The Soft-Hearted Maven

Another Tuesday meet up! Just as there had been a meet up every Tuesday since the beginning of summer, whether it be an Academic one or a casual one. So much fun to be had in this time, it almost feels like a blur! (particularly the previous week, almost as if it hadn't even happened)

Nonetheless, the former students of the Correspondence course found themselves back at the cottage of the Soft-Hearted Maven and the Brash Devil.

Only this time, there was a very different air. When they'd last come they were encouraged to just walk in since they were expected. But when the guests walked in there was none of the party arrangements from last time, or even any signs that company was expected.

The sound of footsteps came from the stairs, and the Brash Devil appeared... with a gun and a scowl on his face. The scowl fell at the sight of the guests.

"Ah shit it was today," he murmured. He sighed, lowering the gun as he awkwardly said, "Uh, look, sorry but there's not gonna be a party. Least not the usual kind, I guess if you guys want to hang out in the living room, catch up, eat the food you brought or some shit you can. Since you came all this way I guess..."

When asked about Maven he sighed again, a mixture of frustration and concern on his face, "She's sick. Overworked herself, same as she always does, and preparing for the party didn't help anything. So now she's resting." He looked a bit conflicted before saying, "If you want to see her you can, she'd probably like to see you all. Might help her feel better, I don't know..."

For the rest of the short little meet up, the time was spent either quietly hanging out and catching up, sharing the food they brought, checking in with Maven (and the stressed looking Devil as he bounced between making soup, checking in on Maven, checking in on the guests, cleaning and watching over the animals and other such), ect.

After awhile, once food had been eaten and socializing had taken place, people began to slowly filter out. By the end it was agreed that they should probably space out the meetings a bit, maybe to a biweekly basis. They could obviously meet individually, nothing stopping that, but they agreed that they needed to slow down a bit.

A strange meet up, but still a nice excuse to see friends regardless.

The small community of Mutton Island was usually a very quiet place.

Not so around this time of year.

It was time for the Fruits of the Zee festival, and many Londoners were flocking to the island for it. While most of the actual festivities would be happening next week, there was still enjoyment to be had.

For the former Correspondence class, they were setting up a small little camp at the beach area as their meeting spot. The Soft-Hearted Maven, The Brash Devil, and the Curious Outlaw were there setting up and greeting everyone as they came.

For the most part there wasn't much of a structure to this meeting the way there was the last one. The idea was mostly just to enjoy the island, the beach, and the meager beginnings of the festival in the first week.

While the island itself was not usually a tourist destination outside of the festival, that didn't mean visitors were shunned or that there was nothing to do. For one thing, this is one of the rare places in the Neath where one can find greenery. Visit the apple orchard and get fresh fruit for once! Admire the fields of daffodils, sunflowers, poppies, and irises as the locals pick some for their charming local customs. Head down to the Cock and Magpie for some cider and Rubbery Lumps; you're told the ones on the island are actually quite good unlike the kind served at Mrs. Plenty's. Speaking of, is that a picture of her in the tavern? Perhaps if you're lucky, the Custodial Chef, will be willing to speak of some matters of Extraordinary Implications with you... Hopefully you enjoy wind, because one thing the island is known for is it's strong and rather persistent wind patterns. Occasionally you can see the locals toast their flasks when a particularly loud wind sounds out from the South. Perhaps if you're lucky, you may witness some of their more... peculiar customs come nightfall.

For those that wish to remain unbothered with the business of being a tourist, there's still plenty of fun to be had back at the beach! While they may no longer be in the height of the False-Summer heat, it was still warm enough to make wading and swimming a fun and enjoyable activity for all that wish to partake. There are tide pools that form along the rocky formations that make for fun exploration. Plenty of sand with which to create the biggest castles, wander around to look for shells, or for those that don't know why they shouldn't, just digging large holes. Some tourists have set up some game with a net and a ball that none of you are familiar with, but you could either team up with some of your friends against the other group, or play against your friends! And of course, the camp site has a campfire that one can use for cooking, one can catch some fish for said cooking, or if one would rather just recline in the relaxing setting and enjoy the food already brought as one enjoys each others' company.

