Ask Graceful Threadby RobiponyChaptersWhat's a Blog?Dealing with Unwanted QuestsA New Friend or Foe?What's a Blog? "Hey, Thread!" Lemon Hearts called out as she entered the abandoned clock tower, "It's me, Lemon Heart!" Cobwebs covered the various supports of the tower's interior, it was dark with only a few lights illuminating sections of the interior. As Lemon Hearts gazed into the darkness, she notices that some of the larger threads begin to move either in response to the breeze or from something else moving along the web. The mare was very certain as to who it was. The floor was made of concrete, with most of the building being made from bricks with steel beams serving as a skeleton to support the large structure. "I brought you something!" Lemon Hearts informed as she pulls off her saddlebags. The webbing seemed to hum as something began to move forth from the darkness. "You are alone, right?" A purple mane began to become clear as what seemed to be a pony crawled down the web. However, as more of the creature's form emerged from the shadows, it become clear that while she has the body of a pony, the mare's legs were that of a spider, with a large abdomen where her tail should be. Glistening from underneath her mane are six red eyes, resting in between the mare's pony eyes. Her right eye had a large vertical scare. Her coat was a deep brown, while her legs shared a similar color, there were also segments of the legs that were a pale green, a strange almost fearsome looking pattern on her abdomen were colored in a similar fashion. Lemon Hearts smiled, "Of course, I know you don't like visitors." Graceful Thread eyed the saddle bag that Lemon Hearts was digging through, "Did you bring any... fish?" Pulling a large fish from her bag, wrapped in newspaper, Lemon Hearts tossed the fish to her friend, who happily grabbed the fish from the air with her two front legs and scurried back onto her web. While Lemon Hearts couldn't see it, she knew what the spidermare was going to do with the fish and she really didn't want to think about it. "I also brought something else." Lemon Hearts said as she pulled a laptop out of her saddlebags, with her magic. A cerulean aura enveloping the contraption. Looking around the room, the mare was pleased to find an electrical outlet that she could plug the computer into. There was an old wooden desk in a corner, with an outlet underneath. Resting the laptop on the table, Lemon Hearts plugged the computer in. A green light blinked to life on the left side of the contraption, indicating that it was receiving power. The spidermare's head emerged from the darkness to watch Lemon Heart’s actions, "What are you doing?" "You said you wanted to get out more," Lemon Hearts said as she turned on the computer, "this way you can talk to people outside. Maybe once they know more about you, they won't be so scared of you." Graceful Thread descends the web again to catch a closer look at the object that Lemon Hearts is working with. "What is it?" Thread asked, turning her head at an angle. "It's a laptop," Lemon Hearts answers, "there is a website on here called Phumblr, where you can create blogs and talk to other ponies." Lemon Hearts motioned with a hoof toward the screen. "What's a blog?" Graceful Thread inquired. It took the mare about an hour to explain how the computer worked to the spidermare so that she would be able to use it on her own. It wasn’t difficult teaching her how to turn on the computer; it was some of the more technical stuff that was the problem. “So you need the internet to access the web?” Graceful Thread inquired. “Yeah,” as Lemon Hearts answered this, the spider pony looked back at her own abdomen. “Why?” the spidermare asked, “I can just make my own…” “Okay, for one it’s not an actual web,” Lemon Hearts replied, “also I’m pretty sure the pony who created it didn’t expect an actual spider pony would use it. The point is that icon on the bottom right of your screen needs to be there, otherwise, you won’t be able to work on the blog.” Thread nodded, “Okay, and I access this web through a browser?” “Yes.” The spidermare’s eyes scrolled over the screen in front of her before looking back at Lemon Hearts, “It seems overly complicated.” A frustrated sigh escaped Lemon Heart’s mouth, causing Graceful Threads to smile. “Don’t worry,” the spider pony said, “I think I can figure it out.” Smiling, Lemon Hearts stood up from the dusty floor and stretched her legs. "You should really consider buying some furniture!" Lemon Hearts said as she rubbed her sore body. "Why?" The yellow mare was about to remark when she remembered Graceful Thread's webbing and decided to go a different route, "In case a friend comes over." "I could always make you a chair." Graceful Thread said, holding some webbing in her front legs. "N-no, that's fine." Lemon Hearts had things to do and didn't want to be stuck in one of Thread's webs. The spidermare shrugged and put the webbing away. "Well, I have to go now," Lemon Hearts said as she made her way to the door, "one of my friends is back in town and the girls and I are going to meet her." "Okay." Graceful Thread said as she watched the unicorn walk to the door. "Make sure to create an account on Phumblr!" Lemon Hearts called out as left, "I'll send you a message tonight when I get home to see how you're doing?" As the door closed, the spidermare looked back at the computer before her. Thread examined the website before her and contemplated what to do with it... Graceful Thread sat worriedly in front of her computer. It was now complete. Her Phumblr account was up and ready to go. Nervously, the spidermare looked back over her bio. Hello Phumblr, my name is Graceful Thread, I am... well... a spidermare. My friend Lemon Hearts said I should try to socialize more, but since most ponies don't like it when I walk outside my home in broad daylight, I thought I might try social media. After all everypony else is doing it. Don't worry, there is no such thing as stupid questions. Wrong questions, yes. Questions that might result in me wrapping you in my webs and injecting you with my venom, yes. Stupid questions, nah! Just send me your questions and I will record myself answering them. Graceful Threads examined the bio. Personally, she thought it was very clever considering what Lemon Heart had said about it being connected to the interweb or something like that. She had also taken a picture of herself using the laptop's built in camera, which Graceful Thread had used for her Phumblr icon. Her face positioned in such a way that it showed over her mane and only two of her arachnid eyes. While it looked okay, the spidermare was worried that others might not... like it. What if everypony hated it and didn't want to talk to her? What if they were scared of her... on second thought, Thread didn't mind other ponies being scared of her. After all, that was how she managed to survive for so long. With a gulp, Graceful Thread refreshed the page and was surprised to see numerous questions on her Phumblr page. This was both an exciting and nerve-wracking moment. After spinning a web to make a comfortable hammock to lay on, the spidermare turned on the recording software and hit the record button. "Ummm... hello," Thread smiled showing off her fangs, "I'm Graceful Thread and I'm going to answer your questions. My friend, Lemon Hearts said it would be a lot more interesting if I recorded it. So I guess it's time to get started. Let's see..." Biting her bottom lip, Thread scrolled down the page to one of the first questions. Prism Heart asks: Hi Thread, could you describe the nearest town/village to your home? "Hello, I actually live in the city of Canterlot." Graceful Thread answered, "Apparently it's some royal city of some sort. I wouldn't really know though, I only go out at night when everypony is asleep." With a smile, the spidermare moved onto the next question. Jack Hammer asks: Dear Graceful Thread, I have a three-part question if you don't mind. What and how do you eat? How do you think other others should feel about this? And finally, How should prospective friends react to your talk of wrapping them up and biting them? Thanks and best wishes, Jack Hammer As she looked at the question, Thread noticed a similar question written by another pony. MarionBerryPunch asks: What do you drink? "Don't worry Jack Hammer, I don't mind," Thread smiled, "by the way those are some nice glasses you have on your icon." The spidermare stood up from her hammock and stretched. "I can actually answer both your first question and MarionBerryPunch's question if you will give me a moment." Moving along the webbing, Graceful Thread climbed up onto the web and plucked one of the fish, Lemon Heart had bought for her. The spidermare returned and sat down on the hammock facing the camera. "You see I technically eat and drink at the same time," Thread said holding up the fish with her front legs, "I have a few different types of venom in my fangs that I can use. I use one of these to help me digest my food. Like this." After activating her digestive venom, the spidermare bit down into the fish with her fangs. Once the task was complete, Graceful Thread pulled away from the fish and gave the camera a smile. "After a few minutes, the insides will be nice and squishy allowing me to drink the fluids inside." Thread continued, "Unlike regular ponies my kind can't gain sustenance from plants and fruits, meaning we have to eat the insides of other animals in order to survive." Having answered Jack Hammer's first question, Graceful Thread examined the next part. How do you think other others should feel about this? "I mean it would be nice if they could understand," the spidermare spoke, "I mean it isn't like I choose to be a pony who eats meat. It's just what I am. However, I can kind of understand how they feel. After all my species haven't always been so nice when it comes to their dealings with ponies. So I guess, I'm okay so long as they don't try to hurt me." And finally, How should prospective friends react to your talk of wrapping them up and biting them? "Oh, I wouldn't want to hurt my friends." Thread answered, "I've only bitten ponies that have trespassed into my home." There was a slight look of euphoria in the spider pony's eyes as she remembered back to an incident, "admittedly some of them have been rather tasty... anyway. No, I haven't bitten any of my friends and I only wrapped one of them when we first met." Though thinking back on it, Lemon Hearts did always seem to try to avoid getting tangled up in Graceful Thread's webbing, ever since then. "Well, uh... let's go onto the next question." Kin, the Love Stallion asks: So... you are a mare? have a Colt-friend, or maybe a mare-friend? "I'm a mare," Thread said before scratching her chin with a leg, "I have a friend named Lemon Heart that brings me fish from time to time... does that count?" Graceful Thread wasn't exactly sure about this question but shrugged it off and moved onto the next. RarityDressMakerFan9000 asks: Do you put on cloths? "Well, I don't have much in the way of clothes," Graceful Thread replied, "though I do like stockings. They make my legs feel warm and fuzzy. I especially like stockings with strips or unique patterns. However, they always get tangled up in my webs. Scarves are also nice to have during the winter months." ThatBadGuy asks: Oh, graceful Thread. Tell me about Fashion! Tell me what kind of clothes can your people create. With your biological equipment which can create strong and flexible cloth, you must be very proud designers! I am sure Rarity would be thrilled! Or screaming in horror. The spidermare giggles in response, a slight blush on her cheeks, "Well, thank you. I haven't done much in the way of making clothing." Graceful Thread plays with a few of the silken strands that make up her hammock, "They are indeed strong. I think I have heard of some tribes of spider ponies in the zebra homelands that make clothing and even large structures with their silk. As for Rarity, I'm afraid I don't know her unless you're talking about the pony who asked the previous question." chucklefarts asks: Is your silk an anti-magic material? (For those pesky unicorns of course!) Pulling out a strand of spider silk, Graceful Thread looked it over, turning her head to examine it further, "I'm not sure. If I find out I'll let you know. Next question." DefaultName7777 asks: What does it mean to be? A look of confusion spread across the spider pony's face, before she thought she knew what DefaultName7777 was asking. "I think you referring to what does it mean to be alive... right?" Graceful Thread's bit her lip as she thought about the question. "I suppose it depends upon the pony," the spidermare answered, "personally I like to think that we are all characters walking on a web, interacting with each other through the silken strands. Perhaps we are supposed to make the loudest vibration, to reach out to all the other threads. Or maybe we are supposed to be as quiet and as still as possible to avoid being eaten for as long as possible. What do you think?" Kinetic_Aesthetic asks: What kinds of bread do you like? "I'm not actually a big fan of bread. If I eat it like you ponies do it gets lodged in my throat and I have difficulty breathing. I can coat in my digestive venom but usually, it tastes really soggy and gross afterward." Arachna-Pie asks: Do you go to parties? The spidermare motioned with two of her legs to her surroundings, "Does it look like I go to parties? I have to hide in an abandoned clock tower during the daytime!" Graceful Threads shook her head. "Sorry, that was out of line." Basilisk40 asks: Do you know any other languages? "Nope," Thread shook her head, "just this one. To go into more details, I kind of learned how to speak from listening to the ponies outside. Occasionally I would have to travel to a new home and come to a school, where I could hide under the floorboards and listen. Eventually, however, I would have to leave out of fear of being discovered." LordoftheChickens asks: Egg or no egg? "I LOVE eggs," Thread smiled, "they're already squishy inside. Sometimes Lemon Heart will bring me one." Graceful Thread's heart sank a little when she saw the next two questions. LovelyCamera asks: Got any brother or sisters? Anonymous asks: What was your relationship with your family? "I used to," The spidermare answered solemnly, "most of us split up after we hatched. I don't know if any of them are still around or if any of them were... anyway, let's go onto next question." Using her right foreleg, Graceful Thread brushed away a few tears away from her eyes as she looked at the next question. QuestioningQuill asks: What part of you is pony, and what part is Spider? 