[ This cookie wandered in here not knowing where this was? A primal, instinctive part of him started to get worried on the stranger's behalf... but he schooled it quickly. This is a dream, and there is no danger. ]
No, I'm referring to the holder of the soul jam of happiness, Eternal Sugar Cookie.
[ He shifts over so that Stardust Cookie can take a spot in the shade with him. He continues plucking idly at his lyre. ]
You must be pretty lost if you ended up here without knowing where you are. The Sugar Rush Mountains are no joke.
[ He doesn't seem to be worse for wear, though. Huh. ]
[he's fine. he just followed the light! though... that seems a bit silly to say out loud, now that Stardust thinks about it.
either way, he floats over]
I suppose our dreams are linked, in some way. That can only be Moonlight Cookie's doing. She is quite powerful.
[he's definitely heard the name, Eternal Sugar Cookie, before. but not in direct conversations. rather, he's heard chatter amongst train passengers, or in restaurants. Stardust does not know anything else about her. he'll ask in a moment, even if he is more curious about this Cookie in front of him]
[ Oh, so he was sharing this dream with someone, and someone presumably on the opposite side, since he certainly has never seen him before- though the lack of reaction is curious in that case. The slight tenseness is back as he tries to gauge why this cookie was sent to his dream. Was this a test? ]
I see... then you probably know Eternal Sugar Cookie better as the Beast of Sloth. I'm Pavlova Cookie, one of her "helpers."
[ Not a son, but calling him a minion seemed too harsh. Odd that this cookie didn't... seem to know anything though. Well, he didn't lose anything by asking. What could he do to him in a dream? ]
Were you not taking part in the war? I don't think I saw you out there.
[Stardust tilts his head, slow and birdlike. then his eyes widen as his brain catches up. he looks horrified]
You're... You're fighting in the war?
[he knew of it, at least, the war on Earthbread against Dark Enchantress Cookie. but he hasn't found that it is his place to become involved. even Moonlight Cookie was... well, she was sort of involved, but not directly]
Unfortunately. My master is involved so I have to be.
[ He's not expecting the concern, though. The other cookie is so genuinely horrified that he finds it hard to cast doubt ]
I don't think so... something was happening before we all started falling asleep. I think Moonlight Cookie was trying to buy time. Not sure what she could be stalling for, though.
[hang on. Stardust blinks, then looks down into his lap, brows furrowing. his sister, stalling for time? that... that sure does not sound like Moonlight Cookie!
he shakes his head to clear it and then looks back up at the stranger]
...No one should be forced into something they don't want to do. But even aside from that, aren't you scared?
[ He sinks down a little, as though if he says that too loud he'll get in trouble ]
I guarded the garden from monsters, I'm not suited for war. I'll probably be hearing those screams in my nightmares for eons if I make it out of this without crumbling.
[oh. oh dear. this wasn't good. this dream was supposed to be pleasant, wasn't it? if Moonlight Cookie brought Stardust Cookie here, then it must have been for some reason. but what? was it to comfort this other Cookie?]
...Forgive me. I do not... understand the nuances of war, and I do not know why you have to be brought into it. But it wasn't my intention to upset you, I swear.
Because the Beasts are helping Dark Enchantress Cookie, so I have to go along with my master.
[ He wouldn't if he didn't have to, but he had no say in the matter. At least he doesn't seem angry just... scared. ]
I'll be fine.
[ Probably. Maybe. If he's honest he'll be shocked if anyone makes it out of this. But after his master was set on fire and he got separated he really wouldn't be surprised by anything happening now. The fighting is too chaotic for him to process. ]
[ Younger sister? Then he had to be just about as powerful, right? He didn't come off that way just speaking to him, but then the only one he's met on the other side were the Hollyberrians who were all prideful of their strength. ]
I'm not offended, this is a... strange situation to be in. You're very casual for talking with one of your sister's enemies.
[ Unless she didn't see him as one, but he doesn't know how she'd be able to tell. Disconnected from the rest of the world he doesn't know much about her or the other legendary cookies. ]
[Stardust Cookie feels so out of the loop right now. if Moonlight Cookie was enemies with Pavlova Cookie, then why would she send Stardust Cookie to him? why is he in this dream bubble Garden? surely his little sister would not send him here for anything underhanded, like to learn information about the enemy. Moonlight isn't like that! perhaps there is... another reason, hopefully something more kind]
I see.
