This still didn't make sense.

Starshine Cookie's gaze kept sweeping back to the door. When it would swing back open again.

No information, nothing at all. Why? And those two paladins. They want to get the consul, whoever that is. It was all happening too fast. Her whole body hurts, a quiet ache, and yet she couldn't pinpoint where it was exactly. Her head was a little better though.

The sound of the door once more opening with a creek caught Starshine Cookie's attention before she could spiral for too long.

"Ah, I see our guest has awakened." A male voice sounded.

Inside the room stepped a fairly tall Cookie with light blonde hair and emerald eyes. Tailored white suit, poised, wearing a practiced, nearly perfect smile.

"Hello. My name is Clotted Cream Cookie." His voice was smooth, but beneath it lay something deeper that Starshine Cookie couldn't quite name. "You've endured much, I'm told. I trust our dear paladins have informed you of your... unusual case."

He extended a gloved hand. "May I call you Starshine Cookie?"

Her throat tightened ⎯  it felt like someone had forgotten how to speak through her. But no, it was her voice and her name, and she needed to convince herself of it.

"Yes."

She shook his hand slowly, her grip a bit stronger than his.

He nodded. "I understand you require rest, but I'll only be a moment. I would like to speak with you, if you're willing."

Starshine Cookie nodded once as well. "Please."

He took a seat opposite her, leaving a respectful distance. "Firstly: your name. You remember it. Everything else is... blank," he spoke thoughtfully, "is that correct?"

"It is."

"How does that feel?"

Her jaw clenched. "Empty. And unreal. Like... shadows where memories might've been. A vertigo." She swallowed. "I'm... I can't tell you anything. It is simply... gone. All of it."

His own eyes bore into Starshine Cookie's with such a piercing gaze, she almost thought about shouting at him, shaking his shoulders and asking him for answers she knew he didn't have instead of staring at her. But she held her tongue. His eyes held no malice, she told herself, just consideration of what to do with her.

"A mystery." He crossed his legs. "Certainly an unusual one. We have records of every Cookie that has once been here, you know. Yet your name, your face ⎯  nothing. You're... new to us."

Starshine Cookie's eyes flickered. "So you don't know who I am?"

Clotted Cream Cookie shook his head. "No. Which is why I wish to help. I take it you have nowhere to go. The republic owes us each an origin. You deserve a safe place." He paused, but she wasn't sure if it was for his own thinking or just dramatic effect. "What would you say if I offered you a place in the Crème Republic?"

Starshine Cookie coughed into her hand. "I'm sorry?"

He looked at her, awaiting an answer.

She stared right back, lips pressed into a thin line. "Why would you give me such an offer..?" Frankly, why did he care? Caution. Caution was good. She didn't trust this all fully.

"Why, isn't hospitality an important trait I, and the Creme Republic, must possess?" Clotted Cream Cookie chuckles. "I simply seek to help you."

The female thought, taking this provide into account. It was a securing thought ⎯  one that she should show gratitude for. But her head hesitated, and it told her to guard herself with suspicion. This was almost too... easy. Too kind, taking a too quick start. But what else should she even do?

...Very well.

"So long as you help me understand what... happened to me. And so long as I have autonomy."

He inclined his head gravely. "Of course. You may choose to stay in the guest wing, and move about freely once you're ready. It suits me you remain close while repairing the fragments of your past."

While he paused, she took the opportunity to study him quietly. Something just didn't feel right about him.

"If... you recall even the faintest thing," he continued, "a sliver, anything at all, my office door remains open, or we may run into each other. But do not feel pressured."

Starshine Cookie bristled. "Thank you." Even gratitude threaded with unease. Not an ounce of trust. Was she always like this? "I... appreciate it."

His smile formed again. "Good." Rising from his seat, Clotted Cream Cookie dusted off his shoulders. "For now, you need rest, nourishment, and time to process. I will not intrude further today. Discovering who you are ⎯  and who you might be ⎯  can wait."

"Farewell." she muttered.

At the door, he stopped in his tracks, hand hovering inches over the knob.

"...You will find a home here, should you wish it. I assure you."

Without another word, he was gone.

Starshine Cookie watched his exit, but her mind still whirred and raged like a storm. She wondered: was this really just about a statesman's duties... or the prologue to something else? He treated her kindly...

And yet, she couldn't help but feel like she just wasn't supposed to be here.

Later that afternoon, behind closed double doors in the consul's private study, Clotted Cream Cookie, Financier Cookie and Kouign-Amann Cookie all convened.  The pleated drapes were drawn, air heavy.

Financier Cookie leaned forward, clasping her hands together. "Sir. The new arrival ⎯  Starshine Cookie ⎯  she's a complete mystery. Identity unknown, story unknown. I realize you're offering sanctuary to her... but is it prudent?"

Clotted Cream Cookie unfolded his hands. "She needs guidance. And I'm not asking for blind trust, only oversight."

Kouign-Amann Cookie looked a decent amount of worried. "People will whisper. The Convocation of Elders especially. A stranger. They'll question: why did we welcome her so readily?"

And the paladin asked herself that too.

The consul blinked. "She is not the first Cookie to be taken in."

"But the first one that doesn't know herself."

"Let them whisper." He disregarded. "She's already been spoken of in official logs for days, and the denizens are calming down. An anomaly, yes, but contained." He stood, smoothing out his coat. "Besides, her presence is not a big announcement. Simply a minor matter of stability."

Kouign-Amann Cookie's brow creased with concern. "A minor matter, you say ⎯  but if she recovers memory... or if she doesn't, the ripple could grow."

His lips curled into a restrained smile. He moved towards the window, looking out to the city. "I trust life will proceed with one unusual Cookie. The Cookies are too focused with trade, academics... not every newcomer. If she⎯ "

"Starshine Cookie."

"⎯ recovers, we will accept it. If she doesn't... we help her forge a new life. In either case, she'll serve a purpose. One that is yet to be revealed."

Financier Cookie narrowed her eyes. "Serve a purpose." she repeated. "You speak as though she were a tool..."

Clotted Cream Cookie turned to look at his bodyguard. "I speak as though she is a Cookie whom I intend to support." He moved back to the desk, seated. "My proposal: keep an eye on her, and give her time."

The pink paladin put her hands on the desk, hesitant, but not showing it. "I volunteer to show her around and assist her. Be her friend, should she wish it."

Financier Cookie glanced at her. "Noble."

A smile. "I know."

Lacing his fingers, the consul nods. "A sound plan. Don't put too much thought into it, you two. She is simply someone we will help, someone who might even become an ally."

There it was: a small twinkle in his eyes. Something... confident. The two females exchanged a look when they caught it.

Financier Cookie cleared her throat. "I'll make sure her room is prepared. Let's hope she trusts us."

Kouign-Amann Cookie dipped her head. "And I will offer her a walk later. To converse, and for a little tour."

Clotted Cream Cookie rose, smoothing his cuffs. "Excellent. We remain united." He gave them each a gentle smile ⎯  one that could've been warmth. Or not.