Sage and Truthless represent two very complex ideals that are based on the differences between their experiences in life.
Sage is an idealist.
Sage doesn't believe in there being an undeniable truth, he believes that truth is undeniable. He believes that, no matter if your truth is different from his, it is still your truth. This is why he leaves truthless to his own beliefs, not necessarily trying to convert him to following truth, but to have him understand that his beliefs still fall under personal truth. And he believes that denying your personal truth would be willful ignorance that stagnates growth and understanding of yourself. This is not out of malice, it's out of personal experience and built up feelings. His goal is not to protect cookies from cruel truths, but it's not to force cookies to accept the cruel truth either. His goal towards finding the truth in everything is out of genuine ambition, and him wanting to share that ambition with others is only natural to him as the former fount of knowledge and as a teacher. It's the reason why he warns others that the pursuit of truth is a painful thing, it can hurt. And he acknowledges that fully.
Truthless is a realist.
Truthless Recluse's experiences come from him only ever being hurt by the truth in his pursuit of it, and ultimately deciding that the truth in itself is an unattainable and flawed concept that would only lead to pain and misery. His goal lies in protecting cookies, but not supporting growth. He knows this world is an awful place and doesn't feel that cookies need to know about that unfortunate truth. His pain lies deep within his own pursuit that only came to despair, but in this he grew an understanding that it's ok to simply give up, even if in his case it wasn't the healthiest option. He understands that not all cookies can handle the truth, and sometimes the pursuit of truth only leads to pain. And that cookies need to have ignorance for their own happiness and safety. And so, His embracing of deceit became his truth.
Sage is an idealist because he was born as the holder of knowledge, and always understood it better than he understood cookies.
Truthless is a realist because he was born as a cookie, and understands being a cookie better than he does knowledge in itself.
One has lived the life of a cookie, the other has not.
Flavourless "Diverged Paths"- Chapter 6: Path of No Return.
Plain Wafer finally wake's up.
-----------------------
Truthless rested back in his chair at the bedside giving out a heavy sigh while leaning his head to the side with closed eyes. It'd been a long few hours and the sun rays were starting to peek through the window curtains of his gloomy abode.
The little cookie fever had been relentless throughout the night, shooting up and down with bouts of delirium but it’d finally broken and she’d been sleeping soundly for a few hours now.
They’d manage during the small down times between the spikes to make some soup in his small kitchen after getting rid of a few dust bunnies and spiders. Despite the two not really needing to eat, both had to admit it smelt quite good, they could heat it up later and thank the Market lady again if they ever saw her.
Reopening his eyes to squint slightly to the floating Blueberry Milk who was rushing to scribble in a book with many others floating around him. He’d made the suggestion of a possible translation spell so the conversation would not be so one sided when she awoke and was also an excuse to keep him quiet for a few hours.
Though to even start formulating the spell, Blueberry Milk required to know what language was being translated so reluctantly he had to reveal the truth to him, it was a lost language and handed him a book from his archives, but made sure to strictly inform, that if he left the tower at all with the book or told anyone about it, he’d not speak to him for a whole month. It seemed to work as Blueberry gave him meek nods and had been quiet ever since.
In the corner of his eye, he felt he saw some movement from the blankets, adjusting his posture as he stared, the little cookie was finally stirring, thank the witches. “Sage…is the spell done..?”
“Yes my lovely recluse, I actually finished a temporary one earlier but been thinking of a way to make it more permanent, why? ” Blueberry Milk was still looking at his book, while tapping chin with a quill in the other hand.
“..cause she’s waking up” he said in his usual monotone tone as the Blueberry Milk gasps closing the book which made the rest also vanish in a puff of smoke, except the one he wasn't allowed to take which flew to sit on the table as he floated over with staff in hand.
“Right, better use it now, though it’s only temporary, should last at least a day and I can reapply if need be, it should work! I've never failed a spell!~” swinging his staff then raising his finger as a tiny rune appeared on it and ever so gently gave a boop like motion to the little cookies forehead as a small shimmer of blue glowed for a second then disappeared. “Aaaand done, now she should be able to understand us and vice versa, ohhh! i can’t wait to ask so many questions!” he spun a little happily in the air.
Truthless gave him a stern expression with a sigh “At least wait before you bombard them.., i don’t want them getting scared, finding a way to run away and getting lost in the tower, it’s no Spire of knowledge but still possible to get lost in.”
Blueberry Milk was going to pout back but the shuffling of sheets made them both turn back as Plain Wafer moved her head just slightly on the pillows as her eye opened with light flutters, still a bit hazy as she opened mouth to mumble “..w-where..?”
