Spider in the Corn

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 26

*Arachnia took a few deep breaths to calm the anger that continued to roil within and stood at the perimeter of the manse's archway before walking to the door and knocking to announce her presence. The usual sensual smile held her expression and she kept her eyes at half-mast, the appearance of a woman unbothered by the events at hand, though that was far from the truth. Arachnia had had Zeriku send a communicate saying that she would be arriving shortly and that Arachnia wished to speak with the Corn Field God*

Oce-Earin, Keeper of the Stalks, Arachnia of the Hour has arrived and it would be delightful if you would agree to conference with me...

*her eyes and face held the succulent sweetness that her body teased one with, though her voice was an overtone of formality with an undertone of respectful intention. The Widow had no intention of being denied, the request was only so that she wasn't barging in on the God's territory uninvited. Though if she really wanted to get technical, Oce-Earin was only living here and Arachnia could walk in because of her ownership by association. Despite the fine threads of this finely spun web, it was a good idea in her mind to remain on the Spirit's good side. After all, she was here to ask the man some questions, and if the No Moon didn't want to torture it out of him the kindness approach was best. Not that she had the desire to torture any of the Spirits, it wouldn't do anyone any good, after all. A hand tossed back a hair and traced the plunging neckline of her gown as she waited for him to open the doors*

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 26

* The Doors of the Manse opened up almost jarringly, revealing the tattered, yet handsome smirking spirid who dwelled within. He bowed, causing his straw hat to fall off his head. With a soft curse, he knelt down and put it back on, acting as though nothing had happened*" Oh! Empress. I was expecting you... what can I do for you?.. did you need some.. Company?" * he gave her a wink and motioned his head in the direction of the bowels of his manse*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 26

*Arachnia's lips remained in that sexy smile and she let out a very quiet amused titter of laughter as his he cursed, as though she were more innocent than her smile suggested, her hand raising to her mouth as the woman's eyes crinkled closed. Cute was a different look for her, but the slight downward slant and calculated side-turn of her head made it work perfectly. She put that blessing of a smile back onto her face and offered a small incline of her body at the waist, just enough to give a glimpse to any wandering eyes that were happening by. She walked towards him and smiled at the near-silent sound of her skirt swishing around her ankles. A hand reached down and took hold of her garment around mid-thigh and lifted, creating a look of elegance fit for an Empress*

I have a few questions for you, Oce-Earin. Would I be incorrect in assuming that you have a comfortable somewhere for us to enter into conversation?

*she returned his wink, smirking inside at the sense of familiarity the way she addressed him would incite. She thought he would like that..*

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 26

*The corn god raised an eyebrow, smirking with excitement as he stepped aside, allowing the spider Empress to enter if she so desired* " Of course, my Empress... I have a thousand comforts lounge that I am sure we both will enjoy very much... come right in!"

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 26

*that silly God had his thoughts written on his face and it made the spider shake her head inside. So many people assumed one's first face is their every face, she could be planning on eating him and he wouldn't know it*

I think I shall come in, Oce-Earin, thank you for the invitation. If you would show me the way?..

*the Widow turned her head over her shoulder to meet his gaze with hers, raising a brow as though to invite him over. She had been planning on going inside anyway, it was too public to stand at the door and talk. Other than that, it gave a sense that one or both parties intended to be brief, and she wanted every slice of information she could get. Of course, he might have a few dirty tricks up his sleeve.. But so did she.*

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 26


* The corn god gave a little bow, careful not to let his hat fall off this time. He turned and began making his way into the dimly lit depths of the manse, the flecks of gold on his sunkissed skin glinting as he moved through and out of the sunlight*

"Is this the first time coming into my manse? I do believe it is. Most of the space above ground is for manipulating the essence of the Manse. The living quarters are down here."

* he showed her through a long corrador narrow, then down a flight of stairs, possably intended for defensive purposes if there were ever an invasion, as well as for geomantic reasons. At the archway at the bottom, light poured through, as if he had his own personal sun within. Stepping through the archway, one could see exactly what was going on. The celing itself looked as if it were made from pure sunlight, of which poured out over a floor of soft clean grass, with trees which grew in strange and unnatural ways as to be used for stools, chairs, tables and shelfs. It seems the huge trees which surrounded the walls of the Manse grew down into the undermanse, where their smooth red trunks were used as the walls. The corn spirit came to rest upon a large comfortable couch, which was unmistakably a thousand comforts lounge*

"Now then.. Have a seat, my Empress. Tell me, why have you come here?"

