Chapter Text
It had only been a couple of brief moments that she had been here in the Faerie Kingdom, after searching the mysterious and illustrious Faeriewood for what seemed to be hours and hours upon end. With how treacherous the seas of Beast Yeast are, travel took more out of her than she expected.
Still, she never expected the rumored Faerie Kingdom to be quite like this…
Her slender fingers documented each new sighting with utmost precision, scribbling sights that intrigued her and brought her curious heart ablaze.
“White Lily Cookie?”
So many things she has wondered, to the edges of Crispia her research took her, to even greater heights and greater lengths to accomplish her goals. She can sense the ancient magic that lined the silver walls of this realm.
Otherworldly… spectacular. A feeling of magic in the air that she had only dreamed of experiencing.
Could it be of any relation to Them?
White Lily Cookie knew that this place had deep ties with the Witches… but really, that’s all she had to go off of. A strange continent, with a strange hidden land that even many cookies of that continent are not privy to the whereabouts of.
Perhaps it was pure, sheer luck that she managed to stumble upon it, or maybe it was the strange resonance of her Soul Jam, calling to her from the depths of this dense forest.
Whatever it was, she knew she had to reach it.
“Um… White Lily Cookie?”
Yes… this kingdom. This kingdom will be the key to her finally being one step closer to finding Them.
Once she finally finds Them, then she can finally ask those burning questions she’s always wanted, no, needed the answer to.
Though, before focusing on her main goal, she really must do more observations on these tiny little, cute spore creatures.
Still scribbling detailed notes in her notepad, she giggled distractedly as a couple of them found their way nested into her haircings. Was someone saying something in the background…?
“White Lily Cookie!”
Startling out of her own thoughts, a familiar, light voice called out to her loudly. She cleared her throat.
“Silverbell Cookie…! Oh dear, my apologies. I was a bit distracted.” She waved off the spore that was previously nibbling on her haircings. “You were saying…?”
The faerie giggled, shaking his head. “You remind me an awful lot of the Guardian sometimes, with how lost in thought the two of you can get. You’re staying here in the Faerie Kingdom to do research for a bit, right?”
He hummed melodically. “I can’t say I remember the last time any of the guest quarters were ever used here… and I’ve never seen anybody enjoy the presence of the yeast spores like you! I find the air here much more pleasant when the season comes for them to slumber again…”
“Really must have been eons ago, back when Beast Yeast was less… well, you know.” Silverbell Cookie mumbled wistfully.
White Lily Cookie blinked. “I am merely aware of some history based on a couple of tattered legends, but the limited information we have of Beast Yeast back in my home continent is quite shameful indeed…” Her mouth wobbled, looking down at him with an embarrassed frown. “If only I had gotten here much sooner…”
“Well, even in this continent, our kingdom is more of a myth to some. We are protecting something very important, after all.” The faerie cookie’s wings fluttered, the sound of a bell twinkling reaching her own ears.
White Lily Cookie’s hands felt alongside the carved railings as the two of them walked more towards the central area of the Kingdom, watching flowers float in the water—and sparkling lights run through the wind. Such a beautiful place… untouched by any outside influence.
“Yes… the aged texts that detailed the mystique of your existence mentioned the purpose of the Faerie Kingdom’s intentionally hidden landscape. Though, I do have to ask…”
She fidgeted nervously, clutching her own staff against her chest tightly, “Is it really okay for me to just… wander in here and stay for a duration? I was not expecting this place to accept outsiders very kindly…”
Silverbell Cookie paused in his flying for a bit, and then smiled, pointing at the sparkling gem encrusted at the top of her lily staff.
“Normally we don’t, but that makes for quite the special exception. That power…” He tapped his chin in thought. “I recognize that power. You were destined to come here, I’m sure of it. Or perhaps it was something, or someone that led you here.”
He nodded his head enthusiastically.
“I’m sure that Elder Faerie Cookie would be very interested in meeting you.”
Come on…. Come… on…..
A voice, no, a thought, echoed in the caverns of bark as a fading blue light tried desperately to amass any type of energy.
After eons upon eons of regaining strength, and feeling their powers get ripped away from them bit by bit with each cookie that dared to claim that cleansed half of their power…. If they didn’t plan their escape at this very moment, they might all never get the chance again. He was able to do a little bit more than his companions through the use of his other realm, but…
He will not let their Life Energy nourish this cursed place any longer.
