Pure Vanilla

[vanilla-shepherd]

The Truth always prevails!

Hello and welcome, it's wonderful to see you!

All of Pure Vanilla's dialogue will be colored, anything else is flavor text or ooc. I'm open to most ships but partial to ShadowVanilla and PureCacao. All of the art featured was made by me.

Rules

This blog is intended to be 16+

I have a day job so sometimes it will take a while for me to respond. Please be patient.

However, feel free to nudge me a bit.

OCs are welcome, but avoid any pre-established relationships with Pure Vanilla

Tags to be determined.

[raesource]

headcanon questions

if you are sending to a multi-muse, remember to specify the muse that the questions are being sent for . feel free to edit these as you see fit .

🌟 What’s something small they did as a child that hinted at who they’d become?

❤️ Who is the one person they’d drop everything for, no questions asked?

💔 What’s the one wound (physical / emotional) they’ll never fully recover from?

🗡️ What’s their “I’ve killed for less” trigger?

☀️ What’s their happiest childhood memory?

🌧️ What kind of weather matches their soul?

🍽️ What meal do they cook when they need to feel like themselves again?

🎶 What song instantly makes them emotional & why?

🌙 Do they sleep peacefully / fight nightmares every night?

🔒 What’s a secret they’ll take to their grave?

🪞 What do they secretly hate about their own appearance?

💪 What random skill are they weirdly proud of?

👶 Baby picture of them - what’s the most embarrassing thing about it?

🏠 Describe their home when no one’s watching—messy, spotless, chaotic cozy?

😭 What always makes them cry, even if they hate admitting it?

😂 What’s the dumbest thing they’ve ever laughed at for way too long?

🧸 Do they still have a childhood comfort object? Where is it now?

✏️ What nickname do they secretly love being called?

⚔️ How do they act when they’re furious but have to stay polite?

🩸 What’s the worst injury they’ve ever had & the story behind it?

🕊️ What would instantly calm them down in a panic attack?

🔥 What’s something they’d burn the world down to protect?

🌹 What scent reminds them of the person they loved/love most?

🪥 What’s their most oddly specific daily routine?

💔 What’s the one apology they’re still waiting for that’ll never come?

🃏 Are they the type to forgive / hold a grudge until the end of the universe?

🌌 What’s their biggest “what if” that keeps them up at night?

🦋 What was their “I’m not a kid anymore” moment?

🎭 Do they wear a mask in public? What’s the real them like underneath?

🧳 If they had to leave home forever with only one bag, what do they pack?

🌑 What’s the darkest thought they’ve ever had about themselves?

☕ What’s their comfort drink?

🖤 What’s a “villain” trait they actually possess?

🤝 Who is the one person they never want to disappoint?

🎁 What gift would utterly destroy them (in a good / bad way)?

🩹 How do they react when someone they love is hurt?

🌅 Are they a sunrise / sunset person - what do they think about while looking at their favorite?

🧣 What texture/clothing item makes them feel safe?

🦉 What piece of advice do they give everyone but never follow themselves?

🔪 What’s the most violent thing they’ve ever done for love / survival?

🦋 What seemingly insignificant memory do they cherish the most?

🌹 What is their love language & how badly do they need it right now?

🪨 What’s the hardest choice they’ve ever made?

🧋 What food/drink do they hate that everyone else loves?

🕰️ If they could relive one day of their life, which would it be?

👑 In their own story, are they the hero / villain / someone else entirely?

🌡️ What temperature do they keep their home at & why?

🧸 What would their younger self think of them now?

💌 What’s the letter / text they’ll never send?

⚰️ What do they want written on their gravestone / what do they want people to remember them for?

[vanilla-shepherd]

Finally played through all of the latest story! I mostly liked it, though, I do have some opinions on how the faculty handled young White Lily’s insatiable curiosity (she was failed by them). That isn’t a story complaint though, just personal thoughts.

Regarding this blog’s PV, I am at a bit of a crossroads: on one hand, I like the idea of having him be in Tartarus searching for Lily. On the other hand, I would like to have him be able to interact with cookies not in Tartarus.

