I wanted to test out my range in faces so I sketched out almost all of the NPCs as practice. It was a really pleasant challenge!
I left out the non-giftable characters that only show up for specific cutscenes/events. Them being the governor, bouncer, and the henchman. The only exception I’ll make is grandpa. Grandpa is cool.
My personal favourites are Willy, Gus, Marlon, Qi, and Sandy :)
I’ve finally drawn all the candidates again (besides Krobus, sorry buddy)!!! This took forever…I came to the sudden realization that I know barely anything about the bachelorettes besides their heart events so I ended up reading through their wiki pages again…
The height order from shortest to tallest is: Maru, Abigail, Penny, Haley, Emily, Leah :)
Also I am so so sorry if the dresses/skirts look weird. It was absolute torture drawing those. They are one of the things that I can’t draw for the life of me…I tried my best!
So, my friend @soft-bois-make-me-simp and I decided we wanted to collab for something on Valentines Day!! As this was our first time doing a collab with another person, we actually had a ton of fun throwing around ideas and getting stuff together! Not to mention that they had so many ideas that my mind was swimming, it was honestly so cool. I have a hard time writing about the bachelorettes, but they just blew me out of the water. I couldn’t have done this post without them and it was totally worth it. We had a ton of fun so we hope you enjoy this!!! All the Bachelors and Bachelorettes are below, thanks and WE LOVE Y’ALL. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!
I did all the bachelors! @soft-bois-make-me-simp did all the bachelorettes!
Bachelors~
Harvey
Oh, he spends a lot of time trying to present you with the best Valentine’s Day present. He researches ideas on how to do that. In the end, he decides he wants to surprise you with dinner at his place and he is prepared. Throughout the day he spends it gifting you different presents like flowers, little love notes, and even a box of chocolates! Then, he calls you up and invites you over. Opening the door to the clinic, rose petals line the floor leading up to his door upstairs. Stepping into his room, the lighting is low with candles and jazz quietly breaking up the silence in the background. There’s a table set up in the middle of the room with a lacy pink tablecloth, dinner is set up, and rose petals decorate the floor. “H-hey!” He says nervously to you, “I-I wanted to surprise you, d-do you like it?” Even without the room completely lit up you know he’s blushing, but you can see that he’s wearing a nice undershirt like he always wears, but without his long green coat, and he’s wearing dark dress pants. He approaches you and softly gives you a kiss on the cheek, he then pulls you into a big hug. The dinner was delicious and you two spend the time complimenting each other and being in each other’s company. After dinner you help him clean up, you then see that he had been researching on how to be romantic… by watching romance movies. His efforts to show you how much he appreciates and loves you shows no bounds. He walks you home and before you walk through the door he says, “I love you, you know? I really do love you.”
Elliott
You wake up at your usual time and head outside to do your daily chores. You head towards the mail box and it’s stuffed to the brim with letters! Eyes wide, every single one is addressed from Elliott, you carry the stack of letters inside and as you open them they’re all love notes with various dates on them. By checking each date you realize he had been writing love notes, with you mind, for an entire month! You check the one for today’s date and it’s the shortest letter within the stack. He explains that he wants you to meet him at his place around 8pm but he doesn’t explain why (his signature has many red hearts around it.) Arriving at his place at 8pm he greets with a big hug and a tender kiss, “I could hardly wait for you, my love!” In his small shack he put together a wonderful dinner for you two to enjoy. During the meal he explains his love for you the only way a poet would, it goes from him desiring your beauty over the sun to how excited he gets whenever you’re in view. After dinner he gestures for you to sit and relax on his bed. The evening ends with him playing the piano, he wrote a piece (for the first time) completely inspired by you and the love he holds for you… and only you.
Alex
He is up and ready at 6am. With groggy eyes you open the door to see Alex with a big goofy smile holding flowers. “Good morning! I just wanted to say that I love you!” He says this all in one breath and thrusts the flowers to you, “I’ll come pick you up at 6pm. I love you, bye!” It seemed over in a flash once you accepted the flowers, but he seemed confident and happy- you couldn’t deny his puppy dog eyes. At 6pm he strolls up the path, and linking your arm with his, you both begin to walk to the beach. Nervously scratching the back of his neck, he blushes and says, “You’ve been there for me a lot. I know I’m not book smart or anything, but you’ve been my-” he reaches in his pocket to pull out a scribbled note, “-light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve never loved anyone more than I’ve loved you,” He awkwardly laughs, and with the sun setting behind him he stops and holds both your hands in his. His eyes are full of love and devotion, “I found these in Zuzu City, I hope you like them,” He pulls out matching necklaces giving you the one with ‘A’ on it. “See, this one has your letter on it! I hope you like it,” You couldn’t say no and he helped you put the necklace on. With his large and goofy smile you two end the evening in each other’s company, holding hands and watching the sun set.
