Seth

Your achievements in the games are inspiring! In time, I may have to challenge those impressive scores...

This great structure... It would have taken the lifetimes of so many bugs to build it. Now its wounds run deep, and I can hear the groaning of its final breaths.

Everything that grows must pass, I suppose. Still, to witness even its current state is a privilege I’ll not squander.

And what of you, friend Hornet? Where are your travels taking you?

Hornet

They have taken me deep, and will take me yet deeper still. I have a responsibility to cut this land free of its dark fate.

Hornet

That is no concern of yours though, sir. You should continue your own journey, albeit with a claw on your weapon at all times.

I’ve learnt too that travelling is not without its dangers... but I find myself wielding my weapon quite adeptly.

It’s curious, the way our instincts can guide us with such precision.

Oh, hullo again! This time, I most certainly do recognise you! ‘Tis a pleasure to bump into you here, deep in this serene wood.

Do you have a name, like I do? Would you share it with me?

Hornet

Certainly, sir. I am Hornet.

Hornet

I notice you gazing at the buds above us... are they familiar to you, perhaps?

Hm? No, not at all. Very beautiful though! Perhaps I should gather some up before venturing on...

Have you tried your claw at the games? Rollicking good fun, don’t you think?

I wonder if I could score a little higher if I tried again...

These black threads... they reach upwards with such a powerful longing. No wonder they can force themselves through even mighty stone!

Well now! How brilliant! In all these fine games you have matched my scores and more!

What wonder to be here, and able to witness a display of such profound talent.

Hornet

Besting your scores proved an immense challenge, Seth, and yet you seem to have achieved them yourself with relative ease.

You flatter me! But yes, my own aptitude continues to surprise me. So many skills I cannot recall learning...

But do not underplay your own achievements, for they too are significant, inspiring even!

In fact, for my deep respect I insist you take this small medallion. I found it within my belongings, and know not where I came upon it, but it has a most pleasant sense.

Let it serve as marker of a friendship I feel has only just begun.

Hornet

Thank you, Seth. I shall keep it close.

Hornet

Sir Guardian... I scarcely thought we would meet again after our encounter.

Hm? Apologies friend, I fear I don’t recognise you. And I’m sure I would remember such a striking figure!

Hornet

...Pay no heed, sir. It seems I mistook you for another.

Hornet

You are... a traveller through these quaking lands, I take it?

I suppose I am indeed! I was born into this world not long ago, waking beside a lake with only this weapon laying beside me.

Seth is my name, though I know not who gave it to me.

The custom of the newly-born is to explore the world, is it not? So that is what I have set out to do! I will rest here a moment, then continue my journey.

Hornet

Greetings, Seth. It is a welcome surprise to see you here amongst these festivities.

Hullo, hullo! Yes, my wandering was long, and I began to fear I would meet my end in those sticky swamps below.

How lucky I was to stumble upon the home of these friendly revellers!

They said I could be a flea here with them, so of course I agreed. Seems as good a place as any to call home, at least for a time.

Now I just need to grow a little fur and sprout some wings, eh? Ha ha!

The sharp-faced bugs of these drizzled caves love to swoop and play, don’t they? If only I could understand their beautiful language...

You may rest here in this sacred place, but know, if you choose to step further, you shall see my weapon raised.

Then go no further, that peace may remain between us.

Challenge the guardian?

Halt, stranger. I am charged forever to guard the sacred shrine beyond.

Any who wish to pass must cross their weapon with my own.

You may remain here and rest, if you choose. I am no enemy of yours. Only if you try to step beyond will I raise my weapon against you.

Hornet

Then tell me, warrior, of the shrine you guard. These caves on wood’s edge seem long forgotten.

Some things may be hidden, but never forgotten. The shrine remains to remember the wood’s first seed, her that once was and always is.

I am the last bound to protect it. Sadly, in that service, many have fallen to my blade.