Though, in all honesty, don’t actually have to make a choice. I could just do both lol. So, feel free to send asks as though they were from the shades and wraiths of Tartarus, but also if you want to do a more standard rp, PV’s available for that as well. <3

[chocomichhi]

toby's got a favorite color combo i think

[vanilla-shepherd]

( DOWN IN FRONT!!!! *throws @the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord at you*)

Cacao had planned to swing by to visit Vanilla in his kingdom. Missed his friend dearly.

Though when he lands he. Does an entire double take.

“… you are not Pure Vanilla.”

...Dark Cacao not trying to kill him on sight and... part... dragon? How odd. Dark Sorcerer turns to face Cacao, his cape swinging out behind him.

And what of it?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

“I. Apologies from afar you looked like my friend.”

He squints, snout scrunching up slightly.

“You. Certainly have an interesting scent.”

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer squints at Dark Cacao... what?

...cut the bullshit. You know who I am, I know who you are, what is this about?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

???? He looks at the other blankly.

“I- is this a prank? Did Shadow Milk send you out to confuse me?”

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer's lip curls up in disgust, ugh, don't even suggest that. I'm associated with that obnoxious little pest enough as it is.

He puts his hands on his hips, But really now? What is this all about? And when did you get these new... Dark Sorcerer eyes him up and down, features?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

Huh? He genuinely just. Points at himself in visible confusion. Like the white guy pointing meme.

“What. I. Have been like this for a little while now. But I do. Not know you. In the slightest.”

Seriously who IS this guy.

[vanilla-shepherd]

He… really doesn’t recognize Dark Sorcerer. How odd. Given some of the other things he had seen, this couldn’t simply be some memory loss on Dark Cacao’s part either…

You really don’t recognize me, do you? Dark Sorcerer’s brow furrowed

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

“Am I supposed to? Are you some cookie from my past that I have wronged in my absence? Is that what this is?”

Oh Cacao honey no. That’s not it in the slightest.

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer paces a bit, muttering to himself. He has a hunch, but… he needs a bit more confirmation,

Tell me, after the dark flour war, which of the ancient heroes’ kingdoms remained standing

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

“I? Mine and Hollyberry’s. Hollyberry’s remained quite prosperous due to her passing it on to her son and daughter in law. I. Do not understand why you need to know?”

[vanilla-shepherd]

I see, Dark Sorcerer smiles despite himself: His theory was indeed correct. But there were still some things that needed to be cleared up.

I take it that the war was not started by a cookie known as ‘Dark Sorcerer?’

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

“Dark Enchantress?”

Seriously what kind of prank was this? He didn’t understand the point of spinning such a tall tale for a laugh.

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer half considers making a “hey don’t misgender me,” joke, but decides against it. It’s best If this Cacao doesn’t figure out who he’s the equivalent of for as long as possible.

He hums sympathetically… It was Lily, wasn’t it? If not his own search for the truth, than surely White Lily’s insatiable curiosity would lead her to the witches banquet

[vanilla-shepherd]

( DOWN IN FRONT!!!! *throws @the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord at you*)

Cacao had planned to swing by to visit Vanilla in his kingdom. Missed his friend dearly.

Though when he lands he. Does an entire double take.

“… you are not Pure Vanilla.”

...Dark Cacao not trying to kill him on sight and... part... dragon? How odd. Dark Sorcerer turns to face Cacao, his cape swinging out behind him.

And what of it?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

“I. Apologies from afar you looked like my friend.”

He squints, snout scrunching up slightly.

“You. Certainly have an interesting scent.”

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer squints at Dark Cacao... what?

...cut the bullshit. You know who I am, I know who you are, what is this about?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

???? He looks at the other blankly.

“I- is this a prank? Did Shadow Milk send you out to confuse me?”

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer's lip curls up in disgust, ugh, don't even suggest that. I'm associated with that obnoxious little pest enough as it is.

