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The Salt of Solidarity paced beside the arched window of his headquarters, his boots clicking softly against the stone floor. He looked outside, then down at the small, silver box in his hand. His chest tightened with an anxiety so heavy it felt like he was rotting from the inside out.
In a few short minutes, he and his knights will start their journey to the Silver Kingdom. Every winter, the faeries hosted a grand banquet to welcome the frost. It was always a vivid, breathtaking spectacle of lights, music, and dance.
This was the moment. The perfect moment.
For months,no, years, Salt of Solidarity had planned to propose to his lover, Elder Faerie. He had carried the desire like a hidden ember, but the right time and place had always slipped through his fingers. Until now. At the winter banquet, everything would be flawless.
He stopped right in the center of the window frame, he stared into the distance. From the fortress of The Great Barrem, the legendary Silver Tree looked like a mere speck on the horizon. Yet he knew that up close, it loomed massive, its silvery branches sweeping across the sky in long, delicate strokes that caught the pale winter light.
A soft, genuine smile finally broke through his nerves, his gaze dropping back to the ring box.
A sharp knock shattered the silence, pulling him abruptly from his thoughts. The heavy oak door eased open, and Rose Quartz stepped inside, bringing a gust of the chilly hallway air with her.
"We are ready to go, Lord Commander!" She beamed, bouncing slightly on her heels, her armor clinking with the movement.
Salt of Solidarity tucked the box safely into his tunic, his lips curling into a smile as he offered a quick nod.
"Let's go then."
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As they rode up towards the Silver Gates, the crisp winter air bit at their cheeks. Salt of Solidarity noticed Strawberry Faerie and Crystal standing near the entrance, warmly greeting the arriving guests. Strawberry Faerie held a thick parchment sheet in her hands, checking off names as people passed. The moment they drew closer, the chill seemed to vanish from her face, which lit up with a bright, genuine smile.
"Salt of Solidarity! Knights of Kala Namak! Greetings!" Crystal called out, his voice echoing cheerfully against the frosted stone walls.
Rose Quartz slid off her saddle instantly, rushing straight toward Strawberry Faerie to pull her into a tight, enthusiastic hug. Salt of Solidarity, Salt Cellar, and Sea Salt dismounted more calmly, their boots crunching softly on the thin layer of snow. They exchanged warm nods and greetings with the two faeries. Within moments, a few Silver Knights emerged flying from the courtyard, taking the reins to lead the shivering horses toward the warmth of the stables.
"It's very nice to see you two again," Salt of Solidarity said, a relaxed smile creeping onto his face.
Crystal beamed at him, the magical glow of the nearby lanterns reflecting in his eyes. "It's wonderful to see you four as well," he said, gesturing gracefully for them to step inside.
Strawberry Faerie and Rose Quartz immediately began walking side by side. Strawberry Faerie hooked her arm through Rose Quartz's, eagerly pointing out the shimmering, enchanted decorations set up specifically for the Winter Banquet. Salt Cellar followed closely behind them, quietly taking in the breathtaking winter wonderland around them.
Meanwhile, Salt of Solidarity and Sea Salt fell into step with Crystal, their heavy winter capes rustling with each stride. After a few paces, Crystal leaned slightly toward Salt of Solidarity, lowering his voice. "His Majesty, Elder Faerie, is already waiting for you in his headquarters."
Salt of Solidarity froze mid-step for a fraction of a second, nearly tripping over his own boots. His pointed ears instantly angled downward, and a soft, undeniable blush crept up his cheeks, contrasting sharply with the pale winter cold.
"Ah, alright. Thank you for telling me," Salt of Solidarity murmured, quickly looking away and nervously adjusting his cape. He veered off to the right, taking a quiet, snow-dusted side path that split away from the knights.
Crystal and Sea Salt paused, exchanging a knowing, amused look. A silent agreement passed between them before they turned their gaze back toward Salt of Solidarity, watching him make his way towards the Silver Palace.
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Salt of Solidarity made his way toward Elder Faerie's headquarters, his boots clicking softly against the polished marble floor.
He deliberately slowed his pace, taking a longer route through the winding, sunlit corridors of the Silver Palace. No matter how many times he visited, he always found himself spellbound by the architecture. Towering silver arches stretched toward vaulting ceilings, and crystalline windows cast fractured patterns of winter light across the intricate floral carvings on the walls. It was simply too breathtaking to ignore.