And lets not forget the reason you all chose to come here: the Fruits of the Zee festival! The real fun festivities may not be happening until next week (which is all the more reason to come back, if one is not frightened by what you see with the locals), but there's still plenty to do here and now! Take part in the sacrificial scuttling by building a small boat that will last just long enough to sink out in zee! Can you build one that goes out farther than your friend? Either attend or perform in one of the plays and puppet shows, maybe a friend can attend your performance or they can be in it by your side! Help build an effigy to the Fathomking, get real creative with it! Or if you want to get more involved with the local customs, there's always assisting with preparations for the well rites... And that isn't even bringing up the diving! Perhaps you could team up with someone and go underzee exploring together? There's no rule that says you can't!

After a day of fun and merriment, it will be nice to unwind around the fire at the camp site. Cooking some more, swapping stories of all you've done, showing off the neat underzee treasures you've obtained already, singing songs and telling campfire stories.

There are many things you can do to wrap up another awesome meet up with your friends!

Once again it was time to gather. This time not for academic purposes, but simply to be within each other's company.

Each guest arrives, greeted at the door by the Soft-Hearted Maven. Further in was the Brash Devil (wearing the outfit the Tailor had made for their class project) and the Curious Outlaw aka Ember (playing with various animals, including a very excited black kitten who is so happy to see all these new people)

The festive mood was building more and more with each addition as all the guests greeted each other and caught up. The table already has some things, like a platter of many kinds of sandwiches, a bowl of shrimp pesto pasta, an apple pie, two teapots of jasmine tea and the Achlian Midnight (fresh from the Elder Continent), and some Broken Giant. And of course, scones. Off to the side were some small metal boxes, which the Maven explains are for when people leave they can take some food home.

When it is time for the hunt, Derek gathers everyone who wants to go on the hunt. Anyone who would rather stay behind may do so, Jane will stay behind and keep host if any chose to do so.

"Alright listen up! We have two potential targets for the hunt. First we have the normal shit, the marsh wolf. There's always plenty in the marsh and with the amount of hunters we have it should be no problem taking down a few. I have plenty of weapons for anyone that needs one, or if you want to get more hands on that's fine. The other option-" here he smirked a little, "is law hunting."

Maven gestured to Ember, "After experimenting a bit with Ember, it and Derek found there was a way to recreate the conditions of law hunting within the marsh area. Because it's confined to the marsh area there won't be any leaping across London, but you should be able to jump around the marsh and transform."

"With the effect in place there will be plenty of time to do both if any of you want," Devil explained, "So if you can't make up your mind just do both."

"Also," Maven added, "Even though we are in a group, it might be helpful to team up with someone for a single target."

Once everyone has prepared themselves (changing clothes, preparing weapons, ect.) the hunt began.

The marsh echoed with the sounds. They rang in the air as the guests indulged in the thrill of the hunt.

After the successful hunt, everyone is back at the cottage. There have been some areas that were arranged before the hunt (or during the hunt, if anyone stayed behind). A large pile of cushions and pillows was in one corner, plenty of room for anyone ready to relax and chill out after the hunt. There was a table nearby with books, treats, and wine.

The rest of the room had been cleared a bit to accommodate those who are in high energy after the hunt and want to keep moving. There is a gramophone with a container full of cylinders to play, and the window is open for the music to drift outside in case anyone would prefer to dance outside, particularly anyone who wishes to indulge in some Rose Giveth.

As the evening winds down, people begin to get ready to go. Food was distributed, farewells were given. Plans were discussed to possibly do another get together next week (or the week after, if schedules needed the extra week). Perhaps something zee-related, since the Fruits of the Zee will be starting up. Perhaps a picnic at the beach?

One thing for sure is that people are in agreement that they need to continue meeting. The bonds they forged in this class were too precious to let fade.

After the heist was over, the Tailor told the Devil all he needed to know about the Rites.

A day is set, preparations are made. Normally it would be difficult finding out exactly where one needs to go or acquiring the amount of bait needed without some greater assistance from the church or any older sect of monster hunters. Luckily for the Brash Devil, he happened to have a friend who knew the Rites, had the right connections, and was willing to bend the rules to help a friend achieve what they want.

Tailor has also been invited to wait with Maven as Devil goes to perform the Rites, and to stay afterwards when the final acts of the Rites are completed. It was thanks to Tailor that Devil was able to do this, it felt right to include them even if tradition stated that it was meant to be a solitary act.

Maven was seeing Devil off, giving him parting kisses and words.

"You have everything?" Maven asked, glancing at the boat.

"Yeah, everything Tailor said I'd need," Devil nodded, then leaned in to give her another kiss, "I'll be fine."