He puts his hands on his hips, But really now? What is this all about? And when did you get these new... Dark Sorcerer eyes him up and down, features?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

Huh? He genuinely just. Points at himself in visible confusion. Like the white guy pointing meme.

“What. I. Have been like this for a little while now. But I do. Not know you. In the slightest.”

Seriously who IS this guy.

[vanilla-shepherd]

He… really doesn’t recognize Dark Sorcerer. How odd. Given some of the other things he had seen, this couldn’t simply be some memory loss on Dark Cacao’s part either…

You really don’t recognize me, do you? Dark Sorcerer’s brow furrowed

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

“Am I supposed to? Are you some cookie from my past that I have wronged in my absence? Is that what this is?”

Oh Cacao honey no. That’s not it in the slightest.

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer paces a bit, muttering to himself. He has a hunch, but… he needs a bit more confirmation,

Tell me, after the dark flour war, which of the ancient heroes’ kingdoms remained standing

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

“I? Mine and Hollyberry’s. Hollyberry’s remained quite prosperous due to her passing it on to her son and daughter in law. I. Do not understand why you need to know?”

[vanilla-shepherd]

I see, Dark Sorcerer smiles despite himself: His theory was indeed correct. But there were still some things that needed to be cleared up.

I take it that the war was not started by a cookie known as ‘Dark Sorcerer?’

[vanilla-shepherd]

( DOWN IN FRONT!!!! *throws @the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord at you*)

Cacao had planned to swing by to visit Vanilla in his kingdom. Missed his friend dearly.

Though when he lands he. Does an entire double take.

“… you are not Pure Vanilla.”

...Dark Cacao not trying to kill him on sight and... part... dragon? How odd. Dark Sorcerer turns to face Cacao, his cape swinging out behind him.

And what of it?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

“I. Apologies from afar you looked like my friend.”

He squints, snout scrunching up slightly.

“You. Certainly have an interesting scent.”

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer squints at Dark Cacao... what?

...cut the bullshit. You know who I am, I know who you are, what is this about?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

???? He looks at the other blankly.

“I- is this a prank? Did Shadow Milk send you out to confuse me?”

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer's lip curls up in disgust, ugh, don't even suggest that. I'm associated with that obnoxious little pest enough as it is.

He puts his hands on his hips, But really now? What is this all about? And when did you get these new... Dark Sorcerer eyes him up and down, features?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

Huh? He genuinely just. Points at himself in visible confusion. Like the white guy pointing meme.

“What. I. Have been like this for a little while now. But I do. Not know you. In the slightest.”

Seriously who IS this guy.

[vanilla-shepherd]

He… really doesn’t recognize Dark Sorcerer. How odd. Given some of the other things he had seen, this couldn’t simply be some memory loss on Dark Cacao’s part either…

You really don’t recognize me, do you? Dark Sorcerer’s brow furrowed

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

“Am I supposed to? Are you some cookie from my past that I have wronged in my absence? Is that what this is?”

Oh Cacao honey no. That’s not it in the slightest.

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer paces a bit, muttering to himself. He has a hunch, but… he needs a bit more confirmation,

Tell me, after the dark flour war, which of the ancient heroes’ kingdoms remained standing

[vanilla-shepherd]

( DOWN IN FRONT!!!! *throws @the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord at you*)

Cacao had planned to swing by to visit Vanilla in his kingdom. Missed his friend dearly.

Though when he lands he. Does an entire double take.

“… you are not Pure Vanilla.”

...Dark Cacao not trying to kill him on sight and... part... dragon? How odd. Dark Sorcerer turns to face Cacao, his cape swinging out behind him.

And what of it?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

“I. Apologies from afar you looked like my friend.”

He squints, snout scrunching up slightly.

“You. Certainly have an interesting scent.”

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer squints at Dark Cacao... what?

...cut the bullshit. You know who I am, I know who you are, what is this about?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

???? He looks at the other blankly.

“I- is this a prank? Did Shadow Milk send you out to confuse me?”