“..the Peak of Truth, though you probably don’t know what that is..do you?.” Her gaze slowly looked to Truthless as he spoke up and slowly shook her head to confirm his suspicion but he decided to ask another question more to see Blueberry milk reaction. “Do you know who he is..?”
She slowly blinked a few times, tilting her head up to look towards Blueberry Milk who was smiling in anticipation for his questions. “..i-i heard the cookies say, Sage of Truth but other than that..nope.”
Blueberry Milk's happy expression dropped instantly to one of disbelief like someone had taken a book he wanted right from him. “y-you..don’t know who i am!? How!? I’m the Sage of Truth! Cookies come from far and wide just to see me!” stuttering out a little as Truthless gave a small snicker, having done that on purpose.
His reaction seemed to startle her though as she shot up like a rocket, shuffling back against the pillow to the backboard of the bed. “ i-im sorry.. I-i just don’t know where i even am.” a few tears came to the side of her eyes but then quickly blinked away she dawned on her. “W-wait, i can understand you now?”. Blueberry Milk felt a slight whack to the back of his head as he raised a hand to cover it and looked to Truthless who had hand raised “ What was that for!?”
“I told you not to scare her.., and it's just a spell little one, to make it easier to understand you, I'll fade after some time.” his voice for once having a hint of gentleness, it felt oddly familiar to her as he continued “ You said you were lost, could you tell us what happened?”
Blueberry Milk mumbled a little to his side “..you never speak gently to me” as Truthless gave him a side eye and mumbled back “..do you want her crying again?.” She looked between the two confused for a moment, would they really be able to help her? Well now they understood her, it was better than nothing.
“I-i..was in a village on a trip, and i found a strange shop with this gear like object, next thing i knew, i woke up in the forest outside this town, no one could understand me and I had to sleep in an alley way in the rain..” her voice starting to quiver at the end “..i just wanna go home to the Vanilla Kingdom.”
The moment she mentioned it, Truthless felt like a million needles had stabbed his heart, clenching his hands tightly to the robes on his lap. Blueberry Milk raised an eyebrow to her as he scratched chin “..I’ve never heard of that Kingdom and I know everything as the Sage of Truth..or so i thought.., the gear though..hmm” opening a portal as he started rummaging through it.
She gasped “W-what? But it’s a kingdom in the sky in Crispa, everyone knows it.” Blueberry Milk idly hummed “Oh Crispa i know of!, such a harsh land stricken by war in the past but Kingdom in the sky? Sounds like a fairytale.”
Looking in disbelief at his words “ A-am i not in Crispa then?” as he shook his head back to her “ This is Baker’s Yeast my dear, ah! Here we go” finally pulling out a book from his portal.
“B-Baker’s Yeast? I’ve never heard of that place..” mumbling to herself sadly. Blueberry Milk, finally taking notice of the dull atmosphere finally decided to ask his questions as he flipped through a book clearly looking for something.
“So.., this Vanilla Kingdom? Can you tell me what it’s like then?”, that seemed to perk her just a little as she bounced a little on the spot. “It's a beautiful kingdom in the sky, founded by Pure Vanilla Cookie, he’s our king! Everyone loves him, he’s the gentlest cookie in Crispa and a great Healer. The kingdom is also known for its flowers, the Vanilla Orchids.” as she happily started rambling on about how much she liked her Kingdom and the king who ruled it.
Blueberry Milk stopped flipping pages in the book when the name was mentioned, glancing to Truthless who had been quiet all this time, he was glancing off to the side though Blueberry Milk swears he looked a bit embarrassed.
He finally came to the page in the book he was looking for and floated closer to the Little cookie interrupting her rambling as he held the book up “Is this what you found little one?." Allowing her to grab the book from his grasp as she gasped “ Y-yeah it is!, i picked it up thinking it was some kind of new clock, and wanted to buy it as a souvenir on my trip..”
“Well my dear, that is a Timejumper, usually it allows the user to jump forward in time a few minutes, they’d disappear from one spot and reappear either in the same spot or location they needed to be. There have been possible recordings of the Timejumper letting one travel to alternate timelines but that is a whole other theory altogether!.” plucking the book from her grip as he closed it.
She looked confused a bit at his explanation, not quite understanding it but one question did come to her mind. “w-what about going back? Can I find another?.”
"Hmm, making one is hard, it requires the use of time magic which well i doubt you’d understand dear, but nope, the Timejumpers have never been recorded sending someone back to the same location.” answering her question as if it was simple for him but a sudden growl next to him made him look over as Truthless looked at him a deadly glare, then back to the little cookie as he realized what’d he’d done.
