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It was a usual yet a joyous day for the cookies. Supposedly, it was a simple day, however the cookies are seen to give gifts to their fellow cookies— specifically their loved ones. It was strange, but in all the cookies’ minds, it is an act to show appreciation for the ones who matters the most to them.
Even in his armor, Salt of Solidarity takes a stroll in the place as a form of leisure. Usually, he takes on duties— not having enough time for himself. His Kala Namak knights often suggest to take on simple walks in order to relax or maybe spend me-time. Upon their words, he reflected about his habits, and took this recommendation. So far, he’s starting to loosen up.
“Lord Commander, Lord Commander!” a tiny, young voice calls out from the distance. The voice sounded overjoyed and excited— like fireworks. Salt of Solidarity heard this, looks for the tiny voice coming from a fair distance. Once found, he saw that the voice was a child, one of the kids who looks up to him the most.
“What is it, young one?” the armored cookie speaks to the child, curious about why the child must shout his name. Is it for help? Or simply just an act of idolization? (He doesn’t really mind about whatever it is, as long as he attends to a cookie’s needs.) But it doesn’t seem that the child is in need for assistance as their expression is an enthusiastic one.
“Everyone is giving out gifts today, Lord Commander, so I have a surprise for you…” the small one timidly says, noticeably, a red tint appears their face. Salt of Solidarity’s head tilts out of confusion and wonder— what could this cookie have in mind? What is it to come?
The child happily reveals a flower from their back, a smile creeping out of his face. “This is for you, Salt of Solidarity! I picked this from a bush so I have something to give to you.” They hand the flower to the armored one. “I hope you like it…”
A gentle expression appears on the face of Salt of Solidarity, even under the helmet. The young cookie reaches the flower on one of the holes of his helmet, placing it there. He bows his head, giving the child easier access— accepting the act. The small cookie smiles as it is placed, Salt of Solidarity softly placing a hand and touching the flower on his head.
“It’s a really beautiful flower you gifted me! Thank you, young one. I will cherish this act of appreciation you have given me.” he says in a delightful way. “Always remember to keep going with that heart of yours” The kid smiled upon his words, their face flushing red once again.
The cookie stood up, patting the child’s hair. “Now, I must go, little one.” He said in a gentle manner. “You should also return to your family— maybe they’re waiting for you.” the small one nodded, then ran joyfully to a place. Salt of Solidarity continued to walk around the place, the act of the young one lingering in his mind.
As he strolled, he saw other cookies doing the same thing to one another— giving and receiving gifts with their friends or family. Each cookie forms a smile in their face when receiving presents. Therefore, with this sight, the armored cookie went deep in thought. He isn’t really the kind to give presents as he believes that lending a hand is better than materialistic choices. However, he thought; maybe it is not a bad thing to give someone a present, just for this day— only this day. So, he thought. He knew a cookie to give a gift.
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Salt of Solidarity grabbed a gift for this cookie— it’s a flower picked near the training grounds of the Kala Namak knights, believing that it symbolizes his hard work and gratitude for this cookie. Although, it’s not a whole bouquet of flowers, it’s just a single one because flowers rarely grow in that area.
Upon arriving the destination where this cookie stays, he shyly knocks the gates— he was a strong cookie indeed, but he still has moments of timidity, especially when expressing his emotions. The cookie opens the gate. It was a slow yet subtle move.
The cookie had long, silver purplish hair, silver eyes, a purplish dough— he holds a strong, intimidating expression on his face, giving you the impression that he’s a dominant cookie. He wasn’t in his usual armor since this is only his home. The cookie was Elder Faerie Cookie of the Silver Kingdom.
“Oh, my friend. What brings you here? Are you in need of assistance?” he asked, his voice with a hint of confusion. It was an unexpected visit after all, so he thought that his friend was in a state of emergency, however, there wasn’t a hint of urgency in his friend’s figure.
“I am in no need of assistance. I am only having my leisure time for myself, and I come to visit you.” Salt of Solidarity replies, his voice softer than his usual tone.
Elder Faerie Cookie smiled, amused of the rare occasion. “Well, if that’s the case, then you may enter my home.” he chuckles, opening the gate for his friend.
The armored one enters the gate, stepping into the front field of Elder Faerie Cookie’s home. The place was filled with beautiful flowers and plants that were taken care of. There were also butterflies in various colors— but usually, they were silver and purple. Salt of Solidarity was in awe of the scenery.
Both cookies entered the building. They walked towards the living room near the kitchen, sitting on a soft, comfortable sofa. Familiarizing the cozy atmosphere, feeling themselves home.
“Tea or juice?” Elder Faerie Cookie offers, even though he knows the answer.
Salt of Solidarity laughs. “My friend, you didn’t have to question that.” he says in a joyful way.
Elder Faerie Cookie smiles and chuckles at his friend’s words. He went to the kitchen to make his favorite tea— the one his friend asks for the most whenever he visits his place. In a distance, Salt of Solidarity watches his friend’s words make his tea, just like the usual. It was a cozy, quiet surroundings— unlike the usual, this visit wasn’t about duty. It was a therapeutic moment for both cookies as they think of something else other than their responsibilities.
