The Skinner Co. Network
DDoP - 4 - The Nature of the Spider
Bill, born and raised in the city, found the insect population of Tekimak to be ever-present: His notes are dotted with complaints about the mosquitoes, and at least one evening around a fire was cut short by a swarm of horse flies, yet it is the folklore surrounding spiders where Bill found his own personal experience most diverged from the local understanding.
4. The Nature of the Spider Bill, born and raised in the city, found the insect population of Tecomac to be ever present. His notes are dotted with complaints about the mosquitoes, and at least one evening around a fire was cut short by a swarm of horse flies, yet it is the folklore surrounding spiders where Bill found his own personal experience most diverged from the local understanding. This was made clear when he was first shown the small log cabin he'd been allotted, and it was noted by his hosts that the student's eyes were lingering upon the large web in the far corner of the single room. Ketching his sudden paws at the threshold, but perhaps misunderstanding his reasoning, his hosts slapped Bill in the back and explained that spiders were much beloved in Tecomac, as they were always trying to help. It was said that a spider web is an arachnids attempt to offer aid, either catching people where they might fall or warning where one might hit their head. To feel a loose strand across your face as you walk a wooden trail was a warning, perhaps a bear was on the path ahead or the confused stranger was lying in wait, or there may simply have been an unexpected drop as the stony earth of the north sometimes hides ankle snapping crags. As often as not, the people of Tecomac did not know what terrible faith they had been spared, but they were grateful nonetheless. Though he thanked his host, these reassurances do little to help Bill at night as he attempted to sleep in his meager bed. With that electric light, he was left to play back the notion, told to whom with great pride, that the locals had spent the time since his arrival transporting every spider they could to his lodging to ensure he had the best of luck during his visit.