Chapter Text
Many days had passed since Notch first left the aging ruins of the City of Tears and arrived at Sheo’s hut, lost and in need of companionship and a new life’s path. Thankfully, the master painter was able to provide both of those things, and Notch has since been living a very happy and content life, learning the ways of the artist under the guidance and tutelage of his new companion.
One day, a visitor came through the door of Sheo’s hut, a small unassuming knight, with an expressionless gaze on their face, a tattered grey cloak covering their black body, and the strong and intimidating shine of the pure nail resting upon their back.
“Eh, oh look who’s joined us! We have quite a merry crowd now don’t we?” Sheo booms once he notices the knight’s presence. The knight’s gaze shifts from Sheo to Notch, who is sitting next to the large bug, and for a moment, Notch thinks he can see the faintest signs of guilt playing on the knight’s face. Sheo notices the silent tension in the air and decides to continue speaking to the small knight.
“This fellow came wandering into my hut, quite distraught and on his own quest for a new calling in life. We talked, and found a common love of creating and building and honing a craft. So now we make art together. It’s good to have company. I hadn’t realized how lonely I was. It’s like being with my brothers again! Stay with us, if you like!” Sheo smiles warmly at the small knight before turning back to his wooden sculpture and continuing to paint the intricate details on the figurine. The knight remains rooted in their spot for a moment, before slowly walking toward Notch who regards them with a smile.
“Hmm, hello traveler” Notch begins.
“How strange that we should meet again in a world as vast as this. I must thank you for not killing me when I asked you to. I admit, I was irritated at first, but I had some time to think up there and I soon saw the wisdom in your decision. The world is made of more than metal and weapons. I set out exploring, and soon found my way here.” The knight remains silent as Notch continues his explanation.
“Sheo is a master of many arts, and has promised to teach me what he can. I think I’ll be quite happy here.” The knight nods with what Notch can only interpret as happiness or at the very least enthusiasm, but their attention is soon pulled to the small wooden figurines that both Notch and Sheo are currently working on. The knight points at the wooden dolls and looks at Notch expectantly.
“Ah, we’re building a full suite of the Kingdom’s Knights. In their time, I barely ever paid them attention, but Sheo keenly remembers each” Notch explains.
“Building these models takes patience and a light touch” Sheo pipes in. “It’s worth it though, seeing the grand old Knights of Hallownest come to life before our eyes.”
“Indeed, it’s so refreshing. Nothing like the crude practice of nailwork. I just love all the intricate details” Notch states happily. “This is fabulous. I’d never have believed my claws capable of such deft construction.”
The knight tilted their head to the side in curiosity, before their gaze settled upon the other figurines the two bugs had yet to begin painting. The knight approaches the table and picks up one of the figurines, turning the wooden doll around in his claws and examining the intricate detailed of the carved chunk of wood.
“Eh? Ah, have you taken an interest in the models we are making. You might be a bit young to have known the mighty Knights of Hollownest but, as Notch said, I remember them and their accomplishments well” Sheo states.
“Mighty Hegemol was always my favorite. What a towering figure he was, though surprisingly soft spoken for one so large.”
“So not too unlike yourself then?” Notch chimes in. Sheo blushes slightly at the compliment. The knight looks at Sheo with a mixture of awe and wonder.
“I assure you that even in my prime I was nowhere near the level that these fine warriors were. They were all impressive in their own right, of course. Fierce Dryya, kindly Isma, mysterious Ze'mer ... erm, and the other one.” Sheo scratches the top of his head as he attempts to remember the name of the last Knight, but is unable to.
“So much for being an expert on the five Knights of Hollownest” Notch teases. Sheo stiffens in embarrassment.
“I remember them! I just… need a moment to remember the last one that’s all.” Notch chuckles lightly as the knight gently sets the wooden figurine back down on the table. They stand still for a moment, seemingly in deep thought, before bowing politely to the two bugs, and beginning to make their way out the door.
“Eh, are you leaving us already? Can’t you stay and join us in our project?” Sheo asks. The knight stops a turns back to his former master, and slowly shakes their head, signaling that they cannot, in fact, stay any longer, and with a little wave, the knight turns and walking back out the door.
“Hmm, they never did stick around for very long. Sometimes I wish they would lay down their nail and try pursuing another path, but alas, what they do is their decision alone, and I cannot make it for them” Sheo sighs. Notch looks up from his half painted sculpture and smiles at the other bug. Despite his intimidating appearance, Sheo is a truly a very gentle and delicate bug, and Notch was very lucky to have met this kind and loving bug.
Placing his figurine and carving knife on the table, Notch moves himself closer to his companion, allowing his head to rest on Sheo’s shoulder. Sheo looks over at Notch in slight confusion, before a smile makes its way onto his face, and the artist returns to his work, but not before placing a gentle kiss to the top of his head. The two spend the rest of their day in a comfortable silence, working on their shared project, as well as simply enjoying each other’s company.
‘After an age spent toiling alone…’ Notch thinks to himself with a content smile on his face.
‘This is much nicer!’