1'mN0tScr3am1ng asks: Can you walk on walls? "Well, most of my body and head is similar to that of a pony, with the exception being my eyes," Thread motioned with a leg to the six small, crimson eyes that were between her large pony eyes, "then I have eight arachnid legs, which yes I can use to walk on walls, sadly not while wearing stockings, and an abdomen." The spidermare's abdomen wiggled a little for emphasis. "I guess my fangs are also like that of a spider, which now that I think about it," Graceful Thread tilted her head as if listening for something, "I think my meal should be done soon." GamerPony asks: What board game do you like? "I haven't really played any board games," the spider pony said eyeing her fish, "maybe I'll ask if Lemon Hearts can bring some... though I'm not sure if she'll want to play." Anonymous asks: What's your favorite color in the alphabet on a scale from one to ten? "I didn't know we had colors in the alphabet," Thread pondered, "however I can list off my favorite colors. I like black, purple, green, turquoise, violet, lavender, red, gray, yellow and blue. The last two I just added to make ten, as they are kind of okay colors, but I really like the first eight in that order." OctoPonyTavia56 asks: What song do you like? TheDizzyDan asks: Do you like to sing? "I really like Vinyl Scratch’s music," The spidermare answered, "sadly I don't hear it all that often, but perhaps now that I have access to this... computer thingy, I might be able to hear more of it. At least that is what Lemon Hearts told me." Picking up the fish, Graceful Thread's inserted her fangs and began to suck out the fish's liquefied insides. "As for singing, I really haven't had much of a chance to try it," the spider pony replied, "however, maybe sometime in the future I will try to sing a few tones. Maybe I'll even record it for all of you to enjoy." CreepyPastaSalad asks: How did you meet your friend Lemon Hearts? Graceful Threads let out a yawn and stretched her legs. "It is a long story, I would love to tell you all about it, but I am feeling a little tired," The spidermare said as she blinked her many eyes a few times, "don't worry, I'll talk about it in my next blog. I promise. Have a good night, everypony." With that said, Graceful Threads turned off the recording. While she was tired, the spidermare was very happy. It had gone so much better than she thought it would. As Graceful Threads was about to turn off the computer, a new message popped up on her Phumblr page. If it wasn't for the fact the username belonging to Lemon Hearts, the spider pony would have just ignored it and left it to be answered the next day. Clicking on the icon, Thread saw Lemon Hearts' message. 'Hey Thread, how did today go? From the looks of it, your Phumblr page has been pretty popular the last few hours.' Graceful Threads smiled, she really had had fun with her blog. Before heading off to bed, the spidermare gave one last reply. 'It is going great. Thank you very much, Lemon Hearts for doing this for me.' After shutting off the laptop, Thread crawled up her web until she was in the center of a circular pattern of silk strands and lay down to sleep. Dreaming of cameras, making new friends and eating more fish organs. A stallion mumbled as he opened the door to the abandoned clock tower. His horn glowing a sickly vomit green as he walked inside, the magic illuminating his way. "Wow, Spring Rain wasn't kidding, this place is a mess," the stallion said as he stepped deeper inside. Looking around the unicorn spied a laptop resting on a wooden table, his eyes growing wide at the sight. "Oh goody," the stallion smiled as he walked over to the computer, "well, finders keepers..." Opening his saddlebags, the unicorn prepared to take the laptop when something sticky latched onto his right foreleg. The stallion attempted to struggle as another stand gripped his left foreleg. Then in a matter of seconds, the stallion found himself suspended in the air, almost like a puppet, his two hind hooves barely touching the ground. "Losers weepers." Out of the corner of his eye, the stallion saw a purple mane lowering itself, the face behind the mane turning with multiple blood red eyes. "It's not nice," the creature spoke, "to take what isn't yours." Before the stallion could protest, he felt something biting into his shoulder. The unicorn's magic flickered as he slipped into unconsciousness. Author's Note The questions that were asked in this chapter were asked by the following: prism heart Jack Hammer NicLove chucklefarts ThatBadGuy TheDizzyDan Falling-star-1 If you have a question you would like to ask, Graceful Threads, please leave a comment below. Why a Story and Not a Tumblr Blog? Sadly, while I am an okay artist I am still not that great a drawing ponies. I have a habit of forgetting that my tumblr even exists. This why I'm writing this story and sharing it with you all while also allowing you are to participate. I will try to create an image for each chapter... we shall see how that works out. It depends on how fast you want your questions answered. Dealing with Unwanted Quests Tapping the button to start the recording, Graceful Thread smiled at the camera. Behind the spidermare there was something clearly tied up in webbing. "Hey guys, I'm back," Thread giggled, holding her two front legs up to her chin, "sorry for taking so long to get back on, I did some exploring on the interweb and I found some really cool stuff. Apparently there is the super cool show out there called Power Ponies! IT'S SO AWESOME!" As the spider pony squealed the bundle of webbing in the background began to move. Feeling her captive struggle, Graceful Thread threw an annoyed glance back at them, before prodding them with one of her legs. "Oh, yeah and this jerk tried to sneak in last night and steal my computer," the spidermare grumbled, "so how is everypony else doing? TheDizzyDan asks: How are you? "Well, aside from last nights intrusion, I'm doing great!" Thread smiled, "Apparently there are some Power Ponies fan sites where the fans submit their own stories, including Maretropolis Daily. I SO want to submit a story to them!" CelestiaBePraised asks: Do you have any pets? Graceful Threads looked over her shoulder at her bound captive before looking back at the camera. "Does he count?" CreepyPastaSalad asks: What variety of venom do you have? (neurotoxin, hemotoxin, etc.) "As a matter of fact, I have three types of venom," Thread smiled, before moving herself closer to the camera and showing off her fangs, "I have a digestive venom, which you saw me use yesterday. I have a paralytic venom that I can use to paralyze my prey or intruders as you can see with our little guest here. I then have a sort of hypnotic venom that allows me to manipulate others if necessary. This last venom can be helpful in keeping my location safe by causing others to just forget about it." The bundle began to struggle again, warranting another annoyed look from the spidermare. "Though considering that this one tried to steal my laptop," Graceful Thread growled, "I am considering the idea of eating him." This remark seemed to halt the captive's movements. SpiderLivesMater asks: Is he dead? "Not yet," the spider pony replied, "but he might be if he keeps trying my patience." There was a muffled outburst from the wrapped bundle, resulting in Thread kicking it again. Boop-Happy Lass asks: Greetings, Graceful Thread. I don't mean to pry, but, how did you end up in Canterlot? "Greetings to you Boop-Happy Lass, that reminds me, before I forget," the spider pony said scratching her front legs together, "yesterday, CreepyPastaSalad had asked me how I met Lemon Hearts. As many of you may have guessed from yesterday's blog I didn't grow up in the best conditions. After we hatched, my siblings and I split up trying to find out our own way to survive in this world. As I moved secretly through the world, I had to scavenge for food. One day, I had fallen asleep in a train supply car, which would ultimately make its way here to Canterlot..." Looking up at the ceiling, Graceful Threads thought over what had happened. Organizing her thoughts. "When I woke up, I found myself here and had to search for food. Seeing an open window, I crawled into a house. I managed to sneak into the kitchen and had opened the refrigerator when I was spotted by the houses owner. I tried to bite her and tie her up with my webbing, but I was so tired from the lack of sustenance and fell asleep. I hadn't even finished tying her up." The spider pony giggled a little placing her right foreleg in front of her mouth. "If you hadn't already guessed it, it was Lemon Hearts' house that I had broken into that night. Apparently, she felt bad for me and started taking care of me. Once I regained my health, she helped me find this abandoned clock tower to live in. So that is how we met and we've been friends ever since. I hope that answers both of your questions." Having addressed the question of her relationship with Lemon Hearts, Graceful Threads scrolled down the screen and was surprised at the various questions that were suddenly being asked of her. Th1s1sn4cr33p4a4a11 asks: Can you have kids with none spider-ponies? Web-of-Love asks: If a spider-pony and a unicorn pony fall in love, what do you get? GotHorseMilk asks: Do Spider pony mommies make milk? Kin, the Love Stallion asks:When a mommy spider and a daddy spider really love one and other, does the the mommy spider eat the daddy's head off after? Arachna-Pie asks: When the babies are born, do they eat the mommy? OR Do the baby all burst out of the mommy's body? Little-Spiderlings asks: Where do baby spider come from? FamilyWeb asks: Kid, come from an egg, or not? The questions caused the spidermare to blush a little, her cheeks turning a bright pink compared to the deep brown that her coat normally resembled. "Wow, these are some... interesting questions," Thread chuckled nervously, "I honestly can't answer all of these due to my lack of knowledge on the subject, but I will see what I can do. Let's see. For Th1s1sn4cr33p4a4a11 and Web-of-Love, I have to say that I don't know. I don't believe we produce milk, GotHorseMilk, but that is because we usually hatch from an egg sac with enough nutrition to last us until our fangs develop." Her blush grew brighter as she contemplated the other questions, turning from a bright pink into a deep crimson. "I am not exactly sure if the mommy spider eats the daddy spider's head," Graceful Thread answered, "as for being born, my siblings and I all emerged from an egg sac in the middle of the woods. My guess is that our mother left us there." SallySaspy asks: Best ways to romance a spidermare? What about a spiderstallion? :3 "Well, I suppose dancing would be a good start," the spider pony said, "I've heard of a few stallions who have done that to meet their mates... that's what you ponies call them these days... right?" Scarlet Thorn asks: Dear Graceful Thread, I have a crush on a pony, if you can call him that, and I don't know how to act around him. What would you do? Is there anything you can think of that would grab a boy's attention; specifically as a arachne-pony? ~Love, Scarlet Thorn The spidermare scratched her chin as she pondered the question, Graceful Thread hadn't really been in a romantic relationship before, so she had no personal experience of her own. However, if Scarlet Thorn was indeed an arachne-pony or spider pony as their message implied, then Thread did have a few ideas how to help them. Especially considering some of the information she learned from the Power Pony fanfics. "I think I might have an answer for you Scarlet," Thread smiled, her blush still present, "first try talking to them, perhaps even dance for them like I told SallySaspy. You can also capture some prey and wrap it in a web for them to eat later, spiderstallions love that. If that doesn't work, perhaps try wrapping them in some webbing and give them a few love bites. I'm sure they'll love it. I hope that helps!" A wide smile stretched across Graceful Thread's face. Answering questions on Phumblr was easy, or so she thought. O_OPony asks:Do you still have your [This word was censored just to make sure that we can maintain our current rating]? If any of the spidermare's blush had faded earlier, it returned with a vengeance in response to the question. "Y-yes!" Looking over the next few questions, Graceful Thread was relieved to see that they weren't so blatant. Her face returning to its normal palette. Basilisk40 asks: Have you ever met anypony famous? "Sadly, not yet," the spider pony answered, "however Canterlot is full of famous ponies so, maybe when I have to courage to leave and interact with other ponies I might meet some. Or maybe they'll come talk to me here on my blog." At the moment a thought occurred to Graceful Thread and her eyes widened. "Maybe one of them already has and they are using some sort of alias, while talking