Gilly

Conversing is a pleasure, but I must return to my observance. Try not to leave too much of a trail when you leave, please.

Hornet

These are dangerous fields, young one, not for casual wandering. What task sees you brave them?

A treacherous quest! But a crucial one! Upon the last wish of my father, I’ve taken up the study of these wild caves.

These fields still display life and growth, even as the lands around erode to dust.

There is a hot harmony here that eludes the grey wastes above and the dry Marrow beside. With time and study, I shall uncover why.

What a battle, brave warrior! You’re the first I’ve seen who could match the red-shells and emerge victorious.

Hornet

They are deadly foes indeed, and seemingly keen hunters. You did well to keep yourself hidden from them, young bug.

I did, didn’t I? Disguise and subterfuge are skills I’ve honed keenly, all in aid of my most important work!

See here, this old statue. I’ve been thinking long on it, what clues it might hold.

The claw-work seems beyond the other structures throughout these caves. Who was she I wonder, to deserve such refined remembrance?

Hornet

Hers is the form of a dancer, and the craft is indeed exquisite. There must once have been more to these ants, before the Haunting snared their shells and minds.

Goodness! This is just too embarrassing! Detected even through my perfect cover! What tell? What error? Surely something gave me away!

Hornet

It was no one thing, young bug. Your disguise is near faultless. I’ve merely spent a long life being watchful.

Gah! Then I’ll just have to hope the beasts about don’t share such keen sight. It’ll be so much harder to accomplish my work if I’m detected, or eaten!

I’ll wish you success in your grand task, miss, but forgive me my sadness for knowing the cruel cost...

Ho, what clever traps the red-shells lay out in defence of their lands!

Impressive that you managed to survive such a brutal blow. Your shell must be mighty thick!

Hornet

Thick enough, though I’d rather have avoided the trap altogether.

Hornet

I’ll let it be a reminder to remain wary, even when no foes are nearby.

Ho, what clever traps the red-shells lay in defence of their lands!

I’ve narrowly avoided a few nasty ends myself. It certainly adds a thrill to my investigations...

Oh, what a shock! Discovered again so easily! Like a hapless little hatchling!

If you’re going to make a sport of tracking me, I’ll have to redouble my efforts at camouflage!

This giant, old ant... Her death seems recent, but her presence here...

Was it her? Could it be? The strength that sustained these caves? If so, what will happen now?

Hornet

They will wither and fade... And you may sadly know it was my needle that brought her end.

You, miss? But why? Why destroy something so vital?

Hornet

It is a difficult thing to explain simply... Her strength was needed, what was left, to cut Pharloom free of its black thread threat. It was a savage act, no doubt, but the reason was just.

Hornet

Know, in time, these caves may see opportunity to regrow, flourish even, though that rebirth is itself a task enormous... longer than a lifetime, many lifetimes.

Hornet

For that task to succeed, it will fall to bugs like you to sow the first seeds.

The red-shells, hiding through the fields, stalking the boney beasts. They are part of it, somehow, the life that flourishes here.

Even haunted, they seem to lose less of themselves... What anchor allows them to retain such strength?

Ho! Are you observing them too, hunter? The red-shells are plentiful here, stalking these vast grassy plains and the last of its bony beasts.

Compared to the caves below, this lush growth feels even greater. Have we crawled close to the source of their sustenance?

I must discover its secret! I will! By my father’s wish, and for hope that our dying lands might find means to endure.

Hornet

Just be careful, young one. I urge you. Here you’ve reached the ants’ heart-domain.

Hornet

There may be discoveries worth making, but a single mistake will see your shell’s sharp end.

This giant, old ant... Her death seems recent, but her presence here...

Was it her? Could it be? The strength that sustained these caves? If so, what will happen now?

Hornet

They will wither and fade... And you may sadly know it was my needle that brought her end.

You, miss? But why? Why destroy something so vital?

Hornet

It is a difficult thing to explain simply... A test was needed, to ensure my strength before a greater challenge soon to come.

Hornet

Know, in time, these caves may see opportunity to regrow, flourish even, though that rebirth is itself a task enormous... longer than a lifetime, many lifetimes.

Hornet

For that task to succeed, it will fall to bugs like you to sow the first seeds.