Cobweb

First Person Survey for: Cobweb

Name Given at Birth: Unlike humans, we are not so easily beckoned by the coaxing of words. Our names are bound to us with sacred enchantments that only those who truly need us will find.

Nicknames: There are many earthen words that try to define, label, and capture my existence in a name, but for only these do I acknowledge: In Egypt I am worshipped as the Goddess Neith, weaver of the world and existence. Greeks tell my story through Arachne’s fateful encounter with the Goddess Athena. The roaming tribes of the Lakota know me by Iktomi, the mischievous shape shifter; while the Navajo believe my name came by the creation myth of Spider Grandmother. Then there are the Japanese who speak of me as a Tsuchigumo, or supernatural spider, master of illusion.

However here in England I am softly spoken of as only Cobweb.

Where were you born or created? There was a time before the creation of all, when the Earth’s veins were swollen, brimming full of a powerful magic that yearned to be. Wanting nothing more than to spring forth, leap into the sky and cry out with vibrant force, it instead drifted over the barren earth, for without an initial spark it was only power without shape or definition.

The first memory was formed from a sound, that no one remembers save for two beings. Our Mother was calling us to her, and so came forth our King and Queen who were charged with the protection of our Mother’s children.

It was not till much later when everything had been set to its design and purpose that man made its first appearance. The elements and forces woven of both benevolent and malicious material became something of a challenge and sometimes danger to man’s vulnerable skin… So then they turned to taking the hides and precious skins of the creatures that roamed beside them. The animals, believing it to be unjust that they should be slain for purposes against their will demanded an audience with the King and Queen. The couple listened to the animal’s case with furrowed brow-knowing that there had to be a solution for both to coexist. Their voices joined in unison like the foreboding base of thunder rolling over the surface of the air.

"You all forget that man is also a creature that shares in the bond of life and should be treated as your fellow brethren. Is there not one of you willing to clothe man in their protection, for without it they will surely perish against the harshness of the ever changing sky?"

There was a shift, for many of them did not wish to sacrifice their lives for the naked exposure of man. ‘Who says that man deserves our skins more than we? If they wish to survive then they should find it in their own beings, not ours.’ Murmurs parted through the crowd while defenses also rose with indignation. ‘But our King and Queen are right, if we do nothing we are letting our earthen kin fall into the darkness!’ After many exchanges the animals fell wordless for none offered solution.

Then from the long silence came out four figures, a llama, a sheep, a silkworm, and a spider. The couple viewed the solemn animals that had presented themselves…but both stopped questioningly on the spider…

"I understand why the other three have come, they are all animals with gifts that can be harvested over the seasons without posing threat unto themselves, but why have you stepped forward little sister?" asked Oberon in a voice of velvet bronze.

"My King and Queen…" the spider whispered, "It is true that the other animals have far more abundant fibers to give than I…but what good are these materials without the knowledge of how to use them? I can teach man the secrets of weaving that will help protect and clothe him from the savageries of the world." The spider hesitated. "My fear however, is that my presence will not be welcome in the eyes of man, and that if you send me forth, that I will not be able to accomplish what I was sent to do." The spider then paused awkwardly, and seemed to shrink at her self acknowledgement of her seemingly demonic appearance.

It was then that an unexplainable warmth began to surround the company as a tinkling laugh, that is said to sound like the first bell, filled the air. It was Titania, tossing her long sepia colored hair with a carefree gesture over her shoulder, she stood.

"Dear heart, your fears are no more for now you shall be one of us. It is through your courage and selflessness that I weave the lacing of your wings. Your desire to be a protecting guide will be a mold for your new fae form, and if you will, empower your faerie glamour to bring beauty to the surface of the eye.

Now then, I put under your charge for you and your people to be the sentinels of humans. Your brethren will take refuge not only outside, but within the households of man…for there are many creatures that would still do them harm beneath their own roofs. This grave responsibility however, must have its own guard, and so I give your clan the ability of bestowing bites as severe warnings to those who do not pay you the respect of your status. If danger threatens the mortality of your people, a slow fatal poison that constricts the life from a human can be used to save them. But I assure you, those wise enough will know when to exude caution so do not use this with a wayward hand. Now rise for you are now one of my own."

Current Residence: I am one of the first original court members of the King and Queen, and so wherever they go I am quick to follow. However I do take my duties seriously, and when I am not in assistance to the royal court I take shelter in the mortal realms wherever I see fit.

