[There is a moment where Silent Salt recoils slightly. His mouth parts around an apology, but Elder Faerie's grin manages to cut through it before he can even begin. Instead, he offers something close to a huff, ignoring the way his no-longer-dough seems to warm.
For a moment, at least. The moment sobers just as quick as the levity had arrived. Metal shifts as Silent Salt straightens up. It is... probably ridiculous, the way he continues to stand and loom over Elder Faerie, but to lower himself would be to abandon a more defensive position.
That's what he tells himself, at least. Admittedly, to sit upon the ground would certainly produce enough noise to disrupt the goings-on of the party. To say nothing of the impact it would have on the gravity of the moment.]
I do not know how you could have helped me more than you already did, Elder Faerie. [There is a note of incredulity to his tone.] My plan would have crumbled if not for your efforts. Your knowledge and strength is what gave us the ability to seal the Beasts away to begin with. I do not accept your regret. It is unnecessary.
[Still, he'll admit that the word forward managed to produce a wholly altogether response. He tucks that away, to be considered never.]
[he hadn't meant it like that. probably? who knows! he'll not say a word if Silent Salt won't. Elder Faerie closes his eyes, not wanting to go around in circles with the Beast. he would like to ask for forgiveness, for not being able to keep his friend safe back then. but it won't do any good. Silent Salt does not see the faults, there, and neither did White Lily.
so he abstains, for now, sitting back into the couch and sipping his tea. it will do no good to mull over the past, not when they have a new future to think about]
If you say so, then I shall not argue with you. For now, I wish to know how you have been doing here. When did you arrive?
[For as willing as Silent Salt is to bend the knee to certain individuals, he is terribly stubborn when it comes to matters of said souls' worth. So it's probably a good thing that Elder Faerie does not press the matter. It keeps them from wasting valuable time and breath rehashing a matter they are unlikely to see eye to eye on.]
Little more than a few evenings ago. [When he says it, he almost feels guilty. He had no way of knowing that Elder Faerie was here, yet his heart aches over not seeking him out sooner all the same.] I have spent most of that time trying to understand the lay of this land, and the threats that it harbors.
[His gaze flicks off to the side, to where a once dormant pull tugs at his senses. For but a few hours, he had believed Shadow Milk to be the largest threat in this place. Now he knows differently.]
[Three weeks is nary a drop in the bucket compared to their long lives. Yet some part of Silent Salt has the audacity to long for the weeks he might have missed. He scolds himself for the foolishness of it all, even if part of him acknowledges that in a place as seemingly volatile as this, three weeks might as well be a lifetime.]
It seems a comfortable enough accommodation. [But then, anything would be compared to the catacombs, now wouldn't it?] Is it always so... lively?
[Some distant part of Silent Salt hopes it is the case. He misses the bustle of his knights, of his beloved charges.]
[he chuckles at Silent Salt's curiosity. if he could, he would have parties and feasts here every night! for the both of them, as well as for the others]
Many times, when I return here, it is quiet at night. However, I suspect the inn, itself, is haunted.
[Schooled as his response might be to the odd passerby, Elder Faerie might note a hint of disappointment there all the same. Indeed, his tell is the way his head tips downward, the way the plume of his helm almost seems to diminish faintly.
It lasts only seconds. Curiosity takes him shortly after, and his head lifts once more. A subtle glance is cast around, as if searching for the very spirits Elder Faerie refers to. He has his own experience with hauntings, something that they both surely know.]
[another sip of his tea as Elder Faerie considers how to answer]
I hear heavy footfalls in the halls here. As though someone is running. Yet, when I open my door to observe, no one is there. There are also doors that remain locked, no matter who tries to open them. I do not fear these things, but I remain vigilant, nonetheless.
[he gets very little rest here. but that is not all because of the location. he is in unfamiliar territory, and he never feels safe]
[If there is one thing Silent Salt has learned over his years, it is that joy is fleeting. He will just have to treasure this evening for what it is, and then tuck it away within his mind forever more. It will be yet another thing he can look back on with melancholic fondness.
For now, there are more pressing matters at hand. He considers Elder Faerie's words, mouth pressing into a firm line. The air does not feel immediately threatening, and the situation that is described to him sounds more inconvenient than anything. Nevertheless, it is a disturbance, and he cannot imagine it has sat well with his companion.]
Allow me to stand watch this evening, then. If anything occurs, I will be on hand to witness it. And I should hope it allows you the ease of better rest.
[Even if Elder Faerie does not mention the lack of pleasant slumber, it is easy enough to deduce. And Silent Salt cannot help but fret over his friend. Alive though he may be, his countenance remains of great concern to the beast.]
