Chapter Text
Hornet opened her eyes to the dark and large cavern. She got up quickly, ignoring her aching body, as she looked around for the silk spun child. She turned around to see her not moving. She panicked and considered the worst as she thought, "I really couldn't save her?" Her fear immediately vanished as Hornet saw Lace begin to stir. Lace turned to see Hornet standing there, before Lace began to laugh. Hornet froze at the surprising response.
The laughter reverberated off the stone walls and seemed to be absorbed into the void below. Hornet could tell the laughter was Lace's attempt at holding herself together after the ordeal she has went through, but she didn't know what to do yet so she just stood there in shock. The laughter continued on for another twenty seconds before it slowed down and eventually stopped shorty after. Lace passed out not long after she stopped laughing, as exhaustion took her.
Hornet immediately closed the small gap between them and began examining Lace's state. She couldn't fully understand Lace's health due to her nature, but could tell by her breathing that she was not doing well and was on the brink of death. She picked Lace up, ignoring her own body's exhaustion and pain, as she moved towards the bench. She gently laid Lace down on the bench and then sat on the floor, examining Lace's body. She realized how much damage Lace had sustained and started to wonder how she could help. After a couple more minutes of studying Lace's unique form, she intuited how she might be able to help Lace. She would need silk, but could feel her silk heart not able to produce enough to work with.
She closed her eyes and tried her best to slow her breathing and reach inward. She began to hear Eva's song within her. It began to calm her as Eva's soothing voice contrasted the eerie and quiet Abyss. As it calmed her she began to feel Eva's presence imbuing her with silk. She let her reserves fill, until her body couldn't contain anymore silk. She didn't know if Eva could feel it, but she thanked Eva for her gift, before opening her eyes. The song slowly faded from within her and the Abyss's silence became clearer than ever in this moment. She felt the Void beneath her was starting to rile up due to her presence. Her sibling only had so much influence on their domain. She tried to ignore it and her feelings about her sibling, as she turned her attention back to Lace.
She began to pull silk from her body and into her claws, getting ready to start binding Lace. She with great care began to weave throughout Lace's injuries, using all of the silk she possibly could use. Once all of it was weaved into Lace she spoke her binding word before puling the silk taut. She watched as her silk she weaved into Lace's form began to close the wounds and replace the damaged silk on her body. After her binding took root she noticed Lace's breathing begin to steady and her body seemed more intact. Hornet's worry for Lace since they had escaped the Void began to fade a little.
After dealing with Lace's critical state Hornet picked Lace up and began to make her way out of the Abyss. Now that she wasn't worried about Lace dying she realized how soft her form was. She used her silk soar, holding Lace close to her, similar to how she escaped the Void, taking great care to not hurt Lace further. She began ascending out, avoiding the monstrosities, knowing she can't defend Lace and fight them.
She got out of the most dangerous area and began to make her way through the barren lifeless tunnels when Lace began to shift in her arms. Hornet quickly examined the area, making sure nothing was in the vicinity for their inevitable conversation. Lace opened her eyes, staring up at Hornet. She spoke for the first time since leaving the Void, clearly unaware of her physical state, "Am I unravelling?" Her voice lacked any of her playful nature and was deathly serious.
Hornet responded, "No child, I can't fully understand your biology, but I believe you are not near death. You aren't doing great, but I should be able to heal you more if necessary after I rest, until then I hope you can last."
Lace laid limply in Hornet's arms as she continued walking, processing what she was just told. After about a minute of walking, Lace responded, "I should be fine, until then, but why would you put in so much effort to save me Spider? I am just a husk made of silk, an object. Not worth the effort."
Hornet slowed her walking and looked around to ensure they were safe for this conversation. She met Lace's eyes for the first time since she woke up and made sure to look directly at her. Hornet responded in a tone Lace had not heard from the Spider, "Child, You are no object. Like I told you in the cradle, do not mistake your unique origin as a lack of life. You are alive just like any other bug. You are no husk. You are worth the effort to save."
Lace responded angrily "I know you think of me as such Spider, but even my own mother who crafted me by her own claw didn't view me as anything other than an object. I was her desperate attempt to fill a void the Weavers left. She only created me to be her obedient child, nothing more and nothing less."
Hornet began to respond, "Child."
Lace immediately interrupted screaming, "Even you don't refer to me as anything more than a child! You prove my point as such. I am nothing more than what she made me." Lace held eye contact with Hornet, awaiting what she would say.
Hornet's hold on Lace seemed to loosen a little as she said, "That was not my intention I assure you. I had no idea it bothered you as much as it did. What is your name if I may ask so I can address you properly?"
Lace was stunned, as she was expecting Hornet to respond with anger or dismissiveness and was surprised by the fact Hornet cared. Lace told Hornet her name, "Lace."
