Silken Strider

I can show them the way to divinity Affiliated with Citta Alveare

[lactrodecta]

Ironically enough the queen of spiders has run out of thread(s)

Like this post for a starter, capping at three unless she’s spoken to you before

Or if you’re a Champion / spider related in some way

[lactrodecta]

@actuallymuffet

This was the place to be. That was, if a week’s worth of... ‘Information gathering’ was anything to go by. And according to said gathered information, the place to be was a dank alley just behind one of the main streets in the fourth sector.

She never got to go anywhere nice.

Sighing to herself, she let the book slip from her attention as she lay on a rooftop, taking a slow glance at her gossamer creation. Yes, a perfect spot. Even with her considerable darkvision, the web stretching across the alley was almost invisible. Almost. Almost enough for who it was intended for, certainly. 

Someone else however was straying alarmingly close. A curious someone else indeed... Multiple eyes, multiple limbs- Well well, could it really be? She was far too curious not to find out, and she’d rather not waste the time she’d spent spinning that net. Taking hold of a loose thread, she sailed slowly down to the alley floor. 

“Well well, just look at you!”

The woman stepped around the other, making no effort to hide her appraisal, before she she stopped again before her. 

“Aren’t you just adorable, sugar. I love your outfit~” The limbs protruding from her back flexed, making sure the other could see. “What’s your name? I’m Elise. Bit of a risky area this, you know~”

[rependere-a-deactivated20171015]

lactrodecta liked for a starter

“Woah, now that’s what I call a nice costume. A bit creepy maybe. Where did you get it from?”

[lactrodecta]

“It’s laundry day.” She pulled her cloak around her a little more.

“But thanks, sugar~ I made it myself. I’d extend the favour but” Her eyes traced down his form before returning to his “I’m not sure its your style.”

[lactrodecta]

@poisonaut

Pointed digits tapped her chin in thought as her other hand rested on her hip, hmmmm... All right, perhaps she hadn’t thought this one all the way through. 

Before her, slumped on the ground of the alley was a grown man. A grown man who was certainly larger and undoubtedly heavier. He sat swaddled almost completely in webbing- it stopped him from being a nuisance. But now how was she supposed to get him across the city? She couldn’t exactly drag him... If she could borrow a car, that’d make things easier. The spider queen headed for the alley’s exit, but stopped in her tracks, genuine surprise crossing her face. Was that-? No way...

“Singed..?” It didn’t take a moment to relax back into a customary smile

“Well, isn’t this just a lovely surprise. You can’t have been here long, right? You wouldn’t hide from me now.”

[ryuujinblade-blog]

    It felt strange being complimented by a stranger, genuinely or not. Very few appreciated the work that was done to his body and for a time, even he didn’t appreciate it. But that point in his life had already come and went, and Genji was a new man.

    “Of course,” he said, nodding in grim understanding. “Borders often alienate people from one another. Appearances more-so, in some cases.” That being said, she seemed quite chipper for someone who comes from a world where man and machine seemed to be at odds. At least, that’s what Genji was getting from this.

    “Then I suppose that makes two of us. You may call me Genji. I assume you must be as new as I am then, if you are attempting to be acquainted with the city?”

[lactrodecta]

“Oh, don’t I know it.” The limbs on her back flexed in agreement. “But we’re so much more than our outsides, aren’t we?” She knew she certainly was, and that was more than one different ‘outside’ to choose from.

“An absolute pleasure Genji, really.” She flashed a wide smile, extending a hand wrapped in black and red for him to take “I’m Elise~” She did like to know people, you could almost call it her business. She had a lot of rebuilding to do.

“Well I might as well be. I was here once before, but some time seems to have passed her since then, new faces all around and none of the old. A fresh start in the same prison! How are you finding it?”

[tensecondtrigger-blog]

as she spoke, a bottle of some alcoholic beverage landed between the two, she probably felt it would be easier this way, when they finished a glass she could just pour some more.

he took a sip from the glass finding that whatever it was didn’t actually taste that bad.

“yeah my sword’s always had a soul, since she was first created to kill, uh… baldr I think it was.” he explained, “she generally takes on human form or just disappears entirely.”

taking another sip he thought for a second.