[even Elder Faerie cannot be unflappable all the time. he chokes a little on his tea, bringing a hand up to rest against his chest. he's fine, he's fine! Silent Salt needn't worry.
but hoo boy, he just had not expected that response. it surprised him!]
Y-you want to... stay here?
[with him? guarding him? potentially keeping threats at bay? no, it's silly! there are no threats, certainly not composed of the haunted footsteps. no, the only threat here is...
[Once more, that head inclines faintly. Indeed, the question of Elder Faerie's well-being dances upon his lips, but he does not speak the question into fruition. Rather, he does not have the time to, considering his companion's own words.
Admittedly, he does not understand why the thought seems to fluster Elder Faerie so. He has his own retinue back home, after all. A cookie so beloved by his people would surely have many falling over themselves to ensure their leader was kept safe. And the Salt of Solidarity had been no different in that time, loyal to his own people.
It is simply the logical solution to the problem at hand.]
Good. Then after the festivities have died down, I shall accompany you to your room and hold vigil within the halls.
[Which is... probably not at all what was expected. Oops!]
[hold vigil... in the halls. of course. the fun sleepover idea Elder Faerie has in his head vanishes without a second thought. he finishes off his tea, his wings fluttering lightly]
Yes. Though, if you get tired, you are free to rest, you know. I do not believe any harm will come to me tonight.
[still, the idea of Silent Salt being near is... enough to make him happy. he feels like he might sleep more soundly, feel safer. it's comforting!]
[Silent Salt has no reason to believe otherwise. Aside from a few stray animals wandering through the village, there has been little to speak of as far as disturbances go. Though he had no doubt there was a significant threat posed by the menace within the Woods, it was clear that it was not keen on acting on the urge at this time. Even Shadow Milk had proven himself to be docile, better served as an ally for the time being.
But even still, he cannot help but be concerned. Despite the environment being different, Silent Salt knows what it is like to lose what is most precious to him. Duty has had him spread across many different places over the last few days. It only stands to reason that he settle here for the time being.]
You know me, Elder Faerie Cookie. It is not in my nature to abandon my duties part way through. [If he is determined to be on guard for Elder Faerie, then he will see the duty through to completion. It is, after all, the least he can do to redeem himself in the eyes of one so beloved to him.]
[even though the Salt of Solidarity is gone, there remains pieces of what once were in Silent Salt. that is why... Elder Faerie is hoping that they can rekindle their relationship, become close once again]
At the very least, I shall keep my door open for you. And, if we just so happen to strike up a conversation while you are on guard duty, then so be it.
They both know the cookie he once was has all but been erased, washed away by the crumbs and jam of those who became his enemies. Whatever paragon he had once tried to be — whatever being that had somehow managed to be worth something in the eyes of a great and kind cookie such as Elder Faerie — had crumbled centuries ago. That Elder Faerie attempts to be amicable is one thing, it speaks to his very heart and spirit. But to try and open the door for what they once were...
It fills him with hope, a sensation not at all unlike what White Lily Cookie had managed to draw out of him. And he... he is so undeserving of such things, that having it reflected on him twice over almost makes him want to roar with fury. Surely they both deserved more.
But he does not protest. He does not defy their will, because he knows what the cost will be. He has already disappointed Elder Faerie once. Doing it again would be a travesty. While the fingers of one hand may curl into fists, and while the tea within the other might come close to sloshing, he minds his words.]
If that is what you wish, I will not turn you away. Though I - I do hope you will consider resting. That is the point of my watch, old friend. To ensure you have enough peace of mind to slumber peacefully.
[had he said something wrong? he must have overstepped his boundaries, again. Elder Faerie wipes the satisfied smile off of his face and adopts a neutral expression. for now]
Of course. I thank you for your concern. It shall be nice to know peace, if only for a short while.
[thanks to you, he thinks. he looks into his empty mug sadly. he should eat, and then practice his sign language before bed. ah, yes, he wants to tell Silent Salt about that, but he feels White Lily Cookie should tell him first]
[Silent Salt's mouth opens. There is a not so insignificant part of him that wants to protest. That if he had his way, he would ensure there would be more than just a night of peace. He knows better than to make these claims now. Even if his strength might have been enough — a fact that he unfortunately doubts given all he has learned — it is not his place.
But he keeps these thoughts to himself. Instead, he tips his head in a nod, and allows his gaze to drift elsewhere. Surely, by now, Elder Faerie has tired of his presence. And even if that were not the case, Silent Salt had confronted him almost immediately on his arrival. He has not been able to properly enjoy the feast.]