The dark figure cursed as the pulsating light flickered and faded in his desperation. He doesn’t even want to think about the amount of attempts they’d all made to break a crack into this cursed wood.
Shadow Milk Cookie knows that they all felt it. The final Soul Jam… Solidarity–no, something else. Freedom had been claimed. Freedom, something they felt slipping away from all of them more and more as time passed.
In the past, he felt and heard their presence a lot more when they all first got sealed. Cries of sadness, fear, hopelessness… blind rage. Some who accepted things for what they were… some who found it inevitable.
Honestly, Shadow Milk Cookie felt vaguely annoyed. They could have all gotten out of this stupid place if they had the sense to properly work together, but he supposed he couldn’t blame his friends too much for the distress they were all in.
Whatever.
Just let Shadow Milk Cookie take care of everything, right? How annoying.
He’ll find a way to get all of these…idiots out of here. He just needs them to keep… amassing more power.
His phantom claws scraped against the bark.
Why couldn’t he find more options?
Why was this the only plan he had?
Waiting to desperately build up power as all of their collective rages increased against the stolen valor of their Soul Jams?
He could hardly even tell if they were growing stronger or weaker over the years. One thing he knows for certain though, is that they NEED to get out of here soon, before they all give up entirely.
Shadow Milk Cookie knew… that’s what everybody outside of this tree was practically waiting for to happen. Waiting for them to just give up, and let their minds turn into brainless mush within eternal solitude.
In all honesty, it wouldn’t be that bad if this Kingdom wasn’t so boring and predictable. With his other realm, Shadow Milk Cookie is able to peer and interact with a little bit outside of their shared, sealed domain.
It was mostly only fun for spooking little Faerie cookies with ominous whispers, and taunting the Guardian of the Seal with empty threats about destroying his Kingdom when he managed to break free.
He wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to accomplish such a thing in his predicament, but using that extra bit of energy was always worth it to see the disturbed look on that silly Faerie's face.
Shadow Milk Cookie’s gaze narrowed. He will not be nothing more than a bad memory, no matter how vague the Guardian’s recited stories are. They will not erase him. Who he was… the servitude he underwent. The spectacle he became afterwards.
His chest felt heavy as he thought about that blasted Guardian, feeling rage boil in his chest. It wasn’t him, it wasn’t by his direction, he knew. He knew it couldn’t have been personal.
“It’s not personal. It’s NOT personal.” Shadow Milk Cookie muttered angrily to himself.
So why was it, why is he making him so… so….
…
“...Hello? Is someone there?”
A gentle voice called from the other side of the bark, ever so curious. He paused in his quieted, mostly internal ramblings, intrigued by the sudden interruption.
What?
What kind of Faerie would willingly go up and talk to the tree like this? Surely there are rules about this kind of thing in their kingdom, right?
Even then, most cookies would be far too terrified about disturbing the domain of the beasts, in which every single faerie in the kingdom should already be well aware of—passed down from generation to generation. In which many generations are something that this particular kingdom lacks, due to the slow aging Fae…
“Psh, shouldn’t you already KNOW if someone is here or not?” He replied, a certain heat in his voice as he crossed his metaphorical arms. “Seems awfully dangerous of you as a faerie to play so close near this silver prison. Haven’t you heard of what you’re protecting?”
The kind voice merely sounded confused, after his words. “I’m not a faerie, or from around these parts. Are you one of the individuals that assist in guarding this tree? I can’t see you…”
They paused, hesitant in their next question. He could hear the curious smile in their voice. “May I ask what the purpose for this tree is, or is that a closely guarded secret as well?”
A cookie, that was not a faerie… that was not from this area, is IN the Faerie Kingdom?
A complete outsider??
Why on Earthbread would the Faerie Cookies let some… some RANDO in their Kingdom? Are they just letting anybody in these days?
How dulled down and unimportant has their own legacy become in which they are just safely accepting any common, filthy, dirty clueless cookie into their silver, fortified walls?!
“You… you know I can hear you, right?”
The voice said, exasperation creeping into her tone.
Shadow Milk Cookie swallowed, cutting off his accidental muttered ramblings.
Oops.
