Chapter Text
Crisp, fresh air greeted Mumbo as the bus pulled to a stop and he exited, old-fashioned suitcase clasped in one hand. Spring was on the cusp of the atmosphere, edging slowly into the flora with the darkening green of the grass and bulbs of flowers ready to bloom. The vehicle behind him pulled away and left him standing, looking a little foolish, alone by the bus stop. He turned his head, watching it accelerate down the tunnel, blinking neon lights hurting his eyes. Mumbo adjusted his luggage into his other hand, not quite sure what he was waiting for.
The new arrival to the valley stood awkwardly, hair swaying gently in the breeze. His limbs looked almost too long for his torso, disproportionate to the rest of his body and he was dressed in a suit of all things, complete with a ruby-red tie. A pair of welding goggles hung loose around his neck, years of soot and dust chalking up the red-tinted glass with grime. Perhaps the most striking thing about his appearance was the magnificent coal-black moustache that curled above his upper lip, and the slicked back hair of the same colour nestled on his head. Mumbo took an uncertain step forwards, wind whispering through the grass below his feet. He'd been told the Mayor of the town and someone else were going to meet him, but they appeared to be late. He wasn't entirely sure what to do, and so elected to place his case down carefully and take a seat upon it, crossing his legs uncomfortably and resting his elbow on his knee, letting his head drop into the same hand.
Soon enough, a pair of voices faded in and a pair of men came into his vision, chatting amicably as they walked along the path by the crumbling stone wall that contained the tunnel and bus stop. Mumbo clamoured to stand up, tripping over his own feet as he did so and stubbing his toe on his suitcase. Normally, the newcomer might have cursed as a reaction to this, but he supposed it wouldn't be the best first impression, and therefore refrained, simply hopping on one foot for a moment. He managed to right himself and gather his luggage, a bashful expression of embarrassment on his face. Mumbo turned to get a look at those who had come to meet him.
The first he could see was rather tall. Hazelnut curls spilled from the top of his head, giving the impression of somewhat of a mad scientist, and to Mumbo's surprise, his eyes were pure indigo. The bottom portion of his face was covered by a mechanical looking mask, filters on either side and a covering that went all the way up to the bridge of his nose. He frowned at this, wondering the purpose of such a device. The look was completed with a verdant-green jacket with various pockets and a black turtleneck underneath tucked into gray trousers. Mumbo supposed from the semi-formality of his outfit that this was the Mayor. That thought left him feeling foolish if this was as dressed up as someone so important here got and he had arrived in a whole suit.
The other man stood next to the Mayor in a laughable contrast. He was a lot shorter than the person to his right, barely reaching his shoulder. Sandy-blond hair tickled his forehead, a few strands blowing in the way of cerulean eyes, crinkled upwards with a mischievous grin. His crimson sweater was somewhat oversized and hung off his slim frame almost comically, hands entirely hidden by the too-long sleeves. Mumbo's eyes tracked slowly down to see black jeans and red converse, certainly more casual than the person beside him.
"You must be Mr Jumbo," The man in the mask greeted, taking a step forward with an outstretched hand. "My name is Xisuma, Mayor of Hermit Valley." The man addressed swapped his case into his other hand so that he could reach forward and shake the grip of the Mayor.
"Mumbo is fine." He mumbled somewhat, cheeks aflame with embarrassment. He was truly making a fool of himself, overdressed and clumsy. What must they think of him?
"Of course," Xisuma smiled. Or at least Mumbo thought he smiled from the way his eyes twinkled being unable to see the male's lips move. "And this next to me, is Grian, our resident builder."
"Not to mention owner of the most successful shop in town!" Grian boasted, a huge grin in his face. "The Barge is totally equipped for all your needs." He added with a wink.
"Could you perhaps stop advertising while we greet our newest citizen?" Xisuma sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. The man in the red jumper only chuckled, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
"It's nice to meet you both." Mumbo piped up, realising he really should say something so as to not seem antisocial. He was by no means a quiet person, but new situations and people made him a little nervous at first. He was sure once he got used to the new people around he'd be back to his old extroverted self.
"Likewise." Grian smiled, bouncing on the balls of his feet. Mumbo could already tell the builder was a ball of energy, unable to stay still and feeling the constant need to move.
"Shall we get going? It's only a short walk to the farm." Xisuma asked, looking over the two for confirmation. Mumbo nodded, a swell of excitement building inside him as he thought about his future home. He was truly excited to try his hand at gardening and growing his own food. It seemed like a productive and eco-friendly way to live. The perfect way to give back to the environment.
He let the Mayor lead the way, Grian lagging a little behind to walk next to him. He decided to take in the scenery as they walked, eyes drawn every which way by the promise of bright and vibrant things as Spring took its course. The clouds adorning the sky were life puffs of candyfloss floating serenely against the pale blue stretching far above. The distant whistle of birds and hum of insects provided the perfect ambience to their stroll, every step relishing in a new noise or beat, whether it be the croak of a frog or the rush of a stream. Truly, this place was the idyllic dreamland Mumbo had been fantasising.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Grian asked, cutting off his marvelled thoughts. The soon-to-be farmer could only incline his head in agreement, dumbstruck by the peace and allure. "I remember my first time seeing it all." The red-sweatered man said with reminiscence.