Her expression looked absolutely shattered with tears starting to stream down face with sniffles “ i-i can’t go home? ever..?”
Blueberry Milk was about to answer truthfully to her that there was truly no way for her to return but a hand slapped over his mouth making his voice muffled as he side glanced at an silently ferocious Truthless.
“..The Sage will find a way for you to get home, after all, he’s all knowing.., and he was just leaving to do that..” his tone hinted with venom, letting Blueberry Milk know he’d overstayed his welcome by telling the Little Cookie the truth.
He stuttered for a moment then floated back, opening a portal “ a-ah yes, I'll go do that, maybe there something I've missed...” glancing at Truthless one last time as he received a stern look and floated though, he’ll have to apologies later it seems.
After the portal closed, Truthless peered to the little cookie. “..Don’t cry little one, we’ll look for a way to get you home, what’s your name..?.” His tone gentle though laced with deceit, he knew there was truly no way to return her home but the truth was far too harsh for her right now.
She sniffled a little “Y-you will? I-I’m Plain Wafer” and he nodded “Are you hungry..? We made soup for you.” She nodded while getting out of the bed and he collected his staff. He jumped a little as she seemed to grab his hand out of instinct but didn't stop her as he led her to the kitchen for a good hearty meal of soup.
All he could do was lie to her, let her live in deceit, another truth to hide within his tower.
{Previous} {Next Chapter}
----------------------------
(and that is technically the end of the introduction of this fic, sorry it was short.)
(Plain Wafer becomes another truth that Truthless has to hide at the Peak. There technically is no happy end.)
(All the rest of the chapters will be little oneshots of shenanigans when i can think them up. So more focus on Flavourless)
(Baker's Yeast was a name i saw going around for some referring to the alternative beast yeast.)
I need to work more with AU!Truthless' design, prominent difference right now between the two is the Vanilla Orchids.
This is the original universe and diverged paths universe truthless, they are both different from each other and have different reasons for corrupting.
Truthless realizes he needs a few supplies to look after the Little Cookie in his care and lack coins.
-----------------------
Truthless leaned over his desk with a hand to his forehead while looking at a list of items he’d taken down on some parchment. It was late into the night and Plain Wafer was asleep in his bed due to there being no current available room for her and it wasn't like he really used it anyway.
He’d fed her the soup then coaxed back to bed just in case, she'd been ill and rest would definitely help her. During the meal he’d briefly explained what was going to happen and the rules of the tower. She would be staying with him at the Peak till the Sage was able to find something to help her. This was a complete lie but needed to keep her safe.
Then came the rules of the tower, she was allowed to go in rooms that didn't have locks but never in the locked ones unless he was with her, to never ever take something out from the Peak and to never answer the door or allow other cookies to get to the Peak, that included the Sage sometimes.
She just nodded along with him knowing it was not like she had much of a choice and it was ten times better than being out in the alleyway. Once she was tucked back in, he’d gone to his desk to grab some parchment and start making a list of items, she was a mortal cookie so she required things to live unlike him.
The list was a lot longer than he thought it would be, mostly food and clothing but also medical supplies and possibly some sort of entertainment, he didn't know her too well yet, if she liked books he had plenty but it was added on just in case.
He also needed some cleaning supplies, the tower was old and dusty, perfect for him but for a Little cookie, not so much. Which led to his next problem, coins. He had a few stashed away in a pouch for emergencies but compared to the amount he needed to buy, it wouldn't even cut the cost of food.
Giving out a frustrated sigh while tapping the quill to his chin, he even still owed the Sage for the previous supplies and well he’d thrown him out earlier and didn't want to be in debt either, though he knew the Sage wouldn't technically do that to him and even brought him books in the past without asking for payment.
He mumbled a bit under breath “Books..”, the shop in town is where most of his gifted books came from and if he remembered correctly, they also accepted trades and selling of old books.
His mind turned towards the archive, desperate times calls for desperate matters, he knew they was a few books that the truth within them wouldn't really hurt anyone or had been found out already so selling them wouldn't cause any harm, but the archive was huge, he’d have to start now to have enough to take him with him by the sun rays.
Quickly writing a note to place at the bedside to inform his little guest where’d he’d be and for her to find him there when she awoke and be ready for a trip into town. Stretching his arms a little and grabbing his staff as he descended out the room towards the archive, ready for the long night of checking books that awaited him.
-----------
Plain Wafer yawned as she rolled over and fell out the bed tangled in blankets “Ahh!” Pulling her head from the blankets as she looked around confused before it hit her, right the spire she’d be staying here now.
