Ghost didn't think they would be returning to the Howling Cliffs this soon, they had been there only a few days ago, although time was hard to measure in the constant gloom that loomed over Hallownest. However they happened to run into Cornifer who was just returning from the Cliffs himself, he claimed he heard something strange in the wind, a melody, but chalked it up to his tired mind making up things. Still, the little Knight deemed it worth investigating, wondering whether it might have something to do with the appearance of the Grimm Troupe. Speaking of which their newest companion was currently flying around them, as energetic as ever. The child had already been fed a couple flames, but there was still one Ghost would have to get later.
The trek was no less straining than last time, but at least it felt shorter due to the lack of thorough exploration. Ghost still remembered where Cornifer set up his camp when they met at the Cliffs, thus opting to start their investigations there. The wind was as unrelenting as always, giving the Howling Cliffs their iconic name, and it only seemed to grow more melancholic as they neared the right spot.

"Nyarr?" The Grimmchild perked up suddenly, flying ahead.

Ghost followed, not wanting the child to get lost, luckily it didn't look like the child would go too far away from the Knight, some instinct keeping them close to their caretaker. Yet as Ghost followed the child they noticed there was something in the wind, a sound, a song, not the wind's regular one but no less haunting. As they neared the edge of the cliffs the music was unmistakable, confirming that Cornifer wasn't imagining at all. Ghost dropped down the platforms, still following after the child and quickly dispatching any enemies along the way. As they reached the sandy ground, the music suddenly stopped.

"Oh? Oh it's you!"

The Knight looked up at the unfamiliar voice, wondering whether it was someone they met before. But as they spotted the stranger they quickly realized they did not know them, and neither did the stranger seemed to have noticed them. In fact the one he was talking to was in fact the Grimmchild.

"It's been a while, hasn't it? Though, ah, you wouldn't know." The strange bug kept talking to the child. The child just flew around him, mostly focusing on the instrument in his hands.

Ghost approached them then, nail sheathed now that there didn't seem to be any more threats.

The stranger noticed them finally. "Hmm? Ah, hello there, you must be the child's caretaker. I suppose ol' Grimm is in the area then? I have to admit I didn't really expect anyone to be here." Their tone of voice remained as chipper as with the child.

Ghost merely pointed to the child and nodded, having no other way of communication.

"Oh dear, do you not speak? Well, words are not always necessary, many things can be understood even without them. But where are my manners, I am Ekko, wanderer and musician, as you might have noticed already." He motioned to his violin, which the child still seemed to be quite fascinated about.

Ghost unsheathed their nail, holding it up and motioning to it, then they made a few slashes for demonstration.

"So you're a fighter, or... a knight?" Ghost nodded at that. "I see, Knight it is then. See? Words really are overrated sometimes." He chuckled.

"Nyarr!" The child whined impatiently, nudging Ekko's hand that was holding the bow of his violin.

"What's that, little one? You'd like to hear me play? Very well, if your caretaker doesn't mind. I don't have an audience often so I'd be happy to play for you."

In response Ghost merely walked over to an old husk and sat down next to it, it was no bench but it would do.

Ekko didn't say anything to that, just chuckled softly and smiled before closing his eyes. He placed the bow along the strings and took one deep breath before starting up the song again. It was the same melody as before, a strange haunting sound that managed to feel sad but also had beauty to it. The music seemed to meld with the howling wind of the cliffs, spreading a strange sense of peace throughout the area. Ekko didn't just stay in one spot though, eventually he started to move and sway with the melody, as if captured in a soft dance. Deeply lost in his own music.
The Grimmchild at first followed Ekko's movements, excitedly flying around him, but after a while they floated down to rest on the Knight's lap, slowly lulled to sleep by the music. As Ghost kept listening they noticed something, a faint glow coming from the carapace exposed on Ekko's abdomen. They would have to ask him about that later, but for now they were content with just staying here and listening a while longer.

***


Aaaand second one of the introduction paintings is done. Took a bit to get to this one but here it is. Frankly there are a few things that need improvement but for once I just didn't have the will/energy to play perfectionist and decided to just focus on creating without overly worrying about it. And despite the errors I still am happy with the result.

But yeah, meet Ekko the firefly, a newcommer to Hallownest. Decidedly more friendly than the other stranger that's been hanging around, yet he certainly doesn't seem to lack mysteries of his own, like the fact he seems to know the Troupe Master himself. Hopefully all shall be revealed in due time.
Also oops that story turned out a bit long but I guess that's what happens when the character isn't a loner lol.

Btw I don't usually give my characters instruments because most of them are a pain to draw, but f me here we are now so guess I'll be learning them violins pretty damn soon. XD
For anyone wondering what he's playing in the story, his type of music is actually quite similar to the Hollow Knight main menu theme, so in this case it might even be that https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOi1yQlKAvs
I plan to give more examples of what his music sounds like once I make his ref. But generally things that feel nostalgic and sad tend to make the cut.

Not sure if there will be any more paintings for this as I don't have any plans for that as of now, but once my new tablet arrives I plan to go ham with digital art. So the stories shall be continued either way unless my motivation really dies but I hope not.


Ekko © me
Anything Hollow Knight related © Team Cherry