on Phumblr. That would be SO cool!" Dr. Spide asks: 'Can you make a pony into a spider-pony?' "You mean like a vampony?" the spidermare chuckled, "I'm pretty sure we spider ponies don't work that way." QuestioningQuill asks:Have you ever did something in the past that you regret? "I suppose I wish I had hung out with my siblings after we hatched," Thread spoke solemnly, "It wouldn't be so lonely if perhaps I had another spider pony to hang out with. Then again, I might never have meet Lemon Hearts if that had happened either." "Hey Twilight," Lemon Hearts spoke cheerfully, "thanks for throwing this party. While it started out a little rough, I haven't seen Moon Dancer look this happy in a long time." "Thank you for coming, Lemon Hearts," Twilight said, "I don't think it would have worked out so well if you and your friends hadn't shown up." This party was something Twilight had tried to set up as an apology to Moon Dancer for not going to the mare's party a year or so back. As a result, the alicorn had gone all out, bringing Pinkie Pie from Ponyville to decorate the area and make the cake. Streamers and balloons of various shapes and sizes covered the area. There was even a pink disco ball. Lemon Hearts scratched the back of her neck. The unicorn had wanted to ask Twilight about Graceful Thread, however she wasn't sure how to ask her. First off, they were here to throw a party for Moon Dancer and second, Lemon Hearts wasn't sure how the princess might react if she learned there was a spidermare hiding out in Canterlot. "Um..." Lemon Hearts stuttered, "I was wondering, do you by any chance have some information on... spider ponies?" A shocked look kind of crossed Twilight's face, "That's a... rather odd question. What would you like to know?" "Oh, uh, no reason," Lemon Hearts said nervously, "just curious." Twilight pondered this, "I suppose I might have some documents pertaining to spider ponies back in Ponyville, however it would be a while before I can look at them and send you a letter. I would strongly suggest you try talking to Moon Dancer about it. You will certainly receive a faster answer from her since she lives here in Canterlot, and considering the fact that I gave her a key to my old room here in Canterlot she should be able to find something. I'm sure she would appreciate the inquiry." She did have a point, ever since this party had started and Moon Dancer had expressed her feelings to Twilight, Moon Dancer was much more pleasant to be around. Not only that, but the unicorn had researched various subjects, perhaps she had even studied spider ponies. In fact, Moon Dancer might even enjoy sharing such knowledge with her. "I guess I can talk to her." Lemon Hearts said before she walked over to Moon Dancer who was sitting at a table talking with Minuette and Twinkleshine. The three of them were in a lively conversation. Moon Dancer's expression lightened up as Lemon Hearts approached, "Hey, Lemon Hearts!" "You seem to be having a lot of fun," Lemon Hearts smiled as she sat down in a chair across from Moon Dancer. "Yeah, I've really been enjoying it." Moon Dancer said as she took a sip of fruit punch. "So I was wondering Moon Dancer," Lemon Hearts was still nervous, "do you think you have any information on spider ponies?" Moon Dancer shrugged, "I might. I would have to check some books in the library." "Oh, okay." "Hey, Lemon," Minuette began to ask, "why are you interested in spider ponies? I thought you hated spiders." "Well, it's complicated." Looking over the Phumblr page, the spidermare noticed that her friend Scarlet Thorn had posted another question. Hello Grace, I'm Scarlet Thorn. I wanted your opinion on rearing goals. Do you think discipline is a good thing? How do Spider-mares raise their young? "I'm not terribly sure how spider ponies raise their young," Thread answered, "as I've already said my siblings and I hatched by ourselves and had to learn to fend for ourselves. I don't know if that's normal for my kind or not. As for discipline I can definitely say that it is a good thing. After all if a spider pony isn't disciplined she won't know how to survive in this world." The spidermare thought it over before continuing with her answer. "If I could I would like to have my hatchlings live with me," Graceful Thread smiled, "of course I would need to find someone to help me father them, but I think it would be nice to have a family, considering that I didn't really have one of my own." NWRAlicorn asks: Which pony does she look up to? (As say an example of what to do in a situation) "I suppose it would be Lemon Hearts," the spidermare answered, "I mean despite the fact that I technically attacked her, she did everything in her power to help nurse me back to health and find me a safe place to live." pigsarenice asks: What’s your favorite word? "I think the word garden sounds nice," Thread said, "I hear there are some rather beautiful gardens in the Crystal Empire, however, I doubt I'll see them. Even if I managed to ride on the train without frightening anyone, it just sounds like it's really cold up there." The next question, Graceful Thread saw was a rather lengthy one. ThatBadGuy asks: Bhahahahaha! Oh Graceful Thread. I would pay to see Blueblood's reaction on your blog. Just so you know, ponies tends to be little bit skittish when you eat their comrades. As for my question: Would you rather Be a pony. You'll never have to hide again. You'll have friends and family at home, maybe even a foal of your own. Simply, you will be happy like a spider in a bell tower. But. Everyday you'll have to fear that one day you'll lose somepony close to you, to a monster in the bell tower. Or Stay a Spidermare. Your life will continue as it had to this day. You'll have a cozy dark place in the bell tower and your friend Lemon who will visit now and then. Plus you will always make more friends on Phumblr. But. There will always be the danger hanging above your head, danger of being discovered. Because if you do get discovered you will have to choose between staying to fight a battle, which you will lose, and between running and leave behind the little you had, including Lemon Hearts. You don't necessarily need to answer this question. "Don't worry, I'll answer it," Graceful Thread grinned before pausing to ponder the questions, "Honestly I think I would rather stay myself. I mean who knows what kind of person I would be if I was a pony. I could be like this jerk!" The spidermare gave an annoyed glance over her shoulder to the bound intruder. "Also, if I had a choice I would rather worry about harm coming to myself than to my friends." As Graceful Thread finished speaking the bundle of webbing began to squirm once more. The spider pony rolled her eyes and stood up from her hammock and walked over to her captive. Using her front legs she pulled away some of the webbing around the prisoner's eyes allowing him to gaze into her angry eyes. "You know you're seriously a big hassle," Thread growled, "you come in here trying to steal my laptop, a gift that was given to me by my only friend, well, only friend that I haven't made on the internet. Then you decide to try to disturb my video. I've had enough of this! I think you've earned your place as my meal!" Thread opened her mouth wide, showing her large fangs to her captive as she prepared to strike. The door slammed open and Lemon Hearts stepped into the room, before the spidermare could bite her victim. There was a gasp as somepony opened the door and stepped inside the clock tower. Apparently someone else hadn’t got the memo that the clock tower was abandoned. "Graceful Thread, what do you think your doing?" Lemon Hearts yelled. The spider pony closed her mouth and gazed at Lemon Hearts like a foal who had been caught breaking their mother's vase. "I... uh... well... you see..." Lemon Hearts walked toward the spider pony. "What did I tell you about eating ponies?" Lemon Hearts asked, giving Graceful Thread an angry look. "B-but, he tried to steal my laptop!" Thread said defensively. "It doesn't matter!" the unicorn replied, "If you want ponies to look at you as one of them you can't just go about eating any one of them that causes you trouble!" Graceful Thread huffed, "Fine. I'll let him go..." Lemon Hearts nodded, "Good!" The unicorn turned around and started walking to the door, before turning her head back to the spidermare. "Once you're done, let me know," Lemon Hearts said, "there is something I want to talk to you about." The spider pony waited for her friend to leave the clock tower before turning to face her prisoner, "Just be grateful that Lemon Hearts stepped in, otherwise I would have filled you with venom and drank your insides like a slurpy." She was about to cut the strands of webbing binding the captured unicorn when something occurred to Graceful Thread. How did she know that this stallion wouldn't just blab about her and her hiding place. Then an idea popped into the spidermare's head, an idea that made Thread's mouth grow wide. "Actually I'm still going to bite you." Graceful Thread said before turning her attention back to the laptop, "Hey guys, remember that hypnotic venom I was talking about. How would you like to see me use it on this poor fella?" Hearing the spider pony's plans the captive unicorn renewed his struggled against his bonds, however like all his previous attempts they were in vain. Crawling onto the web so that the camera would have a good view of the scene, Graceful Thread bite down on the stallion's shoulder, injecting her hypnotic venom into his blood stream. It was a matter of minutes before the pony's struggles slowed. Satisfied the spidermare adjusted her position so she could look into her soon to be freed, captive's eyes. "Now I'm going to make myself perfectly clear," Thread said keeping full eye contact with the unicorn, "you have no knowledge of me or this place. You came in here and it was completely empty. If we meet again you will follow my full instructions. Is that understood?" The entranced stallion nodded. Having her captive's answer, Graceful Thread began to untie him. Unbound with only a few strands of webbing in his mane, the unicorn walked out the door. After watching her ex-captive leave, the spidermare crawled back over to the computer. It was clear that she was still slightly annoyed by the situation but despite this she smiled to her viewers. "Sorry about that," Graceful Thread spoke to the camera, "It seems Lemon Hearts has something to tell me. Well, maybe next time we can discuss a few tasks we can make our new friend do. See you all later." The spider pony winked at the camera before she turned off the recording. Author's Note Remember feel free to post comments so Graceful Thread can answer them. Or if you want you could even send Lemon Hearts a few questions, after all is she a friend of Graceful Thread and she had a Phumblr account as well. A New Friend or Foe?Author's Note Thank you all for your support and your patience. Fear not, Graceful Thread is still taking questions. There were a few questions that had some grammar issues, that I changed so they might make sense. I hope I interpretated them the way they were meant. If not then I am sorry. A New Friend or Foe? Lemon Hearts watched as the stallion stumbled out of the clock tower, his movements like a toddler trying to remember how to walk. There was a growl of annoyance as Graceful Thread peaked her head out of the doorway, "What is it you wanted to talk to me about?" "I have a friend," Lemon Hearts said, "Her name is Moon Dancer and I think you both could get along very well." "Ugh... What?" "Look, if you don't want to meet her that is fine," Lemon Hearts said nervously, "I just think she might know some ways to help you. But if you don't want to, that's fine." Graceful Thread's legs twitched nervously as she considered what Lemon Hearts was saying. Her eyes focused on a point on the ground. On one side, the spidermare was excited to make a new friend, however, on the other side, there was the fear of rejection and potential loss. After a moment of considering this, Thread looked up at her friend. "Does she know what I am?" "All I told her was that you are different," Lemon Hearts replied, "that you are my friend and that you would mean her no harm." There was another silence as Graceful Thread considered what Lemon Hearts had said. The spider pony scratched her front leg. "I suppose it would be fine," Thread shivered, "at what time do you want us to meet?" Lemon Heart's face brightened at hearing this, "Why not tomorrow night?" The Next Day... "Hey everypony," Graceful Thread sat in front of the laptop, "I have a meeting with one of Lemon Heart's friends and I'm really nervous. So I thought I might try to answer your questions to relieve some stress." Viper Pit asks: Have you heard of changelings? If so, are they more like flies for your web to you or are they more competition for food? "About half a year ago, some changelings attacked Canterlot," Graceful Thread shrugged, "Apparently they were trying to take advantage of some sort of wedding. I don't know too much about it since I wasn't invited, for obvious reasons. However, Lemon Hearts actually got to be one of the bride's maids." pabrony83 asks: Are spider ponies’ eyes sensitive to light? "Yes, our eyes are somewhat sensitive to light," Thread answered, "however we have it a lot better than those bat ponies that serve Luna have to deal with. I heard some of them have to have special glasses built just to be able to work during the day." Sigmacipher asks: Okay, this is exceedingly stupid, dumb sounding and maybe a bit offensive but... You do realize killing criminals is still murder right? Also is there a specific region in the world in the world that Spider ponies flourish or are you more scattered the Haybrew "I will confess, I may have overreacted