The tea was ready. “Here, my friend.” Elder Faerie Cookie offers the tea to his companion, carefully placing two cups and the steaming hot kettle on the table. “Now, tell me, what really brings you here? You didn’t seem troubled for assistance, so I assume that it is something else you might want.“
Salt of Solidarity takes off his helmet, he looked fresh and happier than the usual days of duties. His hair was neatly tied and his face wasn’t all that sweaty. Elder Faerie Cookie smiles at the sight of his friend’s face. Both cookies poured tea on their cups and took a nice, warm sip.
There was a moment of silence between the two—they always talk about nothing else but their responsibilities. This, kind of caused them to struggle to express themselves for a moment.
Salt of Solidarity thought of something. He was still carrying the gift, and since it is quiet, he thought that it was the perfect moment to present the flower— his gift, to his friend.
Upon that thought, he takes the hand of his friend delicately. His touch was gentle and careful, not wanting to startle his friend. His hands were shaking, nervous that he will mess up. Elder Faerie Cookie looked at the act with confusion, not knowing what was happening or what could happen.
Salt of Solidarity picked out the flower from a pocket, he then placed it behind Elder Faerie Cookie’s ear. He awkwardly smiles after the act, his face flushing red of timidness. Elder Faerie Cookie, on the other hand, grins with his eyes softening— he was flustered on the gestured.
“For me?” the silver haired asked.
“Yes, for you.” the armored one confirmed. “It’s… it’s not a pretty flower like the ones in your fields and garden… it’s just those ones that grow near the training grounds of the Kala Namak knights. Flowers don’t grow there, just these— only a few.” Salt of Solidarity explains where the flower came from.
“Uh, what am I doing? I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done this.” The armored cookie says with embarrassment, hinting his slight regret. He covered his face with a hand, looking away the other cookie.
Elder Faerie Cookie held his friend’s other hand, the warmth giving a flinch to his friend. “Worry not, my friend. I am confused, but I appreciate the act.” he reassures. Salt of Solidarity looks at him, blushing. “Can you enlighten me? Why must you… do this?”
“Well, I… um.” the armored one stutters. He regains his composure. “There’s currently some gift giving happening in the area. I don’t know where it came from, but it is nice to see cookies lending each other kindness instead of harm.” he sighs. “Well, you know I’m not the cookie to give gifts, but I decided that maybe it’s not a bad idea to do such act.”
“But why, of all cookies, must it be me whom receive a gift from you?” Elder Faerie Cookie asks.
Salt of Solidarity blushes once again, struggling to make eye contact with his friend. He sighs, regaining his composure once again. “I… I simply done the gesture, to you… because…” he pauses for a brief moment. He holds Elder Faerie Cookie’s hand. “Because you’re the cookie whom I cherish the most, the one who’s most dear to me…” he kisses his friend’s hand. “You’re my… everything.”
Elder Faerie Cookie sat silent, placing a hand on his friend’s cheek, caressing it. Though he was in a calm composure, he was delighted about the act. The Salt of Solidarity was still flushed however. “Seriously, what am I doing? I… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that and I shouldn’t have done that. Let’s just forget all of that and go back to tea-“
“There is no means of apologizing. I genuinely appreciate the tender gesture from you.” Elder Faerie Cookie says in a gentle yet firm tone, reassuring his friend. “By that, I must say, you really are a remarkable cookie as well. I do value our bond by any means. Nevertheless, we should spend time with each other outside our responsibilities, don’t you think? Just some bits of leisure with you could be therapeutic...”
The armored one looks at his friend’s face, his interest piqued as spending time with each other was mentioned. He always thought of duty ever since he became “Lord Commander”, almost to the point spending all times with a fellow cookie only talking about duties, and not even giving himself some time.
“Perhaps we should go on a ‘date’.” Elder Faerie Cookie suggests.
“A ‘date’? What do you mean? What is a ‘date’? Are you referring to the calendar?”
The silver haired laughs with his puzzled expression. “Well, I do not understand what they mean by a ‘date’. I only got it from the young ones— I asked why were they outside and they said they’re going on a ‘date’. I was as well confused, but nonetheless they enlightened me with the word. ‘Date’ means spending time with someone, at least what I think.”
Salt of Solidarity nodded, still slightly confused. “Let’s just say, we spend time with each other outside our duties.” he cleared up. “Perhaps we should go next week, if my duties aren’t tight.”
“That is settled.” Elder Faerie Cookie agrees once again to the idea.
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After the laughter and the deep, intimate conversation with each other, Salt of Solidarity returns back to his place. Along with Elder Faerie Cookie guiding him outside.
“That was a great moment I shared with you.” The armored one said, carrying his helmet and following his friend.
“It was indeed my pleasure to be a part of it.” the silver haired said with gratitude.
Reaching the gate, Elder Faerie Cookie opens the gate of his home for his dear friend to go outside. Salt of Solidarity approaches the gate. “‘Til next time?”
“Til next time.” Elder Faerie Cookie says.
The Salt of Solidarity gives one last look to his friend, giving him a warm smile. He never showed this smile to anyone— he often smiles like that in private. But for the first time, someone has finally seen his soft, delicate smile. After a brief moment, he goes on, putting on his helmet and continuing his journey to his home.