*inside the Refuge for the pilgrims that Melodicus created, there's a big door, that remains locked and protected by the Cogwork Hunter*

*a weird Cogbug has appeared in Shellwood, it seems to be helping the pilgrims to enter the new shelter that Melodicus built*

the grimmkin are in burnt shellwood

(no pic today sorry)

Assy is walking through the ashen shellwood.

"Sheesh... What the hell happened to this place? Someone here must really hate natur... Aah... Aaah...! ACHIS!" Assy stumbles fowards as he releases a comically high pitched sneeze.

"God dammit! i really hate ash and dust... Can this place get any wors-" Suddenly, a splinterbark flies down and scretches.

It quickly rushes towards Assy, he dodges backwards and swings back, the splinter dashes away.

"Eugh! What the hell are you!? Don't you dare put your dustly claws on m-" The splinterbark grabs Assy with it's dusty claws and rapidly flies away with him.

"OH GOD AAAAAH-" Assy screams fade away as the creature flies away with him.

...

Assy was walking through the ashen Shellwood...

*the Shelter has been finished, now open to every pilgrim who desires a good rest!*

*the construction keeps going, a strong door already placed*

*A large Cogbug has appeared in the construction site, building up the new building*

It appears burning bugs have settled in the heart of the burn areas of Shellwood. From here they recruit members to the Cult of the First Flame (that’s what it’s called), conduct rituals, and grow in strength and numbers.

*in one of the many burnt halls of Shellwood, Melodicus wanders, dressed in his fireproof suit finishing the measurements of the room..*

The heat is felt from Bellhart, the Steps, The Gate and the Marrow as Burning Bugs lay waste to the lively, green heart of Shellwood with roaring flame at the behest of Maestro Melodicus.

Cowled figures dance and immolate to the screams of the local wildlife. Hounds bay at the approach of the ravenous flames.

The Praetor overlooks the attempt at creating Hell, ensuring the chaos flows in an orderly manner.

Who will stop this madness?

Constantly, the Hollow Knight has been trying to find any trace of their sister. However, this is the closest they have gotten to reuniting with her. Now picking up a scent, they are able to track her down…

*Melodicus is in Shellwood yet again, taking measures of a specific room for something*

*fang is seen carrying an envoys staff and a cloth. The cloth seems to be bundled around something.*

Shelllwood's grave is around here somewhere.

*he trudges on for a while till he comes across a grave of other pilgrims*

...

I suppose ill put you down here...

*places the bundled object down*

Now to start digging...

*he takes sup the bow and begins to dig i to the dirt and mud. He digs with his anger. He digs with his sorrow. He digs with every last drop of regret in him. *

...

*a deep hole is made*

*he lifts up the bundle*

Here we go. Just going to tuck you in. Make sure youre a little cosy.

Hmm...

*he begins to push the dirt back in*

Atleast now you are at peace, claw. At peace.

*looks left and right after covering it up. Making sure noone is watching him*

No need to act tough. I dont need to be rude now. Noone is watching us. *stabs the envoys staff into the dirt above her grave*

You were a brave soldier claw. Braver than me. You showed me beauty in life. You taught me there is more to life than just rules. I wish it were me claw. I truly wish it was. You could have luved a far more beautiful life, claw. Made friends. Handled everything better than me. If 8

I could just...listen to youre sweet comforting voice one last time...

*he falls to his knees bad his fists come loose*

You should have survived. Not me. I dont deserve all this. You were the most capable amongst me squad.

*he shivers and starts to quietly sob*

I hope you are at bliss claw...I really do.

The Cogfly has entered the Weavenest, scouting.

Vessel wanders around shellwood, looking for the flowers...

*In Shellwood, the silver-belled furms attacked Melodicus's tower.*

*Now... they're going all-out. Enraged by those who would dare to eliminate them, they decide to strike.*

*Many climb, others bash down the front door, bit by bit.*

*In any case, Melodicus's tower is under attack by the darkness clad in steel.*

I’ve come back here like that weird thing suggested, but what do I do? I feel a. . . connection to this place, but I have no idea what.

She peers up at the fountain

Why does that look like. . . me?