Cirra then cleared more space on the table before setting some things down, filling the empty areas again. She had placed down several sheets of paper, each filled with strange, intricate symbols—characters of the Spider Queen’s language.
"Okay, Lassim, let’s start with the basics: the alphabet and phonetics," Cirra began,"This language isn’t just about sounds; it’s main feature is the vibration you create with them. Most of these sounds don’t exist in the common tongue, and are nearly impossible to perform without the mandibles necessary, so I’ll help you understand how to make them."
She pointed to the first character on the sheet. "This here is one of the most important sounds that gets used the most frequently. It’s a guttural click, one that you’ve probably already heard me use a few times.
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To get started with the form, you need to press the back of your tongue against your soft palate and release it sharply." Cirra demonstrated, producing a sharp, clicking noise that resonated slightly in the small room.
Lassim watched intently, then attempted to mimic the sound. His first few tries were awkward, more like coughs than clicks, but Cirra was patient, adjusting his posture and giving tips on how to relax his throat.
"Now, let’s add something to get the correct pronunciation. Try to focus your mana here," she suggested, lightly touching the sides of his neck. "Manipulate it to tighten the muscles gently—just enough to control the airflow, not to block it. Think of it as fine-tuning a musical instrument."
Lassim closed his eyes, concentrating on directing a small flow of his mana as instructed. When he tried the sound again, it was closer to Cirra’s demonstration, a clear, distinct click with the added proper guttural nature to it.
"Perfect!" Cirra exclaimed, a smile breaking across her face. "Now, let’s try a hissing sound. This one involves a steady exhale with a slight constriction in your throat, almost like a soft growl. It’s used a lot in their language, especially to convey urgency or danger, and connecting the spaces between words."
Following Cirra’s example, Lassim practiced the hissing sound, finding it easier than the click. His ability to control his internal energies made it possible to adjust the vibration of his vocal cords precisely, now that he knew he could use his mana this way, as he began producing a sound that was surprisingly similar to Cirra’s almost immediately.
As they progressed through the various characters and sounds, Cirra’s teaching method involved a lot of hands-on adjustments and demonstrations.
Each new sound required a different manipulation of mana, a new way to shape his throat or position his tongue. It was a challenging process, but Lassim’s current cultivation prowess and enhanced physique allowed him to adapt quickly.
"Your progress is impressive," Cirra noted as they took a short break. "Given your cultivation level and mental acuity, I believe you could start to grasp the rudiments of this language within a week. Most students would take months to get where you are in just a few hours."
After Lassim’s initial success with the phonetics, Cirra introduced another layer to the Spider Queen’s language that surprised him further. "In addition to vocal sounds, this language incorporates specific arm and hand gestures. These gestures are akin to how spiders use their pedipalps and front legs to enhance communication. It’s crucial for expressing certain concepts and emotions."
Cirra stood up, demonstrating a series of smooth, deliberate movements with her arms. "For example, this gesture," she extended her arms forward, palms facing each other and then slowly brought them apart, as if pulling a thread from each hand, "is used to signify the opening of a discussion or the start of a tale.
You’ll mostly use it to convey with any arachnid you meet that you wish to speak with them. It’s like saying, ’Hey! Can we chat real quick?’"
Lassim mimicked her, feeling a bit awkward at first. The movements required a graceful fluidity that felt unnatural, but Cirra patiently corrected his stance and motion. "It’s like a dance, Lassim. Each movement complements the words, adding depth and clarity to what is spoken. Imagine yourself embodying the message with your emotion through the movements to help.
You can even pretend you’re a spider or something if it helps with the imagination."
They practiced several phrases, combining the unique sounds he learned with the corresponding gestures. "Let’s try something practical," Cirra suggested. She taught him how to say and perform the greeting that was respectful yet indicated no threat or challenge, crucial for his interactions in the Threads.
Lassim carefully pronounced the guttural clicks and hisses while enacting the gestures—a sweeping motion of his arms downwards and then a gentle bowing of his head. Cirra nodded approvingly. "Perfect. That’s exactly how you show respect and peaceful intent."
As they continued, Lassim learned how to ask for directions, express gratitude, and even make simple inquiries about goods and services, each phrase accompanied by its own set of gestures.
The physical aspect of the language made it more complex but also more engaging. It was a language that required not just vocal skill but the whole body’s involvement to make up for the lack of having extra arms.
"Understanding and using these gestures will help you immensely," Cirra explained. "Many of the locals will appreciate your efforts to respect their communication style. It shows you’re at least taking the time to be a part of their community. It will potentially save you if you’re ever in trouble and need their assistance in the future as well.
They’re pretty kind once you’ve shown them enough respect."
As Lassim practiced another series of gestures, his stomach suddenly rumbled, breaking the concentration.
Cirra chuckled, her own stomach echoing the sentiment. "Seems we’ve been so caught up with your lesson and explanations. We’ve forgotten about lunch."
Just then, as if on cue, the door to the backroom swung open, and a middle-aged man entered, carrying a tray with two steaming bowls.
