Every story needs a beginning. A starting point. A big bang where everything that could be becomes.
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In worlds wilds beyond they speak your name with reverence and regret,
For none could tame our tainted savage souls yet you the problem challenge met,
Under palest watch, you taught, we changed, base instincts were saved redeemed,
A world you gave to insect bug (bug sounds better) and beast as they had never been dreamed.
-The Elegy for Hollow CityHollownestHallownest-
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hal·low [ /ˈhalō/ ]
verb: honor as holy
noun: a saint or holy person.
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Hallownest sounds great! Look forward to seeing what becomes of it!
-mom
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Taylor Hebert - Notebook 3 [2006.5.23]
The Wyrm awakens.
Ancient and tired. It's time to enter the next stage of the cycle.
It must find a place to rest. To molt. To evolve.
It finds it. A lake not too far underneath.
Molt.
Sleep Hallow one.
Soon you will waken anew.
[PAIN]
"-flatlining-"
"-ir nee-"
"-ligrams of-"
"Clear!"
"-losingl"
The beast stands strong. Surrounded by its element, but the champion stands strong also. It keeps the creature at bay. Matching it blow for blow.
Void clashes with sea.
An endless torrent against and endless pit.
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Strange tidings Hallow one. Thy dreams are not ones to be taken lightly but the present calls for thou attention.
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The Wyrm dies. It's form is not fit for the challenges to come.
Molt.
Hatch.
Become the being you are meant to be.
"Clear!"
[SHOCK]
"-losin-"
"-again."
The Wyrm dies.
The Pale King is born.
"Clear!"
[SHOCK]
"-ack!"
You did as promised.
You tamed our savage souls.
You taught, we changed, base instincts redeemed,
A world never dreamed.
The city is built by your command.
Hallownest is becoming.
Stand proud. Stand strong.
The three will come and they will guide you.
For Hallownest lasts eternal.
Beep
"Can you hear me?"
Beep
There isn't much time.
But you know what must be done.
Beep
"Please come back."
Beep
The champion must be forged.
Our path stands clear.
Thou knows what must be-
Beep
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Beep
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Beep
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Beep
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Beep
It takes a while for things to become clear.
I see... a clean while ceiling, windows, flowers are on a bedside table, and IV bag connected to... my arm.
Beep
A heart monitor...
I'm in a hospital?
Beep
Someone's holding my hand... dad?
Beep
The man stirs, "Taylor? Taylor!" he bolts upright.
He looks terrible. Dark circles highlights his eyes. Traces of drool are on his chin. He hasn't shaved in a while. There's the slight scent of alcohol on his breath. He looks ragged. Ragged but relief, "Taylor! You're awake!"
Awake? "Wha-"I try to croak out the words but my throats dry.
My body's weak. I can barely move my arms.
I miss the dreams. There I was strong.
Dad begins to cry. "You're awake." he repeats, "Thank god. You're awake."
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I remember now.
The snickers.
The hallway.
The smell.
The shove.
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The darkness.
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A doctor and a nurse enter. They talk about how lucky I am to be alive. How I almost died. How I did die. Three times over. The miracle of modern medicine they say but their words barely register as I close my eyes and lean back into the pillows.
Dad holds my hand. Tight. He tells me how everything's going to be okay. How he plans to fix everything.
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I don't tell him I wished they let me die.