[The clank and grind of armor will likely alert Elder Faerie to his presence long before words ever could. Thankfully. both the faint light and open door are enough of a sign to prevent Silent Salt from having to stumble around blindly for any period of time. Admittedly, though, he does not seek to enter right away. Despite their plans to talk through the open door, part of Silent Salt truly does think to take his place by the doorway and simply... exist.
His earlier thoughts spring to mind just as soon as he attempts it, though, and ultimately he finds himself turning to face Elder Faerie.]
You have settled in for the evening then? [And before he can stop himself.] If you need anything, I can fetch it for you.
[Silent Salt takes a step forward before he can so much as stop himself. A hand reaches out, then stops short. It must be difficult, he thinks, to twist and reach for hair so long. But his own hands, tainted as they are, are also strapped with gauntlets that he's only just put back on. It would be more of a nuisance for him to offer.
Still, his head roars with the thought.]
Does it not strain you...? [He nods toward Elder Faerie's own hands as his own pull back.] I would not want you to put yourself out.
[he looks a bit confused by the question, then notices that Silent Salt's hands have pulled away. now, Elder Faerie isn't one to pretend he is injured or unfit to perform a task. if he can't do it, he can't do it, it's as simple as that. he doesn't mince words, and doesn't want to put others out if he can help it. but the thought of Silent Salt helping him with his hair is enough to cause his cheeks to burn]
It is... alright. I have been doing it myself since I arrived.
[Silent Salt is not bashful. Nor was the Salt of Solidarity. This moment, though, wrings something out of him that almost draws such behavior out, though. Dimly, images of his young charges echo in his mind, nervously wringing hands as they try to summon the course to make a move.
How foolish. How childish. And yet all the same, he finds himself reaching for a gauntlet.]
If assistance would make matters easier... [He trails off, doubt rearing its head.] My hands have been marred by my sins. I understand this. But if it would not offend...
[Elder Faerie manages to compose himself once more, his eyes flicking from Silent Salt's hand up to his face. well, to the helmet, of course]
It would not offend me.
[his own hands stop, and he turns his back towards the Beast. he's not bashful, either. he never has been around his friend or his kind. he is not embarrassed, nor ashamed, but he's still feeling the burn. there's something about this moment that he doesn't want to forget, the way the air feels thick and warm even though it's cold outside. Elder Faerie wants to trap them in this moment, forever, though he understands that is selfish, again]
[Some part of him thinks that it ought to, but Silent salt does not voice this aloud. He knows Elder Faerie Cookie would not tolerate such words about himself, however true he might believe them to be.
In the end, Silent Salt only nods and takes a step closer. One gauntlet is removed, and then the other. Both are left on the floor as he kneels behind Elder Faerie. He reaches out once more, and hesitates yet again. Despite the assurances, he cannot help but doubt his worth in this moment.
Before he can talk himself out of it, Silent Salt allows a hand to plunge forward. It coaxes through the long strands of hair, reveling in the sight of what almost seems like liquid moonlight. It stands in direct opposition to the tarnished dark of his own skin.]
You are certain?
[It is hard to take it back, now that his hand is already in Elder Faerie's hair but... he might as well offer it up all the same.]
[Elder Faerie replies as evenly as he can, but Silent Salt may be able to hear his breath catch ever so slightly. he stares ahead, watching their shadows bounce on the wall thanks to the candle in the room.
come on, he tells himself, it's nothing. he's just braiding your hair. why are you so worked up? nothing, it was nothing... and, yet...!]
[The noise is not lost on him. His hands hesitate in the motion, and he waits for further protest. When none comes forth, he instead turns to his own mind, wondering if he'd made a mistake. The best conclusion he can therefore draw is that he has somehow missed a tangle. It would not be surprising, given the fact that he's still wearing his helmet.
Well. There's only one thing to do about that.
He leans back for a moment, one in which his hands leave that hair. He mourns the loss of it to such a dizzying degree that he almost feels winded. It's a herculean effort to focus long enough on the task at hand, carefully removing the helmet and setting it aside. If there's a mirror nearby, it will surely catch a glimpse of his marred face, but Silent Salt simply pretends it will not.
With nothing to obstruct his vision now, he reaches one hand forward, while the other settles back within Elder Faerie's hair once more.]
[ah! Silent Salt removed his helmet! Elder faerie's eyes widen for a slit-second, and he clears his throat.
when he turns around, he reaches into the drawer next to the bed. there is brush in there with hard bristles, as well as a plain comb and some hair ties. he also makes sure to look Silent Salt in the eyes once he speaks again]
You may use whatever you see fit.