He paused, a mild look of surprise crossing his face upon seeing Lassim. "Oh, I didn’t realize we had a guest," he remarked with a friendly smile. "I’m Gregor, the owner of Marshlight Apothecary."
Cirra quickly introduced Lassim, explaining their morning’s work. Gregor nodded, his eyes twinkling with interest. "Well, I’ll just fetch another bowl then. Wouldn’t want our guest going hungry."
As Gregor disappeared back into the kitchen, Cirra explained that he was a fellow researcher and a good friend who owned the apothecary. "He’s been incredibly supportive of my work, even when others were skeptical. It’s his open-mindedness that makes this place perfect for my research."
When Gregor returned, he brought with him an extra bowl and placed the food on the small table they had cleared of Cirra’s research materials while he left to prepare the spare food.
The meal was quite simple but smelled delicious—a hearty stew with local herbs and vegetables. As they ate, Gregor chatted amiably, sharing stories about the apothecary and the town.
Gregor shared more about his origins from the Kingdom of Vaeloria, a vibrant realm to the east of the Aurora Kingdom, "Yeah, Vaeloria is beautiful, with its’ lush vineyards and libraries but the mysteries of unexplored lands and their plants always called to me."
Glancing at his partner, he continued, "That led me to joining the Alchemists Guild after graduating from Vaeloria’s Lily Academy. It was then that Cirra and I first met," he began, a warm note in his voice. "It was our shared passion for unique botanicals that initially brought us together.
We were both always on the hunt for new species, something rare or unheard of, though for vastly different purposes."
He paused, a gentle smile forming as he looked at Cirra. "While I was mostly interested in discovering and naming new plants, Cirra was diving deep into their properties, always pushing the boundaries of conventional alchemy with her idea to find one that would unlock a psychic feature to spirit senses."
"It’s really not often you find someone who not only shares your passions but also challenges and complements them. Our partnership started professionally, at least." A flush of red began to creep up his cheeks as he coughed briefly, drawing attention away from it.
"When Cirra decided to pursue her research outside of the Alchemist Guild’s head office, I couldn’t bear the thought of her going alone," he continued, his voice softening as he glanced affectionately at Cirra. "Like a pup in love, I followed after her. Ha-ha!"
Cirra smiled as she rubbed his shoulder briefly before adding, "And I wholeheartedly accepted this lost puppy once he finally confessed. Your support—well, supporting each other in one another’s endeavors—that’s what partners do, isn’t it?"
Their laughter and easy exchanges revealed a comfort and intimacy that Lassim admired and reminded him of his parent’s loving relationship.
"We’ve been through so much since our early days at the Guild," Gregor added, reaching out to squeeze Cirra’s hand gently. "Being here, supporting her research—her also supporting mine with trying to find a brand new species of plant I can name myself—it’s our adventure, and every day is enriched because we share it together."
Gregor leaned back, a contented look crossing his face as he shared more about their setup. "Right now, this apothecary is just a means to an end for us to get by. We see it as our temporary home base at the moment.
It supports Cirra’s ambitious project wonderfully, giving her a safe space to test the more hallucinogenic flora, and allows us to live together in a setting that, while remote, holds incredible potential for both of our research topics.
I like to think of it as our little wild research lab, but we’ll move on once we’ve wrapped things up here and follow the next rumor or ideal biome that has promise."
Their conversation flowed easily, with Cirra occasionally chiming in to add details or correct Gregor’s more extravagant embellishments about some of their previous forays and places they’d visited.
Lassim felt a warmth that went beyond the spicy stew; it was the warmth of newfound camaraderie and more like a part of his journey he was meant to experience.
He was also eager to share with Cirra his idea on introducing her to Sanvra and possibly her spending some time in their new home on the Vanthar lands, but he still wished to get to know them a bit more and their character before threatening the Drow with outsiders he didn’t fully trust yet.
With the bowls empty and the conversations reaching a natural lull, Lassim had a better understanding of Cirra’s and Gregor’s background and their relationship filled with love that left him feeling recharged by their warmth.
He was ready to continue his lessons, but he shifted slightly in his seat as the discomfort from his heavy, leather clothing grew more pronounced with each passing moment.
"You know," he started, trying to find a casual segue, "I’ve been thinking about what you mentioned yesterday, Cirra, about visiting Gossamer Goods for some lighter clothing. This outfit is starting to feel a bit... cumbersome, especially after that delicious but fiery stew."
Cirra’s face brightened at the suggestion. "That’s a fantastic idea! I’m good friends with the owner, Maelin. She crafts some of the finest garments you’ll find anywhere—light, durable, and perfect for the climate here."
Her eyes twinkled with a mix of mischief and enthusiasm. "Plus, it’ll be a great opportunity for you to put your new language skills to the test. Think of it as a practical exam where you get to negotiate and chat with the real deal all by yourself!"
Lassim nodded, eager for the challenge and the chance to escape his current, increasingly stifling attire.