Hornet said, "Well Lace, Do you wish to try to stand? I want to reserve as much as my strength as I can to ensure a safe way out of this place." Lace nodded and Hornet began to set Lace down on her feet. Hornet gently rested her on her feet and began to test if Lace could stand. Lace tried to hold back her pain but the second Hornet let her stand she screamed in pain.
Hornet quickly picked her up letting her take a few breaths to stabilize herself before doing anything. Lace said, "Thanks for the attempt dear Spider, but I don't think you did a good enough job of patching me up for me to be able to stand." Lace's playful mood had returned, which made Hornet feel a little better. Hornet didn't have the energy to match her, so she just nodded to ensure Lace knew she had heard her.
As Lace and Hornet sat in silence, Lace realized something and asked, "What is your name Spider? Since you now know mine. It’s only fair."
Hornet informed Lace of her name, "Hornet." Lace wondered how she got her name, as Hornet's name didn't sound Weaver in origin as far as she could tell. She decided not to press her about the name, due to how tired the two of them were and how much pain they were both in.
They continued in silence all the way to the diving bell, as much as Lace wanted to fill the silence with anything other than the sound of Hornet's footsteps and both wincing in pain as they travelled. As the two of them approached the bell Lace asked, "Is this horrifying contraption what we are using to ascend out of this place? "
"Yes, although it might not look it the bell can take immense pressure before breaking. It did break on my first descent, but I believe the bug who fixed it ensured as much as he could that it was safe. I am inclined to believe him, as he understood the fate of these lands relied on my descent," Hornet said.
Lace asked, "If we must Spider, but you didn't once consider due to the kingdoms fate the bug might've rushed to ensure your descent, or consider it could break again?" Hornet shrugged and continued closer to the bell, not having the energy to respond to Lace's playful words. She did take some comfort in Lace continuing to return to her normal state at least in speech. She opened the door to the bell with the sound of the hinge squeaking.
Hornet set Lace down in the chair before beginning to weave silk to her needle to give her something to hold on to for the shaky ascent. She didn't have much energy or silk to work with, but she managed to make something that would function and keep her from being thrown around during the ascent.
Lace watched Hornet weave and noticed how differently Hornet weaved from her mother. This was the first time she watched another weaver besides her mother and she was enraptured by the skill Hornet showed, even though she could see how tired Hornet really was now. Hornet stood and spoke into a speaker calling out, "Ballow. I am ready to return."
The gramophone on the wall then made a noise, as Ballow responded, "Alright miss." The straps on the seat wrapped around Lace to hold her in place and Hornet tightened her grip on her needle, as she wrapped the silk around her body. Lace jumped, as the straps wrapped around her and Lace slightly struggled to escape, purely on instinct.
Lace asked in a worried and panicked voice, "Spider, you really couldn't warn me of such bindings beforehand, or did you do this just to make me squirm?"
Hornet responded to Lace's accusation, "I assure you Lace, it simply slipped my mind due to the weaving I had to do beforehand. I will ensure to warn you of such things from now on. It will loosen once we escape this place."
Lace relaxed a little in her seat and nodded letting Hornet know she had heard her. Lace found comfort knowing Hornet didn't do it on purpose, although she was confused on why Hornet cared. "Why wouldn't the spider just accept she was nothing more than an object. Hornet shouldn't care about Lace or her feelings and yet she kept doing so," Lace thought to herself.
Lace couldn't respond to Hornet and so they sat in silence as the bell began to ascend. Every once in a while the bell would shake and shift, under the crushing weight of the surrounding magma, forcing Hornet to shift her weight to stop from getting thrown around. Hornet wondered if the heat of the magma would be lessened on Lace due to her form, but didn't want to bring the subject up. That would explain how much more comfortable Lace was in their first duel.
They sat in silence for the entirety of the bells ascendant. The only things breaking the silence was; the creaking of the bell, Hornet's heavy breathing, and the sound of swirling magma. As they reached the surface of the lava, both Lace and Hornet gave a sigh of relief. The bell came to a stop and rang to indicate the journey was over. The straps around Lace unwrapped themselves, while Hornet unravelled the silk around her. Hornet walked over and picked Lace up, before walking out of the diving bell and hoping it was the last time she would need to use it.
"We made it out of that contraption alive. There was many a time I thought I would meet my end in such an unbefitting way. Where are we headed to now Spider? I'm sure you wouldn't let such a wounded thing like me sleep on the floor would you," Lace asked Hornet.
Hornet responded, "You are no object Lace, but no we are headed towards Bellhart. I have a home there that we should be able to rest and regain our strength, as long as it hasn't been overran by void bugs."
Lace's tone became more contemplative as she said, "I've never been to Bellhart even as old as I am. My mother never required me to go there, so I never got to see it. I have heard about Bellhart and its wonder. Does the city truly consist entirely of hanging bellhomes?"
