Chapter Text

i.

When Earthbread was young, a kingdom of many secrets emerged from the strength of a Faerie among the brash environment of the creation of the Witches: Beast-Yeast. While many tarry in traveling the land, there are noble cookies who have traversed it countless times.

Especially one ambitious cookie.

Silverbell Cookie has always been loyal to the Faerie Kingdom, founded by the well-revered Guardian, Elder Faerie Cookie. He holds himself up to a high standard, as being a knight, as well as a secret keeper, comes with its burdening responsibilities. However, it was his greatest passion, as he looked up to Elder Faerie Cookie with great admiration. Protecting the Faerie Kingdom was of the utmost importance to Silverbell Cookie; many aspects of the kingdom had to be guarded safely. Elder Faerie Cookie put his trust in Silverbell, which he appreciated greatly. However, it had become increasingly difficult to guard with the threat of the Silver Tree seal looming over the kingdom.

The Beasts were awakening with a profound taste for vengeance.

With the Silver Tree in danger of splitting, much has been on the line for a great deal of time. White Lily Cookie, the Savior of the Faeries, had recovered the seal, but since her disappearance, it has begun to falter. Elder Faerie never got a moment’s rest, constantly on edge over the tree and its vulnerability.

Another cookie’s attitude had changed as well—the valiant warrior and Commander of the Silver Knights, Mercurial Knight Cookie. Silverbell respected him, as he rescinded all his color for the purpose of the protection of King Elder Faerie. However, Mercurial Knight Cookie had grown to be increasingly uptight, unwavering in his efforts in battle and affairs regarding the Guardian and Silver Tree Knights. Silverbell understood his motives, but his protective attitude, increasingly incessant as of late, always put an irritated frown on Silverbell’s face.

Mercurial Knight was extremely difficult to work with sometimes.

This particular evening was no different.

“Silverbell Cookie, are you not supposed to be working with the Faerie scholars on finding a spell to strengthen Silver Tree’s seal?” Mercurial Knight Cookie had crept up behind Silverbell, who was lost in thought on a silverbell stump outside the palace. “This magic is key to the future of this kingdom, and you seem to be avoiding the task in front of you.”

“Ah!“ He shot up, smoothing his hair after being startled. Silverbell was a jittery cookie nowadays. He was also growing sick of seeing dark hair and steel dough in the shadows of his footsteps. “I-I was. I just wanted some peace; the scholars were arguing. I’m sure they are doing fine now—”

“Are you really fit for the position of a knight if you cannot command a group?” Mercurial Knight raised a questioning brow, cutting his sentence off. “Nor gain their trust?”

“Do you always have to be like this?” Silverbell Cookie flew up as defiance quickly took hold of his emotions. There was seemingly nothing Silverbell could do to garner the Commander’s trust. “I understand that the kingdom is on edge, as well as the Silver Tree, but I cannot work myself until my wings don’t stretch. Endurance is different for everyone. We aren't on the battlefield.”

“Maybe you need to be stronger. Weak links are not tolerable in this order.” Mercurial Knight Cookie flashed his glaive, holding onto it with a steadfast grip. “There is much talk about your weakness amongst the Silver Tree Knights.”

There was one phrase that seemed to take hold of Silverbell’s head, ringing like warning bells in his mind.

“Weak links?” Silverbell’s heart dropped, creating a stone-cold dead weight at the base of his chest. “You could not possibly see me as such... could you?” Mercurial Knight Cookie’s eyes remained locked with his. After a tense silence, Mercurial Knight averted his dark eyes.

“No.”

“Then why—”

“Much is at stake, Silverbell Cookie. You must devote yourself to the Faerie Kingdom and the protection of the Guardian. We cannot afford to falter at any turn.”

“What have the Silver Tree Knights been saying?” Silverbell felt water ease into his eyes a little too quickly as he glared into Mercurial Knight’s desolate eyes. Worry, fear, and a sinking sense of dread seeped into his dough. He thought he was a loyal, hardworking cookie. Had all his hard work been in vain? Did Elder Faerie make a mistake in trusting him? Silverbell Cookie shuddered at the thought of the Guardian removing his position and replacing him, for he wouldn’t know what to do with the gravity of the secrets he carried so dearly.

b He shoved the thought far away in the space where he left his coldest memories, as he remembered he had to defend himself.

“I am not a weak cookie. I went through the same training as every other Knight, and our Guardian put his trust in me with the secrets of this very kingdom. Why am I considered a weak link?”

