Chapter Text
The sun had only just risen over the horizon when Pure Vanilla had begun packing. Rays of light shone through the window but the room felt cold, unfriendly and unfamiliar to him. Being so near the silver tree was a little unnerving.
White Lily creaked the door open carefully, calling to him through the small gap. “Vanilla? Are you alright? You… seem to be in a hurry.” He flinched slightly at her words, even though her voice was soft and full of concern.
He put down the picture he was packing, turning around to face her. He looked troubled, eyes looking straight through her like she wasn’t even there. “Ah, Lily, I meant to speak to you.”
He invited her to sit next to him on the bed. His tense shoulders relaxed slightly next to her, but he still looked anxiety-ridden, like he expected to be attacked at any moment.
“Why are you so desperate to leave? We don’t know anything for sure yet, it would be better to prepare properly…” She questioned, trailing off. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, using her other hand to turn his head to face her.
He reached for her hand, “It’s just…” He pulled carefully at the edge of his sleeve. “I can’t stop thinking about the others. We shouldn’t be waiting here for the Beasts to come to us. I worry we might return home to find them missing.”
“I see. If you insist on leaving so soon, I can’t be sure I could come with you. The tree needs protection, and the cookies here need a leader since Elder Fairie isn’t...“ She paused, absentmindedly staring out the window, watching the silver tree’s slim branches sway in the wind.
Silverbell pushed the door open, gentle wings fluttering as he entered. “Guardian? Is everything alright?” He paused when he saw the both of them.
“Oh, Silverbell, could you help Vanilla pack? I’m sure he could use some help.” White Lily smiled in a way that didn’t quite reach her eyes, picked up her staff and left the two of them behind.
Silverbell looked over the stuff he had been packing, though small. “You haven’t packed anything to eat, are you sure this is all you’ll need?” He asked, watching as he flinched at the question.
“I must’ve forgotten some. Don’t worry, I’m fine.” He seemed confident enough, but Silverbell was unconvinced, a clear discomfort in his eyes. Silverbell placed the picture frame Pure Vanilla had been packing earlier, a picture of him with the other ancients. He looked happy, actually happy. He hadn’t looked like that for a while, not since he had left for the Spire. He still wouldn’t tell anyone exactly what had happened. Not even White Lily herself.
Pure Vanilla sat quietly on the hard wooden steps to the airship dock, a small bag packed neatly next to him.
White Lily approached. “Are you sure about leaving on your own? It might not be safe out there.” She had barely finished her sentence when she heard Gingerbrave speak up from not far behind.
“Pure Vanilla Cookie! Are you going on an adventure? Are you letting us come with?” Strawberry and Wizard ran not far behind, not quite as enthusiastic as he was.
“Perfect, you can take these three with you, they’ll keep you company!” White Lily offered.
“Oh, that’s nice of you, but I’ll be alright on my own-“ He tried to argue but White Lily gave him a look that told him she hadn’t been asking.
He shook his head slowly. “If you insist…” He sighed, picking up the bag and turning to board the airship. The three followed not far behind, leaving White Lily alone to watch them leave.
Silverbell approached quietly, the only sound the gentle breeze of his wings. “Are you alright? You look solemn.”
“I’m alright.” She rubbed her hands together nervously. “It just feels… selfish to want him to stay. He has important things he needs to do, and so do I. I can’t keep him away from that. Yet, I want him to stay. He seemed so paranoid, nothing like he was before…” She trailed off.
The two of them watched in silence as the airship left.