“more like she forms armor and a sword” he continued, “she isn’t actually here right now.”

as he sat he listened to the rain fall outside the bar.  it clearly wasn’t letting up anytime soon.  it looked like he was stuck there for the time being.  well may as well make the most of it.

“yeah ok,” he grinned, “I think I’d like that. but hey, I’ve got a question.  I read somewhere once that spiders get drunk when they drink coffee, is that true for you too?”

[lactrodecta]

“Mhm. Ahh. I see.” 

She still worse a smile as he spoke, legs crossed and foot bobbing as she took occasional swigs from her glass. "A sword with a soul~ Was her soul taken from something else, or was it made entirely to be a sword? I find that quite fascinating.” Maybe not quite as much as her tone may imply, but it certainly was intriguing; souls and the binding of were a hometown speciality.

“Oh good, I wouldn’t want to think you were seeing things that weren’t there” She ended the sentence with a wink

She looked at him with interest as he professed a question, and she had to lower her glass so to not laugh right into it. 

“Hah! Oh sugar, and where did you read that?” It was a genuine sound at least. She tapped her chin thoughtfully “Well it is true I’m not particularly a fan, not my poison of choice, as it were. It’s been so long I couldn’t really tell you, but maybe it does.”

She refilled both their glasses before her gaze returned to his.

“Any more spider trivia you’d like to ask?”

[ryuujinblade-blog]

    His head quirked at her question, caught off guard by it. But by her suggestion, he does ease off some tension from his shoulders, but kept his distance nonetheless. There was no hiding it if she had been observant enough to ask him.

    “Yes. I am bonded to this armor. It is my body.” His voice was one of clarity, having already accepted what he had become. “I trust then, that you have encountered people who are like me before for you to ask such a thing?”

[lactrodecta]

“Condolences. At least it’s a sharp number, right? You’ve definitely got the legs for it.” She grinned again, best way out of an awkward situation. 

“Encountered yes, though I’d hardly say we’re friends. Different parts of the world and all that jazz.” It was true she definitely represented a different part of Runeterra. “It’s as bit more... Earthly where I’m from.” Hesitant to say ‘natural’

“I’m Elise, by the way. And I get it; red and black, sharp- warning bells I’m sure. But I’m not going to bite you, sugar, I’m just trying to familiarise myself with this city.”

[tensecondtrigger-blog]

“I mean with what I can do, it’d be pretty hard to keep up with me I think.” he grinned.  it wasn’t necessarily that he had a high opinion of himself, just that he happened to know that people came into this city fairly weak.  not a lot of them stayed long enough to reclaim their power, and he happened to be one of the lucky few

as she spoke he took another drink, finishing the glass as she finished her sentence

wait.  what did she say? had she drugged him, was the drink he had in his mouth about to knock him out and leave his body at her mercy? fortunately, just as he was about to spit out what was in his mouth she confirmed she was only kidding.  that… that could have been bad.

“about my sword?” he asked, “well, she’s got a soul of her own, and when we trigger our strongest form, our souls just kind of bleed together, that’s why I can only use it for 10 seconds at a time.”

[lactrodecta]

“Well, aren’t you a modest one.” Though, she’d never really gathered how long he’d been here before she arrived, and if he’d remained for the entire time... Well, there was likely some credence to his words. Best not take too many chances.

She couldn’t help but break from her own glass and barely stifle her laughter at his reaction “Oh! Come on sugar, do you think I’d be so cruel? And talk about unoriginal.”A thoughtful look crossed her face as she finished her own.

“Has your sword always had a soul? How curious. And you fuse together? Well, I’m sure that’s a sight...” 

Her eyes flicked back to her now empty glass. Instead of ordering two more, she simply had a bottle placed between their glasses. A quick pop of the cork and she filled them both. 

“Well it still sounds awful out there, why don’t we make a night of it? Is, ah, she with you now?”

[lactrodecta]

“Eurgh.”

“It’s like a parade day in Demacia. Remember to separate your colours when you’re washing your spandex.

And before you say it, mine’s dry clean only.”

