After waking up, I silently creep out of my silken bed. The little knight, sleeping in the bunk above me, is not disturbed from its sleep. I take my needle, leave our home, and head for the Howling Cliffs.

This new life of mine…It is…different from what I am used to. I have a surplus of spare time now. I, often, do not know what to do with it all. My little sibling ropes me into its adventures every now and then. Some of the townsfolk ask me for assistance with various errands and projects. These situations do provide me a good deal of contentment.

What I need right now, though, is a return to my old routine. It has been far too long since I have honed my skills with the needle, and this desolate field atop the cliffs will provide me the solitude that I seek. There are no distractions and no need for restraint. It is just as I like it. I draw my weapon and commence with my usual regimen. Improving upon my technique with the needle, bolting through the area to heighten my stamina, meditating to strengthen the mind; each is a crucial skill that must be continually developed.

As my warm up goes on, the minutes turn to hours. Perhaps I should not be away from the little knight for so long. It will worry about me, surely. Though, If I am being honest, it has been quite a while since I last had the chance for some training. Everything will be fine. I should be allowed to indulge myself on occasion, yes?

"Well then, where was I? Oh, I need to continue with- Aah!"

I feel something tap me on the shoulder and I let loose an involuntary shriek. My head whips around to locate the perpetrator and my tense body eases up when I see a familiar face.

"L-Little Ghost, how did you-No, why are you…Listen, do not creep up behind me like that!"

It only looks up at me.

I sigh. "I do not know why I bother lecturing you. You are beyond stubborn. Anyway, what are you doing here, Little One? Were you searching for me?"

It nods. I feel my anger begin to rise.

"Little Knight…I would appreciate it if you would offer me some space. I know you enjoy my company. I know that you love to hold hands and crush me with your ruthless hugging but there are times when I do not wish for these things. What I require right now is seclusion. Do you understand?"

Its head droops a bit before nodding. Did I…upset the vessel?

"Since you are here already, is there something you needed?"

At this, the vessel seems to perk right back up. It pulls something out of its cloak and holds the object behind its back.

"…Hmm? What it is? You have…something for me?"

It nods excitedly.

"…Oh! T-That is…I have never been given a gift before. That is very…considerate of you."

The knight lets the suspense build for a moment. It crouches down, hiding the gift in its arms. Then, suddenly, it springs up and holds the present into the air, just near my mask.

"What could it- Oh my goodness!"

In my shocked state, I strike the object out of the knight's hand and a resonant splat is heard.

"Vessel, is that a rancid egg from one those bluggsacs!? Why would you offer me something so foul and abhorrent!? I know that you cannot smell but the odor that egg gives off is unbearable!"

The little knight is staring at the remains of the egg, splattered across the ground.

"Surely, you understand that I cannot accept that hunk of waste. I am grateful for your generosity, Little Knight, but I would prefer to be left alone right now."

The knight continues to stare at its rejected offering before disappearing into the fog as it walks back to Dirtmouth.

Alone again, I finally return to my task. At least, I attempt to. No matter what I do, I cannot seem to focus. My thoughts continually fixate on my little sibling. I have never seen the vessel look so…discouraged. I realize that I was, perhaps, too harsh. I was just…caught up in my excitement. I had never received a gift from someone, and I let my emotions get carried away. Once I saw that…horrid glob…I felt so disappointed and humiliated. Still, how foolish it was for me to dismiss the little knight's act of kindness like that…

I will make this right. Now is not the time for training, it is the time for generosity and amends. Fortunately, I already have the perfect solution in mind…

An hour or so later, I arrive back at Dirtmouth and I start searching for my little sibling. It is not at its favorite bench. I do not even find it inside our house. Elderbug has not seen it recently, nor has Iselda. Where could it have run off to? As if it could read my mind, I see the little ghost ascend from the well. I wonder what business it had in the caverns.

"Hello, Little Knight."

It appears a bit wary of me. The sight is…difficult to stomach.

"Do not worry, Little One. I am finished with my training. I was wondering if you would come home with me. I have something to show you."

It pauses for a moment and then nods.

"Excellent. This will not take long, I promise."

On the way there, I make sure to hide my…peace offering from the vessel's eyes. Once we are inside, I shut the door and clear my throat.

"…I have something for you Little Knight. It's… a gift. I have, also, never given a gift to anyone before. I realize that this may sound insulting, but…I hope that you accept it."

I hold out the present in front of me. The knight appears very interested and tilts its head.

"It is a new cloak for you. I crafted it myself with some of the finest silk you will ever find."

The knight takes off its old, mothwing cloak and puts the new one on. It takes a moment to study its new look.

"If you do not like it, you may give it back. After the way I treated you, you would be more than justified in dismissing my offering."

The knight looks me in the eyes and shakes its head with conviction.

"You wish to keep it?"

It nods.

I sigh in relief. "I am glad. Little Knight, could I speak for a moment?"

It stares at me.

"I am sorry for losing my temper with you earlier. You sought me out only to show me graciousness and good will. Because I was in a foul mood, I took that good will and threw it to the wind. I apologize."

The knight does not react to my apology. Instead, it walks over to its former cloak. It finds something within the cloth and holds it behind its back. Another gift? It must have descended into Hallownest for this purpose. Once again, the vessel tries its best to make the reveal as dramatic as possible. And then, the gift is in plain view.

"…Is that…Is that really for me?"

The vessel nods. In its hand is a white, shining, delicate flower. It almost looks as though it gives off a faint glow.

"O-Oh my… it's…beautiful…"

I carefully take the bloom in my hands. I feel as though the slightest movement may destroy it. With a bit of thread, I tie the flower to the left horn of my mask. Suddenly, I start feeling quite…embarrassed. Not only did I just receive a beautiful flower, but now I am wearing it. I am not used to such…pretty things.

"Does…Does it look okay on me?"

The knight jumps up and down, nodding with enthusiasm.

"Heh, I do feel a bit…awkward, I admit. Receiving such a moving gift...It gives me a warm and pleasant feeling in my chest. I am not at all accustomed to this. Thank you very much, Little Sibling. Truly."