"Plant the seeds of beautiful ideas in your mind, and water them with belief." Bank: 13,000G [ Member of the Pelago Islands ] Icon Credit: @pontimakaron! Character Aesthetic: Flower Princess
“T-Thank you, b-but I can do that,” Violet spoke as she set up the electric kettle on the counter, flipping the switch. Boiling enough water was really just a waiting game, after all, so she could prepare the cups while she waited.
She turned to Sherry with a small smile, “C-Can you get some plates to set out the peaches, t-though?”
🦋 - “Of course!” Sherry heads over to where Violet kept her plates, more than familiar with the layout of her friend’s home by now, and neatly sets them on the nearby dining table. As she begins to move the peaches from her basket to the plates, she casually brings up the topic touched on earlier.
“So, about Doctor Ford... how have things been with you two? You’ve been dating for a while, right?” This was one of Violet’s most serious relationships, after all --- if not her first serious one --- so Sherry couldn’t help but be curious. Just who was this man who had captured her dear friend’s heart?
As a way to bring life to the normally empty mansion on Arcadia, Clorica had decided to start a garden that would mainly take place in the back and wrap around one of the building’s sides. Since the Hunt family spent most of their time on Leuda, she needed a daily task to keep her busy and from feeling like she was wasting precious time in her day. That was why she had decided on a garden filled with flowers, fruits, and vegetables. It was a time consuming commitment.
With a large bag in hand, Clorica started her way back to the mansion from the general store. It wasn’t until she was almost halfway back that she realized there was a small hole and that a few seed packets had fallen out.
She sighed. She didn’t want to walk all the way back, but she didn’t have a choice, did she? The seeds were paid for and she was looking forward to planting them and watching them grow.
🦋 - Sherry had just finished her grocery shopping for the week, and had been quite a ways away from the general store when she notices something interesting on the ground.
There were a few seed packets lying along the path, all of them generally heading in one direction. Just from how haphazardly they were arranged, it was clear that they had been dropped by someone. And while there was no guarantee she would even run into the person that lost them, Sherry didn’t feel right just leaving them there.
Maybe she could pick them up, and take them back to the general store?
With that plan in mind, Sherry begins to pick up the seed packets, following the trail until it leads her right to a person. The woman was standing in the middle of the road, and seemed rather... troubled.
“Excuse me, are you---” Sherry spots the shopping bag in the woman’s arms, and gasps. “Oh! Are you the one who dropped these seeds?”
Russell hoped she took it to heart since every word was true. He did not give praise lightly.
He got the kettle ready and set it on the burner. “It’s not too different from being in Norad’s army in the sense of having people under my command.” Even then, he talked with his men, learned their stories, what brought them to the army, and who they thought of when times fell hard. “I work with them, try to help them succeed in what they wish to learn, and take into account their weaknesses and strengths. But instead of analyzing a battlefield, I’m concerned with the safety of Arcadia. There’s the obvious things people think of - muggings, break ins, pirate attacks, things of that nature. Those are straight forward issues. I also consider what makes life easier and safer for the residents. What stops crime before it starts, so to speak.” The station had a few programs that aimed to make life easier for kids and provide residents the resources they needed to live comfortably.
🦋 - “Ah, I see! That doesn’t sound much different from a Mayor’s job, really.” She concludes to herself, nodding. These were all things she would have to think about as well, among others. The safety of her residents, the economy, tourism, education, infrastructure... it was all so much. But this was the job she willingly went into, and so she would give it her all, regardless of how much time and energy it cost her.
Still, though... “I’m impressed that you can keep such a cool head in the face of all that responsibility! Surely, it can get stressful at times... do you ever have time to rest?”
“O-Oh! I-I…u-um…y-yes, I do…” Violet stuttered out, her cheeks flushing pink, “I-I…guess that’s right. T-Things have really changed, haven’t they?” After all, Violet still could hardly believe that she was dating anyone, much less someone was wonderful as Ford.
Violet shut the door and turned towards Sherry, “I-I can prepare some water for the tea. I-Is the tea loose leaf?” She walked over to the kitchen, grabbing a well-used electric kettle and filling it up in the sink.
