Chapter Text
Snowflakes fell to kiss Sam’s nose as he walked the familiar route to the Stardrop Saloon. Sebastian and Abigail would already be there, and when he arrived they’d poke fun at his chronic tardiness. He'd laugh it off with one excuse or another, they’d feign annoyance, and the cycle would repeat itself the following week. It was routine at this point and Sam was glad for it. It wasn’t that he hated change, far from it in fact. For the longest time he’d been waiting for something, anything really, to shake up the monotonous life of the valley. It’s just that there were some things he didn’t really mind staying the same. His friendship with Seb and Abby was one of them.
Gus greeted him warmly when he walked through the door as did the temperature, allowing him a reprieve from the bitter cold. It was still light outside but it always felt like nighttime in the saloon. He waved back and took the right turn to where his friends were waiting for him. He entered the pool room with a wide smile and greeted them with a quick, “Sup’ guys?”
Sebastian sighed. “You’re late again, dumbass.”
“Sorry. Just got a little caught up with something.”
“Practicing that riff?” Abigail asked as he made his way over to the vending machine.
“I have to get it just right!” He plucked the gold from his pocket and inserted it into the machine before selecting Joja cola. “I’m serious this time. We’re totally starting a band, Seb, me and you!” Sebastian rolled his eyes. Whether it was at the nickname or Sam’s talk of grandeur he didn’t know. Sam retrieved his soda from the machine and cracked it open.
“I don’t understand how you drink that crap,” Abigail said. “It tastes like carbonated sewage!”
“I think it tastes just fine,” he retorted and the rest of the afternoon faded into general small talk. At some point Clint came in and Emily managed to get the entire saloon to sing him a very off tune version of happy birthday. He laughed and blushed at the attention and Gus treated him to a free beer.
Just when it was getting to be about the time people would begin to file out of the Saloon, Mayor Lewis entered. Sam hadn’t even noticed his absence. The mayor quietly wished Clint a happy birthday before clearing his throat loudly enough that soon all eyes were on him.
“Hello everyone,” he began. His voice sounded gravely, like he’d been talking for a long while without rest or even crying. “I have news that may come as a shock to some of you,” with that sentence soft murmuring began to fill the bar. It was quickly silenced with a raise of the Mayor’s hand and he continued. “I’ve received a call from one Noel Tucker, the grandson of Peter Tucker whom some of you may remember.” Sam watched several faces light up in recognition.
Everyone in town knew about the abandoned Tucker farm. As teenagers, he and Sebastion even snuck over a handful of times to smoke without fear of getting caught by their mothers, Lewis, or any other nosy neighbors. They still made the trip occasionally, now joined by Abigail. The plot of land had an eerie yet almost welcoming charm to it. Sam liked to joke that it was haunted by Pelican Town’s friendliest ghost. “He told me he just put in his notice. He’ll be moving here to take over his grandfather’s farm.”
It was quiet for a moment, everyone absorbing the new information. It wasn’t like someone moving to Pelican Town was unheard of, but the mention of the Tucker estate brought pause. No one had ever expected that someone might try and reclaim that land from the wild. The general assumption had been that the heir would most likely sell it to some big cooperation like Joja. Whoever this ‘Noel’ character was, he was either extremely diligent, extremely desperate, or extremely dumb. It’d be interesting to see how he fared in the valley no matter what. Perhaps he was just what the town needed to shake things up a bit.
“He’ll be arriving in a couple of weeks, just in time for the start of Spring. Now if you’d all excuse me I have some… papers to fill out,” he grumbled. Lewis always did hate the busy work side of his job as mayor. He exited the saloon and it soon devolved to excited chatter. Sam noticed Abigail roll her eyes at her father, who currently wore a large smile on his face as he chatted to Clint about how he was happy to have a new customer. Sam turned to his friends with a grin.
“So?” he asked and Sebastian quirked an eyebrow.
“So?” His friend repeated, lost on Sam’s meaning.
“Sooo what do you guys think? Isn’t it crazy? I wonder what he’s like!”
“He’s probably just some idiot who doesn’t realize how good he actually has it. He won’t last long out here,” Sebastian said, eyes turning back to the pool table.
“Seb’s right,” Abigail spoke, leaning against the arcade game she’d previously been playing. “Sure with Elliot and Leah it worked out but a farm? A farm run by someone who probably hasn’t worked a plot of land in his entire life? Seems unlikely.”
“Come on! You guys are such pessimists.” Sam returned his attention back to their game as well.
Soon enough, it was time to go home and he wished his friends a goodbye. It was still snowing when he left and the soft flakes seemed to dance under what little light there was. His mother and Vincent were already asleep when he got home so he tried to be as quiet as possible when opening and closing the doors in their house. He collapsed into his own bed and could already feel the smallest tendrils of sleep begin to overtake him. He’d tell his family the news tomorrow.
