A Day on the Farm

The chilly breeze of another autumn quickly swept up on the fruit-bearing paca, Bapple. She had been so busy the last several months, almost too busy to count how long it had been actually. A lot had happened, all good things thankfully, but changes nonetheless. But Bapple being Darling's new farmhand being the biggest, and happiest, change of them all.

The previously forest-wandering paca found no need to go back to her 'home' of finding shelter each night and travelling around. It was simply too difficult between blistering summer suns, chilly and quiet snow covered forests, and then the rainy or stormy days inbetween.
Collecting acorns for trading fodder with the local squirrels was fun and all, but only for so long. She liked the change with officially living with somepaca else for once. And most importantly, a working oven that is always warm and just baked blueberry muffins in the mornings.

Darling herself was someone Bapple looked forward to each day as well, even if she was awoken abruptly because the barn door broke again and all the moffs got loose. This too-busy-for-her-own-good paca needed help in return, even when she wouldn't admit it fully. So this growing friend didn't mind at all helping out, and eventually being part of the farm. They began a whole new normal together eventually, a comfortable feeling that worked and was helpful to the surrounding community as well.

Bapple had actually been the one to sell goodies at the local farmer's market for most of the summer and early fall now. She's greatly enjoyed the gentle breeze and skittering leaves on the road, waiting for customers who need some produce or even baked goods.
Darling was only going to be selling produce this year as well, until the sweet-loving paca offered the idea of selling baked goods as well. Especially with the produce Darling grew, and the farm fresh milk and eggs. Whipping up large batches of goods wasn't easy at first, so many things to balance and the oven having to be on all day made the house have an irresistible aroma for Bapple. But she contained herself enough to not monch on the pastries and muffins and cookies.

A few times, Bapple has helped as well though. Mostly to be the taste-tester of course, but also to be an extra set of nubs in the kitchen. Only once (so far) has she not been able to resist the urge to dip her nub in batter for a quick taste. Darling's soft scolding was enough for her to remember not to do that again though!

Standing behind the little table set up with baked goodies on one side, and piles of corn and apples and other fresh produce on the other side, she was proud to meet others who appreciated Darling's hard work on the farm. And her own for that matter! She was a little shy at first, her counterpart having to basically babysit the process of taking the leaflets, bagging up the goodies, and then giving them to the customer. But at this point, Bapple was proud of herself, and engaging well with the other pacas roaming around the quaint little farmer's market.
Not socializing much on the forest, her home before, this was all so new to her. Having to smile and make small-talk was never much of anything to the creatures in a wooded and wild area. But Darling was patient and taught the blossoming paca what to say and do for each customer to make sure they felt welcome. Eventually she got the hang of it, and things started to come naturally even.

Having zoned out with her warm mug of spiced tea thinking about the last few months, she realized the muffins were getting close to done. And patiently goes to stand by the stove, with little nub mitts already on. Bapple really was happy, and quite satisfied in the sweets and goodies department as well!