I seriously have no idea what you're talking about. Ugh.
[ But he leaves that issue there and huffs, looking out at the forest. ]
This place, It's called Aldric's Grove. There's an angry god that's taken over the forest here, and he toys with us for fun and revenge. The other gods and guardians around here have been helping protect us, but they can only do so much.
As for what the forest can do... I'm not really sure exactly how it infects people, but Miss Lily was infected by it and it used her to trap us all in a dream realm once. So if it gets ahold of you it can control you. And it gets worse the longer you have it, so going out too deep into the woods without knowing the safe paths is really bad.
[Doubt lingers, but he says nothing. As long as Pavlova Cookie seemed willing to comply, he would say nothing. Instead, he tucks the important information that's delivered away in the back of his mind. He would compare it to his own investigation later, and draw his conclusions after that.
At least, that was his intention. Past a certain point, though, the words seem to stop registering. It's a miracle in and of itself that he does not interrupt the smaller cookie.]
Lily - [Relief and dread both well up within him.] Do you refer to White Lily Cookie?
[Something about that gaze unnerves him. Strange, for how small Pavlova is compared to him. Unfortunately, though, there are far more pressing, threatening things to focus on.
Ignoring Pavlova's hand for the second time, he allows his own senses to span outward. Even if he no longer resonated with the virtues, they were still connected in other ways. And just as before, when he could manage to detect inklings of his brethren and their ilk, he senses the sweet magic of another.
That did not bode well. Especially not if he had been worming his way into White Lily Cookie's good graces.]
I will make my own determination. [Still, he does manage a nod toward the smaller cookie.] Provided you have been honest with me, you have my thanks.
[It does bode well, that Pavlova is so willing to open himself up to examination. Or would, if he were not familiar with the games and tricks that his brethren tended to play.]
You should likewise be wary of the cold, don't you think?
[Sweater or no, it's still frigid out here, and Silent Salt doubts that the Gardens were ever anything less than balmy.]
[There is a lot to wonder about even now. What sort of hatchlings did this place possess, he can't help but wonder. All things he can learn later, though.]
Then you should return home. [And though he cannot be certain of trusting the boy...] I will walk you there.
[There are threats greater than them both about. Besides, if White Lily Cookie was fond of him, then he should at least be amicable.]
[Though Silent Salt remains several steps behind Pavlova, it isn't out of distaste. Rather, it helps him keep watch. His head remains on a swivel as they move.]
I do not need it. [Not the invitation, nor the tea. Really, he might actually like to come in. But not until he understands more about the situation he finds himself in.
Or rather, how that situation runs parallel to Shadow Milk Cookie.]
[Unfortunately, old habits die hard. And Pavlova... reminds him of the pure-hearted youth of his past in many ways.]
Indeed it has.
[That is... about all he has to say about that particular matter. There is much to consider, none the least of which is Pavlova's own role. But that will come in time.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 05:22 am (UTC)[ But he leaves that issue there and huffs, looking out at the forest. ]
This place, It's called Aldric's Grove. There's an angry god that's taken over the forest here, and he toys with us for fun and revenge. The other gods and guardians around here have been helping protect us, but they can only do so much.
As for what the forest can do... I'm not really sure exactly how it infects people, but Miss Lily was infected by it and it used her to trap us all in a dream realm once. So if it gets ahold of you it can control you. And it gets worse the longer you have it, so going out too deep into the woods without knowing the safe paths is really bad.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 05:29 am (UTC)At least, that was his intention. Past a certain point, though, the words seem to stop registering. It's a miracle in and of itself that he does not interrupt the smaller cookie.]
Lily - [Relief and dread both well up within him.] Do you refer to White Lily Cookie?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 05:38 am (UTC)Yeah. She's here. I've been staying with her and my dad for... six months? Give or take a week.
[ He tilts his head at the knight and extends his hand again ]
I don't know what happened, but things are different here. You don't have to like us, but there are worse, more powerful threats.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 06:05 am (UTC)Ignoring Pavlova's hand for the second time, he allows his own senses to span outward. Even if he no longer resonated with the virtues, they were still connected in other ways. And just as before, when he could manage to detect inklings of his brethren and their ilk, he senses the sweet magic of another.
That did not bode well. Especially not if he had been worming his way into White Lily Cookie's good graces.]
I will make my own determination. [Still, he does manage a nod toward the smaller cookie.] Provided you have been honest with me, you have my thanks.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 06:12 am (UTC)I kind of doubt you'll believe me when I say I really don't have a reason to lie, but you can ask anyone else, they'll just tell you the same thing.
[ He's not bothered by the idea of Silent Salt investigating because he simply has nothing to hide on that front. ]
And since my hand is apparently dirty or something. The Inn is that way. Try not to freeze standing out here too long.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 06:20 am (UTC)[It does bode well, that Pavlova is so willing to open himself up to examination. Or would, if he were not familiar with the games and tricks that his brethren tended to play.]
You should likewise be wary of the cold, don't you think?
[Sweater or no, it's still frigid out here, and Silent Salt doubts that the Gardens were ever anything less than balmy.]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 06:28 am (UTC)[ And attempting to fly a bit. ]
It's so cold I feel like my feathers are gonna freeze off!
[ And yet he stopped to talk to you instead of getting into the warmth of shelter. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 06:42 am (UTC)Then you should return home. [And though he cannot be certain of trusting the boy...] I will walk you there.
[There are threats greater than them both about. Besides, if White Lily Cookie was fond of him, then he should at least be amicable.]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 06:53 am (UTC)Oh, okay. It's just over this way.
[ It's the only cookie house in the Grove, but showing him the way would cut out the wandering. ]
You sure you don't wanna come in? Miss Lily and dad keep a lot of tea around.
[ He pauses. ]
Do you even like tea? Mom never actually said all that much about you.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 06:57 am (UTC)I do not need it. [Not the invitation, nor the tea. Really, he might actually like to come in. But not until he understands more about the situation he finds himself in.
Or rather, how that situation runs parallel to Shadow Milk Cookie.]
You will be safe for the evening, then?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 08:02 am (UTC)[ Considering how they started this conversation, he's a little confused as to why he cares, though. ]
... I know you don't trust me, but it is kinda nice to see you again. It's been a long time.
[ He forgets sometimes that the other beasts probably barely know he exists ]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 07:06 pm (UTC)Indeed it has.
[That is... about all he has to say about that particular matter. There is much to consider, none the least of which is Pavlova's own role. But that will come in time.]
Have a good evening, Pavlova Cookie.