Chapter Text
There was a strange cookie at the market.
For being such a prominent location on the map, the streets of Blueberry Cobbler were bound to house cookies from all walks of life, whether they were home-baked or ventured from across vast lands and seas for some reason or another. All of them were fascinating in their own right. But this cookie stood out to him.
Perhaps he needed to step outside more to get fresh air and turn these little observations of his into something other than novelty. His legs would appreciate the stretching, anyway. Witches knew he needed to get himself out of his stuffy office more. Besides, it was the perfect day to get outside with tons of stunning sights for the eye to behold. There were hardly any clouds in the sky, allowing for the sun to shine ever so brightly. It bathed his precious city in a pleasant yellow light, making the deep blues and purples of the rooftops turn a richer shade, for the white walls and accents to pop out, and for the gold trims to shine.
What an incredibly beautiful day.
Regardless, though, even if he did step out more often than he had been thus far, this strange cookie still would’ve caught his attention. They were much like some shiny piece of glazed candy in the sun that caught the eye of a raisin crow. Ironic, considering that this cookie was very much the opposite of anything flashy. Actually, the only reason why he stood out as so strange to the Fount of Knowledge was the fact that he didn’t stand out at all.
He didn’t want to put it crudely, but this cookie looked like a blemish on an artfully decorated tapestry. The streets surrounding the two still held a variety of all walks of life, yes, but those cookies wore something flashy, something grand. They took time out of their days to get themselves presentable, such as combing their hair back, somewhat planning out their outfits, and making sure they were as clean as could be. Something perfectly presentable in the kingdom is the last surviving Virtue.
This cookie, though…
Rags, worn and dirtied from travel, hugged the cookie’s form much like a haphazard blanket would. They were no doubt the clothes of a traveler, from someone who didn’t see the blessings of rest much and had to brave the elements more than most. The Fount noted how some particularly ripped parts of the fabric were haphazardly stitched or even stapled up. How long had he been on the road for?
Even more curious than that was the flower stalk for the other’s staff. He had only caught a split-second look at the face of the plant, but… did it have an eye?
Where on Earthbread did he come from?
The Fount wasn’t one to judge, however. These were just observations he picked up from the cookies that turned back alone. However, he couldn’t deny the curiosity blooming for this stranger. He terribly wanted to know what had incentivized this cookie to make a supposedly long trek to reach this place. How hard had the trip been to have him wear clothes in such a decrepit state? And if he were staying? Actually, a better question would be what this place held for them to make such a harrowing journey?
It was more than easy to ask. Well-- who was he kidding? He was the Fount of Knowledge, and he owned this city! What kind of host would he be if he didn’t welcome any strangers personally with open arms when he had the chance? It would certainly bring productivity to his otherwise understimulating walk. At the same time, it would also satiate his curiosity about the rest of the world, validating his knowledge of what he had never seen!
And when it comes to travelers, they always had the most esteemed and exciting of stories. It was a wonder how much information one could glean from merely one small talk.
Again, he wanted to do his best as the host!
As the Fount made his way to the other cookie, he silently decided that he would have to end up showing his face around more. It would be a given that the Virtue of such a kingdom would be a common sight to see, but his resignation to confine himself to his own quarters certainly seemed to be doing more harm than good when it came to trying to go anywhere without being stopped. He learned that much earlier that day when he stepped outside of his office. It only became noticeable when he actually had somewhere to be.
Mercifully, most of those who looked up from their tasks to see him merely waved, nodded, or smiled with respect. Those were actions he returned in kind, perhaps with slightly less vehemency. Not that he didn’t mean it, of course. The Fount could only dip his head so many times in a minute before he looked like a chicken bobbing around. The sentiment was there, and it gave him the reprieve that no one took offense at.
Something something, the one in charge gets more respect? He never remembered making that rule. It was something his people made up.
Actually, his short walk to the strange cookie hadn’t been nearly as eventful as his walk from his office. He could count on both hands and then two more strangers’ hands how many times he had been pulled over by cookies, sending him inquiries about requests and comments they had submitted earlier that day. Obviously, they figured they wouldn’t have to wait the two days of processing their requests (which involved the Fount himself carefully glossing through every page) if they badgered him face to face.
