mistymansion | (no subject)

[ A grunt as Lace gets Hornet's arm over her shoulder, half from surprise and half from pain. She appreciates the gesture, as much as it hurts to stand. No matter. She did not intend on dying in the Abyss. She had much more life left to live -- and so did this bug at her side, even if Lace did not embrace it yet.

Hornet gets to her feet, stumbling briefly. She took a good few knocks to her head, but she makes a point of forcing herself to get it together. She leans on Lace far less than she should. It would be bad for her image if she draped herself over her. ]

...

[ Hornet glances over her shoulder.

The little Ghost she had once known was not so little anymore.

She wishes she could spend more time with her sibling, but the world had always kept on moving regardless of how she had ever felt.

Perhaps they would meet again one day -- one day, when she could introduce Lace.

She thinks of Grand Mother Silk, too, and everything and everyone she left behind for others to clean up; all the pieces left to put together.

Hornet treks on, as she always has.

There is silence again for some time as she walks with Lace. She likes how Lace's touch feels on her. It feels like a certain kind of touch she has not had in so very long. The old yet familiar warmth of this touch, ancient and dusty, rises and wraps around her like the tendrils of the Abyss. ]

Are you injured? I would ease your pain in any way that I am able.

[Lace's mind is blank as they walk on.

None of this went how she expected.

She had been full of jealousy, rage and pity when she learned of her mother's plans for Hornet. It was what had driven her to send that silk fly to the enchanted cage she'd been brought it. It was simple. She'd free her, then kill her and eventually her mother's continued dependence on her would see her acknowledged and loved.

In retrospect, perhaps not the best plan, but it's hardly as if things could get worse. Not to mention if her mother had been successful, merely binding the spider would have been the kindest thing she could do.

Yet because of that single action, here they were. Her mother dead, herself nearly dead as well lost to phenomena she knew nothing about, and look how the land had changed.

What was to happen now?

Her thoughts were broken by Hornet's question and it takes a moment for Lace to parse what she said.]

Oh spider, how sweet of you. I did not know you could be so soft. No, there is nothing that cannot wait. [There were tears in her body but surprisingly that void had absorbed the worst of it.] Save your energy.

[She stopped and stared ahead where she could see a dead end, looked around, then cast her gaze upward. Hm. That was a long ways up.]

[ Soft? Ridiculous. Hornet holds her tongue. She has to press in just so with her fangs to keep a lashing contained. Whatever she could say in response is lost as they hit a dead end and Hornet peers up at the long and daunting channel right above her head, anyways.

It's a long way up. Any fall from a climb attempt would prove deadly. Though, Hornet sees light at the far end of the chamber -- dreary and gloomy light, but light nonetheless.

Another leap would be needed. Good thing she had plenty of silk at hand.

She eases off of Lace's shoulder, takes a deep breath to summon her strength and kneels, a silent invitation for Lace to...climb into her arms. She hadn't considered the possibility that she'd have to carry her while conscious and -- there is not exactly any good position that isn't either tender or ridiculous or both. Getting it over with as fast as possible is preferable, but Hornet has a feeling Lace isn't going to let her forget this one way or another. ]

Come. I can get us both up there, but I need to carry you.

[ She's praying Lace doesn't say anything and just listens. Please. ]

[Lace gave Hornet a skeptical look. She looked upward once more, considering. She could jump high, but certainly not that high. Which meant there wasn't exactly a whole lot of options left to them.

Being carried away in such a manner felt downright humiliating and she might have considered just staying down here, but she doubted the pathway would be clear of vicious creatures and in Hornet's case...

Internally she wasn't pleased about this but she put on her usual saccharine smile and does just that, slipping into the weaver's arms. Unsurprisingly, the silk creature is quite light, much more so than her appearance might indicate.]

If you wished to be this close, spider, you need only have said so.

[She wraps her arms loosely around Hornet's neck and winks. Well. She listened, but she still had to run her mouth.]

[ SIGH. Hornet gnashes her fangs again. ]

Insolent child, you push my patience to limits I did not know I had. I ought to leave you here for your absence of any humility, but you would prefer it that way. Hold on tightly.

[ One last look over her shoulder, so brief it could be missed with a blink, thinking again of her family in the darkness, and Hornet crouches, sends her needle shooting upwards until it finds purchase in the roof, and soars with Lace tightly in her claws. Upside down, she clings tightly to the ceiling, then releases and lands on her feet with a well-measured hop.