[lactrodecta]

@coolheadedhozuki

Not bad at all, they could certainly use a place like this back on the Shadow Isles- not that she was ever allowed to have anything nice there. She sighed to herself as she poked at the thin slices on her plate. She sat nearest the counter, there were a few other random patrons included a small group keeping to themselves in a corner, One of which she was particularly interested in. 

Of the staff she could see, one bore a short horn on his head. From everything she’d gathered, he was the owner of this establishment. Certainly looked like a dour fellow, but that was neither here nor there. 

“Mmm~ delightful, sugar. My compliments to the chef.” She’d also heard someone she knew might work here, but she hadn’t seen even a scale. “I think I’ll finish with something sweet.” The tips of her fingers rattled the counter, before she held her hands together, then apart. White string seemingly from nowhere arranged in an elegant pattern. 

“Don’t look now” She lowered her voice, leaning in slightly. “But have you noticed that group-” she flicked her eyes back to the corner “has only been here recently when you’re working?” 

[tensecondtrigger-blog]

“yep,” he grinned, “Takeru Kusanagi, the strongest swordsman in Hive City.”  he put down the glass as he watched two more land in front of them.

“you make it sound like you can change your style at the drop of the hat,” he grinned, “that hair color is definitely different than before, wouldn’t it take too much time?”

he took a sip from the second glass, “thank you for that, like I said, I’m kind of cautious around this stuff. plus like I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, I’ve only ever had bad experiences being tied up”

“I don’t remember much of that night,” he muttered, explaining what he did know, “there were 3 crazy looking drinks, I downed all of them quickly, nearly choked and the only thing I can remember that is tentacles.”

he shuddered as he recalled what had happened, taking another large gulp of his drink as he calmed down.

“as to why I survived, it probably has to do with my soul.” he explained, “a combination of the fact that it’s that of a demon, and it’s fusing with the soul of a god slaying sword.  kind of a double whammy for resisting gods.”

[lactrodecta]

“Well, goodness me, isn’t that a bold claim.” She rested her chin in her hand, swaying her foot slowly. Swordsmen were so often immodest, why was that, she wondered. What was it about swinging a sharp piece of metal. She leant back against the bar as he spoke, a smile curling her lips.

“You’d think so, wouldn’t you? Well maybe I can, sometimes it’s quite essential I change my style at the drop of a hat.” She grinned, picturing her more arachnid form. Her eyes flicked down to the bubbling glass “No need to worry about me, sugar, I rarely choose the stronger stuff. Besides...” She leant in a little closer “Most things dissolve better in the fizzy ones.” 

She let the statement hang in the air before she couldn’t hold it any longer, she leaned back and giggled at herself, drinking from the glass “I’m joking, of course.”

She continued to sip the drink thoughtfully as he spoke, trying to picture the scene. Drinking with an Elder God, that’s a story to tell.

“Well, doesn’t that make you all the more impressive.” Her eyes flicked down his form, then back up. That could add some credence to his boast. “Quite a soul indeed. How does a soul fuse with a sword, if I may ask?”

[ryuujinblade-blog]

    “It would depend on the lady in question,” he returned, his green visor practically latched onto her. He was being careful, really. The city had a lot to offer and even more to surprise the cyborg. This lady was becoming one of them, if those limb-like protrusions on her back were any indication.

    The dark color scheme she showed practically screamed treachery, but Genji was more than willing to humor her with civility. “So it would seem. I am rather flexible myself. This armor does not limit the man wearing it, unlike the heavier varieties.”

[lactrodecta]

“Doesn’t it always.” She flashed another smile. He certainly wasn’t subtle about his appraisal, but how subtle can you really be dressed like that. He almost looked like one of those cybernetic projects, but she was certain he was no one she’d met before.

“Oh I bet you are~ But you don’t have to be so tense sugar, I’m not a fan of hard shells. Speaking of; are you welded in there?”

[tensecondtrigger-blog]

“well then, sorry I forgot it,” he muttered, “I’ll be sure to remember it this time, especially if we’re going to be friends now.”

