Chapter Text
Thick mist filled his vision as he rode onwards, the sound of horseshoes against the compact dirt echoing throughout the path he found himself trekking.
It had been another successful venture for the knights of Kala Namak, but while the others had returned to the Barren for a night of recuperation and celebration, the Salt of Solidarity found himself straying from the group to instead head west, towards a kingdom shrouded by a barrier of fog, a prosperous citadel that few were given the right to gaze upon.
His drifting thoughts carried him towards his destination, the fog parting around him as it slowly dissipates, revealing the familiar yet still overpowering architecture that had greeted him at the end of all his previous excursions as well as this one.
The faerie kingdom was a place separated from the rest of Beast-Yeast, living so self-sufficently the virtue couldn’t help but show interest in their prosperity. The Salt of Solidarity had always respected the Faerie King. From their first chance meeting the man had a way of capturing his attention. His inflections and soft expressions enveloped his soul jam in a warm calm that the Salt of Solidarity found foreign to him on all occasions except the times he truly felt he could lay his sword down, and lose himself in the company of the King.
He gently tugs at the reigns clasped in his armour-clad palms, bringing his steed to a steady stop. Plated boots disturb the soft ground beneath him, and as the Salt of Solidarity pats his horses’ side, an ethereal, relaxing voice comes to greet him.
“I see you’ve found your way back here yet again, and so soon after such an impressive display in the land of spice.” Elder Faerie Cookie situates himself at Salts’ side, a small smile stuck on his face as he admires the other without shame.
It was no surprise to the virtue that the other was already well informed of the day's events. Information spread quickly to the faeries, considering how closed off they were, and the Salt of Solidarity, no matter how humbly he presented himself, could never deny the spark of happiness he felt whenever his King praised his efforts.
“It was a grueling attack, but we hailed victorious, as always. If that wasn’t the case, then I wouldn’t have found myself in front of you now, and that would be an unjust punishment for one so reliably punctual as yourself.” The Salt of Solidarity bows his head in acknowledgment, not daring to question just how long the faerie had stood by the arch, waiting for him with immeasurable patience. The loyalty Elder Faerie put in his return felt almost too trusting, but it was that trust that drove the virtue to remain just as routine as the King. It was the least he could do to show his respect.
Elder Faerie shakes his head, an unwavering tenderness in his eyes.
“Do not even entertain such folly.” He reaches up, smoothing down the cape that flowed over the others shoulders.
“Though, if you’d allow me to speak on your appearance, I’d wholeheartedly request that you allow me to aid you. You appear to be quite the mess.”
The Salt of Solidarity shakes his head, dismissing the Faerie’s worries.
“It’s merely my armour that has taken the blows originally meant for my dough. I will be fine, that I can promise you.”
He wasn’t exactly lying to his dear King, but to say his armour protected him from every and all assault against him during his time in the land of spice would be a twisting of fact indeed. His dough ached, and his head pounded with fatigue, but to let Elder Faerie know the extent of his discomfort would be unwise if he wished to have a timely return to the Barren tonight. The other would insist on tending to what ailed him, adamant to cure his pain before allowing him back on his way. It was as endearing as it was inconvenient.
“Well, if you insist, would you instead care to take a walk with me? It is a peaceful night that has found us tonight.” The King extends a hand towards the Salt of Solidarity, who takes it without hesitation.
The two walk hand in hand through the fields, Elder Faerie choosing to ignore the curious stares of the other fae as he led one of the five virtues along, neither of them speaking, yet both seeming utterly content in the shared silence.
The moon shines high in the indigo-tinted sky, beams of light piercing through spaces between the canopy of leaves. The light casts a glow on the faeries’ face, illuminating his features perfectly to match the luminescent flora and fauna that resided in the forest. The Salt of Solidarity couldn’t help but stare in awe, thanking the witches for the helmet which covered his dumbfounded expression. The King looked stunning under the moonlight, more so than usual, and as the virtue allows himself to be dragged along by the other, the rays of light widen into beams in the night sky, nothing to scatter them in the edge of the cliff they found themselves at. Elder Faerie smiles softly, turning to gaze at the Salt of Solidarity.
