The tunnels of Deepnest have always been dark and foreboding by their nature, shedding no light but that cast by the dim glow of the fungi that sprouted in some areas. That is why Ghost's interest was immediately caught by a distant warm glow, much brighter than the natural bio-luminescence found in the tunnels. As they approached the light Ghost soon found its source, a campfire built within one of the many nooks and crannies hidden away in the tunnels all throughout Deepnest. The little Knight's attention was drawn away from the fire though as they noticed a quick movement behind it. A cloaked figure rising from their resting position, already drawing their nail before they paused suddenly.

"Oh... It's you." The other bug spoke as he recognized Ghost.

And Ghost recognized him too, it was the stranger they met a couple weeks ago. Easily remembering his appearance and the unique twisted nail he carried. Though now they actually got to see his face properly, or well, the mask he wore, as he had both the cloth face mask and hood pulled down at the moment. The Knight had never seen a mask like that before, white with black lines cutting vertically across each eye. It also appeared to be severely damaged, a nasty crack spreading over its right side

The stranger sat down again, sheathing the nail on his back once more now that he determined Ghost was no threat. "So we meet again, I have to admit I did not really expect to see you again."

Ghost merely tilted their head.

"Hmm, and silent as last time, suppose it makes no difference." He paused for a moment, contemplating. "You may rest here if you wish, there is enough room. Just don't try anything funny."

Ghost gladly took him up on that offer, moving to sit on a shell close to the campfire. They then pointed at the stranger, trying to ask a question.

"What is it?" He replied.

Ghost tapped their chest twice, then tapped their nail. Repeating the motion a few times.

"Are you telling me your name?"

A nod.

"So nail... Warrior... Fighter... Knight... Knight?" The stranger kept guessing until Ghost nodded again. "Alright, Knight it is then."

Ghost then pointed at the stranger, tilting their head again.

"Are you asking for my name now? I suppose it is only fair..." The stranger took a moment to think about it, his antennae moving in contemplation. "My name is Lyre." He said after some hesitance, clearly not being the most trusting type.

The Knight just nodded, glad to have a proper way to refer to the other now.

They remained in silence for a while until Lyre spoke up again. "I suppose your little game of charades isn't adequate enough to tell me what you're doing down here? Deepnest is not exactly a place one visits without reason."

Ghost pulled out their map, unrolling it to show Lyre and circling the area of Deepnest.

"You are exploring... searching?" This time Lyre grew tense as Ghost nodded in confirmation. His antennae once more twitching as he mulled over the new information. "Searching for what?" He asked cautiously.

Ghost looked over the map again before pointing to the heart of Deepnest, where supposedly one of the Dreamers slept.

"I see." Lyre relaxed once more at that, the worry fading from his voice. There was a lull in the conversation again before Lyre spoke up once more. "Say, you seem like you get around a lot, even in this place. Have you-"

He was interrupted by the fire crackling, the sound surprisingly loud in the small space, making him flinch and draw further away from the flame. He then stared accusingly at the fire before he gathered himself enough to continue. "Have you heard of any... myths around this area? Or any other strange stories?"

The Knight considered his question for a few moments, but in the end shook their head, not recalling anything of the sort really.

The other sighed, the edges of disappointment hiding in his tone. "Very well, it was worth a try, thank you anyway."

Ghost tilted their head, inquiring once more.

"Well... Let's just say I am searching for something as well."

***


So I got really nostalgic for my own characters thus we finally get to see some continuation on Lyre's storyline. Nothing much happens again but Ghost finally learns Lyre's name and a few more things are revealed about the mysterious stranger.
Not sure when I'll get the next part done (especially since we'll be migrating into comic territory, rip) but it's gonna happen eventually.

Nothing much to say otherwise, still messing with styles, this one including lined background and doodly/less refined lines. Think it works but not sure how much time it really cuts, so imma still be experimenting more.

P.S. Yes this takes place before Ghost meets Ekko.


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Lyre © me
Hollow Knight © Team Cherry