[vanilla-shepherd]

Dark Sorcerer's lip curls up in disgust, ugh, don't even suggest that. I'm associated with that obnoxious little pest enough as it is.

He puts his hands on his hips, But really now? What is this all about? And when did you get these new... Dark Sorcerer eyes him up and down, features?

[the-resolution-of-the-dragonlord]

Huh? He genuinely just. Points at himself in visible confusion. Like the white guy pointing meme.

“What. I. Have been like this for a little while now. But I do. Not know you. In the slightest.”

Seriously who IS this guy.

[vanilla-shepherd]

He… really doesn’t recognize Dark Sorcerer. How odd. Given some of the other things he had seen, this couldn’t simply be some memory loss on Dark Cacao’s part either…

You really don’t recognize me, do you? Dark Sorcerer’s brow furrowed

[vanilla-shepherd]

helloo, Nilly~! WONDERFUL to see you again, pal! :)

*yeah he’s DEFINITELY up to something*

@master-of-shadows-and-puppets

Shadow Milk, hello

Pure Vanilla’s orchid staff narrows its eye. He wants to see the best in Shadow Milk. Despite the… obvious signs that he is up to something.

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

*he floats over and hugs him, using both his arms and his wings*

it has been FAR too long since i last saw you~

*yeaah. this is deeeeefinitely not suspicious behavior*

[vanilla-shepherd]

Pure Vanilla stiffens up upon contact. He’s normally a pretty cuddly guy, but this is odd.

It has indeed been a while, have you been well?

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

i have been WONDERFUL, as usual

*one of his hands goes down towards Pure Vanilla’s Soul Jam*

*so THAT’S what he’s up to..*

[vanilla-shepherd]

No! Pure Vanilla puts a hand over his Soul Jam and steps back.

He inhales, gathering himself once again. ...I apologize for that, I would like some space though... I'm glad to hear that you have been well

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

*he growls and almost dives after him but stops himself fairly quickly*

figured it wouldn’t be THAT easy..

[vanilla-shepherd]

...I see, Pure Vanilla had expected that, but he's still dissapointed. That was the reason for your visit.

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

… another beast said it would be a good idea to tryy

[vanilla-shepherd]

Who would even… it doesn’t matter. Pure Vanilla gathers himself, smoothing out any wrinkles from the hug.

He then looks back to Shadow Milk, if you are here solely to take my Soul Jam, I must ask that you leave

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

…

*he thinks for a few minutes. it wasn’t TECHNICALLY an order, so if he DID leave it wouldn’t seem like it was because he got told to. and he was only here for his latest doomed attempt at Soul Jam thievery…*

*he still looks GREATLY disappointed that it failed, though*

…

… fine

*and then he turns around and starts floating away*

[vanilla-shepherd]

...goodbye! Pure Vanilla shouts out as Shadow Milk leaves, if you ever do want to talk, I'll be here.

[vanilla-shepherd]

helloo, Nilly~! WONDERFUL to see you again, pal! :)

*yeah he’s DEFINITELY up to something*

@master-of-shadows-and-puppets

Shadow Milk, hello

Pure Vanilla’s orchid staff narrows its eye. He wants to see the best in Shadow Milk. Despite the… obvious signs that he is up to something.

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

*he floats over and hugs him, using both his arms and his wings*

it has been FAR too long since i last saw you~

*yeaah. this is deeeeefinitely not suspicious behavior*

[vanilla-shepherd]

Pure Vanilla stiffens up upon contact. He’s normally a pretty cuddly guy, but this is odd.

It has indeed been a while, have you been well?

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

i have been WONDERFUL, as usual

*one of his hands goes down towards Pure Vanilla’s Soul Jam*

*so THAT’S what he’s up to..*

[vanilla-shepherd]

No! Pure Vanilla puts a hand over his Soul Jam and steps back.

He inhales, gathering himself once again. ...I apologize for that, I would like some space though... I'm glad to hear that you have been well

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

*he growls and almost dives after him but stops himself fairly quickly*

figured it wouldn’t be THAT easy..