Unfortunately for them, he had to politely turn them down, gently alluding to the idea that their proposals were the next on his desk. If that were the truth, he would’ve had to sprout countless pairs of arms just to get them done in time. Still, each looked satisfied enough to send him on his way.
The Fount finally stopped beside the strange cookie in front of a quaint-looking storefront. Behind the windows, the Fount made note of the many books lining the display wall, inviting any bookworm of a cookie inside like a siren call. It seemed that this stranger in the rags was awfully entranced by the allure of literature, too.
No wonder, considering how dreadfully difficult it was to carry books while on the road.
“Good afternoon!” he greeted in the most pleasant voice he could give. Which wasn’t exactly hard, really. He meant the emotion with his whole heart. The issue was not wanting to scare the other through a surprise conversation.
Fortunately, the other cookie didn’t so much as jump when he heard him speak. Instead, he turned his head, straw-colored locks of hair hitting the sides of his face as his smile grew at the surprise but welcome company.
That was when the Fount was struck by something. The cookie that had been reading those book covers and binders so studiously sported the last thing he expected him to have. A blindfold. A blindfold? No, that couldn’t be right. How could this cookie see through a blindfold? He would’ve hazarded a guess that it was transparent enough for him to peer through, but a second glance showed that it seemed to be as thick as gauze. So how?
“Ah, afternoon,” the other said pleasantly, ceasing the flow of his thoughts momentarily. “It is a good one, isn’t it? A beautiful one if you ask me, too. What is it that you want?”
He did have a point. The sun was out, and everyone-- including himself-- was trying to make the most of the warm rays. Truly was a stunning day.
“I wouldn’t say I’m demanding enough to start asking favors of a stranger,” the Fount said, waving him down with a carefree flick of his hand. “Your attire suggests you’ve been on the road for quite a bit! I’d only like to welcome you to this kingdom! Call it an impromptu welcome party if you will.”
“Right.” Self-consciously, the stranger fiddled with the hem of his hood. Still, the smile rested placidly on his face. “The road has been far from easy, but I’m here now. And what a lovely place this is. I’ve already found myself getting lost with all there is to see.”
He turned, and much to the Fount’s bemusement, gestured with his free hand to the main pathway around them as he rotated in the motion. The flower staff swung with him, making the latter finally notice the blinking eye in the center of the petals. He had seen weirder, but wow, did it border on uncanny.
“Ah, it really is great! I’m glad this humble city is keeping you entertained! Many who show up hardly ever want to leave.”
“Although my stay has been brief thus far, I find myself inclined to agree,” the other nodded. He gave a start for the first time with a little breathless “ah” escaping between his lips. Turning again, he stuck out his free hand once more, this time to the Fount. “I fear introductions are in order. I’m Healer Cookie.”
Huh. Funny. Usually, when cookies introduced themselves, they commonly used their flavor as their name. After all, a cookie was their flavor as much as a flavor was the cookie. To have someone introduce themselves with a job instead of a flavor was completely new to him. Actually… no, it was not. After all, he has his own unconventional name, too. Still, it was strange for this cookie to don the name of “Healer” instead of the fragrant smell of vanilla he could smell on him.
Ah, well, he wasn’t going to be judging anyone by what they chose to name themselves. What a nice toss-up anyway to be called after a job rather than a flavor.
“Healer Cookie, Healer,” The Font tested, finding how awkward it was to say the first part of the name without the second. Reaching out his own hand and taking the other’s in turn, he gave it a swift shake. While shaking hands wasn’t exactly the custom of this place, it certainly was widespread enough that the concept wasn’t foreign. Besides, much like other aspects of Healer Cookie, this change in the usual swing of things was quite welcome. “And you may call me the Fount of Knowledge. I know it’s quite the mouthful, so you can call me whatever tickles your fancy. Virtue, Fount, some other random word, I’ll still answer.”
He noted out of the corner of his eye how the flower’s eye widened in tandem with how Healer Cookie’s mouth fell agape like a fish’s. Ah, it never got old, seeing the shock of those unfamiliar.