“Apologies, apologies for that, cookie-that-is-not-a-faerie!” He said, rather theatrically. “You must forgive me for my unintentional ramblings, I have merely not seen a cookie of your kind for eons!”
He rolled his eyes. “And please—assisting in guarding this witch-forsaken tree? You must be out of your mind to think I would ever willingly participate in such dastardly schemes! These Faerie Cookies are so cruel and cold, so cruel I tell you!”
The sweet voice fell silent for a bit. “So… you are not a faerie?”
Shadow Milk Cookie could only laugh at their cluelessness.
Though, where would the fun be if he answered everything so clear-cut?
He cackled obnoxiously. “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not! Would your opinion of me change if you found out either way~? It depends on what makes me more endearing to you!”
He felt a cookie place a hand on the bark of the tree, rubbing up and down—feeling for the grooves in the bark. It felt more like..cold metal than wood.
Shadow Milk cookie felt himself do a full body shudder, thrown off by the unexpected action. He felt a sweeping sensation of warmth, face growing warm despite himself. “Wha—what are you—”
“Where is your voice coming from? Are you coming from inside the tree… or in my vicinity, playing a prank on me? Why do the Faeries guard this tree, so sacred as it is regarded? Though, judging by your reaction to my questions, do not all faeries hold the Silver Tree in great importance?”
“Hey now, what’s the sudden rush~? Why not get to know each other a little bit better?” Shadow Milk Cookie held up a ghostly hand, shaking his head. “Surely you don’t have more pressing matters to return to.”
The strange cookie seemed ready to introduce themselves—however, a voice called out from beyond. Shadow Milk Cookie recognized it to be one of the knights that guarded the tree, but he couldn’t make out what they said.
After a beat, the stranger apologized, bowing their head.
“Sorry, it seems that I’m being called away. It was nice talking to you, though.”
Something in Shadow Milk Cookie’s chest fluttered for a brief moment, before he turned away with a huff. Nice talking to him? They barely even stayed around for more than a couple of minutes! Are they really not aware of the legend that had plagued the history of Beast Yeast for eons gone past?
“Wait—you can’t just leave so soon after…”
…
No response.
Shadow Milk felt himself get increasingly ticked off.
The absolute nerve!
Who do they think they are? Absolutely no fear, no respect… surely he and his comrades hadn’t been forgotten so easily, right?
Then again, how long had they all been trapped here, again? He’d stopped counting the years after the first couple of centuries had passed…
The phantom shook his head, hands running through his haircings in anger. It would be better if he just focused all of his energy in getting out of this witch-forsaken place.
Besides, it’s not like he’s going to see or hear that cookie again any time soon…
“Miss White Lily Cookie, please don’t go wandering off like that!” Silverbell Cookie said, breathing tiredly as he watched her come out of a nearby forest clearing, dusting off leaves from her shoulders. “The forests here can be dangerous and filled with wild monsters if you go in too deep…”
White Lily Cookie smiled warmly at the tired Faerie, laughing sheepishly with his mussed up state. “My apologies, Silverbell Cookie. I didn’t mean to worry you so much, it’s just… there are so many things to explore, and with how undocumented this place is—I got a little carried away.”
She tapped him on the cheek. “Besides, I’ve done my own fair share of exploring, alright? I can handle a couple of monsters, but my little venture had only led me to meeting another faerie. There is no need to worry about my wellbeing.”
He glanced up at the smiling cookie with gentle eyes, drawn to the gleaming Soul Jam resting innocently atop of her staff. He cleared his throat.
“I can trust that you would definitely know how to handle yourself, but…I suppose I have just been a bit on edge recently.”
He fluttered close to her once more, as they both began to resume the path they were trotting on. “As I told you early on, I’m a Silver Tree Knight. My job is to protect the fairies of this kingdom, the Guardian of the Seal, and the Silver Tree that resides here. But recently, strange happenings have been starting to occur—not too long before you arrived.”
He made gestures with his hands, painting a picture for White Lily’s mind. “Things, and even other cookies, going missing… unusual weather patterns, faeries speaking in tongues for a brief moment before returning back to normal, most of us can only guess what is going on behind the scenes.”
Silverbell Cookie’s gaze lingered on her staff once more. “But maybe, if you talk to our leader…well, it’s just me thinking, but maybe you can help each other with your problems somehow. You said you came here to Beast Yeast on a quest to search for something, right? Our library has expansive knowledge, tomes that don’t exist anywhere else here on Beast Yeast.”