"The Valley hasn't had a quiet day since!" Xisuma joked, a light chuckle issuing from his mouth. Mumbo was amazed at how unfiltered his voice sounded; clear despite the metal and acrylic in the way. Once again he felt the urge to question the mask, but fought it off, not wanting to bring up something undoubtedly personal.
The Mayor had been right, it wasn't a long walk to the Farm at all. The path along the side of the wall slowly became more pronounced with sandy dirt and gravel marking the way down the road. A rotted wooden sign stapled their arrival, lettering just discernable to say 'Boatem Farm'. Mumbo set eyes in his new home and his face momentarily fell. It was a bit... Grubby. The grass was running wild here in uneven clumps dispersing the ground the small pond a few metres away was overrun with reeds. He turned to the building in the centre, a small cabin. Compared to the somewhat lacklustre state of the surrounding area, he was pleased to see it intact, knowing he wouldn't have to worry about draught as he slept. The roof was covered in red shingles with a matching colour door set in the centre of the oak wall. The circular window let a thin stream of light inside, but not enough so that Mumbo could see any interior from his current standpoint. The porch was raised off the ground slightly with stairs to access it and an off-white rocking chair was situated in front of a small alcove to store firewood.
"It'll take some TLC, but surely a lovely place to live," Xisuma said. "Rather rustic, don't you think?"
"I was going to say a mess, but to each their own." Grian shrugged, a smile playing at his lips.
"Forgive Grian, he has incredibly high standards. He built his own house and shop up from nothing and they really are some of the prettiest places around." The Mayor interjected.
"It's quite alright," Mumbo replied. "I'd like to think my DIY skills are up to scratch, and if not, I'm sure this will help them improve." Xisuma nodded along.
"If you ever find yourself struggling, be sure to give me a call and I can help. For the right price, of course!" The builder winked in the farmer's direction. "I'm only joking, first renovation is on the house."
"Now Grian, don't overwhelm the poor man." The Mayor chided, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We should leave you to get settled in. There should be a corded-phone inside with mine and Grian's number on some paper next to it. Should you need anything, don't hesitate to call."
"Thank you for both coming to meet me," Mumbo said gratefully, straightening up.
"It's no bother." Xisuma responded. "We couldn't just leave you to find your way alone, everyone deserves a warm welcome."
"You should come down to the Saloon later to meet everyone!" Grian suggested suddenly, perking up. "It gets pretty lively on a Friday evening like this, it would be a perfect way to introduce yourself."
"I- uh, sure." Mumbo stuttered, a little unsure of the idea. He'd planned to spend the first day getting settled in quietly. But attempting to make some friends wouldn't hurt, surely.
"There's no pressure, obviously," Grian added in a hurry as he noticed Mumbo's uncertain expression. "But if you do fancy it, just follow the path we took past the bus stop until it takes you into town. The Saloon is just at the bottom of the Town Square next to the lamppost, you can't miss it."
"Well, I'd say we've bothered and overloaded you with information enough, Mumbo. We'll be on our way." Xisuma beckoned Grian to follow him as he turned. "Oh, I almost forgot!" He added after a pause. "I left a present of sorts inside to help you get started. Welcome again!"
"Hope to see you tonight!" Grian called as the two left.
And then Mumbo was alone.
A smile wormed its way onto his face, slowly splitting into a huge grin. This was it. This was home. He slowly ascended the steps to the cabin, leaning against the door and wincing at the groan it opened with. The inside was, for lack of a better word, cramped. A fireplace was nestled in one corner right next to the small galley kitchen and end table with the old-fashioned telephone Xisuma had mentioned say upon it. A half wall separated this area from what was presumably a bedroom from the wood-framed double bed and round rug underneath a small window. A houseplant and cathode-ray television were adjacent to a door, presumably leading to the bathroom. He set his case down gently next to the front entrance, noticing a small parcel in the middle of the floor, the gift the Mayor had left him, undoubtedly.
Mumbo picked it up carefully, undoing the top flaps to find a few seed packets. He squinted at the label to find them to be parsnips. Xisuma was right, these would help to set him on track. He'd noticed a few gardening tools leaning next to the firewood alcove which would come in handy when planting these things. Despite the wild look outside his door, there was good soil surrounding his new house, or at least it seemed like it from his basic knowledge of the farming handbook he'd read on the bus ride over to the Valley.
Mumbo set the box down again on the small dining table in the centre of the room. He peeled off his jacket, laying it over the single chair and rolling up his sleeves to his elbows. He quickly loosened his tie before scooping up the seed packets and heading outside again in the direction of the equipment he'd spotted early. He took inventory, noting a hoe, scythe, watering can and then an axe and pickaxe, all slightly rusted. He supposed the latter two would be to aid clearing out space judging from the boulders and towering trees stretching out to the tall hedge denoting the end of his farm area. The black-haired man bit his lip, trying to decide where to begin. He could fill up the watering can in the pond and then till the ground to plant the parsnips. That seemed like a good place to start; then maybe he would head down to the Saloon at Grian's suggestion and meet some of the townsfolk.
"Alright then," Mumbo said to no one in particular. "Let's get started."