[he feels strangely saddened by this fact. it's clear his mind is scrambling, if the way his brows are knitted together in thought is any indication]
You say you have no choice, yet. You remain allied with the Beasts.
[ His thoughts go to Sugarfly. Her disappearance was undermined by Hollyberry's departure, but he couldn't bring himself to face the possibility of what he would find outside the garden. ]
Eternal Sugar Cookie doesn't take people leaving very well. Those who wanted to often were turned into statues or placed in eternal slumber for their trouble.
[ Such is common knowledge by now, he doesn't feel as much trepidation mentioning it ]
And where else would I even go? I've never known a world outside the Garden and the surrounding area.
[why can't you change your mind? why is Eternal Sugar so possessive? Stardust deflates. things aren't simple, and now he's frustrated.
he breathes out, then in. composing himself. after a moment, the voice he speaks with is not tinged with his anger at the situation. he will answer the question calmly]
...You could go anywhere. Did you know, there are trains that can take Cookies and other creatures all over the galaxy? And even beyond, to other galaxies, to all the vast worlds contained in space itself.
[saying this, even though he's settled down, his eyes light up in excitement. run away, Pavlova...]
[ He looks faintly interested. It's more of a response than he was expecting to get. It takes a bit but that spark of interest pulls a quiet curiosity from him ]
I've never even been on a train before, let alone that there were space trains. A lot changed while we were sealed, I think. I used to dream of running away all the time. About seeing what was out there.
[ He glances over through the foliage. He can hear his mother's voice through the sound of the stream and the chirping of birds. The guilt and fear grips him again. ]
I don't... know if it's that easy, though. If I do run she might track me down. And if I go anywhere on Earthbread I'll just be seen as her-- servant or something. There's no way I won't be blamed for what happened here.
[ Or that's what he thinks, since he's never really been given a chance before. ]
What's it like? Outside, I mean. If all there is is violence and pain like there is now, then...
[ Maybe he's better staying where he at least knows how to mitigate the danger. ]
[he wants to say, then run away from Earthbread altogether, or, I would help you. but there's not much Stardust can do while they are in a dream! giving the other Cookie courage seems to be the only thing Stardust can do for him. after all, you cannot help someone who cannot help themselves. and, if Pavlova truly is trapped, then the only other solution would be to break him out of his cage...
but how?]
Well. I haven't been to Earthbread in a few weeks. I missed all the fighting. Even outside of Earthbread, there will always be pain and suffering. But there is also joy. Watching the sun rise over a hill, following the leaves as they change colors. Truly astonishing things lie beyond this Garden. The war cannot last forever.
[ He's pretty sure the Hollyberrians said similar things when trying to convince his mother to leave. It sounded like nonsense to his ears then. His mother would never be swayed by it. Maybe it's that he's being addressed directly, that Stardust Cookie himself seems so confident in his assertion, or maybe that part of him still wants so badly to see those things himself, but the argument sounds much more convincing now. ]
You know, happiness being fleeting... it's because of that fact that the Garden exists. Despite her cruelty Eternal Sugar Cookie still thinks what she did was best for everyone.
[ She can't see what she became. Part of him wonders if he could have done something about it. The peaceful ambiance suddenly feels claustrophobic, like the invisible barrier keeping him there was closing in. ]
This is partly your dream too, right?
[ He says it quickly, but softly, hushed, like a secret. ]
Then... what's your dream? Let's... go together.
[ Because there was never any way he'd be able to leave on his own. He could convince himself to be fine with the echo of the past instead of reaching for what he wants. ]
[Stardust is quiet for several seconds, his eyes widening. that's right, it's a dream. maybe he was supposed to find Pavlova and show him his own dreams. dreams where he's not lonely, not drifting through endless space, searching for a forgotten home.
saying nothing at first, Stardust Cookie closes his eyes, and the Garden begins to shift into... a busy train station. there are many types of creatures, there, but no humans. and no Eternal Sugar Cookie. everyone is bustling about. it's loud, but no one seems to be afraid.
when Stardust opens his eyes, he'll find he's holding two golden tickets. destination: "anywhere away from the Garden." he holds one ticket to Pavlova]
[ It's been a while since Pavlova has been anywhere this crowded. The amount of hearts this would be in a normal situation would be overwhelming, but thankfully right now he could only read Stardust, and he didn't seem to have many ties to begin with. He puts that aside for the moment as the other Cookie hands him a ticket.