Sebastian
Sebastian gets really excited to show you a new DND adventure that he’s compiled for you two to play. He explains that he’s thought about this for a while and through a slew of note writing and trial and error, he is convinced that he has made you the best gift for Valentines Day. It’s an odd adventure that asks you to find Sebastian his one true love- you laugh thinking it’s just Sebastian being goofy but you play along. Through fighting and exploration you begin to gather clues as to who his true love is supposed to be, the clues are subtle but explain the personality and appearance of the one he wants to be with. At the end of the campaign you smile because all along, through all the notes you’ve gathered throughout the adventure, they all describe you. You are his one true love and the only one he wants to be with.
Sam
Sending you a letter in the mail, Sam explains he wants for you to be home around 8pm. Course you comply, a bit curious considering you had no idea what he had planned. Coming up the path, carrying his guitar, he gives you an awkward smile. He seems nervous and his voice sounds shaky when he greets you, “I wasn’t sure what to give you for Valentines Day, so I did what I know best,” he says, unlocking his guitar case. He gestures for you to sit and with a shaky voice begins to play the guitar and sing you a love song that he created himself. Sam avoids eye contact with you for a bit as he plays, unsure of how you feel about it, but as time went he grew more confident. When he locks eyes with you it’s filled with appreciation, love, and admiration. After finishing his song he gives you a hug and a kiss on the cheek- he didn’t want to be with anyone else.
Shane
Shane decides that he wants to take you out to the Stardrop Saloon for Valentines Day. He opens the door for you and as you two sit he gives you a peck on the cheek. You can tell he’s certainly trying as you see he has gel in his hair and he’s wearing clean clothes. “I… Look, I don’t do sappy stuff, b-but you know, I really enjoy your company and I-uh I wanted to try and do something special for you.” He explains as a blushy mess, he avoids eye contact with you as he says this, but you can tell by the sound of his voice that he really means it. Without ever ordering, Gus approaches the table with a big smile and sets down a pizza that’s in the shape of a heart! “I-uh… I really like you, you know. I’m not good with this stuff, but you mean a lot to me so let’s enjoy some pizza!” He remarks trying to divert the conversation from anything sappy. Through the rest of the night he spends it trying to make you laugh, and you didn’t know how late it had gotten until Gus had kicked you guys out. When he walks you home you see him noticeably get sadder, you realize that he never wanted the night to end.
Bachelorettes~
Abigail
Abigail wants to take you for an adventure. One where it’s quiet and a place only she knows about, or so she thinks. Telling you to clear your schedule that day and to meet near the wizard tower she’ll blindfold you. It’s a secret she wants to share with you, but when she reveals the secret forest you smile at her. Hesitating for a second to tell her that you’ve been here often though when she’s about to lead you to a dead end and you tell her; she knows it wasn’t a secret to you. She asks you to lead the way to the pond where she has a blanket prepared and asks you to sit down. Once you are settled she plays you a piece on her flute that you haven’t heard before. It’s calming and beautiful, you would even describe it as enchanting. After she finished she tells you it was an original piece inspired by you.
Emily
Waking up you find Emily gone from her side of the bed. In her place was a wrapped up box tied together with a bow and a note saying Open. Inside was an outfit that was absolutely stunning in your favorite color. It was a more formal attire then what you both normally wear but that wasn’t all that was in the box. Another note attached to it saying she hopes you get a positive energy from the outfit as it was made with love. For another surprise please wear it and meet at the bus stop at 7pm. Wearing your new glamorous outfit that fits like a glove you see Emily dressed up and waiting for you. She takes you to ZuZu City where to your surprise the bus stops in front of a ballroom studio. Emily tells you she’s been taking a class on the “Dances of Love” and wanted to show you what she’s learned. You spend the rest of the night dancing, both getting lost in the music and each other.
Haley
Haley didn’t mention to keep your schedule open or to come at a certain time but you knew Valentine’s Day was important to her. It was a day she looked forward too each year and you were excited to spend it with her. After the chores around the farm were done you headed to her house with a pink cake you made yourself and a sunflower pouch Emily helped you make. You put the cake in the kitchen and head to her room. She was standing in front of the vanity, but when you walked in you heard a closing noise, almost like a book being closed. She is holding something behind her back when you approach she shoves something into your hands. It’s a scrapbook decorated in pink and sunflowers with both your names on the cover in a heart. Opening it, it’s a collage of photos she’s taken over the time you’ve spent together. Polaroids of the first gift you gave her, your date with the cows, some of the mornings you’ve spent together and all the events you’ve been to together. She goes over how special each moment is to her and tears up saying how much of a better person you made her. Thanking you for coming into her life and showing how beautiful a photo can truly be when you’re in it.