You should enjoy the festivities. I will not keep you.
[but then he looks directly at Silent Salt, as if to tell him to not leave. he is not permitted to move, yet! after all, there is so much to discuss, and Elder Faerie does not want to lose this]
[With just a single glance, Silent Salt is commanded into stillness. He glances toward the feast, then away once more. There may be plenty of food, but Shadow Milk had already coaxed him into eating a few bites. He would not be greedy and ask for more.]
I am satisfied as I am.
[He has company, and he has tea. It is more than he could have ever asked for.]
[good man. Elder Faerie nods decisively. he will get Silent Salt to eat more than just bread next time.
if there is a next time]
Very well, I shall return.
[he's only moving a few feet away, anyway, to grab food. and speak with Genya. Elder Faerie appears light on his feet, as he once was so long ago. he feels lighter, too, because he's had a very selfish wish granted. sure, the horrors persist, and, sure, this could all disappear tomorrow. but, for now, he feels at peace]
[Honed as his senses are, it will not be lost on Elder Faerie that he is being watched. Though his own gaze flickers away every now and again — watching exits, confirming there are no targets to be concerned about — by and large Silent Salt keeps a close eye on where Elder Faerie goes. It isn't just that he is worried about the Cookie. Rather, he wants to know how well the man has gotten on over all this time.
What glimpses he had of the cookie were fleeting, after all. There is so very much he has missed. And while he will not debase the other cookie with his interest, he can still lament what has been lost.
It is only once Elder Faerie deigns to return that he truly tears his eyes away, forcing himself to focus anywhere but on the approaching cookie. Anything to spare himself - what? Embarrassment? How juvenile.]
[Silent Salt, please. there is nothing to be ashamed about.
Elder Faerie returns to the couch and sits down with his plate. he obtained more tea, too. by this time, people are heading out of the inn, the bustling dying down as friends eat and then embark back to their own homes in the Grove. for a couple hours, there was solidarity]
[He did not expect to lament the loss of so many strangers. As they begin to file out, and as the food begins to be packed up, he finds himself wishing for the feast to continue for as long as possible. Or perhaps for there to be more. Surely such bliss is not that fleeting.
Elder Faerie, however, is easily able to pluck Silent Salt from his thoughts. Though his gaze remains on the departing souls, he is able to focus on his words more than his remorse.]
It is... strange. Defiant, I suppose. [His head turns back to the cookie finally, albeit slightly tilted downward.] There are many needs that must be met. Otherwise, I find myself feeling... faint.
[Shame floods through him for even admitting as much.]
[Elder Faire looks up, alarmed! is he hungry? tired? or maybe...]
Faint, in what sense?
[he wants to assume nothing, even if he thinks he may understand what Silent Salt is implying. there is enough food on Elder Faerie's plate, in case the Beast Cookie needs a bite. look at all those potato wedges.......]
[Just as quick as Elder Faerie reacts, Silent Salt shakes his head.]
It has already passed. And... happened to be a combination of many things. [Thirst, hunger, exhaustion. Managing it all had proven exceedingly difficult.
Though he does look at those potato wedges for a moment too long. Don't worry about it.]
I have better control of it now. This much I can promise.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 07:14 pm (UTC)For a moment, at least. The moment sobers just as quick as the levity had arrived. Metal shifts as Silent Salt straightens up. It is... probably ridiculous, the way he continues to stand and loom over Elder Faerie, but to lower himself would be to abandon a more defensive position.
That's what he tells himself, at least. Admittedly, to sit upon the ground would certainly produce enough noise to disrupt the goings-on of the party. To say nothing of the impact it would have on the gravity of the moment.]
I do not know how you could have helped me more than you already did, Elder Faerie. [There is a note of incredulity to his tone.] My plan would have crumbled if not for your efforts. Your knowledge and strength is what gave us the ability to seal the Beasts away to begin with. I do not accept your regret. It is unnecessary.
[Still, he'll admit that the word forward managed to produce a wholly altogether response. He tucks that away, to be considered never.]
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Date: 2025-11-16 07:50 pm (UTC)so he abstains, for now, sitting back into the couch and sipping his tea. it will do no good to mull over the past, not when they have a new future to think about]
If you say so, then I shall not argue with you. For now, I wish to know how you have been doing here. When did you arrive?
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Date: 2025-11-16 08:46 pm (UTC)Little more than a few evenings ago. [When he says it, he almost feels guilty. He had no way of knowing that Elder Faerie was here, yet his heart aches over not seeking him out sooner all the same.] I have spent most of that time trying to understand the lay of this land, and the threats that it harbors.