Hornet said, "It truly does consist of only bells and bellhomes, although the Monarch's fall has caused much damage to it. I have beheld many wondrous sights in my long life, but that place still amazes me. The noises of the bells clinging beneath your feet. The wind blowing through and causing the entire city to erupt in song, although the chattering of the bugs I could do without. I do hope the city has survived in my absence." Hornet looked forward longingly, as if she was imagining being there now.
Lace was surprised at this side of Hornet. She didn't know the Weaver cared so much about such things. Hornet's demeanor always gave a cold uncaring feel to everything she did. Seeing her describe an area with such care, wonder, and passion made Lace long for a normal life. She wasn't able to feel the things that other bugs could and her anger at her mother for creating her grew all the more. Lace pushed her feelings down, as how could one such as her even have feelings.
Lace snapped Hornet back to reality, "Well Spider, are we gonna continue onward towards Bellhart, or am I just going to sit here and listen to you describe it?" Hornet nodded and began to walk.
Right as she took a first step Ballow called out, "Miss, I am glad you have returned safe. I was worried you might not return, as I didn't hear anything for a while after the black threads had begun to disappear. I take it you stopped our kingdom's grim fate."
Hornet turned and as she did Ballow noticed Hornet was holding someone, but waited for Hornet's reply, "I did put an end to the Monarch threatening these lands. You shouldn't worry about the kingdom's fate at least in that regard, although I'm sure you know how much rebuilding Pharloom is going to need. I am hoping to assist, as I hold much responsibility for Pharloom's state. May I come to you for future assistance if needed?"
Ballow sighed in relief and said, "I am glad our land is no longer facing its swift end. I am equally as pleased to know you will be aiding in the reconstruction. If you need me you know where to find me, but I must ask who are you carrying?"
Hornet looked towards Lace, waiting for her to introduce herself. Lace was caught off guard, not expecting Hornet to allow her to speak for herself. "Why did the Spider keep caring about her and her feelings, she was just a husk," she thought to herself. Lace responded in a playful voice, "I'm Lace, Hornet's stunningly beautiful..." She paused for a second considering what she was to Hornet before continuing in a more pained tone, "companion."
Ballow found the answer satisfying and said, "Pleasure to meet you Lace I hope we meet under more hopeful circumstances."
Lace nodded as Hornet spoke, "We must begin our trek to my home. I appreciate all you have done to aid me in my descent. You played a crucial role in my endeavor to stop Pharloom's end. If you need help use the wish board and I will see if I can aid you." Ballow nodded and began making his own way back to forge daughter.
Hornet began to make her way through Deep Docks, still carrying Lace in her arms. As Hornet braved the heat, she could feel her exhaustion all the more. The only thing keeping her going was how close the Bellways were. They continued on pushing towards the Bellway with no major hurdles besides minor jumps between platforms. They made it to the Bellway and Hornet laid Lace on the ground and walked up to the platform.
Hornet strung silk along her needle and began playing her needolin. Lace heard this and began to feel the song move through her silk. It was responding to the song, causing her to feel tingly. She said, "Spider are we walking along the Bellway routes ourselves? As far as I'm aware all of the bell beasts were killed long ago. My mother made sure of that." Hornet stopped playing her needolin and after a few seconds Lace was met with her answer.
The ground shook as a bell beast erupted from the bells below, spinning in a circle before heeling and awaiting a command. Hornet jumped down and began to pet the beast as she was tripped by something small. Lace focused her eyes before realizing these were the bell beasts children. Hornet rubbed the children's heads as they cooed. She turned back towards Lace to pick her up when Lace said, "They aren't all dead. I an glad to see my mother was unsuccessful in her mission."
Hornet turned towards the mother and her children and Lace could see a smile across the weavers face as she said, "I agree. Eira has proven to be very helpful and her kindness has been a very helpful trait to raise my spirits when it wanes."
Hornet picked Lace up and was walking over to Eira when Lace asked, "You named it?"
Hornet nodded and said, "I used it to get her attention and then she seemed to respond to it well, so I continued to use it."
Lace said, as she smiled, "It is a very nice name for such a beast."
Hornet prepared her jump and leaped onto Eira's back with Lace in her arms. Hornet set Lace in front of her and before continuing asked, "Lace do you mind if I wrap my arms around your waist so I can hold you still as best I can? I worry for your health and am concerned for your riding of a bell beast in your current state, especially because this is your first time."
Lace smiled and was glad Hornet couldn't see her blush. She said, "Spider it is alright, but if you wanted me in that position there is no need to resort to such reasoning you can just ask." Hornet was flustered by such blatant teasing and flirting from Lace.