Maru
Waking up you were excited as Maru asked you to meet her tonight. A special viewing of the stars with you space girl is something that always makes you happy. Though walking out you see all your crops have been waterd, in fact next to your crops were sprinklers. Confused, you walk to the mailbox where you find a letter from Maru telling you she built some sprinklers for you and if they are something you liked she’s happy to make more. She also reminds you about tonight and to dress warm! When the time arrives you head to the mountain and enjoy hearing her talk about space. That is until she mentions one star that you’ve never noticed before. She asks if you know the name but it’s one you are unfamiliar with. Maru smiles at your confusion. Telling you that for Valentine’s day her present besides the sprinklers, was getting you a star. A way that if you ever need to be reminded of her love just look up and know that she loves you more than all the stars in the sky.
Leah
Everyone in town was buzzing about a big Valentine’s event happening this year. It was something that was kept a big secret and nobody in town knew what was happening just what time to go. Leah was not one to usually express extreme interest in going to town events but she seemed very excited for this one. If not to find out what was the big event you decided to go for Leah. She mentions having to finish up some work and she’ll meet you at the event so heading alone you’re floored when you see it’s an art show. Not just any art show but one Leah is putting on! It’s a Valentine’s day art show with each piece centered around the theme of love. She tells you how you inspired these pieces and how you are her muse. Not just for today but forever.
Penny
Ever since the chili incident you have been trying your best to avoid Penny’s cooking. You love her, you really do and want to support her but cooking was just not a strong point. So when she asks you to a Valentine’s day picnic where she plans on cooking the food you’re a little hesitant but seeing her eyes light up talking about it you tell her of course. Walking into the forest you see her and a large basket next to her. She starts talking out dish after dish and encouraging you to try them all. You take a pepper popper and eat it. It was really good! You try all the different dishes from the stuffing to fish stew all delicious. She tells you she’s been practicing with Gus and is very happy to see you eating her cooking. Penny tells you she has one more surprise and gives you a book. It was your favorite book, looking inside you noticed a message. It was a message from the author, she got your book signed by your favorite author. Penny tells you to look on the last page as well where she wrote a note, although this book may be your favorite, our story will always be mine.
Repost again! This was originally a fic with a prompt on the Flower Dance, then months later I adapted it into a Regency AU. Both the original and the regency versions are posted on AO3, but just the regency version is posted here.
Title: First Impression
Word Count:1,226
Summary: Leah attends her second Flower Dance in Pelican Town. Hopefully it will be better than last year.
Miss Leah Green tied a teal sash around her waist over a cream white dress. She braided her orange hair and tied it with a matching ribbon as she prepared herself for her second Flower Dance in Pelican Town.
It was a cute enough festival, she supposed. Last year it had only been a few months since she fled the city and her engagement to Mr. Kel. Then Mr. Kel had not yet found her new address, and Miss Green finally felt free to be whomever she wanted beyond a wife and an anonymous creator of unusual art.
Contented with her appearance, Leah fastened the buckles of her light violet shoes to her feet. She was ready to attend the ball. The ball would take place outdoors, in the clearing west of her cottage in the Cindersap Forest. She made her way to the isolated clearing on foot, careful not to tread in mud.
The grass had dried well from yesterday’s light rainshower. The warm sun made sure of it. Today was a suitable day for dancing.
Miss Emily Taylor was kind enough to sew a dress for her this year and teach her the dance. Last year Miss Green was obligated to perform in her cleanest frock and bodice; she had left her more formal attire in the city. She looked embarrassingly plain compared to the other women who danced. And despite her protesting, Mayor Lewis insisted that all bachelors and bachelorettes were needed to ensure there would be enough dancers for the fertility ritual.
Already Leah anticipated this year to be different. Her dance companion last year, Mr. Jones, moved out of Pelican Town last summer upon completion of his archeological studies on behalf of the university, leaving Professor Gunther with few displays for his museum. This had meant that the town was down a male dancer until Miss Taylor persuaded Miss Marnie Stoddard’s visiting nephew to dance with her, which now meant that the blacksmith would be Miss Green’s dance partner this year. Leah had no idea what Mr. Smith would be like. As far as she knew, the man was just another quiet guest who frequented Mr. Cooke’s Stardrop Saloon.
Leah followed the decorated path, then became aware of the commotion in the forest clearing.
