As Darin approached the main Farmhouse Talbot practically bucked her off. She laughed at the horse. On of the Workers came to take Talbot away to be taken care of. Darin herself was led to a hot bath. Darin let out a sigh as she finally got the chance to clean up three and half months of grime. She felt so much better when it was done. There was even a Worker there who cut her hair. The young Seed-Bear was given a set of clothes that were just a tad to big for her. She smiled down at the practical uniform of the Workers. The knees of the pants were reinforced and the whole thing was made of light colors. She put her own boots on and followed the sound of cheerful voices to the location of the feast. As she entered the room all the voices stopped as their owners turned to look at her. She waved, unsure if that was the right course of action.

Ravi stood from his place at the front table, “Darin Seed-Bearer, come.” He indicated a seat next to him, “sit here.” As she did so, he told the crowd, “Tonight we celebrate the life of the Gardener and celebrate the arrival of Darin. Tonight is, bittersweet yes, but also joyous. So, we celebrate!”

A giant cheer filled the air and then the celebration began. Darin watched for a minute. It reminded her of the celebrations she had been a part of back home. People chattered to each other as they ate simple foods made in a Farmhouse kitchen. Darin looked over the food laid out to recognize some of her favorites. She did not recognize others. Despite the fact that she was the guest of honor this feast felt like home. She took some of her favorites as Ravi smiled at her. She smiled back as started to eat. She was starting to relax for the first time on this trip. No one talked to her, but if that was similar to home as well. The only thing missing was the dancing, but she figured that would come later.

Ridahne finally came in and Darin found herself smiling widely at the Elf, “Sit down!” Darin pressed a plate into the Elf’s hand, “Have something to eat! I tried some new things. I’m not sure what they are, but they taste fabulous. I don’t really feel uncomfortable because this is more like home. It is odd that people aren’t talking with me because I’m the guest of honor rather than the outcast, but it’s not much different.”

Ravi looked over at the one nervous girl and the one girl who look more at home than ever, “This isn’t like feasts you have in the courts of the Sols young Ridahne. This may be The Farm, but it is still just a farm.”

Darin laughed, “So there’s nothing to worry about! If you feel uncomfortable, we can change that! There’s food Ravi says come from Azurei. It wasn’t bad, but it was a little spicy. My mouth still feels hot. I’m hoping there’s dancing.”

Darin actually felt a little tipsy as giggled. She wasn’t sure that was in her cup, but she was willing to bet it wasn’t juice like she thought it was. It probably had some alcohol in it. At least she thought it had alcohol. It was making her giggly, and that was a new experience for her. She reached for her cup only to find that it was missing. She scowled up at Ravi who only smiled back at her.

The Overseer spoke simply, “That is enough for you my dear Darin.” He handed her a cup of something else, “Let’s see if we can get you sober again.”

Darin didn’t say anything, but she did nod. There was plenty of food, so she ate whatever looked interesting. In fact, she was probably eating far too much, but it seemed like a such a waste to just let the food go to waste. She people watched, waved at people who turned to look at her, and kept putting things on Ridahne’s plate that she had liked and thought the Elf should try. After the last few months, and after today’s revelations, Darin was glad for the chance to not have to worry about anything. Then the music started. She listened and watched the dancers with a cheerfully smile and laugh.  Then the music changed. Darin knew this song! And she knew how to dance to it, sort of. She stood suddenly.

She exclaimed loud enough for all to hear her, “Yes!” Then she turned to hold out a hand to Ridahne, “Come dance with me! This one needs a partner!”