ETA

A lacework, a cagework of fine brass hung about them, caught on wires that disappeared into their --

chests and abdomens

thoraces and abdomens

thoraxes and abdomens

divided bodies.

Gotcha.

Thanks, guys.

When in doubt, write your way around it...

One of those crucial moments

Thee cat is snoring. Thee other cat is disparu. I am hurting, and at the extreme limit of my medications - except for alcohol. I could make myself another pint of bloody mary, and carry on working. For whatever good that would do me. New words are always better than the other thing, I guess - but maybe I will go downstairs and prepare the octopus, and see how I feel after that. It needs to cook for long enough, I could get some more work in then, and have dinner all but ready when I quit. Maybe...