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Cold.
That was the first thing Salt of Solidarity thought as the snow started falling.
He had left the Baron a few hours earlier to visit the Faerie kingdom. He’ll admit, he had perhaps been too eager to visit as it had been quite a while since his last visit. And in his haste, he had completely forgotten that there was meant to be blizzard today. (Despite overhearing some of his knights talking about how it might even reach the fortress. It’d been almost a month since he’d seen Elder Faerie, okay?!)
However, by the time the snow had started falling, Salt of Solidarity was closer to the Faerie kingdom than he was to the Fortress. He knew that if he were to turn up Elder Faerie would let him stay at least until the blizzard let up enough for him to return home. (A part of him felt guilty that’d he basically be forcing it, but all the times that Elder Faerie had persuaded him to stay when there wasn’t any real need alleviated that guilt. Somewhat.)
Salt of Solidarity could only hope that all the faeries were okay…
Salt of Solidarity had learned several winters prior, during a similarly bad snowstorm, that faeries were rather sensitive to cold. They were usually fine with the light covering of snow that came with winter’s chill. However, flying is riskier during this time due to the thin, bug-like nature of their wings.
He knew that because of this, if there was to be a truly bad blizzard or snowstorm, all of the faeries were called to haul up inside the palace. That way it’d be easier to spot if one was missing.
What if something bad happened? What if one of the faeries got hurt? (Elder Faerie would be devastated.) What if Elder Faerie himself got hurt?
Salt of Solidarity quickly shook that thought off. He was sure that Elder Faerie was fine. Elder Faerie had lived for hundreds of years, survived countless winters and hardships. And the faerie kingdom was well equipped to deal with harsh blizzards. Elder Faerie was surely fine…
~*---------------------*~
“Is everyone inside?” Elder Faerie asked Mercurial Knight, watching as the faeries citizens spread out inside the palace.
They had gotten word from a scout about an hour ago that the incoming snowstorm was picking up speed and size. It was best if everyone was in the palace where a proper headcount could be kept. Elder Faerie didn’t like the idea of his citizens being in an unnecessarily risky situation.
“We have not received any reports of someone being missing, and the streets are clear of any life.” Mercurial Knight answered stoically.
Elder Faerie nodded. “Good.” He said, relieved.
He didn’t want any faeries out and about right now with a blizzard so close to their kingdom.
Faerie wings were fragile after all. They were strong and sturdy, could carry most faeries at high speeds for hours, yes. But in the face of temperatures as cold as a winter blizzard, they were fragile. Too fragile to risk anyone being out in conditions such as this.
Elder Faerie was brought out of his thoughts by the worried voice of a woman, calling for someone.
“Sugarplum?! Sugarplum!? Has anyone seen my daughter?!”
Elder Faerie felt his heart sink. Had someone been left outside?
Elder Faerie looked over, noticing one of the faeries frantically looking around. Elder Faerie recognized her, she was a seamstress, she had come to the palace earlier that day to drop off cloaks for the knights.
“Ma’am? What happened?” Silverbell asked worriedly, quickly running over to the woman.
“My- My daughter, she went out looking for juniper berries earlier today while I was making clothes deliveries! But she hasn’t returned, I don’t think she heard the call to come to the palace!” The woman hurriedly explained.
Mercurial Knight rushed over, trying to calm the woman. “What does your daughter look like? and what was she wearing?” Mercurial Knight asked calmly.
“She-she has short pink hair and grey eyes. She was wearing a lilac coat and silver pants.” The woman quickly said, her voice trembling. “Please, she’s only nine! She can’t stay out there in this weather!”
Elder Faerie felt his heart in his stomach at that.
How had they missed that a nine year old was missing? How had he missed it?
Witches he really was a worthless king.
“Ma’am calm down. We’ll try to send out a few volunteered knights to look for her.” Mercurial Knight said.
Right… Every year they asked knights for volunteers in case something like this happened. That way, if someone was missing during a blizzard, they weren’t forcing someone out into freezing cold temperatures against their will. And by doing it at the beginning of winter, they already knew who was willing to risk something like that, so they didn’t waste precious time asking around.
Thankfully, nothing had ever happened that would require sending one or multiple of them out.
But now there was… And Elder Faerie knew that every knight on that list of volunteers had someone to return to…
Three had a spouse.
Four had a spouse and children.
One was getting married in the spring once the snow thawed.