“It is… concerning that you remain so carefree in a time like this.” Mercurial Knight Cookie’s expression was unintelligible.

“I’m not being ‘carefree’, I’m finding happiness in smaller things. Is that such a waste of time?” A slight anger and aggression began to replace any prior defiance in Silverbell Cookie. “It’s really the only way I’m able to cope… The burden of the Silver Tree weighs on us all.” Mercurial Knight’s face hardened at the mention. “Your heart is too cold to understand me, but I am just as much of an asset to this order as the next Knight.”

“Then you need to focus.”

With a cold glare to emphasize his point, Mercurial Knight turned and glided away from Silverbell and his stump, creating a black and gray blur in Silverbell’s watery vision. Of course, Mercurial Knight knew everything about focus. Of course, Silverbell Cookie was oblivious to the rumors amongst the Knights, too wrapped up in responsibilities, his own thoughts, and dark secrets to notice. Of course, Silverbell remained small, with only his bow, his bells, and a heart that ached for understanding.

Silverbell Cookie let the order from his Commander echo in his head as he flew, angry tears urging to fall as he tore through the deep sky. The yeast spores he so hated stung his eyes while he cut through the air, causing him to blink rapidly and cough, stopping him midair.

Silverbell Cookie was hurt, righteously so, but he didn’t think it would affect him as it did in this moment. Mercurial Knight was right: He was a pitiful mess. Silverbell wasn’t a sight for any eyes as he coughed, cried, and ached with emotions. The gravity of knowing his dedication to the kingdom was overlooked, tossed aside, doubted, and even insincere was too much to bear. Wrecked, he hovered back down towards the ground, shame taking over him.

He never liked how soft his dough was.

♥

In times like these, Silverbell Cookie would sit atop his favorite silver pavilion, adorned with flowerbeds, lanterns, and beautiful ornaments of silverware to decorate. The wetness in his eyes had dried on his way to his spot, yet as he sat atop the arch reflecting on the interaction, his eyes reintroduced the tears.

Why did Mercurial Knight Cookie say such a thing? Was Silverbell truly that weak? Vulnerable? He trusted in his ability to never miss a shot, along with the other knights as well. Maybe he would never truly measure up—not in devotion, not in determination, not in being a true Silver Tree Knight. Speaking of which, where did the knights hear such a rumor? It could only mean someone was against him, doubting his ability to be a fighter. Silverbell Cookie guessed it was the fact he heavily relied on his bow, not in glaive nor sword.

But what made Silverbell a fighter in his own eyes was the empathy and care he held dear to his heart along with his trustworthiness, unmatched among the citizens of the Kingdom. With the vast number of secrets he has been entrusted with over the years, it surprises some that he hasn’t cracked. But true Silver civilians understand how sacred information is. Silverbell knows the virtue of trust all too well.

I might not be a weak link after all. At least not to myself. Silverbell blinked, and as tears escaped, so did a small smile. I have a purpose, a role, just like each cookie in the Silver Kingdom. It is all for the good of Cookiekind.

The moon shone strongly, blessing the treetops with a sheen layer of iridescent light, illuminating the flowers and silverware that decorated the spot Silverbell Cookie treasured. The small pond in front of the pavilion shone in reflection, creating a beautiful scene. With his eyes cleared and mind mostly off Mercurial Knight Cookie, he could finally absorb the nature that surrounded him. Silver, with its corresponding colors of jade, deeper greens from vines, indigos, and the corals, purples, and pinks of the flora.

Silverbell Cookie loved the kingdom he lived in.

“How beautiful...” Silverbell Cookie sighed.

“It is quite the image, is it not?”

A foreign voice echoed in the vacancy. Silverbell clutched his bow and swerved abruptly to see a cookie atop a large Faerie Tree, leaning against the trunk from a high branch. He flew up towards the foreigner, who at closer glance was alarmingly handsome, almost deceptively so. His wings were a beautiful jade color, with a hint of amethyst at the very edges. His hair was a stunning shade of purple, which matched the eye that wasn’t covered by his locks. It was brightened by the moonlight, which only made it all the more alluring. He was clothed in classy Faerie attire, with two purple jelly jewels dangling pristinely from his ears in the shape of plump grapes. What caught Silverbell’s eye the most was the grand silverware rod he held in his left hand, as it had a glowing purple infuser lantern which held a small butterfly in it.

This cookie was handsome.

Heat rose to flush Silverbell Cookie’s cheeks—a trait of his he knew was obvious—as he pulled an arrow back for defense.

He could prove his strength through handling a threat. A perceived one, yet are they not all the same? Even so, Silverbell Cookie had to prove he wasn’t a cookie of weakness.

“Who are you?” He demanded. Well, Silverbell knew he wasn’t all that demanding, especially considering his stature and mannerisms. "You should not have entered this land so easily—Faeriewood is heavily guarded.”

“Please, I mean no harm.” The seductively lidded, unfamiliar stare pierced into Silverbell’s soul, his heart fluttering in response. Maybe in some ways he was still weak. “That bow of yours might be best directed in a different direction for my own safety.” The cookie’s present smile grew wider.

“I asked for your identity, not your intentions. You are an intruder in the land of the Faerie Kingdom.” Silverbell pulled his arrow back more, rising higher until the cookie was looking up into his eyes. “Now tell me. Who are you.”

“Well allow me to introduce myself...”

♥

Black Sapphire Cookie had never meant to be in the Faerie Kingdom. This part of the show was unprecedented, unpublished. It was just that when the seal of the Silver Tree was weakened, Master Shadow Milk Cookie grew eager, and Candy Apple Cookie being the kiss-up she was followed in desperate pursuit. Black Sapphire was inevitably pulled along, and yet he was the only one that could slip through the vulnerability of failing magic.

Master Shadow Milk Cookie must be blue with fury. Black Sapphire Cookie grinned to himself as he traversed the fresh territory of the Faerie Kingdom that day. He’d hear about it when he returned to him.

He decided he would cause a little trouble. After all, spreading rumors was the best mode of entertainment; he enjoyed it like a sweet treat. On his rounds of surveying the Kingdom, he found a Silver warrior, standing idly near a palace. Black Sapphire Cookie—who had of course put on a lovely disguise to assimilate—decided to spread a seed of Deceit, and how wonderful it turned out to be.

“Y’know, I heard that cookie over there...” Black Sapphire pointed to a cookie whose delighted expression he instantly despised, “...has stolen from the Faerie Kingdom before.” Beginning with an outlandish statement always got instant attention.

The knight turned around with irritated, defensive confusion on his face. Bingo. “Silverbell Cookie would never do such a thing. Who are you to make such a statement anyway?”

“Why do you trust him so? He seems weaker than you from what I’ve seen. His...kindness is quite vulnerable for a warrior.” Black Sapphire smiled, the same exhilarating sensation that he got when he spread a rumor returning to him.

“I... had never thought of that before. I guess he is one of the weaker among us.” The knight left without another word, but Black Sapphire knew he had done his job correctly. And boy did it play out so, so well when he witnessed the altercation that occurred just hours later.

Black Sapphire Cookie remembered all this, as the same cookie who he pointed out to the knight had noticed and flown to him, bow arched in such useless self-defense. He chuckled knowing that this cookie, the one with the sickeningly happy face, was blissfully unknowing of the true measure of his power.

Yet there was something about the cookie floating in front of him now that he could see him in closer proximity. It could have been the way the deep lavender tint in his cheeks was so present against his silver dough, the sparkle in his eyes heightened in shine by the moon, the twist and curl of his light hair, or his adorably defiant expression—well, if one could call it defiant. He looked like a child trying to assert weak authority. What a wannabe.

But against the night sky, he almost looked enthralling. It took Black Sapphire Cookie a notably large degree of self-discipline to not take his delicate hand in his. He would surely get flustered.

“Who are you?” The cookie asked, snipping the string of ideas Black Sapphire was creating. His thoughts were interrupted—something he hated with deep passion. A plethora of responses swarmed his head, and Black Sapphire could not wait to spill them from his lips.

“Please, I mean no harm.” He donned his signature grin: lazy and suave—or so he thought—yet poised and discerning. He noticed that the bow was still aimed at him, and he raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement. “That bow of yours might be best directed in a different direction—for my own safety.” He grinned wider because he knew what was coming next.

“I asked of your identity, not of your intentions.” The cookie rose to a higher altitude, pulling the arrow back with a strong force. “Now tell me. Who are you.”

Black Sapphire had created disguises for himself before, yet he never struggled to come up with a name for one as he had in his time in the Silver Kingdom. He was lucky that no one had inquired about his name prior to this very moment, because he had but a clue what his name should be. Now he had to think off the top of his head. He glanced discreetly at his former microphone, which was now a rod made of Faerie silverware that held a purple lantern in its core instead of his keepsake, a beautiful, captivating black sapphire.

It didn’t spark a single idea.

Radio static.

Useless thing.

His mind began to turn.

Grapevine Cookie. Too broad, bland, and generic. However, it would be fitting as his favorite poison is spread through the “grapevine”.

Elderberry Cookie. Purple fruits were seemingly his go-to. However, Elderberry had a strikingly sound resemblance to “Elder Faerie”, and the name would subject him to suspicion right away. Black Sapphire briefly considered its humorous value.

Blackberry Cookie. Too similar to his name. He wondered if blackberries grew in the Faerie Kingdom.

Acai Berry Cookie. It didn’t have a ring to it. It would taste sour expelling the name from his mouth.

Concord Cookie. Too simple—

Wait.

A final idea rang clear in his head, echoed by the sound of his voice in reply to the cookie.

And all he had to do was slap something familiar onto it.

“Well, allow me to introduce myself to you. I am Concord Faerie Cookie. Though I have been away from the Faeriewood on my... travels amidst the dangers of the continent,” Concord Faerie swallowed, “I have returned to see the glory of this kingdom once more.” Concord Faerie Cookie, who coveted his real name already, extended a confident hand out to the little archer, who lowered his bow to shake it. Concord Faerie held onto the archer’s hand to raise himself up on his wings as well. He had forgotten he had given himself a pair.

“And to whom do I have the pleasure of meeting this fateful night?” With a snap, both the bow and Concord Faerie’s rod disappeared, giving way for Concord Faerie to quickly spin the unsuspecting cookie around; a token of classic flirting. His expression contorted into surprise and fear, but the glint in his eyes hinted at a different story: excitement. Black Sapphire—not just Concord Faerie Cookie—beamed inside, jam pulsing briefly with a feeling he could not describe. It felt... warmer than he would have preferred, but with his hand in the archer’s, it hardly mattered.

In fact, he could easily get used to the feeling.

If his mind wasn’t rejecting it so absurdly.

Another snap and Concord Faerie regained his rod and returned the bow to the hopefully dizzy cookie.

While Concord Faerie was just spontaneous and flirty, Black Sapphire was playing with his new prize. Oh, how he’d relish manipulating and deceiving his victim. There was no doubt in his head—he liked this cookie, but only as a subject for his entertainment. Deceit was a virtue he knew and practiced extremely well, and he was going to use it to give himself satisfaction.

“I-I’m Silverbell Cookie…”, the archer regained his bearings, “a Silver Tree Knight and trusted secret keeper of the Faerie Kingdom.” Silverbell Cookie swiftly eyed Concord Faerie up and down, puzzled blue pupils examining his figure. “Are you really a Faerie? You seem... different.”

“The only thing that is different, and pleasantly so, is you, Silverbell Cookie.” Concord Faerie grinned. Shifting the subject to keep Silverbell on his toes, he added, “I noticed the moon accentuates your features so wonderfully. I wish I had met you sooner.”

The rosy blush returned to Silverbell’s face, stronger than it had previously been. It made Concord Faerie chuckle—who knew simple phrases would catch someone so off-guard?

His face turned, avoiding Concord Faerie Cookie’s. “We’ve hardly exchanged information about each other, yet you flatter me like we’ve met before.” His expression hardened. “Maybe I should ask of your intentions—”

“As I said earlier, it has been many a year since I have resided in this Faerie Kingdom. I understand your suspicion, but I have simply come to return home.” Concord Faerie grew tired of staying afloat, so he glided down to the base of the pavilion near where Silverbell Cookie previously was. The Silver Knight zipped to perch next to him. Concord Faerie asked a disguised question: “I presume the Guardian is still alive and well?”

“Yes! Our Guardian is stronger than ever! Without Elder Faerie Cookie, along with White Lily Cookie, fate would be much different today.” Silverbell Cookie chimed. Black Sapphire recoiled, but Concord Faerie put on a false smile. The enthusiasm the cookie had over the mention of Elder Faerie Cookie was annoying, and extremely typical of a regular Silver Tree Knight, even a civilian. He did not share an ounce of the same sentiment, nor would he ever.

What was he supposed to feel except resentment towards the cookie that sealed away his master for eons?

“How... lovely.”

Silverbell’s delighted expression made his stomach twist.

