Set your heart ablaze

Salt of Solidarity kneeled in front of the young cookie, his eyes fixed on the child. The air around them was cold, the wind howling in the distance as they just relaxed in comfortable silence for a few moments.

"I need to go away for a while, but that's gonna be our little secret. Alright, little one?" The small cookie looked up at Salt with a huge smile, his eyes sparkling like stars as he nodded his head eagerly. The commander gently fixed the little one’s scarf, trying to shield him more from the night's cold winds. However, it did little to help, as the younger one’s form still shook in cool shivers.

"Yes, commander! I promise to keep the secret safe!" Salt of Solidarity gave a simple nod before standing up, his hand finding the head of the little cookie, gently ruffling the icing on top of the child’s head, his touch warm and gentle. The little cookie giggled lightly, his eyes still staring up at the commander, wide with wonder and happiness.

"Now, get home, will you? It's cold out here," he said before walking up to his loyal steed, gently patting the neck of the calm animal, the black dough nearly camouflaging in the dark night as the head craned lightly into his hand. The knight’s body was relaxed, at least it seemed so. His mind was elsewhere, taking in his surroundings with practised ease.

"Have a safe trip, commander!" said the little cookie before quickly running back home, his steps quiet but quick on the cool ground, the dark of the night swallowing him slowly.

For a few moments Salt of Solidarity looked after the little cookie, unmoving, his eyes simply following the outline of the little shape, making sure nothing happened for the time he watched. The knight let out a sigh as he turned to look at his steed, his hands still gently stroking its fur.

"Let’s go," he muttered before hoisting himself into the saddle.

For a few seconds he just sat there, debating his decision of actually going. Just the thought made his stomach flip lightly and his face heat up behind the helmet of his armour.

Maybe this isn’t a good idea

He thought and debated in his head. After more than a few minutes of just standing around his steed let out something close to a sigh and just started walking, taking over the reins on its own.

They had journeyed this path so many times before. The stallion’s hooves clacked gently on the ground, its body relaxed and the knight’s mind able to wander as he trusted his loyal friend.

What if I come at a bad time? Maybe he’s busy… but let’s be honest, so am I.

His eyes moved over his surroundings, taking in the endless wastelands around him before his eyes moved up to the star-filled sky, moving from left to right, counting all the stars he could see. He liked watching the stars. The gentle glimmers of them did wonders to soothe his mind, especially during hard days.

Does he get the chance to look at this sky too? I believe that the stars sparkle in his eyes… I can’t wait to see him again.

"How about we go a little faster, alright," his friend instantly perked up at the sound of those words, growing faster before they were moving in a full on gallop, the wind howling around them, the horse’s steps louder and more energetic now.

"That’s it," he muttered against the strong wind, holding tightly onto his companion.

I cannot wait to speak with him, to see his face again… To look into his eyes.

The wasteland slowly turned green, flowers and trees finding their way into the cracked ground, growing and making the space seem alive. What a pretty sight.

I can feel it, we’re getting closer to the silver tree, to him. I really am a fool, letting my emotions control my every waking moment like this…

The gentle flow of water was heard nearby, the wind rustling through the trees, playing with the falling leaves as they gently moved around Salt of Solidarity and his companion, the forest was greeting them in its own special way.

He could already hear the busy sounds of the Faeries as he grew closer to their home. The voices, the messy stands of their market… how he came to love that. The pull of his heart grew stronger with every second, he couldn’t wait.

"You always appear without warning," said Elder Faerie as he looked up at Salt of Solidarity atop his steed, his voice soft and playful. "You know very well that we consider it improper to keep our guests waiting at the gate."

A soft smile spread over the king’s face, a smile that made the knight’s helmet feel even a little bit warmer, his hands clenching in on themselves.

"Yet, not once have you kept me waiting," Salt countered, the smile obvious from the tone of his voice. Elder Faerie’s smile softened as he let out a soft chuckle, their eyes meeting.

"I’d never dare to keep an old friend waiting," he said as the commander leapt off of his horse, his feet touching the ground silently.

"I feel honored," Salt said with a soft chuckle as he gazed down at Elder Faerie, the soft glow of the smaller cookie’s wings catching his eyes. He loved those wings, they fit him so well.

"So what gives us the honor to have you here, Commander?" Elder Faerie asked as he looked up and met Salt’s eyes through the slits in his helmet, a little smirk playing around the edges of his lips.

"Can’t I check up on my dear friend?" Salt asked as he stepped closer, tilting his head.

That simple gesture made Elder Faerie’s wings flutter lightly, as his face grew hotter, his heart picking up the beat just barely.

