On These Summer Nights - {Snufkin x Fem! Reader}

Chapter 1 - Following the Dirt Path

I squint my eyes as I look up at the bright blue sky above, taking in the sweet summer air and the chirping of songbirds and cicadas.

With a long and drawn out sigh, I finally allow myself to sit against the stump of an old oak tree; setting my beautiful travelling bag down gently beside me.

My mother spent careful time on all of the little embroidered flowers and vines across the canvas bag. She's a very patient woman for being able to master this craft, and I commend her for it.
I, however, have very little tolerance for anything that intricate. My mother scolds me for this, saying that it's a bad habit for me to allow myself to complain. Hopefully my nature will change with my apprenticeship for Ms Clove.

I remember her visiting our cottage back when I was small. My mom and Ms Clove have been friends since childhood, and while my mom went into fine arts, Ms Clove pursued her health career. My mom stayed in the town of Stone Creek, while Ms Clove decided to venture out to Moomin Valley. It is there where she established her own apothercary shop, gathering herbs and creating her own elixirs and medicine.
I have a fond memory of Ms Clove giving me a dainty, golden necklace with a rose quarts gemstone pendant. Sadly, my child-self lost it in a river on a hiking trip with my mother.

Perhaps I'll be gifted something just as lovely during my stay at Ms Clove's home! Oh I really hope so.

I've been walking for a couple of hours now, following the winding dirt path that never seems to end. I finally decide that it is time for an actual break. Every now and again I would stop and admire the scenery, as I've never really been outside of my hometown before. I look at the surrounding trees, shrouding my resting spot with a cool shade.

At this pace... I should reach Moomin Valley around the evening. As I quietly think to myself, I reach into my bag and retrieve a sandwich that my mom packed into my bag. I smile as I notice that the crust has been removed from the edges of the bread.

"Thank you, mom!" I say cheerfully to the air before biting into the sandwich. Before I get to enjoy my meal, I hear a rustle in the trees behind me. I quickly turn my head towards the sound, and see a man in a large green hat emerge from the tall grass, coming onto the path.

"Oh, hello." He says as he notices me, brushing the twigs and grass from his hair and clothing.

"Hello." I place my sandwich down onto a napkin and sit up from the stump.
He also seems like a traveller, judging by his huge bag which he seems to carry with ease.

He continues walking forward, going in the same direction that I am headed towards.

"Are you going to Moomin Valley?" I ask before the travelling man passes me. I notice his worn out clothing and his short, shaggy brown hair. I make eye contact with him, and I look into his brown eyes as he answers.

"Yes... yes I am. How did you know?" He sounded a bit apprehensive, but that's expected when you're speaking to a stranger. His eye contact wavered a bit.

"I am also heading there! I just took a guess." I say with a smile, looking away, and brushing my (h/c) hair out of my face.

"Hm." He says softly.
"My name is Snufkin, I apologize for not introducing myself." He rubs the back of his neck.

"Oh, don't worry about it! My name is (y/n)!"
I flash him a bright smile, and I could've sworn I saw him blush a little.

"Ah... are you... um.. just visiting Moomin Valley? Oh! Sorry about my prying..." He says quietly as he turns his gaze down to the dirt path.

I let out a quiet giggle and I notice his surprised gaze on me. "I am actually going there to stay! Do you know Ms Clove? She lives in the Valley. I am going there to study as her apprentice."

Snufkin smiles. "I do know her. She's very kind to everyone in the Valley, and she is a great help..."
His tender gaze lingers on my face after he finished speaking.

I feel heat in my cheeks rise as I look back at him.

"Well... um... it was nice meeting you, (y/n).
I.. uh... have to leave now." He managed to muster as he tipped his hat, attempting to conceal his red face and began walking.

"It was nice to meet you too!" I yell out to him.

That was a little odd... why was I blushing? Oh my god, (y/n)... seriously? It's okay, he was just looking at me, that's all! ...Was he blushing as well?
I let out a sigh.

I lean back against the stump once again, and continue eating my sandwich.

I lick my fingertips and brush the crumbs off of my skirt and apron. I stick my hand into my travelling bag and search for my water bottle. I hear the clinking of empty vials and rustling of paper and dried herbs in sachets.

Aha!
I pull out my water bottle in triumph, and take a big gulp. I take out a silk handkerchief from my apron's pocket, and dab the water drops from my mouth.
I place everything back into their original place, and pick myself up with a spring.

I dust my skirt off and fix the large bow holding my apron. I sling my bag over my shoulder and begin walking towards my new home.