“and I guess you can’t,” he grinned looking her up and down, “not that the other one looked bad either”

he thought for a second, eyeing the glass in front of him.  he had no idea what fizz sugar was but it sounded benign enough.  plus if he was going to talk about that experience he might actually need it.

“you know what?” he muttered, “fine, just promise me I won’t wake up in a spider-web tomorrow morning”

and with that he grabbed the glass in hand and gulped it all down at once.

“as for the tentacles.” he groaned, “I’m pretty sure I got drunk and lost my virginity to an elder god.”

[lactrodecta]

“Don’t mention it, sugar.” She flashed a grin, drinking from her glass “Oh, the best I’d say. Takeru, wasn’t it?”

“You’re too kind, sweetie. But yes, the hard black suits most occasions, but not all.” She smiled again. “Charming~ I promise you won’t wake up in a spider-web tomorrow morning, happy?” 

Her eyes followed his movements as he drained the glass entirely “Look at you.” She said with another smile, tapping her fingers on the bar for another two drinks. 

Only to turn rather abruptly and laugh two louder notes as he elaborated.

“Hah! Pretty sure, huh? Goodness, you just seem to run into all the fun, don’t you?” Elder Gods, that only made her think of one other, that kraken priestess who dabbled in things she couldn’t understand. There was only one god for Elise, and while she was separated from him, she would have to do her work alone.

“Well you seem to still be in one piece- and with enough sanity to recall it- I’d say you got off lucky.” She crossed her legs, leaning forward slightly. “That must have been an experience.”

[tensecondtrigger-blog]

“d-did you tell me your name?” he stuttered, “I’m sorry, I was too scared of that webbing of yours to catch it”

“either way, nice to meet you again, Elise.  please don’t tie me up this time.”

he sat down next to her, she was right, there was no sense standing, it wasn’t like he was going anywhere in the rain

“your hair’s blue this time though, looks nice.” he tried to make some kind of conversation, as watched as the bar tender produced two glasses.

“I actually uh… don’t drink” he muttered, “last time I did well uh… I don’t want to talk about it.  I think there were tentacles involved and just, not a great memory.”

[lactrodecta]

“I’m almost certain I did~” She raised the glass to her lips as she smiled; she absolutely hadn’t. “Well I’m not often one for promises.”

“Aww, aren’t you sweet? Yes, I’m a lady of many talents, I can’t be expected to stick to just one look, can I?” Her fingers tapped on the bar slowly, an eyebrow raising slowly as he spoke.

“Is that a fact? That’s certainly a memory that begs some explanation, tentacles? You can’t just leave me hanging like that.” She was grinning.

“Oh, are you sure? It’s on fizz sugar, it’s basically just bubbles.” 

[tensecondtrigger-blog]

“ah, it’s raining” he’d ducked into a building to escape, and it turned out to be a bar

“no drinks this time” he muttered before he heard a voice off to the side

“ah wait, you’re that one spider-” he practically fell backwards in the direction opposite her, “the one who tied me up that one time.” it had been a long time since he’d truly felt fear but this did it

“i-it was raining, I got out of the storm”

[lactrodecta]

“Mhm, that’s what they all say.” Not that she didn’t already know it was raining, but, you know. “That one spider indeed.” Her tone was one of mock offence, the smile on her face.

“Don’t you like me enough to call me Elise? And after how much you seemed to enjoy it last time too~” She crossed her legs, rattling her tipped fingers on the bar. “So, you might as well make yourself comfortable, hmm? Two please.” She tapped her fingers down twice, and soon enough two sparkling glasses were produced.”

[lactrodecta]

@tensecondtrigger

“Well well~ look who it is.”

She turned her stool at the bar as she spoke with perfect timing, a smile creeping across her lips. “Do you recognise me, sugar?” One of the limbs on her back poked out ever so slightly, almost waving. “It hasn’t been that long, has it?”

“More importantly; what’s a fine gent like you doing in a place like this?” 

[lactrodecta]

”So much pent up anger and hate. It’s almost like everybody here has it out for somebody else.”

“The things some of you would do to them if you could just get your hands on them. If only there was someone especially talented at rounding things up that are just out of reach.”