There are old lamps here. Light, more light. She has a better look at Lace here and she takes the chance to observe her. She is just as feather-light and as soft as Hornet had imagined, as plush as her own silk. It puts no strain on her already aching muscles and -- she gets a good look at Lace's features, too, now that they aren't dueling. She looks delicate and gentle and Hornet feels she could break her accidentally.

...

That settles it. She carries on with Lace in her arms. If she gets cheeky Hornet will just throw her over her shoulder. ]

I have made my decision. I shall carry you the rest of the way out. After that, I will return your freedom. [ She paused. What was Lace going to do now? ] ...My condolences for the loss of your mother. Yet, you are your own bug now -- free to make your own decisions, and free to be anyone you'd like. Though, if you attempt to return here again, know that I shall stop you.

[As much as she disliked the reminder of what she was meant to be, it was worth it. Hornet was perfect. An incredible fighter that has bested her at every turn, one almost always confident and calm, beautiful and from what she has seen during her times observing her, inventive and kind.

Most of all, she was a real bug. One who could create the most brilliant of silk, instead of one who needed copious amounts to be sustained.

No wonder her mother had preferred her.

Being able to needle Hornet was satisfying for that, but also the adorable reaction she gave.

...

Perhaps she deserved the title, but at this point, what did it matter?

She's going to make a remark when she notices Hornet look back. It's not the first time she seems distracted and Lace is about to ask if she left something behind when Hornet follows up on her statement.]

Now come now. How are either of us to fight if we come across any nasty little creatures? I can walk the rest of the way.

[She pointedly ignored the comments of her mother and freedom]

[ Another leap, and another one. The air is getting warmer here. She can feel the welcoming heat on her face and relief washes over her. Not too far off from Deep Docks now. ]

In that case, I will defend us both. You were a far more challenging opponent than anything roaming these paths. Rest.

[ She hoists Lace over one shoulder. Up she goes. ]

You did not answer my question, little bug. What will you do?

[ As much as Hornet wants to give Lace the absolute freedom she deserves, a part of her is worried about leaving her on her own. Not just because she is concerned she will spiral or break down without anyone to lean on after having her life uprooted, but because it feels unfair, somehow. Lace had saved her from being pulled into the Abyss, and Hornet had saved Lace from being consumed by it.

They had a connection now. She feels as if Lace must have come into her life for a reason.

She would like to spend some time together.

Bellhome?

But there was only... ]

You can stay a while in my home, if you would like. ...But there is only one bed.

[ Hornet frowns. That is no way to treat a lady and a guest. And Lace, as much of a little brat as she is, is still a lady. ]

No matter. I can sleep on the couch.

H-hey now!

[Lace complained when she went up over that shoulder. How undignified! Still, as much as she wanted to she wasn't about to start flailing. If that did anything at all, it would be to send them both tumbling down.

Unfortunately it looks like she hadn't evaded the question and she goes silent because truly? She hasn't the faintest idea. Her Mother is gone and she refuses to compartmentalize all that makes her feel. Phantom is gone. She had no other family and certainly no friends and she had been ready to die for so, so long.

Really, the only connection of any sort she had was to this spider and she couldn't conceive of why...]

Why are you being so kind, spider? I've tried to kill you. Thrice.

[She's surprised to hear she has a home. Lace would have thought the moment she had shoved her mother into the void she would have been rid of this place entirely. It's not an unpleasant thought, staying with her. Hornet certainly is the only person she respects, even if her taunts might make it seem otherwise.]

You, and many others. You did what was expected of you. I hold no grudges, silk creature.

[ ...Unless Lace tries again. That would be a different story. But Hornet doubts this. She seems placated enough now.

Another jump, and Hornet unlocks a large stone door, then shoves with all her might against the imposing slab until it swings open. Out. Heat blasts her face, her carapace. Lava. Fire. She has never been so glad and so relieved to feel this smoldering intensity, all the haemolymph in her body, frigid from the Abyss, warming at once.

It had long felt as if this day would not end. She wants nothing more than to go and find her beloved Bell Beast.

Yet first--

Hornet gently deposits Lace on the ground, on her feet. Her promise. ]

I have witnessed the needless death of many bugs, and seen countless others become chained to fates they would not choose for themselves. I would not have another. Not if I can stop it.

[ She holds a hand out. An offering, here in this smoldering, deep crater. ]

I tire of leaving only destruction in my path. I wish to see you live and become something new. Would you go with me?