“Oh my, my apologies!” Even if their brief handshake was just that, brief, he could still feel the heat radiate from the other’s hands. A flush rose up the other’s cheeks, no doubt surprise and embarrassment. Healer Cookie hastened himself with a bow, the flower shutting its eye in reverence. “It’s an honor to meet you! I didn’t expect to run into you at all. What a surprise!”
“It certainly was!” The Fount smiled. “I don’t blame you for not recognizing me. I did shed the weight of the table I’m usually sitting behind.”
The humor broke the spell over Healer Cookie, and he straightened himself out of the bow. His shocked expression thankfully melted into that of amusement at his joke. At least he still had it in him to crack jokes.
“I truly am honored to be able to speak with you,” Healer Cookie offered. Control was back in his voice.
“And likewise. You seem to have come a long way to just peruse storefronts. What are you really here for? As your humble servant and guide for now, I’ll happily point you in the right direction.”
Healer Cookie looked taken aback by that. “Oh dear, you really do not have to do that for me. I take it this is a rare moment of break for you. Being in such an important position is already limiting free time enough.”
How astute. Just one little assumption, and he picked up on the Fount’s entire reason for this excursion.
Again, he waved his hand dismissively with a sniff. “Nonsense! This break is already dominated by others asking about my office work. I’d rather talk to someone else about their day instead. So! About your business here?”
With a look that very much did not seem as if he was actually seeing anything, Healer Cookie turned his head to the books lining the display shelf.
“Actually, if you are privy to help, there’s this one book on healing I’ve been interested in. There’s an ailment that’s befallen the people I’ve come from, and this was the place I knew I’d get it guaranteed. The title is ‘An In-Depth Guide to Uncommon Ailments’. Does that sound familiar to you?”
An In-Depth Guide to Uncommon Ailments…
Actually… yes. It did ring a bell.
So much of a bell that he had a sneaking suspicion.
The Fount of Knowledge, as in the embodiment of all knowledge condensed into one living being, had to get his smarts out into the world one way or another. Back when he had much more free time on his hands and said hands were much less prone to cramping, he had taken it upon himself to scribble as much as he could down onto any surface he could find. This, of course, devolved into a rapidly growing mountain of self-published books. And because scribbling his own name down as the author was a bit too much for him, he had the brilliant idea of pen names.
He was sure he wrote that book. But what alias? Was it Banana Pudding Cookie? No, couldn’t be. He went down the mental list in his head. Black Currant Cookie? No, that alias was writing about uncommon plant parasites. Ginger Root? Nah.
Oh!
“It didn’t happen to be by a Maple Pecan Cookie?” he asked, trying to hide his smugness for finally reaching the bottom of the mystery. He thought he pulled it off well. His mind was still as sharp as ever!
“Yes, that’s the one!” Healer Cookie confirmed. It boosted the little celebration party in the Fount’s head. “Where can I find the book?”
“Probably in the bookstore behind you, but Maple Pecan’s works are usually in apothecaries if not anywhere else,” the Fount explained. “She always likes to keep people educated when they’re out buying whatever it is they need.”
“I see… then can I trouble you with pointing me in the direction of the nearest one?”
“As I said,” the Fount reassured him, “I’m more than willing to be your guide for right now. I haven’t been there for quite a while, actually, so my own curiosity is dragging me along too.”
“Thank you very kindly then. I’m happy to make your companion on the way there.”
“Ah, the pleasure is all mine.”
The Fount gave a useless gesture for Healer Cookie to follow, guiding him into the busy street. The sea of cookies was still thankfully on its best behavior, no doubt seeing him in the company of another and deciding to catch him on official business when he wasn’t so busy.
Behind him, Healer Cookie dutifully followed. He weaved through the crowd like water slipping through rocks. It was remarkable how much spatial awareness the other possessed while not even seeing where his foot went in front of the other. Honestly, it was quite impressive. He wasn’t even sure if he could pull it off himself.
How did Healer Cookie pull that off?
Actually, wait, he could just ask him.
