this time i won't fall so free

since returning home, Spider has been slowly investigating the many ways the Armada has changed in their absence. since Bas' ascension, it feels as though the pack is forever changing, its members shifting beneath their paws the moment they've managed to catch up. it's a little bewildering at times, but exciting, too. for all the misery of the past few seasons, Spider has always been an inherently sociable creature - truthfully, they like meeting new people, and keeping busy, and doing their part. keeping busy especially, as it takes their mind off the more...unsavoury elements they've yet to make complete peace with. this morning, however, Spider wakes feeling heavier than they have since meeting Bas' new litter. in all honesty, they've been doing a lot better since their stay in Hemlock, but sometimes it's as though they're powerless to the thoughts plaguing their mind. for one thing, they haven't entirely wrapped their head around Hazel's departure, or Ignita and Bas' relationship. and they'd be lying if they said it didn't sting how quickly the pair had copulated - not that Spider would trade those little brats for the world, now that they've met.

still, Spider needs a little breather today, something to tide them over. and thankfully, they have just the thing; stashed beneath their pillow for this very occasion. they hadn't done it very often since the Hallows' bonfire festival, not wanting to waste their stash and still a little unfamiliar with the stuff, but Spider makes their way to the entrance of the Col today and lights the joint, breathing in the earthen scent. they exhale, eyes falling closed as some of the tension seeps from their body. the morning sun crests the horizon, casting everything in a pale, buttery light. Spider takes another drag, eyes tracking its progression across the sky. for a moment, everything feels new in a way it hasn't since puphood.

"Araneae Fatalis"