Submission (#6081) Approved

To be invited by a dear friend in celebration of this year's annual Starfall Faire was nothing short of a blessing. From the long and arduous days tending to this season's crops had done a number on Basil, who stressed lightly on their survival and perfection. Soon enough, his lack of proper sleep was catching up on him until his daughter couldn't take it anymore and force him on a short-lived "vacation" as she liked to call it. By this so-called "vacation" had it really only meant that he get out of town and find other things to keep himself preoccupied with -- and that's when he was invited to celebrate the graduation of a young student whom he helped during her stay in Strynhalde. This scholar was none other than Yuzuki, known by all as "Yuzu" and the daughter of his dear jam and jelly comanions. The celebration wasn't the level of scholar that she was striving for, being only in her teens and all, but it still had some weight to it!

Since both her parents were busying themselves with their shop, they had requested Basil to pick her up and spend some time with their daughter for them, which is something he'd never object to. As abrasive as the kittom could be, he knows deep down she doesn't truly think that. She was one of those... It was an archetype, man he should have paid attention to the book more before returning it! Either way, she was a bit much, but it was okay because he's aware they're a mask for her true feelings. Seated upon the cobblestone stairs as he waits for the grapefruit kittom descend the steps, Yuzu's eyes widen only a fraction just to rest once more and bite her inner cheek. She was fitted for this region, the warm colors of the trees surrounding them all, the lazy sunlight hanging in the air to bathe the entire region in golden light, the leaves scattered on the ground for makeshift pathways. He offers an arm and Yuzu tentatively links her own with Basil's... Because of how close he was to her parents, he was basically a second father to her! Alhough she'd never admit that.

It was nice, walking around in town square as they prepared festivities for the upcoming Starfall Faire. Fairy lights decorated every lamppost, stalls spanning in a straight line as far as the eye can see with their various knick-knacks or produce. Produce that made Basil realize that he had the appropriate goods, maybe he'd be doing a bit of a favor himself if he were to return with affordable home-grown vegetables from Strynhalde itself. There were some crops he had that his competitors lacked, and by offering even the bare minimum basics was he able to see himself turning somewhat of a profit. Sucking in his lip, he notes to think about this later, since Eos got on his case about thinking of work when he was supposed to be enjoying his time in another region. Basil's ear swivels at the sound of Yuzu grumbling to herself, green hues looking her once over, "Hey Kiddo, what's got your goat? Somethin' happen?" She can only pout in response to the hospitality he always shared with everyone, light flush fighting her cheeks as he doted on her the same way he's done to his own kin time and time again. Yuzu exhales through her nose and nods, rosy optics flitting once towards a food stand, then back to the road in front of her. He notices, of course he notices. A grin from ear to ear as he suddenly trots over to the other two adults manning the station and offers his own assistance so that the two can take a break. Warm smiles and courteous bows later has him rolling over miniature dumplings in his washed paws, stuffing them with pork, chicken, or beef. Shellfish weren't as common here, which probably explains the lack of seafood as an option. As he finishes another batch, Yuzuki's stomach rumbles once more -- except it's loud and thunderous and her entire face flushes bright red. He laughs to himself, pulling coins from his carrier's pouch and dropping some into the glass jar.

It's a simple rinse and repeat with his hands before he serves her a paper boat full of them, with the youngster carefully pulling the meal from out his large paws and comforting presence. Perching atop a cobblestone wall, the scholar munches eagerly to satiate her angry abdomen while the accompanying adult collects more coins in exchange for food. The natural light had finally decided to rest for the day, but even a place such as this was still glowing brightly like the sun. The fairy lights from earlier were now in shades resembling the trees -- red, orange, yellow. Decora as far as the eye can see was being strung up across the birch trees, or draped lovingly from the shop stalls that popped up more and more the longer time seemed to go on. The only misfortune of this region really was the -- "Ugh, it's always so muggy here... And I though Palu'au was bad, this has my fur frizzing nonstop!" Her little outburst draws another chuckle, eyes lighting up with mirth at how she seemed to read his mind, albeit more aggressive than what he was originally feeling, but he isn't the type to deny anyone their feelings on anyhing!