Harvest Moon

< Risky Decisions
Walking past the large black iron gate, the two walked down the cobblestone driveway and quietly towards the enormous building ahead of them. As they walked, carrying flags and banners, the only sound audible in the still morning were their footsteps as they headed for the building's entrance.

Upon reaching their destination, Atticus Anoethite grabbed ahold of the metal doorknob and twisted it, to no avail. Pausing, he looked over at his companion, Blossom Cane. "Looks like the door is locked. I forgot to bring my key too, so I guess I'll just knock."

With the sound of his knocking ringing through the surrounding area, Blossom took the opportunity to address him. "Should we tell them today?"

"Maybe soon, but probably not until after the festival is over," Atticus replied as they continued to wait.

Upon hearing the knock, Richard stepped down from his ladder and handed string of lights to Chris as he hurried to the door. The white-haired man opened the cornflower-colored door and greeted the two.

"Atticus, Blossom!" he started. "I am delighted to see you have acquired everything I have requested for the harvest moon celebration. Wonderful! Come in, come in. You can never be too festive."

"Thank you, Dr. Smith," Blossom smiled, stepping through the door. "I agree, my parents and I used to go all out for harvest moon celebrations."

"Where should we place these?" Atticus asked, interrupting their conversation.

"Oh, would you two mind hanging up them up? One to a wall should just about do it, I'd say. I'll grab you a ladder," he answered, walking to the closet down the hall. He caught a broom and dustpan as it fell from the cluttered closet and, pushing the vacuum cleaner aside, grabbed the stepladder. "Here you go. This is going to be a marvelous celebration, I guarantee it."

Melissa sat up from a wooden chair as she noticed the two that entered. Noting their conversation with Smith, Melissa placed down the scissors and construction paper she was working with. She then proceeded to wave at Atticus and Blossom. "Hey, you two! Looks like you got everything we needed. Know where Marshall and Li are?"

"I think they said they’ll be here this evening. They’re bringing the food," Blossom said as she climbed up a nearby ladder and grabbed a banner from Atticus. "So, what's everyone's favorite thing about Harvest Moon? Mine is how the city comes to life at night with all of the bright lights."

As Chris observed Atticus and Blossom’s decorating, he pondered the question for a bit. “I appreciate the prominent Silivian flags citizens hang on their doors the most,” He reached into a box for some more supplies.

Beth looked up at Atticus and Blossom. She regarded them.

"I don't think I have a favorite thing about Harvest Moon, besides the food, I guess," she said and went back to stringing popcorn.

"I like how we can all be together, a gathering of family and friends," Steven shared, as he delicately placed scented candles and and pinecones around the room.

“Indeed,” Chris said, looking over at everyone in the room. “Friends. We can let go of our personal troubles and give thanks for the good stuff.”

"I wouldn't really know much about this, I guess," Atticus said, stamping a banner against the wall.

”Yes, yes. This holiday is such a joyous occasion, I hope we spend it well," Richard ended as he walked into the kitchen.

Samuel Brownlee adjusted his gold tie and suspenders as he descended onto his laboratory’s first floor. He patted down his neat slicked-back hair, different from his usual loose curls. That morning, he had placed a few streaks of white in his hair with dye.

Samuel took a look around once he arrived at the laboratory’s ground level. Though he was initially unsupportive of carrying on the tradition, his assistants had thoroughly decorated the laboratory and turned it into a dessert house for the holidays. Streamers hung from the walls, some cut out into shapes and letters. Decorative paper lanterns were scattered around the area in great numbers, to be used later in the night when most of the ceiling lights would be shut off.

Samuel approached a table with a blond man. The man stood over a platter of fruits, carefully cutting and portioning them with a sharp knife. He worked quickly and efficiently.

“You’re finally up, Sam. Nice to see you,” he said as he delicately cut an apple into small cubes.

“Same to you, Mr. Rockwell. Looks like you’re putting in some work there,” Samuel said, smiling.

“Yep. These cuts are going to be used for fritters and the pies. Once I finish these, I’ll be preparing a few whole apples for the caramel and candy ones.”

“Good,” Samuel complimented. “Where are the marzipans, candies, and other things?” Samuel questioned, looking under a bowl of batter and lifting it up.

“Rachel is working on the candies, Marena is working on the marzipans, Diomedes has busied himself with the cookies and strudels, and Piett, Calcifer, and the other assistants are working on the rest of the pastries. Blossom is still on her break.” Matthew brushed the apple pieces from the board into a bowl.

“Yes, yes, I know Blossom’s situation. You all will be fine for the night, right?”

“Yeah, Sam. Are you heading out?”

“Yes. Remember to close after dusk if I’m not back by then.”

Samuel nodded at Rockwell and approached the laboratory’s glass door. He picked up his yellow suit jacket from a nearby coat hanger and left his building, now in the care of his assistants.

Yu stirred a pot of horned wasp egg soup before pulling it off of the stove, and placing the lid on.

"Perfect."

"Is the soup ready, Yu?" Li asked, holding a platter of biscuits and a tureen of mashed fruits.

"Yes, dear," she responded, carrying the pot down the stairs, Li following behind. They exited through the back and past the garden to Li's old red truck. Da and Marshall took the various dishes and carefully secured them to the truck, before they all got in and started it up.

Ding dong. The Laboratory's door was opened by Steven, only to find a parade of his constituents holding platters, dishes, and tureens of food. He welcomed them in, and they were placed at the table. Richard shook Yu and Da's hands, pleased to meet the two.

"Wow, this food looks so good," Blossom said, laughing slightly. "Any baked apples? Love those so much."

"Absolutely. All made with love," Yu commented as Beth and Melissa laid out napkins and forks at the table, while Richard grabbed a large candlestick and lit it. Eleven chairs were set around the table for the eleven guests; Richard sat down at the head of the table. Yu and Da served the meals as friendly chatter occurred. Everyone took their seats and a speech started.

"My wonderful friends and family, constituents and colleagues, I am so exultant you all could make it to my annual Harvest Moon jamboree! One of my favorite festivities of the year, I have made many memories on this very day and I am blessed for you all to be a part of this one. Let's all have a memorious time and feast upon these great meals generously donated by the Lis and Mr. Brownlee."

Formation >

 S2: