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Pure Vanilla Cookie had seen many things over the past few years.
What he had witnessed since he had first regained his strength was beyond the level of anything to come before it. Beast-Yeast in particular had been a land of horrors beyond the comprehension of the average Cookie. He still felt the pain in his heart when he thought of how much GingerBrave had gone through at such a young age.
The complexity of the Soul Jam had led to many misunderstandings. His allyship with Golden Cheese Cookie and the Crème Republic had been jeopardized due to the Light of Freedom's instability. He had felt a connection with Shadow Milk Cookie in a way he had never felt with any Cookie before. Truth cannot exist without Deceit; Purity cannot exist without Shadow.
Yet, despite everything, the Soul Jams had held together his closest friends through the past year. Dark Cacao Cookie prevented plagues, Golden Cheese Cookie defended those in need, and Hollyberry Cookie reminded those around her what they needed most.
What had Pure Vanilla Cookie done for others?
The envelope he held was something he thought he'd never see again. In their youth, the Ancient Heroes had begun something of a tradition. They would all come together and write for one of their friends who needed it most. The envelope was thick, and it was heavy with the letters inside of it.
As Pure Vanilla Cookie settled in the conservatory, he remembered the letter that would be missing from this envelope. He knew of the battles White Lily Cookie would be fighting, and he knew it could be many years before they were able to speak to each other once more.
He unfolded the first letter of the three, the paper's rough edges almost fuzzy. The pink stains from crushed berries added an unintentional pattern to the paper, but didn't make the black ink any harder to read.
Dear Pure Vanilla Cookie,
It's been quite some time since we've done a joint letter like this!
That was certainly true. It had been before the war, while they were still young and carefree. Maybe that's why the thick envelope stuffed with papers was so nostalgic.
I was glad to hear of your safe return from Beast-Yeast. Crispia is much more hospitable to Cookies, but I'm always up for an expedition!
That was one of the things Pure Vanilla Cookie admired about his friend. She had always been so much braver than he could be in times of crisis.
I've written with Dark Cacao Cookie and Golden Cheese Cookie about a potential get-together for us in the Vanilla Kingdom. Nothing formal; we must celebrate our victories and look towards the future together!
Pure Vanilla Cookie could arrange that. He had enough rooms to spare, and he could certainly use the company.
Alas, as this is the first letter of the bunch, I can only assume the things Dark Cacao Cookie will have to say about certain guests who you may consider inviting. While I am normally welcoming of all Cookies joining us, I do have a concern regarding the beliefs we do not share with certain other societies.
The Crème Republic, despite their claims, couldn't be further from the Vanilla Kingdom in their practices. He didn't truly understand this until Madeleine Cookie had moved to the Vanilla Kingdom; the legal battle was fought, but the war of acceptance was yet to be won. The Cookies of the Lower City were still looked down upon by many. Alas, the nation was still young.
Of course, I'm inclined to suggest Cookiesmas as a time for gathering. However, I don't want to spend another holiday away from my family, so I suppose the week before will do.
That was two weeks Pure Vanilla Cookie had to prepare. He knew the Raisin Villagers would be delighted to hear of so many visitors, and Black Raisin Cookie may think of one in particular...
Sincerely,
Hollyberry Cookie
Pure Vanilla Cookie folded the letter back up, placing it neatly to his side as he pulled the next one out. This letter had sharp edges, and the paper was crisp and cold.
Dear Pure Vanilla Cookie,
Hollyberry Cookie was certainly thorough in the amount of ideas she had for this gathering, so I'll keep my writing brief.
Dark Cacao Cookie had always preferred speaking in person. His ability to adapt to those around him and to understand their needs was severely limited by a lack of true communication.
I'll be arriving before Hollyberry Cookie, only for the sake of making sure every bottle of fresh juice is hidden. While it may be less dangerous, the juice is still terribly sugary.
Dark Cacao Cookie and Pure Vanilla Cookie cared for each other deeply. They had always held each other in high esteem; Pure Vanilla Cookie couldn't put a name to it.
I understand your intentions are good with inviting guests from the Crème Republic, but please keep in mind the letters I'm sure Hollyberry Cookie has sent detailing every minute of Wildberry Cookie's life.
Ah, that was what troubled the two of his friends. Hollyberry Cookie had spent a few weeks of all her letters describing everything she knew about Wildberry Cookie and Crunchy Chip Cookie from the moment they met to what her toast would be at their wedding.
Additionally, you must be aware the Consul and I are not on the best terms. After meeting a certain Cookie during the fight with Dark Enchantress Cookie, you may understand why my trust in him remains low.
Pure Vanilla Cookie recalled Affogato Cookie's presence during that battle with the mirage of Dark Enchantress Cookie. Crunchy Chip Cookie had completely switched his attitude the minute they saw each other.
Regardless, I know they are still our allies, and you may want to invite them to such a celebration. I cannot tell you what to do.
Regards,
Dark Cacao Cookie
Pure Vanilla Cookie chuckled to himself. Dark Cacao Cookie always had a way of ending letters abruptly; he got his point across, then left it at that. It was endearing once you had gotten to know him.
The final letter was still unfamiliar to Pure Vanilla Cookie. The paper was rough, as if it had been collecting dust for years before being put to good use. The handwriting on it was less polished, as if the script of Cookies wasn't familiar to the author.
To Pure Vanilla Cookie,
I hope you've fared well since we last spoke. I've had the Cheesebirds working to restore a clear road towards my kingdom, since the poor Blueberry Birds haven't done well flying without water. I'll finally have my hands on exotic treasures from across the land of Crispia once more!
Golden Cheese Cookie was greedy, but she wasn't selfish. She cared for more than material possessions; even when Dark Cacao Cookie had gotten angered at her forgiveness of Smoked Cheese Cookie, she defended her subject with her life. Pure Vanilla Cookie saw how she shared her Soul Jam with the Beast; she had learned to value change.
I missed our silly traditions like this. As foolish as they may be, they have kept me hopeful for the future.
Pure Vanilla Cookie could understand that. When he had thought all his friends were lost, he still sent GingerBrave to deliver them letters with the slim chance they may actually get to read them.
I'll be joining you and the rest of our merry bunch for Cookiesmas. While I can't bring a guest, I know Hollyberry Cookie has enough energy for five Cookies combined.
Signed,
Golden Cheese Cookie
PS: If you plan on inviting the fools from the Republic, I've heard much about the fine pearls of House Oyster! See if you could get me a few dozen as a gift.
The paper had been small, so he knew Golden Cheese Cookie couldn't write much. Pure Vanilla Cookie slid all three letters back into their envelope, careful to not rip the fragile paper.
He returned to his chambers, grabbing himself a quill, ink, and paper. He began to write to the Consul. He knew his friends were worried, but Clotted Cream Cookie held no power over them. The Crème Republic would not be able to take on Dark Enchantress Cookie alone, and all parties involved knew that well.
Maybe in the future, Pure Vanilla Cookie could be saving a space for White Lily Cookie at the table. Maybe he could be saving one for Shadow Milk Cookie.
He would count his blessings for now.