What do you do, your main function in life/society: It is in my nature to exude an infinite amount of patience, not just in my everyday life but with my fellow fae as well. This endowment has been the key to my role as a guardian of mankind and sentry to my Queen.

In the long ago past I was to distribute the first series of lessons concerning the primary skills of weaving. But as time has passed I have whispered more intricate and sophisticated patterns to those reflecting my talent. This being shown through the changing styles man has chosen to don over the centuries.

Threatening or poisonous insects are also my concern (sometimes even small rodents). For if a human is courteous enough to serve as host to me or one of my kindred spiders, we repay them by faithfully ridding their house of bothers and threats.

Unexpectedly I also am the slayer of human nightmares. It seems their wicked dreams catch hold as easily as flies to my nest. No matter, for convenience sake it is an easy enough favor to perform with my dagger.

Have you ever gone skinny dipping / do you know how to swim: I do not know how to swim; however I can glide or walk over the surface. But delving anything past the translucent exterior can mean a quick end for me. Bathing is normally treated with much caution and ceremony.

Do you make fun of people? Only those with spider bites, for I know that they were fools to begin with.

Favorite Color and why? Iridescent silver. It was the first woven color I made in demonstration for man’s cloth. To which even this day they still have not been able to emulate its polished splendor.

Closest Friend(s)/How did you meet: Tibor the Gypsy Musician~ There was one day in particular that I remember feeling the soprano hum of my favorite human instrument, the violin. The haunting tones on the wind traveled to where I had nestled myself in a juniper’s branches. Speaking as does the soul through passion, the violin enticed me as does the glimmer of a lover’s smile, and I found myself inexplicably drawn to the source. I found him alone sheltered beneath a willow overlooking a tranquil glass surfaced pond. There was only stillness for scenery as his fingers moved over the strings with tender care, the music that was produced coaxed life from the solitude of the moment. I sat on the other side of the tree, drinking in the new magic he, a human was concocting. From then on he’s had an unbeknownst connection with me through the beauty of his music. There was a day that he almost caught a glimpse of me through the forest while I was dancing amongst its roots-and though I accept the fact that some humans have the gifted eye…I am non-the-less always cautious. Despite this however, I do have a unique fondness for the young musician, and I believe that with time we will progress to a mutual friendship.

Ilyana~ The gypsy dancer has had an untold past belonging to the fae, for as a wee one she was found by me wandering alone amidst our faerie rings. She did not weep, or offer struggle when I knelt down to cradle her in my arms, strangely she seemed rather content for being discovered by a faerie. Tis such a pity that we have such weaknesses for human children. I took her to my Queen, where it was then decided that she would be raised amongst the fae. The girl’s spirit attracted many a winged light to her golden halo, but it was perhaps at our first meeting that she felt it most safe to wander constantly by my side. She was taught to dance, speak, and sing by the customs of the fae, all of which she was quickly adept in perfecting. Her subtle graces lead her to grow steadily into a young woman eager for encounters glittering amongst the mortal realm. Now in our kingdom time knows no boundaries, but when crossed over into the mortal world, the loss of time is apparent but no knowledge as to the amount can be discovered. While gathering fox gloves one day, a towering silhouette came amidst our circle. It was the young Maestro Boleyn, drawn by the soft melody of our golden haired girl. My hand was at my blade in anticipation as I overshadowed their long introductions to one another. After explaining to the Maestro that she had lived practically all her life as a fae creature, but was nonetheless still human he sat back with intrigue. After a long pause, he proposed the invitation of exploring the human side of her lineage and coming with him to join the Boleyn vardo. She thought hesitantly with frowning lips, but eventually conceded that though she loved her fellow fae dearly, it was only right to know the world she came from. So the Maestro took her by the hand and led her away from our immortal domain….. Despite our separation, she still joins in our faerie rounds and sneaks atop branches to sit beside me. Our talks linger on the happy matchmaking of the tall gypsy son named Nikolai. There is still much for her to tell me before he is swayed beneath my good graces.

Moth~ Having families descended from the sequestered insect world, our relationship as Moth and Cobweb should be considered a bit strained with awkward pauses and tentative conversations. However despite familial circumstances she is a light-hearted companion, her whimsical nature is quick to form laughter and so cannot help but bring a smile to my face. Perhaps it is the light that she bathes in at night, I know not, but there is something that harnesses you to her twinkling eyes and curled smile.

Chestnut~ He and I have had many an ancient night walking among the fireflies together. We are kindred spirits that have shared numerous intimate secrets such as the language of the spiders, or the dueling tricks of the satyrs. It is Chestnut that I can rely on as the most loyal of companions. He is driven in his ferocity of life to protect me and my fellow fae from all mortal harm, a noble standard to live for, and by all means mutually felt on my part as well.