[Well then. Hornet was certainly a more forgiving person than she was. The next comment makes Lace defensive. Was this pity again? If there was something in it for Hornet that would have been a relief. If the pale being was expecting something in return then Lace would understand. It just didn't make sense to her.

Hornet wasn't one of those overly naive saccharine goody-goody types. She understood, even better than Lace originally thought, how nasty the world truly was. It was survival of the fittest and people either fell into the category of claimed, whether as a means of food or servitude, or did the claiming.

When Hornet puts her down, Lace just continues to stare, expression devoid of its usual false mirth. Her arms were folded and remained so for a moment when Hornet held out her hand.

Lace couldn't believe her. Not yet, anyway. Who would go out of their way for an object with nothing to gain in return? But what exactly did she have to lose? What would she do if not follow this strange bug? It would be interesting, at least, to see what would happen with the mask metaphorically came off.]

Hum. Have it your way, spider.

[She took Hornet's hand.]

Good.

[ It's said warmly. Admittedly, Hornet had not expected much resistance if any at all. Lace had nothing left to lose, at this point.

Still, she gives Lace's hand a little squeeze. She has grown fond of Lace, and an effort has been made to swallow her insults and names. She does not mind Lace calling her a spider, though. An accurate statement.

It is an attempt at a comforting gesture, though Hornet worries it's too much. She has not navigated anything like...this, in an age or two. ]

If you do not wish for my touch, I would hope that you tell me, and I will cease. Nonetheless, I enjoy touching your hand. The silk is very soft.

[ Hornet gently leads Lace along, walking with her, not pulling her or commanding her. She takes the time to look at Lace again. The stare is probably awkward, but Hornet does not seem to notice. She takes note of her brilliant white eyes, how she is round and her plush silk is inviting, unlike the cold machinery of other artificial beings.

Ah. How had Hornet ended up here? Trapped in a cage, taken to Pharloom...she hadn't the slightest clue what was in store for her. ]

There is someone I would like for you to meet, pale one. She is a large beast, but gentle. She allied herself with me long ago, and has helped me ever since. She will take us to Bellhart very fast. You, too, are welcome to travel with her as you please, if you like.

[Lace is flabbergasted at the show of affection and Hornet's candid words. She had been pointedly not allowing herself to think about it, but Hornet straight out saying she enjoyed touching her hand and making it clear her consent was important made it hard to ignore.

She had actually liked being carried. More so in her arms than over her shoulder but there had been something comforting about it. Lace had little in terms of self preservation but she could not deny how pleasant it felt to be protected...cared for.

...

Oh how revolting. She cannot believe that thought slithered into her mind.]

Worry not. I will be certain to let you know when I am displeased.

[She would make it very loud and very clear. Annoyingly so. Or maybe not. As much as she distrusted Hornet's sincerity there was only one thing she disliked and that was being called a child. That word just carried too much weight. Yet she hadn't exactly been kind in how she addressed her. Maybe if she just called her by her name...

An absurd realization suddenly hit Lace.

Yet that realization was put on a hold when the bug spoke. Lace had been so deep in thought it took her a moment to parse everything that had been said.]

Ah. Yes. That's fine. [She answered distractedly. Then it fully hit her.]

Wait. You do not mean a bell beast, do you? I thought those had died out long ago.

I do mean a bell beast. Is this a problem for you? This one has children, so evidently, there is at least one other.

[ On cue, she pulls Lace into the bell station and taps the bell with her needle. It's been a while since her beast has seen her, so she lets a grand shout loose on top of it, her call bouncing through the cavernous network of pathways.

A few seconds of silence pass. There is a great shaking and rumbling under the sea of bells before the beast emerges as a glorious eruption. Seemingly unaware of how large she is, she spins in a circle when she lands, stomping her feet excitedly. ]

Hello, good beast. There is someone I would like you to meet. [ She gestures by tilting her head, tipping her horns at Lace. ] This is Lace. She is a friend.

[ Hornet surveys the sea of bells at the floor. The mess of them is nearly impossible for any ordinary bug to trek through. What would become of these bells, now that she had felled Grand Mother Silk? They had been a grand symbol of faith and perseverance once, but now -- would any bug ever make pilgrimage to the Citadel ever again? Perhaps moss and roots would find their way through the walkways and claim the bells as their own. Perhaps they would become architecture. ]

Lace, meet beast. [ Hornet nudges Lace forward. ] If you would like to touch her snout, she will remember who you are. She has an impressive sense of smell, even better than that of a blood-sucking pest.