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 26

*Arachnia followed Oce-Earin down the halls, gently running her fingers along some of the walls, letting them sprinkle lightly around the corners and curves. Moonlight was her preference, for quite a few reasons, but there was something entrancing about sunlight. The sunlight inside his manse warmed her soft pale skin and she let an admiring smile onto her face as she looked around. This really was a beautiful place, though it didn't measure up to her own or Ress's manse. They had something this manse didn't, though it could simply be emotional investment.. that would be something to look into. Noting the invitation, she accepted and took a seat on a neighboring Thousand Comforts Lounge. The spider was facing him, having not bothered to smooth her garment before sitting it was now slightly bunched up under her legs so that her ankles were showing. She leaned into the cushion and rested her arm on the back of the article of furniture, the plushness of where she sat curving and molding to the shape of her behind. The right leg lifted up and crossed over the left, leaving the Widow in a curved, almost sinuous, pose. She took in a deep breath, enjoying the scent of the tree that had found its way into the room they were in. A part of her was quite wary, being in a smaller area alone with a Spirit that would obviously like nothing more than to get under her skirt. She smiled at him and gives a single nod*

Yes, Oce-Earin, I do have a few questions from you. First, I assume that you are aware of the hailing of arrows that occurred a few days ago. They turned those that were felled by them into food, it's not easy to forget..I want to know if you saw anything unusual about them, something that might be deliberate or abnormal for standard arrows..Can you tell me something about that?..

*her smile shifted just a little until she was wearing a brighter, almost sunny expression as she looked at him, her remaining hand having found itself resting on the higher of her two thighs. She kept silent now, awaiting his reply*

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 26

* Oce-Earin sat back, thinking this to be a good question and wondering what exactly he did know of the situation. his lips shifted to the left side of his mouth as he thought on this, obviously, he was a man who payed little attention to things that did not excite him*

" Well... The arrows were broadhead.. almost identical to the arrows that our flechers in the city craft and ship to Ress. They were also surrounded by a yellow, sun like nimbus of essence as they fell"
* He nodded, then sat forward once more, letting his gace trail along Arachnia's body*

" I believe Ress did it. There are too many signs pointing to him. The essence, the arrows, the turning into food... even the direction they came from. Its all too much of a coincidence to be unrelated to him. Its no wonder though... His past self was a terrible ruler as well."
* He gave her a wink, then chuckled as he shifted in his seat, now laying on his side, his elbow resting on the arm rest*

" So.. Once Ress goes to visit his ancestors, I suppose you will be looking for a new Emperor to share the throne.. and your bed. I think should pick me for the role, my Empress. I promise you, you will not be dissapointed."

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 26

*her eyes traveled along the outline of his face and he expression that had so recently altered it, noting his assumption that Ress did it with some irritation. He was a jealous type, perhaps, and she knew he didn't like Ress, so for him to assume that Ress did it based on the first glance he saw seemed to be his style. As the corn spirit changed positions and began his next bout of words, Arachnia could feel the anger she had managed to stay for now well up like a torrent inside of her. How dare that brazen, self-centered, lustful, deceitful, heartless filth of a God even consider that she would simply give up on a Mate so loyal and perfect as Ress! Her mind's eye held an image of destruction being wrought on this Field God but she took a discreet deep breath and closed her eyes for just a second, a hair longer than a blink, so that she could maintain her outward image of calm. Black eyes glittered, though with what, she managed to keep a mystery. She knew how Oce-Earin would read it, but that was the only way to keep from tying him suspended from the wall while she slowly devoured his spiritual ichors; a macabre painting of calculated rage.. On her self it showed only mild disagreement, a slight wrinkle in each of her eyebrows to show that the Spirit was out of line, her lips crinkling to one side to reinforce his faux pas. A hand waved at the man as she kept that black gaze on his face, hardly noticing the greedy looks he gave her body. After all, most everyone did that..*

I understand that the signs all point to him, however, that makes it too easy. Other than that, he has no motive. Did you notice anything else about the arrows? Perchance an arc or turn or drop during their flight?


{spent 1 point of temporary Willpower to keep from slaughtering Oce-Earin}

[Ress]

Ascending wood, 26

* He did not waiver at all, despite the irritated expression on the spider's face*

I did not believe it at first myself, but I checked the city and saw the piles of grain where people used to be. Plus, there is a perfectly good motive

* A fox like smile played across his face as he thought about what he was going to say*

He is just like Bo-Ki-Sa-Chi. A fair and just man... who went crazy every so often and did things that made no sense. If you don't believe me, you can go check the piles of grain for yourself.. they are still there... or just think back. I bet you know first hand how crazy your Emperor can be.

* He closed his eyes and laid back on his thousand comforts lounge, now seeing Arachnia as less attractive now that she showed her ignorance* anything else, Empress?

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood, 26

*an amused smirk played across her lips while Oce-Earin's words sunk in and she chuckled ever-so-softly. Arachnia's head fell into her open palm and she smiled*

Well, it looks like my work here is done, no? I'll keep your words in mind, but I find no need to re-examine the piles of grain. Even were it to be some sort of derangement by Ress, then it will be dealt with accordingly. I have no further questions at the moment, but if I do require more of your insight I will be sure to ask.

*the Spider straightened her head and sat up before standing in a single fluid motion, the caught portion of her skirt tumbling down in its effort to straighten itself. With a smooth movement from her right hand, Arachnia tossed back the lock of hair that was impeding the airflow in front of her body. Another smile flashed across he contrast of black set on a white background, a soft rose-colored stroke of perfection curving along with it*

Perhaps we will be in touch, Oce-Earin. Until then, I have a few other articles to attend to. See you again

*Arachnia winked and turned to leave, the hem of her skirt gently caressing the floor beneath it as she made her way out*