in response to the intrusion," Thread giggled nervously, "though to be fair it wouldn't surprise me if other spider ponies had a similar response. As for regions, I've heard rumors of a location in the zebra homelands called the Webbed Village, where some spider ponies thrive. However, here in Equestria, we are very spread out. I'm not sure what Haybrew is though?" ThatBadGuy asks: Oh, Graceful Thread. Since we are already past the boundary of inappropriate questions, here is one of my own! Just click on this and watch, but don't worry! Everything is completely scientific. [embed]youtube.com/watch?v=2DGD8gU1Hrk[/embed] [embed]youtube.com/watch?v=ZuUMSBXiPN8[/embed] Are both of these accurate? "Well, as I've stated before I'm not really too well versed with the reproductive customs of my kind, however," Graceful Thread giggled, "I can say that all mares love gifts. Food or otherwise." With a wide smile, the spider pony proceeded to unwrap a fish that was in her webbing. As she proceeded to inject her venom in her meal, Graceful Thread examined some of the other questions. There were two questions left behind by a Dr. Spider. Dr. Spider asks: Are spider stallions the same as none spider stallion? "Of course not," Thread replied, "like me, the spider stallion would have eight legs, fangs, and venom. So no, he would be very different from a regular pony stallion." Dr. Spider asks: You say that you don't think that spider mares can make milk, does that mean that you don't have...? "Um well," A bright red blush spread across Graceful Thread's face, "no, we do have those... however I don't think they work the same way as they do with most ponies." Zackattack525 asks: How often do you get Intruders? Taking a deep breath, Thread proceeded with the rest of the questions, her face returning to normal. "They're very rare," the spidermare answered, "I'm not sure what lures them here. Aside from me, it’s just an abandoned clock tower, it doesn't even work!" Kinetic_Aesthetic asks: Going with the tasks idea, how about we see if the home invader can dance? Along with that point, can you dance, Graceful? 8hovesDance asks: Can you dance? "Well, I kind of set him loose, but If he ever shows up again, I will sure we'll find out," Thread answered, "As for my ability to dance, I... think I can. I'm not sure if I'm any good at it. I haven't really shown any pony, so no pony has told me if I'm any good at it or not." MindWeb asks: "Could you have made the bad pony... think that he was your brother? Or that he was another race or gender? What is the limit of that power?" "Well, the limitations vary from pony to pony," the spidermare smiled, "One limitation is that I can't force a pony to do something that would endanger themselves. Like I can't tell them to jump off a cliff or stab themselves with a knife. I also can't force them to do something against their conscience, so in the case of that jerkbag that broke in here, I could probably tell them to steal something for me, but not necessarily to murder another pony." Pondering the other parts of the question, Graceful Thread rubbed her chin with a leg. "Now in the case of convincing him that he is my brother, my hypnotic venom doesn't implant any memories, so if I was to convince him that he was my brother I would have to make something up. Like I was his half-sister or something along those lines. I am not sure, but I don't believe I could convince him to think differently about his race or gender, that is pretty well ingrained in the minds of most ponies." TheDizzyDan asks: You know, your hypnotic abilities might really help some ponies. My friend's really scared of anesthesia, and hypnosis could help him with that. Have you ever used hypnosis to help someone? "I've never really used it to help anypony other than myself," Thread replied, "however I'm not against it. I just don't know of very many ways it can be useful to others." Scarlet Raven Thorn asks: Dear Graceful Thread, I wanted to thank you for answering my questions! "No problem," Graceful Thread smiled, "I enjoyed answering them." As thanks, I have a gift for you. I read your comment about always wanting to see the gardens of the Crystal Empire, and luckily my friend Death Blaire lives in the Empire and was willing to part with one of her Crystal Dragon Tulips! I will place it outside of the clock tower tonight since I am in Canterlot visiting an old friend. Hope you enjoy, care instructions are on the packet! The best part is since it produces its own light it doesn't need to be outside! You can grow and cultivate as many as you want as long as you have the soil! Pulling herself off the bed, Thread made her way toward the door. Cautiously she opened the door and peeked outside, past the door to see a beautiful plant in a flower pot. The flower seemed to have petals made of glass, which seemed to shimmer with various hues of color as the spider pony drew closer. Carefully, Graceful Thread took the plant in her front legs before stepping back inside. It was probably one of the most beautiful things, the spider pony had ever seen in her life, a few tears dripped from her eyes. "T-thank you very much, Scarlet," Thread sniffled, "please tell your friend, thank you, for me. I really appreciate the gift." Also between us, I'm a marked-one. I'm actually a few millennia old and a devout follower of Discord who gave me my immortality and powers. Although, Nightmare Moon was fun while she lasted. Unfortunately, most of my coven was hunted down by the Solar Guard throughout the eons, only that friend I mentioned and I are left. But luckily I've learned to hide my true identity with magic. Maybe I can even send you a picture! And please, call me Thorn. Scarlet is the other me from a different universe. "I can certainly try," Graceful Thread answered, "well, Thorn, fortunately, the Solar Guard don't appear to be quite so harsh in the... world that I live in, but that could just be luck on my part. I've never heard of a marked-one before, if you ever have the time I would be curious to hear more about it. Thought it would probably be wise to do it over private messaging." And a question, this you can post on Phumblr. Graceful Thread's eyes grew wide. "Ummm..." she looked around nervously, "was I not supposed to talk about... um... what we were just talking about? This won't cause you any trouble will it?" The spider pony really hoped she didn't accidentally put Thorn at risk. My crush is a Chimera, not the monster but an experiment of a madpony attempting to create complete harmony in a physical form, thus he is very harmonious as oppose to my chaos. Maybe I can send you a picture of him too since we have become close. My question, however, is this: Do you think we should start a Phumblr Account? My crush, my friend, and I? Maybe if the Equestrians got to know us better they would like us more. Maybe... we could live normal lives not always on the run? A sad expression stretches across the spidermare's face. "You can certainly try," Thread answered, "I hope that using Phumblr will help me talk to other ponies and maybe it could help you and your friend. If any ponies are willing to accept you and your crush, then perhaps they will accept me too." The spider pony sat there contemplating for a moment. "I don't think I've ever seen a chimera before." Uh-oh, it's that blasted solar battalion again. They must have traced my laptop signal. Take care Graceful Thread, I hope you like your flower! Good-bye! ~ Love, Thorn Xoxoxo "Uh... goodbye," the spidermare looked worried, "I hope I hear from you soon." BookSpider asks: "Have you read Charlotte's Web?" "I haven't heard of it," Graceful Thread replied, "what is it and what is it about?" The spidermare was kind of curious what the story was. Scratching her two front legs together, Thread proceeded to the next question. Best Friend 4 F-er asks: "What did you think when you saw a pony size spider in your house?" Graceful Thread giggled, "Well, seeing as I've already got that covered, it probably wouldn't surprise me that much. On the other hoof, I would be more shocked if I saw a spider-sized pony. I mean imagine how tiny it would be." SuperSpider asks: "Do you know SpiderMare?" "I think she has shown up in a few Power Pony comics," Thread scratched her chin, "Though she doesn't look anything like a spider pony. Personally, I was thinking of maybe writing a Power Pony fanfic where she had more spider pony characteristics. Wouldn't that be fun?!" ColorSpider asks: Are all spider ponies, spider colored, or can they be pony color? "Most seem to have colors corresponding with spiders," the spidermare explained, "however I have seen a few that were pretty colorful. I think I saw another spider pony here on Phumblr who is mostly yellow and pink. However, she seems to be pretty shy and hasn't returned any of my messages." It was rather unfortunate. BarWet asks: Can you drink beer and other things like ponies? "I certainly can," Thread smiled, "it is a lot easier than eating food the way ponies eat it. Though I haven't had a beer myself." Perhaps she could convince Lemon Hearts to bring her some. There were another three questions asked by a pony going by the name, I Kissed a Spider, and I loved it. I Kissed a Spider, and I loved it asks: Have you ever kiss somepony? "No," Graceful Thread just shook her head, "I suppose I just haven't met the right pony yet." Admittedly it did make Thread feel a bit sad. Would anypony even be interested in falling in love with a spider pony? There might be a few weirdos out there judging by some rather disturbing artwork she had discovered on the internet earlier, but could there be anypony sincerely interested in her? I Kissed a Spider, and I loved it asks: Do you ever think of kissing another? "I suppose I have," the spidermare answered, "name one young filly who has never thought of kissing their special somepony or even having a special somepony." I Kissed a Spider, and I loved it asks: Can we see you kiss one and other? "I... I don't think so," Graceful Thread replied, "aside from the fact that I don't have a special stallion to do that with, it just seems like something personal that you don't just flaunt." Though it would be kind of nice. CelestiaBePraised asks: Do you know what "booping" is? "What's booping?" Three hours later... Lemon Hearts gulped as she stood in front of the clock tower door with her friend, Moon Dancer. This could either go really well or horribly wrong. What if Moon Dancer and Graceful Thread didn't like each other? What if Moon Dancer fainted and the spider pony took offense. What if... "Lemon Hearts," Moon Dancer spoke up, pulling Lemon Hearts out of her worrying, "are you ready for this?" Swallowing the residual saliva that had been building up in her mouth, Lemon Hearts stood tall. "Sorry, please allow me to introduce you to my friend," Hearts said as she stepped toward the door. Slowly the door creaked open, the dim light of the setting sun stretching into the room beyond the entryway. Moon Dancer was prepared to step forward when Lemon Hearts held out a hoof. "It might be better if I go first," Hearts explained, "she is more used to me after all." With a nod, Moon Dancer let Lemon Hearts take the lead. A cool breeze blew through the clock tower adding to the eeriness of the situation. Stepping inside, the two mares closed the door behind them and used their horns to illuminate the area. "Graceful Thread!" Lemon Hearts called out, "It's me, I brought my friend, Moon Dancer like I said I would!" They listened intently for any movement. At first, all they could hear was the side of the wind, then there was something else, like something moving along a metal wire. It was coming from above. Shifting the attention, Lemon Hearts and Moon Dancer looked up to see a large shape resting on a massive web. "Thread what are you doing up there?" Lemon Hearts called out, "Come down here!" Moon Dancer watch as the... as Thread adjusted her position among the webbing before lowering herself to the ground on a single strand of silk. Her feet made hardly a sound as all eight legs touched the ground. Now with Graceful Thread standing among them, Lemon Hearts turned to see that Moon Dancer's mouth was open a gap. Graceful Thread blinked a few times, "Hello." "Hello," Moon Dancer said still looking surprised, "Lemon Hearts, this is the friend you spoke of?" "Yes," Lemon Hearts answered. "You neglected to mention a few details," Moon Dancer motioned to the spider pony. Lemon Hearts bite her lip, "I wasn't sure how you would react." Moon Dancer nodded, "That does make sense." Stepping forward Moon Dancer stretched a hoof out to touch one of Graceful Thread's furry legs, to which the spider pony responded by pulling away. "I-It's okay," Moon Dancer said, "I'm not going to hurt you." The spidermare stopped moving, allowing for Moon Dancer to reach out and touch her leg. "They're real," Moon Dancer gawked, "and they're fuzzy!" "Of course they're real!" Graceful Thread hissed. Moon Dancer shook her head. "I'm sorry," Moon Dancer apologized, "I just meant that... Well... That your species actually exist. I mean most monster ponies are considered to be mythical boogie ponies designed to scare children, but you're actually real!" The spider pony raised an eyebrow at that. Lemon Hearts was just happy that neither of them were at each other's throats. "This is amazing!" Moon Dancer turned to Lemon Hearts, "Was she the reason why you were asking me about spider ponies?" Lemon Hearts nodded, "I originally wasn't so sure you would... well... act this way about it. So I tried to be discrete." "I suppose that makes sense," Moon Dancer answered, "I'm sure most ponies would faint at the sight of her, despite her looking so cute." Moon Dancer gave Graceful Thread a hug, which seemed to confuse the spider pony a bit. Why did she feel that this relationship was going to be a bit uncomfortable?