White Lily Cookie made a noise in thought. She frowned. “But if you all aren’t certain about the cause of those strange happenings either, then what makes you think that I could be of any help…? And…”
She turned to look at him more, gaze drawn to his lack of obvious flavoring. “You did mention that you were a Silver Tree Knight, but the details of that occupation are still quite unclear to me. What exactly are you protecting that large tree for? Does it have magical properties of any sort, or keep the Faerie Kingdom away from prying eyes?”
Silverbell Cookie stared at her. “Well, first of all, it’s the same way around for us and you. Our knowledge on places beyond Beast Yeast is not quite extensive, so maybe your travels might put a unique perspective on things. I apologize if it is a bit of a sudden and unusual request, but perhaps by meeting our leader…”
His tone fell into confusion at her last statement. “And… what? No, that is not at ALL what the Silver Tree is for. We’re protecting it because—”
Silverbell Cookie suddenly cut himself off with a gasp.
“Your Majesty!”
The Faerie lowly bowed, shocking White Lily Cookie out of the comfortable haze she found herself in. Turning to the Cookie in front of them, she couldn’t help but stare in silence for a brief moment.
Long, silky, spiraling haircings that framed their face, draping into the lush grass below. Their calm, yet stern unreadable expression focused on the warrior addressing them. What looked to be a cape at first glance, draped over their shoulders luxuriously… the largest wings she had seen so far on a faerie cookie.
Her Soul Jam felt a slight resonance in the air. Faint recognition. But… she had never met this cookie before. So why…?
White Lily Cookie’s thoughts silenced themselves as the new mysterious faerie cookie turned their curious gaze onto her. She could have sworn that they were looking straight at her Soul Jam…?
“We were on our way to visit your location, sir! There is someone here I would like for you to meet!” Silverbell Cookie fluttered excitedly, gesturing over to the cookie next to him. “This is—”
“White Lily Cookie.” She said, with a polite bow. “It is wonderful to meet you, your majesty. I hope you can forgive my intrusion upon your lovely kingdom, Silverbell Cookie insisted I come and see you personally.”
The king placed a hand on his chest, closing his eyes. “...I sensed a presence near the Silver Tree, approaching near. I thought it was closer to the tree, but perhaps I was incorrect…?”
Opening his eyes, he offered White Lily Cookie a brief, tiny smile. “Welcome to the Faerie Kingdom, White Lily Cookie. We are pleased to host such an important guest in our lands… it has been far too long since we have had any.”
She wasn’t entirely sure what she was expecting to come out of the Faerie King’s mouth, but it certainly wasn’t the gentle, warm tone that was spoken. She flustered briefly, looking off to the side instead of at his piercing gaze.
“Important guest…? I am hardly anything of the sort, your Majesty.” She fiddled with the bangs on her forehead, brushing them off to the side. “I am but a traveler wandering through these lands, in search of answers to create a better world for all of cookiekind.”
“A better world for cookiekind, you say?” He nodded politely. “A noble goal indeed.”
Elder Faerie Cookie stared at her with quiet acceptance. “You are… far more special than you think, White Lily Cookie. Not many cookies on Earthbread are bestowed with that kind of power.”
“That kind of power…?” White Lily Cookie walked slowly alongside the two of them as she was led deeper into the woods. “Does that mean the Faerie Cookies are greatly knowledgeable about Soul Jam?”
“I wouldn’t say total experts on how it all works…” Silverbell Cookie spoke up. “But us Silver Tree Knights are well versed with the story behind your power!”
It appears that they are circling around through the tiled paths, her steps making louder echoes than the lighter stepped cookies to her sides.
White Lily Cookie blinked. “The story behind… my power? The story behind Soul Jam…”
Were they circling back near that strange, mystical area she found deep behind the trees? This seemed to be a proper path for the Silver Tree…
“...Here we are.”
White Lily Cookie had to tilt her head up to get a proper look at the tree. They were all still a bit away from it due to the ornate fencing that decorated the area, but she recognized the area behind it as the place she stumbled upon when she wandered away from Silverbell Cookie.
At least this way, she was able to get a better look at the full picture. White blooms that scattered near the roots of the tree. Glowing bark that wrapped around the trunk like a spiral of sparkling silk. Stunning, gorgeous branches of silver, with familiar shapes twisted at the branches located near the very top.
