A stern voice interjected in Latin.

“Matrem tineam et sororem araneam refers.”

Yet what do these words mean? Of course I know that “matrem” means something akin to “mother” and that “sororem” means sister (sorority sisters) and that “araneam” refers to “Bane of Aratheampods” also known as spiders.

“Oh yes! Mother Moth and Sister Spiders! That’s exactly them — They were messengers. Duh-doy!”

I have no idea how “tineam” means moth. Perhaps it’s the tiny creature.
It’s a singular, and it’s accusative, and it’s feminine… but how much does that tell you.

“Tinea” comes from Proto-Indo-European *teh₂w- (“to melt”).
A destructive insect larva that attacks household items such as books or clothing?
That doesn’t sound maternal.

Was Mother Moth a messenger or was she a mere reminder of consequences? Of dissipation, decay, death?