Due to her fall the piece of paper on the side flew up and slowly fluttered down onto her head as she glanced up curiously.
Plucking it off her head as she read it quickly as a curious smile came to her face, a mysterious archive sounded like fun, so she rushed to get changed, folding up the PJ’s that’d been given to her, feeling as if she’d have to return them soon.
Once dressed in her now dried travelling outfit she exited down the narrow halls of the tower, looking for the big doors to the archives, thankfully she’d been told what it looked like since if it had a lock on it, she wasn't meant to go in.
Giving a grin as she came to a door that looked similar to what she’d been told and the lock was hanging open, she squeaks the door open to peer in, giving off a gasp to what she saw while stepping in. It was like a massive library, rows upon rows of books and scrolls going high up into the tower. Artefacts in glass cases and even a few portraits.
In the middle was a desk where Truthless was sitting, flipping through pages of a book with hand on cheek, looking slightly bored while his staff waved and made books float down from the shelves towards the table, while some flew back onto a clean shelf and rested into a pile on the floor.
Her footsteps echoed against the titled floor as he glanced up from the current book. “Oh..Morning already? Good Morning.” She felt it was polite to bow her head “M-morning Mister Truthless Recluse, have you been up all night?.”
He closed his current booking as his chair slid back “You can call me Truthless or Recluse and I have, I don’t require sleep like you do and I've been doing some..reorganizing.” She peered around to the mess the archives were in, it didn't really look like a lot was organized to begin with. “I see..”, her glance taking notice of a book “..oh i can’t read the titles anymore.”
Truthless was collecting some giant cloths from the table as he heard that, sighing out as he remembered, the spell wasn't permanent, he needed the Sage to reapply it, which meant he had to find him, or get him to come find him, but he’d deal with that later.
He waved his staff as the pile of books got wrapped in the clothes to be carried, not wanting them to get damaged by weather since the Peak’s weather was unpredictable at times. “..We are going into town, collect your satchel and staff, we’ll get you something to eat there as well.”
She seemed confused but nodded, running back out the door to collect her things as he made the wrapped books follow after him with a simple levitation spell; there was no way either would be able to carry these down the steep paths.
The lock immediately went back on the door as he left, securing it and wandered down the hall, where Plain Wafer was awaiting him but stopped at the kitchen to collect a few of his none used reusable grocery bags which had not been used in about a century, good thing the moths didn't get to them.
-----------------
Outside Plain Wafer finally got a view of the tower, it looked very gloomy and was stationed on the edge of a cliff and descending down the Peak was even worse, there was a huge cavern with a crickety bridge, all the tree looks menacing and she swears she heard growls from the bushes as she scouted closer to Truthless.
He glanced at her for a moment. “There are no monsters up here, do not worry, it's merely an illusion to scare off trespassers, sometimes it works..” which made her sigh in relief. The walk was long, it took around thirty minutes with many different paths and turns to take but Truthless seemed to know which to take. “I’ll teach you how to figure out the path back in the future, though do make sure no one is ever following you..”
Nodding a little in awe, Truthless Recluse truly was a mystery, he seemed so gloomy and monotone but also very kind and knowledgeable.
-----------------
Immediately as they descended into the town, many cookies started whispering and staring at them which made her feel uncomfortable so she stayed close to Truthless's side as they came to the same book shop she’d gone to before.
The bell rang as they both stepped in and the piles of books floating just to the side. The book merchant this time was sipping on a mug of coffee and raised an eyebrow to Truthless “well..don’t see you in here too often.” Taking a small glance to Plain Wafer behind him then putting down his mug to adjust his glasses.
The floating book stacks floated up onto the desk with a small thud. “..I’d like to sell these books.”. The merchant glasses slightly slanted looking at the stack of books. “Your..selling your books?, I'd heard rumours that you had quite a collection.”
“I require some coins and you're the best book merchant in the town, I know you’ll at least respect the value of these books..” his tone monotone as he undid the cloth to let the books' sides be seen. He briefly glanced at Plain Wafer “..have a look around, i know you may not understand them but try searching a bit, this may take awhile.” staring back to the wide eyed merchant who was now inspecting the book titles.
Looking to the pile then the shelves of books, she nodded and quietly walked down the isles as he turned his attention back to the Merchant now checking every individual book, this really would take a while.
----------------
The total for the books landed up being more than he thought, seems one about Coffee Magic caught the merchants eye and he was willing to buy for his own personal collection, lucky.
He had to sign a few pieces of paper work which proved a bit harder than he anticipated, having to put an address and other details about himself.
