text: Far into a great wooden corridor a sickly man was led to a pair of large, ornate metal doors. The soft burning candles framed the entire area in a calming and warm light. It was hard to not notice how immaculately the wax of the candles were tended to. So perfectly burning without a drop out of place. Great care was taken to ensure a welcoming feeling. This sickly man was given notice that his end was near. Every person in this land is given the opportunity to observe last rites with the Silver Sider should they wish. A gratitude given freely and dearly. The maidens and lads of the Silver Spider give nothing but the utmost respect and care to those who seek communion. “Are you ready, sir?” A young woman asked the man. “Yes, please.” The man returned. Slowly the doors were opened with a silent hush. Within the next room a frail young man sat on the floor in a relaxed manner. This was the Silver Spider. His skin was ash white. His hair was long and thin. Surrounding him were many spiders of different sizes and shapes. The young man was whispering to cupped hands. The sickly man was left alone with him. “Welcome, please come closer. You shouldn’t give any mind to my comrades. They mean no harm to you.” The Silver Spider spoke with a gentle and easy voice. The sickly man shuffled closer, careful not to step on any of the tiny legs of the spiders walking on the floor. The Silver Spider motioned the man to sit next to him on the floor. The spiders gave generous space for him to maneuver in his creaking flesh. The man could clearly see the face of this frail being. It was thin and dull with a warm smile. HIs eyes were glazed over in a milky film, obscuring his green irises. “Your lord, I am sorry for the state of my looks while addressing you. I haven’t the energy to-” the man was cut off by a single thin finger placed on his lips by the Spider. “It is all without worry, my friend. I cannot see anymore. Such things have never bothered me and they surely do not now. I want you here just as you are. Please relax.” The Spider grabbed the back of the man’s neck gently and lowered his head into his lap. Slowly stroking the man’s hair, The spider continued. “My friends tell me you are very sick and near death. I am so very sorry you have to feel any suffering. Humble me for a moment, what is your fondest memory from when you were a child?” The man thought for a moment. “My mother’s singing. If she was cooking, she was singing. If I was restless at night, she would sing me to sleep. All of my worries seemed to melt when she sang. That is my most precious memory.” The Spider looked down at the man in his lap, feeling the trembles of his fragile mortal coil. “Sing her song for me” The Spider requested as he continued to coddle the man. The man began to hum a very joyful tune to his best ability. Half way between the memory of his mother and the words he has forgotten, he coughed roughly before falling silent. “What a beautiful thing to remember and hold with you through your life-” This spider said warmly. “Your mother must have loved you dearly.” “She did, so very much.” “You know, something off topic but I wish to know. The spiders make me a new robe of their silk every year with a new design. I am told that each one has been very precious and beautiful. Could you please tell me what the one I am wearing looks like? You are the first person to see it.” The man craned his neck up from the lap of the Spider and studied the intricate lace and shimmer of the cloth. Dazzled by the complex designs and motifs, the man was lost for words. “Your lord, It is beyond exquisite.” The man relayed. “I am so thankful you think so. I can no longer appreciate their work, but I can feel their needle thin legs crawl over my skin. They remind me that I am not alone in my blank world. As do you, in this moment. Thank you for spending this time with me. I wish you a painless and peaceful death.” The man began sobbing as the pain in his body melted into the webs that hung around him. Gently and somberly, the man could feel his soul being unstitched from his bones. The Spider ran his fingers through the man’s hair and hummed a tune ghostly similar to the man’s mother’s tune. “May I lay with you a little longer? I have not been so at peace with my own body in a long time.” The man requested. “You may lay with me as long as needed. You are so very soft and gentle in this world. Please be with me as long as you wish” The Spider responded.