Submission (#6976) Approved

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden hues over the fields, the village buzzed with excitement for the annual Harvest Feast. Tables were laden with bundles of grains, colorful vegetables, and fresh-baked bread, ready for the community to gather and celebrate. Among the crowd, Cake moved through with a gentle smile, ready to take part in the festivities.

Cake had taken it upon herself to gather the last of the staradishes, a rare vegetable that glowed faintly in the twilight, prized for both its flavor and beauty. She made her way to the edge of the field, gently picking each staradish with care. The villagers watched her as she returned, her basket full of the prized crop, and greeted her with cheers and clapping.

“Here they are!” Cake announced proudly, holding out the basket for everyone to see.

“Perfect timing, Cake!” a friend called back, taking the basket to transform the staradishes into the evening’s highlight—a savory tart drizzled with honey and herbs. As the dish baked, filling the air with a fragrant warmth, Cake sat with her friends, joining in on the laughter and conversations that swirled around her.

When the tart was finally ready, it was placed in the center of the banquet table, where Cake’s eyes lit up. She looked around, delighted to see everyone enjoying her gathered staradishes.

“Looks like we have a hit!” she said with a smile, watching her friends take generous slices.

Though Cake didn’t eat, her friends had set a small plate with a decorated staradish in front of her, a playful nod to her efforts. Cake laughed and tapped the plate, feeling the warmth of her friends’ thoughtfulness.

As the evening wore on, stories and laughter filled the air, creating a sense of joy and togetherness under the open sky. Cake listened intently, occasionally joining in with her own tales from the fields and enjoying every moment of the shared celebration.

When the time came to say goodbye, Cake made her way around the table, exchanging warm farewells with each of her friends.

“See you next harvest,” she whispered to one friend, giving them a gentle pat on the hand.

With a final wave, Cake left the gathering, her heart full. For her, the Harvest Feast was more than a meal—it was a reminder of the love and community she cherished deeply, a bond she’d always honor. And as she walked away, she knew she’d be back next year, ready to celebrate again.