The little knight fights its way through hordes of dirtcarvers. The predators burst forth from the ground in, seemingly, infinite numbers. The vessel has been traveling through Deepnest for hours now, and it must be getting tired. Even so, it should be fine, I believe. The Distant Village is nearby, after all. The knight appears to be seeking out the final dreamer, my…mother.
If I so choose…, I might be able to stop it, but…I mustn't. Mother made the decision to become a seal. She understood the gravity of the situation. She knew that she was forfeiting her life for this. So, I will honor her wishes, then. I will allow you to break the seal, Little Knight. Yet...it will cause me some pain to stand idle.
Surprisingly, the vessel finds the entrance to the Weaver's Den. The same place where I…was raised. This location was hidden well within the walls and webs of Deepnest. I have not returned here in quite some time. I am not one for reminiscing, but…seeing home again like this, it makes me…nostalgic, I suppose. The little knight does not find anything of importance here, and so it leaves. I feel a slight desire to stay and walk the halls of my childhood once more, however, I have a duty to keep a watchful eye on the vessel's movements.
It takes time, but the knight reaches its destination, the Distant Village. Determined, it enters into Herrah's dwelling. The Knight should have a moment to rest once inside, so I, too, take the chance for a brief respite. But before I even have the opportunity, I hear chaos erupt from within the home. Concerned for the little knight, I rush inside. There, I see a horde of Deepnest weavers, many disguised as common bugs. With ease, I slay the beasts, but I am too late, I realize. One of the weavers has already stolen the vessel away and entered the Beast's Den.
Time is of the essence. I use my needle and silk to propel me into the labyrinth. As one who grew up in Deepnest, this sort of layout is simple for me to navigate. I make my way through twists and turns before dropping down from a ledge. In the nearby chamber is where I find the little knight, alive and well, but entangled in webbing, suspended in the air, and struggling to shake free. Heh, it is quite adorable when it's helpless like this.
"Need some help, Little Knight?"
It spots me and begins shaking even more violently. Whether out of joy or frustration, I cannot tell.
"Stop that, you will hurt yourself."
It actually heeds my advice and gives up.
"Good. You are getting better at listening, Little Knight. Well done."
In response to my teasing, the knight starts struggling to free itself again.
"Hold still for a moment or I will leave you here to become a snack."
With a few swings of my needle, the knight is freed from captivity. It falls to the floor, ungracefully.
"Catch your breath if you must, but do not dawdle, Little Knight. There is still work to be done, yes?"
It nods, gives me a quick hug, and runs off into the shadows of the silken maze.
"…Such a strange little ghost."
When the knight reaches Herrah's bedchamber, I feel my body begin to tense up. Watching this…may be more difficult than I thought. It approaches the dreamer, draws the Dream Nail, and strikes her with it, entering into her mind. For a time, all is still. I can only imagine what is transpiring within my mother's dreams. Will she resist the knight's attack, or will she sacrifice herself willingly? Deep down, I know the answer already. This is what she wished for. Even so, she must have doubts, yes? …I certainly do.
I am startled from my thoughts and I gasp as a painful scene begins to take place. Mother's body is fading away. I was never permitted much time with her. Perhaps it makes little sense for me to care so much for a parent that I never knew. Yet, I cannot look away. She gave up so much for me, after all. I study her features and shape as best I can. I want to remember her image, her look, her presence for as long as possible. I will try, desperately, to keep her alive in my memory. But I do not have long as, in mere seconds, Herrah's form completely disappears, leaving nothing behind in her place. A pit forms in my stomach. I feel…uneasy.
"I need to sit down and regain control of my emotions. I am of no use in this state."
Before I am able, The Knight fades in from the world of dreams. It views its surroundings before resting its eyes on me.
"...So, you've slain the Beast…and you head towards that fated goal…You have done well, Ghost."
The vessel does not celebrate but hangs its head to the side.
"…What? Is something on your mind?"
It walks up to me and puts its hand on my shoulder. It seems…concerned for me.
"I am fine, Little Knight. Just…get going. Your task is not yet complete. I simply need a bit of time to myself. Understood?"
The vessel shakes its head and sits down. It gestures to the space on the floor beside me.
I let out a shaky exhale and seat myself next to the knight. Once I do, it gently takes hold of my hand and leans against me. The display of care brings a slight smile to my face.
"Heh. Is this your attempt at comforting me, Little Knight? If so, then…you are doing an adequate job."
The vessel nuzzles into my side, and my thoughts focus in on its abnormal behavior.
"…Little Knight, I must ask. Are you aware of our connection?"
It looks up at me and nods. Surprising.
"You know that we are siblings?"
Again, it nods.
"Is that your reason for persistently trying to befriend me? It is because you understand that we are related?"
A third time, it nods.
As I thought. Somehow, it knows the truth of our bond and that draws the vessel toward me. Its affectionate nature is exhausting to deal with, but, I suppose, it is nice to have an ally that you can also call friend and family. This feeling gives me…hope.
"Well then, Little Knight. If we are half-siblings, then that makes me your big sister. Do you know what this means?"
It looks at me curiously.
"It means that, as your big sister, I will do all I can to protect my little, ghost sibling. I promise."
The Knight holds my hand tighter and we sit in silence. The loss of my mother weighs heavy on my heart, but, despite that, I find myself enjoying this closeness.