Lily's Perspective
Part 1 Unknown Time (Spider Queen Cavern's Queen's Lair)
Our journey led us to the heart of the Spider Queen's lair, a place shrouded in an eerie aura that sent shivers down my spine. As we delved deeper, the grotesque scenes became more vivid, the very embodiment of horror. My voice broke the silence, a mix of both fascination and unease.
"Uwah, quite the captivating tableau we've stumbled upon, wouldn't you agree, Lady Sakuya?" I couldn't help but comment, though my words carried a tinge of dark humor amidst the chilling sight.
The cavern exuded an aura of dread, thick webs adorned with morbid ornaments – lifeless bodies suspended from the ceiling, their blood drained and their once-hallowed forms now hosts for spider eggs. The picture was a surreal blend of grotesque beauty, the very essence of horror rendered tangible.
"Welcome to my lair, milady," the Spider Queen's voice resonated through the cavern, her human-like figure exuding a mature beauty that contrasted with the surrounding darkness. Her graceful bow towards Lady Sakuya was accompanied by the elegance of her noble attire, a striking ensemble of black and white.
Emerging from the shadows was a woman with flowing white hair and dressed in ethereal white silk garments. Her entrance held a sense of ethereal purity in stark contrast to the macabre surroundings that enveloped us.
A mischievous grin tugged at my lips as I responded to the queen's greeting with playful courtesy. "Ah, what a delightful welcome from her majesty. It would be amiss not to reciprocate." Executing a graceful curtsy, I mirrored the formal gesture, ensuring my composure remained impeccable even in this unsettling atmosphere.
Though Lady Sakuya acknowledged the Spider Queen's greeting, her demeanor remained regal and reserved. "So, you are the mistress of this lair?" Her words were direct, devoid of the pleasantries that often accompanied introductions. Her intent was to clarify the identity of the entity before her, her regal aura unwavering.
The Spider Queen's response carried a measured tone, acknowledging Lady Sakuya's potency and the destructive potential she possessed. "Indeed, I hold dominion over this domain. I am also well aware of the formidable might that your faction wields, capable of eradicating our forces in the blink of an eye." Her words held a mixture of acknowledgment and understanding, recognizing Lady Sakuya's power without faltering.
Lady Sakuya's lips curled into a subtle smile, an unusual display of light-heartedness given the circumstances. "Since you're already privy to our capabilities, let us dispense with formalities."
The queen introduced herself with regal poise, uttering her name with a sense of authority. "I am the Queen of Spiders, Arachnia. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Her title held an air of enigma, embodying the might and mystique that accompanied her role as ruler.
Recollections of a previous conversation between Lady Tatiana and Lady Blanc resurfaced in my mind. Arachnia, a name derived from "arachnid," encapsulated the majesty and enigma befitting a ruler of spiders. Her name conjured images of a powerful sovereign, weaving intricate webs of both intrigue and power. Arachnia's dominion over her spider subjects was marked by regal grace and cunning, an embodiment of otherworldly wisdom and authority. Her name elicited both fear and awe, invoking a sense of trepidation in those daring enough to venture into her domain.
As Arachnia closed the closed space, a symbolic gesture of surrender to Lady Sakuya's might, the scene became clearer. The once-shrouded atmosphere was now illuminated by the soft glow of the cavern's bioluminescent flora. The stage was set for a pivotal moment, a moment that would define the course of events to come.
"Forgive me, I beg of your highness to spare me," Arachnia's plea resonated in the air, a desperate plea for mercy. Her demeanor was marked by a profound humility, a moment where her pride and stature were cast aside. With a graceful bow, she lowered her head to the ground, a profound display of surrender that echoed through the cave. Her knees met the cold stone floor, an act of submission that seemed to embody her entire being in that singular gesture.
Lady Sakuya's response carried the weight of her authority and the complexity of the situation. As she witnessed the poignant display before her, her judgment was a testament to both her power and respect for this surrendered foe. "Done, I will spare you, in return." Her words carried a measured tone, acknowledging the sincerity of Arachnia's plea.
Yet, her mercy came with a caveat, a recognition that this act of submission held its own consequences. Lady Sakuya's respect for the traditional gesture was evident, even as she imposed her own conditions.
Part 2 Unknown Time (Spider Queen Cavern's Queen's Lair)
A gracefully crafted table, seemingly plucked from the human realm, adorned the space where Lady Sakuya and Archania found themselves seated. I stood quietly behind Lady Sakuya, my hands skillfully pouring a steaming infusion of tea, an art I had mastered and even shared with the twin. The delicate aroma wafted through the air as the tea was presented with a refined elegance, a gesture reciprocated by Lady Sakuya and Lady Archania as they indulged in their respective sips. In this unconventional tableau, two formidable entities from disparate realms converged, united by the unfolding alliance.
In this moment, I found myself contemplating the essence of Lady Sakuya's request—an alliance that could alter the course of history for both parties. Through subtle conversations, she had proposed a pact that would safeguard her goals while allowing Archania and her kindred to maintain their existence.