[His gaze flicks off to the side, to where a once dormant pull tugs at his senses. For but a few hours, he had believed Shadow Milk to be the largest threat in this place. Now he knows differently.]
And you...?
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Date: 2025-11-16 08:51 pm (UTC)[he sets his cup against the saucer in his lap, tilting his head towards Silent Salt]
Certainly not as long as others. It does not feel real yet. I have been staying here, at this very inn.
[it's been lonely, but he does not want to overstep his boundaries in White Lily's home]
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Date: 2025-11-16 09:07 pm (UTC)It seems a comfortable enough accommodation. [But then, anything would be compared to the catacombs, now wouldn't it?] Is it always so... lively?
[Some distant part of Silent Salt hopes it is the case. He misses the bustle of his knights, of his beloved charges.]
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Date: 2025-11-16 09:15 pm (UTC)[he chuckles at Silent Salt's curiosity. if he could, he would have parties and feasts here every night! for the both of them, as well as for the others]
Many times, when I return here, it is quiet at night. However, I suspect the inn, itself, is haunted.
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Date: 2025-11-16 09:25 pm (UTC)[Schooled as his response might be to the odd passerby, Elder Faerie might note a hint of disappointment there all the same. Indeed, his tell is the way his head tips downward, the way the plume of his helm almost seems to diminish faintly.
It lasts only seconds. Curiosity takes him shortly after, and his head lifts once more. A subtle glance is cast around, as if searching for the very spirits Elder Faerie refers to. He has his own experience with hauntings, something that they both surely know.]
And why is it that you suspect this?
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Date: 2025-11-16 09:33 pm (UTC)Hm.
[another sip of his tea as Elder Faerie considers how to answer]
I hear heavy footfalls in the halls here. As though someone is running. Yet, when I open my door to observe, no one is there. There are also doors that remain locked, no matter who tries to open them. I do not fear these things, but I remain vigilant, nonetheless.
[he gets very little rest here. but that is not all because of the location. he is in unfamiliar territory, and he never feels safe]
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Date: 2025-11-16 09:43 pm (UTC)For now, there are more pressing matters at hand. He considers Elder Faerie's words, mouth pressing into a firm line. The air does not feel immediately threatening, and the situation that is described to him sounds more inconvenient than anything. Nevertheless, it is a disturbance, and he cannot imagine it has sat well with his companion.]
Allow me to stand watch this evening, then. If anything occurs, I will be on hand to witness it. And I should hope it allows you the ease of better rest.
[Even if Elder Faerie does not mention the lack of pleasant slumber, it is easy enough to deduce. And Silent Salt cannot help but fret over his friend. Alive though he may be, his countenance remains of great concern to the beast.]
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Date: 2025-11-16 09:51 pm (UTC)but hoo boy, he just had not expected that response. it surprised him!]
Y-you want to... stay here?
[with him? guarding him? potentially keeping threats at bay? no, it's silly! there are no threats, certainly not composed of the haunted footsteps. no, the only threat here is...
never mind]
.............I would not say no...
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 09:58 pm (UTC)Admittedly, he does not understand why the thought seems to fluster Elder Faerie so. He has his own retinue back home, after all. A cookie so beloved by his people would surely have many falling over themselves to ensure their leader was kept safe. And the Salt of Solidarity had been no different in that time, loyal to his own people.
It is simply the logical solution to the problem at hand.]
Good. Then after the festivities have died down, I shall accompany you to your room and hold vigil within the halls.
[Which is... probably not at all what was expected. Oops!]
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Date: 2025-11-16 10:04 pm (UTC)Yes. Though, if you get tired, you are free to rest, you know. I do not believe any harm will come to me tonight.
[still, the idea of Silent Salt being near is... enough to make him happy. he feels like he might sleep more soundly, feel safer. it's comforting!]
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Date: 2025-11-16 10:23 pm (UTC)[Silent Salt has no reason to believe otherwise. Aside from a few stray animals wandering through the village, there has been little to speak of as far as disturbances go. Though he had no doubt there was a significant threat posed by the menace within the Woods, it was clear that it was not keen on acting on the urge at this time. Even Shadow Milk had proven himself to be docile, better served as an ally for the time being.
But even still, he cannot help but be concerned. Despite the environment being different, Silent Salt knows what it is like to lose what is most precious to him. Duty has had him spread across many different places over the last few days. It only stands to reason that he settle here for the time being.]