Anywhere away from the Garden.
There's still hesitation, there's still fear, but he's come this far, and it's just a dream, right? She can't get mad about what she doesn't know about.
So he accepts the ticket, and takes the other Cookie's hand for good measure. With how many people were bustling about they might get separated otherwise. ]
[oh? Stardust blinks, glancing down at Pavlova's hand... their hands, joined together. goodness, he can't remember someone ever holding his hand before. except for, maybe, Space Doughnut, but... this feels different, somehow.
in any case, he knows that Pavlova is scared. he can see it. but maybe when they are on the train, they can chat a bit more. away from the confines of the Garden.
he leads them towards the Dream Express, wondering if he is doing the right thing. this all must be according to Moonlight Cookie's plan, right? still, Stardust is apprehensive. he wants to help Pavlova, but what if he can't help him?]
This ticket should tell us where to sit. Once the Conductor comes around, we will need to show her our tickets.
[he gives Pavlova's hand a squeeze before looking down at his ticket to find the seat]
[ It's a bit easier once they're on the train. There was a lot to take in at the station, but it's quieter and more orderly as they find their seats. Predictably right next to each other.
It's an odd feeling, how the fear and excitement mix. He's used to fear winning out in view of the consequences, but here he's being given a chance to do what scares him anyway. To let the excitement of possibility win out. They take their seats and he squeezes Stardust Cookie's hand gently.
He's practically a stranger, and yet he's accepted him more easily than anyone who has ever known him. There's some comfort he finds in that. ]
I wonder where we'll end up... It sounds like you've been a lot of places.
[Stardust muses, glad that they are seated next to each other. today's journey may be more quiet than the others, thanks to this being a dream. it feels like only them are talking right now, even though the train is filled with passengers in the distant background]
I only took up traveling recently, within the past year, or so. Before that, I was wandering through space.
[alone. a slight wince, but he doesn't release Pavlova's hand]
[ Through space? He kind of... glances out the window at the glittering expanse beyond it and... grimaces. Sure, it's freedom, and sure he might not be pursued for what he's done out there, but he'd also be alone, and he hates being alone.
Suddenly Stardust's lack of ties and desire for connection make sense. ]
... Sounds lonely. Is there something you're looking for?
[ Was there a reason he didn't stay with his sister? Surely that would have been better than wandering alone? He doesn't have time to read it just yet, but he gets the sense it's complicated. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ This cookie wandered in here not knowing where this was? A primal, instinctive part of him started to get worried on the stranger's behalf... but he schooled it quickly. This is a dream, and there is no danger. ]
No, I'm referring to the holder of the soul jam of happiness, Eternal Sugar Cookie.
[ He shifts over so that Stardust Cookie can take a spot in the shade with him. He continues plucking idly at his lyre. ]
You must be pretty lost if you ended up here without knowing where you are. The Sugar Rush Mountains are no joke.
[ He doesn't seem to be worse for wear, though. Huh. ]
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either way, he floats over]
I suppose our dreams are linked, in some way. That can only be Moonlight Cookie's doing. She is quite powerful.
[he's definitely heard the name, Eternal Sugar Cookie, before. but not in direct conversations. rather, he's heard chatter amongst train passengers, or in restaurants. Stardust does not know anything else about her. he'll ask in a moment, even if he is more curious about this Cookie in front of him]
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[ Oh, so he was sharing this dream with someone, and someone presumably on the opposite side, since he certainly has never seen him before- though the lack of reaction is curious in that case. The slight tenseness is back as he tries to gauge why this cookie was sent to his dream. Was this a test? ]
I see... then you probably know Eternal Sugar Cookie better as the Beast of Sloth. I'm Pavlova Cookie, one of her "helpers."
[ Not a son, but calling him a minion seemed too harsh. Odd that this cookie didn't... seem to know anything though. Well, he didn't lose anything by asking. What could he do to him in a dream? ]
Were you not taking part in the war? I don't think I saw you out there.
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You're... You're fighting in the war?