“The moon always shines so brightly at its fullest, wouldn’t you agree?” The virtue nods curtly, unable to find the words to express his fascination. He clears his throat, taking a small step closer to press himself against the faeries’ side. He motions to the soft grass beneath them, shifting his weight between both feet.
“May I suggest taking a seat your Majesty? I have no need to leave for a while yet and would prefer to enjoy your company in comfort.” His voice is soft as he adamantly tugs on the others’ hand, pulling him down onto the grass, situating himself shoulder to shoulder with his King, as he usually did.
“Haven’t I already said that there is no need to refer to me with such formality, my Virtue? At least not when we’re alone like this.” The faerie shakes his head amusedly.
It wasn’t uncommon for the two to sit down on this cliffside, surrounding themselves with calming silence. This time, however, the Salt of Solidarity found himself breaking the quiet, his voice etched with concern, betraying his indifferent demeanour.
“The other virtues,” He began, his hand tightening around the others, “I believe they have started to fall to corruption that I cannot pass off as a simple waver of determination. I would be wrong to say it doesn’t cause some worry within me.”
Elder Faerie lets out a knowing hum, fixing his gaze onto the virtue.
“I’ve come to a similar conclusion as of late. I was trying to find a way to bring it up without causing too much stress alongside it.” He looks up at the moon, lost in thought before he composes himself.
“Something must be done about it, and soon. Lest we face a calamity we can not easily contain.” His expression hardens as he lowers his voice, stern anxiety etched into his face. The Salt of Solidarity notices this, bringing a cold, steeled hand up to his King's cheek.
“Do not worry yourself over this ordeal, my dearest. I can assure you that I and the knights of Kala Namak will have this under control. This danger will not touch the faerie kingdom, that much I am sure of.” His thumb traces the bone of Elder Faeries’ cheek. An act of comfort the two rarely had the chance to indulge in.
The moon was at its highest in the inky black of the sky above them, casting a soft spotlight on their moment of vulnerability. Usually, it would be a welcome setting for the virtue to admire the faerie, however its indication of the time of night made his heart heavy, as though stocked full of lead. His hand reluctantly leaves the others’ face, and as Elder Faeries’ expression saddens, his heart becomes heavier still.
“The moon signals midnight, and with that, I’m afraid my absence will become a cause for concern amongst the others in the Barren.” He explains, the words like nettle on his tongue. To leave his other half in a moment like this felt like a sin, to leave him to his lonesome in a setting so clearly made for just the two of them.
Elder Faerie stands up, the Salt of Solidarity following the action in quick succession. They were both still stuck by their hands, and neither wanted to be the first to let go.
“I will return. I swear it. How long I will spend away, I cannot tell, but I shall not abandon you for longer than is necessary.” The virtue promises, pulling his hand away slowly, as though the mere action caused him physical anguish, caused him more pain than the cracks within his own dough.
“You have never failed me before, so I see no reason for you to promise this so intensely to me now. I know you will return, for if you don’t, then I’m sure Earthbread has reached its timely end.” Elder Faerie bows, pale lilac hair cascading over his shoulders like water. He raises his head to meet the Salt of Solidarity's own tentative countenance.
“I urge you to leave posthaste, so as to not delay your arrival home any longer. I can feel that this will not be our last meeting, no matter how long it is until our next. No matter what, I swear to you that I will greet you as I have today, and all the days before this. Just as long as you return to me.”
The virtue smiles behind his helmet, dough flushed a soft pink. The faerie king always had a way with his words like no other, and he would have it no other way. He gives his own deep and respectful bow, before turning around and walking towards the gates of the Kingdom yet again.
The Salt of Solidarity left the Kingdom for the last time, the King smiling sadly as he watched him depart.