when we are older you'll understand

[lightlessfuture]

[ Here is a story:

Once upon a time, there were two vessels taken from the Abyss, instead of one. One raised, one trained, one taught to believe wholly in the purpose they were given;

and one, trained somewhat, raised somewhat, but not as closely watched; not as closely guarded or needed. They learned, perhaps too much, about the world in which they lived, about the bugs in it.

There is no night or day underground, but the lights are dim in the White Palace. The kingdom rests, as best it can in such circumstances.

It's almost time.

The nameless, fully-grown vessel - not the Hollow Knight, there is only one Hollow Knight, and it is not them - writes quietly at the desk. Their sibling is asleep, or they think so.

It will be a long day for one of them, tomorrow. But not, they think, the correct one.

They are busy, head bent low, and it would not be hard for their sibling to move without their notice. ]

Comments

[sealedvessel]

[They had been asleep.

Or tried to be, at least. It was hard. Nervousness was not an emotion they were meant to feel. It wasn't that, exactly, not truly. But even with them being as they are, like this, it's impossible to ignore the weight of what is to come pressing down on them.

They're determined, or as much as they believe they are capable of being. This is what they are meant for and they will not, cannot, fail.

And so sleep is difficult.

They're not expecting to see movement. So they move - quietly, as they always are - towards the desk, to their sibling.

What are they writing...?]

[lightlessfuture]

[ They don't look up, though it becomes...obvious, to know, when their sibling is awake, when they're close enough. To hear those small movements, those disturbances.

(They are always thinking, waiting, watching. Always watching, especially around their father. It is something they have never explained.

The nameless vessel is, in some ways, sharp as the point of the nail the Hollow Knight has been trained to wield. Inconveniently so. Their relationship with the Pale King had always been one of distance and a slow-growing enmity.)

They gently cover the paper with their hand and turn their head, when their sibling approaches. Head tilting in a silent question; they look at the Hollow Knight, and then at the bed, and back again. They're not resting after all? ]

[sealedvessel]

[The Hollow Knight is a little surprised when their sibling covers the paper, but they don't think all that much of it.

They look briefly back at their bed as well, but shake their head. No, they're not resting. They should, probably. Get as much rest now, to prepare.

But they can't.

They look at the paper again and point at it. So, what's that? You'll have to work a little harder to avoid the topic completely, sibling.]

[lightlessfuture]

[ Their sibling is feeling nervous. In the past it has troubled their sleep, brings their nameless sibling to their side to soothe them in a way only a few things can do. (A father's words, a mother's lullabies. The sound of a music box, which still sits on the desk in the room they have been permitted to share.)

Their sibling is nervous, almost anxious, even though they don't seem to acknowledge that's what they're feeling.

But then again, they never have. Their world has always been so small, so restricted. It's sad.

They pause at the Hollow Knight's curiosity, and then simply fold the paper up and gently pat their shoulder with a hand. Using the other for a simple gesture; finger in front of their mask, a gesture they've used before. It's a surprise. It's a secret.

They gesture to the bed again, more insistent, rather than answer. They have a long day tomorrow. They should sleep. ]

[sealedvessel]

[A surprise? That in itself is surprising enough already. They're still curious, not really sated yet, but the way their sibling folded up the paper seems awfully final. It's doubtful they'll receive an answer, even if they insist. They don't look back at the bed again, shaking their head slightly. They're far too awake now. And with the weight of everything on their shoulders, they doubt sleep will come any easier this time. They questioningly point at the bed over their shoulder, and then at their sibling. What about them? Aren't they tired? They know how easily their sibling dozes off. Surely they won't have any trouble falling asleep, at least.]

[lightlessfuture]

[ It doesn't quite matter if they're not entirely satisfied, so long as they understand not to look at it. Not yet, at least.

(Not until things are already in motion and can't be reversed.)

They are tired, but then again, they are always a little tired. There's always much to do, for a child whose curiosity is not nearly as tightly controlled.

If it was any other day, they would already be asleep. But...

Maybe their father has already told them not to give them affection, not to give them anything, but they've grown less and less attentive to his words as time has gone by. So it doesn't matter.

They shake their head, looking a little forlorn, a little lost, and gently place a hand over their sibling's. First one, then the other, giving it a gentle squeeze, attempting to convey...

They don't know what they're attempting to convey. But they don't want to sleep just yet.

This will be the last time they see them, after all. They want to stave off that inevitability a little longer. ]

[sealedvessel]

[This is very unusual. And they don't entirely know what to do with this, what to do with their sibling who is being so stubborn and yet so vague.

But what is clear to the Hollow Knight is this. They're not going to sleep. Neither of them are. And they will not listen to the other trying to convince them to.

So.

The Hollow Knight moves, although not a all stopping their sibling from holding onto their hand. In fact, they stop, and turn, to see if they'll follow.

It's quiet right now. No one will stop them from walking around for just a bit. Well. Their father might, but that is only if he catches them.

It's not entirely a rebellious act, as they would not do this if directly ordered not to. But they haven't been. So they... bend the rules, just a little, even if they don't see it that way.

For their sibling's sake, it's fine, isn't it? Just for a little bit.]

[chainedvessel]

[ They're surprised, when the Hollow Knight doesn't let go of their hand, looks back at them to see if they'll follow. (Their sibling has always been more obedient to their father's wishes, more sensitive to what he wants.)

So they tilt their head, in silent curiosity, and nod; of course they'll go along with them. Half wanting to know where exactly it is they'll go, what their sibling is thinking of doing.

(They would do anything for their sibling, after all.) ]