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This was… the third or fourth time, now, that Quirrel had seen this strange little silent bug approach him. He couldn’t help but smile as they took a seat beside him.
“Ah, my short friend,” Quirrel greeted. “You’ve come to admire the City too, I presume?”
As always, they didn’t answer, but Quirrel followed their gaze out of the window, and… they certainly appeared to be doing just that.
The fabled City of Tears spread out before them, its collection of tall, beautifully constructed buildings reaching up to the very top of the cavern that contained it. The architecture truly was something magnificent, unlike anything he’d ever seen. So intricate, delicate, lumafly lights catching each and every swirl, as the clearest water rained from above.
To think that such a vast city could be built in these depths. To think there was once a thriving civilisation that roamed these streets, that occupied that many houses and apartments that filled it. To think this grand City had once been alive.
Quirrel, as he often did, found himself rambling to his friend about what little history he knew of the City. Which- well, compared to anyone else still wandering Hallownest, was actually a fair amount. The few bugs remaining in this forgotten kingdom that weren’t merely wandering husks of their former selves didn’t seem much for history.
His short friend seemed content to listen, at least. And so, Quirrel would teach.
He stopped, however, as he felt a weight against his side. A strange sensation he… wasn’t sure he’d ever felt before.
Soft breathing, against his leg.
Frowning, he looked down, only to smile again, ever so fondly, at seeing that little bug fast asleep by his side.
…perhaps he had rambled a little too much. Or perhaps…
Gosh. The poor thing must’ve been so exhausted, having to traverse this treacherous landscape all by themselves. They’d surely encountered a great number of foes, fought many battles at… what seemed to be such a young age, at least compared to Quirrel.
Which meant that, nestled into Quirrel’s side, this little knight must’ve felt safe. Able to put their guard down, able to relax.
The thought made a strange warmth blossom in Quirrel’s chest. He really couldn’t help but smile.
Carefully, he looped an arm around his short friend’s back, tugging them closer to his side. The little bug all but melted into him, turning slightly to hug his leg. He could almost weep at the trust this poor thing clearly had for him.
He… had been hoping that he could’ve started to explore the City by now. Scale its towers, maybe meet some of its residents, finally walk its rainy streets.
But, he supposed that could wait. He certainly wasn’t going to leave whilst his friend was sleeping, vulnerable. Any empty husk could wander in here and slay them in a second like this, which Quirrel wasn’t having.
No. Quirrel swore then and there that he would protect this creature, at all costs.