[he knew of it, at least, the war on Earthbread against Dark Enchantress Cookie. but he hasn't found that it is his place to become involved. even Moonlight Cookie was... well, she was sort of involved, but not directly]
Are you hurt?!
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Unfortunately. My master is involved so I have to be.
[ He's not expecting the concern, though. The other cookie is so genuinely horrified that he finds it hard to cast doubt ]
I don't think so... something was happening before we all started falling asleep. I think Moonlight Cookie was trying to buy time. Not sure what she could be stalling for, though.
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he shakes his head to clear it and then looks back up at the stranger]
...No one should be forced into something they don't want to do. But even aside from that, aren't you scared?
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[ He sinks down a little, as though if he says that too loud he'll get in trouble ]
I guarded the garden from monsters, I'm not suited for war. I'll probably be hearing those screams in my nightmares for eons if I make it out of this without crumbling.
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...Forgive me. I do not... understand the nuances of war, and I do not know why you have to be brought into it. But it wasn't my intention to upset you, I swear.
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Because the Beasts are helping Dark Enchantress Cookie, so I have to go along with my master.
[ He wouldn't if he didn't have to, but he had no say in the matter. At least he doesn't seem angry just... scared. ]
I'll be fine.
[ Probably. Maybe. If he's honest he'll be shocked if anyone makes it out of this. But after his master was set on fire and he got separated he really wouldn't be surprised by anything happening now. The fighting is too chaotic for him to process. ]
You never told me who you are, you know.
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[he gets a hold of his emotions then places a hand to his chest]
My name is Stardust Cookie. Moonlight Cookie is my younger sister.
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[ Younger sister? Then he had to be just about as powerful, right? He didn't come off that way just speaking to him, but then the only one he's met on the other side were the Hollyberrians who were all prideful of their strength. ]
I'm not offended, this is a... strange situation to be in. You're very casual for talking with one of your sister's enemies.
[ Unless she didn't see him as one, but he doesn't know how she'd be able to tell. Disconnected from the rest of the world he doesn't know much about her or the other legendary cookies. ]
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[he taps his cheek in thought. Stardust supposes that is what Pavlova has been trying to get at, but he didn't understand until it was said outright]
Why are you enemies?
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Just a matter of who we're allied with, I guess. I wouldn't be fighting if I had a choice in any of this.
[ He makes a vague motion to the tranquil surroundings. Where he'd rather be is the farthest thing from a warzone. ]
But we're on opposite sides, and if Eternal Sugar is sealed again, I will be too. So we're enemies.
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I see.
[he feels strangely saddened by this fact. it's clear his mind is scrambling, if the way his brows are knitted together in thought is any indication]
You say you have no choice, yet. You remain allied with the Beasts.
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You can't exactly change your mind...
[ His thoughts go to Sugarfly. Her disappearance was undermined by Hollyberry's departure, but he couldn't bring himself to face the possibility of what he would find outside the garden. ]
Eternal Sugar Cookie doesn't take people leaving very well. Those who wanted to often were turned into statues or placed in eternal slumber for their trouble.
[ Such is common knowledge by now, he doesn't feel as much trepidation mentioning it ]
And where else would I even go? I've never known a world outside the Garden and the surrounding area.
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he breathes out, then in. composing himself. after a moment, the voice he speaks with is not tinged with his anger at the situation. he will answer the question calmly]
...You could go anywhere. Did you know, there are trains that can take Cookies and other creatures all over the galaxy? And even beyond, to other galaxies, to all the vast worlds contained in space itself.
[saying this, even though he's settled down, his eyes light up in excitement. run away, Pavlova...]
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[ He looks faintly interested. It's more of a response than he was expecting to get. It takes a bit but that spark of interest pulls a quiet curiosity from him ]
I've never even been on a train before, let alone that there were space trains. A lot changed while we were sealed, I think. I used to dream of running away all the time. About seeing what was out there.
[ He glances over through the foliage. He can hear his mother's voice through the sound of the stream and the chirping of birds. The guilt and fear grips him again. ]
I don't... know if it's that easy, though. If I do run she might track me down. And if I go anywhere on Earthbread I'll just be seen as her-- servant or something. There's no way I won't be blamed for what happened here.
[ Or that's what he thinks, since he's never really been given a chance before. ]
What's it like? Outside, I mean. If all there is is violence and pain like there is now, then...
