Spirit's Awakening: The Path of Lightning and Water

Chapter 148: Lonely

In the middle of their discussion, a tile in the floor in the corner of the room moved.

Lassim jumped up, ready to attack, but what appeared was another one of the same species of arachnid that was the innkeeper in Swamp Town. This one was more green in its coloration than the brown innkeeper had been. Its bulbous, human-like head wobbled slightly as it turned to address Lassim in the common tongue.

"A message from the Queen: ’Indulge the heir to the Threads’ whims and demands for the next few days, and I’ll then create an excuse for you to be free to go. She must, under no circumstance, leave my domain. Take care of her well, Lassim Rohese Vanthar.’ Message delivered. Do you understand, child of man?"

Lassim nodded, a bit shocked that she had used his full name as he had only given his first name earlier. It was a bit worrying but he replied, "I understand. Ah! Before you go, can you tell me if there’s some sort of library or book cataloging the creatures within the Threads? The princess is asking for my assistance to obtain a mount, and I’m not familiar with the possible species around here."

The spider’s large eyes blinked slowly. "Very well. I will retrieve something for you."

With that, it abruptly turned and disappeared back into the floor.

A few minutes later, the spider returned with an assistant that was a more traditional looking spider creature carrying a thick book held to its back with a string of spider silk. It climbed out of the hole first and gave it to Lassim before leaving.

The big headed spider appeared after it left and said, "Leave it on the table when you’re finished, and it will find its way back to the library," before it too disappeared into the hole.

"Thank you," Lassim uttered as the floor tile was being moved back to its original place. He unwrapped the silk thread holding the book as he sat back down at the desk, opening it carefully.

The pages were filled with beautiful illustrations and detailed descriptions of various creatures. It was so incredibly detailed as if it was part of a scientist’s or researcher’s documentation of the various species. The only issue was that it was entirely in the written version of the spider language, scribbles and scratches in all.

"Looks like we’ve got some work to do," Lassim murmured.

Mari’s voice chimed in his mind. "[I’ll help. I paid more attention during our spider language lessons than Zaphy did.]"

Zaphy’s playful retort followed. "[Hey! I listened too... sometimes.]"

Lassim chuckled, feeling a bit lighter with their presence.

They began to scour the book for potential mounts. The illustrations were incredibly detailed, showing every feature of the creatures, their natures, eating habits, and everything else you could observe about them. Lassim was amazed by the level of artistry and precision.

After some time, they settled on three potential creatures.

The first was a gigantic bat-like creature with lion-like hind legs for which it would stand upright on, unlike their typical upside down diminutive relatives. It had a docile nature and primarily ate bugs, which seemed a bit risky given the princess would fall under this category. They were incredibly intelligent as well.

The second was a unique, wild type of bestial spider with wings. The description noted they were intelligent but undomesticated and violent. They were prone to outbursts of uncontrollable rage, but some members of this species had been known to even speak the spider language if taught. Though, they’d still fall prey to their more base instincts too frequently to be reliable.

The third creature was a somewhat rare flying beast that thrived in the web-covered domains, blending into its surroundings with ease. It looked like some sort of moth creature made entirely out of webbing. The book said that it was mostly unknown how exactly it was held together as it had no inner body to observe.

The report detailed that the researcher believed it was actually a type of elemental, possibly nature or wind, that had adapted to the Threads domain for so long that it chose to cover itself with webbing. This turned it into some sort of odd web-elemental.

The biggest downsides to all of these species was really their lack of ability to communicate, which was one of Silvari’s demands unfortunately. They thought that one might possibly attract her attention though.

After they settled on those three creatures, Silvari appeared at the bedroom door as if on cue, her lesson finally over. She looked tired but brightened instantly upon seeing Lassim.

"[Big brother!]" she exclaimed, rushing over to him. "[I’m so glad to see you again. Those lessons are so boring and tiring. Every day it’s the same—class after class, lesson after lesson. I never get a break! My sisters don’t talk to me much either, and Mother is always busy.

It’s so lonely.]"

She plopped down beside him, her large, but cutely round eyes glistening with a slight mistiness to them. "[You know, being a princess isn’t as great as it sounds. Everyone expects so much from me, but no one really understands how lonely it gets. From the moment I wake up, it’s nothing but duties, classes and responsibilities.

I have to attend etiquette classes to learn how to behave like a queen and have no time to play.]"