🦋 - “That they have! But that’s life.” She giggles at Violet’s flushed face, finding it sweet that she had found someone to share her life with. Such a thing hadn’t happened for Sherry yet, but she was in no rush--- she was completely content with where she was in life, and wanted to get more settled in her career before considering anything else.
Sherry sets down her basket and smiles, nodding to Violet’s question. “Yes, it is! Do you need any help? I could get some cups, help prepare the tea?”
The moment Jill set eyes on those necklaces, she knew she wanted one.
She made a beeline for the booth, doing her best to not knock anyone over. She weaved through the crowd until she made it to the table and pored over the jewelry.
“These are beautiful.” She sighed dreamily. “The work is so delicate and nice! I have to have one.”
Jill pulled out her wallet and rummaged around for the money. “Did you make these?”
[-1,000G]
🦋 - “Oh, thank you! I’m happy you like them.” She smiles, heart growing warm at the other girl’s praise. Sherry had worked hard on those necklaces, so it brought her nothing but joy to see that work appreciated.
To the customer’s question, she responds, “Yes, I did! Are you interested in buying one?”
“Ooh! What adorable cupcakes! Their arboreal camouflage almost had me fooled, but that chocolate aroma is unmistakable.”
While the baked goods were the first thing that caught his attention, Porcoline gave the other items on the Mayor’s booth a look over. “Speaking of aromas, I bet that perfume smells splendid, too. I’ll take a bottle and a cupcake please!” He fished the money out of his wallet and slid it forward, while glancing back at the cupcakes in contemplation.
“Hmm. If I planted a seedling cupcake and treated it with love and care, do you think… it might sprout into a cupcake tree?” He (probably) wasn’t serious.
[-1,700G]
New Balance: 1,413,074G
🦋 - “I’m glad you like them!” She chuckles, “I really wanted to get that seedling appearance just right, so it’s nice to know that I’ve succeeded.”
Upon hearing his order, Sherry nods and collects the requested items, exchanging them for the money he slides over. His next question catches her slightly off guard, and the young Mayor blinks for a moment before letting out a lighthearted laugh.
“That would be something, wouldn’t it? A cupcake tree... it sounds like a blessing and a curse. I don’t think I’d ever be able to stop eating from it!”
“Why hello there,” Klaus greeted with a polite smile, “May I have some of that perfume, Miss?” He was honestly interested to see perfume being sold at this bazaar. In his free time, Klaus dabbled in perfume making as a strange hobby of sorts. So smelling and using different kinds helped in his research. He wondered just how this would smell.
[ 1,200G ]
🦋 - “Hi!” She greets back, “Of course, one bottle of perfume coming right up!”
Sherry hums as she collects one of the perfume bottles and hands it over to the dapper gentleman. This was an item that definitely seemed suited to a person like him. At least, that was the impression she got.
Ondorus had been thinking about making his house a little closer to nature, if nothing else but to make him feel more at home. After all, he was remaining on this island for the foreseeable future, and it would be nice to settle in more than he had. He was more accustomed to living in remote places with plenty of trees…or in a vast desert that was free to explore without running into any other creature. So…why not start with fruit trees on this island? At the very least, he could have extra fruit once it was finished growing.
“Excuse me…” Ondorus spoke, vaguely recognizing the woman as the island’s new mayor - though he did not yet know her name, only her face, “May I purchase an apple tree seedling?”
[ - 1,500G ]
🦋 - The man who first approaches her stall is rather striking in appearance, from his tall stature to the pointed ears, framed by long, silver hair. Strangely, Sherry couldn’t help but feel that he was familiar somehow, though she couldn’t for the life of her remember where she might have met him.
Alas, this was no time for pondering and musing--- she had a customer to attend to! “Yes, of course! I take it you have an interest in gardening?” She makes a bit of small talk as she goes to collect the seedling, handing it over to him. “It’s really fun. I’m sure you’ll love it!”
Agate laughed. “It’s okay, Sherry. It takes time and a lot of patience.” Even so, she walked over to the spot that her friend chose and look over her line and how she held it. Unknowingly to many, it was more than just what kind of bait a person used that attracted a fish to the other end of the line. The type of hook was important, the kind of line, and how much the person moved on the other end. And that was without considering what kind of fish was the target and what the current state of the water was like.