At the end of the long hallway stood the heavy, silvery doors of the headquarters. Salt of Solidarity stopped in front of them, taking a deep breath to steady his racing pulse and calm his twitching pointed ears, before knocking gently.
"Enter," a soft, melodious voice called out from within.
Salt of Solidarity slowly opened the door and stepped inside, a wave of warmth from the hearth hitting his face.
Elder Faerie was sitting at his work table, buried behind stacks of parchment. The moment Elder Faerie lifted his gaze from a scroll and saw Salt of Solidarity standing in the doorway, the exhaustion vanished from his face. His eyes lit up like stars, and a radiant, breathless smile broke across his lips.
"Salt, my dear!" Elder Faerie exclaimed, discarding his quill. He rose quickly from his chair, crossing the room in a heartbeat to throw his arms around Salt of Solidarity's neck, pulling him into a warm, desperate embrace.
Salt of Solidarity couldn't help but let out a soft laugh, utterly charmed by his beloved's unbridled excitement. He wrapped his arms around Elder Faerie's waist, holding him close.
"I am so incredibly happy to see you," Elder Faerie murmured against his shoulder. He pulled back just enough to look into Salt's eyes, his slender fingers gently brushing a stray lock of bangs away from Salt's forehead before pressing a soft, sweet kiss to his lips.
A deep, rosy blush crept up Salt's cheeks, hot against the cool palace air. "I'm so happy to see you too. It feels like it's been far too long."
"It truly has," Elder Faerie agreed, refusing to let go of Salt of Solidarity’s hands as he leaned into him. "And I am so, so sorry I wasn't there to greet you and your knights at the Silver Gates. I was under the impression you wouldn't arrive until noon."
"Do not worry, my love," Salt of Solidarity replied reassuringly, his pointed ears twitching slightly with affection. "Our journey through the valley was perfectly smooth. With no winter blizzards or obstacles on the road, we accidentally arrived ahead of how we planned."
"Thank the Witches for a safe journey," Elder Faerie sighed, his shoulders visibly relaxing.
Salt of Solidarity glanced past him at the desk. "Are you busy? I didn't mean to interrupt your work."
Elder Faerie’s eyes widened in mild alarm, his own pointed ears angling upward. "No, never! You could never bother me, Salt. I am just... losing my mind slightly, trying to finalize the layout preparations for the Winter Banquet before tonight."
Letting out a soft chuckle, the Faerie King gently pulled Salt of Solidarity over to the desk, pointing excitedly at a map of the ballroom layout.
Elder Faerie began to talk, his hands gesturing wildly as he debated the placement of Seren fragrance, tanghulu, and butterfly flowerbed. But as Elder Faerie talked, Salt of Solidarity’s mind began to drift. The frantic chatter about decorations faded into a soft blur.
Salt of Solidarity's focus shifted entirely to the small, silver box tucked safely inside his inner coat pocket. His fingers twitched with a nervous urge to reach for it.
This is it, Salt of Solidarity thought, his heart hammering violently against his ribs. It’s quiet. It’s private. It’s just the two of us here. It’s the perfect time.
"...and so I was thinking, if we move the flower arrangements over to the eastern balcony, the moonlight will catch the frosted petals perfectly—"
"My dear," Salt of Solidarity interrupted softly, his voice trembling just a fraction with nerves. "Can I... ask you something important?"
Elder Faerie stopped mid-sentence and turned his head fully toward Salt of Solidarity. His pointed ears angled sharply upward in genuine, rapt curiosity. "Of course!" Elder Faerie said, his voice dropping to a tender whisper as a soft smile played on his lips. "What is it, love?"
Salt of Solidarity took a slow, deep breath. He began to slide his hand into his coat pocket, his fingers brushing the smooth silvery of the ring box. He opened his mouth to speak the words he had practiced a thousand times on the road—
Knock. Knock.
A sharp, formal rap on the heavy door shattered the fragile silence of the room. Salt of Solidarity froze, his hand still trapped in his pocket. Both of their heads snapped toward the entrance.
"yes?" Elder Faerie called out.
The door creaked open, and Lemon Faerie, one of the most trusted Silver Knights, appeared in the threshold. He wore his gleaming armor, and upon seeing them, he immediately lowered his head in a deep, respectful bow.