"An alliance you say? Your conditions pique my interest," Archania's voice resonated with a mixture of surprise and intrigue. The proposal she faced was unexpected, yet it held promise. Her own survival and that of her species were at stake, and the potential for a symbiotic relationship was too significant to dismiss.
"I want you to form an army whenever I needed, of course we're going to provide the necessary supplies for that," Lady Sakuya's voice held a tone of resolution, her eyes fixed on Archania as she laid out her terms. The proposal was pragmatic, a strategy to solidify their cooperation. Lady Sakuya's determination to protect Tatiana's world was evident, and this alliance would be a pivotal aspect of her plan.
"Lady Sakuya, am I correct? I say it not once I met such a human that would sacrifice another human. Please let me work under your reign, that I will do my utmost to provide for your needs," Archania's words carried a sense of gracious acceptance. Her acknowledgement of Lady Sakuya's unyielding resolve resonated deeply. I could sense that Lady Archania had recognized the similarities between their perspectives, particularly in their disregard for the well-being of humankind.
This intricate negotiation continued, each statement punctuating the intricate dance of power, intention, and diplomacy. Lady Sakuya articulated her terms with precision, seeking to align their objectives while ensuring the safety of her world and people.
"For this first agreement, I need a few things. First, you have to move from this place. There's a location to the east where you can roam freely," Lady Sakuya's finger pointed to a marked spot on the map, which I had brought along for reference. The forested area she indicated seemed like a suitable replacement for Archania's current lair, providing the conditions necessary for her and her kin to flourish.
"That was splendid, Lady Sakuya. I detest human farming us for the magic stones," Archania's response carried a mixture of appreciation and understanding. Her desire to escape the cycle of exploitation was clear, and the prospect of a new territory held appeal.
"Secondly, there are ten individuals awaiting us outside. I ask that you capture them all," Lady Sakuya's tone was confident, revealing her intent to swiftly eliminate any potential threats.
"I will immediately instruct my offspring to gather them," Archania affirmed her commitment to fulfilling Lady Sakuya's directive, her confidence evident in her unwavering gaze.
"Last one, I need a proof of something that can serve as evidence for the guild." Lady Sakuya's voice was firm, her gaze unwavering. She took a composed sip of her tea before making her request, an unspoken trust in Lady Archania's possession of such evidence.
Archania's lips curved into a sinister smile, a blend of amusement and cruelty. "Milady, fate has played its hand in our favor. An unfortunate band of adventurers met their end within my lair. This one," she pointed to a captured human ensnared in the web, "was the last survivor of her group, next in line for my... culinary pursuits."
Luck seemed to be on Sakuya's side, for the proof she required lay before us. "Lily, retrieve her and all the guild tags carry as proof." Sakuya's command was direct, her gaze expectant. The girl, seemingly Lady Tatiana's age, with flowing black hair, had the air of an adventurer about her, evidenced by her gear and attire.
"Of course, Lady Sakuya," I replied, understanding the gravity of the task. As I approached, I saw the lifeless form of the girl, her eyes empty, her body devoid of its former vitality. She was stripped of more than just her possessions; her very essence seemed drained, leaving behind a haunting sense of despair.
As the spiders scurried around, collecting the guild tags with meticulous precision, they placed the gathered tags into my waiting hands. Each tag, whether silver, bronze, or even a few gold ones, was a testament to the captured adventurers' identities and achievements. I marveled at the efficiency of Archania's offspring, their actions conveying a silent understanding of their queen's wishes.
Silence hung in the air as the task concluded, and the cave seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of what would transpire next.
After a brief interval, Lady Archania's inquiry broke the stillness, her voice seeking confirmation. "Is this all of them, correct?" Her question, directed at Lady Sakuya, indicated her commitment to fulfilling the terms of their agreement and her desire to meet Lady Sakuya's expectations.
The captives, once animated and full of vigor, were now rendered immobile, paralyzed by the venomous stings of Archania's spider minions. Their movements ceased, their struggles thwarted, as they became helpless captives of this clandestine confrontation.
"Good work, Archania. Now, I only need this one here. The rest of them, you can do as you wish," Lady Sakuya's words carried a weight of authority, and her gaze shifted to focus on the one captive who held the information she sought. Her strategic mind had calculated the value of each individual, determining which were worth her attention and which could be left to the whims of Archania's dominion.
"Thank you, Your Highness. My children will sing songs of your generosity," Archania's bow conveyed a blend of gratitude and respect. Her voice held a depth of sincerity as she acknowledged the significance of Lady Sakuya's actions.
"Our conversation for now is concluded. I will relay further information to your children through her," Lady Sakuya's gesture pointed to the newly captured spider girl, a conduit for communication between the two parties. The captured spider girl stood as a living messenger, carrying the weight of their negotiations into Archania's realm.
"Very well, Your Highness. You are free to do as you wish with her. I offer you more, should you require it," Archania's farewell was filled with a sense of finality. Her bow symbolized both a farewell and a wish for Lady Sakuya's safety—a complex exchange of respect and understanding.
As the captured individuals were carried outside by Archania's offspring, her words echoed in the cave, marking the conclusion of this unique encounter.
-Chapter 40 End-