Stardew Valley - The Flying Farmer

Spring, Saturday 13th - The Great Egg Hunt

The Stardew Egg Festival. I wasn't used to taking part in events in my neighbourhood back home but it seems that Pelican Town has developed its own sense of culture. These get-togethers seem to unite all the residents together as they take part in the activities and have fun.

The day before, as I was about to start my routine, I checked the mailbox and it was from Lewis.

"Dear Robbie,
Tomorrow we're holding the Egg Festival in the town square.

You should arrive between 9 AM and 2 PM if you'd like to attend.
You wouldn't want to miss the annual egg hunt!
-Mayor Lewis"

I was a bit confounded with this festival so I quizzed Abigail about it.

"The Egg Festival? Oh, it's so fun... Lewis puts down eggs in the most obscure spots and we get 2 minutes to find as many as we can. I've always managed to get at least 8... not an amateur like yourself can beat it! But we'll see what you're made off fly-boy..."

So, there's that... Abigail is an avid fan of egg hunts. Not much of a surprise there.

After doing my rounds on the fields, I went over to Pelican Town where almost everything has been set up; Great bunting stretch across the streets. In the Plaza was a banquet table where much of the residents have been gathering alongside some dressed dining tables lay in front of the surgery and Pierre's. I approached Abigail when she held some kind of magazine in her hand and, as I called out her name, she swiftly whisked it behind her back.

"Hey Abigail, what do ya have there?" I asked as she looked away blushing.

"Nothin' for you to look at, Robbie..." She spoke in a somewhat blemished tone.

I raise an eyebrow... is she reading another aviation magazine from the library again? Something tells me that she's developed a sort of interest... ironic for a crystal eating girl such as her and normally something that Harvey is fathomed about.

"Well, the hunt is about to begin and I'm willing to give it a shot. Besides, this is my first time at an event so please go easy on me willya?" I asked her nervously.

"Oh I won't give you a hard time... cos I know you won't even find at least 1 egg... knowing you but we will only be for sure once we finish." She hummed in an antagonistic tone. She seems very serious about it... I could feel bad for the two kids who are also taking part. They're only in it for the fun. So I walked up to Jas who seems a little shy to me as I kneeled to her height.

"So, do you two take part in the event every time?" I asked.

She sniffled out an response.

"Y-Yeah... Vincent is always excited about taking part so I join in so he doesn't feel alone. Abigail seems more interested in stealing all the eggs, even if we were about to take them ourselves. She can be a little mean sometimes." I made a little frown out of sympathy but then I grew back my smile."Don't worry, I'll try and put her in her place."

Standing back up on my feet, Lewis calls out all the participants to stand ready before him and so we did. Vincent, Jas, me and Abigail looked eager to get started as his moustache twitched.

"Alright, it's the time of the year folks; The time of the Egg Hunt. The rules are simple: Find as many hidden eggs as you can within 2 minutes. Once time's up, I'll count all the eggs youse gathered from the wicker baskets, kindly donated by our dear friend Emily." He spoke as the red-dressed female bowed.

We take a basket each as Lewis watched with interest, more at me giving this was my first time so he comes up to whisper to me a hint.

"Now... I shouldn't be one to give an advantage to egg hunters but, since this is your first time, I'll 'egg' you in on a few locations: One's in front of the Saloon, behind the bench, another's placed on the bed of my pickup and one's sitting on top of a gravestone in front of the saloon. I hope this'll serve as a good handicap for them. Good luck Robbie."

As we took our positions, Lewis gives us the off.

"Is everyone ready?

On your marks...

Get set...

Go!"

Right off the mark, Abigail shoots off in a direction at speed as the children jetted off to find their own but, using Lewis' hints, I managed to procure 3 eggs already, 6 more to go. I began with looking around Lewis' house and found another tucked in a fence. Then I expanded my searched and found a few more tucked behind some bushes around the graveyard and, on the final minute, I went over to find one by Jodi's house just as the whistle blew.

We reconvened in front of the mayor as we handed in our baskets.

"Ok so in 4th place, we have Jas who found 2 eggs. Well done lass."

"I did my best." She sniffled.

"In 3rd place, we have Vincent who found 4 eggs. You did better since last year, lad. Great job!"

"I am getting good at it." The boy smiled proudly.

Then me and Abigail raised our fists in anticipation when it came to 2nd and 1st.

"So, in 2nd place we have..."

I couldn't feel more pumped about some silly egg hunt but I really wanted to show Abigail in her place.

"Abigail! So that means Robbie wins with 9 eggs!"

I heard her stump a foot in defeat as I headed up front to receive my prize.

"Beginner's luck as they say. Congratulations!" Lewis announced as he handed me a mere straw hat.

"I know you hardly ever take that thing off but it's the thought that counts. Enjoy it." He chuckled as I walked back to Abigail.

"I can't believe you won first time, you cheeky beggar." She hissed and crossed her arms, pouting. I chuckled as I stuck the hat on her head and it made her a lil more embarrassed, whisking it off as fast as I put it on. "Keep it, you won it fair and square."

I looked to Jas, sniffing by Marnie. I went over to her and put it on her head.

"You keep it... I don't have a use for it." I said and she looks at me with a surprised gaze. "Wow... I get to wear it? It looks so cute! Thanks Robbie, it means a lot." She sniffled as I went to Pierre, who was running his shop in stall form.

"Hey Robbie, I heard you beat my daughter in the Egg Hunt. She's always been infatuated with that kid's game but to see her being put in her place definitely made my day. Anyways, I got some stock for you... how about some of those Strawberry Seeds you wanted? I know it's halfway through the season but they're good for three harvests. They'll net you some good money for the next season." He spoke and presented his wares.

I helped myself to a good 25 packets ofstrawberry seeds, something to add to my profits and stayed for the rest of theafternoon. Once night fell, everyone packed up and all headed back inside. Itoo retreated to the farm and planted my seeds rather promptly, making surethey were watered and fertilised for the potential payoff. With my dutiescompleted, I retreated into the farmhouse at last and got to sleep. Knowingthat Abigail was still reeling from her pride being crushed.