The Spider Queen meets the Archivist. (Private Inerta & Alexander)

Many people thought the wilderness was a safe place to hide. To distance oneself from society and the spread of information amongst it. That was not entirely true however, provided you know the proper sources. Hikers, gathers; many people spend their time outside the city, and are more than willing to share their sights and tales. Obviously, not all was true, but sometimes it was a good idea to investigate it regardless. Such was Alexander's current goals. Tales from an empty bar of a monster lurking in the mountains, consuming anyone who drew near. Beyond human, a creature unknown to the world. Could such a thing truly exist? Alexander was anything but a skeptic, so he decided he would investigate himself. The trek was hard on him; he was no where near physically fit, so reaching the cave alone was nothing but pure perseverance.

Slowly entering the mouth of the cave, his sword hung by his side, sheathed but ready for any moment. On the opposite side, an old tome was open, prepared for any notes he may take. His motion was silent, yet he doubted it would be enough to obscure himself. Skittering all around him, millions of frantic eyes watching. The cave was positively infested with arachnids. At least it explained the decor; the thick layers of webbing at every angle. He weaved through it carefully, making sure not to break a single strand. It wasn't his place to ruin their work or homes after all, especially when he was the guest.

He hadn't noticed the presence form behind him, enwrapped in thought and absent minded observations. It startled him slightly, his body jerking before quickly freezing. Beyond the shock however, he had no fear. Tightly wrapped in his cloak, his presence was completely concealed. He turned slowly, most of his face hidden in the shadow and cloth. All that could be seen was his eyes, meeting the creatures blankly. "Pardon the intrusion, I assure you I meant no harm. It appears I missed the signs and warnings marking your property." He was still uncomfortable with the language, his accent thick and voice soft. Breaking eye contact for a moment, he absorbed the creature's form. Truly beyond human, it was if a spider was making a mockery of one. Such a thing was unheard of, and it brought him excitement, or at least the closest he could feel to that. "I had come to see the 'monster' people had spoken of, but seeing our conversation, I feel that's not a proper description. If you would be so kind, do you have the time to entertain a simple researcher?" He bowed slightly, his frame tiny and meek. An eternal servant, even to a spider.

Word Count: 455

OOC: Course it had to be spiders

So far, he seemed to have gained her trust. Good, that was a start at least. He was prepared for combat beyond this, so any alternative was better. Still, he didn't exactly seem welcome, nor did he feel such. So his hand stayed near his blade, not visibly, but in a range he knew he could draw quickly from. She grabbed for his hands, and every reflex in him wanted to draw, but he resisted, placing faith in his safety since she drew him closer. For a moment, he seemed to leave reality; wrapped in a world he didn't quite understand or comprehend. Every part of him wanted to question, uncover, and figure out the world before him. He knew better though. Such things were better left for the time being, without the proper information he could go mad trying to understand. Besides, he was more focused on their contact. Behind him, his grimoire floated open, it's pages filling themselves out.

Returning to reality, he shook himself, regathering his bearings and senses as she moved to her throne. He scanned the pages, noting the new information. The book had made it's entry on Inerta; triggered by their physical contact. But he wouldn't read it yet, for that would too much time and he still had to address the spider in the room. Turning, he nodded softly, standing before her throne. "Of course, that is the least I can do. I assure you, I was simply bundled from the journey, and had no time to remove it myself." Throwing back the hood, he revealed himself. Androgynous, his skin pale and hair dimmed to a pale white. Round and soft, but showing clear signs of improper care. His smile was small and courteous, but there was a misleading innocence in his expression, blank and natural. He looked to be in his 30s. Despite his lack of effort, there was a natural charm to his appearance, and with proper effort he could shine brightly.

He scanned the room, allowing her a moment to take his appearance in. He knew not what magic she had used, but she knew of him now. Composing himself, it had been a long time since he was called she. It was not that he felt shame in his gender, but long ago he was forced to cast it aside, and had simply never seen the reason to pick it up. "It's been a long time since I was referred to as a woman. As well, immortal. I don't feel that's fair to say, I am far from it. I am simply a stain that will not be cleaned from the tapestry of life." Lofty words, with a soft inflection and gentle expression. The picture of submissiveness. "But, as one who's lived this long often experiences, you eventually run out of goals. So yes, I am here simply to research. I don't really have anything else I do to pass the days." He chuckled softly, his expression never breaking from the mask he wore. "While I hate to sound rude, and forgive me if I do, now that I have given my name, I would like to request yours. As well, I'd like to inquire why one such as yourself is out here."

Word Count: 544

OOC: Alex is a diamond in the rough. Make her shine~