Rubbing her hands in memory, she imagined the smooth feel of the bark, which had felt more like metal than wood.
“Normally, there are more guards stationed near this area, closer to the tree…” Silverbell Cookie started, gazing around at the empty and rather tranquil space around them.
Her own head followed his movements, as he continued with his explanation. “But with the strange occurrences that have been happening around the kingdom recently, more Silver Tree soldiers have been getting stationed near residential areas, or near the borders of the kingdom—which is how I managed to find you so quickly!”
Elder Faerie Cookie nodded in confirmation. “Yes… with the frequency of these events increasing, more and more of them are being spread out. Perhaps… slightly agitated, with the presence of a Soul Jam so near the roots of the tree…?”
Ah.
…It would be best for now if she kept silent about her recent interaction with it.
He blinked, before realizing what exactly he had said and how it could be taken in the wrong way. “Please do not think of it as your fault at all, it is simply the nature of these things.”
The king smiled. “We would be grateful if you would help assist with these matters, as maybe your outside knowledge of what is beyond this continent could offer some new perspective…”
Elder Faerie Cookie appeared slightly flustered asking for such things, as he unexpectedly stammered a brief backtracking of his request.
“...Of course, this is merely a little invitation for some detective work… There is absolutely no pressure to accept our asking for your knowledge. You would still be able to stay here for as long as you need, and enjoy the musical tomes in our coveted library…”
White Lily Cookie placed a hand on the Faerie King’s shoulder, briefly grazing his wing as it was brushed to the side. “I would be more than happy to assist the Faerie Kingdom with this problem… It is already such a great honor to be conducting my research and exploration in these hidden lands myself.”
“Knowledge is meant to be shared, after all!” She giggled, eyes sparkling with secrets and words untold.
Elder Faerie Cookie looked relieved at her confirmation, though looked… slightly perturbed at her finishing words.
Disarmed, almost.
“I am quite delighted to hear those words, White Lily Cookie. But.. it is getting quite late, isn’t it? I will have Silverbell Cookie lead you to our… guest quarters. I hope you will enjoy your stay here.” He began leading them away from the tree into a different direction, almost as soon as they had arrived.
She frowned lightly, wishing to ask more questions about the Silver Tree, though she sensed it was likely not the right moment to bring it up.
White Lily Cookie bowed in parting. “Thank you for everything, your majesty. I hope we may speak again soon.”
The Faerie King seemed lost in thought for a brief moment, turning to speak with her once more before she was led completely away for the night.
“If… there is anything you wish to know, or anything you need assistance with in your stay here…” The king coaxed, words laced with a sadness that she did not understand. “...please do not hesitate to call upon me, or any other cookie here for help.”
“I’ll be sure to keep that offer in mind, your majesty.” She said politely, taking one last glance at the strangely solemn ruler—before turning away to follow Silverbell Cookie.
“That stupid… rude, worthless piece of…” Shadow Milk Cookie grumbled angrily, phantom claws swiping against wood, the feeling of silver scraping on his hands only serving to make him even angrier.
“Who do they think—they can just—when I’m wasting MY precious energy to humor their piss-poor attempt at communication…!!” He snarled, working himself up as he ranted into the inky darkness of their eternal prison. “When we get out of here, I swear…”
“Dear, what on Earthbread are you so worked up over NOW?” Someone yawned into their shared abyss, voice stretching out obnoxiously into his own space. “It feels as if you are angry about every little thing nowadays. Can’t you ponder your escape plan in a quieter fashion like Mystic Flour Cookie does?”
Shadow Milk Cookie snarled. “You haven’t talked directly to me in ages, and NOW you just want to complain about my plotting methods?”
What can YOU all do more than ME to fix any of this, anyways? Maybe you could use your other realm to—” He gasped sarcastically, exaggerating his speech as he sputtered mockingly. “Oh! I forgot. You all don’t HAVE one of those. So just SHUT up, and focus on gathering as much power as you can and let me complain about whatever I want! I’m the one doing the most work, after all!”
“You’re so… impossible!” Eternal Sugar Cookie squeaked, punctuating her words with an annoyed huff. “You’re lucky that I’m a gracious cookie that treats our friends nicely, and doesn’t belittle them with every single chance they get!”