And two had children on the way.
Elder Faerie couldn’t in good conscious send any of them out to face certain death, or worse, losing their wings to the freezing cold. (Elder Faerie couldn’t care less that they had willingly signed up for it, it was his job as a king to protect all of his subjects.)
And Elder Faerie didn’t have someone to return to, aside from his knights. (Currently all rational thought of ‘Salt of Solidarity’ had gone right out the window and frozen alongside the lakes and rivers of the kingdom.)
“No need. I’ll go look for her.” Elder Faerie said swiftly.
“What?! Your majesty you can’t!” Mercurial Knight exclaimed, worry creeping through his usual stoic façade.
“I can, and I will.” Elder Faerie responded, tightening the cloak around his shoulders.
(The cloak that Salt of Solidarity had made by hand for him and given him the year after he learned of faerie’s sensitivity to cold.)
“Your majesty please! I’ll go out looking myself if it comes down to it! But you can’t go!” Mercurial Knight pleaded.
“You won’t change my mind on this. I would rather risk myself than send you or anyone else out there.” Elder Faerie said sternly.
“We have volunteers for this! Why risk yourself!?” Mercurial Knight exclaimed. Usually, he’d never dream of raising his voice at his king, but what Elder Faerie was suggesting- i-It-it was unthinkable!
“I will not risk the lives of knights who have a family or loved one to return to.” Elder Faerie said determinedly.
“But you have people to return to as well! You have me, Silverbell and the other knights!” Mercurial Knight said.
Elder Faerie knew that. He knew very well.
He knew that his knights cared for him deeply. He knew that the knights would do anything for him, anything to keep him safe. But Elder Faerie cared for them just as much. The faeries of the kingdom were like his children.
Elder Faerie couldn’t risk one of them in such a horrid way…
“My decision stands.” Elder Faerie said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“But your majesty-!”
“That’s enough, Mercurial Knight. My decision is final. I will go looking for the girl.” Elder Faerie said, cutting off Mercurial Knight.
Mercurial Knight’s eyes gleamed with tears of worry, but nevertheless, he bowed respectfully. “Yes your majesty… but please… be careful…” Mercurial Knight said, a desperate lilt finding its way into his voice.
Elder Faerie’s expression softened. “I will be.” Elder Faerie said softly. And with that, he disappeared out the front door.
Mercurial Knight watched him from the window until his form was completely hidden by the falling snow.
~*---------------------*~
Mercurial Knight’s boots repeatedly thumped against the ground as he paced the length of the common room.
Two hours…
Elder Faerie had been out searching for two hours. A part of Mercurial Knight knew that he should send out the volunteer knights to look for both him and the missing girl… But that would defeat the entire point of Elder Faerie going out looking for the girl himself.
Mercurial Knight felt anxiety bubble up in his chest.
Witches, he felt like Silverbell.
The seemingly endless sound of Mercurial Knight’s boots against the polished floor only served to grate his nerves more. He would have preferred to pace via flight, especially since his wings were silent. However, due to the cold weather, even inside the palace, that wasn’t a good option.
The creak of the front door opening brought him out of his thoughts and he – along with Silverbell and the woman – quickly raced to it.
They saw a little girl, most likely Sugarplum. Alone.
“Sugarplum!” The woman yelled, quickly running over and hugging her daughter.
Silverbell made quick work and swiftly closed the door to avoid letting snow in.
“What were you thinking?! Why didn’t you come back sooner?!” The woman exclaimed worriedly, fussing over her daughter.
“I didn’t realize there was a snowstorm until I saw the clouds… I tried to get back as soon as I could…” Sugarplum replied apologetically, genuinely guilt.
The woman simply hugged her, relieved.
Something was wrong… Where was Elder Faerie?
“Where is Elder Faerie?” Mercurial Knight asked the girl.
“His majesty? Why would I know?” The little girl asked, confused, as she looked over at him.
“Because he went out looking for you a couple hours ago.” Silverbell answered, fidgeting with his bow anxiously.
“He did? I haven’t seen him…” Sugarplum replied.
Mercurial Knight felt his heart sink into his stomach. (Was this how Elder Faerie felt when one of the knights were in danger?)
“He’s… not with you…?” Mercurial Knight asked, his voice coming out a strangled whisper.
“No…” Sugarplum replied.
