Chrysalis Chapter 1554: 1665 - Shifts in the Sanctum Part 2

Many in the order may not realise, but it was the Shadow herself who invented the silent language employed by the nameless, and it was in this manner that she communicated with them. Limbs dancing gracefully in the darkness, she called them to attention.

she signed. .

Of course not. The nameless soundlessly clacked their mandibles to show their amusement. If the Shadow were to encourage them to break one of the Eldest's commands, they would eat their own antennae.

the Shadow continued,

This was interesting… and different. The nameless had a very narrow focus, and they dedicated their all to it. Making decisions among them was a process almost entirely centered around how to better carry out their function, yet somehow the nameless felt that the Shadow was asking something different of them. Something new.

That was true. The circumstances had been unique, requiring the secret shadow techniques of the nameless in order to help rescue the Eldest. Of course she and her sisters were more than willing to help save the Eldest, no matter the cost, and it just so happened that in doing so, they had helped secure the heart and win the day for the Colony, which they were also happy with. When the mission had been completed, the nameless had gone back to their regular work, vanishing into the darkness and slipping back into their roles alongside the rest of the Colony.

It wasn't something they had ever thought they would have to do again, outside of another emergency.

Rare praise from the Shadow, and the nameless felt themselves well up with pride. At the same time, they understood what she was asking of them. Would the nameless allow themselves to be drawn into more conflicts and battle on behalf of the Colony? She could already tell it didn't sit right with all of them. They had honed their skills in order to ensure the will of the Eldest was respected, not to fight.

It would be some time before they were able to come to a conclusion regarding this matter, the nameless one could already tell.

the Shadow went on.

This was also sensible. The nameless looked amongst each other, nodding in agreement. So far, any non-ant who had joined the Sanctum had been inducted and trained in a very ad-hoc manner. The Brood Tenders amongst the nameless had protested vigorously, but it had seemed wasteful to try and create a full curriculum for only a few students.

Now it seemed as if 'a few students' would continue to balloon into 'a steady trickle of applicants', and from there, who knew?

With a few final gestures, the Shadow departed, leaving them behind, doubtless to return to the side of the Eldest and keep them safe. Left behind, the nameless signed amongst themselves, giving their initial thoughts and impressions about what had been discussed.

Tired and needing to rest, the nameless one excused herself and made her way to the grand resting chamber. After genuflecting, she gladly took her place on the waiting segment, letting her thoughts grow still as she wondered just what lay in store for the Sanctum of Sleep.