Pets: Unfortunately that which I would consider a "pet" I easily consider a "snack", so pets do not house long with me.

Favorite Type of Music: The gypsy violins summon both movement and feeling, transporting you to realms that can only be reached through the language of music. Their sound commands both silence and cries of joy, evoking bravery and inspiration. They are power incarnate, for they contain and release the essence of the fae.

Hobbies/Pastimes: As I have already said, the gypsy musicians possess much in the art of music and so are prone to enticing the fae to their fiery revelry. Dancing is the passion of existence.

I especially like to visit in my mortal disguises, banquets and masques held all around the world. To sweep in and out of the decadent crowds allows me to come as close to these ephemeral beings as I dare…and to come close is to experience.

Stealing a mortal or fae’s first kiss is a specialty of mine. Coming down to the size of a whisper, I crouch on the buds of human lips and wait until I can reach out and capture what humans could never see with the naked eye. It is but a moment, considered a worthy prize to both myself and the mortals. But let it come with the knowledge that it never goes beyond the first. I have my own motives as to why I make off with the crystalline transitions between innocence and discovery, but they shall be kept as my own for they are my most treasured collection.

Favorite Food: It’s the sweet tiny things for mortals that bring pleasure to my world; the cherries atop mounted desserts, cinnamon crystals on bread, the glittering sugar blanketing warm cookies, all such manner of treats delight my tastes.

Favorite Place to Relax: I enjoy lying amidst the seclusion of forests in the center of where the trees part to reveal the sky. What furthers the experience is if there are aromatic plants about to take in as I draw into my own thought while the sounds of life whisper their secrets to me.

Favorite Drink: I’m quite fond of the South American melted cocoa bean. To drink its shaded richness makes my toes curl in sensual bliss.

What’s your Bedtime? I am always awake. There are only chance times that I am resting, but in all essence there’s always something that needs tending to.

Are you married or single? It has been my good King Oberon’s wish for quite some time that I marry. Be him fae or man, it does not matter…He only desires that there not be such a constant reminder of his Queen’s wayward habits. But unfortunately, I have watched for too long their quarrels above and below the sky, to leave naught be an intrusive distaste for marriage in my mouth. So until I am miraculously convinced otherwise, I remain a free faerie.

Favorite Entertainment: I have a particular softness in my affection when it comes to the gypsies, for they are most clever in tongue and become the highest amusement when in conversation with fae and mortals alike.

The hag called Lavinia is also a perplexing but most enjoyable character to observe. Long have I watched her fanatical ravings in the streets, calling to the virile men of both court and peasantry. She has taken especially to the young mortal King as of late. Refusing her ardent advances he has managed to create quite an unlucky stir unbeknownst to his person. In his denying the hag’s heart he has tethered himself to his own divine misfortune. Last I spied the hag, she was yowling on her knees before his majesty’s train, waving about a strange wooden doll and crying out, "YOUR LINE WILL END IN DAUGHTERS!!!" The Hag has piqued my interest so much, that I might have to lend a little faerie mischief depending on how this drama plays out.

It is quite rare, but if there is ever a time where the solidarity of my being is sharply felt, I visit the mortal court for a game of chess with the sweet smiling Queen Anne.

Most Humiliating Moment: I am quite loathe to remember such a time where much unnecessary, in my opinion, trickery was involved to test my loyalties. It was long before, when I was still a newly woven fae, that I had just discovered my ability to cut down nightmares trapped in my web. When I went to tell Titania of this newly found gift, she warned me this was nothing to take lightly for such an ability is only found in the trusted. Not completely sure yet of what her warning would mean I returned to my nest to practice my skill with my blade. Meanwhile at court, Titania met with Oberon, Puck at his side and shared in the good news of my new found talent. A metallic light flickered behind Oberon’s eyes as his curved smile parted to the side.

"I propose that we test Cobweb’s newfound power, to be sure that she is truly worthy of such a responsibility."

"Indeed my Lord, I shall play the part!" chimed Puck.

Titania hesitated briefly, but nodded in concurrence. "Very well my Love, what is it you propose?"

Many nights later, I found myself relaxing in my nest overlooking a pond. I watched silently as the warm glow of dreams drifted forward to pass through the webbed gates of my nest. Suddenly a dazzling light of platinum came through the darkness, passing over the surface of the pond and intertwining its way past the limbs of trees, it made its way towards me. I had never seen Titania’s dreams before, and the curiosity of a young one lifted my hands to catch it between their fingers. Drawing it to me I looked inside as does one into a cavernous vase. What I saw was unspeakable. Secrets, desires, weaknesses were all there glittering unintended before my eyes.