[ Maybe he's better staying where he at least knows how to mitigate the danger. ]
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but how?]
Well. I haven't been to Earthbread in a few weeks. I missed all the fighting. Even outside of Earthbread, there will always be pain and suffering. But there is also joy. Watching the sun rise over a hill, following the leaves as they change colors. Truly astonishing things lie beyond this Garden. The war cannot last forever.
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[ He's pretty sure the Hollyberrians said similar things when trying to convince his mother to leave. It sounded like nonsense to his ears then. His mother would never be swayed by it. Maybe it's that he's being addressed directly, that Stardust Cookie himself seems so confident in his assertion, or maybe that part of him still wants so badly to see those things himself, but the argument sounds much more convincing now. ]
You know, happiness being fleeting... it's because of that fact that the Garden exists. Despite her cruelty Eternal Sugar Cookie still thinks what she did was best for everyone.
[ She can't see what she became. Part of him wonders if he could have done something about it. The peaceful ambiance suddenly feels claustrophobic, like the invisible barrier keeping him there was closing in. ]
This is partly your dream too, right?
[ He says it quickly, but softly, hushed, like a secret. ]
Then... what's your dream? Let's... go together.
[ Because there was never any way he'd be able to leave on his own. He could convince himself to be fine with the echo of the past instead of reaching for what he wants. ]
they took the midnight train going anywhere
saying nothing at first, Stardust Cookie closes his eyes, and the Garden begins to shift into... a busy train station. there are many types of creatures, there, but no humans. and no Eternal Sugar Cookie. everyone is bustling about. it's loud, but no one seems to be afraid.
when Stardust opens his eyes, he'll find he's holding two golden tickets. destination: "anywhere away from the Garden." he holds one ticket to Pavlova]
Come with me, if only for a moment.
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[ It's been a while since Pavlova has been anywhere this crowded. The amount of hearts this would be in a normal situation would be overwhelming, but thankfully right now he could only read Stardust, and he didn't seem to have many ties to begin with. He puts that aside for the moment as the other Cookie hands him a ticket.
Anywhere away from the Garden.
There's still hesitation, there's still fear, but he's come this far, and it's just a dream, right? She can't get mad about what she doesn't know about.
So he accepts the ticket, and takes the other Cookie's hand for good measure. With how many people were bustling about they might get separated otherwise. ]
Of course. I... wouldn't want to go alone anyway.
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in any case, he knows that Pavlova is scared. he can see it. but maybe when they are on the train, they can chat a bit more. away from the confines of the Garden.
he leads them towards the Dream Express, wondering if he is doing the right thing. this all must be according to Moonlight Cookie's plan, right? still, Stardust is apprehensive. he wants to help Pavlova, but what if he can't help him?]
This ticket should tell us where to sit. Once the Conductor comes around, we will need to show her our tickets.
[he gives Pavlova's hand a squeeze before looking down at his ticket to find the seat]
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[ It's a bit easier once they're on the train. There was a lot to take in at the station, but it's quieter and more orderly as they find their seats. Predictably right next to each other.
It's an odd feeling, how the fear and excitement mix. He's used to fear winning out in view of the consequences, but here he's being given a chance to do what scares him anyway. To let the excitement of possibility win out. They take their seats and he squeezes Stardust Cookie's hand gently.
He's practically a stranger, and yet he's accepted him more easily than anyone who has ever known him. There's some comfort he finds in that. ]
I wonder where we'll end up... It sounds like you've been a lot of places.
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[Stardust muses, glad that they are seated next to each other. today's journey may be more quiet than the others, thanks to this being a dream. it feels like only them are talking right now, even though the train is filled with passengers in the distant background]
I only took up traveling recently, within the past year, or so. Before that, I was wandering through space.
[alone. a slight wince, but he doesn't release Pavlova's hand]
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[ Through space? He kind of... glances out the window at the glittering expanse beyond it and... grimaces. Sure, it's freedom, and sure he might not be pursued for what he's done out there, but he'd also be alone, and he hates being alone.
Suddenly Stardust's lack of ties and desire for connection make sense. ]
... Sounds lonely. Is there something you're looking for?
[ Was there a reason he didn't stay with his sister? Surely that would have been better than wandering alone? He doesn't have time to read it just yet, but he gets the sense it's complicated. ]
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