Family | Marr | Blitz!

Althea beamed as they talked about her grandchildren, but she did not let her own vanity blind her from the topic Cove seemed to be skirting around. He spoke of something heavy at home, something about his children? But then quickly changed the subject before she could ask further, even putting his hand out something physical to distract her.

She took his hand and looked at him carefully.

"It's good. We're disappointed we didn't get a victor this year, but that's trivial. Our apprentice program is starting soon and I'm looking very forward to seeing it flourish," she said, falling into autopilot when it came to mayor business. What she really wanted to talk about is what he seemed to be hiding.

"Are you okay Merrick? Is something troubling you?" she asked, half to be a gossip and half to offer help. She was one of the more powerful citizens in the district- if he needed help she'd offer it.

Althea knit her brow together, listening intently. It wasn't uncommon for citizens to have bad encounters with the ocean, especially young children. While it was a way of life, and the source of food and supplies for everyone in District Four, it was still a force of nature and could claim any of them at any moment.

She gave him a strained smile. She didn't know much about his children but it was obvious he cared deeply about them. Althea honestly didn't know how she would handle such a situation. She instilled from a young age about the dangers of riptides and high tides, but not even the constant reminders could help. She was never good at consoling, especially consoling children. They were young, they didn't listen and everything that happened to them was the worst thing that had ever happened. They didn't listen to reason and no matter how much she told herself that children were, well, children she still found herself frazzled and frustrated. She often left the room, letting Fabian deal with it.

"I understand," she said. "It's very... hard to see your child hurt. If you or your family needs anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

Another polite smile. She always hesitated in moments like. Deaths, accidents- they were part of the job but each person was different. Some people wanted hugs and a shoulder to cry on, others wanted nothing to do with it. To talk about the fish hauls and tides and ignore the tragedy around them.

"She sounds like a very smart girl," Althea said with a smile. "Maybe I can come by and see her? Anything that might help."

She paused. She didn't want to invite herself over to Cove's house. He was probably just being nice with talking to her. She wasn't owed any details of his private life or that of his children but despite it all she wanted to help. He was a kind man and while she had beat him out for Mayor, she still cared about him. She wasn't completely heartless.

"I can make a casserole to send over, or something," she said, neglecting the fact that she was a horrid cook. "I can send Arie over with it."

Maybe a few errands would help the Merrick family and also teach Arie some responsibility.