"Your Majesty. Salt of Solidarity.," the knight greeted them, his tone formal.
Both Salt of Solidarity and Elder Faerie, acknowledged the knight with polite, synchronized nods.
"Pardon the interruption, Your Majesty, but the head artisan is waiting for you in the Grand Ballroom for the final attachments," Lemon Faerie informed him.
"Of course. Tell them I will be down there in just a few minutes." Elder Faerie replied.
Lemon Faerie bowed once more, stepped back into the corridor, and quietly pulled the door shut behind him.
Elder Faerie turned back to Salt of Solidarity, an apologetic, weary look in his eyes. "I am so incredibly sorry, dear. Duty calls, and I have to go and make sure the palace doesn't collapse under the weight of this banquet. Would you... like to come with me? I could use your company."
Salt of Solidarity forced a warm, deeply supportive smile to his lips. He pulled his hand out of his pocket, empty.
"Of course. I would love to keep you company" Salt of Solidarity said softly.
Elder Faerie’s face instantly illuminated, a joyful smile taking over his features. "Let's go then!" Elder Faerie said happily. He eagerly grabbed Salt of Solidarity’s hand, lacing their fingers tightly together as they stepped out of the headquarters and headed toward the Ballroom.
As they walked hand-in-hand down the silver hallway, Salt of Solidarity looked down at their joined fingers. Maybe this just wasn't the right moment, he thought silently, a bittersweet feeling settling in his chest. Another time. Tonight, at the banquet.
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For the rest of the afternoon, Salt of Solidarity remained by Elder Faerie's side, helping him finalize the preparations for the Winter Banquet.
Together, they walked through the majestic Grand Ballroom and into the snow-covered gardens. The scenery was breathtaking; delicate snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, dusting the crystalline branches of the ancient silver trees and clinging to the frost-kissed petals of the winter flowers.
While wandering down a quiet, snow-dusted path, Salt’s gaze drifted toward a clearing. There, he spotted his own knights getting along with the Silver Knights.
"I love that they are getting along and trust each other." Elder Faerie murmured softly, leaning closer to Salt as he followed his gaze.
"Me too," Salt of Solidarity replied, a wave of pride washing over him.
They both paused, standing hand-in-hand beneath a silver archway, watching the six knights walk through the gardens, their laughter echoing faintly in the winter air.
A few yards ahead, Rose Quartz was leading the way, holding Salt Cellar’s hand and pointing eagerly at every single flower they passed. Salt Cellar didn't complain about the enthusiasm at all. Instead, a soft, rare smile graced her lips. Her usual stoic, calm, and icy expression had completely melted away, replaced by pure contentment.
A few steps behind them, Strawberry Faerie was carefully weaving a vibrant flower crown. She used winter blossoms that she and Crystal had gathered along the paths. Crystal walked closely by her side, dutifully holding the basket at the perfect height so Strawberry could easily reach inside for more petals. Every now and then, they would exchange a warm, quiet glance.
Meanwhile, Lemon Faerie and Sea Salt walked side by side, deep in conversation as they shared stories of past battles and adventures. Lemon Faerie’s usually stern face was noticeably brighter, his eyes crinkling with genuine amusement at one of Sea Salt's jokes.
Salt of Solidarity smiled warmly at the knights, his heart swelling with happiness. Suddenly, he felt the reassuring warmth of a hand squeezing his own. "It is almost evening, my love," Elder Faerie said softly, his voice a gentle reminder. "The banquet is about to begin."
Salt of Solidarity looked past the silver trees, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the winter sky in brilliant shades of amber, violet, and gold. "Alright," Salt said softly, squeezing his hand back. "Let's go."
Turning away from the serene garden, they made their way back toward the glowing, majestic Palace, ready for the banquet.
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The Winter Banquet was, as always, a vision of ethereal beauty.
The Grand Ballroom seemed to spin pure silver light. Above, a constellation of crystal chandeliers hung from the high vaulted ceiling, casting a warm, fractured glow across the vast.
The floor has tiles that have a bright and dark shade of blue. The intricate design depicts the silvery branches and silver strings intertwined harmoniously.
To the right, a row of grand, floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over the snow-covered Silver Kingdom, framed by heavy drapes of royal blue.
Laughter drifted gracefully above the classical music as the faeries clinked their champagne flutes, their faces glowing in the soft amber light radiating from the banquet tables.