[vanilla-shepherd]

...I see, Pure Vanilla had expected that, but he's still dissapointed. That was the reason for your visit.

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

… another beast said it would be a good idea to tryy

[vanilla-shepherd]

Who would even… it doesn’t matter. Pure Vanilla gathers himself, smoothing out any wrinkles from the hug.

He then looks back to Shadow Milk, if you are here solely to take my Soul Jam, I must ask that you leave

[vanilla-shepherd]

Thoughts on the Avatar of Destiny? Or Doughael?

The Avatar of Destiny… that was that being that Lily brought with her in our final battle against Dark Enchantress, right? I can’t say I know much about them, but I am grateful for their aid… and, judging by Lily’s words to them… I hope they find rest wherever they are now.

Regarding Doughael, I’m sorry to say that I’m unfamiliar with that name.

Pure Vanilla would only know Doughael as High Forkbearer. The last time he saw Doughael he was still going by ‘Healer Cookie.’

[vanilla-shepherd]

helloo, Nilly~! WONDERFUL to see you again, pal! :)

*yeah he’s DEFINITELY up to something*

@master-of-shadows-and-puppets

Shadow Milk, hello

Pure Vanilla’s orchid staff narrows its eye. He wants to see the best in Shadow Milk. Despite the… obvious signs that he is up to something.

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

*he floats over and hugs him, using both his arms and his wings*

it has been FAR too long since i last saw you~

*yeaah. this is deeeeefinitely not suspicious behavior*

[vanilla-shepherd]

Pure Vanilla stiffens up upon contact. He’s normally a pretty cuddly guy, but this is odd.

It has indeed been a while, have you been well?

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

i have been WONDERFUL, as usual

*one of his hands goes down towards Pure Vanilla’s Soul Jam*

*so THAT’S what he’s up to..*

[vanilla-shepherd]

No! Pure Vanilla puts a hand over his Soul Jam and steps back.

He inhales, gathering himself once again. ...I apologize for that, I would like some space though... I'm glad to hear that you have been well

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

*he growls and almost dives after him but stops himself fairly quickly*

figured it wouldn’t be THAT easy..

[vanilla-shepherd]

...I see, Pure Vanilla had expected that, but he's still dissapointed. That was the reason for your visit.

[vanilla-shepherd]

*pat pat pat*

ha ha, hello there dear

[vanilla-shepherd]

helloo, Nilly~! WONDERFUL to see you again, pal! :)

*yeah he’s DEFINITELY up to something*

@master-of-shadows-and-puppets

Shadow Milk, hello

Pure Vanilla’s orchid staff narrows its eye. He wants to see the best in Shadow Milk. Despite the… obvious signs that he is up to something.

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

*he floats over and hugs him, using both his arms and his wings*

it has been FAR too long since i last saw you~

*yeaah. this is deeeeefinitely not suspicious behavior*

[vanilla-shepherd]

Pure Vanilla stiffens up upon contact. He’s normally a pretty cuddly guy, but this is odd.

It has indeed been a while, have you been well?

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

i have been WONDERFUL, as usual

*one of his hands goes down towards Pure Vanilla’s Soul Jam*

*so THAT’S what he’s up to..*

[vanilla-shepherd]

No! Pure Vanilla puts a hand over his Soul Jam and steps back.

He inhales, gathering himself once again. ...I apologize for that, I would like some space though... I'm glad to hear that you have been well

[vanilla-shepherd]

helloo, Nilly~! WONDERFUL to see you again, pal! :)

*yeah he’s DEFINITELY up to something*

@master-of-shadows-and-puppets

Shadow Milk, hello

Pure Vanilla’s orchid staff narrows its eye. He wants to see the best in Shadow Milk. Despite the… obvious signs that he is up to something.

[master-of-puppets-and-shadows]

*he floats over and hugs him, using both his arms and his wings*

it has been FAR too long since i last saw you~

*yeaah. this is deeeeefinitely not suspicious behavior*

[vanilla-shepherd]

Pure Vanilla stiffens up upon contact. He’s normally a pretty cuddly guy, but this is odd.