It is not. [Lace assured. She had simply been surprised. She had only read about bell beasts. The stations had been closed before her creation, so she thought them all gone.

Lace awkwardly steps forward at the nudge but after a brief pause reaches out a hand to pet the bell beast.]

Well, that certainly explains a lot. I wonder at how quickly you managed to go back and forth to so many places.

[Hearing her name spoken...yes. Even she could admit that was nice though she was quite taken back by being described as a friend. Was she saying that just to keep the creature in check?]

Edited 2025-10-17 21:57 (UTC)

Believe it or not, I was actually sprinting very fast. It is good exercise.

[ Hornet's attempt at a joke. Awful!

The bell beast takes quickly to Lace. It must be -- though Hornet will not speak a word of it -- because Lace herself smells a good bit like Hornet now. Ah. The idea would likely be mortifying for her.

There are no lies here. For a long while Lace was rival, then acquaintance, then friend, as awkward as it all is. Hornet hopes the behavior of her travel-beast helps get her authenticity across even if only a little. Bugs like this were always good at picking up the subconscious. Had she any secret maliciousness, the bell beast would have noticed. ]

Off we go to Bellhart, my beast. [ And up you have to go, Lace. ] Would you like a hand? Lace?

[ Ah. The name is still odd on her tongue. She hopes that Lace likes hearing it. ]

[Lace blinked and looked at her. That was such a terrible joke she assumed it wasn't one. Well. She had seen how quick and agile she was in battle so she supposed?

The beast is...cute in a way. Lace had never been allowed to have pets and unlike people there isn't really any ardor to be have for them. None operated out of malice and simply survival and there was something comforting in that, even the dangerous ones.

While not needed, she takes Hornet's hand all the same so she can settle on the beast.]

How fast does it go?

Not too fast. Since you are not used to her, we will go at a slower pace. [ Now seated comfortably, she gives her beast an encouraging pat. ] Slowly now. Take us away.

[ The bell beast coos and chuffs at her before settling into a walk. Then a light trot. Then, a quicker jog. And then--

She takes off sprinting, barreling her way through the network of tunnels at an impressive speed for such a chunky thing. ]

--!

[ Hornet is nearly blown out of her seat. What's gotten into her steed? She's never done this before. Hornet clutches Lace tight to herself with one arm, her claws digging into the bell beast's carapace, struggling to see anything past her with the force of the wind blowing her cloak in her face. ]

Slowly. Slowly!

[ The bell beast doesn't seem to hear Hornet -- or if she does, she ignores her. A thread of silk erupts from Hornet's shell and wraps around the bell beast's neck. Once it's wound tight Hornet yanks her needle back and the mount sputters to an apologetic halt, then continues at a far more reasonable trot, throwing both its riders forward with the momentum change.

Hornet's chest heaves. ]

My apologies. She is not usually like this, but she hasn't been ridden in a while. I suppose she was...excited. To stretch her legs.

[ The pace is quite pleasant now.

Dare Hornet think it is even a bit...romantic?

No. Thought discarded. It must be that hit she took to her head. ]

This is nice, is it not?

[Lace lets out a loud yelp when the breakneck speed starts and her arms instinctively go around Hornet, clinging tightly lest she goes flying off. Unfortunately at this speed there's nothing to keep her cornette from doing just that and it gets carried off into the wind, left behind in the bellway.

She screws her eyes shut and opens only, when finally, Hornet gets it back in control.

If she had a heart it would be beating right now.

Her long white hair is a tumbling mess, but otherwise she appears and just offers a dry look and response.]

Perhaps the dear is just trying to help you get rid of the excess baggage.

[Looks like Lace wasn't any better at jokes. If it was a joke. With a small sigh she relaxes, not noticing she hasn't let go of Hornet yet. Shocking as that was, Hornet wasn't wrong. The purring sounds of their mount was pleasing, as was the jingling of the bells around them.]

Just how did you find it?

[ Hornet turns to give Lace a stern look for the comment, but the sight of her--

Hornet feels a leap in her chest.

An old and ancient and dusty leap that has not stirred for so very long.

She had not -- she had not realized that Lace had-- ]

...

[ There is no way around it. Lace is beautiful. Her hair is impossibly long and gleaming and Hornet feels the loose strands of it catch the wind from their movement and tickle at her face. Lovely. She loses track of her thoughts. ]

...I found her trapped in a tangle of silk and freed her. She attacked me -- whether it was a challenge to gain her respect or she was frightened, I do not know -- but she allied herself with me soon after I bested her. As you said, nobody has used these tunnels for quite some time. She seems to enjoy it.