A week or so had passed since Lewis’ announcement at the saloon and ever since then the town had been abuzz with chatter and gossip of the new soon-to-be resident of Pelican Town. Some of it was positive, a hope that the farm might be successful and therefore the town would have more income from the subsequent taxes. Others held opinions similar to Sebastian’s own; that the new farmer would most likely be in over his head and leave town within a year.
His mother, Robin, and the mayor had been over at the farmhouse almost everyday trying to make it as presentable as possible. Sebastian didn’t understand why they were so keen to help somebody they’d never met before, but his mother shrugged and gave him the same old karma speech she’d given since his youth. Sam seemed excited enough at the prospect of a new resident, and even though Abigail said she didn’t care, she also didn’t protest when Sam insisted that they be there to greet the ever mysterious ‘Noel Tucker’ on the day he was said to arrive. Though he’d never admit it, when those two were excited over something, he got excited too. It was hard not to with them.
Things continued about the same until, suddenly, it was the first day of spring. When he woke that morning, the town felt the same it always had been. If he was being honest, Sebastian hadn’t even noticed the change in seasons. Part of this was due to the fact that he hadn’t set an alarm for himself the night prior so when he awoke, he just ended up going about his daily routine.
It was only when he saw that his mother was absent from the store front counter of their home that he was thrown off his rhythm. Despite this, he continued with his day and wrote it off as her venturing down to Cindersap Forest to gather more wood. When she returned home, reassuming her place behind the counter, Sebastian didn’t even question it. Instead, he headed back to his room and began working. At around four o’clock a shout came from upstairs letting him know that Sam and Abigail had arrived. It was only when he saw their faces that he remembered. “Shit,” he said when they walked in. “I’m sorry guys, I totally forgot that was today.” Abigail sighed.
“It’s fine, apparently the bus was late and when he finally got here he basically went straight to sleep.” A sense of relief washed over Sebastian.
Abigail must have noticed because she commented on it, “But that doesn’t mean we’re not still mad! You need to pay more attention to what day it is.” Though her words were harsh, a smile played on her lips as she spoke.
“Yeah, yeah,” he sighed. “If you’re still curious though, I’m pretty sure my mom met him earlier, we can ask her about him.” Sam lit up.
“Good idea, let’s go!” He was already half-way up the stairs. Sebastian rolled his eyes and followed, Abigail only a few steps behind him. Robin gave them a smile as they approached and greeted them warmly.
“What’s got you all this excited?” She asked. Sam didn’t hesitate to respond.
“We heard you met the new farmer today. Noel, I think his name was? What was he like?” His mom’s brows knitted together and she looked down at the countertop. After a moment, Sam spoke again, “Robin?” he asked and she shook out of her daze.
“He was… interesting,” she finally got out.
“Uh-oh,” Abigail replied. “I don’t like that. Sounds like the new farmer’s a freak!” She laughed.
“Oh, no! Don’t say that Abby! That’s not what I meant at all!” Robin defended herself. “I just meant…” she trailed off and that strange look appeared on her face again. “I… I don’t think I could describe him.” Now it was Sebastian’s turn to look confused.
“What?” He asked.
“Yeah, what’s that supposed to mean?” Sam added.
“He was just… indescribable?” Helpful. It felt more like she settled on the word than actually found the right one. “His hair was… and he… Well, I couldn’t really tell what color his eyes were. I think he was smiling the entire time? Look, I don’t know,” she brought her hands up to rub her temples. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Lewis has apparently insisted that he go around town tomorrow and introduce himself to everyone.” The three shared a look.
“Uh… Okay,” Sam responded finally. “Um. Well, my mom needs me to help with dinner so I’m gonna go, I’ll see you guys later,” he called, exiting through the front doors of the shop, Abigail following shortly afterwards. Sebastian didn’t last much longer either, returning to his room when Maru entered through the front door. He couldn’t help but think about his mother’s description of the Farmer. It seemed so difficult for her to say anything regarding the town’s new resident. He decided to brush it off for the time being. From what he understood, he’d be meeting this ‘Noel’ very soon.
It was around six pm on the following day when Sebastian finally decided to exit his room for a smoke break. He saw Maru on the way out and she offhandedly mentioned that the new farmer had stopped by earlier that day to introduce himself to her and Demetrius. When he asked for details, Maru got that same look on her face that their mother had the afternoon prior. Sebastian couldn’t find it in himself to be disappointed that he’d missed his chance to meet him. He took his place by the lakeside and pulled out his lighter. The flame was stubborn today but eventually the cigarette sparked with a dim glow. He took a long drag of it before exhaling, letting the warm spring air wash over him.