It has indeed been a while, have you been well?

[vanilla-shepherd]

helloo, Nilly~! WONDERFUL to see you again, pal! :)

*yeah he’s DEFINITELY up to something*

@master-of-shadows-and-puppets

Shadow Milk, hello

Pure Vanilla’s orchid staff narrows its eye. He wants to see the best in Shadow Milk. Despite the… obvious signs that he is up to something.

[the-liar-the-thief-the-jester]

A blueberry bird flutters over with a bouquet of milkcrowns (naturally), gardenias, and thornapple flowers. Along with a few irises for a bit of color. A letter is tied to the bouquet with a thin silver ribbon.

@vanilla-shepherd

ooc: while looking up Victorian flower language for a writing project, I found out that thornapple flowers could mean "deceitful charm." I thought it would be neat to slightly twist the meaning of that.

Shadow Milk looked up from his scroll and went over to the bird. He yawned a bit before taking to bouquet and subconsciously put his face in his to sniff the flowers before opening the letter.

[vanilla-shepherd]

The note is brief:

Bluebird,

It was lovely seeing you. I hope that your day is sweet and these flowers make it a little sweeter.

Yours,

Pure Vanilla

There are a few hearts drawn in the empty spaces

[the-liar-the-thief-the-jester]

Shadow Milk’s eyes in his hair went heart-eyed. He looked at the flowers delicately pats them before looking at the thornapples.

“Oh you cheeky little….” He pulled one out the bouquet.

[vanilla-shepherd]

The blueberry bird hopped around, looking at Shadow Milk expectantly. Not every cookie gave it treats for delivering letters, but some did. Maybe this blue one would.

[the-liar-the-thief-the-jester]

“Huh? What do you want?” Shadow Milk looked at the bird.

“Oh… hm.” Shadow Milk grabbed a blueberry from a small bush and placed it in front of the bird.

[vanilla-shepherd]

The bird peeps appreciatively, and grabs the blueberry. Thank you blue cookie. With a few hops it is now airborne. The blueberry held in its beak.

[the-liar-the-thief-the-jester]

“Ok wait right there.” Shadow Milk grabbed a piece of paper and a quill and started writing. The flowers floating by him.

[vanilla-shepherd]

Oh, more deliveries? The little bird descends once more. It pecks at the blueberry while waiting for its next letter.

[the-liar-the-thief-the-jester]

Shadow Milk came back with the letter and hands it to the bird and gave it a pat.

[vanilla-shepherd]

The bird finishes the blueberry. It chirps gratefully once again, before grabbing the letter and flying off to Pure Vanilla once again.

[the-liar-the-thief-the-jester]

Shadow milk sighed watching the bird fly off and then went back to his flowers.

[vanilla-shepherd]

The blueberry bird made little chirping noises as it approached Pure Vanilla. It’s yellow friend often didn’t notice the birds from a distance. A bit of noise helped to catch his attention.

You’re back, Pure Vanilla smiled and went to retrieve some birdseed, thank you little friend. Here’s a little treat for your efforts.

The bird dropped the letter next to Pure Vanilla and hopped over to the seed. Upon seeing the letter Pure Vanilla’s smile widened

Oh my, a response? He was practically beaming as he opened up the letter, I hope he liked the flowers

[the-liar-the-thief-the-jester]

The letter read this out loud:

“Well well, I got your flowers and note here. So many hearts I must say. Well a lot of them. And they smelled rather lovely. Then I noticed a particular flower lying in plane sight. Cheeky little thing aren’t you. Not sure what you intended this little poisonous fella to be. Yet one of my favorites. I’ll keep my eye on you.”

Instead of hearts there was a single eye drawing on the paper. With a tiny heart by it.

[vanilla-shepherd]

Pure Vanilla held the letter close to his chest and chuckled. He was glad that Shadow Milk caught on to the flower symbolism, but of course Shadow Milk would. He carefully folded up the letter and tucked it into a pocket.