[Elder Faerie smiles in amusement, glad to see that Silent Salt is opening up. baby steps, as it were, are difficult to manage. but Elder Faerie has waited so long, by this point. he doesn't mind waiting longer for them to fall into synch with one another.
well, more than they already do]
My own shortcomings with cooking aside, I do find it exciting to try new things. I hope that whatever we eat here agrees with both of us.
[at the very least they wouldn't be making the meal themselves]
[He like think he has a hardy enough disposition to handle most things. And if not, at least the clinic will not be terribly far. Not that he plans to visit it. He would be too ashamed to admit his weakness, honestly.
But that thought gives way to another, and he finds himself shifting the topic.]
Have you been tending to yourself otherwise? Resting as you should?
[Elder Faerie is quiet for a moment. he's decided what he wants to order, but the question gives him pause. if this were anyone else, he might have said that he was fine. but being that it is Silent Salt, he cannot lie]
It has. Been difficult to rest, lately. I feel uneasy.
[Puck looks up at him, sensing Elder Faerie's stress, and nudges him. Elder Faerie places a hand on its head]
[If Elder Faerie had feared condemnation, then he'll be relieved to see none upon Silent Salt's face. He only nods grimly.]
I have felt much the same.
[Not only has the sky felt incredibly foreboding, but things have felt far too peaceful for far too long on top of that. Something will have to tip the balance sooner or later.]
But you can rest easy that no harm will come to you. I have been keeping a vigilant watch on the inn.
[Elder Faerie wanted to say something negative, but he bit his tongue. he didn't wish to worry Silent Salt now, not when they were on a date.
speaking of which, he glanced over to Silent Salt just as someone came to bring them drinks and take their orders. he put a pin in his thought to order for himself, and waited for Salt's order to be taken, too. then he sighed.
once the waiter was gone, Elder Faerie sipped at his tea]
...You seemed surprised when I mentioned that this was a date. Does the word displease you?
[Silent Salt is very polite as their order is taken, albeit a bit stiff. He keeps his gaze on the table, and while his tone is perfectly polite, it almost seems a touch soft? This is altogether a very different experience than that which he has allowed himself in the past. It feels... strange, to him.
It is the same story for being on a date, the subject of which he flinches mildly at when Elder Faerie broaches it. He clears his throat to try and cover, once again tipping his gaze away from his companion's own. The result is him staring almost awkwardly over the other cookie's shoulder.]
... It does not. I can at least say that much. [The rest of it, though.] I have never... experienced something like this. That is all. I admit that hearing the word allowed was startling.
[yeah, Elder Faerie was not subtle about his subject change, there. and, for that, he is sorry. he just didn't want to talk about how he's feeling and how he's not sleeping]
For that, I apologize. I had been thinking about it, and then just blurted that word out without considering your feelings. Perhaps it was wishful thinking after all.
[Unfortunately, the topic will be noted for another time. Just... not as public. Unfortunately, though, that does mean focusing on Silent Salt's shame and embarrassment. Alas.]
That - was not what I meant to say. I am happy to be here with you, as we are. I did not... [He inhales faintly.] Though I admit to not feeling worthy, I did not want the events of the other night to be the end.
[There's another quiet gap. It's clear that Silent Salt is warring with himself by the way his brow pinches. It isn't Elder Faerie — witches, Silent Salt would vow himself to the cookie in a heartbeat. Would, if not for the fact that he still doubts himself so incredibly.
In the end, though, he gives a silent nod. It takes him a moment to find his words, to convince himself he is not damning them both.]
[Elder Faerie smiles at that. he visibly relaxes, sinking into his pillow pile with a content sigh. even if it's only temporary... suffering together is better than suffering alone]
Very good.
[Puck wiggles its tiny legs and Elder Faerie picks it up. he puts it onto the floor so that it can wander over to Silent Salt. hello, Puck likes you]
[Though he looks a bit unsure, Silent Salt does reach down to give Puck a few strokes. Such a small, delicate creature. It is very different than trying to administer affection to Nox.]
