[ She can be glad. Ciri's actual desire to be here had never been much of an issue -- Julie would have relentlessly harassed her until she came, no matter what. Sometimes you only show up to a party to support your friend. Or because she has all the shortcuts to make your life hell.

Ciri's reaction makes Julie cackle. That's so gross is a common refrain between the two of them, but usually it's coming the other way, because Ciri is often coated with or hauling around something disgusting, and she has less incentive to wash before visiting than some others. The tiny spiders, hardly more than specks, skitter across one cheek and into her ear. ]

That's Halloween! Creepy crawlies, nasties, all the good shit.

[ Ciri makes her a tiny kikimore and Julie coos with delight, her big blacked-out eyes reflecting the creature as she ducks her head to look at it. It's a strange little beast, like a spider and a crab and several other bugs all smooshed into one animal. It lifts its itty-bitty front legs at her, trying to intimidate her, and she loves it instantly. ]

C'mere, honey. [ She takes it from Ciri, holds it up and lets it clamber onto her shoulder. ] Lady sirens must be way hotter'n Jaskier looked last year, or else I'll be insulted.