What's a Blog? "Hey, Thread!" Lemon Hearts called out as she entered the abandoned clock tower, "It's me, Lemon Heart!" Cobwebs covered the various supports of the tower's interior, it was dark with only a few lights illuminating sections of the interior. As Lemon Hearts gazed into the darkness, she notices that some of the larger threads begin to move either in response to the breeze or from something else moving along the web. The mare was very certain as to who it was. The floor was made of concrete, with most of the building being made from bricks with steel beams serving as a skeleton to support the large structure. "I brought you something!" Lemon Hearts informed as she pulls off her saddlebags. The webbing seemed to hum as something began to move forth from the darkness. "You are alone, right?" A purple mane began to become clear as what seemed to be a pony crawled down the web. However, as more of the creature's form emerged from the shadows, it become clear that while she has the body of a pony, the mare's legs were that of a spider, with a large abdomen where her tail should be. Glistening from underneath her mane are six red eyes, resting in between the mare's pony eyes. Her right eye had a large vertical scare. Her coat was a deep brown, while her legs shared a similar color, there were also segments of the legs that were a pale green, a strange almost fearsome looking pattern on her abdomen were colored in a similar fashion. Lemon Hearts smiled, "Of course, I know you don't like visitors." Graceful Thread eyed the saddle bag that Lemon Hearts was digging through, "Did you bring any... fish?" Pulling a large fish from her bag, wrapped in newspaper, Lemon Hearts tossed the fish to her friend, who happily grabbed the fish from the air with her two front legs and scurried back onto her web. While Lemon Hearts couldn't see it, she knew what the spidermare was going to do with the fish and she really didn't want to think about it. "I also brought something else." Lemon Hearts said as she pulled a laptop out of her saddlebags, with her magic. A cerulean aura enveloping the contraption. Looking around the room, the mare was pleased to find an electrical outlet that she could plug the computer into. There was an old wooden desk in a corner, with an outlet underneath. Resting the laptop on the table, Lemon Hearts plugged the computer in. A green light blinked to life on the left side of the contraption, indicating that it was receiving power. The spidermare's head emerged from the darkness to watch Lemon Heart’s actions, "What are you doing?" "You said you wanted to get out more," Lemon Hearts said as she turned on the computer, "this way you can talk to people outside. Maybe once they know more about you, they won't be so scared of you." Graceful Thread descends the web again to catch a closer look at the object that Lemon Hearts is working with. "What is it?" Thread asked, turning her head at an angle. "It's a laptop," Lemon Hearts answers, "there is a website on here called Phumblr, where you can create blogs and talk to other ponies." Lemon Hearts motioned with a hoof toward the screen. "What's a blog?" Graceful Thread inquired. It took the mare about an hour to explain how the computer worked to the spidermare so that she would be able to use it on her own. It wasn’t difficult teaching her how to turn on the computer; it was some of the more technical stuff that was the problem. “So you need the internet to access the web?” Graceful Thread inquired. “Yeah,” as Lemon Hearts answered this, the spider pony looked back at her own abdomen. “Why?” the spidermare asked, “I can just make my own…” “Okay, for one it’s not an actual web,” Lemon Hearts replied, “also I’m pretty sure the pony who created it didn’t expect an actual spider pony would use it. The point is that icon on the bottom right of your screen needs to be there, otherwise, you won’t be able to work on the blog.” Thread nodded, “Okay, and I access this web through a browser?” “Yes.” The spidermare’s eyes scrolled over the screen in front of her before looking back at Lemon Hearts, “It seems overly complicated.” A frustrated sigh escaped Lemon Heart’s mouth, causing Graceful Threads to smile. “Don’t worry,” the spider pony said, “I think I can figure it out.” Smiling, Lemon Hearts stood up from the dusty floor and stretched her legs. "You should really consider buying some furniture!" Lemon Hearts said as she rubbed her sore body. "Why?" The yellow mare was about to remark when she remembered Graceful Thread's webbing and decided to go a different route, "In case a friend comes over." "I could always make you a chair." Graceful Thread said, holding some webbing in her front legs. "N-no, that's fine." Lemon Hearts had things to do and didn't want to be stuck in one of Thread's webs. The spidermare shrugged and put the webbing away. "Well, I have to go now," Lemon Hearts said as she made her way to the door, "one of my friends is back in town and the girls and I are going to meet her." "Okay." Graceful Thread said as she watched the unicorn walk to the door. "Make sure to create an account on Phumblr!" Lemon Hearts called out as left, "I'll send you a message tonight when I get home to see how you're doing?" As the door closed, the spidermare looked back at the computer before her. Thread examined the website before her and contemplated what to do with it... Graceful Thread sat worriedly in front of her computer. It was now complete. Her Phumblr account was up and ready to go. Nervously, the spidermare looked back over her bio. Hello Phumblr, my name is Graceful Thread, I am... well... a spidermare. My friend Lemon Hearts said I should try to socialize more, but since most ponies don't like it when I walk outside my home in broad daylight, I thought I might try social media. After all everypony else is doing it. Don't worry, there is no such thing as stupid questions. Wrong questions, yes. Questions that might result in me wrapping you in my webs and injecting you with my venom, yes. Stupid questions, nah! Just send me your questions and I will record myself answering them. Graceful Threads examined the bio. Personally, she thought it was very clever considering what Lemon Heart had said about it being connected to the interweb or something like that. She had also taken a picture of herself using the laptop's built in camera, which Graceful Thread had used for her Phumblr icon. Her face positioned in such a way that it showed over her mane and only two of her arachnid eyes. While it looked okay, the spidermare was worried that others might not... like it. What if everypony hated it and didn't want to talk to her? What if they were scared of her... on second thought, Thread didn't mind other ponies being scared of her. After all, that was how she managed to survive for so long. With a gulp, Graceful Thread refreshed the page and was surprised to see numerous questions on her Phumblr page. This was both an exciting and nerve-wracking moment. After spinning a web to make a comfortable hammock to lay on, the spidermare turned on the recording software and hit the record button. "Ummm... hello," Thread smiled showing off her fangs, "I'm Graceful Thread and I'm going to answer your questions. My friend, Lemon Hearts said it would be a lot more interesting if I recorded it. So I guess it's time to get started. Let's see..." Biting her bottom lip, Thread scrolled down the page to one of the first questions. Prism Heart asks: Hi Thread, could you describe the nearest town/village to your home? "Hello, I actually live in the city of Canterlot." Graceful Thread answered, "Apparently it's some royal city of some sort. I wouldn't really know though, I only go out at night when everypony is asleep." With a smile, the spidermare moved onto the next question. Jack Hammer asks: Dear Graceful Thread, I have a three-part question if you don't mind. What and how do you eat? How do you think other others should feel about this? And finally, How should prospective friends react to your talk of wrapping them up and biting them? Thanks and best wishes, Jack Hammer As she looked at the question, Thread noticed a similar question written by another pony. MarionBerryPunch asks: What do you drink? "Don't worry Jack Hammer, I don't mind," Thread smiled, "by the way those are some nice glasses you have on your icon." The spidermare stood up from her hammock and stretched. "I can actually answer both your first question and MarionBerryPunch's question if you will give me a moment." Moving along the webbing, Graceful Thread climbed up onto the web and plucked one of the fish, Lemon Heart had bought for her. The spidermare returned and sat down on the hammock facing the camera. "You see I technically eat and drink at the same time," Thread said holding up the fish with her front legs, "I have a few different types of venom in my fangs that I can use. I use one of these to help me digest my food. Like this." After activating her digestive venom, the spidermare bit down into the fish with her fangs. Once the task was complete, Graceful Thread pulled away from the fish and gave the camera a smile. "After a few minutes, the insides will be nice and squishy allowing me to drink the fluids inside." Thread continued, "Unlike regular ponies my kind can't gain sustenance from plants and fruits, meaning we have to eat the insides of other animals in order to survive." Having answered Jack Hammer's first question, Graceful Thread examined the next part. How do you think other others should feel about this? "I mean it would be nice if they could understand," the spidermare spoke, "I mean it isn't like I choose to be a pony who eats meat. It's just what I am. However, I can kind of understand how they feel. After all my species haven't always been so nice when it comes to their dealings with ponies. So I guess, I'm okay so long as they don't try to hurt me." And finally, How should prospective friends react to your talk of wrapping them up and biting them? "Oh, I wouldn't want to hurt my friends." Thread answered, "I've only bitten ponies that have trespassed into my home." There was a slight look of euphoria in the spider pony's eyes as she remembered back to an incident, "admittedly some of them have been rather tasty... anyway. No, I haven't bitten any of my friends and I only wrapped one of them when we first met." Though thinking back on it, Lemon Hearts did always seem to try to avoid getting tangled up in Graceful Thread's webbing, ever since then. "Well, uh... let's go onto the next question." Kin, the Love Stallion asks: So... you are a mare? have a Colt-friend, or maybe a mare-friend? "I'm a mare," Thread said before scratching her chin with a leg, "I have a friend named Lemon Heart that brings me fish from time to time... does that count?" Graceful Thread wasn't exactly sure about this question but shrugged it off and moved onto the next. RarityDressMakerFan9000 asks: Do you put on cloths? "Well, I don't have much in the way of clothes," Graceful Thread replied, "though I do like stockings. They make my legs feel warm and fuzzy. I especially like stockings with strips or unique patterns. However, they always get tangled up in my webs. Scarves are also nice to have during the winter months." ThatBadGuy asks: Oh, graceful Thread. Tell me about Fashion! Tell me what kind of clothes can your people create. With your biological equipment which can create strong and flexible cloth, you must be very proud designers! I am sure Rarity would be thrilled! Or screaming in horror. The spidermare giggles in response, a slight blush on her cheeks, "Well, thank you. I haven't done much in the way of making clothing." Graceful Thread plays with a few of the silken strands that make up her hammock, "They are indeed strong. I think I have heard of some tribes of spider ponies in the zebra homelands that make clothing and even large structures with their silk. As for Rarity, I'm afraid I don't know her unless you're talking about the pony who asked the previous question." chucklefarts asks: Is your silk an anti-magic material? (For those pesky unicorns of course!) Pulling out a strand of spider silk, Graceful Thread looked it over, turning her head to examine it further, "I'm not sure. If I find out I'll let you know. Next question." DefaultName7777 asks: What does it mean to be? A look of confusion spread across the spider pony's face, before she thought she knew what DefaultName7777 was asking. "I think you referring to what does it mean to be alive... right?" Graceful Thread's bit her lip as she thought about the question. "I suppose it depends upon the pony," the spidermare answered, "personally I like to think that we are all characters walking on a web, interacting with each other through the silken strands. Perhaps we are supposed to make the loudest vibration, to reach out to all the other threads. Or maybe we are supposed to be as quiet and as still as possible to avoid being eaten for as long as possible. What do you think?" Kinetic_Aesthetic asks: What kinds of bread do you like? "I'm not actually a big fan of bread. If I eat it like you ponies do it gets lodged in my throat and I have difficulty breathing. I can coat in my digestive venom but usually, it tastes really soggy and gross afterward." Arachna-Pie asks: Do you go to parties? The spidermare motioned with two of her legs to her surroundings, "Does it look like I go to parties? I have to hide in an abandoned clock tower during the daytime!" Graceful Threads shook her head. "Sorry, that was out of line." Basilisk40 asks: Do you know any other languages? "Nope," Thread shook her head, "just this one. To go into more details, I kind of learned how to speak from listening to the ponies outside. Occasionally I would have to travel to a new home and come to a school, where I could hide under the floorboards and listen. Eventually, however, I would have to leave out of fear of being discovered." LordoftheChickens asks: Egg or no egg? "I LOVE eggs," Thread smiled, "they're already squishy inside. Sometimes Lemon Heart will bring me one." Graceful Thread's heart sank a little when she saw the next two questions. LovelyCamera asks: Got any brother or sisters? Anonymous asks: What was your relationship with your family? "I used to," The spidermare answered solemnly, "most of us split up after we hatched. I don't know if any of them are still around or if any of them were... anyway, let's go onto next question." Using her right foreleg, Graceful Thread brushed away a few tears away from her eyes as she looked at the next question. QuestioningQuill asks: What part of you is pony, and what part is Spider? 