Mercurial Knight couldn’t hear anything. Everything sounded muffled, like someone was covering his ears. Elder Faerie was still out there, in the cold. With no idea that the little girl was safe and that he could come back.
Mercurial Knight didn’t think as he practically launched himself at the door, intent on going after Elder Faerie himself. Only for Silverbell to tackle him down.
Both of them hit the floor with a loud ‘thud’.
“Ow! Silverbell what the hell?!” Mercurial Knight exclaimed, struggling underneath the usually anxious knight. Of all times Silverbell could choose to finally be brave he chose now?
“You can’t go out there!” Silverbell replied.
“I can! I have to! His majesty is out there!” Mercurial Knight exclaimed worriedly, his struggling intensifying.
“His majesty wouldn’t want you risking your life for him! And if you go out there then that completely disregards the point of him going out himself!” Silverbell exclaimed, his grip on Mercurial Knight tightening.
Mercurial Knight paused his struggling, looking at the usually anxious knight above him.
Silverbell truly believed it was best to stay back. Enough so that he was willing to stand up to him. An idea that, under normal circumstances, was foreign to the white-haired boy.
Silverbell whimpered softly, tears clouding his eyes and making them appear more dewy than they always were. “Please Mercurial… Think about what his majesty would want in this case…” Silverbell said quietly.
Mercurial Knight hesitated, before biting back. “Then what do you suggest we do? Sit here twiddling our thumbs while his majesty is possibly freezing to death?” Mercurial Knight demanded.
He hated snapping at Silverbell. The younger knight was like a little brother to him. But right now he couldn’t help it.
“No. I’m suggesting we focus on the faeries that are here and safe… and pray that Elder Faerie gets back safely… maybe… maybe Salt of Solidarity will find him…” Silverbell said, his voice hesitant on the last sentence.
Mercurial Knight scoffed. The virtue wasn’t even here.
“Like he could help.” Mercurial Knight replied sarcastically.
“Just listen…! It doesn't matter if Salt of Solidarity is here to help us find him, or not… Elder Faerie wouldn’t want us risking our lives for him, especially not when there are others to take care of…” Silverbell said softly.
Mercurial Knight looked away from Silverbell, instead opting to glare at the floor.
Silverbell was right, as much as Mercurial Knight hated it. Elder Faerie always put his people before himself, even when all the knights wanted to do was protect him. That was why Elder Faerie had chosen to go out looking for Sugarplum on his own despite the dangers and Mercurial Knight’s protests. He knew that Elder Faerie would hate it if went out there in the freezing cold for him.
Mercurial Knight cursed loudly and punched the floor in frustration, tears clouding his eyes.
Silverbell noticed, seeming to take Mercurial Knight’s frustration as confirmation that he wouldn’t try to escape again. Silverbell let go of him and instead hugging him tightly.
Mercurial Knight hated being vulnerable. Hated being weak in front of anyone. That was why he’d chosen to become a knight. Why he’d willingly given up his flavor and scent.
The only person he’d ever let his guard down around was Elder faerie… The king was always soothing to him in a way that no other could be.
Despite that, Mercurial Knight let himself break down, hugging Silverbell back tightly as sobs started to rack his usually unshakeable frame.
~*---------------------*~
Salt of Solidarity, along with Nox Black Salt, made their way through the empty streets of the faerie kingdom. Judging by the lack of faeries and the lack lights on in any houses, Salt of Solidarity assumed that they’d all been called to haul up in the palace.
Understandable.
Salt of Solidarity felt the familiar hope that everyone was alright, especially Elder Faerie. Despite knowing that everyone was likely okay – again, the faeries had measures in place in case something like this happened – he felt a pit of worry in his stomach.
Why?
It wasn’t like someone was in danger.
Nox Black Salt neighed loudly as they approached the doors to the palace. “Ah, thank you my friend.” Salt of Solidarity said as he dismounted his horse. “Why don’t you go find someplace for shelter? I’ll come find and check on you after the snowstorm passes.”
Nox Black Salt neighed in agreement before trotting off towards the stables. The horse knew the way by heart by now with all the times he’d stayed in the faerie kingdom stables.
Salt of Solidarity knocked on the palace door, hoping it was heard over the fall of the snow.
He stood there for a few minutes, wondering if he should knock again. Just as he’d raised his fist to try and knock again, the door opened slightly, and he saw one of the knights peeking through.
“Salt of Solidarity? What are you doing here?” The knight asked.
