Lace (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
threadsbare) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
mistymansion2025-09-22 08:38 pm
threadsbare) wrote in mistymansion2025-09-22 08:38 pm
weaver queen au
Terrible things are behind this cut CWs will be added as needed.
CW: baseline toxic codependent relationship, dehumanization, suicidal ideation
[Why was she still alive?
Lace felt cheated. It had been the one thing to console her after she had lost yet again to the spider. Finally, finally there would be an end to all this. Her Mother would get everything she ever wanted, and the temporary replacements that were her and Phantom would be gone and dealt with. She had fallen unconscious with envy, resentment, anguish but most of all relief in her heart.
So why was it that she was still alive? Could she not at last be given reprieve?
The sounds of battle had drawn her upward to her Mother's waking place and she had watched from a distance as the battle went on. Hah. The spider still thought she could do it. At this point Lace supposes she shouldn't be surprised. Where did this confidence come from? Was it because she too carried pale blood? Yet she was only half of one and so much younger than her Mother. It would have been so much easier if she just caved in. One way or another, her Mother always got her way.
And yet...
And yet...
The spider was winning. Lace could not believe her eyes. She was actually winning.
The silk construct clutched her pin and for a moment she almost went in there to join the fray and protect her mother on instinct but then she stopped in her tracks, and fell back to the shadows. No. This was what Grand Mother Silk deserved. This was what she deserved after everything she had done to her, done to Phantom.
Lace stayed her blade and there came the final blow.
Her Mother's scream as she collapsed rattled her but still she stayed, but as she watched it was now horror that kept her in place as she watched Silk be devoured, her beautiful form being absorbed by the spider until her body came apart completely, and all that was left was the metal of her legs, and the bracers she once wore.
For all the hatred and resentment she had harbored for her mother, hearing those agonized screams as she withered away to nothing sickened her to her core. The spider was a beast of that there was no doubt, and as Lace looked up at the cocoon that looked so much like the one that had been her mother's bed, she wondered what sort of Queen the Weaver would be.
One Lace wanted nothing to with.
What was left to her now? Only one person, and Lace feared that they too were already gone. A journey to the Exhaust Organ confirmed this fear, and Lace almost threw herself to the muckmaggots then and there. Yet even now such a death was abhorrent to her and she eventually made her way back up to the Cradle. As she did she passed many pilgrims and she had to wonder: did they have any idea of what was coming? Would their lives become better or worse from here on out? Considering what she had seen of the spider during her ascent...it seemed she would be benevolent. Perhaps it was unfair to take into consideration what she had witnessed, given that it was a battle of dominance between two deities.
Hornet had always been kind--if anything, in Lace's opinion, overly so towards the people she encountered.
She had been kind to her, which was the most ridiculous thing.
Yet she still could not help but have doubts. She supposes she always would with those of the higher caste.
She didn't know why she suddenly cared about the fate of Pharloom's citizenry, she never had before but it didn't take longer for her to come to the conclusion.
It was because this was all her fault.
If she had just accepted her fate and not freed the spider from her enchanted cage both her Mother and Phantom would still be alive. That had been an agonizing realization to come upon and so many what ifs began to fill her mind. What ifs that were now an impossibility because of what she had done.
Once more she reached that platform where the spider's cocoon hovered and she sat down, pin across her lap. Lace had no illusions about how this would go. She had never bested Hornet when she was a half breed, there was no way she would be able to do so when she was reborn.
That was fine. She will have her death and it will come as any knight's should---in battle.]
CW: baseline toxic codependent relationship, dehumanization, suicidal ideation
[Why was she still alive?
Lace felt cheated. It had been the one thing to console her after she had lost yet again to the spider. Finally, finally there would be an end to all this. Her Mother would get everything she ever wanted, and the temporary replacements that were her and Phantom would be gone and dealt with. She had fallen unconscious with envy, resentment, anguish but most of all relief in her heart.