“Everything looks good. It can happen at–” Before she could finish her encouraging thought, there was a weak tug at the line; the fish was testing the bait. Then in a matter of seconds, a second and stronger pull followed. “That’s it, Sherry! You got one!”
🦋 - “Oh! Oh dear, what do I do!?” After having to wait so long with no results, the sudden tug catches Sherry off guard and sends her into a frenzied panic. Should she reel it in now? Pull on it? Let the fish tire itself out!?
Sherry instinctively tightens her grip on the rod to keep it slipping from her fingers, and looks over her shoulder to shoot Agate a panicked look. If anyone knew what to do next, it would be the one who actually knew how to fish. “A-Agate...?”
“H-Hello, Sherry!” Violet spoke, returning the hug with a bright smile, “I-I’m doing well!” She looked down at the peaches, already feeling hungry. They looked so good!
“W-Wow, t-they look really good!” Violet spoke, stepping aside to let Sherry inside, “S-So…y-you’re the mayor now?” She couldn’t help but start things off with the main thing she wanted to know about. How could she not open up with that? Sherry was the mayor! That was huge!
🦋 - Sherry gently chuckles at the question, not surprised by Violet’s haste in tackling the elephant in the room. It wasn’t everyday your friend was suddenly elected into the role of Mayor, after all! “Why, yes! Yes, I am. I can still hardly believe it myself, honestly.”
She steps inside of Violet’s apartment, turning to her with a light, playful smile. “And I hear you have a boyfriend now~? I guess we both have our fair share of life changing developments, huh?”
It was like falling back into the past. Russell shifted into the position he would always stand in when Sherry and Cecilia would be in the house, an angle where he could see them both as he cooked or cleaned or whatever needed his attention.
“Sherry.” He gave her a look that bordered on playful reproach, a kind of soft serious to his tone. “There has not been a day I’ve known you that I have ever seen you not work for all that you have. Even if others are not as inclined to see it. If anyone is going to take Arcadia to greater heights, it will be you who does it first.”
🦋 - The response wasn’t unexpected, considering who it was coming from, but Sherry still feels her face warm at the sentiment, regardless. She knew there were many people in her life --- on the island --- who believed in her. But to be faced with such genuine, heartfelt support... it was a bit embarrassing.
“Thank you,” She says softly, “I try my best! I just hope it’ll be enough to help me live up to my role as Mayor.”
A pause, and then, “...You’re in a position of leadership as the Chief of Police. How is it like, being responsible for a team? For the safety of the entire island?”
🦋 - Even though she had been busy with preparations for the fair, Sherry still took it upon herself to set up her own personal booth for the festivities. She felt it was important to represent her island as Mayor, and do all she could to show her support for the event.
So she decided to sell a variety of things she made using things grown out of her home garden, even enchanting some with a bit of harmless magic.
Tree Seedling Cupcakes [x5] - 500G each
Chocolate cupcakes baked to perfection! Placed in mini flower pots and topped with crumbled cookies and fondant leaves, these delectable treats give off the appearance of adorable tree seedlings.
Herbal Incense Burners [x5] - 800G each
Note: These bundles are made from herbs and various other items (tree bark, pine needles, etc.) from Sherry’s garden. Each one will provide a different stat boost. If your muse has one of these in their inventory, they can roll a die of 5 (t!roll 1d5 in Discord; /rolldie 5 in Chatzy) for a total of five times, to increase the stat that particular herb bundle grants.
There are five types of bundles available. Pine Needle increases ATK, Cedar increases DEF, Mugwort increases M.ATK, Sage increases M.DEF, and Lemongrass increases SPD.
Pressed Flower Necklaces [x5] - 1,000G each
These are cute little necklaces made with glass and pressed flowers, the latter of which were either picked, bought, or grown by Sherry. They have also been enchanted with a bit of her flower magic. As such, any muse that has this item equipped will be healed by 1 HP each turn in a battle.
If they are in an area abundant with nature (grass, forests, flowers), the heal will bump up to 2 HP instead.