“What do you mean he can’t dance today?” The mayor hissed at Doctor Harvey, visibly upset.
“What I mean,” the town doctor replied, a hint of exasperation in his voice, “is that Mr. Smith had an accident last night that left him unable to perform at this time.”
“Not even for a couple minutes?” Mayor Lewis huffed.
Miss Taylor crossed her arms, a rare angry frown formed on her face. “Mr. Smith tripped near his furnace, sprained his ankle and got burns on his limbs. Of course he can’t dance!” She turned to Doctor Harvey. “Does that sound about right, Doctor?”
“Er, yes, but…” The doctor shook his head and muttered something about patient confidentiality being almost impossible in such a small town.
Still irritated, Mayor Lewis stormed off to talk with Mrs. Caroline Marsh about decoration arrangements. It did not take him long to start sputtering “no” repeatedly. Miss Taylor whirled around and spotted Leah, and she frowned apologetically.
“Miss Green! You heard…”
“I did.” Leah nodded.
“I’m so sorry!”
Leah shrugged. “Accidents happen. I do hope Mr. Smith recovers soon.”
“I do as well.”
“Excuse me, but is there a problem here in which I may assist?”
The two ladies turned to the tenor voice. It was a gentleman Leah recognized in passing at the Egg Festival a few weeks previous. He had long ginger hair that fell past his shoulders, and he was wearing the auburn suit and emerald green tie that he wore to that more casual event.
What was his name again?
Mayor Lewis, having overheard, clasped his hands together loudly. “Yes, you may! We need a dancer! You… can dance, can you?”
To Leah’s surprise, the man grinned. “Why certainly! I was among the best performers in my class at university.”
“Perfect!” Miss Taylor squealed excitedly. “You and Miss Green can dance together for the ritual performance! Miss Green, do you know enough to teach him?”
“I–”
Before Leah could answer, Miss Taylor ran off. She spotted Mr. Cooke wheeling a cart of appetizers into the clearing and assisted him in setting up the tables for the food.
Which left only Leah to teach the routine? She swallowed nervously.
“It is just the simple Flower Dance routine, yes?” The gentleman asked.
She had to try. “Yes. Here, let us go this way and practice the steps.”
They walked over to an edge of the clearing. Leah recognized the youngest bachelors in the town, Mr. and Mrs. Mullner’s grandson, Mr. Knight, and Emily’s younger sister, Miss Haley Taylor, practicing the same dance. Leah gestured over to their direction.
“I believe you want to follow the same steps as they are…”
Even though he announced his claim of experience, Leah was still surprised that the gentleman copied the dance steps so well. They went through the routine once with only herself to provide the occasional stumble. A hop, skip, and a twirl later, they had finished the routine.
“Goodness, you’re as good as you say you are! Perhaps it is you who should be teaching me to dance.”
“Why, thank you!” He beamed. “We can go through the dance again if it will make you more comfortable, Miss Green.”
“I am fine, thank you Mr… er, what was your name?”
“Turner. Mr. Elliott Turner.”
“Mr. Turner.” Leah repeated. “I thought I recognized you at the Egg Festival a few weeks ago. I thought you were only visiting.”
“I just recently moved into town, the day before.”
“I see.” Leah nodded. “So what brings you to Pelican Town?”
“The scenery!” Mr. Turner replied merrily. “Stardew Valley is the most peaceful, beautiful place I’ve ever had the pleasure of traveling through, and I just had to return.”
“Same here!” Leah found herself grinning widely. “Don’t tell me you came here for artistic inspiration, too.”
“Well…”
“Oh, you did!” Leah laughed heartily at her failed attempt at a joke. “What is it that you do, Mr. Turner?”
“I am a writer. And yourself?”
“I’m an artist. I prefer sculpting, but I also paint. What is it that you write about?”
The two chatted for so long they nearly missed Mayor Lewis’s queue announcing it was time for the ritual Flower Dance.
“Oops,” Leah muttered. “Pardon me.”
“No, the apologies are all mine.” Then once more to her surprise, Mr. Turner took her hand and bowed– properly, low– and kissed above her knuckles. He let go to offer her his arm. “Well, shall we, Miss Green?”
Leah did not hesitate to accept. “Yes. Let’s.”
Together they made their way to the center of the forest clearing, then separated. Miss Green took her place in the line of ladies, and Mr. Turner did the same in the line of gentlemen. He stood out boldly in his maroon attire among the gentlemen with baby blue suits, but with his confident stance and precise movements, Leah was certain he looked more like he belonged among them now than she did with the ladies a year ago.
That day, Mr. Turner became the fastest friend Miss Green made in Pelican Town.
