After sanding, what is the next step for dried pastillage pieces?

The next step for dried pastillage pieces after sanding is to prepare them for assembly, which involves gluing. Sanding serves to smooth the surfaces of the pastillage, making it easier to bond pieces together when assembling structures or decorations. At this stage, the pastillage has already dried and hardened, making it suitable for the use of specific adhesives, such as royal icing or other edible glues, to secure various components in place. This process is crucial for ensuring that the final presentation is stable and visually appealing.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the proper procedure following sanding. Discarding the pieces would negate the effort put into creating them. Gluing them is essential, and storing may be an option afterward but is not the immediate next step. Tempering, a process typically associated with chocolate, does not apply to pastillage.