“It’s a long story, may I come in?” Salt of Solidarity answered politely.
The knight hesitated for a moment before swiftly nodding. The knight opened the door a bit wider, and Salt of Solidarity swiftly entered, the knight closing the door behind him to avoid snow getting in.
Salt of Solidarity was met with the sight of the faeries of the kingdom huddled around in different parts of the room, some no doubt in other rooms deeper inside.
His eyes caught sight of Silverbell and Mercurial Knight sitting on a couch that was pushed against the wall by the fireplace. Silverbell was rubbing Mercurial Knight’s back comfortingly and looking at him worriedly. Mercurial Knight was staring down at the floor, something in his eyes implying that he wasn’t paying attention to anything. That was… strange.
Wait…
Were Mercurial Knight’s eyes red?
Salt of Solidarity felt a ping of concern in his heart.
Silverbell looked up, seemingly confused by the sounds of the door having opened and closed. Silverbell perked up at the sight of him.
“Salt of Solidarity…!” Silverbell said. Salt of Solidarity wasn’t sure if he was startled, relieved, or something else.
Mercurial Knight seemed to shake off whatever was troubling him at that. “Salt of Solidarity? Great. Just what we need.” Mercurial Knight said sarcastically.
Salt of Solidarity wanted to laugh at the comment, knowing Mercurial Knight was never too fond of him, even after quite a few decades. However, something caught his attention.
Elder Faerie was nowhere to be seen.
Elder Faerie always seemed to know when Salt of Solidarity had come to visit. And even if he didn’t, he would likely be around his knights or checking on the people. Which means he should’ve heard Silverbell recognizing him.
Why wasn’t he here?
“Where is Elder Faerie…?” Salt of Solidarity asked, his voice tense with worry.
Salt of Solidarity didn’t fail to notice the way the two knight’s faces fell. “You mean you didn’t come in with him…?” Silverbell asked hesitantly.
“No…?” Salt of Solidarity responded, though it came out almost like a question due to his confusion.
Mercurial Knight punched the wall, surprising Salt of Solidarity. The knight was usually so calm. “I told you, you should’ve let me gone out looking for him!” Mercurial Knight exclaimed, looking at Silverbell.
Salt of Solidarity felt that pit in his stomach return. “What? Go out looking for him? Where is he?” Salt of Solidarity asked.
Where was Elder Faerie? Was he caught out in the storm? If so, why was no one out looking for him? He was their king! He could die out there!
The thought brought panic to Salt of Solidarity. He cared about Elder Faerie more than words could describe. He knew the faeries cared for Elder Faerie deeply as well, but not in the way he did.
“He went out looking for a little girl who got caught out in the storm. The girl came back about an hour ago, but she was alone and hadn’t seen him…” Silverbell explained, continuing to rub Mercurial Knight’s back in an attempt at comfort.
An hour ago? Just how long had Elder Faerie been out in the cold?
“How long has he been out there?” Salt of Solidarity asked.
“About three hours now…” Silverbell replied.
Three hours?! Why was no one looking for him?! Why was he the one out looking for the girl!? That was what the knights were for!
Elder Faerie would never put them in that kind of danger when he could do it himself. A small part of Salt of Solidarity knew.
And the faeries couldn’t go out without risking their own lives or wings.
But Salt of Solidarity could.
Salt of Solidarity had a full body of armor that usually kept him rather warm at all times. Not only that, but he had the benefit of his souljam. If it truly came down to it, he had its magic to keep him warm.
“I’ll go out looking for him. You two stay here and make sure everyone stays safe.” Salt of Solidarity commanded, the same way he would command his Kala Namak knights, as he started walking towards the door.
“Y-Yes sir!” He heard Silverbell squeak out behind him.
“Fine.” Mercurial Knight begrudgingly agreed. “But this is the only time I’m taking orders from you!”
Salt of Solidarity didn’t doubt it.
Salt of Solidarity swiftly made his way out the door, making sure it was shut tight behind him. He didn’t want any snow getting in or the outside conditions lowering the inside temperature.
Salt of Solidarity swiftly made his way to the stables, approaching Nox Black Salt, who looked at him in confusion.
“Sorry my friend, but we need to find Elder Faerie. He could be hurt.” Salt of Solidarity said softly. He hated to overwork his companion, but he could travel faster with him than without.