It was there that he found himself face to face with a man he’d never seen before. Sebastian paused, looking at this stranger. He was on the shorter side, with wispy hair that curled around his ears. His tan overalls screamed wannabe farmhand but Sebastian got the feeling that this was just how he dressed, not some sort of act to fit in.
His most striking feature though, were his eyes. He couldn’t even tell what color they were. Black? Brown? No, maybe green? Sebastian felt trapped by them, but it wasn’t in a romantic way. Instead, he felt like a minnow coming face-to-face with a shark for the first time. Eating a minnow, though, would use more energy than it would provide, so Sebastian counted himself lucky he wasn’t a big enough catch. He wondered if there was even anything big enough in the valley to satisfy this man. It seemed unlikely.
He swallowed the lump that’d developed in his throat and offered a tentative “Hey.” The stranger’s eyes lit up. He extended a hand. Sebastian didn’t have any other choice but to shake it.
“Hello,” he said, his smile soft. “My name is Noel Tucker, I met your family earlier today.” Sebastian nodded.
“I heard.” The stranger let go of his hand and stared as if he were expecting something. Realizing all at once what Noel wanted, he responded, “I’m Sebastian.” Deep down, something told him that Noel already knew that. Not because Robin or anyone had told him, but rather that he’d known even before that. Maybe even before he came to the valley. Noel nodded, as if he could tell exactly what he was thinking about before turning on his heel and leaving. He vanished quickly into the night, the darkness swallowing him as though it were welcoming him. Sebastian didn’t finish his cigarette.
Farmer Noel was weird. Like, really weird. Or at least that’s what Abigail would tell you if you asked about him. They’d met the day after he came to town and, immediately, he’d both exceeded and underwhelmed every expectation. From Robin’s vague description she was expecting either a vitamin D deficient neck-beard or a weirdo who’d moved there on a whim. Not whatever… he was. To start, he was younger than she’d expected. Abigail never thought he’d be middle aged, but from what Lewis had explained about his background, a burnt out corporate drone, she was expecting a little older than early twenties.
There was also the subject of his eyes. Abigail couldn’t tell where the pupil stopped and iris began. And that damned near-constant smile. There was something off about him, but what it was exactly Abigail didn’t know. She did, however, know that the entire town felt it too. Every time he walked into her father’s general store she watched as the other customer’s eyes slowly shifted towards him, uncertain and questioning.
That wasn’t to say he was about the town much. If anything, Abigail hardly ever saw him. Only caught glimpses of someone checking the calendar and request board or a figure disappearing behind a house toward the direction of Clint’s shop. Abigail was keen for Noel to stay an elusive cryptid, but the man himself didn’t care for her wants. It didn’t seem to be in any way malicious, but instead as if he failed to understand the effect his presence had on everyone. Sam and Sebastian saw him more than she did. She still remembered the chilled look Sebastian had given her after detailing his first encounter with the Farmer.
It became somewhat of an unspoken routine between the three of them to meet up and share their strange encounters with Noel Tucker. Abigail was currently laid out on the couch Sebastian had in his room, listening to Sam rant about his latest sighting. “And then,” Sam paced back and forth, “he just swallowed it!”
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah! Roots and all. I don’t think he even chewed!” His hands were bunched in his hair, clenched in frustration and disbelief.
“Wait, what?” Sebastian pushed his chair away from his desk and moved his headphones from his ears down to rest around his neck. “Sorry, explain it again, I wasn’t listening,” Sam sighed and took his hands out of his hair.
“I was walking to work when I saw Noel pick up a dandelion. At first I was like, ‘oh so he likes flowers, that’s kinda cute’ but then he ate it! No hesitation, just swallowed it like a pelican!” Sam threw his hands in the air. “And then he got a disappointed look on his face before shrugging and running off into Clint’s or something…” Sam trailed off and Sebastian began to rub at his temples.
“I think someone gave him a sword.”
Abigail nearly fell off the couch. “Excuse me?” She gaped.
“Yeah.” His voice sounded strained with a twinge of annoyance. “The day after they finished clearing away the rubble blocking the mine he went over there. I heard from Maru that he got there around noon, but when I saw him leave at midnight, not shitting you, he had a sword with him,” Sebastian finished. Sam stared at him for a moment, like he was hoping it was some weird joke.
“What the f–”
“Hey kids, can I get you anything?” Robin suddenly opened the door causing Sebastian to groan.
“Mom, knocking,” he said. “And we aren’t exactly kids anymore.”
