh, hi Emily,” he replied uncertainly, turning toward her mostly with his head. He offered her a weak smile.

Emily craned her head a bit to get a better look at him. Something seemed… odd about his jacket. “Shane, sweety, are you… hiding something from me and Gus?”

Shane tightened his grip a little on what Emily now realized was a very large lump in his jacket. “No!” he replied, utterly unconvincingly.

The jacket clucked.

Shane’s face froze in a grimace, but Emily elected to just watch him patiently and wait for a proper explanation. Finally, he let out a small sigh and glanced over to make sure Gus had busied himself with other customers before turning properly toward her. Sparing her a bashful look, he undid the zipper at the top just enough for a fluffy white head to poke its way out.

Despite herself, Emily beamed at the little hen. “Why hello Charlie!” she cooed. “What are you doing here? Something tells me your daddy knows you’re not supposed to be in the restaurant, no matter how much of a sweetie you are!”

Shane’s face was beet-red now. “Don’t call me that,” he muttered. Clearing his throat, he added, “Besides, Charlie should definitely be allowed here! She’s, uh… a service animal!”

Emily raised an eyebrow. “No she’s not. She would need special training and a license.”

Shane didn’t miss a beat this time. “She’s my therapy pet, actually.”

Emily opened her mouth a moment, closed it again, and shook her head. “Um, I’m glad she’s such a big help to you, but those need a license too.” She bit her lip, thinking. “Also, I don’t think that would get her into a restaurant anyway.”

By now, Charlie had decided to entertain herself by pecking at the collar of Shane’s jacket. From the corner of her eye, Emily could see Gus waving frantically at her. She looked over at him, and he switched out the waving motion for one which clearly indicated shooing the group out of the saloon.

“Um, I really really think we need to finish this conversation outside,” she told Shane. “I think Gus is starting to panic about health code violations.”

Shane muttered something about Charlie being perfectly clean, but followed her through the front door regardless.

Once they were outside, Emily shot her friend a curious look. “If you don’t mind me asking, why did you want to bring her into the Stardrop Saloon anyway? I can understand a desire to keep your animal friends close by your side, but that seemed like a lot of work to bring your chicken into a place that she might not like that much.” Sparing Charlie another glance, she dropped her voice to a whisper and added, “Especially since this restaurant serves, you know, C-H-I-C-”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Shane replied, cutting her off. He was blushing again, and he hooked one arm under the chicken-shaped lump in his jacket for support while using the other to give the head poking out a few scritches.

“It’s just… I dunno,” he went on, “it’s Charlie’s birthday today, and I kinda wanted to do something special. I figured bringing her somewhere new, showing her around one of my favorite hangouts…”

Emily’s face split into a wide grin. “Aww, well why didn’t you just say so? I’ll tell you what – you take Charlie over to the park, where she can really stretch her legs, and once I’m on break I’ll come out with a special present just for her.”

Shane seemed to consider this for a moment, and a little smile quirked at the side of his mouth. “Yeah… yeah, okay, that seems fair enough.” He unzipped his jacket all the way, and Charlie fluttered out into his waiting arms.

Man and chicken started making their way over to the park, the former nodding back to Emily. “See you in a bit!” he said. “Tell Gus I said sorry for freaking him out like that.”

Emily beamed back at him and waved good-bye, then turned and made her way back into the saloon. She hummed a little tune to herself as she washed up and got back to work, already thinking of the special fruit bowl she liked to offer her parrot as a treat and the ways she could modify it into the perfect gift for Shane’s dear feathered friend.

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