On the main floor, the dancers spun faster and faster, completely lost in the enchanting rhythm.
Standing near the edge of the room, Salt of Solidarity watched the guests enjoying themselves. It was a beautiful sight.
He noticed Salt Cellar approaching Rose Quartz, offering a hand and asking her to accompany her in a dance. The moment Rose Quartz accepted, their steps transformed into continuous, traveling turns across the silvery tiles. Salt Cellar’s usual stoic, calm, and cold expression was entirely gone, replaced by a soft look of pure happiness.
A bit further away, Strawberry Faerie and Crystal were wandering around the room with sparkling glasses in their hands, laughing and completely caught up in the festive atmosphere.
Nearby, Sea Salt was watching Salt Cellar and Rose Quartz dance with a smirk, completely unaware that Lemon Faerie had quietly sneaked up right behind him. When Sea Salt finally turned around, he jumped nearly a foot in the air, his eyes wide with fright. Lemon Faerie just stood there, a rare, amused smirk playing on his lips as well.
Salt of Solidarity let out a small, hearty chuckle at the knights.
The Winter Banquet was indeed magnificent.
After a quiet moment, Salt felt a warm, familiar touch on his shoulder. He turned around to find Elder Faerie standing behind him.
"Come with me. I want to show you something," Elder Faerie whispered, his eyes gleaming with a secret excitement.
He took Salt’s hand, lacing their fingers together, and guided him away from the loud crowd toward the heavy glass doors that led to the palace gardens.
The Faerie King gently pushed the doors open, stepping out into the crisp night air and leading Salt down a set of stone stairs toward a secluded, snow-dusted pavilion.
It was breathtakingly beautiful outside.
Gentle, heavy snowflakes fell lazily over the winter flowers and the silver trees. It was chilly, but the magical warmth radiating from the palace kept the biting cold at bay.
Elder Faerie guided him toward the carved railing of the pavilion. When Salt of Solidarity looked out, he could hardly believe his eyes.
Standing proudly in the center of the garden was the Silver Tree. The living monument of their love. It was as majestic as ever, shining with a brilliant silver light that pulsed gently against the dark winter night, its silver branches catching the falling snow.
Elder Faerie turned his gaze from the glowing tree to look at Salt of Solidarity. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" he asked softly.
"It is indeed," Salt of Solidarity replied, his eyes still focused on the tree.
Their quiet moment was suddenly interrupted by a shift in the music drifting from the Ballroom. The melody grew slow, deep, and deeply romantic, signaling the traditional partner dance.
Salt of Solidarity turned fully toward the King and extended his hand, palm upward in an invitation.
Elder Faerie looked down at Salt of Solidarity's hand, a soft smile gracing his lips as his cheeks flushed a brilliant shade of red and his pointed ears angled down shyly. He gently placed his hand in Salt's. "How could I ever reject such an offer?"
Salt of Solidarity led Elder Faerie into the very center of the pavilion, right under the brilliant glow of the winter moon. Stepping in close, the Virtue placed one hand gently against the King's lower back. The Faerie King rested his left hand on Salt of Solidarity's shoulder, while their remaining hands interlocked tightly, their fingers tracing familiar, comforting patterns.
As the music swelled, Salt took a deep, deliberate step forward, driving their shared weight into the floor with perfect ballroom posture. Elder Faerie mirrored the movement instantly, stepping backward with fluid grace, his delicate wings lifting slightly behind him. They glided sideways, rising higher and higher onto their toes. At the very peak of the musical phrase, their feet drew together, suspending them in mid-air for a fraction of a magical second.
Then, the tempo picked up, and their steps transformed into continuous, sweeping reverse turns. They began to sway beautifully around the pavilion. With every stride forward, Salt of Solidarity guided the King’s body into a subtle, elegant tilt, leaning into the direction of the turn. The Faerie King followed flawlessly, arching his back slightly. They spun across the stone floor like a top, yet their upper bodies remained entirely calm, locked in a silent, unwavering gaze.
Suddenly, Salt of Solidarity misstepped, his boot catching the edge of the King's foot. He tripped slightly, but they both caught each other quickly, laughing out loud. The sudden, shared laughter echoed softly in the quiet garden, shattering the heavy formality of the dance.
They straightened up, still holding each other incredibly close, and shared a deep, sweet kiss that tasted of salt and winter air.