Maven smiled at him, leaning her forehead against his as she held his face, "Of course you will, I never doubted that for a second. You're a great hunter, and soon everyone will be able to see at a glance."

The Brash Devil had brought out a bunch of clothing to the living room, setting them on the (newly cleaned and reupholstered) couch.

"Is this enough?" Devil asked Maven, who was setting the tableware while the water was beginning to boil.

"I think that's plenty honey," Maven said with a smile as she looked up.

Pepper, their formerly grubby kitten, tried to jump on the couch and mess with the clothes.

"Ugh, Pepper no," Devil lightly scolded cat, picking her up and placing her on a chair, "Go be a little menace to Jane."

Maven scoffed as she started walking back to the kitchen, "Oh thanks for that."

Devil just sent her an impish smirk back before looking back at the clothes. Shirts, pants, gloves, scarves, and boots were somewhat organized, as well as his Whitsun coat and his old coat slung over the back.

"... Shoot, forgot belts," he made a quick run to the bedroom to get a few belts.

Maven just chuckled a little as she heard him walking up the stairs, "Oh honey..."

The nightmare The Soft-Hearted Maven experienced wasn't a new one, but it had been awhile since she had last had it and with such intensity.

----

The ballroom may be lavish and bright, but all The Soft-Hearted Maven could focus on was the droning around her.

Pretty-seeming people saying pretty-seeming things, in all actuality so empty.

She stood still, hoping that doing so meant no attention would be drawn to her.

God her legs ached.

Where was her sister?

"There you are, there's someone you have to meet!"

No.

Suddenly the ballroom was gone. All was dark. But she could still see the people. No longer even a facade of prettiness. Writhing masses of shadow and viscera, shining eyes and smiles focused on her.

The worst was the floor. Or rather, the lack of a floor.

In its place was a tightrope beneath her feet. But to call it a tightrope was giving it too much credit. It was a thin wire, digging into the soles of her now bare feet, making them bleed.

It wasn't just the wire though, was it?

The lashes on the back of her legs had opened up.

(Those scars will never go away, will they)

The blood was dripping down like a waterfall into the abyss, covering the wire, making it slippery.

Could they really not see?

Did the layers of expensive fabric really cover the blood and pain so well?

Where was her sister?

"Well? Come over and greet them!"

Deep breath.

She began walking. Shoulders back, spine straight, hands clutched at her front.

The wire bit into her skin with each step.

The blood continued to spill.

She briefly became aware that she had wings, like that of a butterfly or a fairy. Could she try to fly?

(Fly where? Fly to them? Fly away?)

A cursory flap said no, as she felt a painful crack go up from her back up through the wings.

The act caused her to slip slightly, and she lifted her arms to keep balance.

All at once the eyes around her narrowed and the smiles widened. Voices that were both hushed and deafening surrounded her.

"The poor dear."

"Not much you can expect from one who's only half nobility."

"Perhaps if she had been raised from birth it could have been different."

"That's generous of you to say, but no matter how you polish it, a flawed diamond will never have the value of a flawless one."

"Now lets not be cruel, I'm sure she could still make for a perfectly suitable second wife for someone. Regardless of her birth, she still comes from a good family after all."

"That is fair. With her docile nature, she certainly has more value than that boorish sister of hers."

Laughter rang out, and suddenly she was seeing red.

How DARE they speak of her sister like that, she-

SNAP

The wire snapped, and she was falling in a shower of her own blood and the shattered pieces of the wings.

At first she just saw the faces, watching her fall.

Then she felt compelled to turn to the abyss.

Rising to meet her were the corpses of her parents, as freshly slaughtered as she remembered from that day.

----

The Maven was no longer falling. She was in her bed, clutching at the Brash Devil. His eyes shown in the dark, a look of concern on his face as she breathed heavily. No words needed to be spoken at the moment, just a comforting embrace as the visions remained in her mind's eye.

If you wish to reach either The Soft-Hearted Maven or The Brash Devil, you can leave a calling card at the Maven's cottage at Watchmaker's Hill, the Townhouse she has converted into an orphanage, her medicine shop at the Bazaar, or the Suite at the Royal Bethlehem where she has been known to try and help patients. Or, if you don't mind paying the Echo, you can ask one of the urchins to pass on a message. That will usually be the most reliable way of making sure either of them get your message.