Breathe, Shadow Milk Cookie.
Breathe.
“For the LAST time, we’re not COOKIES, Sugar, we’re BEASTS! BEASTS!!!” If there was a surface that he could dramatically stomp on, he would do so in a heartbeat. “Stop pretending to be something you’re NOT! You’re just as monstrous in the eyes of Earthbread as the rest of us!”
She gave him an offended scoff. “What is your strange obsession with that nasty, nasty name?” Eternal Sugar Cookie shook her head. “You know, if you keep embracing that awful and cruel moniker, the cookies of Earthbread might actually start to believe that we wish to harm them!”
“Is that not something we… WANT to do?” Another phantom voice, rough from rest, called out from the darkness. “Destruction comes with harm, and that’s merely a fact of life. It’s a good thing we’re showing those cookies some REAL change.”
“Hmph! Speak for yourself!” He could almost hear the pout in Eternal Sugar Cookie’s voice. “I for one, am not a mindless brute who wishes to cause such things! My influences upon my darling cookies will only be an agenda of happiness and eternal rest.” The melodious voice cried, voice sweetened enough to a point where her words sounded almost sarcastic.
“I’m also bringing them this so-called ‘eternal rest’, though I’d say my methods are far more efficient.” The lower, gruff voice said rather smugly. He could almost picture the face Burning Spice Cookie was wearing right now.
Another, calmer voice chimed in. “I’d say my version of eternal rest is far more… efficient. Happiness is fleeting, and the pain that comes with mindless destruction is merely unnecessary. Either way, all will return to nothing…eventually.”
“UUUGH! Forget it, you all have completely LOST the plot!” Shadow Milk Cookie yelled, his patience thinning. “We can all focus on what we want to shape Earthbread into once we all GET out of here!! Honestly…”
Eternal Sugar Cookie sniffed. “You still haven’t answered my question, Shadow Milk Cookie. What has even gotten you so worked up that you had to awaken me from my lovely nap??”
His eyes twitched. “You can have lovelier naps when we all make it out of this stupid tree.” Shadow Milk Cookie exhaled. “It’s just… some random cookie being particularly annoying around this place. Asking me questions and just… randomly disappearing on me!”
She rolled her eyes. “At least you have the ability to TALK to other cookies, as limited that ability may be. Maybe they disappeared because they finally realized how annoying you are.”
“Like you aren’t far more insufferable to speak to?” Shadow Milk Cookie grumbled under his breath, though there was not much room to be secretive when a cookie and their companions were phantoms trapped in a singular enclosed space. “If you had access to my realm, I’m sure we wouldn’t be able to get anything done at ALL!”
As the two of them fought, one cookie who had not spoken in a long time, began to tune them both out.
They act as if any of them had any chance of leaving this place…
The quarters that she was given did not feel empty, but an area that was certainly lived in. Ancient surfaces were preserved in dust, while items of a certain caliber belonged to what she assumed to be a frequent guest of the past.
A couple of faeries came by to tidy up the place a bit, as well as to present her some housewarming gifts that she was… quite unsure what to make of.
Armor polish?
Sword sharpeners?
She was not some sort of… knight.
Did these faeries hear the words “visiting hero” from their leader and conjure up the most stereotypical image in their heads? Though, they seemed very well meaning… and perhaps the cookie that used to stay in these guest quarters had reason to utilize them more than she did.
Staring at the spare suits of armor displayed on the walls, she chuckled briefly, wondering what she would look like in a get-up like that.
Her Soul Jam gave a brief pulse of longing. Yes… she would probably look very silly. A frail cookie like her wearing bold, metallic armor for battle.
…
A frail cookie…
White Lily Cookie could practically feel it. Here, now in this sacred place, she felt closer to Them than ever before. The magic of creation… would she be able to touch upon it the way that their Gods do?
And in her endless pleas, could she change the world she loved so bitterly?
She imagined Them… kind. Loving. Merciful. The way her elders told her the Gods were when she was a mere wobbly ball of dough. The way they plucked life from the very oven, shaping each cookie with the greatest care.
But her existence couldn't be proof enough of their love, right?
If it was…
Why did They make her like this?
…
It was too late to think about these things now. It would be good to start her search for Them in the morning.
She’s almost there, after all.