"Greetings Cobweb, what have you there?"

My head whipped to attention as my eyes focused on two figures. Oberon and Puck were observing me with silent amusement as I stuttered frantically.

"N-naught but my Mistress’s dreams my Lord."

"Oh?" Oberon’s eyes caught the reflection of passing dreams as he stepped forward. "Let us see it then, for from your expression I gather that it is a most befitting dream to look upon."

I felt my mouth drop in horror, as I maneuvered the dream behind my wings.

"N-no my Lord I mustn’t, for it would be a grave betrayal to my Mistress if I let you see hers or any other beings dream without their permission."

"Cobweb…" Oberon said sternly, "I command that you bring forth that dream to me."

"N-no."

The argument grew louder and louder, Oberon casting his most intimidating baritone over the land, and Puck egging it on with his echoing laughter.

"COBWEB, TITANIA MAY BE YOUR QUEEN, BUT I AM YOUR KING, AND YOU ARE TO OBEY MY EVERY WHIM! NOW HAND OVER THAT DREAM, OR YOUR LIFE WILL PAY FOR THE IRREVERENCE YOU HAVE SHOWN ME THIS DAY!!!"

Curled protectively around the orb, my eyes had long ago filled with the desperate distress surrounding me. Stunned by my own terror from the roaring god before me, I shrank as tightly as I could to the orb.

"Please….my Lord, I am only doing what is expected of me. If I give you the dream now I will lose all that I hold dear. Not only my duty as a dream guardian will be forfeit, but the trust of our Queen, your wife will slip through my fingers…and with it all the self respect I hold for myself as a faerie courtier. Do what you must, and I will do the same."

My eyes winced shut as I prepared myself for whatever malice the King’s face promised. But when nothing happened, I let an eye peep out shyly. Oberon’s contorted anger had changed into pleased satisfaction. His smile led me to blink in confusion at him as he reached forward to tousle my hair.

"Good. It is all good." And then he turned away, snapping his fingers the orb in my arms popped like a bubble. A fake! I had undergone such personal torture only to be TESTED?! Oberon having departed as quickly as he had come, left me with one last memory of Puck bounding backwards jeering and cackling as I hurtled my dagger through his head vanishing into thin air

Proudest Moment: When I received the highest honor a base creature such as I once was, to become empowered by the light and form of the fae. I was stunned when I happened upon the first mirrored pool that revealed my transformed visage. It was then that I realized the enormity of what I had done and how it had been recognized.

Craziest or Silliest Fey Person you know: Lavinia, The Hag Who Thinks She’s Beautiful I cannot help but be skeptical over. I of all fae realize that there lies a deep beauty in each of us despite our outward appearance…but likewise, I also knew the reality of my situation before I was transformed as a fae. The Hag perhaps is powered by a confidence I have not and never will understand.

What do you look for in the opposite sex? A male driven by ambitious fires, whether he is moral or villainous is what catches my eye. Let him be governed by the very fervor that inflames his senses for life. Inciting a reckless ecstasy to charge him through the mundane and trivial.

In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them. Who is your immediate "overlord"? Titania is my Queen, and Oberon my King.

How do you feel about that person? Oberon does enjoy tormenting me at times that I find most unsettling, but I must confess it usually comes only when provoked. This cautionary distance usually leads to further animosity when he and my Queen are at odds with one another. Titania’s mood, despite knowing her for so long, has still not established a constant pattern in her ever-changing emotions. This makes peaceful moments into savored delights when in the presence of my King and Queen. For our world is derived of a chaotic joy. But nonetheless they are my King and Queen, both of whom I treat with reverence and honor, for my loyalty stands firm atop sincerity.

Favorite Sport to Watch: The elegant art of sword fighting always turns my head…perhaps it is the flash of silver, or the complicated steps that must be taken to be both aggressor and defender. The craft used to obtain such a balance fascinates me.