1'mN0tScr3am1ng asks: Can you walk on walls? "Well, most of my body and head is similar to that of a pony, with the exception being my eyes," Thread motioned with a leg to the six small, crimson eyes that were between her large pony eyes, "then I have eight arachnid legs, which yes I can use to walk on walls, sadly not while wearing stockings, and an abdomen." The spidermare's abdomen wiggled a little for emphasis. "I guess my fangs are also like that of a spider, which now that I think about it," Graceful Thread tilted her head as if listening for something, "I think my meal should be done soon." GamerPony asks: What board game do you like? "I haven't really played any board games," the spider pony said eyeing her fish, "maybe I'll ask if Lemon Hearts can bring some... though I'm not sure if she'll want to play." Anonymous asks: What's your favorite color in the alphabet on a scale from one to ten? "I didn't know we had colors in the alphabet," Thread pondered, "however I can list off my favorite colors. I like black, purple, green, turquoise, violet, lavender, red, gray, yellow and blue. The last two I just added to make ten, as they are kind of okay colors, but I really like the first eight in that order." OctoPonyTavia56 asks: What song do you like? TheDizzyDan asks: Do you like to sing? "I really like Vinyl Scratch’s music," The spidermare answered, "sadly I don't hear it all that often, but perhaps now that I have access to this... computer thingy, I might be able to hear more of it. At least that is what Lemon Hearts told me." Picking up the fish, Graceful Thread's inserted her fangs and began to suck out the fish's liquefied insides. "As for singing, I really haven't had much of a chance to try it," the spider pony replied, "however, maybe sometime in the future I will try to sing a few tones. Maybe I'll even record it for all of you to enjoy." CreepyPastaSalad asks: How did you meet your friend Lemon Hearts? Graceful Threads let out a yawn and stretched her legs. "It is a long story, I would love to tell you all about it, but I am feeling a little tired," The spidermare said as she blinked her many eyes a few times, "don't worry, I'll talk about it in my next blog. I promise. Have a good night, everypony." With that said, Graceful Threads turned off the recording. While she was tired, the spidermare was very happy. It had gone so much better than she thought it would. As Graceful Threads was about to turn off the computer, a new message popped up on her Phumblr page. If it wasn't for the fact the username belonging to Lemon Hearts, the spider pony would have just ignored it and left it to be answered the next day. Clicking on the icon, Thread saw Lemon Hearts' message. 'Hey Thread, how did today go? From the looks of it, your Phumblr page has been pretty popular the last few hours.' Graceful Threads smiled, she really had had fun with her blog. Before heading off to bed, the spidermare gave one last reply. 'It is going great. Thank you very much, Lemon Hearts for doing this for me.' After shutting off the laptop, Thread crawled up her web until she was in the center of a circular pattern of silk strands and lay down to sleep. Dreaming of cameras, making new friends and eating more fish organs. A stallion mumbled as he opened the door to the abandoned clock tower. His horn glowing a sickly vomit green as he walked inside, the magic illuminating his way. "Wow, Spring Rain wasn't kidding, this place is a mess," the stallion said as he stepped deeper inside. Looking around the unicorn spied a laptop resting on a wooden table, his eyes growing wide at the sight. "Oh goody," the stallion smiled as he walked over to the computer, "well, finders keepers..." Opening his saddlebags, the unicorn prepared to take the laptop when something sticky latched onto his right foreleg. The stallion attempted to struggle as another stand gripped his left foreleg. Then in a matter of seconds, the stallion found himself suspended in the air, almost like a puppet, his two hind hooves barely touching the ground. "Losers weepers." Out of the corner of his eye, the stallion saw a purple mane lowering itself, the face behind the mane turning with multiple blood red eyes. "It's not nice," the creature spoke, "to take what isn't yours." Before the stallion could protest, he felt something biting into his shoulder. The unicorn's magic flickered as he slipped into unconsciousness. Author's Note The questions that were asked in this chapter were asked by the following: prism heart Jack Hammer NicLove chucklefarts ThatBadGuy TheDizzyDan Falling-star-1 If you have a question you would like to ask, Graceful Threads, please leave a comment below. Why a Story and Not a Tumblr Blog? Sadly, while I am an okay artist I am still not that great a drawing ponies. I have a habit of forgetting that my tumblr even exists. This why I'm writing this story and sharing it with you all while also allowing you are to participate. I will try to create an image for each chapter... we shall see how that works out. It depends on how fast you want your questions answered.
Dealing with Unwanted Quests Tapping the button to start the recording, Graceful Thread smiled at the camera. Behind the spidermare there was something clearly tied up in webbing. "Hey guys, I'm back," Thread giggled, holding her two front legs up to her chin, "sorry for taking so long to get back on, I did some exploring on the interweb and I found some really cool stuff. Apparently there is the super cool show out there called Power Ponies! IT'S SO AWESOME!" As the spider pony squealed the bundle of webbing in the background began to move. Feeling her captive struggle, Graceful Thread threw an annoyed glance back at them, before prodding them with one of her legs. "Oh, yeah and this jerk tried to sneak in last night and steal my computer," the spidermare grumbled, "so how is everypony else doing? TheDizzyDan asks: How are you? "Well, aside from last nights intrusion, I'm doing great!" Thread smiled, "Apparently there are some Power Ponies fan sites where the fans submit their own stories, including Maretropolis Daily. I SO want to submit a story to them!" CelestiaBePraised asks: Do you have any pets? Graceful Threads looked over her shoulder at her bound captive before looking back at the camera. "Does he count?" CreepyPastaSalad asks: What variety of venom do you have? (neurotoxin, hemotoxin, etc.) "As a matter of fact, I have three types of venom," Thread smiled, before moving herself closer to the camera and showing off her fangs, "I have a digestive venom, which you saw me use yesterday. I have a paralytic venom that I can use to paralyze my prey or intruders as you can see with our little guest here. I then have a sort of hypnotic venom that allows me to manipulate others if necessary. This last venom can be helpful in keeping my location safe by causing others to just forget about it." The bundle began to struggle again, warranting another annoyed look from the spidermare. "Though considering that this one tried to steal my laptop," Graceful Thread growled, "I am considering the idea of eating him." This remark seemed to halt the captive's movements. SpiderLivesMater asks: Is he dead? "Not yet," the spider pony replied, "but he might be if he keeps trying my patience." There was a muffled outburst from the wrapped bundle, resulting in Thread kicking it again. Boop-Happy Lass asks: Greetings, Graceful Thread. I don't mean to pry, but, how did you end up in Canterlot? "Greetings to you Boop-Happy Lass, that reminds me, before I forget," the spider pony said scratching her front legs together, "yesterday, CreepyPastaSalad had asked me how I met Lemon Hearts. As many of you may have guessed from yesterday's blog I didn't grow up in the best conditions. After we hatched, my siblings and I split up trying to find out our own way to survive in this world. As I moved secretly through the world, I had to scavenge for food. One day, I had fallen asleep in a train supply car, which would ultimately make its way here to Canterlot..." Looking up at the ceiling, Graceful Threads thought over what had happened. Organizing her thoughts. "When I woke up, I found myself here and had to search for food. Seeing an open window, I crawled into a house. I managed to sneak into the kitchen and had opened the refrigerator when I was spotted by the houses owner. I tried to bite her and tie her up with my webbing, but I was so tired from the lack of sustenance and fell asleep. I hadn't even finished tying her up." The spider pony giggled a little placing her right foreleg in front of her mouth. "If you hadn't already guessed it, it was Lemon Hearts' house that I had broken into that night. Apparently, she felt bad for me and started taking care of me. Once I regained my health, she helped me find this abandoned clock tower to live in. So that is how we met and we've been friends ever since. I hope that answers both of your questions." Having addressed the question of her relationship with Lemon Hearts, Graceful Threads scrolled down the screen and was surprised at the various questions that were suddenly being asked of her. Th1s1sn4cr33p4a4a11 asks: Can you have kids with none spider-ponies? Web-of-Love asks: If a spider-pony and a unicorn pony fall in love, what do you get? GotHorseMilk asks: Do Spider pony mommies make milk? Kin, the Love Stallion asks:When a mommy spider and a daddy spider really love one and other, does the the mommy spider eat the daddy's head off after? Arachna-Pie asks: When the babies are born, do they eat the mommy? OR Do the baby all burst out of the mommy's body? Little-Spiderlings asks: Where do baby spider come from? FamilyWeb asks: Kid, come from an egg, or not? The questions caused the spidermare to blush a little, her cheeks turning a bright pink compared to the deep brown that her coat normally resembled. "Wow, these are some... interesting questions," Thread chuckled nervously, "I honestly can't answer all of these due to my lack of knowledge on the subject, but I will see what I can do. Let's see. For Th1s1sn4cr33p4a4a11 and Web-of-Love, I have to say that I don't know. I don't believe we produce milk, GotHorseMilk, but that is because we usually hatch from an egg sac with enough nutrition to last us until our fangs develop." Her blush grew brighter as she contemplated the other questions, turning from a bright pink into a deep crimson. "I am not exactly sure if the mommy spider eats the daddy spider's head," Graceful Thread answered, "as for being born, my siblings and I all emerged from an egg sac in the middle of the woods. My guess is that our mother left us there." SallySaspy asks: Best ways to romance a spidermare? What about a spiderstallion? :3 "Well, I suppose dancing would be a good start," the spider pony said, "I've heard of a few stallions who have done that to meet their mates... that's what you ponies call them these days... right?" Scarlet Thorn asks: Dear Graceful Thread, I have a crush on a pony, if you can call him that, and I don't know how to act around him. What would you do? Is there anything you can think of that would grab a boy's attention; specifically as a arachne-pony? ~Love, Scarlet Thorn The spidermare scratched her chin as she pondered the question, Graceful Thread hadn't really been in a romantic relationship before, so she had no personal experience of her own. However, if Scarlet Thorn was indeed an arachne-pony or spider pony as their message implied, then Thread did have a few ideas how to help them. Especially considering some of the information she learned from the Power Pony fanfics. "I think I might have an answer for you Scarlet," Thread smiled, her blush still present, "first try talking to them, perhaps even dance for them like I told SallySaspy. You can also capture some prey and wrap it in a web for them to eat later, spiderstallions love that. If that doesn't work, perhaps try wrapping them in some webbing and give them a few love bites. I'm sure they'll love it. I hope that helps!" A wide smile stretched across Graceful Thread's face. Answering questions on Phumblr was easy, or so she thought. O_OPony asks:Do you still have your [This word was censored just to make sure that we can maintain our current rating]? If any of the spidermare's blush had faded earlier, it returned with a vengeance in response to the question. "Y-yes!" Looking over the next few questions, Graceful Thread was relieved to see that they weren't so blatant. Her face returning to its normal palette. Basilisk40 asks: Have you ever met anypony famous? "Sadly, not yet," the spider pony answered, "however Canterlot is full of famous ponies so, maybe when I have to courage to leave and interact with other ponies I might meet some. Or maybe they'll come talk to me here on my blog." At the moment a thought occurred to Graceful Thread and her eyes widened. "Maybe one of them already has and they are using some sort of alias, while talking on Phumblr. That would be SO cool!" Dr. Spide asks: 