Can we have more fun with the spider and hir friend? Maybe sometimes teaching others that these giant spiders are not so bad?
@internutter/challenge-03541-i253-meet-cutie -- Anon Guest
It's not easy being an arachnid in a universe seemingly made of anthropoids[1]. So many of the endoskeletal life forms want to end those who have their skeletons on the outside.
For the N'ozzies, it was always, "We're going to need a bigger thong[2]," and only half of them were joking. Humans of any other given polity were more likely to scream and run away than attempt a friendly greeting. Even those who said they liked arachnids had their qualms regarding one as big as a dog[3].
Thusly, someone like Human Dierd was a combination of welcome relief and frightening enthusiasm. Especially when it came to rude questions.
"I am capable of milling my food internally," said F'tibb, via signs. Not every cogniscent is capable of vocalisation, and thus all forms of communication are taught since Beginner's Education. the benefits of such are larger than one might expect. "I still prefer the softer fare. Anything beyond 'crunchy' must be digested externally. Which disturbs many."
"Cocoon and all?" Dierd signed in return, primarily out of politeness.
"Cocoon and all." If F'tibb could roll hir eyes, ze would have, but the anxious rubbing of hir hindmost legs conveyed the frustration well enough. "So very many anthropoids have taboos regarding the hindquarters."
"Speaking of food, can I treat you to something? Cold? Hot? Chewy? Liquid?"
In all things, a baggie of tailored Nutri-Food goo satisfied most needs. Including some who preferred theirs mildly chunky.
[1] Humanoids is a little egocentric. Anthropoids is marginally less so, but there are limits to language.
[2] For those who don't understand Australia [aka the rest of the world], a thong is a simple piece of footwear also referred to as a "flip-flop". Aussies and N'ozzies alike prefer the quicker versions when available.
[3] Given the varying sizes of dogs - pick a big one.
[Image by Marc Clinton Labiano on Unsplash]
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