“Hate to break it to you but you’ll be my kid forever,” she laughed, and Abigail had no doubt that, were he within reach, Robin would be pinching his cheeks. “I mean it though, do you need anything? I’m only one shout away.” Sam perked up.
“Oh! Can I get–”
“We’re good thanks,” Sebastian cut him off.
“Well, if you’re sure,” she said and ascended the stairs again. Once she was out of earshot, Sebastian continued.
“Look. I don’t know where he got it but it’s safe to assume it probably had something that Adventurer’s Guild guy, Marlene, I think?” Marlon, Abigail wanted to correct but held her tongue. “Anyways, I wouldn’t worry too much. It looked really dull, probably wouldn’t be able to hurt anyone unless he was trying really hard to,” he reassured, but Abigail’s apprehension didn’t vanish.
It was then that she heard it, the familiar opening of the front door to Robin’s shop and home, accompanied by the sound of heavy footsteps. One look at Sebastian told her that it most likely wasn’t Maru or Demetrius. Sam moved towards the door and cracked it a bit, just enough for the sound upstairs to peak in through.
“Good afternoon, Robin,” came the ever-familiar voice of Noel Tucker. “I have come to see about getting a well built on my farm.” There was a sound then, like he’d dropped something heavy followed by a surprised yelp from Robin.
“...So you did! Wasn’t it heavy carrying all these rocks around?” She chuckled nervously but was meant with silence. “...Right, where did you want it?” The sound of fluttering paper made its way into Abigail’s ears.
“Approximately here, by this cleared section. Would that work?” The Farmer asked. Robin must have nodded because he spoke again a moment after. “Good. 1,000g?” A moment passed in silence before the door was opened and closed once more. Abigail was quiet for a moment, like she didn’t believe he was actually gone and thought he would walk down the stairs any second now. The other two were no better. If Abigail wasn’t as unnerved as they were, she might’ve laughed at their dumbstruck looks. Without another word, Sam closed the door with a click and turned back to Sebastian and herself.
“That… happen often?” He asked after a long while. Sebastian slowly shook his head.
“No. No it does not. That,” he paused, “might actually be the first time it’s happened.” Quiet again.
“Did I tell you about how he spent ALL of his money on cauliflower seeds yet?” Abigail asked, hoping to lighten the mood.
“Wait, like all of it, all of it?” Sam responded.
“Yup. Dumped his entire wallet on our counter and asked how much it would get him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him eat!” The conversation trailed off into mundaneness, but Noel’s strange visit remained in the back of Abigail’s mind. It stewed there in her brain as she walked home. Who was Noel? Was he really just a harmless weirdo? Or was something else going on? Abigail didn’t know and pretended that she didn’t care to find the answer. Though curiosity nagged, for now she was fine with things continuing the way they were. Where Noel remained a topic of conversation rather than an actual person, she had to deal with.
Abigail was slowly coming to terms with a new fact about herself, she did not like Noel. No, perhaps that wasn’t the best way to put it. Something was wrong with Noel, and she could feel it. It was like she was staring down a dark hallway and seeing movement in her peripherals but was unable to turn her head for some odd reason. She was certain she could make out the shape of it eventually, but something was holding her back.
She had just passed the community center when she heard an odd bubbling sound coming from the river. At first Abigail wanted to pass it off as a turtle or possibly a large fish but the sound came again, louder this time since she came closer. She recognized it now. The sound of a fishing pole being cast and reeled back in. She swallowed the lump in her throat and began towards the sound. She didn’t know why. Her entire being was screaming at her to just turn around and go home but something else was tugging her towards the shoreline. A cruel curiosity that wouldn’t be satiated if she merely went home. She prayed that it was just Willy, but she already knew who she would find.
And there he was. Ankle deep in the flowing stream was Noel Tucker. The Farmer. He didn’t even acknowledge her at first, eyes so fixed on the slightly bent pole as he tugged a fish from its river abode and into his waiting arms. He did catch the fish. A large bream that flopped around in his clutches and he smiled. He was already smiling but somehow, it grew even larger.
“It’s a new record for me tonight. Looking at it… should go for 67g,” he turned to face her. “Isn’t that great?” How did he know she was here? The fish wasn’t in his hands anymore. Abigail didn’t even see him put it away. She nodded numbly. “Oh! Sorry, I forgot to greet you, didn’t I? Good evening, Abigail.”
“Evening, Noel,” she replied though it felt like the words might get stuck in her throat. He looked up in the sky for a moment, shaking his head.
“It’s late. 10:43, I think? I should turn in for the night. You as well.” And he was gone, trotting off down the beaten path, darkness lapping at the soles of his shoes and embracing him underneath the moonlight. Abigail checked her phone. 10:43 exactly. She let out a shaky laugh.