Once he was done, he called out slightly down the isles as Plain Wafer came with a book in her arms as he glanced at the title when she put it on the counter. “Grim Cookie tales..hmm” then shrugged as he asked the price but the Merchant said they could have it for free due to his large donation.
Exiting the store with a large pouch of coins in hand, he mentally crossed off two of the many things he’d written on the parchment, the book counting as entertainment. He thought on where to go next, food or clothing and decided on the clothing, since it was lighter to carry around for now.
-----------------
He’d hadn't been clothes shopping in quite a while, he usually stuck to the same robes, giving them minimum repairs with his sewing skills.
Landing up having to swallow his pride and ask the shopkeeper for advice on what to get, which landed up with a small pile of clothes stacked on the counter along with Wolf Plushie that Plain Wafer had been staring the entire time instead of the clothing, so he placed it on top, earning a gleeful smile from her.
Outside the shop now with one grocery bag filled with clothes, he glanced up to the sun high in the sky then toward the faint growling he heard from the little Cookie stomach, Ah right, forgot breakfast. Thinking for a moment of a location and remembering a small café the Sage would take him, he could also indulge himself a little. “..This way, I know a café.”
---------------
On their way to the café though, they were approached by a group of cookies that were too curious for their own good, or as Truthless like to call them, the Gossipers.
“So it was true, The great recluse is in town but the Sage’s not even giving a lecture today, so why are you here?” one of the cookies spoke up as they all finally noticed Plain Wafer just slightly hiding to his side and started gushing. “Oh my witches, who’s this adorable cookie with you?~”
He felt Plain Wafer grip his arm sleeve a little, obviously not fond of the fawning as he was about to answer but a sudden lightbulb came to him with a sly smirk to his face “..actually..”
-------------
The gossip cookie's ran off excitedly at what he’d told them, to spread his little rumour as Plain Wafer looked to him wide eyed and mouth hanging open after he told her what he'd just said. “..you just told them I was yours's and Sage's Daughter.. Why’d you lie to them!?”
He still had a bit of amused smirk on his face “..oh just to get the Sage’s attention, I'm sure we’ll see him soon now.” She raised an eyebrow to him as he shrugged “Come on, the café awaits.”
--------------
At the Café, he’d let the little cookie order whatever she wanted while he indulged and ordered some tea with a scone. She’d ordered something quite simple, Jam sandwiches and some Milk and when he asked why she didn't get something more complex, she just replied she didn't like things that were too sweet and he took note of that for the future.
Sipping on his tea as he glanced at the Wolf Plushie sticking out the bag slightly, he was already spoiling her and with his rumour probably spread to half the town already, he’d really have to play the part, but oddly he didn't really seem to mind.
---------------
Last on the list for today was food with cleaning supplies, meaning he needed to go to one of the actual stores instead of the market, which he preferred as the market was too loud.
Nearing the shop though, he heard a yell, a somewhat unhappy one, ah seem his rumour had worked. “Truthless Recluse!!!”
Plain Wafer looked confused as they turned attention to a rapidly floating Sage coming towards as Truthless perked up with a smirk and a fake sweet tone “ Hey Honey~” copying how Blueberry Milk would sometimes address him.
Blueberry Milk gasped for a moment almost in delight but shook head and pointed his finger with a frown “Don’t honey me, that's my thing!, what did I tell you about spreading rumours and what in witches name, gave you the idea to spread one that I had a daughter!? I had so many cookies trying to ask me questions I couldn't answer, I looked like a fool!”
Truthless rolled his eyes “To get your attention, not like you do any better sending cookies to the Peak to get mine.”
“Could’nt you have picked something else!? How am I meant to explain that I apparently have a daughter with you, to my colleagues or even to the other virtues!?” Blueberry Milk exclaimed in a bit of panic.
Truthless stared back “..you don’t wanna have a daughter with me then?” he was being a bit manipulative he knew but this was the best option, he really wouldn't mind if that was the case. Despite how he may act, he did really love the Sage deep down, they were two sides of a coin and while they both had different duties that contradicted each other, they’d learned to accept that and grew closer, he was just more discreet usually with his affections.
Blueberry stared as he stuttered trying to collect his words “I-i mean..i-i uh..T-truthless?, what's gotten into you so suddenly?, I thought you were angry with me?”
Plain Wafer was just idly looking around, not wanting to interrupt them and she couldn't exactly understand what was being said anyway which she felt was probably a good idea for now.
“I was.., but we have more pressing matters, as much as i hate to admit it, i can’t do this on my own Blueberry Milk.., I need you.” His tone was gentle at the end as Blueberry Milk expression changed to one of gleeful squeal hearing that his ever lovely recluse wanted him and he couldn't help but swoop in for a hug “O-oh yes of course my dear, anything for you~.”
