The apocalypse has come and gone, and against all odds, Pharloom remains standing. The time has come for Hornet to return to Hallownest, accompanied by friends and allies: Shakra hopes to explore the mythical land beyond the wastes, and properly lay to rest a member of her own tribe; Lace fears unraveling without the aid of a Weaver, while contending with the immensity of a future free of her mother’s threads; and the Green Prince lives only only to spite the Citadel, passively seeking a more honorable end than might be found in the rubble of his homeland.
Meanwhile, Hornet returns from Pharloom with magic and knowledge that might aid in the slow recovery of Hallownest and Deepnest–and perhaps offer the chance to call home the sibling she once thought lost to her forever.
Chapter 8: Is It The Light You Fear, Or What It Might Illuminate
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Lace, Hollow, and Shakra are chilling together in the Queen's Gardens; meanwhile, it's time for more Mantis Politics! A look at what's happening with Deepnest, Hornet's immediate future plans, and Vise's leadership ability.
Also, the Green Prince has a bit of a crash out! It was probably a bit overdue...
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Transcript:
Page 1
Lace: So... why are we shilly-shallying about?
Shakra: Hornet-Wielding-Needle--
Lace: Yes, yes... I know what the spider would do. But why wait?
Lace: You never hesitated in ransacking my kingdom. Surely for so savvy a wayfinder, the fungal expanse poses no more threat than Bilewater's detritus.
Shakra: Dondakku! Even if such conduct would not jeopardize my friend's alliance, this is no cursed land whose denizens attack with mindless abandon.
Shakra: It is no burden, child-wielding-pin, to rest... to reflect. It is a gift.
Lace: ....finding your "wisdom" dull does not mark me a child. In fact... I suspect I am very much your senior. You really ought to show me proper respect.
Hollow (signing): Okay!
Lace: No.
Page 2
Vise: Entrances to the Fungal Uplands have been secured, with minor activity reported at the gates of the Weeping City. However, Deepnest remains our primary concern.
Hornet: Apprise me of the current situation.
Vise: Ten or so cycles past, a routine patrol was ambushed without warning by a dirtcarver swarm. We hoped the incident isolated... but attacks persist, crawling ever closer to our core.
Hornet: Do you believe these coordinated strikes?
Vise: No. Though they demonstrate a viciousness not seen since the days of the infection, they overwhelm by sheer numbers rather than strategy.
Hornet: Ah! That is... concerning.
Hornet: But it seems unlikely a new power has emerged to claim the region. Something else has slunk from the shadows to disturb their nests. But what, I cannot say.
Page 3
Vise: The Gardens are not similarly besieged?
Hornet: They make a poor target, so steeped in godlight. However, I go soon to tend my mother's shrine; I will inform you, should answers present themselves.
Vise: In the interim, can nothing more be done? Perhaps the Lady might lend aid--
The Green Prince: Pah.
The Green Prince: I had feared you a dullard, but in truth you are a fool.
Helter: That's out of line!
Vise: Peace, Helter. Our new friend has been naught but courteous 'til now.
Vise: Insult or no, I would learn what provoked him so. Tell, then. What earned me so grand a title as fool?
The Green Prince: Mere disappointment that you so readily forsake your own tradition to chase pale grace.
Page 4
Vise: ...the Lady is an ally, one I thought we shared.
The Green Prince: Ally or no, she is a god. No good ever comes of drawing their gaze.
The Green Prince: Did you mistake me a wanderer? An adventurer? I am neither. Because of them, I am a prince without a people, orphan of a land lost to all memory but my own. Because of them, I am nothing.
The Green Prince: So ally with them if you must-- But know this: They will take everything, and they will not ask.
Page 5
Vise: ....
The Green Prince: ....
The Green Prince: I... I don't...
The Green Prince: Forgive my forwardness.
Vise: ...no, you honored my ask... now I will honor your answer and think on your words. for now, prior orders hold. Attend the borders...
The Mantis Lord: ....
Vise: I and my guard will take the lead investigating matters in Deepnest.
Vise: The meeting is adjourned.
The Mantis Lord: Foreign Lord, named kin.
The Mantis Lord: I would have us speak.