Nox Black Salt neighed in worry at the last part, lowering his head in agreement with him.
Salt of Solidarity sighed in relief and hastily mounted his horse. Salt of Solidarity gently nudged him into a gallop, running out into the forest.
~*---------------------*~
“Elder Faerie?! Elder Faerie?!” Salt of Solidarity called out, hoping the king would respond.
How long had they been out here? Salt of Solidarity wasn’t sure. But between his worry, the pounding of Nox Black Salt’s hooves on the ground, and the pounding of his own heart, it felt like an eternity.
“Elder Faerie… please be okay…” Salt of Solidarity quietly begged.
He prayed, prayed to the witches that had granted him his souljam that Elder Faerie was somehow okay.
Nox Black Salt suddenly tugged against his hold on the reins, coming to a slow stop. “Nox? What’s wrong?” Salt of Solidarity asked worriedly.
Nox Black Salt suddenly changed direction, trotting quickly to the right of where they’d been going.
Salt of Solidarity didn’t dare question it. Nox Black Salt, despite being a horse, was rather good at tracking. And he’d never lead the virtue astray.
If anything this was a good sign.
Something suddenly caught Salt of Solidarity’s eye, something familiar. It was hard to see, given that the standard color of the faerie kingdom was silver, but there was something there.
Salt of Solidarity felt his heart fall to his stomach when he realized…
It was Elder Faerie. Passed out. Laying in the snow.
Salt of Solidarity quickly dismounted from Nox Black Salt and ran towards the crumpled form of his friend. “Elder Faerie?!” Salt of Solidarity exclaimed worriedly, hoping to wake his friend up.
Elder Faerie didn’t even twitch at the call.
Salt of Solidarity felt that pit form in his stomach again.
Was he too late? Was Elder Faerie gone? How would he tell the faeries?
Salt of Solidarity shrugged it off quickly and pressed his hand against Elder Faerie’s chest, feeling for a pulse.
Thump… thump…
Salt of Solidarity felt a rush of relief. Elder Faerie was still alive. His heartbeat was slow, too slow for comfort. But he was alive.
Salt of Solidarity carefully turned Elder Faerie slightly to check the state of his wings.
He felt himself suck in a sharp breath of horror at the sight.
Elder Faerie’s usually vibrant and iridescent wings were turning a light, icy blue and there was a light layer of frost covering them.
Salt of Solidarity made quick work of picking Elder Faerie up bridal style, holding the faerie king against his chest protectively, as if trying to shield him from the cold.
Nox Black Salt laid down in the snow to make mounting with someone in his arms easier.
Salt of Solidarity was grateful for his companion, he’d get him extra apples once winter passed. He mounted, sitting in the saddle. He held Elder Faerie with one arm and held onto the reins with the other.
Nox Black Salt swiftly stood and started galloping back to the palace.
Salt of Solidarity took his eyes off the path, trusting his horse, to look down at Elder Faerie.
He was shivering badly…
Salt of Solidarity took off his own cape and wrapped it around him, over the cloak Elder Faerie was already wearing. (Salt of Solidarity noticed that it was the one he had gifted the faerie king and was very pleased that his friend had like it.)
Salt of Solidarity ensured that Elder Faerie’s wings were properly covered, trying to keep them as warm as possible.
He felt a familiar protectiveness. The same protectiveness that Salt of Solidarity had felt when he’d found out that someone had betrayed Elder Faerie in his past.
It was odd…
Salt of Solidarity, in a way, was protective of everyone. (Everyone innocent that is.) He was especially protective of his knights and, due to his friendship with Elder Faerie, was rather protective of the faeries. But the protectiveness he felt with Elder Faerie was different… He couldn’t tell if it was a more caring or more possessive protectiveness.
Salt of Solidarity had no idea. He didn’t know why his need to protect Elder Faerie was so different that his want to protect everyone else.
Nox Black Salt suddenly neighed, bringing Salt of Solidarity out of his thoughts. He noticed that they were approaching the palace again.
“Good boy.” Salt of Solidarity praised softly, barely audible over the sound of falling snow.
Nox Black Salt nodded, laying down again once close to the palace entrance. Salt of Solidarity swiftly dismounted, and Nox Black Salt made his way back to the stables.
Salt of Solidarity pushed the palace doors open with his magic and closed them as soon as he was in.
“Get a healer!” Salt of Solidarity yelled, kneeling on the floor to double check Elder Faerie now that there was proper lighting.
