RE: The Foxglove Valley [Isabelle x CitizenAnon]
Leading up to the festival, life seemed to take control of itself and Jason was content to go with the flow. It seemed as if he were moving in his sleep, as if someone else were controlling his actions. It started as they were finishing up at the clothier. When they exited the store, Jason offered to carry the bag since Ellie seemed to be a little off balance with it. It was rather heavy, but he managed just fine as they walked through the charming little town and back towards the farm. Jason found himself looking forward to meeting with Camille on Tuesday. It seemed that he had spent all of his time with Ellie and while she was a tremendous joy to be around, he did enjoy spending time with his friends in the town. Perhaps he could have the best of both worlds and bring Ellie around to meet all of his friends! That would certainly be fun and would in no way lead to hurt feelings or misunderstandings with anyone ever.
***
It was always a bit of a surprise to Jason to see how elaborate the shows and events that the town put on could get. Here was a village of less than one hundred people putting on a humongous festival to ensure a good harvest. It was maddening how involved it was, but as always, Jason went with the flow of the village and enjoyed the preparations and beauty of it all. It was not often that the town took part in such affairs, so maybe that was why the felt the need to be so elaborate in their work. Maybe it was the overly exuberant mayor that was the driving force behind the festivities.
The preparation for him as harvest king was only slightly invasive and not at all embarrassing. While he took pride in his appearance and kept himself clean, it was not enough for the village elders. The mayor dragged him along to Romana, the old lady of the village. Jason did not know how old she was, he had never asked, but she stood hunched over and walked with an umbrella with a bird's head as a handle. She appeared to have dressed in spring inspired festive clothes instead of her usual conservative garb.
Jason was not allowed to bathe himself, but it was made easier by the clinical approach that the elders, led by Romana, made of it. If they were shocked or impressed by his nude form, they said nothing of it as they continued to prepare him for the festival. Once he was clean to their liking, he was forced to sit as they took a straight razor to his stubble. Old hands were quick and steady as they smoothed his cheeks. A thin oil was the only lubricant they used, but there was no damage done. The oil rub down was a little unusual, but he made no big deal about it. He allowed his mind to wander and imagined another young woman in the place of the elder, another's hand's caressing his body and rubbing the oil into his skin like a lotion. Despite how much he enjoyed those thoughts, he banished the golden curls from his imagination before it drew a reaction.
When he was dressed and prepared, he examined himself in the mirror that was provided and could not believe the change. He had to admit... it looked wonderful and very festive. Jason was led out to the town center and enjoyed greeting the crowds and townsfolk. Like always, he enjoyed the attention that they showed him, especially the young women of the village. All of whom made it a point to come to him and talk or just be around him for a while. That was... all of them except for the Harvest Queen and Ellie herself.
Again, he allowed his mind to wander as he tried to figure out what had taken her so long. Jason was just beginning to think of all the terrible things when a hush spread over the crowd. Jason turned as they parted and he suddenly came face to face with the harvest goddess herself. At once, Jason remembered exactly where he had seen this beauty before.
***
It was late at night. Surely after midnight and dew was beginning to hang heavily on the blades of grass. It was the first summer that Jason had experienced on the farm and it was not going well. The day before, Romana had pulled him aside and made the point of asking him if he had made an appropriate gift to the Harvest Goddess yet.
"Perhaps that is why your farm fails, no matter how much work you put into it, Jason." Romana had told him. "Now listen to Old Romana. Take a chicken egg to the small pond outside the village. The one that the waterfall flows into. When the moon is visible on its surface, toss the egg into its depths. Only then will you please the Harvest Goddess and you will gain her favor."
Jason, being the young, impressionable man he was, did as she had directed immediately. It was a clear night and surprisingly cool. There were no other villagers around as he exited the village and made his way to the pond. As the small body of water came into view, the world grew quiet and he could see the moon reflected on the soft waves of the pond.
"Okay... here goes." Jason muttered and tossed the egg into the water.
Splash!
Jason waited and looked around. Surely if there was some kind of blessing, he would get a sign? When after several minutes, nothing happened, Jason turned to leave.
"Going so soon?"
The voice was soft and musical. It permeated his entire being and he could not help but turn around to gaze upon the Harvest Goddess. She stood before him on the now completely still pond. She appeared pale as the moonlight. Curly green hair cascaded over her shoulders and down her back. Flowers were woven between the curls and he could not tell where plant ended and Goddess began. She was covered in a figure hugging light, white dress and wore golden bangles.
***
"By the Goddess..." Jason muttered as Ellie moved to stand before him. Shock had spread across his face as he looked at the person before him.
An errant curl escaped had escaped and lay across her forehead. Without a though, Jason reached up and brushed the curl away. It was only then that he realized that he was not being once again blessed by the Harvest Goddess and it was Ellie that stood before him. He lightly cupped her cheek in his hand after brushing the hair away.
"Ellie..." He spoke softly. His voice just above a whisper as the whole situation became clear once more, "You are absolutely beautiful."
The crowd around them whispered a bit as news spread. Some of the villagers could recall seeing Ellie before and it quickly spread through the crowd about who she was and where she was staying since nobody could place her. Jason heard none of this. Later, he would not be able to say exactly what over came him. Perhaps it was the atmosphere of the festival that drove him forward. Maybe it was the Harvest Goddess. Likely it was the gradual build up of attraction and tension that he had been feeling since Ellie had hidden in his barn.
Jason stepped closer to Ellie and used his hand to draw her closer to him. He could smell the flowers in her hair. At the moment, it was an intoxicating scent and it only grew stronger as he dipped his head low. Their height difference was considerable, but he made it work. Jason pressed his lips against hers. They were soft and much smaller than his own.
Time seemed to stand still for him as his mind exploded in thought. Jason was aware of Ellie standing close enough that she could be described as pressed against him. His lips tingled slightly as he kissed her, is heart beat faster, and he knew immediately that he wanted more. The crowd, once loud and muttering was quiet again.