Chapter 1: Harvest Moon

@ CaveJohnson: Mellia sighs Oh, I'm sure you have something to contribute! We'd certainly not turn down the help of an experienced chef. Especially when I doubt Prea will be bringing back those spices I asked for. So... I hate to dump this on you, but could you handle stirring? Just make sure you scrape the sides, we wouldn't want any to stick and burn. You should say hi to the others though! She runs off after her daughter. Two others introduce themselves as Lietha and Creel. Leitha is in charge of running ingredients up the steps, while Creel works to keep the cooking fire hot. Two other people are bringing and unloading firewood, but don't take the time to introduce themselves. The stirring stick is large and looks somewhat like a ship's oar.

@ Everyone else: Raef starts laughing. Well that explains why there were so many crates! Whoever was in charge must have decided to nap instead! He examines the reins, horse, and cart. Eh, it all seems in order at least. What say we take this cart to get the rest? Someone needs to...

@ Deturai You can tell the people are paying attention to your stories. It seems many of them have traveled little, if at all. You continue stirring the stew, while your audience adds food and ingredients as they become available. A few stumble a bit, probably paying too much attention to what you're saying. More people are quickly gathering in the square, and quite a few who have come to smell the food have stopped to listen as well. Make a check using your utensils, please.

@ Everyone else The horse makes good time back to the edge of town, to where the rest of the crates wait. The cart will hold the rest of them in one trip. There's no one else here, and the fields are empty. Raef scratches his head and looks puzzled, but climbs down to load the crates. At least there's not much left to do! We should hurry, I'm sure it's not long now till they start in the square. Thank you for all this help by the way, no one asked you to work with the crates, it means a lot. The rest of the load is heavy, but not unworkable.

@ Chuton, Isuna, Carlin Er, well. I didn't think they'd finish this quickly is all... oh well, more reason to finish this quickly! Turning to Isuna next Compared to last harvest especially! Im almost shocked at how well the fields turned around. Wonder if we can convince that stranger to stick around after this... As he loads the last of the crates, he looks up at the sky, wiping his head. Yup, they'd be starting soon, we best hurry back. Why don't the ladies ride? I think I'll walk beside, don't want to burden to poor horse too much now.

Raef responds somewhat tentatively I don't mind... but uhhh... why? I'm sure the farmers already made rounds around the fields... Is something wrong?

@ Deturai You look, but realize the Mellia actually hasn't come back yet. Past the bowls is a large table with side dishes being brought out, buffet style. @ Chuton, Isuna, Carlin: Raef gives you an uneasy look before he shrugs, and goes to get the horse and cart moving, saying to Carlin and Isuna If you'd like to stick with your friend, I don't blame you. Course, I wouldn't mind the help with the crates either...

Chuton, (and ladies, if you are joining) please give a perception check, as well as any specific area you'd like to check.