Chapter Text
Normally, the Spire was quiet all through the night, until dawn. But not today : in fact, the very head of the Academy was rustling and packing up so early even the sun was still busy shedding its light upon another side of the world. A few days prior, Blueberry Milk had announced a leave for a whole day and a half to "learn about life" outside -which meant at the Pagoda, over which dear Mystie reigned- and was now preparing to leave as early as possible.
During those past few days, she..? he ? yes, he had solely been thinking about returning with his ethereal Priest. The Great Sage had always counted himself amongst the patient ones; yet his supposed patience had been severely lacking. So lacking indeed that he had snuck out, disguised as a charming farm lady and had a very pleasant chat with his adored Mystie about his insufferably sheep herd.
Blueberry Milk continued attending to his preparations mindlessly and once ready, he opened a portal taking him right at the bottom of the Peak. Now, you might ask, why not at the top, or even inside the Pagoda ? Well, Wheat Flour herself had told him the Pagoda only accepts those whose devotion and willpower are strong enough to climb the innumerable stairs leading to the Gates of the Ivory Pagoda. Blueberry Milk took this trial -set by his oh so dearest- straight to the heart, confident he could prove his volition to her and maybe earn a proud or rewarding smile.
So he climbed, a step, another step, step, step, step, step, step, again and again. Stepping up after more stepping up. Stairs after stairs. His only consolation were the promise of a welcoming Wheat Flour and the stunning sceneries of the Flour Peak of Ascension. Luckily for him, his portal spared him the travel through the Strong Flour Ridges or the Gluten Gorge. The area was full of rivers and high mountains and cliffs, making the travel there like a life threatening trial, considering how few known species were found in these peculiar lands. The Floridians inhabiting the earth there were never known for their wisdom or civilization making knowledge, yet only they knew the flora and wildlife nurtured by the floury ground.
They were also said to be reticent towards outlanders. However, in the Fount of Knowledge's opinion, that silent rejection was born of fear, not of anger or bitterness. Indeed, most of the people there were cultivators, working and fighting the mildly fertile flour soil while the nobles and wealthy feasted on their production. Against all common thought, the floury earth, rich in well, flour, was not fertile by itself: although it is the closest material to Life Powder, cultivating on it required water, and lots of it. Well, there was water around but it's importance in the environment is so heavy that the Great Priest herself had told them not to drain the water, or else death would plague the trespassers of Nature.
Blueberry Milk let his thoughts drift, he climbed up endlessly. Time passed, and when he extracted himself from his inner dialogue, the sun had long risen, shining with all its might, high in the sky. But it wasn't the fusing ball of fire which awoke him ; there were people ahead. Of all kinds : farmers, nobles, artisans, children and elderly, outlanders. All lined up before the Gates of the Ivory Pagoda. From afar, the great Temple looked modest and simple : that was simply because only the highest of the four floors was visible.
However, he wasn't like them. He had a privilege. His dear Wheat Flour had gifted him a "small present", a small pendant shaped just like the golden wheat ornament she wore with her Souljam. She told him this token of her appreciation would allow him to be taken directly to her when showed to the guards. Guards ? He sneaked around, peeked in corners, pendant tightly held against the closest point to his heart, until he saw them. The Four Dumpling Kings. Humongous bao-looking giants who's duties were to guard and defend the Pagoda. He had to go and talk to them right? Ignoring his slightly shaking body, he stepped forward with pretend affirmation. A success, as one of the Four, the green one who he assumed was the Chives Dumping King, turned to look at him. The giant.. laughed. Very hard, maybe too loudly even. Blueberry Milk's ears rang.
"Oh dear, what an admirable courage ! Tell me, what bring you here little blue guy ?"
The Fount of Knowledge found himself stripped of his words, overwhelmed by the intensity of the King's voice. His confidence had long shattered, and he shamefully showed the pendant, hoping he wouldn't need any justification or whatever other complication. The giant laughed again, creating echoes reverberating against the Peaks. The Chives Dumping King turned around and yelled behind him a couple of instructions:
"A guest for the Master! I need an escort! Hey, you there, now !"
As the kept yelling, a confused and panicked maid rushed towards where Blueberry Milk was standing and bowed.
Although the Great Sage was confident in his navigating skills, he had to concede that he would be lost in this temple, with or without instructions. Everything here tickled his curiosity: on each wall he saw a new painting, often laced with graceful strands of gold, some with a singular bird, some picturing landscapes, and even some portraits of the Master of the Pagoda ; on each table, inestimable tea sets, tempting treats basking in light from their perfection, calligraphy and painting tools, delicate paper... So much his eyes could see ! The whole place was breathing serenity and splendor.
The maid accompanying him stopped before tall pearly gates and excused herself. Apparently, the Priest was on her afternoon break. A perfect occasion! Blueberry Milk was, to say the least, nervous, but excited. His whole being was shaking in rhythm with his heart, pumping his blood so hard it was the only thing he could hear. Breathe in, and out. He extends his hand and gently pushes the door open.
Inside was his dear Wheat Flour, basking in all her glorious beautiful, daydreaming closed eyes. Hearing the door snap shut, she turned around, clearly startled.
"My dear Mystie, have I scared you? Well, my intention was only to surprise you, I owe you my apologies if my performance brought you discomfort !"
Ah, he used his ever so slightly too teasing tone again. Force of habit with her, he enjoyed the freedom she bought him and how she always answered his stupid little theatrics and mild flirts. Just like now.
"Oh my dear Blueberry, you know the Pagoda and I always welcome you. I haven't been expecting you to come visit me again so soon !" So soon ? Well it had been a while since the last time they- WAIT. Had she recognized him ? Through his disguise, and at the first sight ?
"You- You knew ? Why.. Why did you not point it out??"
A teasing smile he knew so well bloomed on her delicate features as she opened her eyes to look at him -and only him- and oh how he loved it. "Oh I only intended to let you leave with your mind at peace. Plus, that allowed me to surprise you back right ? Oh but moving on, what brings you here dear jester ? I thought you had work. Oh my, don't tell me-.."
"No I did not skip my duties, I'm here for an official documentation about how life can be outside of the Spire." he scoffed. " And stop talking about it like I'm a student skipping! I'm the teacher in the story you know ?"
She graced his ears with a laughter and sighed before defending herself. "Ah, dear me who thought taking tourism days counted as skipping. Regardless, make yourself comfortable, although I cannot promise anything worth of attention will happen."
And so he sat down, right by her side. Whatever happens, happens. As long as he's with his dear, he's as happy as can be.