[ Lace is still holding onto her. Should she say something? Should she offer to go back and gather the silk Lace lost? Yet...Lace seemed just fine like this. Perhaps there was something cathartic about having her hair freed. Regardless, Hornet was pleased her new companion had begun to feel comfortable in her presence.

Hornet is learning many things about Lace. What has she told Lace of herself?

Thinking for a moment, Hornet makes a blunt and simple observation out of nowhere. ]

You do not know my name, do you?

[FUCK.]

[The fact that Lace did not know Hornet's name was the absurd realization that had befallen her earlier. She had meant to ask, then got distracted by Hornet's comment revolving around travel, and was shocked when Hornet introduced her by name.

How did the spider know that?

Well. After that she certainly wasn't going to admit she didn't know. Lace had been hoping she could figure it out once they got to Belhart where others knew her but....she was caught.

For a moment her mind scrambled to try and find a way out of this but eventually she just gave in a sheepishly admitted it:]

....no.

[ Just as Hornet had expected. It was a guess, admittedly, but an educated one. She'd never given Lace her name, and Lace had never asked for it. The interesting sudden absence of pet names had made her curious. ]

I am Hornet.

[ Spoken bluntly. Though...Hornet feels it's likely her name probably raises more questions than answers. She had the locals to thank for telling her a little bit about Lace, but Lace hadn't had that privilege, she supposed. ]

I suppose in the end it is more accurate to refer to me as "spider", though some Weaver here have shown dismay for the title, for the fact that I have only half a spider's blood. [ She's referring to the First Sinner, of course, who had referred to her as a half-breed rather than a daughter. ] I confess I have no blood of a hornet at all, though I do have the teachings of one. My needle stings as hard as any.

((ooc; btw I meant to mention when I DM'd you, if you want to take any icons from

silksentinel feel free! I got permission from all artists to make those so if you do, you only need to credit them, not me))

[That did raise questions, but thankfully Hornet provided them before Lace could muster the question.

Hornet, huh.

A pretty fierce sounding name. It suited her.

That fierceness was one of the first things to attract her. When they first met and Lace made the promise to preemptively end her suffering there had been no fear. No fear, no rage, no demands for answers.....just a simple, confident dismissal and statement to raise her pin.

And what a thrilling fight it had been. For a moment Lace had forgotten everything else in the midst of it all.]

Oh, I know that well. [She gave a small laugh at that.]

As do many in this kingdom, certainly.

[It's then that she finally realizes she had still been clinging to Hornet, and with an abrupt jerk she lets go. Embarrassing. She quickly asks a question to move on from it.]

And your other half. Wyrm, was it? Is that from which you gain your divinity?

(( that's so sweet of you! thank you for the generous offer! ^_^ ♡ ))

That is right, silken one. From my father.

[ It's too bad Lace has let go of her. No matter. Soon they would arrive in Bellhart and she would have to let go anyways. Hornet notes that Lace is being quite well-mannered this time around. Is it exhaustion? She is curious to know how she'll act after getting her footing, after a few days of Hornet's company and proximity to her. Hornet understands that at least some part of Lace is an act, but she has quite a bite to her that does seem authentic, even partially. Surely she can't stay so polite for too long... ]

In my home kingdom they say that the Wyrm are divine -- and myself, by extension. I have always been treated as such. But since arriving in Pharloom, I have begun to question the word. Here I am regarded as any other bug. Is a creature still divine if nobody worships them as such?

[ It's actually been a refreshing change to be treated this way after the stagnancy of Hallownest. Hornet is so old that there have been times entire ages have passed with nothing significantly changing in her life, ever bound to that role of a sentinel for a decaying kingdom. Pharloom has quelled the boredom rather nicely. ]

Surely you do not view me as divine. I understand I have been a nuisance in your life thus far.

Edited 2025-10-19 01:31 (UTC)

(( ♡ ))

A person is divine, or they are not. It is simply a matter of fact. Now, if your question is whether I have any fancy to worship you, you are correct. There is no chance. [She responded plaintively.

Her Mother had made it very clearly the difference between Her and those bugs born of the earth, and how all should act accordingly.]

A nuisance in my life and my death, but I suppose it has at least been entertaining.

still getting used to hornet myself so forgive me

you're doing great, no worries! <3

♡♡♡

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they're so cute already oh my goodness...

they aarrree

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lmfao hornet

LMAO

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1/2

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