'Can you make a pony into a spider-pony?' "You mean like a vampony?" the spidermare chuckled, "I'm pretty sure we spider ponies don't work that way." QuestioningQuill asks:Have you ever did something in the past that you regret? "I suppose I wish I had hung out with my siblings after we hatched," Thread spoke solemnly, "It wouldn't be so lonely if perhaps I had another spider pony to hang out with. Then again, I might never have meet Lemon Hearts if that had happened either." "Hey Twilight," Lemon Hearts spoke cheerfully, "thanks for throwing this party. While it started out a little rough, I haven't seen Moon Dancer look this happy in a long time." "Thank you for coming, Lemon Hearts," Twilight said, "I don't think it would have worked out so well if you and your friends hadn't shown up." This party was something Twilight had tried to set up as an apology to Moon Dancer for not going to the mare's party a year or so back. As a result, the alicorn had gone all out, bringing Pinkie Pie from Ponyville to decorate the area and make the cake. Streamers and balloons of various shapes and sizes covered the area. There was even a pink disco ball. Lemon Hearts scratched the back of her neck. The unicorn had wanted to ask Twilight about Graceful Thread, however she wasn't sure how to ask her. First off, they were here to throw a party for Moon Dancer and second, Lemon Hearts wasn't sure how the princess might react if she learned there was a spidermare hiding out in Canterlot. "Um..." Lemon Hearts stuttered, "I was wondering, do you by any chance have some information on... spider ponies?" A shocked look kind of crossed Twilight's face, "That's a... rather odd question. What would you like to know?" "Oh, uh, no reason," Lemon Hearts said nervously, "just curious." Twilight pondered this, "I suppose I might have some documents pertaining to spider ponies back in Ponyville, however it would be a while before I can look at them and send you a letter. I would strongly suggest you try talking to Moon Dancer about it. You will certainly receive a faster answer from her since she lives here in Canterlot, and considering the fact that I gave her a key to my old room here in Canterlot she should be able to find something. I'm sure she would appreciate the inquiry." She did have a point, ever since this party had started and Moon Dancer had expressed her feelings to Twilight, Moon Dancer was much more pleasant to be around. Not only that, but the unicorn had researched various subjects, perhaps she had even studied spider ponies. In fact, Moon Dancer might even enjoy sharing such knowledge with her. "I guess I can talk to her." Lemon Hearts said before she walked over to Moon Dancer who was sitting at a table talking with Minuette and Twinkleshine. The three of them were in a lively conversation. Moon Dancer's expression lightened up as Lemon Hearts approached, "Hey, Lemon Hearts!" "You seem to be having a lot of fun," Lemon Hearts smiled as she sat down in a chair across from Moon Dancer. "Yeah, I've really been enjoying it." Moon Dancer said as she took a sip of fruit punch. "So I was wondering Moon Dancer," Lemon Hearts was still nervous, "do you think you have any information on spider ponies?" Moon Dancer shrugged, "I might. I would have to check some books in the library." "Oh, okay." "Hey, Lemon," Minuette began to ask, "why are you interested in spider ponies? I thought you hated spiders." "Well, it's complicated." Looking over the Phumblr page, the spidermare noticed that her friend Scarlet Thorn had posted another question. Hello Grace, I'm Scarlet Thorn. I wanted your opinion on rearing goals. Do you think discipline is a good thing? How do Spider-mares raise their young? "I'm not terribly sure how spider ponies raise their young," Thread answered, "as I've already said my siblings and I hatched by ourselves and had to learn to fend for ourselves. I don't know if that's normal for my kind or not. As for discipline I can definitely say that it is a good thing. After all if a spider pony isn't disciplined she won't know how to survive in this world." The spidermare thought it over before continuing with her answer. "If I could I would like to have my hatchlings live with me," Graceful Thread smiled, "of course I would need to find someone to help me father them, but I think it would be nice to have a family, considering that I didn't really have one of my own." NWRAlicorn asks: Which pony does she look up to? (As say an example of what to do in a situation) "I suppose it would be Lemon Hearts," the spidermare answered, "I mean despite the fact that I technically attacked her, she did everything in her power to help nurse me back to health and find me a safe place to live." pigsarenice asks: What’s your favorite word? "I think the word garden sounds nice," Thread said, "I hear there are some rather beautiful gardens in the Crystal Empire, however, I doubt I'll see them. Even if I managed to ride on the train without frightening anyone, it just sounds like it's really cold up there." The next question, Graceful Thread saw was a rather lengthy one. ThatBadGuy asks: Bhahahahaha! Oh Graceful Thread. I would pay to see Blueblood's reaction on your blog. Just so you know, ponies tends to be little bit skittish when you eat their comrades. As for my question: Would you rather Be a pony. You'll never have to hide again. You'll have friends and family at home, maybe even a foal of your own. Simply, you will be happy like a spider in a bell tower. But. Everyday you'll have to fear that one day you'll lose somepony close to you, to a monster in the bell tower. Or Stay a Spidermare. Your life will continue as it had to this day. You'll have a cozy dark place in the bell tower and your friend Lemon who will visit now and then. Plus you will always make more friends on Phumblr. But. There will always be the danger hanging above your head, danger of being discovered. Because if you do get discovered you will have to choose between staying to fight a battle, which you will lose, and between running and leave behind the little you had, including Lemon Hearts. You don't necessarily need to answer this question. "Don't worry, I'll answer it," Graceful Thread grinned before pausing to ponder the questions, "Honestly I think I would rather stay myself. I mean who knows what kind of person I would be if I was a pony. I could be like this jerk!" The spidermare gave an annoyed glance over her shoulder to the bound intruder. "Also, if I had a choice I would rather worry about harm coming to myself than to my friends." As Graceful Thread finished speaking the bundle of webbing began to squirm once more. The spider pony rolled her eyes and stood up from her hammock and walked over to her captive. Using her front legs she pulled away some of the webbing around the prisoner's eyes allowing him to gaze into her angry eyes. "You know you're seriously a big hassle," Thread growled, "you come in here trying to steal my laptop, a gift that was given to me by my only friend, well, only friend that I haven't made on the internet. Then you decide to try to disturb my video. I've had enough of this! I think you've earned your place as my meal!" Thread opened her mouth wide, showing her large fangs to her captive as she prepared to strike. The door slammed open and Lemon Hearts stepped into the room, before the spidermare could bite her victim. There was a gasp as somepony opened the door and stepped inside the clock tower. Apparently someone else hadn’t got the memo that the clock tower was abandoned. "Graceful Thread, what do you think your doing?" Lemon Hearts yelled. The spider pony closed her mouth and gazed at Lemon Hearts like a foal who had been caught breaking their mother's vase. "I... uh... well... you see..." Lemon Hearts walked toward the spider pony. "What did I tell you about eating ponies?" Lemon Hearts asked, giving Graceful Thread an angry look. "B-but, he tried to steal my laptop!" Thread said defensively. "It doesn't matter!" the unicorn replied, "If you want ponies to look at you as one of them you can't just go about eating any one of them that causes you trouble!" Graceful Thread huffed, "Fine. I'll let him go..." Lemon Hearts nodded, "Good!" The unicorn turned around and started walking to the door, before turning her head back to the spidermare. "Once you're done, let me know," Lemon Hearts said, "there is something I want to talk to you about." The spider pony waited for her friend to leave the clock tower before turning to face her prisoner, "Just be grateful that Lemon Hearts stepped in, otherwise I would have filled you with venom and drank your insides like a slurpy." She was about to cut the strands of webbing binding the captured unicorn when something occurred to Graceful Thread. How did she know that this stallion wouldn't just blab about her and her hiding place. Then an idea popped into the spidermare's head, an idea that made Thread's mouth grow wide. "Actually I'm still going to bite you." Graceful Thread said before turning her attention back to the laptop, "Hey guys, remember that hypnotic venom I was talking about. How would you like to see me use it on this poor fella?" Hearing the spider pony's plans the captive unicorn renewed his struggled against his bonds, however like all his previous attempts they were in vain. Crawling onto the web so that the camera would have a good view of the scene, Graceful Thread bite down on the stallion's shoulder, injecting her hypnotic venom into his blood stream. It was a matter of minutes before the pony's struggles slowed. Satisfied the spidermare adjusted her position so she could look into her soon to be freed, captive's eyes. "Now I'm going to make myself perfectly clear," Thread said keeping full eye contact with the unicorn, "you have no knowledge of me or this place. You came in here and it was completely empty. If we meet again you will follow my full instructions. Is that understood?" The entranced stallion nodded. Having her captive's answer, Graceful Thread began to untie him. Unbound with only a few strands of webbing in his mane, the unicorn walked out the door. After watching her ex-captive leave, the spidermare crawled back over to the computer. It was clear that she was still slightly annoyed by the situation but despite this she smiled to her viewers. "Sorry about that," Graceful Thread spoke to the camera, "It seems Lemon Hearts has something to tell me. Well, maybe next time we can discuss a few tasks we can make our new friend do. See you all later." The spider pony winked at the camera before she turned off the recording. Author's Note Remember feel free to post comments so Graceful Thread can answer them. Or if you want you could even send Lemon Hearts a few questions, after all is she a friend of Graceful Thread and she had a Phumblr account as well.
A New Friend or Foe?Author's Note Thank you all for your support and your patience. Fear not, Graceful Thread is still taking questions. There were a few questions that had some grammar issues, that I changed so they might make sense. I hope I interpretated them the way they were meant. If not then I am sorry. A New Friend or Foe? Lemon Hearts watched as the stallion stumbled out of the clock tower, his movements like a toddler trying to remember how to walk. There was a growl of annoyance as Graceful Thread peaked her head out of the doorway, "What is it you wanted to talk to me about?" "I have a friend," Lemon Hearts said, "Her name is Moon Dancer and I think you both could get along very well." "Ugh... What?" "Look, if you don't want to meet her that is fine," Lemon Hearts said nervously, "I just think she might know some ways to help you. But if you don't want to, that's fine." Graceful Thread's legs twitched nervously as she considered what Lemon Hearts was saying. Her eyes focused on a point on the ground. On one side, the spidermare was excited to make a new friend, however, on the other side, there was the fear of rejection and potential loss. After a moment of considering this, Thread looked up at her friend. "Does she know what I am?" "All I told her was that you are different," Lemon Hearts replied, "that you are my friend and that you would mean her no harm." There was another silence as Graceful Thread considered what Lemon Hearts had said. The spider pony scratched her front leg. "I suppose it would be fine," Thread shivered, "at what time do you want us to meet?" Lemon Heart's face brightened at hearing this, "Why not tomorrow night?" The Next Day... "Hey everypony," Graceful Thread sat in front of the laptop, "I have a meeting with one of Lemon Heart's friends and I'm really nervous. So I thought I might try to answer your questions to relieve some stress." Viper Pit asks: Have you heard of changelings? If so, are they more like flies for your web to you or are they more competition for food? "About half a year ago, some changelings attacked Canterlot," Graceful Thread shrugged, "Apparently they were trying to take advantage of some sort of wedding. I don't know too much about it since I wasn't invited, for obvious reasons. However, Lemon Hearts actually got to be one of the bride's maids." pabrony83 asks: Are spider ponies’ eyes sensitive to light? "Yes, our eyes are somewhat sensitive to light," Thread answered, "however we have it a lot better than those bat ponies that serve Luna have to deal with. I heard some of them have to have special glasses built just to be able to work during the day." Sigmacipher asks: Okay, this is exceedingly stupid, dumb sounding and maybe a bit offensive but... You do realize killing criminals is still murder right? Also is there a specific region in the world in the world that Spider ponies flourish or are you more scattered the Haybrew "I will confess, I may have overreacted in response to the intrusion," Thread giggled nervously, "though to be fair it wouldn't surprise me if other spider ponies had a similar response. As for regions, I've heard rumors of a location in the zebra homelands called the Webbed Village, where some spider ponies thrive. However, here in Equestria, we are very spread out. I'm not sure what Haybrew is though?" ThatBadGuy asks: Oh, Graceful Thread. Since we are already past the boundary of inappropriate questions, here is one of my own! Just click on this and watch, but don't worry! Everything is completely scientific. [embed]youtube.com/watch?v=2DGD8gU1Hrk[/embed] [embed]youtube.com/watch?v=ZuUMSBXiPN8[/embed] Are both of these accurate? "Well, as I've stated before I'm not really too well versed with the reproductive customs of my kind, however," Graceful Thread giggled, "I can say that all mares love gifts. Food or otherwise." With a wide smile, the spider pony proceeded to unwrap a fish that was in her webbing. As she proceeded to inject her venom in her meal, Graceful Thread examined some of the other questions. There were two questions left behind by a Dr. Spider. Dr. Spider asks: Are spider stallions the same as none spider stallion? "Of course not," Thread replied, "like me, the spider stallion would have eight legs, fangs, and venom. So no, he would be very different from a regular pony stallion." Dr. Spider asks: You say that you don't think that spider mares can make milk, does that mean that you don't have...? "Um well," A bright red blush spread across Graceful Thread's face, "no, we do have those... however I don't think they work the same way as they do with most ponies." Zackattack525 asks: How often do you get Intruders? Taking a deep breath, Thread proceeded with the rest of the questions, her face returning to normal. "They're very rare," the spidermare answered, "I'm not sure what lures them here. Aside from me, it’s just an abandoned clock tower, it doesn't even work!" Kinetic_Aesthetic asks: Going with the tasks idea, how about we see if the home invader can dance? Along with that point, can you dance, Graceful? 