I trust you are also amenable to this... arrangement? I feel you would not ask if not but... it is best to confirm, yes?
[Puck makes a happy noise, curling up against Silent Salt's leg. they will eat when the food gets here, but they seem to be pretty well-behaved. for now]
Yes, 'tis best to confirm. I wish to be with you in any capacity. Being more than friends would... thrill me.
[ah, he looks down into his cup, blushing faintly. Elder Faerie isn't one to mince words, though saying that out loud is a little embarrassing. in a good way, at least!]
[With all the gravity he extends to his words, you'd think he was taking some sort of solemn and sacred vow, rather than entering a relationship. Dramatic ass.]
If I may?
[He casts an almost shy glance around before extending a palm halfway across the table, seeking Elder Faerie's own in kind.]
[this is typical of Silent Salt, so Elder Faerie is not at all surprised or even alarmed by the dramatics. Silent Salt is a creature of habit, even if he is different from what he once was, before. in any case, Elder Faerie puts his hand in Salt's and closes his eyes. he can stay like this until their food comes, he doesn't mind.
but now that that is sorted out, perhaps he should... you know... discuss his worries]
Have you spoken with the other Cookies since... since that night?
[Sorry, EF, but Salt will not be content with just that. He lifts their connected hands, pressing a kiss to the back of Elder Faerie's own. Every bit the knight to his king.
He lingers there, almost as if unwilling to address the question that his companion has posed.]
I... have not.
[It has left a yawning gap where he and Lily are concerned. His kept their connection severed, figuring it best to give her space. He has no doubt that Shadow Milk has shared the truth by now. It hurts to be so disconnected from her, of course, but he has suffered worse.]
I assume they will approach me when they are ready. Until then, I shall make myself scarce around them.
[it's fine. they can discuss a little bit of everything!]
Mmn.
[he frowns, but says nothing yet. and that is only because their food has arrived. it is placed in front of them, warm and inviting. Elder Faerie gives his thanks to the waiter before they head away]
I am... worried. My dreams have been nothing but nightmares this past week. I sense a terrible danger is approaching, and I would like us to be more united than... than what we are right now.
[Though the food arrives, Silent Salt does not reach for it. Instead, he stares pensively down at his plate, jaw tensing and releasing. It is not a foolish want on Elder Faerie's part. Solidarity, laughable though the concept had come to Silent Salt in particular, would certainly help them get through whatever was to come.
... But even still, he hangs his head.]
Willing though I am to work with them, I cannot be the one to ask for it. Not after all that I have done.
[he does, but at the same time, he doesn't wish for Silent Salt to close himself off, either. that is something Elder Faerie cannot decide for him. he can nag, but he doesn't want to push Salt away. everything is a delicate balancing game right now. his palm still stings from when he smacked Salt..........
anyway. Elder Faerie starts to eat slowly, tearing off bits and pieces for himself, and for Silent Salt and Puck, to share. even though the mood is somber, he's not feeling awkward. he's just taking things one step at a time. Puck hops up to be fed]
[It isn't that he wants it to be this way. For all that he has decried solidarity and its so-called lies, it still calls to him. Some part of him still wishes he could believe in it — now more than ever in particular. But he is also aware that for all of his wishes, it is a two way street. The others will need to accept him back into the fold.
But he does not say this aloud. Instead, he folds some of his food into some naan and passes it over for Elder Faerie to try, simultaneously taking the bite offered to him as well. He hums his approval.]
You chose your meal well.
[He does narrow his eyes slightly at Puck. Such terrible manners.
... He absolutely sneaks a piece or two all the same.]
[Elder faerie accepts the food. yes, this is what he wanted. them feeding each other, being romantic. maybe Silent Salt is not quite there yet, but Elder Faerie is happy about it. he knows something is on the horizon, but he is not sure what. some bad omen]
As did you. These meals are surprisingly filling.
[and full of wonderful flavors. Puck agrees, tearing into their meal. no manners, they are spoiled rotten. Elder Faerie will have to learn how to discipline them soon]
And this restaurant is fun. I quite enjoy the ambiance.
