Mask Maker

Hornet

The bugs of your land, I have watched them, climbing towards their absolution without the flicker of a thought to what it means.

Aye. But isn’t it always such for those snared to serve your higher caste?

Our mortal mob did once act some defiance, unawares maybe, but successful in part, goaded towards it by Weavers’ will’n all.

Hornet

You speak of the Citadel? Its former function has failed, but I can still sense its purpose, some. It is church and cage both.

Aye. Devised by your ancestors that monstrosity, and their wicked, clever minds. A system, or a web they’d likely call it, a way to keep their mother sealed in slumber, and themselves free to lavish in their false rule.

Hornet

Maker, I bring a delivery from Bellhart below, lacquer for your long work.

Ahh. Know you distort the order of things, Old One. It is a rare want of your caste to serve us mortal bugs.

Hornet

I am not my kin, Maker. I have seen enough pain born of their dominion. As much as I may, I choose to stand apart.

If your blood allows it so... And my thanks still for the lacquer. Pharloom’s fresh faces will welcome its sheen.

Until cavern’s collapse, the masks must be made!

Enough talk, Old One. My contract remains. I’ll work till caverns’ collapse.

Hornet

Very well, Maker. If it is within my power to do so, I shall see your lands saved.

Ahh. Old One. Your kind should know it’s rude to expose me such. Unmasked, the task becomes heavy.

Hornet

I had the desire to hear you lucid, Maker, though you may protest.

Aye. Well it’s no great shock to have you visit. I’ve felt the stirrings of our monarch, even all the way out here, the tremors of her kin brought close.

You’re planning a confrontation with her then? The one atop? Our great, frayed god?

Hornet

Our meeting seems inevitable, though first I seek the strength to ensure a favourable outcome.

Ha! As I’d have guessed! Your ancient kind aren’t told to abide one another peaceably.

Well, assuming you prevail, I’ll ask only that my labour may continue. No matter the state of these lands, you should well know the necessity of my service.

Back again, Old One? The effects of your... altercation with the pale mother... those are plainly sensed. The fate for these caverns feels grim.

I’ll take it things have taken a turn more complicated? Or was this the aftermath anticipated all along?

Hornet

In our meeting, a mortal blow was dealt, but the monarch’s desperate death throes now threaten to take this whole kingdom with her.

Ha! I’m not surprised! It’s always the way, aye? Your ancient kind, vying for dominion, and us mortal bugs squashed unseen underneath.

Hornet

It was freedom I sought, Maker. Naive perhaps, but this is not the fate I wished to come.

All deserve a face. A chance to be! Until I wither, for the faceless I shall provide.

To exist, to die, a face is needed. It is the essential thing.

Hornet

Maker, I bring a delivery from Bellhart below, lacquer for your long work.

Good! Good! To seal. To protect. May Pharloom’s fresh faces gleam bright.

Take reward for service made, visitor! Gift for you, to spend or treasure!

A visitor! Grand you are. But you have already a mask. Already a face. It is for those without that I must carve.

To work! To work! The masks must be carved.

Did you treat with the creature upon the summit?

Your legged ancestors once found her company compelling, enough to build their chambers and their calling device at the height of this perilous peak.

Hornet

I have paid my respects, and been granted her favour. Her down now fills my cloak, and does much to ward against the frost of these heights.

To pass something so precious... That’s a mighty gift you’ve been given. Seems she’s thrown her lot in with you.

I’d not have guessed her so opposed to our threaded monarch, but then she too must have sensed the wretched state of things, and the harsher change to come.

Ahh. Old One. Your kind should know it’s rude to expose me such. Unmasked, the task becomes heavy.

Hornet

I had the desire to hear you lucid, Maker, though you may protest.

Aye. Well it’s no great shock to have you visit. I’ve felt, and heard, the effects of your... altercation with the pale mother... The fate for these caverns seems grim.

I’ll take it things have taken a turn more complicated? Or was this the aftermath anticipated all along?

Hornet

In our meeting, a mortal blow was dealt, but the monarch’s desperate death throes now threaten to take this whole kingdom with her.

Ha! I’m not surprised! It’s always the way, aye? Your ancient kind, vying for dominion, and us mortal bugs squashed unseen underneath.

Hornet

It was freedom I sought, Maker, for myself and for you mortal few. Naive perhaps, but this is not the fate I wished to come.

Late! Late you are! And already a mask. Already a face. It is for those without that I must carve.

Have some small reward for your troubles, Old One. It’s no small thing to deliver that sloshing stuff safe, ‘specially all the way up here.

A fine face, yours. Not of my work. Not of this kingdom’s craft. Not now at least.

But the deeper form. Distant relationship. Some form of Pharloom and our old, legged, stewards.

Now! To work. To work! The masks are needed.

Hornet

You have the sight, Maker. Tell me what you see in me?

Your mask... It reads clear enough, Old One. Watcher, hunter, monarch even, though you may reject that station.

A complex visage, perhaps, yet still to my sight it looks unresolved.

Hornet

If you see a transitional state, it is one I have accepted. My mask has remained defined through lifetimes uncounted.

Aye. Rigid I’m sure, but your kind rarely develop evenly, and the lifetime of bugs are poor measure for one like you.

Could be there’s more growth awaiting you yet...

Our world cries its end! But the masks must still be carved.

Enough talk, Old One. Mine is a calling that scant allows rest.

Hornet

Very well, Maker. I shall take my leave.

To exist, a face is needed. It is the essential thing.