8hovesDance asks: Can you dance? "Well, I kind of set him loose, but If he ever shows up again, I will sure we'll find out," Thread answered, "As for my ability to dance, I... think I can. I'm not sure if I'm any good at it. I haven't really shown any pony, so no pony has told me if I'm any good at it or not." MindWeb asks: "Could you have made the bad pony... think that he was your brother? Or that he was another race or gender? What is the limit of that power?" "Well, the limitations vary from pony to pony," the spidermare smiled, "One limitation is that I can't force a pony to do something that would endanger themselves. Like I can't tell them to jump off a cliff or stab themselves with a knife. I also can't force them to do something against their conscience, so in the case of that jerkbag that broke in here, I could probably tell them to steal something for me, but not necessarily to murder another pony." Pondering the other parts of the question, Graceful Thread rubbed her chin with a leg. "Now in the case of convincing him that he is my brother, my hypnotic venom doesn't implant any memories, so if I was to convince him that he was my brother I would have to make something up. Like I was his half-sister or something along those lines. I am not sure, but I don't believe I could convince him to think differently about his race or gender, that is pretty well ingrained in the minds of most ponies." TheDizzyDan asks: You know, your hypnotic abilities might really help some ponies. My friend's really scared of anesthesia, and hypnosis could help him with that. Have you ever used hypnosis to help someone? "I've never really used it to help anypony other than myself," Thread replied, "however I'm not against it. I just don't know of very many ways it can be useful to others." Scarlet Raven Thorn asks: Dear Graceful Thread, I wanted to thank you for answering my questions! "No problem," Graceful Thread smiled, "I enjoyed answering them." As thanks, I have a gift for you. I read your comment about always wanting to see the gardens of the Crystal Empire, and luckily my friend Death Blaire lives in the Empire and was willing to part with one of her Crystal Dragon Tulips! I will place it outside of the clock tower tonight since I am in Canterlot visiting an old friend. Hope you enjoy, care instructions are on the packet! The best part is since it produces its own light it doesn't need to be outside! You can grow and cultivate as many as you want as long as you have the soil! Pulling herself off the bed, Thread made her way toward the door. Cautiously she opened the door and peeked outside, past the door to see a beautiful plant in a flower pot. The flower seemed to have petals made of glass, which seemed to shimmer with various hues of color as the spider pony drew closer. Carefully, Graceful Thread took the plant in her front legs before stepping back inside. It was probably one of the most beautiful things, the spider pony had ever seen in her life, a few tears dripped from her eyes. "T-thank you very much, Scarlet," Thread sniffled, "please tell your friend, thank you, for me. I really appreciate the gift." Also between us, I'm a marked-one. I'm actually a few millennia old and a devout follower of Discord who gave me my immortality and powers. Although, Nightmare Moon was fun while she lasted. Unfortunately, most of my coven was hunted down by the Solar Guard throughout the eons, only that friend I mentioned and I are left. But luckily I've learned to hide my true identity with magic. Maybe I can even send you a picture! And please, call me Thorn. Scarlet is the other me from a different universe. "I can certainly try," Graceful Thread answered, "well, Thorn, fortunately, the Solar Guard don't appear to be quite so harsh in the... world that I live in, but that could just be luck on my part. I've never heard of a marked-one before, if you ever have the time I would be curious to hear more about it. Thought it would probably be wise to do it over private messaging." And a question, this you can post on Phumblr. Graceful Thread's eyes grew wide. "Ummm..." she looked around nervously, "was I not supposed to talk about... um... what we were just talking about? This won't cause you any trouble will it?" The spider pony really hoped she didn't accidentally put Thorn at risk. My crush is a Chimera, not the monster but an experiment of a madpony attempting to create complete harmony in a physical form, thus he is very harmonious as oppose to my chaos. Maybe I can send you a picture of him too since we have become close. My question, however, is this: Do you think we should start a Phumblr Account? My crush, my friend, and I? Maybe if the Equestrians got to know us better they would like us more. Maybe... we could live normal lives not always on the run? A sad expression stretches across the spidermare's face. "You can certainly try," Thread answered, "I hope that using Phumblr will help me talk to other ponies and maybe it could help you and your friend. If any ponies are willing to accept you and your crush, then perhaps they will accept me too." The spider pony sat there contemplating for a moment. "I don't think I've ever seen a chimera before." Uh-oh, it's that blasted solar battalion again. They must have traced my laptop signal. Take care Graceful Thread, I hope you like your flower! Good-bye! ~ Love, Thorn Xoxoxo "Uh... goodbye," the spidermare looked worried, "I hope I hear from you soon." BookSpider asks: "Have you read Charlotte's Web?" "I haven't heard of it," Graceful Thread replied, "what is it and what is it about?" The spidermare was kind of curious what the story was. Scratching her two front legs together, Thread proceeded to the next question. Best Friend 4 F-er asks: "What did you think when you saw a pony size spider in your house?" Graceful Thread giggled, "Well, seeing as I've already got that covered, it probably wouldn't surprise me that much. On the other hoof, I would be more shocked if I saw a spider-sized pony. I mean imagine how tiny it would be." SuperSpider asks: "Do you know SpiderMare?" "I think she has shown up in a few Power Pony comics," Thread scratched her chin, "Though she doesn't look anything like a spider pony. Personally, I was thinking of maybe writing a Power Pony fanfic where she had more spider pony characteristics. Wouldn't that be fun?!" ColorSpider asks: Are all spider ponies, spider colored, or can they be pony color? "Most seem to have colors corresponding with spiders," the spidermare explained, "however I have seen a few that were pretty colorful. I think I saw another spider pony here on Phumblr who is mostly yellow and pink. However, she seems to be pretty shy and hasn't returned any of my messages." It was rather unfortunate. BarWet asks: Can you drink beer and other things like ponies? "I certainly can," Thread smiled, "it is a lot easier than eating food the way ponies eat it. Though I haven't had a beer myself." Perhaps she could convince Lemon Hearts to bring her some. There were another three questions asked by a pony going by the name, I Kissed a Spider, and I loved it. I Kissed a Spider, and I loved it asks: Have you ever kiss somepony? "No," Graceful Thread just shook her head, "I suppose I just haven't met the right pony yet." Admittedly it did make Thread feel a bit sad. Would anypony even be interested in falling in love with a spider pony? There might be a few weirdos out there judging by some rather disturbing artwork she had discovered on the internet earlier, but could there be anypony sincerely interested in her? I Kissed a Spider, and I loved it asks: Do you ever think of kissing another? "I suppose I have," the spidermare answered, "name one young filly who has never thought of kissing their special somepony or even having a special somepony." I Kissed a Spider, and I loved it asks: Can we see you kiss one and other? "I... I don't think so," Graceful Thread replied, "aside from the fact that I don't have a special stallion to do that with, it just seems like something personal that you don't just flaunt." Though it would be kind of nice. CelestiaBePraised asks: Do you know what "booping" is? "What's booping?" Three hours later... Lemon Hearts gulped as she stood in front of the clock tower door with her friend, Moon Dancer. This could either go really well or horribly wrong. What if Moon Dancer and Graceful Thread didn't like each other? What if Moon Dancer fainted and the spider pony took offense. What if... "Lemon Hearts," Moon Dancer spoke up, pulling Lemon Hearts out of her worrying, "are you ready for this?" Swallowing the residual saliva that had been building up in her mouth, Lemon Hearts stood tall. "Sorry, please allow me to introduce you to my friend," Hearts said as she stepped toward the door. Slowly the door creaked open, the dim light of the setting sun stretching into the room beyond the entryway. Moon Dancer was prepared to step forward when Lemon Hearts held out a hoof. "It might be better if I go first," Hearts explained, "she is more used to me after all." With a nod, Moon Dancer let Lemon Hearts take the lead. A cool breeze blew through the clock tower adding to the eeriness of the situation. Stepping inside, the two mares closed the door behind them and used their horns to illuminate the area. "Graceful Thread!" Lemon Hearts called out, "It's me, I brought my friend, Moon Dancer like I said I would!" They listened intently for any movement. At first, all they could hear was the side of the wind, then there was something else, like something moving along a metal wire. It was coming from above. Shifting the attention, Lemon Hearts and Moon Dancer looked up to see a large shape resting on a massive web. "Thread what are you doing up there?" Lemon Hearts called out, "Come down here!" Moon Dancer watch as the... as Thread adjusted her position among the webbing before lowering herself to the ground on a single strand of silk. Her feet made hardly a sound as all eight legs touched the ground. Now with Graceful Thread standing among them, Lemon Hearts turned to see that Moon Dancer's mouth was open a gap. Graceful Thread blinked a few times, "Hello." "Hello," Moon Dancer said still looking surprised, "Lemon Hearts, this is the friend you spoke of?" "Yes," Lemon Hearts answered. "You neglected to mention a few details," Moon Dancer motioned to the spider pony. Lemon Hearts bite her lip, "I wasn't sure how you would react." Moon Dancer nodded, "That does make sense." Stepping forward Moon Dancer stretched a hoof out to touch one of Graceful Thread's furry legs, to which the spider pony responded by pulling away. "I-It's okay," Moon Dancer said, "I'm not going to hurt you." The spidermare stopped moving, allowing for Moon Dancer to reach out and touch her leg. "They're real," Moon Dancer gawked, "and they're fuzzy!" "Of course they're real!" Graceful Thread hissed. Moon Dancer shook her head. "I'm sorry," Moon Dancer apologized, "I just meant that... Well... That your species actually exist. I mean most monster ponies are considered to be mythical boogie ponies designed to scare children, but you're actually real!" The spider pony raised an eyebrow at that. Lemon Hearts was just happy that neither of them were at each other's throats. "This is amazing!" Moon Dancer turned to Lemon Hearts, "Was she the reason why you were asking me about spider ponies?" Lemon Hearts nodded, "I originally wasn't so sure you would... well... act this way about it. So I tried to be discrete." "I suppose that makes sense," Moon Dancer answered, "I'm sure most ponies would faint at the sight of her, despite her looking so cute." Moon Dancer gave Graceful Thread a hug, which seemed to confuse the spider pony a bit. Why did she feel that this relationship was going to be a bit uncomfortable?