[Though he suspects it isn't just the meal that fills him, but everything about the moment. There is a level of domesticity here too — not false, but certainly fleeting. This was the life they could have had, one spent exploring various places, were they not bound by duty and dishonor both.
It makes some part of him sad, yes — deeply so. But he counts himself lucky for having been able to experience it at all. If nothing else, it gives him a clear idea of what he will need to protect in the coming weeks.]
It has been a pleasure to experience. I am... [He clears his throat.] Pleased that you drew me out of my room for this.
[Salt reaches out, massive hand enveloping Puck's head in a careful little pat. Such a sweet creature.]
Then come whatever may, we will have to ensure our well being. If only to savor more moments like these in the future.
[It's a coded way for Silent Salt to say that he will be more wary going forward. No more making decisions of his own volition, without consulting Elder Faerie. At least not where he can avoid it.]
[Elder Faerie's heart thumps powerfully in his chest. to hear Silent Salt say that makes him feel so much more at ease. he wipes his fingers off on his napkin, then reaches for the other's hand]
Thank you, Silent Salt Cookie. I very much appreciate your devotion. You have made me incredibly happy.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-12-24 05:37 am (UTC)well, more than they already do]
My own shortcomings with cooking aside, I do find it exciting to try new things. I hope that whatever we eat here agrees with both of us.
[at the very least they wouldn't be making the meal themselves]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-24 09:53 pm (UTC)[He like think he has a hardy enough disposition to handle most things. And if not, at least the clinic will not be terribly far. Not that he plans to visit it. He would be too ashamed to admit his weakness, honestly.
But that thought gives way to another, and he finds himself shifting the topic.]
Have you been tending to yourself otherwise? Resting as you should?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-25 12:29 am (UTC)It has. Been difficult to rest, lately. I feel uneasy.
[Puck looks up at him, sensing Elder Faerie's stress, and nudges him. Elder Faerie places a hand on its head]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-25 04:01 am (UTC)I have felt much the same.
[Not only has the sky felt incredibly foreboding, but things have felt far too peaceful for far too long on top of that. Something will have to tip the balance sooner or later.]
But you can rest easy that no harm will come to you. I have been keeping a vigilant watch on the inn.
[You know. Instead of sleeping.]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-25 05:04 am (UTC)speaking of which, he glanced over to Silent Salt just as someone came to bring them drinks and take their orders. he put a pin in his thought to order for himself, and waited for Salt's order to be taken, too. then he sighed.
once the waiter was gone, Elder Faerie sipped at his tea]
...You seemed surprised when I mentioned that this was a date. Does the word displease you?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-25 06:19 pm (UTC)It is the same story for being on a date, the subject of which he flinches mildly at when Elder Faerie broaches it. He clears his throat to try and cover, once again tipping his gaze away from his companion's own. The result is him staring almost awkwardly over the other cookie's shoulder.]
... It does not. I can at least say that much. [The rest of it, though.] I have never... experienced something like this. That is all. I admit that hearing the word allowed was startling.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-26 03:15 am (UTC)For that, I apologize. I had been thinking about it, and then just blurted that word out without considering your feelings. Perhaps it was wishful thinking after all.
[he sips at his tea]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-30 12:53 am (UTC)That - was not what I meant to say. I am happy to be here with you, as we are. I did not... [He inhales faintly.] Though I admit to not feeling worthy, I did not want the events of the other night to be the end.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-30 04:31 am (UTC)So you are not adverse to the idea of us becoming... closer?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-30 04:40 pm (UTC)In the end, though, he gives a silent nod. It takes him a moment to find his words, to convince himself he is not damning them both.]
I would... like nothing more.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-31 03:46 am (UTC)Very good.
[Puck wiggles its tiny legs and Elder Faerie picks it up. he puts it onto the floor so that it can wander over to Silent Salt. hello, Puck likes you]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-31 07:47 pm (UTC)I trust you are also amenable to this... arrangement? I feel you would not ask if not but... it is best to confirm, yes?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-31 10:04 pm (UTC)Yes, 'tis best to confirm. I wish to be with you in any capacity. Being more than friends would... thrill me.