"I suppose… you can," Elder Faerie said as he smiled lightly, grasping Salt’s hand and holding it gently.

He was always so gentle with Salt, even if the taller cookie could handle anything. Well, maybe not anything…

"I’ve been told that the stars glow beautifully tonight, would you like to take a look?" Elder Faerie asked, barely able to hold eye contact with the taller one, his cheeks feeling warmer too.

Salt was left speechless for a few moments. His cheeks suddenly felt hot and his armour a bit too stuffy.

"Unless…" Elder Faerie spoke, the doubt clear in his voice as his grip on Salt’s hand loosened.

"No. I’d like to watch the stars with you, dear friend," Salt interrupted rather quickly, his voice just a little bit louder as his hand squeezed back, making Elder Faerie’s lips twitch upwards just for a few seconds.

They liked holding hands. It felt… Nice.

"The Faeries showed me a good place to stargaze. If you want, we could get a blanket and some snacks and just… talk or sit in each other's presence," The king said, his voice growing soft in a shy whisper as his tone grew a hint of uncertainty, his eyes darting around as his wings fluttered nervously. Well, Salt thought it was the nerves, he didn’t actually know what it meant.

"I’ll help you carry the things. We both know that you tend to…” – the knight leaned closer, the smug grin clearly heard – “...stumble”

Elder Faerie huffed at that as his wings twitched in irritation. He quickly let go of the knight's hands, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"That was one time!" Elder Faerie said as a little smirk grew on his face, his cheeks slightly darker.

He huffed, his wings twitching once more before he let out a little chuckle.

"Alright, alright. Let’s go get the blanket and the basket," he said and turned around, his wings gently brushing against Salt’s chin for a split second.

The knight’s body straightened just a bit more at the contact as the little flames on the side of his helmet flapped once. His eyes peered straight into Elder Faerie’s, the knight’s irises just a tad bit wider, though one could only see that if they were close enough.

"Right…" Salt’s voice faltered for just a second before he composed himself and followed quickly behind, his eyes never leaving Elder Faerie’s form, his steed and sword forgotten. It wasn’t that bad anyways. The faeries would take care of them.

"The moon is truly beautiful tonight, isn’t it?" Elder Faerie asked, his wings dragging gently over the ground.

The king’s steps were soft and quiet on the mossy ground, as he stared at the full moon gently illuminating their path, framed perfectly by the trees. Salt’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he did not dare utter a word, simply following the Faerie, his armor clinking softly with every step.

The short walk was quiet, no words uttered. A few butterflies fluttered around Salt, sitting down on his helmet, his cape, just wherever they could. He didn’t mind that, they weren’t a bother.

"They like you," Elder Faerie chuckled as he gently picked up a butterfly from Salt’s helmet, its little wings fluttering lightly before flying off. The commander looked after it for a few seconds.

Salt sighed softly and tilted his head lightly, his gaze stuck on a curious little butterfly.

"Seems so…" the knight murmured, his voice a soft whisper as he leaned ever so slightly closer to Elder Faerie, holding eye contact for a few moments.

The smaller cookie smiled softly, his hand moving to the side of Salt’s helmet closest to his cheek and, for a few seconds, it was just them. No one else mattered… Nothing else mattered aside from them, standing here.

"I know that they do," the king said, not backing away, his eyes meeting Salt’s through the slits of his helmet. The taller cookie stared back for just a moment, before he leaned back with a soft cough, his body straight and his eyes averted.

"So uh… where can we set up our picnic?" Salt asked, his posture a little stiff as he looked at anything but Elder Faerie.

The smaller cookie chuckled lightly before he grabbed one of the knight’s hands, pulling him along. There it was again – the hand holding. But their hands fit so well together, like a puzzle piece that found its partner. They fit so well and no one could take that from them, especially not here, not now.

It was just them.

After a few long moments they arrived at Elder Faerie’s home. Embedded in a tree, it was small and cozy. It didn’t see visitors often, but Salt didn’t mind.

"The blanket is inside, I’ll pack a basket and I will meet you out here again,” the smaller cookie explained as he opened the door and practically had to drag Salt inside.

The knight filled the hallway, his bulky armor clinking lightly as he looked around, a little curious. The little space smelled like home and so uniquely like Elder Faerie – little trinkets laying around here and there, a few potted plants standing around. Salt nearly knocked one over before quickly finding his footing.

"The blanket is in my bedroom, it’s down the hallway." Elder Faerie explained and pointed down the warm hallway. It was barely lit, but the light of the moon shone through the open door, illuminating just enough for the commander to see.