Salt of Solidarity could see that Elder Faerie’s brows were furrowed, and there was a slight blue tint to his fingers, lips, and the end of his pointed ears.
Salt of Solidarity heard three sets of footsteps and looked up to see Mercurial Knight, Silverbell, and a healer rushing over to them.
The healer kneeled down beside him and carefully unwrapped Salt of Solidarity’s cape from Elder Faerie look his over. She gasped softly when she saw the extent of the cold damage done to his wings.
Salt of Solidarity was only vaguely aware of Silverbell whimpering softly in worry and likely trying to withhold tears.
“Quickly, get him to the fireplace.” The healer said, standing up and quickly walking towards the nearest living area.
Salt of Solidarity followed her, his grip on Elder Faerie never loosening, and Mercurial Knight and Silverbell trailing behind him worriedly.
“Here, lay him down with his back to the fire.” The healer said softly, laying some soft couch cushions down on the floor to make it more comfortable.
Salt of Solidarity did as instructed, carefully laying Elder Faerie down, his to the fire.
The healer walked back over, checking Elder Faerie’s wings.
Salt of Solidarity felt his fingers twitch with protectiveness, knowing Elder Faerie’s trauma around his wings being touched. Mercurial Knight gently grabbed his arm, pulling him away slightly, not enough to lose sight, but enough to give the healer space to work.
“Let her work. I know as well as you that Elder Faerie doesn’t like his wings being touched, but it’s necessary.” Mercurial Knight said.
Salt of Solidarity hesitated before nodding.
He knew that. Of course he did. He was the lord commander of the Kala Namak knights. He knew that often times healers had to push personal boundaries for the sake of the one injured.
But that protectiveness didn’t go away…
The healer gently opened Elder Faerie’s wings all the way, that way the frost would melt easier.
“There… The only thing we can do now is keep him warm and hope for the best…” The healer said softly.
The healer stood, walking over to them. “He should wake up in a couple hours. Keep an eye on his wings, make sure the frost is melting and the color is coming back. Even if slowly.” The healer instructed.
Salt of Solidarity nodded in understanding, walking over and sitting down beside Elder Faerie.
“I’ll spread the word amongst the knights that his majesty is back and… mostly okay.” Mercurial Knight said, leaving the room.
The healer looked back over to Salt of Solidarity, watching him with sympathetic eyes. “You did good…” The healer said softly.
“What?” Salt of Solidarity asked, confused by her statement, looking up to meet her gaze.
“Using your cape to cover his wings… That was smart, especially for a non-faerie. That might have been just enough to keep them safe.” The healer explained, smiling softly.
Salt of Solidarity hesitated before nodding in agreement. “Thank you…”
The healer nodded before leaving.
~*---------------------*~
Salt of Solidarity hadn’t taken his eyes off Elder Faerie’s sleeping form in the last two hours.
The blue on his fingers, lips, and ears had slowly gone back to their normal dark hue. The frost had completely thawed off of his wings, which were still a lighter shade of blue than they should be. But they were also slowly regaining their usual iridescent colors.
Salt of Solidarity was still worried. He didn’t know too much about faerie anatomy. Was it taking too long for his wings to go back to normal? Should he have woken up by now? Could something be seriously wrong?
Salt of Solidarity was brought out of his worried thoughts by Elder Faerie quietly groaning.
Salt of Solidarity was right beside him, hands hovering over his shoulder in an instant. “Elder Faerie? Are you awake?” Salt of Solidarity asked softly.
Elder Faerie slowly opened his eyes.
Those beautiful light blue eyes, so similar to the ice that had nearly taken Salt of Solidarity’s butterfly from him.
Salt of Solidarity swiftly shook off the possessive thought. Elder Faerie wasn’t his, and that wasn’t important right now.
“Salt…?” Elder Faerie asked, looking up at him with confusion.
“Yeah, yeah it’s me…” Salt of Solidarity said softly, relief evident in his tone.
“What… happened…?” Elder Faerie asked.
“You passed out in the snow when you were out looking for a young faerie…” Salt of Solidarity explained.
Elder Faerie didn’t respond for a moment before his eyes lit up in memory of what happened. Elder Faerie swiftly sat up, causing Salt of Solidarity to let a quiet sound of worry.
“What?! Is the girl okay?! Did someone find her?!” Elder Faerie exclaimed worriedly, looking ready to bolt out the front door to resume looking.