“Oh indeed. Elder Faerie and the help of White Lily Cookie saved our beloved tree not long ago, and there are still celebrations that occur now because of it! If you come to the next one, let me know! Elder Faerie would most likely be in presence as well.” The cookie was clearly beginning to ramble. “You would be happy to see the Guardian after being away for so long—”

“Perhaps...” Concord Faerie Cookie bit off, stopping Silverbell from finishing the sentence. “I shall take my leave now. There is something I must return to.”

“So suddenly?” Silverbell Cookie said in a soft voice. Concord Faerie recognized a twinge of disappointment in it, which made him quite pleased. Was this cookie intrigued by his presence? He was quite dashing after all; he disguised himself well. Or did he simply just want to rant about Elder Faerie Cookie. Black Sapphire decided on the former; he didn’t want to bruise his polished ego.

Silverbell Cookie suddenly gasped at the sound of his own tone of voice, cleared his throat, and righted his posture, preparing his wings for flight again. “I mean, yes. It’s late, and you are not considered a threat. I will not stop you from leaving.” He smiled sweetly at Concord Faerie Cookie in farewell.

“I enjoyed this night together.” Concord Faerie reached his hand out again. “Will I see you in the future?”

Silverbell took his hand and shook it once more.

“I’m sure of it, Concord Faerie Cookie.” He flew up to the top of the pavilion. “I bid you goodnight!” And he vanished into the night sky.

This will be fun indeed.

♥

Silverbell was on the verge of panic. His heart had gone through far too much; its fragility was slightly concerning him, but not because his heart was breaking. At least it was not doing what it was before.

It was racing.

That cookie spun him around, complimented him, and made things disappear—and reappear—all in one interaction.

There are some things one cookie simply cannot handle too much of.

His dough felt burning hot, and the cool of the air was not aiding in alleviating the heat.

Silverbell Cookie flew to the Sugared Lily Palace, where the Silver Knights and other important figures resided. Silverbell dashed through the halls and up flights of stairs, catching other stray knights by surprise. He could not think as he shoved himself into his chamber, swiftly got out of uniform, and screamed into his silver satin pillow. Thoughts rushed into his head like the Silver Reflection Falls he used to visit, flooding his brain with mushy, confuddled questions about the one cookie he hadn’t stopped thinking about.

Do I introduce him to Elder Faerie? Or Mercurial Knight Cookie? Oh, but Mercurial Knight Cookie can never know. He wouldn’t spare me for a moment. In fact, he’d hate that I did not bother to notify Elder Faerie.

But that cookie... He was so handsome, dreamy, mysterious, alluring, and just divine—

No! What am I thinking. What about being strong? Concord Faerie could still be a threat. And I left him alone! Must I set myself up for failure every time? What if he really is a threat to the Faerie Kingdom?

Yet again… he seemed so eager to be back in the kingdom. Travelling through Beast-Yeast truly sounded like a daring feat.

Concord Faerie... brave and confident in his ambitions.

Oh, what a cookie.

Silverbell Cookie sat up in his bed with a sigh, the soft blankets and cushions providing a shallow sense of comfort to his now beating heart. He concluded this much: Concord Faerie Cookie was not at all like other Silver civilians. Yet it was a breath of fresh air to him, in irony of all the yeast spores that continued to plague the land and himself. He wasn’t sure of what exactly to do regarding his arrival, as his thoughts were jumbled and tangled beyond saving for now.

He needed time to think.

Bells rang as he flew to his window where the moon shone through the cracks of the curtains. He could see the Silver Tree from here in all its glory and splendor, covered in slowly decaying vines from White Lily Cookie’s victory. It was the tree many devoted their lives to protecting, and for good reason. Being a Silver Tree Knight meant being willing to make the sacrifices necessary to continue to ensure the safety and strength of the Tree. Some gave up family, friends, and even their scent and color like the Commander.

But there was something Silverbell Cookie could not ever sacrifice, and it had begun to worry him for quite some time.

He could never give up on love.

Many Silver Tree Knights did, however Silverbell never understood why. Love in his eyes was the foundation of kingdoms, societies, and people. Love was a binding force that brought people together and them whole. Without love, the darker forces would surely have an advantage over anyone. It was a virtue, a feeling, an emotion, a value worth fighting for.

So why did the Knights always give it up?

Silverbell decided to shake the thought away and flew over to his bed. He got in it and sighed again, allowing his eyes to flutter closed, yet opening again because of one thing—

He did not like having soft dough. It made him feel weak.

But oh, how quickly Concord Faerie Cookie made him melt felt better than anything.