"You’ll get that and I’ll get the snacks, okay?" Elder Faerie said, as he reached up to pat Salt’s forehead – a little habit he had developed.

The taller cookie had only nodded before moving, trying to avoid the little knick knacks laying around – he was just a tad bit too big for the space. Elder Faerie looked after him for a few seconds before he moved to get the basket ready. He could marvel at Salt’s… grace later, now he had a basket to pack.

He definitely needed some lilies, that much was clear.

Salt of Solidarity was in an inner turmoil. He saw Elder Faerie’s bed and just wanted to lay down. Bathe in the other cookie's sweet smell, memorize it even more than he already had. But he couldn’t, he had to resist. He was a knight – a commander, after all…! He had some standards…

Just a few moments later Salt was standing right in front of the bed, his eyes staring holes into the soft mattress and blanket. The pillows looked pretty fluffed up and his hands were itching for a feel. Suddenly his face felt hot, his armor just a tad bit too heavy.

Maybe just… Just once, he wouldn’t mind

He thought as he swallowed dryly, his eyes flicking up to the door. He could hear the faint shuffling from the kitchen – Elder Faerie was still working on getting the jellies ready.

I’ll just…

His thoughts cut off as his hand touched the soft velvet blanket, his pupils widening lightly behind the slits of his helmet, his body feeling just too heavy.

Soft…

He thought as he kneeled in front of the soft bed, his hands gently playing with the sheets as he laid his head onto the mattress. He let out a deep sigh, his body relaxing fully into the soft mattress. It smelled like Elder Faerie, gentle but firm… Salt liked that scent, it was just so uniquely Elder Faerie.

"I didn’t know that you were so tired, Salt," Elder Faerie’s voice echoed through the now dead silent room. The knight’s body stiffened, his face heating up even more under his helmet. Salt quickly scrambled to his feet and turned around, not once meeting Elder Faerie’s eyes.

"I… slipped," muttered the commander as he cleared his throat.

"Yes, of course you did", Elder Faerie said with a little smirk on his face. "You slipped so silently in that heavy armour of yours."

"Yes," Salt just said as he wiped the invisible dust off of his knees, his eyes suddenly very interested in the rough wooden wall.

The smaller cookie smiled softly as he gently put the picnic basket onto the ground and stepped closer to Salt. The knight’s body was a bit stiffer than normal, the little flames on the side of his helmet fluttering with nerves.

"If you’re tired, you’re allowed to lay down, just not in your armour," Elder Faerie said with a grin as he stepped closer, getting right into the knight’s personal bubble. Not that he minded it.

He liked it, actually.

He liked it so much that he wanted to have Elder Faerie so close to him all the time. He liked it so much that… His thoughts stopped after that, his cheeks heating up even more.

"I wasn’t…" Salt said as he leaned back a bit, clearly nervous. Elder Faerie stepped even closer, his chest gently gracing Salt’s, stealing the taller cookie's breath.

"You were not going to nap on my bed? Get all comfortable in my pillows?" the king asked, a wide grin on his face as his hands slowly reached up to the knight's helmet, touching the cool metal. Salt let out a little squeak, the little flames on the side of his helmet fluttering once more.

"You were going to take a nap without me?" Elder Faerie asked, the king’s smile never faltering. His eyes staring into the dark slits of Salt’s helmet.

"And that after I offered you so many times to take the guest room. Is that just not up to your standards? Would you enjoy my bed just a bit more?" asked Elder Faerie as he stepped closer, making Salt take a step back.

The hands on the commander's helmet slowly moved to the clasp on the back of his head, making the taller one tense for a few seconds, before he relaxed. Elder Faerie was the only one here, he could relax.

"I think that you’ll be more comfortable without it," Elder Faerie said, still looking at Salt, awaiting his consent, those soft eyes staring straight into his.

"I…"

Salt whispered but nodded.

The first thing Elder Faerie noticed was the long hair falling down the commander's back, cold flames, he’d never seen hair quite like this before. It moved lightly, like actual fire. His dough was a bit lighter than Elder Faerie’s, his eyes were a deep black and he had a few cracks on his face. But overall… he looked so soft and gentle. Everywhere Elder Faerie looked he just saw the softness, he wanted to touch the other's face, explore every crack with his hands… maybe even his lips…

The king's cheeks suddenly felt hot and he grasped the helmet of Salt harder. Salt’s eyes met his and the taller cookie’s face flushed a bit before a smile cracked across his face as he stared down at Elder Faerie.