Hornet managed to say, "Very well." Hornet reached her claw around Lace's waist and pulled herself forward, pressing her chest into Lace's back.
Even though Lace has been carried for the last couple of hours this was a much more intimate position. She could feel Hornet's breath on her neck sending shivers down whatever constitutes for her spine. Hornet asked, "Is this a comfortable position for you. I don't wish to make you uncomfortable." Lace couldn't speak due to the emotions running through her body, so she just simply nodded.
Hornet leaned down to get closer to Eira, while holding onto Lace, before saying, "Eira, Bellhart." The bell beast immediately reacted by descending into the bells far faster than Lace had ever expected. Lace was surprised by how still Hornet was holding her even through the quick movements of the beast. They both watched the bell beastlings run alongside their mother making them both smile. Lace enjoyed the feeling of the wind on her face and on her silk.
Hornet having a second to relax since she left the Abyss began to realize how truly soft and warm Lace was. With Lace this close she began to rest her head on Lace's shoulder, due to how tired she was and Lace was beginning to make Hornet's body slow and calm. Lace's feeling became even harder to control when Hornet leaned on her this much. Lace tried to ignore Hornet's body so close to her as she asked, "I noticed in Deep Docks and on our escape from the Abyss that you seemed to become more exhausted from the heat. Is that why you were so much more sluggish in our first duel?"
Hornet was very glad she had something to distract her from her feelings right now and responded, "I often find myself gravitated towards heat, probably due to my duty as sentinel I held for so long, but overwhelming heat like that drains me of my strength and exhausts me much quicker. I will say I was still fighting the effects of the runic cage, which suppressed my silk. The runes and the heat together sapped my strength much faster and contributed to my slowness." Hornet realized Lace made her far more comfortable than she realized. She let her barriers down, letting her long duty to Hallownest slip.
Lace smiled and said, "Oh making excuses are we Spider? Are you not capable of admitting that I almost won our duels?"
Hornet laughed, something that caught Lace off guard. Lace could tell Hornet hadn't laughed in a long time. Hornet responded in a tired and calm voice, "Nothing of the sort, Lace. Very few have pushed me to my limits as you have. Even fewer have pushed my limits twice. You are a formidable opponent and I hope we can continue to duel without the threat of death. I think it would do well to sharpen our skills."
Lace was barely able to keep herself from squealing, due to how Hornet was making her feel. This was an entirely different side of Hornet than Lace had ever seen. Lace needed to talk or she was going to explode, "I didn't know you enjoyed our duels. I though I was just annoying to you."
Hornet responded, "I was very bothered because you refused to answer my questions and stood in my path, but I do enjoy a challenging fight, although I would have preferred you not threaten me with my demise."
Lace felt the need to explain herself to Hornet, "I saw you as a way to rebel against my mother. I didn't want you to face a fate too common among captured weavers. I figured death was a better end than facing my mother. I was also unaware if you wielded the strength to stand against her, until our fight in the cradle. I also figured even if you won you would usurp her power and continue her legacy of control."
Hornet said, "I understand the need to test someone's strength to see if they are strong enough to face the challenge ahead. I once had a similar purpose in my kingdom of Hallownest. I just wish I questioned the nature of those I tested more and I might not have as many regrets."
Lace could feel Hornet opening up more and more as they continued to talk, "I'm sure you did what you thought was right. After seeing how heroic you are in this kingdom I doubt you would do anything else."
Hornet responded, "I'm not heroic. I just so happened to help bugs along my path. I might've gone out of my way a few times, but most of the time I only did so to get a reward to help me on my journey."
Lace continued pressing, "You are staying behind in Pharloom instead of returning to your own kingdom to undue the damage of freeing us from our monarch. If that isn't a heroic act I don't know what is."
Hornet didn't know how to respond to that so she stayed silent, indulging in the softness of Lace's body, while she could. "For someone who claims to be an object and not living, created for a single purpose, you have a lot of feelings and thoughts," Hornet immediately regretted saying that and was mad for letting herself become so comfortable to say such a thing.
Lace felt Hornet's words cut deep, deeper than she wanted it to. Hornet lifted her head off of Lace's shoulder, making Lace miss how close Hornet was. She loved the feeling of Hornet leaning on her so much. Hornet began to speak, "Lace I apologize I didn't..." She was cut off by Lace reaching over grabbing Hornet's head and laying it back down on her shoulder. Hornet was surprised, but didn't move.
Lace said in a quiet voice, "Spider it is alright. If you keep resting on me I'll accept that as my apology." Hornet relaxed again on her shoulder and became quiet. Conveying her answer without using a single word. Lace surprised herself by her assertiveness. She knew that whatever apology Hornet had paled in comparison to the incredible feeling of having Hornet so close. The closeness between them was the only apology Lace needed.