So why was it that she was still alive? Could she not at last be given reprieve?
The sounds of battle had drawn her upward to her Mother's waking place and she had watched from a distance as the battle went on. Hah. The spider still thought she could do it. At this point Lace supposes she shouldn't be surprised. Where did this confidence come from? Was it because she too carried pale blood? Yet she was only half of one and so much younger than her Mother. It would have been so much easier if she just caved in. One way or another, her Mother always got her way.
And yet...
And yet...
The spider was winning. Lace could not believe her eyes. She was actually winning.
The silk construct clutched her pin and for a moment she almost went in there to join the fray and protect her mother on instinct but then she stopped in her tracks, and fell back to the shadows. No. This was what Grand Mother Silk deserved. This was what she deserved after everything she had done to her, done to Phantom.
Lace stayed her blade and there came the final blow.
Her Mother's scream as she collapsed rattled her but still she stayed, but as she watched it was now horror that kept her in place as she watched Silk be devoured, her beautiful form being absorbed by the spider until her body came apart completely, and all that was left was the metal of her legs, and the bracers she once wore.
For all the hatred and resentment she had harbored for her mother, hearing those agonized screams as she withered away to nothing sickened her to her core. The spider was a beast of that there was no doubt, and as Lace looked up at the cocoon that looked so much like the one that had been her mother's bed, she wondered what sort of Queen the Weaver would be.
One Lace wanted nothing to with.
What was left to her now? Only one person, and Lace feared that they too were already gone. A journey to the Exhaust Organ confirmed this fear, and Lace almost threw herself to the muckmaggots then and there. Yet even now such a death was abhorrent to her and she eventually made her way back up to the Cradle. As she did she passed many pilgrims and she had to wonder: did they have any idea of what was coming? Would their lives become better or worse from here on out? Considering what she had seen of the spider during her ascent...it seemed she would be benevolent. Perhaps it was unfair to take into consideration what she had witnessed, given that it was a battle of dominance between two deities.
Hornet had always been kind--if anything, in Lace's opinion, overly so towards the people she encountered.
She had been kind to her, which was the most ridiculous thing.
Yet she still could not help but have doubts. She supposes she always would with those of the higher caste.
She didn't know why she suddenly cared about the fate of Pharloom's citizenry, she never had before but it didn't take longer for her to come to the conclusion.
It was because this was all her fault.
If she had just accepted her fate and not freed the spider from her enchanted cage both her Mother and Phantom would still be alive. That had been an agonizing realization to come upon and so many what ifs began to fill her mind. What ifs that were now an impossibility because of what she had done.
Once more she reached that platform where the spider's cocoon hovered and she sat down, pin across her lap. Lace had no illusions about how this would go. She had never bested Hornet when she was a half breed, there was no way she would be able to do so when she was reborn.
That was fine. She will have her death and it will come as any knight's should---in battle.]
no subject
There was compassion in them. There was love. But it was a different kindness than Lace had known before. It was kindness for the subjects she ruled over, love for her things, her trinkets.
The cage door shut behind Lace and her wrists were freed of their ties. Hornet made her way over and once again did she show Lace that tenderness. One of her limbs came through the bars and stroked at Lace's cheek approvingly; another pat her head.
She knew Lace would give in eventually. To challenge one's nature carried such great exhaustion. Now she could relax and let Hornet lead the way.
She deserved all these attentions and more. ]
Good girl.
[ The claw at Lace's cheek went under her chin now. ]
A bit snug -- fear not, we will begin crafting you a larger one immediately. Now behave yourself and as I have promised, you will gain more freedoms. You are to address me as Hornet and do as I ask. Do you understand?
no subject
...
It felt so wrong to be without it. She hoped that if Hornet kept true to her word she would have it returned to her.
Lace tensed as Hornet drew near but she raised her head to look at her, frustrated with herself for not doing more, not resisting more. As Hornet's arms reached through the bars, Lace instinctively expected some harm, but as before the spider gave her the sweetest of touches. How gentle...she would not have thought a Pale Being capable of such a touch. It tore at something in her that this was all she had ever wanted. Whether physical or merely by words, she had only ever wanted a tender love.