"Do I have something on my face?" The commander asked, cheeks darkening lightly, before he cleared his throat, his eyes quickly looking somewhere else.

"No," the faerie murmured and took a small step back, his hands fumbling with the helmet as his wings fluttered lightly.

"It’s getting dark, let’s go to that place you mentioned," Salt said, a gentle smile on his face as he took his helmet from Elder Faerie, gently placing it on the nightstand next to the bed before turning back to the smaller one.

"Where is that blanket? I couldn’t get it because I slipped and all," the knight said with a smirk before he tilted his head, making Elder Faerie blush even more, his wings twitching once.

"I’ll get it," said the smaller cookie as he quickly walked over to a little dresser on the other end of the room. The dresser was small, made of ebony wood and filled to the brim with blankets and other comfortable things.

Maybe he likes soft things?

Salt wondered as he walked up to Elder Faerie and peaked into the drawer. There were quite a few blankets to choose from: one with a very unique pattern, a few blank ones and some pillows were stuffed in there. Elder Faerie pulled out a simple blanket covered in little blue dots. It did look quite comfortable.

"We’ll take this one," said Elder Faerie and turned around. He seemingly hadn’t noticed that Salt had moved up to stand behind him as the two bumped into each other with a little surprised noise.

"Witches… At least say something and not just stand behind me," he murmured as his hands dug into the blanket in his arms. Salt didn’t move away, his eyes staring down into Elder Faerie’s. The commander’s eyes were like a beautiful void – a pretty night sky all in Salt’s eyes, all for Elder Faerie to admire.

"You have pretty eyes,” Elder Faerie’s mouth was faster than his thoughts and in this very moment his face heated up like a furnace as his eyes widened lightly. Salt looked down at Elder Faerie, a playful smile on his lips.

"I do?" the knight asked and chuckled, taking a step closer to Elder Faerie, the space between them so little that they could practically feel each other. Elder Faerie was just a little bolder; leaning closer, dropping the blanket as he stared even deeper into Salt’s eyes.

"Yes… The prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen…" he whispered, his hands grasping Salt’s as he pulled the taller cookie closer. The commander stared down at Elder Faerie, his eyes just a bit darker than before. His hands squeezed back as he leaned down, his body lightly hunched.

"Your eyes are also very beautiful… the softest shade of lavender I have ever seen…" said the knight, a gentle smile on his face. Elder Faerie chuckled, his eyes flickering down to Salt's lips for just a second.

The air felt hot all of a sudden, Salt’s armor felt too heavy and too tight at the same time. Elder Faerie moved ever so slightly closer… witches, he felt so good, so close… so warm.

"You’re so beautiful, Salt…" whispered Elder Faerie, his lips just a breath away from the commander’s as he stared into the taller cookie’s eyes.

Salt gulped. His throat felt dry, his eyes couldn’t look at anything else than Elder Faerie’s beautiful eyes right in front of him. They were so close that they could feel each other's breaths on their dough.

"I… Can I?" Elder Faerie whispered, his hands moving up to Salt’s cheeks. The taller cookie’s cheeks grew a darker shade of red. Even his blush was beautiful. Salt’s eyes moved down and peaked at Elder Faerie’s lips before he nodded lightly; his voice seemed to be stuck in his throat, he couldn’t trust it right now.

Elder Faerie didn’t wait a second longer and quickly closed the small gap between them. The king’s lips were so soft, so soft that Salt melted against him, his hands falling onto Elder Faerie’s slender hips, pulling the smaller cookie closer as they were connected by the lips, tugging and pulling each other even closer. For that moment it was only them. Just the two of them. The feel of their skin, the feeling of their lips connected. Elder Faerie couldn’t get enough of it… Salt was in the same boat, his hands holding onto Elder Faerie even harder, digging slightly into the other’s dough.

Elder Faerie huffed against Salt’s lips and tried to pull the taller even closer… it felt like Elder Faerie wanted to eat him…

After a few moments they broke apart, their cheeks shaded in a dark blush as they panted lightly.

"That was…"

"...amazing"

Salt finished, his eyes staring deeply into Elder Faerie’s.

"I feel like… we’re never stargazing at this rate…" Elder Faerie murmured as he looked back down onto the taller’s lips, Salt’s hands squeezed the king’s hips again.

"I really wanted to watch the stars with you…" Salt’s voice was merely a whisper now, his face moving closer again, making the smaller cookie chuckle softly.

"Just one more…" Elder Faerie whispered and pressed his lips against Salt’s again, making the commander instantly melt against him once more.