[it's... nice, having someone take care of his hair. he will return the favor, if Silent Salt ever allows him to. he smiles when he sees that scarred face, even if it makes him sad, too]
[Something floods through Silent Salt as his eyes meet the other cookie's. He bows his head quickly, feigning reverence to mask his shame. It's all for the best in the end, he supposes. He's able to turn his attention to the drawer and...
find himself at a loss. It may not be the first time he's braided hair, he's never been so spoiled for choice. The young cookies who had asked for his help had one or the other to offer, and he made do with what was on hand. In the end, he reaches for his first choice, the comb, as well as a tie.
From there, he settles onto the ground, positioned on his knees. Given the discrepancy in their heights, it's still easy enough to work with, and he sets to combing through that long hair. Even if Elder Faerie had already tended to it, it's... best to be sure that it's ready to be worked with.
... And maybe, yes, he does want to make this last.]
[Elder Faerie settles down again. he feels much more calm now that Silent Salt has revealed himself to him. he closes his eyes eventually, humming something from long ago, a song of his people that he most likely will never see again. but the tune fills him with hope. he feels like he may actually be able to sleep tonight. being here may not have been his choice, but it was worth it, to see White Lily again, and to meet Silent Salt]
[Even if Silent Salt is not familiar with every faerie song, he has visited the kingdom enough to know its penchant for music. Even now, it calms him as his fingers work through that hair. His touch is a mite bit unpracticed, and in the end the braid might not be entirely perfect. It is serviceable, though. He does not rush, but he also tries not to take his time over much. Pleasant though the experience is, he cannot bring himself to be selfish in this moment.
Still, as he twists the tie around the finished braid, a feeling of melancholy strikes him. He bows his head ever more, silently wishing to have just a few more moments.
Only to deny himself the request as he leans back.]
[Elder Faerie had been so relaxed that he was starting to drift off. he sits up straight when he hears Silent Salt speak. whoops!]
Is it?
[he feels refreshed, turning his head to look in the mirror at the lopsided braid. it's fine, he's only wearing it to keep his hair from getting tangled in the night]
Thank you. It looks marvelous.
[he says this genuinely. as giddy as he is, he knows he must sleep now]
[The corner of Silent Salt's mouth twitches downward as he notes the flaws in his efforts. Nevertheless, Elder Faerie seems to be pleased by it, and he knows his dear friend would not lie to him. He'll simply have to settle for improving, should he ever be granted the chance at a next time.]
I am glad that you think so.
[He stands, then bows at the waist. It all feels so formal, but at the same time... it's the easiest form of reverence that Silent Salt knows. The praise will be filed away for later, to suffuse him long after Elder Faerie has fallen asleep.]
I will not keep you. Pray rest easy this evening.
[He scoops down once more, grabbing his helmet and putting it back on. The same is done with his gauntlets.]
[Elder faerie watches him, beaming again. he is filled with such elation at this moment, he doesn't know how he'll be able to sleep. but it is fine. he must sleep, so that they can have their morning walk]
Thank you, old friend. Please let me know if something is amiss.
[he moves to get under the covers, nice and cozy. a thought occurs to him, but he buries it swiftly]
[Silent Salt makes his way to the door. He casts a quick glance over his shoulder, taking in the sight of his dear friend. It is good to see him so comfortable, so at ease. Another sight to commit to memory, he thinks, as he takes is place just outside the door. He nudges the door closed only slightly, enough to see inside and hear what is important, and to listen if Elder Faerie wishes it, while still providing a modicum of privacy.
With all that settled, Silent Salt takes up his watch.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 01:54 am (UTC)His earlier thoughts spring to mind just as soon as he attempts it, though, and ultimately he finds himself turning to face Elder Faerie.]
You have settled in for the evening then? [And before he can stop himself.] If you need anything, I can fetch it for you.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 02:33 am (UTC)I shall be alright. I've gotten everything I need.
[he can get his own water, don't worry. he sets the notebook on the nightstand and begins to braid his long hair for the night]
Thank you for watching over me tonight. Please, rest when you need to.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 02:48 am (UTC)Still, his head roars with the thought.]
Does it not strain you...? [He nods toward Elder Faerie's own hands as his own pull back.] I would not want you to put yourself out.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 02:56 am (UTC)[he looks a bit confused by the question, then notices that Silent Salt's hands have pulled away. now, Elder Faerie isn't one to pretend he is injured or unfit to perform a task. if he can't do it, he can't do it, it's as simple as that. he doesn't mince words, and doesn't want to put others out if he can help it. but the thought of Silent Salt helping him with his hair is enough to cause his cheeks to burn]
It is... alright. I have been doing it myself since I arrived.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 03:07 am (UTC)How foolish. How childish. And yet all the same, he finds himself reaching for a gauntlet.]
If assistance would make matters easier... [He trails off, doubt rearing its head.] My hands have been marred by my sins. I understand this. But if it would not offend...