You know me, Elder Faerie Cookie. It is not in my nature to abandon my duties part way through. [If he is determined to be on guard for Elder Faerie, then he will see the duty through to completion. It is, after all, the least he can do to redeem himself in the eyes of one so beloved to him.]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 11:21 pm (UTC)[even though the Salt of Solidarity is gone, there remains pieces of what once were in Silent Salt. that is why... Elder Faerie is hoping that they can rekindle their relationship, become close once again]
At the very least, I shall keep my door open for you. And, if we just so happen to strike up a conversation while you are on guard duty, then so be it.
[he beams]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 11:31 pm (UTC)They both know the cookie he once was has all but been erased, washed away by the crumbs and jam of those who became his enemies. Whatever paragon he had once tried to be — whatever being that had somehow managed to be worth something in the eyes of a great and kind cookie such as Elder Faerie — had crumbled centuries ago. That Elder Faerie attempts to be amicable is one thing, it speaks to his very heart and spirit. But to try and open the door for what they once were...
It fills him with hope, a sensation not at all unlike what White Lily Cookie had managed to draw out of him. And he... he is so undeserving of such things, that having it reflected on him twice over almost makes him want to roar with fury. Surely they both deserved more.
But he does not protest. He does not defy their will, because he knows what the cost will be. He has already disappointed Elder Faerie once. Doing it again would be a travesty. While the fingers of one hand may curl into fists, and while the tea within the other might come close to sloshing, he minds his words.]
If that is what you wish, I will not turn you away. Though I - I do hope you will consider resting. That is the point of my watch, old friend. To ensure you have enough peace of mind to slumber peacefully.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 11:40 pm (UTC)Of course. I thank you for your concern. It shall be nice to know peace, if only for a short while.
[thanks to you, he thinks. he looks into his empty mug sadly. he should eat, and then practice his sign language before bed. ah, yes, he wants to tell Silent Salt about that, but he feels White Lily Cookie should tell him first]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 03:46 am (UTC)But he keeps these thoughts to himself. Instead, he tips his head in a nod, and allows his gaze to drift elsewhere. Surely, by now, Elder Faerie has tired of his presence. And even if that were not the case, Silent Salt had confronted him almost immediately on his arrival. He has not been able to properly enjoy the feast.]
You should enjoy the festivities. I will not keep you.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 04:14 am (UTC)I shall eat.
[but then he looks directly at Silent Salt, as if to tell him to not leave. he is not permitted to move, yet! after all, there is so much to discuss, and Elder Faerie does not want to lose this]
Would you like anything?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 04:22 am (UTC)I am satisfied as I am.
[He has company, and he has tea. It is more than he could have ever asked for.]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 04:37 am (UTC)if there is a next time]
Very well, I shall return.
[he's only moving a few feet away, anyway, to grab food. and speak with Genya. Elder Faerie appears light on his feet, as he once was so long ago. he feels lighter, too, because he's had a very selfish wish granted. sure, the horrors persist, and, sure, this could all disappear tomorrow. but, for now, he feels at peace]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 05:15 am (UTC)What glimpses he had of the cookie were fleeting, after all. There is so very much he has missed. And while he will not debase the other cookie with his interest, he can still lament what has been lost.
It is only once Elder Faerie deigns to return that he truly tears his eyes away, forcing himself to focus anywhere but on the approaching cookie. Anything to spare himself - what? Embarrassment? How juvenile.]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 05:25 am (UTC)Elder Faerie returns to the couch and sits down with his plate. he obtained more tea, too. by this time, people are heading out of the inn, the bustling dying down as friends eat and then embark back to their own homes in the Grove. for a couple hours, there was solidarity]
How do you find your new body?
[Elder Faerie asks him out of curiosity]
Has it been agreeing with you?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 05:38 am (UTC)Elder Faerie, however, is easily able to pluck Silent Salt from his thoughts. Though his gaze remains on the departing souls, he is able to focus on his words more than his remorse.]
It is... strange. Defiant, I suppose. [His head turns back to the cookie finally, albeit slightly tilted downward.] There are many needs that must be met. Otherwise, I find myself feeling... faint.
[Shame floods through him for even admitting as much.]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 05:50 am (UTC)Faint, in what sense?
[he wants to assume nothing, even if he thinks he may understand what Silent Salt is implying. there is enough food on Elder Faerie's plate, in case the Beast Cookie needs a bite. look at all those potato wedges.......]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 06:01 am (UTC)It has already passed. And... happened to be a combination of many things. [Thirst, hunger, exhaustion. Managing it all had proven exceedingly difficult.
Though he does look at those potato wedges for a moment too long. Don't worry about it.]
I have better control of it now. This much I can promise.
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