“Are you getting this book for someone else or yourself to infer from?” the Fount asked, wincing at how incredulous and tactless the question was.
“For myself to read,” Healer Cookie replied. There was no trace of upset or offence in his voice. He actually sounded quite amused at the question. “I fear my friends would stumble over some of the terms. The art of healing loves to make it confusing. Even I sometimes get hung up on some of the terminology.”
Huh. He looked back at the staff. Its eye followed some other cookie as they approached. As they got too close, Healer Cookie stepped to the side to allow them some space.
“I was going to ask how you read the pages, but I take it that staff of yours is all the answer I need,” the Fount said. If he thought that was uncanny before, now it really was. Being able to see, yet with the ability to look down at yourself, to look at yourself in the face without the aid of a mirror. The closest thing The Fount could compare to that was dreaming up an out-of-body experience.
“You’d be correct,” Healer Cookie hummed. “It’s a Vanilla Orchid staff. It is quite a nifty tool, isn't it? Not only does it gift the ability to see, but it also has the effect of deterring any pickpockets.”
He hummed at his own joke, prompting the Fount to grin beside him. Sure enough, if he were a common thief, he wouldn’t be keen on snatching coins from someone with a staff like that. Still, he doubted anyone would want to pickpocket a traveler in clothes such as those.
Ah, but the name for the staff did ring a bell. Vanilla Orchids were not at all local to this part of the world, and with the Fount’s abysmal habit of not getting out, his knowledge on such unique plants had gone quite rusty. Given enough time, he could’ve recalled the flowers and their captivating ability to give sight to those who needed it on his own. But asking about them to make conversation was far more entertaining and enjoyable.
“I recall Vanilla Orchids and their affinity for sight,” he mused aloud, the smile from Healer Cookie’s joke still lingering on his lips. “I’ve never seen them connect with another cookie before and share their gift before. You give it special fertilizer to make it like you more?”
His quip was received with a great reception. Healer Cookie gave out a chuckle, belatedly bringing his hand to cover his mouth.
“If that were the case, then I would’ve lined the sides of every road with them!” he chortled. “I daresay the reality is rather dull. It’s just a simple magical connection between me and a flower that was willing to see the world. It had the ability to see yet couldn’t move, and I lacked said gift yet could travel to my heart’s content. It’s a lovely bond, wouldn’t you say?”
That was rather sweet, actually. And quite a bit humorous when the image of Healer Cookie communicating with the flower popped into his head. How would the flower reply? Wriggle its stem?
“You’re certainly giving it a show, I’ve never seen anything’s eyes go so wide the way your orchid’s does when taking in the sights of the city.”
“Trust me, I would be and am equally entranced by this place,” Healer Cookie hummed. “My staff and I share equal wonder.”
“Then I hope it remains entertaining!” the Fount replied. “Ah! We’re here.”
He came to a stop in front of another rather impressive storefront. It retreated farther back from the road than the other buildings on either side, but it didn’t detract from its prominence at all. In fact, it drew the eye instead. It was as if a small forest had sprouted right off the side of the road, with several hanging pots and bushes, sporting all shades of green, with vibrant flowers popping up along the stems and vines. Yellows, whites, blues, pinks, purples, pastels, neons, it looked as if a rainbow had broken into shards of candied glass and sprinkled around.
The eye of Healer Cookie’s staff widened further in amazement, the owner of said tool having his mouth fall agape once more.
Ah, it was always amazing seeing those not from around his kingdom remark at even the simplest of shops. Anyone who decided to erect their establishment within the confines of the main city tried to make their display as grand as possible. Not only to attract more customers, but to tickle their own fancies of having something impressive to show off.
Calendula Cookie, the store’s main benefactor, certainly liked to show off her gardening skills. Not only did her green thumb attract butterflies and bees, but it also attracted the interest of any cookie who liked to stop and smell the flowers. It was just the entrancing smell of the flowers that compelled them to visit.
Speaking of smelling the flowers, the absence of Healer Cookie at his side and the reappearance of him at the nearest bush proved that Calendula had captured another cookie the conventional way. Well, he was showing up anyway, but at least he got to walk in the footsteps of those who were too curious for their own good.
