When the Stars Fall (Stardew Valley Fanfic)

Run Around

The internet didn't work properly.

She'd discovered as much after putting the perishable groceries away, finding herself glad the refrigerator at least worked. Not having access to the net meant not being able to work from the apartment. There was also the offhand chance that she might glean some more information regarding Maru's disappearance, although she'd practically exhausted any avenue before drowiningwizard made an appearance, nor did she know what to think regarding their sudden appearance.

Frustrating as not having the internet was let alone who she should ask to fix the problem, Ardyce didn't feel right sitting around the apartment doing nothing, nor was that the only way she could gather information regarding those who lived in the valley. Stepping out of the apartment, she took a deep breath. Warm air filled her lungs, her mind contemplating where she should go, her fingers pulling the strap of her shoulder bag so it fits more snugly against her body.

One of the first thoughts crossing her mind was to speak with Caroline. The woman seemed nice enough, although how Caroline's husband and daughter acted was not the most pleasant experience. There was a chance, given the suggestions Caroline gave that she would know who Ardyce needed to get in touch with to fix the internet, yet she also didn't want to come across as attempting to over-rely on the woman.

Of course, Caroline's suggestion she checks out the beach proved helpful; Ardyce knew she might encounter some of the residents of Pelican Town regardless of where they lived in the valley. Walking at a steady pace, she headed to the south because she'd seen the seagulls flying in the air in that direction when she first arrived at Stardew Valley's bus stop. The sun beat down on her dark skin, making her wipe her brow as her eyes narrowed, finding herself glad she'd placed a couple of bottles of water into her bag before she left, although they were at room temperature.

As Ardyce passed through the center of town heading towards the beach, she passed by a building called Stardrop Saloon which seemed like yet another place she might come to know some of the individuals who lived in the valley by visiting the place, but from the looks, the saloon might also be the only place for eating out in Pelican Town, something Caroline forgot to mention. Of course, Caroline also forgot to provide directions on how Ardyce might get to any of the places.

Taking a deep breath, she looked around, her lips pushing together attempting to figure out how she might get to the beach when south meant coming across a river instead of a beach.

"Are you lost?"

Ardyce turned her head, looking at the young woman who approached her. The red-head smiled at her, her green eyes twinkling as she did so. "Maybe."

"Oh." Her eyes blinked. "My name is Penny. You're new in town." Ardyce let out a breath at this, wondering why the person in front of her was being so friendly. "You don't need to tell me why, or anything like that. I was just wondering if you were looking for a specific spot in Pelican Town and if I might give you instructions on how to get there."

"Ah, yes." Ardyce let her mouth twist, thinking maybe, just maybe Penny was simply majorly helpful. " It was suggested I check out the beach. I saw the seagulls earlier, but heading in that direction..."

"Ah." Penny turned, pointing in the direction Ardyce was headed. "That's because the river is between the town and the beach. The bridge to the beach is to the left but will head off in the direction you were trying to head. Cross it and you'll get to the beach."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. If you have any more questions, I can often be found at the library which you can find following the river further to where it forks and then heading to the bridge just north of the fork. It's also nice and cool, in case the beach gets to be too warm."

Ardyce's eyes blinked. "Wait. Perhaps you could tell me who I'd turn to so I might get the internet fixed."

Penny startled the smile on her face. "Oh. He's not exactly available, but if you really want to get in touch with him fast you should talk to Sam. He lives in the house second to the right, but you can typically find him at the beach during the summer playing with his younger brother. However, I can't guarantee anything as even Sam's been having problems, well, getting him to do anything."

"By that you mean..."

"It's best if you talk to Sam. I don't know enough regarding the situation with him, nor do we have the internet at home. Hope to see you at the library!"

Ardyce let out a deep breath, watching the girl head off in the direction she indicated Ardyce should go. In the back of her mind, she wasn't sure if Penny was avoiding saying something, but she glanced back at her apartment remembering what she'd seen from above, thinking she could find the beach from what Penny told her. As she did, she saw two men walk into town, not thinking anything of it before heading towards the river.

The river smelled nice, not to mention the area around the river felt slightly cooler than the rest of the town. Still, Ardyce saw signs of the drought affecting the water line on the riverbank having receded. Shaking her head and pulling on the strap of her shoulder bag again, she headed towards the beach. The smell of sea salt in the air because of the water splashing onto the beach smelled delightful, her eyes closing in excitement.

"Hey. Watch it."

"Be nice Alex."

Ardyce opened her eyes, seeing she'd bumped into a young man with tanned skin and brown hair glaring at her. She opened her mouth to apologize when a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes leaned over, smiling. The curls cascaded around her face.

"You're new."

"Ah, yes." She took a deep breath. "My name's Ardyce. Ardyce Holmes. I moved into the apartment above the grocery store." She wasn't sure why she'd offered up that information, particularly when the girl in front of her seemed like the cheerleader type, what with how she was decked out in a sky-blue swimsuit which flattered her figure. Yet, perhaps because this girl seemed a bit more honest regarding herself even if that self wasn't very nice.

Alex scowled. "Why?"

"What do you mean..."

"That's not nice." The girl smiled. "I'm Haley by the way. What do you do? I mean, there aren't many jobs here in Stardew Valley, are there?"

"I'm kind of working from home. I mean, the apartment." Arlyne watched Haley's eyes blink, her mouth twisted into a frown.

"Oh."

"Oh, what?"

"You're at the beach right now because you don't have working internet."

Alex let out a laugh. "Good luck with that. I think he turned into a vampire."

"What?"

"Don't pay attention if he acts like a jerk," Haley commented, suddenly smiling again.

"Who? Your friend here?" Ardyce wondered if the said friend was Haley's boyfriend.

"She means the vampire." Alex tucked the ball he carried with him under his arm before making air quotes on the final word.

"Him. He takes a bit of time to warm up to people."

"If you can get the vampire to come out even. Anyways, I've got to go run the ice-crème stall," Alex turned, heading away from the beach.

"Got to go!" Haley replied, quickly hurrying after him leaving Ardyce unable to ask what either one meant.