themorbidsocialite | A Marsh Guest

Bugsby's Marshes were home to a wide and varied array of micro- and macroorganisms, the biodiversity one of its most notable features. Yes, a great many of the creatures were incredibly dangerous, but wasn't every environment filled with such risk? Surely, all one had to do to avoid assault was avoid bothering the various animals. Surely.

This was how the Morbid Socialite- Mori- found himself in the depths of the marshes, gathering samples of water, plant life, lichen, and insects to start his research. He was too busy marking notes on a variety of mushroom to notice the eyes on him. The thoughtful hum to themselves and the squeaking of tall boots, worn to avoid staining the hems of their trousers, were enough to hide the sound of something treading through the muck. They only noticed the disturbance when the bugs they'd been surrounded by had scattered. He turned and his eyes widened, finding a second pair staring into his.

"Oh, bloody 'ell."

Screaming echoed across the marsh, likely reaching at least someone's ears.

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Sounds a lot like Grandmother, Maven couldn't help but think. A shame she never got to know her Nanaji but her Grandmother was such a presence.

She didn't dwell on that thought as she answered, "Oh, they were both wonderful! I was closest with my Mother, I always admired how she was able to become a doctor up on the surface even with things being the way they were. But she was determined to do it, wanted to help others in any way she could. She would always tell me that the only way humans have kept going this long is by being here for each other and we need to do all we can to help those that need it. I thought she was very inspiring, and so did Father. It was what drew him to her in the first place, what made him wish to court her despite... his family not approving," she tried to finish the thought delicately.

"The, erm... The upper crust are rather like that, aren't they? Has to be the same country, the same culture, the same skin tone. Bah! Poppycock! Go on that path and you end up with the Habsburgs." Mori sniffled, leaning just enough to get the front chair legs off the ground. "Helping people, sharing love an' care an' human compassion, that's where the real worth lies. You're a good person, Jane. I want you to know that, truthfully, you're one of the kindest, most caring and generous people I know. I just hope you save some of that care for yourse-!"

He'd leaned too far and nearly fell all the way backwards, if it weren't for the sudden, startled shift in weight rocking him back forwards and clapping the legs of the chair on the floor. If one were to ever look like a cat immediately after being doused with freezing water, it was the Socialite. Braced, frazzled, startled, frozen in shock.

"I... believe I may have had a little too much to drink."

Maven was very touched by Mori's words, and had been about say so as well as ask when she let it slip that her father's family were of the upper crust. (it was likely that comment about not being able to buy class, now that she thought about it) But Mori nearly falling dashed the question completely from her mind. She leapt up, about to vainly try and catch them before they snapped back.

When Mori made their last comment she couldn't help but burst out laughing, "Perhaps so! It's probably for the best you get some sleep after losing all that blood." She held a hand Mori, "I can show you where the guest room is."

Edited 2025-07-17 15:25 (UTC)

The Maven's laughter, bright and joyous, brought a smile to Mori's lips. Her happiness was infectious and he found himself chuckling along as he straightened up, muscles relaxing from the impact and the lack of threat of falling. "I suppose that would be a good idea, yes! My, one becomes blootered much faster when there's less blood in their veins."

He took her hand and moved with some effort into standing, or half therein with one leg out of service. "I thank you again for your help and hospitality."

"It's no problem, it's been great to have your company and being able to share dinner with you," Maven said, the look on her face showing she was sincere in this. Despite how the evening started, she was happy to have Mori over as company.

Speaking of, as they passed through she stopped beside Mori's bag. She had thought to pick it up for them given how heavy it was, but after her indiscretion earlier she kept her hands to herself and let Mori handle it.

"It was a lovely dinner and a lovely evening both, even despite the start. Now, you wouldn't happen to also have bath towels as well? I would hate to stain your guest room bedding, should something happen in the night."

He briefly considered the bag as well, but left it where it was. The thing most damning was already found and he trusted the Maven and the Devil not to take it nor anything inside. It was merely his status as a relatively sane man that they were scared of injuring. Now, the hand was out of the bag, so to speak.

Seeing as Mori was not taking the bag, Maven continued leading them into the hall, "Of course, we can stop at the washroom along the way, there should still be some fresh ones in the cabinet."

As Maven stopped by the bathroom to get the towels, she paused in thought as if to think of how to word her speech before she said, "Also, Mori... if you ever need help, I might be able to assist. I admit, there's a lot I'm still learning, but I have a laboratory at the university that I regularly use to conduct research. Some of which is... questionable, I'll admit." She glanced down at her permanently tinged nails before continuing, "But if there's something I can do to assist you with... with Persephone, I would like to try."

While Maven was not aware of the reality-shattering extent of Mori's goals and designs, it wasn't hard to see the basic desire they had to bring their daughter back. That, at least, was something she could sympathize with and, while she didn't know what all she could do to help, if there was something she would like to try.

Mori faced the Maven, eyes searching her gaze. If she was serious... If she was willing and understood what he aimed to do... In all fairness, however, it was difficult even for Mori to say what he aimed to do. What direction was he going? Had he even started walking yet? Would it get him to his destination?

They cut eye contact and considered. "I... don't know that there's anything you can assist me with just this moment, but, when I have a plan, I shall inform you. Does that sound agreeable?"

Maven nodded, "Of course. It's preferable to have a plan rather than try to go in blindly, after all."

She lead Mori to a guest room. The thing both of them immediately noticed was a little salt weasel sleeping on the pillow of the bed.

"Oh, there's Snowdrop!" Maven giggled, "Should have guessed she'd be in here."

Mori laughed lightly, limping over to the bed. "Hello, friend," he said softly, hoping not to wake her. If he quietly held up his hand to her nose, maybe she could run the sniff check without even stirring. He would wait to sit on the bed until she could confirm he was welcome in the same space. No use invading her personal space and getting woken up to scratches and teeth marks.

Snowdrop didn't react at first, then began to sniff Mori in her sleep. She did lift her head, her red eyes half opened, only to place it on Mori's hand and snuggle into it.

"Snowdrop is very friendly in general," Maven said with a smile, "The first time I met her I was walking through Tyrant's Garden, and she came right up to me. Climbed right up to my shoulder and everything!"

Mori smiled, giving Snowdrop's cheek a little scratch with his thumb. "Oh, I think we're going to get on quite well. She really is very sweet. Do you mind if I share the bed, sweetheart? I'll be stiff as a board, I promise. No rolling over atop you."

A Marsh Guest

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