The pillbug wore a mask on its head. His tall stature stood over Cinelle as he gave her a look that seemed almost kind.
“What brings you to the City of Tears?” The question shook her very being as she stared at the bug in front of her. He had a nail planted on his hip that he could pull on her at any moment. Other than the nail he seemed quite calm and nothing else seemed to be a weapon. There was no shield on his side and a calming attitude seemed to cover him completely.
“Just a journey through Hallownest.” Cinelle gave a short reply as she reached for the book that had been set on the bench. The hard cover was cold between her fingers and she almost flinched at the chill that went through her body.
“Through these dangerous caverns and ruins? You seem strong yet you have this kindness that conveys more than anything I have yet seen.” The pillbug was giving her this kind look that had her throwing herself back in order to keep a distance.
While kindness was appreciated amongst the bugs of Hallownest it wasn’t normal. It was simply the survival of the fittest. Every bug must fight for their own well being. No matter the situation, kindness was never close by.
“Kindness will result in death. I believe you should know this as a fellow traveler,” Cinelle said. She wasn’t sure what he meant. There was a difference in strength and Kindness.
“Kindness can result in friendship. Friendship results in traveling in a group. Traveling in groups gives strength in numbers. Is there anything more for me to say?” The pillbug asked her. His voice was soft. Everything he did was abnormal.
“No, you needn’t say more.” Cinelle responded quickly as if talking faster meant she understood clearer.
“My name is Quirrel, and you?”
“Coccinelle. Just call me Cinelle.” She whispered out. Quirrel hummed in thought and sat on the bench. He set his nail to the side and gave her a soft smile.
“You’re not from around the kingdom of Hallownest are you?” He voiced his thoughts out loud. Cinelle looked at him meekly. Curiosity filled her mind and she sat down on the bench beside him.
“No, I am not. I used to live in a place filled with greenery and beautiful lightning bugs that danced across the sky. Almost like greenpath. It was lush and bright. I don’t remember all that much of it.” Cinelle said everything softly. Every word was laced with this sense of home. Her voice sounded so far away. It was as if she didn’t even remember where she was.
“It sounds quite beautiful.” Quirrel hummed out looking at the pamphlet that was on the ground.
“It was,” Cinelle agreed while grabbing the pamphlet and setting it on her lap. She wasn’t sure why but she felt slightly relaxed around Quirrel. He gave off this aura that left her feeling calmer and more at ease. However, she still sat feeling uneasy. The sense of calm was so forein to her now. Every moment in Hallownest was filled with adventure and danger. She wasn’t used to being able to just sit back and feel comfortable around someone.
“Were there any other bugs?” His question rose quite quickly and it made her almost want to shutter. His voice was so smooth.
“There were. A lot of them were like me. Ladybugs I mean. There were fireflies and dragonflies,” Cinelle hummed out as she went through the list of many bugs that had been around. “I don’t remember anyone I was close to though. I was shunned by my family. Something about being the weakest link.” Cinelle spat out. She didn’t know why but her whole body trembled at the thought of it. She remembered when her mother had looked at her so disappointedly. She had frozen and trembled on the spot. Cinelle was sure her body was shaking violently now as well.
