They had been here for a long time when the pale king suddenly started to appear more often. All vessels knew their purpose, stepping stones to a pure, emotionless vessel to hold the infection. Gorein was but one of many failed vessels. But when it saw the king begin paying the others, as well as themselves, less mind, they caught on. There wasn't much time, the vessels still in the abyss when the pure vessel was taken would never leave. Gorein couldn't let this happen to itself, so they began to make their way to the top of the abyss, where the entrance was. It was risky, there were many small creatures on the climb, any of which could kill someone with a weak shell and poor nail play, someone like Gorein. As they ascended, they listened to the king speak to the pure one, speaking of how special they were, and how amazing what they would be forced to do was. Gorein saw them approach the exit as it escaped. Narrowly escaping the king's gaze, and watching as its siblings were sealed away behind a royal charm. It walked towards the elevator, slipping on after the king and vessel left. As it rose, they looked around, seeing the waterways and Isma's distant grove. It stayed, as it rose to the top of hallownest, seeing the city they had only heard hearsay of. They saw the city guards and the aristocrats, and they felt like there was hope for the future.