The Fount followed after him, the intoxicating aromas of the flowers soaking in the sun also tempting him. Maybe he was no better than the average cookie, too.
“This is perhaps the most apothecary-like an apothecary could ever present itself,” Healer Cookie mused. “I’ll take it that the herbs they sell are homegrown?”
“Only some,” the Fount acknowledged with a shrug. “Most need to be sourced from different places due to differing growing conditions.”
“I see…” Healer Cookie said with a nod. It was a thoughtful one.
He approached the door to the apothecary, but before the Fount could follow after him, he noticed a familiar presence out of the corner of his eye. He gave a pause, abandoning his pursuit of the outsider to turn to the cookie in the black suit. No sooner than he did, the other cookie gave a wave in greeting and a shout in acknowledgement.
“There you are!” he said, coming up to the side of the Fount. “You could imagine the shock I had when I didn’t find you in your office! Imagine my further shock to see you’re taking our advice to heart!”
“Moon Drop!” The Fount dipped his head in greeting. Idly, his mind wandered off to wonder why exactly he was looking for him. This was either for official business or perhaps another scuffle with Taffy Apple. He probably was racing against her to tell his side of the story before she got to him first. “What brings you out and about? The sunshine?”
The door gave a twinkling chime, and the Fount subtly turned his head to see Healer Cookie pause with it half open. Noticing that his guide had stopped following him, he turned back to face him and the new arrival. The placid smile on his face grew as he drifted back over to the surprised congregation.
Moon Drop turned his attention to the cookie appearing on the Fount’s side, keeping the warm smile on his face as he nodded in acknowledgement. If he was at all surprised by the shabby appearance of the other, he did a very good job at not showing it.
“Oh, a new face! Who might you be?” Moon Drop said, ignoring the Fount’s question.
“Please, call me Healer Cookie.” Again, the blindfolded cookie held out his hand for the other to shake. “Yourself?”
“Moon Drop Cookie, at your service,” he replied. He took the other’s hand, and it was a rather flashy yet brief shake.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Moon Drop.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” he reassured him. Straightening up and retreating from the handshake, he turned his attention back to the Fount. “To answer your question, I wish I were. But you don’t know, maybe I’ll enjoy the rays once this is over with. You have anything going on right now?”
Ah, there it was: the question about work. Moon Drop knew as much as he did that this little jaunt outside was nothing more than stimulation and a reprieve from that office. So no, he wasn’t at all too busy to hear him about whatever it was. A part of him hoped it was the average sibling dispute, rather than another actual issue passing by his desk again.
“I’m serving as a guide to Healer Cookie!” he proclaimed instead, sweeping an arm to bring Moon Drop’s attention back to the other. “Turns out he’s a fan of Maple Pecan’s works and needed to find one book of hers.”
“Oh no, if you have important business to get to, I don’t mind splitting paths here,” Healer Cookie said, hastening to reassure him. “My major issue was finding which store was actually selling the book. I’m more than capable of locating it now. You’re a busy cookie, Fount of Knowledge. I’d rather not keep you from your workload.”
What a big heart. Unfortunately, he was hoping for the other to be a little more pushy on keeping him to stay, such as agreeing to his current job as a guide. Such a shame, the Fount wanted to enjoy his time away from the desk for a little bit longer. But that couldn’t be helped, he supposed.
Ah, well, if Healer Cookie thought that he could go on without his prestigious company, then the Fount decided that he wasn’t busy at all.
“Well, since you are freed up, could you join me at your office?” Moon Drop asked.
“Who am I to say no to that?” the Fount asked with a shrug. “I suppose this is where we part ways, Healer Cookie. A shame I couldn’t join you for longer; however, the duties for a Virtue wait for no one, even if they drag me kicking and screaming. Safe travels to you, my friend!”
His lighthearted chortle of words was enough to get the other to let out another huff of amusement. It was always nice to see someone else enjoy his own boyish sense of humor as much as him. Some cookies around here were far too serious for their own good… or just too nervous and not sure how to take his humor.