Truthless would usually pushed him away, still not liking physical contact so much but his words were sincere for once, he felt he couldn't do it alone. “It’s better this way, if everyone thinks she’s our daughter, it’ll keep her safe, also could you redo the translation spell, pretty sure she has no idea what we are talking about.” Taking a quick glance to Plain Wafer who found the floor more interesting currently.
Blueberry Milk gave a small oh sound as he waved his finger and rune appeared, then booped Plain Wafer forehead with a small shimmer of blue as she blinked. “I perfected the spell so it should be permanent now, hello little Cookie.”
She awkwardly waved back with a squeak of a hello while he looked back to Truthless who he was still hugging and let go. “ Right.., well no stopping that rumour now, i assume you have a plan?”
Truthless nodded “She’ll stay at the Peak with me, if anyone asks, she was baked a few years ago but we sent her off to an academy for talented individuals and she recently came back, and we’ll go from there, oh and she takes after me in look.” smirking a little at the end as a tease though it wasn't really untrue either, he’d notice the little cookie had eyes very similar to his, which just encouraged his story.
Blueberry Milk tapped his chin in thought “ That would work, though I'm not fond of the lying and many may question why I didn't teach her myself but we can come to that when it comes to it, also I'm surprised to see you down from your Peak so soon.” taking a glance at the bags “Shopping?”
“Yes, she’s a mortal cookie and requires things that i did not have such as more food, I had to go though some books in the archives that i could sell to the merchant for coins..” which made Blueberry Milk frown a little.
“I know how important the archives are to you, have you truly sold some of your books? Dear, I can provide you with coins if you truly need it.” Moving his hand to hold Truthless’s, he knew that couldn't have been an easy decision, like going against his duties of protecting cookies against the truth.
“It wouldn't have been fair for me to ask after i threw you out yesterday.., but you are right, i can’t do it again, that’s why i need your help, I don’t have a way to earn coins to look after her..” Truthless sighed a little as he admitted the truth.
He felt a hand to his cheek making him look up again as Blueberry Milk smiled. “Well we're in this together now.”
Plain Wafer, now understanding the conversation, was staring at the two as she perked up with a question “So.., if you guys are now my “parents”, who’s my papa and who’s my mama?”
The question startling the two as Truthless started turning red right on the spot as Blueberry Milk also looked flustered and stuttered out“ W-well uhh that a question for another day, Little Cookie.”which earned him a crossed arm pout but she decided to perk up with another question. “Are you two like married then?”
Truthless was covering his face now, his little rumour now coming back to embarrass him, oh the karma.
Blueberry Milk scratched his chin, the question not phasing him as much “ Well no, but who knows maybe in the future?” glancing hopefully at Truthless as he brought his hands down from his face though his cheeks were still red as he mumbled out in reply while glancing off to the side “..not like I'd say no..” and quickly striding toward the food shop as Blueberry Milk gasped floating after him “Truthless wait! D-did you mean that?! Hey!”
Plain Wafer giggled to herself, those two sure were strange but in a good way, she could live that little rumour, it might be fun, like performing.
Then she suddenly realized they were walking off without her.
“Hey wait for me!”
-------------
{Previous} {Next Chapter}
(Any guesses to who the Book Merchant was ;D)
(The selling of the books was actually inspired by an old scene from an Anime called Sola, where Matsuri sold some books from the church to be able to buy food.)
(Time to pay that child support Sage..)
(Please let me know if there any major mistakes and I'll fix them later.)
Flavourless "Diverged Paths"- Chapter 5: The Sage of Truth? No! the Sage of Bargains!
The Sage of Truth, Blueberry Milk Cookie, is sent on a mission, with a shopping list!
(Warning chapter contains, just a tiny of bit of fluff near end)
------------------
Blueberry Milk Cookie hummed a little as he floated out his portal at the gates of the town. His sweet Recluse has asked a favour of him and he was determined to follow though, plus the faster that little cookie recovered, the faster he could ask his questions, two birds with one stone!~
He stared at the parchment that was handed to him, the list wasn't very long, so it shouldn't be too hard right?. The moment he floated threw the gate though, it was like every cookie turned to look directly at him, Ah, he forgot maybe he should wear a disguise, well too late for that now.
The town's cookies, if nothing else looked confused then shrugged and got back to their daily lives, wasn't too strange of a reaction, it was so rare for him to come into the town without starting a lecture straight away. He was thankful that it was currently Summer break for the academy and he was caught up on his grading, so his students were enjoying their break and were less likely to disturb him.
