surprised to hear he has made friends outside of Pharloom."

All familiar names and all.....most....of which she would consider friends. While she cares deeply for Lace in some capacity they don't quite qualify as "friends" given their turbulent history and they haven't talked much since their escape from the void.

"Sherma is a very kind soul. I am not +

Odd indeed.

"Do you have any inkling as to why?"

That was surprising. It was hard to imagine someone not putting up a fight. "Are you hosts still cognizant? Or does your will subsume them?"

kind I have met. I take it you have met other bugs such as myself?"

Skin was mostly what was confusing her. She supposes that's what they have in place of shell as their exterior protection? Well, if that's how they made do, that's how they made do.

"I suppose not, but I apologize for my questions have been intrusive. I was curious for you are the first of your +

"It gladdens me to hear that. Much has changed and the pale being that once gripped this land is gone now. If you wish, I could tell you more on the state of Pharloom and if there is any message you wish me to carry, I shall. If not, I shall then leave you in peace."

That was unfortunate, but she supposes not too surprising in retrospect. She nods and hops up a ledge where the faint glow of Blue Lake can be seen down the tunnel. Not too far now.

"It is up ahead."

rough for anyone.

"What have been the most egregious villains you have fought?"

A funny way to put it, but:

"True. It seems no matter where one goes, someone is stirring up trouble. " It was pleasant to have a talk like this. Hornet wouldn't have expected to enjoy it, but she supposes so many years of being alone, then having little time for extended conversation would make +

...

No shell? How was that possible?

"How do you keep all your organs in place without a shell?"

exactly is a human?" There was something odd that she couldn't quite place her claw on. Her shell just looks so soft but that would defeat the purpose of a shell, wouldn't it?

Confused indeed, but she was more relaxed now. It was clear this Pearl intended no harm and that was the most important thing.

"...well met, Pearl. You are right to say that I have never encountered or even heard of your kind before....I speak only out of curiosity, and mean no offense, but what+

part to blame in said destruction. It was only proper for her to do what she could.

Hornet gave a shake of her head.

"No, sir, I come here not with ill intent, but rather to learn of you and offer aid if so needed. I know not if the black tendrils reached your village, but they have wracked much destruction above and I seek to help all in what I can."

She, after all, had a large+

"How many have you had in total?" Hornet admittedly knew little of parasitic creatures...there were not many back in Hallownest and her own experience...well. She vaguely feels it might be outside the norm.

creatures exuberance that reminded Hornet of someone, but she couldn't quite place who.

"Did it need rescuing?"

Hornet had only recently come to learn of steam power, and despite all of Pharloom's ails she will admit she had become intrigued by their technology. So to hear of another place, and one so lauded that had it, perked her interest.

"It's hero?" She echoed. There was something about the furred +