Moon Drop, on the other hand, gave a beaming grin at the comment.
“All my thanks and all my well wishes to you, too,” Healer Cookie replied. He gave one last dip of his head to Moon Drop and the Fount. “Please take care. Don’t overwork yourselves too much. The day still needs to be enjoyed before it passes on.”
And just like he said about the day, Healer Cookie turned from the group and headed back off to the apothecary’s door.
That left a Fount who was very much wishing his break could’ve gone on for just a smidge longer with a Moon Drop that looked as if the topic of work was the last thing he wanted to talk about, too. Well, they couldn’t stand around if the Fount wanted to get this surprise emergency worked through.
“Let’s be off then,” he said to the other. “You heard the cookie, we’ve still got some daylight to catch after.”
“It shouldn’t take too long!” Moon Drop reassured him.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ♕ 👁 ♕ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
Perhaps Moon Drop needed to be evaluated for a severe case of time blindness, or the Fount needed to be checked in for his own productivity levels. The sky outside his window had gone from a pristine crystal blue to a pleasant pastel pink to a brilliant blazing orange, then to a deep indigo through the duration of his work.
The emergency that he was summoned for had turned out to be a novel-sized stack of papers about property disputes in one of the corners of the city.
Why did the Fount have to deal with this and not the contemporary courts? Oh, right, the building owner was only going to get their flavor of justice through him rather than the cookies who studied their whole lives for the jobs.
Why even have the courts if the Fount ended up overseeing all of these disputes anyway?
Ah, well. That couldn’t be helped. This was his job, as wearying it could be at times. Still, there was the satisfaction of helping those in need that kept him through each harrowing case and each stream of endless paperwork. Right… he recalled the group of cookies that cornered him earlier in the day. Perhaps he could focus on those before he turned in for the night. Now, he had to put tentative names to faces and those tentative identifications to handwriting.
While the Fount deeply regretted not being able to enjoy the lovely day outside before it fled from him, there was always tomorrow. Besides, he believed he had his fill of excitement, especially with that strange Healer Cookie and his even stranger staff.
His words about enjoying the day reentered his head. Now, he very much regretted not taking a break. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, he would be more mindful of that.
But a stretch wouldn’t hurt any, would it?
No, of course, not.
His bones and muscles gave painful groans as he finally moved from his seated position. Ouch… this break was far more overdue than he thought it was. Having been kept in one spot, they had cemented themselves into place and were very much unhappy with being moved around so suddenly. They had to deal, he supposed.
The Fount’s mind wandered as he slowly strode to the large window overlooking the city. It was a rather impressive view. The Spire of Knowledge, as remote as it was in relation to the rest of the population, still had such an incredible view. He could make out the lights from each business and house as cookies slowly settled in for the night.
What a wonderful thought, knowing that he built all of this for them.
Being the last of the Virtues was no easy task. Reality was often sobering, reminding him in memories and echoes of how he had needed help establishing this great city. The support system in the form of his other Virtues-- friends-- was incredible. He would’ve never stood in such an impressive spire if they hadn’t helped him through his many shortcomings, just as he did for them.
They were all a team.
Now, it was only him.
The last of the Virtues meant that he was the last one those in dire straits could turn to. Not just those from his city, but ever since his companions had fallen, he had seen an influx of others venturing to this great city in search of answers from him.
Usually, he couldn’t find the right things to say. The knowledge was there. He held it all within his Soul Jam and his steel trap of a mind. However, it was hard to interact with such a diverse set of cookies. They all had different personalities, morals, ideals, everything. It felt at times as if the Fount was weaving a web of safe conversation topics and being caught up in it a second later.
Ah… his mind was wandering a bit too much.
He mentally shook his head and gave himself a physical shake to further encourage those invasive thoughts to flee. Now was not the time; he had work to get back to. That stack of papers on his desk wasn’t going to shrink by his mind running off to another plane of existence.
As he sat back down at his desk and reached for his pen, he stopped, blinking.
He stared at his hand with a furrowed brow.
Did he accidentally smear his fingertips in ink?