“Calm down…” Salt of Solidarity said softly, resting his hands on Elder Faerie’s shoulders in an attempt to comfort him.
“I am calm!” Elder Faerie yelled.
Salt of Solidarity smiled fondly behind his helmet. “The girl is alright. Mercurial Knight said that she had come back on her own a while before I found you.” Salt of Solidarity said.
Mercurial Knight had given him more details of what happened, before him and Silverbell fell asleep on the couch, waiting for Elder Faerie to awaken.
Elder Faerie sighed in relief. “Thank goodness…” Elder Faerie said softly.
Now that the immediate danger had passed, and Elder Faerie was okay and awake… Salt of Solidarity felt the flood of emotions he’d barely been keeping at bay come back.
Frustration bubbled up in his chest. Too much for him to ignore.
“Elder Faerie… What were you thinking going out there?” Salt of Solidarity asked.
Salt of Solidarity knew that he’d run out in the same harsh conditions if one of his knights were in danger. So, he didn’t know why he was so upset that Elder Faerie had done the same for his people. But something in Salt of Solidarity hated that Elder Faerie had put himself at risk. Especially when cold conditions were so dangerous for faeries.
“What?” Elder Faerie asked, confused by the question.
“There are knights who would’ve been willing to go out to look for the girl. Why would you risk yourself?” Salt of Solidarity asked, his voice stern and holding a silent anger.
Unlike most, he didn’t get loud when he was mad. He rarely, if ever, even let any anger show through. But when he did, it showed itself through a more stern voice and quieter nature.
Elder Faerie blinked in surprise at the cold anger in Salt of Solidarity’s voice. He looked down at the blankets covering him, seemingly contemplating what to say.
What was there to say? He’d put himself in too much risk unnecessarily.
“I couldn’t let any of my knights go out there knowing the risks… They all have a family to return to.” Elder Faerie said.
Well, that was screwed up logic. Sure, the knights had people to return to. Salt of Solidarity could sympathize with that. He didn’t like the thought of the faeries knights getting hurt either. But...
“And you don’t?” Salt of Solidarity bit back.
He knew he was being colder than he should. But he needed to get his point across.
Just because Elder Faerie wasn’t married and didn’t have a family, doesn’t mean that he wasn’t loved and adored by the entire kingdom.
Elder Faerie stayed silent.
“Elder Faerie… everyone in this kingdom adores and cares so much about you. I care about you. You- you can’t risk yourself like that when there are other options.” Salt of Solidarity said.
“How do you think the knights would feel, Mercurial Knight and Silverbell would feel if you had died when there was another, safer option.” Salt of Solidarity said.
He knew that sending out multiple knights instead of one person would be safer. That way more ground could be covered faster, things like the girl having come back on her own wouldn’t slip through the cracks.
“How do you think I would feel if I came to visit you and I heard that you had died out in a blizzard?” Salt of Solidarity said, the anger and frustration fizzling out into sadness and fear.
Elder Faerie hesitated, opening his mouth to say something before closing it. “Please… I can’t lose you to something like a stupid snowstorm…” Salt of Solidarity said. All reservations of what was appropriate went out the window as he pressed his face into Elder Faerie’s neck. He needed some sort of physical reminder that Elder Faerie was here, okay, breathing.
Elder Faerie froze at the contact before relaxing. Elder Faerie reached up and gently removed Salt of Solidarity’s helmet.
The virtue let him.
Elder Faerie had seen Salt of Solidarity’s face many times before, the virtue simply preferred to keep his helmet on around others he didn’t know so well.
Elder Faerie combed his fingers through Salt of Solidarity’s soft white hair gently. “I’m sorry…” Elder Faerie said softly, genuinely.
“Just please… Promise me you won’t do something like that again… Don’t… Don’t risk yourself unnecessarily when there are better options…” Salt of Solidarity said softly.
“I promise…” Elder Faerie said softly.
“Thank you…” Salt of Solidarity said, burying his face deeper into Elder Faerie’s neck.
Elder Faerie smiled softly at the actions, bringing a slight blush to Salt of Solidarity’s face.
Salt of Solidarity glanced at Elder Faerie’s wings, relieved to see that the iridescent color was almost completely back to them.
Elder Faerie was okay, all of him was.
Salt of Solidarity’s butterfly was okay.