He floated down the street receiving a few waves while peering at shop signs, despite living just outside the Town for centuries now, he rarely actually went shopping, not requiring food and having apprentices that would provide for themselves given a few coins, it gave him plenty of time for his writing and grading, so he'd never really worried about it before.
Which led to the first problem, where was the shop that sold medical supplies? He was considering asking for direction but the fears of what that’d do to his impeccable image, the Sage of Truth, asking for directions in a Town he’s been helping for centuries?. His prayers seemed to answer themselves though as up ahead, he spotted a sign with a mending symbol on it, thank the witches.
----------------
The bell chimed as he floated through the door and closed it behind himself. The place smelled thickly of many different herbs and plant remedies, it almost made him feel dizzy. He wondered how someone could work in a place like this all the time. Shelves lined with small wooden crates containing fresh to dried herbs, bottles, pestle and mortars, a haven for any sort of mender.
Sadly he was no mender unlike the Recluse who had still yet to answer his questions regarding his history as a mender or former as he liked to tell him, he knew not to push too much for answers as his dear Recluse was quite reserved still, though slowly opening up to him and he’d hate for all their progress to falter.
Landing on his feet near a small counter after deciding it was probably better to just ask directly for what he required then spend time trying to find it himself, after all Recluse wanted him to hurry most likely. A healer looking lady cookie was placing some paper bags on a shelf with little notes, likely packed up with medicines prescribed from the local mender, ready for cookies to pick up.
As she turned, it seems he forgot that floating made him barely make a noise as she almost threw the tray in her hand into the air and rested a hand on chest, breathing out in shock. “O-oh! Sage of Truth, y-you startled me!, I didn't expect to ever see you in here..”
Chuckling a little “Apologies and well there a first for everything? I’m actually here on an errand.” offering over the parchment to the shocked Lady Healer Cookie as she put on some tiny glasses to glance over it.
“Oh?, medicine for a high fever? Is one of your apprentices sick?, maybe it’d be wise to get a mender to see them?” exclaiming her concern as she adjusted her tiny glasses. He waved his hands “Oh no, my apprentices are fine, if anything probably enjoying the summer break. Actually the one I’m doing this errand for is a mender themselves, a small cookie was taken ill at one of my lectures you see..”
“Oh I see?, poor dear, Was it the rain? The storm was terrible last night, thankfully damages were minimal but we’ve had a few cookies come in with the sniffles.” turning a little on the spot as she started collecting items on her tray “Please bear with me one moment, while I collect everything.” then shuffled around the corner where she couldn't be seen.
He floated in the air at the counter a bit awkwardly, thankfully no one else was in the shop, so he could look around a bit without getting odd glances, maybe he should come in here a bit more, he’d always wanted to buy Recluse some gifts as a way to show his affection but nothing really felt right, maybe he’d like for medical supplies?.
A small wrapped package and his parchment list was placed on the counter which broke him from his train of thoughts as the Lady Healer Cookie smiled to address him “Here you go, Sir Sage, everything needed for a high fever, plus an extra dosage in case it persists, in total that’ll be 5 coins, I do hope the poor dear feels better soon.”
He blinked for a moment, oh right! These things cost coins, as he opened a small portal to his side to the amazement of the Healer Lady Cookie and pulled out a literal tiny purse as he clicked it open and counted out coins on counter “4..,5, here you go Miss and an extra coin for your services.”
Accepting the coins with a delighted smile “Why thank you, and do have a lovely day Sir Sage.” He picked up the little wrapped package along with his list as he bowed his head and floated out. Medicine Obtained, now for the food!.
---------------
The food was a bit more difficult it seems, in the rush, his dear Recluse just wrote “Food for soup” which could literally mean anything. But he knew vegetables usually made up a hearty soup and his best bet would be the market stalls which he was now regretting.
The place was so much louder than he expected, with cookies yelling out about deals and half price bargains, how ever was he gonna get the right things?. H e floated past some stalls as he could see owners holding up items in an attempt to get cookies to come closer, which helped him a little to see what was being offered.
“Well, do my eyes deceive me? Is it not the Sage of Truth, how come you're at the market of all places?” which made him turn his head, it was an Old Market Lady Cookie, manning her own stall, she had..,alot of Candy Cabbages but also a lot of other vegetables.
Well it was better than him aimless looking at the masses of stalls, deciding to float down to the stand. “Hello! Your eyes do not, as I the Sage of Truth am on a mission..” he paused for effect before continuing with a bit of a deadpan voice “for soup ingredients.” He felt her stare at him for a moment before she burst out in a chuckle “Never thought I'd hear the day, the almighty Sage, shopping for groceries ,I assume there not for you though?”