Elder Faerie pulled away a bit quicker this time, his cheeks still stained in that dark blush.

"We should get going now… The stars won’t wait for us," whispered the king and smiled softly, their eyes meeting for a single second before they broke apart.

"Yes," murmured Salt, his pupils blown wide and his gaze never leaving the other. The commander picked up the picnic blanket before he eagerly walked after Elder Faerie, his steps soft on the wooden ground.

Elder Faerie picked up the basket and held out his hand for Salt to take. The taller cookie just looked down at the offered limb for a second before he took it happily and let Elder Faerie pull him away.

"The spot we’re going to is very beautiful… and private," Elder Faerie said with a little smirk on his face, making Salt blush even more, his eyes widening lightly.

"Private…" whispered Salt and gulped lightly. Suddenly he felt a bit shy about having left his helmet, his face wide open, all his reactions put on a silver platter for Elder Faerie to devour, all his… cracks.

"Come on, it’s not far," Elder Faerie chuckled as he moved a bit faster, pulling Salt after him until they got to a tree.

"Here, let me take that," Elder Faerie said as he took the blanket from the taller, their hands touching for just a moment too long to be accidental.

"I’ll be right back for you," he said and opened his sugary wings, but before he could even move a limb, Salt grabbed his wrist.

"I can climb the tree no problem," the knight said, his face filled with confusion at Elder Faerie’s words.

"No. Wait here, please, I need to… put this up, okay? I want this to be special," Salt’s eyes widened slightly before he let go, the warmth of Elder Faerie still lingering on his hand before he nodded, his lips sealed. Elder Faerie gave him a soft smile, his eyes lighting up as he looked at the taller cookie.

"I’ll be quick, okay?" he said, gently kissing Salt’s cheek, the taller cookie tensing a bit before fully relaxing into the touch, basking in the feeling for just a second.

"I’ll be here…" the commander said, his cheeks deeply flushed as he looked after Elder Faerie, his body moving up to the top with gentle flaps of his wings before vanishing in the crown for a few moments. Even just these few moments felt like hours as Salt’s eyes were fixed on the crown, standing there… a bit like a lost puppy.

After around five minutes the king emerged again, his eyes instantly meeting Salt's as a soft smile bloomed on his face before he jumped from the branches, his wings instantly opening to catch his body as he slowly descended from the crown of the tree.

Salt couldn’t help but stare as the other descended gracefully, his eyes fixed on the faeries sugary wings. The smaller cookie plopped down next to him, his feet touching the ground soundlessly. The king held out his hand, his lavender eyes meeting the other’s endless voids as a soft smile formed on his face.

"Let’s go, I’ll carry you up." Elder Faerie said his voice filled with certainty. "Are you sure?" The knight asked, an amused glint in his eyes. "I am not exactly light," Salt said, his hand taking the king’s in his own "The armor weighs me down quite a bit." The knight added. "Yes." The faerie simply replied.

Suddenly the world turned, Salt had only enough time to hold on tight as the faerie ascended quickly. The king’s sugary wings flapped quickly, their bodies dashing up to the crown of the tree. For a moment Salt felt dizzy, his eyes shut in an almost instinctual manner as he clung to the one thing he could reach, Elder Faerie.

"Come on, you big and strong knight. This view is beautiful." Elder Faerie murmured as he changed his grip on the commander, slight amusement clearly in his voice. Salt pondered for a moment before he opened his eyes, they were pretty far up but all the knight could see was the beautiful star filled sky, his eyes instantly transfixed on the breathtaking display.

Elder Faerie chuckled lightly, his wings flapping quietly and his eyes focused solely on the commander in his arms. "Beautiful isn’t it?" He asked, his voice a low hush of sounds. "Yea… Yea it’s beautiful," Salt muttered, the stars lightly reflecting in his eyes. The king's face softened lightly before he lowered them into the crown of the tree, the blanket they took had been spread out, a few jellies were set up and white lilies? Why the other cookie needed those Salt didn’t know.

"Shall we get comfortable?" Elder Faerie asked, a soft smile on his face as he guided the knight onto the blanket. Salt sat down, his body a bit stiff as he tried to leave enough space for the other but Elder Faerie wouldn’t have it as he sat down right next to Salt, their shoulders touching, one of the king’s wings brushing against the taller’s back.

The knight’s eyes were fixed on the sky, his eyes not daring to wander over to the form beside him, his shoulders tense and his hands digging into the blanket that he was sitting on. Elder Faerie, much to Salt’s comfort, didn’t mention his current dilemma and just leaned closer, his head plopping down onto the knight’s shoulder.