The doll crossed her arms over her chest, hugging herself and her cheeks colored.]
...yes, Hornet, I understand.
[No, she couldn't allow herself to be taken in. Lace wasn't even sure why she felt she had to fight. Did she still want to die? Well, certainly, but it was something more than that.
But. Hornet was being so sweet right now. If she maintained that, would it really be so bad?
She had just caged herNo. Yes. She'll figure it out. It was too much, everything that had happened. She couldn't think straight she'll....she'll figure it out.]
no subject
[ And it did. Why was it that Grand Mother Silk had neglected her child so? She was lovely. She looked perfect here in this little enclosure. Hornet would make sure a very nice one was built for her. Something big enough for her to really stretch out in with bars polished and painted a metallic black and a nameplate. Something for herself and the Weavers to look at and enjoy.
And Lace would, in time, get her pin back. If she listened.
That hand kept stroking under Lace's chin as Hornet thought to herself. ]
I will tell you what shall be now. The Weavers made this place to keep your mother asleep. I have called the Weavers back, and as they return home, I shall have it refashioned into something more...hospitable. [ Whatever the hell that meant for a spider queen. She would use it to house herself, Lace, and whichever Weavers she felt most suited to be her court.
Now as she spoke, Hornet commanded the silk around them to retrieve Lace's pin. She showed it to her, wrapped in a protective cocoon. ]
You will be given a comfortable room and your own privacy, though you are to be in the cage as I please. In time I will return your weapon to you. There will undoubtedly be bugs here that must be struck down.
I desire to inflict no unnecessary cruelty upon you. Do not make me second guess myself.
no subject
Try as she might to focus on not getting seduced by a false dream, there were several words that kept rolling over in Lace's mind.
Good girl.
This pleases me.
Very good.
The praise and acknowledgement of her efforts was like finding an oasis in a desert. It washed over her, drowning out all other thoughts and worries. So much so that at least in this moment she didn't realize all that weight that last statement carried.
No, she was deaf to it. She wanted, no, needed to hear her praise her more. She looked up at her, expression torn between pleading and confusion.]
I-I understand, Hornet.
no subject
What was this? What was this way that Lace looked at her, her pleading face, so in need of attention and guidance?
Contentment bloomed deep inside of Hornet. I understand, Hornet. Look at how easy Lace had come crawling to her. Just look at her. She was so adorable and magnificent inside her little cage, though Hornet's heart ached to see her so as well, to do such a thing to her. This was for the best.
So she cupped Lace's cheek and stroked with her thumb, careful not to cut her with her claw. Hah. To think that just earlier she'd been kicking and snapping and striking Hornet with her pin. Now she addressed Hornet properly and spoke very little, for she understood there was little need for her opinion, since her new queen knew better than her. And since she'd fallen into line so quickly, Hornet could give her plenty of adoration. ]
Why do you carry such an expression so? Do you desire more of my attention? Unlike your mother, I have no intention to deprive you of it so. You are being obedient and excellent. Come closer to the bars, so I may caress you more as you deserve.
no subject
[How was it that in but some scant minutes, Hornet had lauded her more than her mother had when she'd been given centuries?
Don't.
It'd be fine to give in just for a little bit, right? It's not as if she could escape now. That's all it would be. Just...just enjoy it for this moment. Ah, but some part said to resist, to cast aside such excuses. Lace ignored that voice and hesitantly inched forward getting as close to the bars as she cold. She grasped them and continued to look at the Weaver Queen.
She really was beautiful, and carried her title well. Lace opened her mouth to speak, but then closed it. Was she allowed to make requests? There's one thing she had missed, had yearned for for so long.
Would Hornet give it to her?]
no subject
She would love to put her claws all over Lace, and see her writhe in pleasure.