She sniffled, her voice trembling slightly. "[Then there are the history. I have to memorize all the nearby rulers that could be a threat to the Threads and the significant events of their kingdoms with daily updates so I’m always aware of what’s going on. It’s so much information, and sometimes it feels like my head is going to explode. And after that, there’s the weaving lessons.

You’d think it would be fun to create things with silk, but it’s actually teaching me how to use my webbing to fight. Another thing added to the pressure to be perfect. If I make a mistake, the tutors scold me and tell me how important my role is, too.]"

Silvari’s shoulders slumped as she continued. "[I don’t have any friends because everyone treats me differently. The other spider children avoid me because they’re scared of getting in trouble, and the adults only see me as the future queen. My sisters are always busy with their own duties of protecting me, and they’re always so serious.

They tell me they don’t have time to play with me since they have to be protecting me. I’ve convinced them a few times to play when I’ve cried really hard, but even when they do, they’re so serious and strict. They’re not fun at all! They act more like teachers than my older sisters.]"

She wiped away a tear, her voice growing softer. "[Mother is always busy ruling the kingdom too. She’s strong and wise, and I look up to her, but she doesn’t have time for me. I understand she has a lot of responsibilities, but it feels like I’m all alone most of the time. The maids and butlers are kind, but they’re not my friends either. They just do their jobs and follow orders like servants.]"

Lassim listened intently, feeling a wave of sympathy wash over him. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "[I understand, Silvari. It sounds really tough. But I’m here to help you for a little bit. Maybe we can find you a friend, like the mount you want, something that will keep you company.]"

Silvari’s eyes widened with hope. "[Really? I mean… I know I sort of took you with me anyways to help, but I thought you would’ve escaped and left while I had my lesson. That’s usually what happens when I try and make friends.]"

Lassim raised an eyebrow, but then nodded. "[Of course. I don’t know about the people you’ve asked for help from before, but why not? I’d be glad to help the future Spider Queen. Also, I think maybe starting with the mount as a pet might be a better idea than just a full grown mount. Something that can grow with you and maybe become your mount someday if it lets you?]"

Mari’s voice echoed in agreement. "[That’s a wonderful idea, Lassim. A companion who can stay by her side and grow up with her would be perfect.]"

Silvari’s face lit up with a genuine smile, the first Lassim had seen since their meeting. "[That would be amazing! I’ve always wanted a friend who wouldn’t leave me or treat me differently. Thank you, big brother! I knew you were the best the moment you appeared!]"

Lassim, with a big smile on his face, then introduced his recommendations from the book. "[Here, take a look at these. We found three potential creatures that might be suitable. This one is a gigantic bat-like creature with lion-like hind legs. It’s quite docile and primarily eats bugs.]"

Silvari looked at the illustration, her eyes sparkling with interest. "[It’s so big and strong looking! I like it]."

Lassim continued. "[The second is a unique, wild bestial spider with wings. It’s smart but undomesticated and tends to be violent.]"

Silvari scrunched her nose. "[Violent isn’t so good. It also looks too much like my uncle Jerry. He’s big and ugly like that.]"

Lassim nodded. "[And the third is this rare flying beast or possibly elemental creature that blends into the surroundings of the threads. It says it’s quite elusive but based on the picture they are very beautiful.]"

Silvari considered for a moment. "[I think I like the bat creature the most. It looks super strong and has a cute face. It’d be nice to have a mount that could eat me at any time, but it won’t because I’ll give it all my love and attention, and it’ll love me back.]"

Lassim raised an eyebrow at her logic but decided not to question it. "[Alright, the bat creature it is. We’ll go out and start hunting for one tonight. The book says they’re more active at night, which should make it easier to find one.]"

A Widow nearby interjected, "[Princess, a reminder. You have two hours before you must return so the princess can get proper rest before her breakfast and lessons in the morning.]"

Silvari sighed but nodded. "[Alright, let’s hurry then!]"

They left the room under the protection of the Widows and made their way out of the palace.

The night air was cool and filled with the sounds of the Threads’ nocturnal creatures. Silvari’s excitement was palpable as she clung to Lassim’s hand, her earlier fatigue and sadness forgotten.

As they ventured into the night and out of the underground burrow that contained the palace, Lassim couldn’t help but feel a growing fondness for the young princess.

Despite her demanding nature, she was just a lonely child searching for a friend. He was determined to help her find the perfect companion, one that would bring her the happiness and companionship she so desperately needed. He felt like he was enjoying this new role of ’big brother’ a bit.