Rose Perfume [x5] - 1,200G each
These are homemade perfumes made with rose petals. While making them, Sherry also mixed in a bit of the Love Potion she won from the last event, so anyone who sprays themselves with this will instantly charm anyone who smells it.
Fruit Tree Seedlings [x5] - 1,500G each
Just seedlings for fruit trees! Once fully grown, each one will yield a different fruit: Peach, Apple, Orange, Grape, Banana. If you want to grow fruit of your own, feel free to buy one!
Violet hummed as she prepared a small bundle of cornflowers to give to her friend, Sherry.
Sherry was a friend she’d had for a long time, ever since they were younger. Honestly, she was one of the few that Violet managed to keep from way back then. Even now, in the turbulent life they both led, they managed to get together on occasion to catch up and exchange gifts. And…it was clear that they would have a lot to talk about this time. Violet recently heard the news that Sherry had become the mayor…and she was honestly floored! And she wanted to hear all about it!
With the knock at the door, Violet smiled and walked over, being quick to open it, “S-Sherry! Hello!”
🦋 - As soon as the door opens, Sherry wastes no time in enveloping her friend in a warm one-armed hug. “Violet, hi! How are you?”
“I hope you’re in the mood for peaches and tea!” She giggles, holding up her basket of the aforementioned items. Ripe summer peaches recently picked from her personal fruit orchard, and tea leaves grown in her garden. They gave off the most delightful scent: earthy, yet slightly sweet. “I just harvested these from my garden, so they’re nice and fresh~♪”
Being mayor seemed a lot to take on for someone so young, but Sherry had always bounded ahead of her peers when it came to life milestones. That didn’t mean he didn’t worry. It was precisely that trait of hers that made him worry, in fact. “She’s doing well, last I heard. She writes regularly from university.” He wouldn’t lie that it was tough being away from her, but her education was important.
“Make yourself at home. I’ll brew us some tea.” Sherry knew her way around his home, which was as much hers as it was Cecilia’s or his own. He stepped toward the kitchen, but not out of earshot. “I’m afraid I wasn’t here for your election, but I would have most certainly voted for you.”
🦋 - “Oh, yes! Thank you. And I’m glad to hear she’s doing well! I would love to see her again soon.” She says sincerely, finding a place to sit in the living room. Specifically, on the sofa, near the left arm... when she was younger, it had always been her favorite spot to sit in. It was closest to the kitchen, giving her full access to the delectable aromas of that night’s dinner while she chatted with Cecilia.
Talking about her old friend and watching Russell from this very spot filled her with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia.
At his remark, she pulls herself from her walk down memory lane, and giggles. “That’s so sweet! But I do hope it would be because you think I’m qualified for the job, and not simply because of our past together.”
She says this in a teasing manner, but Sherry really did mean every bit of it. All her life, she’s been given preferential treatment because of her father’s title. Sure, she’s worked hard for her achievements, but when it came to the thing she wanted most --- her job as Mayor --- she wanted to earn it through her own merit, and not just because she was Felix’s daughter.
Lest stood outside the Fugue Woods, letting out a sigh. He’d just finished working on the farm an hour or so ago, and was feeling a bit tired. However, he knew that he had to get some training in, if he was ever going to get stronger. He wanted to prove himself to his new boss. Plus, less monsters in shallower parts of the woods meant less danger for civilians. It wasn’t really something he could afford to neglect.
“All right,” he said, drawing his sword and pulling up one of his arm-sleeves with a determined look. “Let’s do this!”
🦋 - Duties at Town Hall were... exhausting, to say the least. As much as Sherry loved her job, it took a great deal of dedication, and expended quite a bit of energy. That was why she felt it important to take a break from her work every once in a while, to relax and clear her mind. And what better way to do that than take a relaxing walk around the island?
Fortunately, her walk had been rather uneventful so far--- something that could be considered boring to some, but a boon in Sherry’s eyes. The fact that nothing bad was happening meant that Arcadia was safe, and that was always a good thing in her books.
But the sight of a man standing near the forest’s edge causes her to briefly reconsider her previous assumption, the sword in his hand alarming her. What was going on?
“Excuse me!” She calls to the man, quickening her pace as she approaches him. Her eyes, first trained on his sword, dart towards the forest cautiously. “Is everything alright over here?”