They are not ready yet.
But Hornet does touch her more than she had before, her reverent hands roaming down Lace's cheek to her jaw and her neck, petting, feeling, and it's all an odd mix between the way one would touch a pet, a doll, and a lover all at once.
She sees Lace's mouth open and then close. She doesn't mind a request. No guarantees she will grant it. ]
You may speak.
no subject
In the past speaking such words would have utterly revolted her, no matter how much she yearned for it. Yet now, more than ever, she knows she needs it. She needs it because of everything that has happened, everything she has done, everything she has lost--even if it had to come from the person who responsible for some of it.]
Would you hug me?
no subject
How adorable. ]
I would.
[ She opened the door of Lace's cage, standing ready and alert with silk if she opted to pull any sudden moves. Then she coaxed Lace to the front and embraced her with all six arms, sinking into the plushness of her body. ]
no subject
And for a moment it felt good.
She felt so secure in Hornet's many arms. To be held in such a manner made her feel loved, it made her feel protected from all the things a sword could not fend off. She pressed her face into Hornet's chest and closed her eyes, turning away from the rest of the world and melted against her.
It brought Lace back to a time long, long ago. Some of the earliest years of her existence, the only time she could say she was truly happy. Her mother had kept her up here in the Cradle for so long, molding her to be a perfect little daughter--a child. She had been allowed little other than watering the roses, but her brightest days would be when Phantom was around.
Lace had always tried to please their mother. Phantom had always stood their ground. They had been the one to argue for her. Insisted that mother allowed her to roam, insisted that she be allowed a weapon after they'd seen how she always eyed theirs. They'd been the one to widen her world and teach her how to defend herself. They never gave into mother, and doubtless if that was not the primary reason, it definitely played a role in why they had been cast into Bilewater.
What would they think now if they saw her?
Would they be enraged that she was clinging to their killer?
Would they be disgusted at her weakness?
Would they be sad to see her being chained once more?
The latter would be the worst of all, and that realization was like surfacing after being stuck beneath the waves for so long. It felt like finally catching her breath.
She would resist this. It would be difficult. Hornet's words were like honey, her gentle touch addicting, but she would resist this. If she wanted any chance of freedom she had to play it smart, but ironically, the hug had given her what she needed to get her head on straight.
Finally she pulled away and cast her gaze meekly away, clasping her hands.]
Thank you.
[Even in death, Phantom was protecting her. She would do her best not to let them down.]
no subject
No matter. She would learn she had no reason to put up a fight. Her life would be comfortable and easy here and she would have nothing to think about. Hornet would love her and so would the home-bound Weavers.
And so too would Lace love and praise Hornet, for her constant battle with herself and her purpose could finally be put to rest.
All in due time. ]
I will take excellent care of you. Do not fear.
[ The cage door shut again as Hornet retreated. Then behind her a large silk cocoon began to form. Her resting place, for now. ]
I leave to rest just nearby. You may call if you need me, but do not be frivolous. I wish not to put anything in your mouth, for I enjoy your voice.
no subject
It was good timing. She could sort herself out, get her head back on her shoulders and out of Hornet's alluring words.]
I will not. [She assured. Even for something she needed, Lace would try her best to hold off. Now was the time to figure out some sort of plan.
So without another word she sat back down to rest among her roses.]
no subject
[ She double checked the latch of Lace's cage. Triple checked. It was shut as tightly as any lock could be. As she fiddled she caught a look at the nameplate again.
Weaver, in quarter part, last of their line, staked to service.
Tracked and taken beneath the City of Steel. Eight Choristors, twelve Envoys lost to task.
There was a small silence as Hornet said nothing, turning this over in her head over and over, and then a thread of her silk erupted from her cocoon, grabbing her and tugging her inside with lightning speed. She curled up tightly within it, comfortable, and stitched the opening shut.
She slept, though there were times where if Lace cared to look, she would see six eyes staring at her through the silk. ]