When they finally pulled away, the King's hands rested flat against Salt's chest, while the Virtue's arms remained wrapped around his waist, keeping him close.
From the Ballroom, a new song started playing, and they could hear the sound of the guests changing their rhythm.
"That was beautiful. I loved it," Elder Faerie murmured, leaning his forehead against Salt's.
"I am so happy you did. Though I am sorry for the missteps," Salt of Solidarity replied, his own pointed ears tilting down in slight embarrassment.
Elder Faerie let out a soft chuckle, raising a hand to caress Salt's right cheek. He gently traced his thumb over the mint-colored scar on Salt's face. "Don't worry, my love. I enjoyed that part too."
The King looked deep into Salt's eyes before resting his head against his chest. Salt of Solidarity rested his chin on top of the King's soft periwinkle hair and closed his eyes, soaking in the warmth.
Wait. The proposal!
Salt’s eyes snapped wide open at the sudden realization. This is it. There will never be a more perfect time. "Faerie, there is something I have to tell you," Salt said, gently lifting his head so they could look at each other.
Elder Faerie lifted his head as well, his pointed ears perking up in immediate, rapt curiosity.
"I've been wanting to say this for quite some time, but I couldn't find the perfect moment. Now, I know it's time," Salt began, his voice steadying. "From the very moment I met you, my entire world changed. I still remember when I first arrived in the Silver Kingdom, and how in this exact place, we created the Silver Tree together. I didn't fully realize it back then, but my heart had already found its home. Before I met you, I thought I understood what happiness was, but you completely redefined it for me."
Elder Faerie felt his face burning crimson with every word. His silver tongue always leaves him disarmed.
"We walk a beautiful path together, full of laughter, quiet tea times, and shared moments that I will cherish forever. I admire your incredible kindness and your strength every single day. You make the good times twice as joyful, and you make the hard times so much easier to bear. You are my best friend, the one I trust with my life."
Slowly, Salt of Solidarity let go of Elder Faerie's hands. He reached into his inner pocket, pulled out a small silvery box, and dropped elegantly down onto one knee.
Elder Faerie’s wings twitched with excitement, and he let out a soft, sharp gasp, his hand flying to his mouth.
Salt opened the box, revealing a stunning silver ring, sculpted into the shape of a delicate silver flower with a brilliant, glowing green gem gleaming in the center.
"Will you, Elder Faerie, take I, Salt of Solidarity, to be your husband?"
Tears of joy instantly welling up in Elder Faerie's eyes and spilling down his cheeks. He wasted no time. "Yes!" he cried out, bending down to eagerly cup Salt's face in his hands. "Yes! I do!"
Salt smiled dynamically, pulling the King down into a fierce, joyous embrace on the pavilion floor. They held onto each other tightly, laughing through the tears.
After a moment, Elder Faerie pulled back slightly, a mischievous but emotional smile on his face. He reached into his own robes, pulled out an identical small silvery box, and snapped it open. Inside rested another ring, a beautifully crafted silver with a delicate butterfly in the center, holding a shimmering, light blue gem.
Salt of Solidarity’s eyes widened in shock looking at the box in Elder Faerie's hand.
"I was actually planning on proposing to you tonight, right here under our tree," Elder Faerie explained with a tearful chuckle. "But it looks like you were just a little bit faster than me."
Salt let out a loud laugh of disbelief, shaking his head before pulling his new fiancé back into a deep, loving hug.
After a few beautiful moments of staying in each other's embrace, they turned their faces to each other, meeting each other's gaze before leaning in for another soft, breathless kiss.
“WOOOO! YES! HE SAID YES!” A sudden burst of loud cheering, clapping, and whistling erupted from the Ballroom doors, completely shattering the quiet atmosphere.
The newly engaged partners snapped their heads around in utter confusion.
Standing at the top of the steps, completely unbothered by the cold, were their six knights.
Rose Quartz was jumping up and down, clapping wildly, while Salt Cellar stood next to her, clapping with a massive, proud smile. Strawberry Faerie and Crystal were cheering loudly, waving their champagne glasses in the air, while Sea Salt and Lemon Faerie were whistling loudly.
The partners looked up at them in fond amusement, realizing their "private" moment hadn't been so private after all, but knowing their chosen family was there to share in their absolute happiness.