Sighing a little at the laughter, he knew this would happen, he really should have worn a disguise but he had to move forward. “Yes you’d be right dear, I’m afraid a little cookie fell sick during of my lectures, and my friend who is watching after her, asked me to run these errands, i need things for a soup”
This seemed to surprise her “Oh! Poor little deary, do you know what ingredients you're looking for?." Shaking his head a few times “I’m afraid in the rush, my dar..” stopping himself with a small cough to correct himself “ My friend just wrote things for a soup and well I don't tend to cook much...”
She tapped her chip a little in though “Well you’d be in luck, I know the recipe for a mighty fine soup that should kick the sniffles away, I can make up a bag of all the ingredients and throw in the recipe, just for your Sage!”
Maybe this wouldn't be as hard as he thought as he gave a nod “That be brilliant of you my dear, you’ll be saving me a lot of time.” She hobbles around her stall with a paper bag starting to collect the ingredients. “Well that's what we cookies do, look out for each other in this town, that includes you Sage and your little friend on the Peak~. ” giving a light chuckle to herself.
He looked a bit baffled at her before rubbing his cheek, maybe not all those were oblivious to his show of affection for the Recluse, he should maybe rein it in just a little but it was nice to know the cookies here looked out for one another and wanted to include them both in the equation.
While lost in his thoughts, it seems the old lady cookie was done collecting everything as he shoved a bag towards him “ All ya need here dear, plus a bit extra! That’ll be 2 coins and I threw in the recipe for free, but don’t be going around telling it ta everyone!” giving him a wink as she teased him. Giving a light laugh as got out his tiny purse again and offered out the coins, in exchange for the paper bag “Of course, that's one truth, I'll keep to myself.” after all , it was just a simple soup recipe.
As he waved goodbye, ready to float out of the chaos that was a market place, he paused to a flower stall, maybe one extra purchase wouldn't hurt.
-------------
“Honey I’m home!~” he sounded out cheekily as he came though his portal back to the Recluse room and half expected a book to fly in his direction again. But to his surprise, it didn't as the Recluse was a little occupied it seemed.
He’d taken to the bed, having the little cookie leaning against him, as she gripped his robes, he held the cloth to her forehead and seemed to be comforting her. “She got a bit delirious and started calling out for her parents, I had to stop her thrashing too much. ” then turned his head to address the Sage “Welcome back, did you get everything?..and don’t call me honey.” Ah there it was.
He floated over to the table to put down the paper bags “Of course! I must say I did an excellent job in acquiring everything! I even got a recipe for soup for free!” resting a hand on hip proudly.
The recluse had moved from the bed, repositioning the little cookie back to lying down as he made his way over to the desk to check but felt a tap on his shoulder and had a bouquet of flowers held up in front of his face as Blueberry Milk smiled shyly. “I may have gotten one extra item, I saw them and well they kind of remind me of you, you like flowers right?.” his voice held a bit of nervousness which was a side Recluse rarely saw from him.
Recluse took the bouquet into his arms, staring at the arrangement of yellow flowers. It'd been so long since someone gave him any sort of flowers. Looking off to the side a little embarrassed as he mumbled back “..thank you, they're lovely.” as he set them down on the desk.
Blueberry Milk gave a rose cheeked smile “Your welcome! Now..about my reward?~” . Recluse sighed, of course he wouldn't forget about that, well he did promise..
Stepping forward to the Sage as he raised hands to cup his face, raising a little on tip toes as his face turned slightly red and ever so quickly, gave him a peck on each cheek then turned on the spot “ h-happy now?." Blueberry Milk looked like he was ready to squeal as he even spun in the air a little with a dazed look “Oh very much!”
Deciding to leave him to it, Recluse opened the wrapped medical package, and started to prepare it, as his back was turned he spoke up to address the Sage. “..After the medicine is taken, it might take a bit for the fever to break, do you plan to stay? I know you have questions..” Receiving a small hum from the Sage before he responded back to him “Will you let me? You’ve been so reluctant too before?”
"..aslong as you stay to this room and the kitchen where I can keep an eye on you,..yes you can stay for once.” giving a sigh at his decision, maybe he’d regret it, but the Sage did seem to be trying to be good to him, maybe he should put more trust in him.
It was gonna be a long night, but at least he wasn't alone for it.
-----------------
{Previous} {Next Chapter}
(Surprise Chapter! due to not feeling too well, my sleep was messed up, so what else to do in the early hours of the morning but write!)
