Cult of The Spider

This is a story based on the creative world between myself and Sjazna. All characters were created by us, with the characters of Elloe Borgia and Tyron Munch belonging specifically to Sjazna.

This is also set in the same universe that Tourmaline is set in, albeit in a different moment in time.

“It is secure. There is no one there.”

“Then let us begin the ceremony. My beloved sisters of the web, I thank you all for gathering at my call. A week has passed since our last meeting, and although we live together in unity, we are not always gathered in the glory of The Spider. Grasp the hands of one another and we shall begin.”

Standing in the middle of the pentagram - the room barely lit by a few candles surrounding the design upon the floor, a cloaked individual slowly shut her eyes and bowed her head almost in reverence. The individuals surrounding the centre - four in total - linked each other’s fingers and formed a secure barrier around the one in the middle. They too shut their eyes and lowered their gaze towards the floor.

“O’Spider, we are but your daughters, your chosen apostles in which we carry forth your teachings, your presence and your deepest, darkest mercy. We have continued forth into this world, to spread your Gospel as you have commanded. We call to you now, as your most humble servants for guidance and but a slither of your time. Come to us now, tell us your biddings so that we may serve you better in the coming days.”

“O’Spider, O’Spider. We worship and adore you. We are your darkest daughters; we seek you, we crave you. Command us and we will go forth into the world, fulfilling your every desire.” The words spoken were continuously repeated by the surrounding four, whilst the one in the middle suddenly acted as if she was having issues breathing. To anyone outside of the room, it may have seemed the person was suffocating, yet no one else present seemed worried in the slightest.

“Sisters!” The middle person suddenly cried out, causing them to stop in their chanting. “Our beloved Spider has spoken to me!” Instantly there were sounds of excitement, of total fascination and delighted squeals from one. “Our beloved Spider is sending forth his Bride, to live among us for a few days and to teach us how we should act as Daughters of the Spider!”

“The Spider’s Bride? Here?!” The voice spoken had a thick Irish accent and sounded shocked, but by no means in a negative light.

“Yes sister, here. I have been told she will be here tomorrow night.”

“This is wonderful news, Matriarch.” Came a voice that sounded distant, almost as if they weren’t paying much attention in the slightest. “We must prepare a room for her then.”

“That we should.” The Matriarch agreed, slowly lowering her hood as those around her let go of each other’s hands and focused solely on her. Loosening her black and green bi-coloured hair from where it had been tucked away, she held her hands in front of her abdomen and offered a small smile to her sisters. “Seraphina, is the area still secure?”

“Yes Matriarch, not a soul outside.” Seraphina, for that was her name, continued to speak in a distracted way in an Israeli accent and rested a hand upon her lips thoughtfully. “I have to admit I’ve never sensed anyone but us here.”

“We still have to be vigilant.” Came a very thick chinese voice, the female folded her arms and fixed Seraphina with a stern look. “Dropping our guard just because it’s never happened will doom us all. Imagine if The Spider’s Bride or The Spi-”

“Cinxia.” Instantly the Chinese girl froze and bowed deeply.

“I apologise, Matriarch.” Cinxia replied with the same stern sounding voice she always carried before straightening up.

“The first sign of trouble, sister, is for us to argue amongst ourselves. Let us not stoop to that temptation.” Wetting her lips, the Matriarch sighed faintly. “Cinxia, you and Sabrina will see to the room. Ensure there is not a trace of dust, and make sure the fridge is stocked with the finest vintage.”

“Of course, Matriarch.” The response was a mix of both Chinese and Irish accented voices.

“Sabrina, do make sure to throw any blood already in the fridge into the main one. The Spider’s Bride is beloved of The Spider, and it will do us no good to disrespect her.”

“I understand, Matriarch.” Sabrina - for that was the name of the dark-skinned Irish girl - fixated her silver eyes firmly on the other female with her usual wry smile. With their orders given, Sabrina nodded to Cinxia and left the room quietly. They knew what they needed to do so there was no use staying any further.

“Autumn.” The Matriarch turned to the tanned Italian who’d remained quiet throughout the aftermath of the ceremony. “I have chosen you to escort The Bride and to ensure that all her needs are met.”

“An honour, Matriarch.” Autumn bowed her head and gave the other a soft smile. “I will ensure her stay is of the highest standards.”

“I expect nothing less.” Watching Autumn leave, The Matriarch soon let out a soft sigh and looked to Seraphina. The girl in question seemed to be staring into space, head tilted to one side and seemed to forget she was standing in the ceremony room with no real purpose now. “How are you, Seraphina? Tired at all?”

“No Matriarch.”

“Please, it’s Eira. When the ceremony and orders are all given out I’m just Eira.” Eira reminded the other, speaking with soft welsh tones. “Although I can understand if you didn’t realise I was done with the commandments. It can be quite hard to tell. Now I will repeat what I asked: how are you?”“I must admit I do feel a bit tired, but it is nothing to worry about.” She smiled simply to the other, though seemed a bit confused when Eira rested a hand on her cheek. “Eira?”

“All of you are important to this cult. We are the true daughters of The Spider. We must look out for one another. Remember, the smallest scratch can always become infected. If you are tired you must rest.” Eira spoke softly, gently caressing the other’s skin with her thumb.

“I apologise, Eira.” Seraphina bowed her head slowly, as if trapped in slow motion and drifted out the room without another word.

Behind her, Eira watched the other girl leave and sighed heavily once she heard the door shut. Looking around the room, she instead shifted to sit cross-legged in the centre of the pentagram and shut her eyes. Whilst everyone - excluding Seraphina - prepared for the visitation, Eira took to meditating. She needed some peace away from her beloved sisters if but a moment. She adored them all, truly… but it was hard, so very hard to lead a group of such strong willed individuals at times.