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 03:20 am (UTC)It would not offend me.
[his own hands stop, and he turns his back towards the Beast. he's not bashful, either. he never has been around his friend or his kind. he is not embarrassed, nor ashamed, but he's still feeling the burn. there's something about this moment that he doesn't want to forget, the way the air feels thick and warm even though it's cold outside. Elder Faerie wants to trap them in this moment, forever, though he understands that is selfish, again]
None of you offends me, Silent Salt Cookie.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 03:28 am (UTC)In the end, Silent Salt only nods and takes a step closer. One gauntlet is removed, and then the other. Both are left on the floor as he kneels behind Elder Faerie. He reaches out once more, and hesitates yet again. Despite the assurances, he cannot help but doubt his worth in this moment.
Before he can talk himself out of it, Silent Salt allows a hand to plunge forward. It coaxes through the long strands of hair, reveling in the sight of what almost seems like liquid moonlight. It stands in direct opposition to the tarnished dark of his own skin.]
You are certain?
[It is hard to take it back, now that his hand is already in Elder Faerie's hair but... he might as well offer it up all the same.]
i am so normal about them
Date: 2025-11-19 03:38 am (UTC)[Elder Faerie replies as evenly as he can, but Silent Salt may be able to hear his breath catch ever so slightly. he stares ahead, watching their shadows bounce on the wall thanks to the candle in the room.
come on, he tells himself, it's nothing. he's just braiding your hair. why are you so worked up? nothing, it was nothing... and, yet...!]
well i'm not so jot that down.
Date: 2025-11-19 03:50 am (UTC)Well. There's only one thing to do about that.
He leans back for a moment, one in which his hands leave that hair. He mourns the loss of it to such a dizzying degree that he almost feels winded. It's a herculean effort to focus long enough on the task at hand, carefully removing the helmet and setting it aside. If there's a mirror nearby, it will surely catch a glimpse of his marred face, but Silent Salt simply pretends it will not.
With nothing to obstruct his vision now, he reaches one hand forward, while the other settles back within Elder Faerie's hair once more.]
May I use a comb? It should make this easier.
i lied i'm actually feral
Date: 2025-11-19 03:58 am (UTC)when he turns around, he reaches into the drawer next to the bed. there is brush in there with hard bristles, as well as a plain comb and some hair ties. he also makes sure to look Silent Salt in the eyes once he speaks again]
You may use whatever you see fit.
[it's... nice, having someone take care of his hair. he will return the favor, if Silent Salt ever allows him to. he smiles when he sees that scarred face, even if it makes him sad, too]
you're right for that bc me too
Date: 2025-11-19 04:13 am (UTC)find himself at a loss. It may not be the first time he's braided hair, he's never been so spoiled for choice. The young cookies who had asked for his help had one or the other to offer, and he made do with what was on hand. In the end, he reaches for his first choice, the comb, as well as a tie.
From there, he settles onto the ground, positioned on his knees. Given the discrepancy in their heights, it's still easy enough to work with, and he sets to combing through that long hair. Even if Elder Faerie had already tended to it, it's... best to be sure that it's ready to be worked with.
... And maybe, yes, he does want to make this last.]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 04:38 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 05:08 am (UTC)Still, as he twists the tie around the finished braid, a feeling of melancholy strikes him. He bows his head ever more, silently wishing to have just a few more moments.
Only to deny himself the request as he leans back.]
It is finished.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 05:26 am (UTC)Is it?
[he feels refreshed, turning his head to look in the mirror at the lopsided braid. it's fine, he's only wearing it to keep his hair from getting tangled in the night]
Thank you. It looks marvelous.
[he says this genuinely. as giddy as he is, he knows he must sleep now]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 06:49 pm (UTC)I am glad that you think so.
[He stands, then bows at the waist. It all feels so formal, but at the same time... it's the easiest form of reverence that Silent Salt knows. The praise will be filed away for later, to suffuse him long after Elder Faerie has fallen asleep.]
I will not keep you. Pray rest easy this evening.
[He scoops down once more, grabbing his helmet and putting it back on. The same is done with his gauntlets.]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 07:21 pm (UTC)Thank you, old friend. Please let me know if something is amiss.
[he moves to get under the covers, nice and cozy. a thought occurs to him, but he buries it swiftly]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 10:35 pm (UTC)[Silent Salt makes his way to the door. He casts a quick glance over his shoulder, taking in the sight of his dear friend. It is good to see him so comfortable, so at ease. Another sight to commit to memory, he thinks, as he takes is place just outside the door. He nudges the door closed only slightly, enough to see inside and hear what is important, and to listen if Elder Faerie wishes it, while still providing a modicum of privacy.
With all that settled, Silent Salt takes up his watch.]