Do you remember your first kiss? In the beginning of my new life as a fae I was easily summoned by the brilliantly colored emotions of human beings. Despair, joy, anger…they drew me to them like an undefined sound. The sun blazed especially bright that evening, and I was on my way back to my Mistress’s court when something tingled within the base of my wings. Looking down I saw an enchantment that disappeared the moment I spotted it flickering over a small area on the ground. The light had drawn me too quickly to avoid, and so I justified its exploration believing that it would not take long to discover the source of the light. Descending upon the spot I soon came across an elderly couple sitting on a large flattened rock bathed in the fading rays of the sun. Moving so as to circle them cautiously, I watched as the greatly aged man cradled the tiny boned woman in his withered arms. Her white crowned head nestled gently against the hollow of the man’s chest, as his fingers pressed the frail curve of her shoulders to him. Their breathing was increasingly weak, so much so that I dared to perch as a sigh on the woman’s parted lips. No words were exchanged between them, as their glazed eyes slowly blinked away the sunset. I began wondering if I would ever be able to reveal the source that the light came from when something happened… The man looked down at the woman, whose head had lowered from a seemingly invisible burden. Lifting a crooked finger to her chin, he tipped her face to him and gazed into the sparkling consciousness of her eyes. I had not yet spent enough time with the humans to know their language as I do now…all I know is that he said something…something that brought her back to a time she was no longer in. Her whisper repeated the incantation and so shook off the lines of his face and brought forth the sweet tenderness of his smile. He then lowered his head and kissed her. In that moment I felt as though I had transcended my fae body into another world neither fae, nor mortal… I was encompassed in a raw perfection that I was helpless to want and fear at the same time. Something within screamed for me to obtain it, and yet cried for me to let it go. Before my eyes it floated, the most beautiful light I had ever known, softer but more brilliant than the sun itself. Just as my hand rose to catch hold of it-it was gone. The world had not stopped as I thought it had. Indeed for it was now night time and I had nothing but the stars to comfort me as I rose into the sky towards home, not looking back at the two figures left lying together on the rock.

Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot? The windswept moors of Ireland are a source of rejuvenation for us fae. Our faerie rings are interlaced among the forests and marshes of the mystical woodlands, where our feet never touch the ground.

What is your bed made of? I’ve built myself a flat nest of gossamer threads woven by nine of my fellow spiders. The cushioning is gathered down feathers of the nightingale’s children, adorned with dew drops and rosemary for fragrance. It is fashioned to only capture the nightmares of humans and pass the harmless dreams on to their sleeping masters.

How many people sleep in your bed? No one, not even me. I just relax and wait for nightmares to catch hold of my bedding for me to attend to.

 

Our patrons may not need to know the answers to very many or even any of these questions, but if you can answer them for yourself, you will know who you are. If you, as a character, know who you are, our patrons will believe you are that character.

 

10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me

These are fun facts that people can use to talk about you in the street. Just because most mortals in Canterbury cannot see you, it does not mean they have not heard of you or know stories about you, your personality, or what you might look like. This can be gossip you want people to share about you. This can be facts of your life. This can be pure innuendo that you want people to think about you.

Just anything that you think it’s important that people know about you.

We should be able to identify you by these facts.

I will send your survey back if this is not filled out.

1. Originally I was a spider before Titania transformed me into a faerie.

(See: How I was born/created)

2. My purpose is to serve both Titania and mankind as a guardian and sentry to their wellbeing. I am also the reason as to why man has clothing and good dreams.

(See: How I was born/created; Main function in life/society; Most Humiliating Moment; What is your Bed Made of?)

3. I am the oldest of the four fae women of the court under my King and Queen.

(See: How I was born/created)

4. The instincts that I was originally born with have never wavered, but are kept in check. Ever since becoming a faerie I have taken on characteristics and qualities befitting the magic that flows through me; but every once in a while I will refer to the life I once had for they are both precious and dear in my eyes. (a.k.a. Though I am a faerie I will revert every once in a while to either the habits or the body of a spider…)

(See: Do you know how to Swim?; Pets; Bedtime; Most Humiliating Moment; What is your Bed Made of?; How Many People Sleep in your Bed?)

5. I never sleep.

(See: Main function in life/society; Bedtime; Most Humiliating Moment; What is your Bed Made of?; How Many People Sleep in your Bed?)

6. Water=Caution

(See: Do you know how to Swim?)

7. I have one of the most powerful incantations of faerie glamour cast upon my face; it is due to my age that I am able to conjure an image so detailed and distinct as to hide my true visage.

(See: How I was born/created)

8. My soul is with dancing and music.

(See: Closest Friends; Favorite Type of Music; Hobbies/Pastimes)

9. I probably stole your first kiss.

(See: Hobbies/Pastimes; Do you Remember your first Kiss?)

10. I’m single and probably not interested.

(See: Are You Married or Single?; What Do you Look for in the Opposite Sex?)

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