melancholia

to Araneae’s surprise - and respect, if they’re being honest - the girl gets to her feet with little fuss and all but shrugs their concern off, even smiling through the obvious pain. “does this happen a lot, then?” they ask blithely, without an ounce of tact. they stare unabashedly at the leaking wound in the girl’s ear, gaze repeatedly darting to the mushroom. and though their curiosity reeks of ill-manners, at the very least there is no pity in their face - only nosiness and a touch of concern. “oh, of course! i know just the place!” tail wagging eagerly, they set off through the forest, slowing occasionally to wait for the girl’s limping pace, should she need the time. provided the girl keeps up the whole way, Araneae skips along beside her until Bas and Hazel’s treehouse comes into view. “ta-da! i live here.” their chest puffs out with pride as they dart intermittent glances at the girl’s face, seeking her reaction.

"Speech"