[ah, he looks down into his cup, blushing faintly. Elder Faerie isn't one to mince words, though saying that out loud is a little embarrassing. in a good way, at least!]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-01 02:04 am (UTC)[With all the gravity he extends to his words, you'd think he was taking some sort of solemn and sacred vow, rather than entering a relationship. Dramatic ass.]
If I may?
[He casts an almost shy glance around before extending a palm halfway across the table, seeking Elder Faerie's own in kind.]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-01 04:13 am (UTC)but now that that is sorted out, perhaps he should... you know... discuss his worries]
Have you spoken with the other Cookies since... since that night?
no subject
Date: 2026-01-01 06:22 am (UTC)He lingers there, almost as if unwilling to address the question that his companion has posed.]
I... have not.
[It has left a yawning gap where he and Lily are concerned. His kept their connection severed, figuring it best to give her space. He has no doubt that Shadow Milk has shared the truth by now. It hurts to be so disconnected from her, of course, but he has suffered worse.]
I assume they will approach me when they are ready. Until then, I shall make myself scarce around them.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-01 06:28 am (UTC)Mmn.
[he frowns, but says nothing yet. and that is only because their food has arrived. it is placed in front of them, warm and inviting. Elder Faerie gives his thanks to the waiter before they head away]
I am... worried. My dreams have been nothing but nightmares this past week. I sense a terrible danger is approaching, and I would like us to be more united than... than what we are right now.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-02 08:37 pm (UTC)... But even still, he hangs his head.]
Willing though I am to work with them, I cannot be the one to ask for it. Not after all that I have done.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-03 06:08 am (UTC)[he does, but at the same time, he doesn't wish for Silent Salt to close himself off, either. that is something Elder Faerie cannot decide for him. he can nag, but he doesn't want to push Salt away. everything is a delicate balancing game right now. his palm still stings from when he smacked Salt..........
anyway. Elder Faerie starts to eat slowly, tearing off bits and pieces for himself, and for Silent Salt and Puck, to share. even though the mood is somber, he's not feeling awkward. he's just taking things one step at a time. Puck hops up to be fed]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-03 07:40 am (UTC)But he does not say this aloud. Instead, he folds some of his food into some naan and passes it over for Elder Faerie to try, simultaneously taking the bite offered to him as well. He hums his approval.]
You chose your meal well.
[He does narrow his eyes slightly at Puck. Such terrible manners.
... He absolutely sneaks a piece or two all the same.]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-03 08:08 pm (UTC)As did you. These meals are surprisingly filling.
[and full of wonderful flavors. Puck agrees, tearing into their meal. no manners, they are spoiled rotten. Elder Faerie will have to learn how to discipline them soon]
And this restaurant is fun. I quite enjoy the ambiance.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-03 10:17 pm (UTC)[Though he suspects it isn't just the meal that fills him, but everything about the moment. There is a level of domesticity here too — not false, but certainly fleeting. This was the life they could have had, one spent exploring various places, were they not bound by duty and dishonor both.
It makes some part of him sad, yes — deeply so. But he counts himself lucky for having been able to experience it at all. If nothing else, it gives him a clear idea of what he will need to protect in the coming weeks.]
It has been a pleasure to experience. I am... [He clears his throat.] Pleased that you drew me out of my room for this.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 01:21 am (UTC)...I am, as well. I wish to spend many more moments like this with you, you know.
[Puck looks from one to the other, purring slightly. how sappy!]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 05:13 am (UTC)Then come whatever may, we will have to ensure our well being. If only to savor more moments like these in the future.
[It's a coded way for Silent Salt to say that he will be more wary going forward. No more making decisions of his own volition, without consulting Elder Faerie. At least not where he can avoid it.]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 05:39 am (UTC)Thank you, Silent Salt Cookie. I very much appreciate your devotion. You have made me incredibly happy.