Maleficus Tyro Returns! Rather convenient timing, too, for a certain young novice...
Redwall Abbey, Great Hall
Maleficus Tyro, Ferret. Ahndia, squirrel
Ahndia wipes her paws on her rough white apron, leaving a flour-y streak, and leans against the wall idly. Creatures are finishing up breakfast, and Ahndia's short break from her kitchen work is going to end soon- there'll be table to wipe down and plates to wash. She stands straight and moves aside for a mouse scurrying past, who is carring dirty dishes. The mouse smiles thankfully at the young squirrel novice. Ahndia smiles back, continuing to stand, wondering if she should just get it over with and start dish duty...
Maleficus slips through the large doors. His knives removed at the gate, he is cautiously eyed by a few older creatures of the abbey as he enters. And the looks they give are anything but that of a "good morning". The ferret pulls back the hood of his cloak, glancing about the space for a moment, his dark figure standing at the doorway until it is closed from behind by a guard from the gatehouse.
The presence of the ferret is only acknoledged by Ahndia when she realizes the doors were open- it isn't cold outside, but it certainly isn't as warm as inside Great Hall. She, too, gives the newcomer a wary look- but at least he may be able to get her out of dish duty. Being a novice, it is part of her responsibilty to help other creatures. She walks over to him, standing slightly to the side. "Good morning Sir."
Maleficus actually has a look of slight surprise upon his face as he's approached by the novice. Obviously, this one hasn't heard or seen him before, otherwise she may not have come to greet him. The ferret, however, nods politely and offers salutation, "And a good morning to you, young lady." His voice does match his appearance; rather scratchy and tense. As if it were almost difficult for him to speak.
Ahndia certainly never has seen this ferret before, nor has she heard of one like him. She is, however, slightly biased against ferrets covered in tattoos. She flicks her bushy tail behind her nervously and clasps her paws loosly in front of her. "May I help you in any way?" At least her voice makes her seem more sure of herself than she feels!
Maleficus removes his cloak, resting it upon his forearm and the source of his difficulty in speaking is revealed in the form of a hideous scar running along his neck that was covered up by the neaking of his cloak. He shakes his head, "All I need is rest and perhaps some water. Other than that, I'll be fine." He could sense the unease in the young squirrelmaid. Had they met when he was different, he would've loved every second of her fear, and would've tried to milk it as much as he can. He reflects upon this in a distant look in his eyes, gazing up at the tapestry of the Warrior a moment.
Ahndia watches him remove his cloak quietly, regarding the scar. It seems to take a bit of her fear away- though not all of it. Having an infirmary Sister as a mother has made her a little bit immune to wounds. That and the fact that there are so many creatures here that have had horrible wounds. She ducks her head polietly and takes a step back. "I can show you where you may refresh yourself if you wish, Sir." Watching his eyes wander to the tapestry, a smile tugs at the corners of Ahndia's mouth. "What do you think of him?"
Maleficus raises his ears as the question is posed to him, the ferret letting a slight smile comes to his lips, "In all honesty, I am not sure what to think of Martin. When I first came...I hated him. He reminded of what I stood for before everything that happened that turned me..." he gestures over himself, "into this. And then, after nearly killing myself to try and remove this abbey's worst enemy it's had in ages...and spending time in the infirmary, recovering," he says, rubbing the scar on his neck, "I've learned...that he is more than just a mere symbol. He's...different. And things that are different can be scary at times."
Ahndia was not expecting a response of anything like what was said, but she grins and nods, covering up her surprise. "Different can be scary, yes, but good. Martin has saved many a creature here." She doesn't inquire as to what the ferret used to do or be. She's gotten told off for being to curious before, and she's not about to make that mistake again! "If you need something for that scar, I'm sure you could talk to a healer." She suggest, lowering her voice slightly. Perhaps he doesn't really want her to attract attention to it.
Maleficus bows his head politely, "No. It's quite healed now. Unfortunately, my speaking is forever effected. I do thank your consideration, though." He doesn't seem to mind anybeast looking upon his scar. Truth be told, he has many, many more all over his upper body, but his shirt is currently covering those.
"It is only my job, Sir." Ahndia blushes slightly as he thanks her. "About that water- Would you like some now? I can show you to a room as well." She plays with the cuff about her wrist- a nervous and idle habit she has yet to break. "Or if you would like to eat something, breakfast is not yet over." She turns and looks over the hall and realises that breakfast /is/ mostly over. "Uh, We could go to the kitchen if you are hungry." She turns back and smiles awkwardly. Oops.
Maleficus can't help but chuckle as the novice squirrel realizes her error, "Don't worry, m' lady. It's quite all right. Like I said, just somewhere to rest myself and water will be fine." He glances around at the creatures finishing their meal and shrugs, "I honestly wasn't hungry when I stepped in anyway."
"Yes Sir." Ahndia all but mumbles. 'yes sir' is the fall back answer for a novice about anything. It always works with the Brothers and Sisters. "Well, there's always water in the rooms. So follow me, I supppose." She takes a step away towards the stairs and then halts. "You've been here before, you said? If you know where things are, and don't wish me to lead you about..." She isn't trying to excuse herself, but maybe the ferret really doesn't want a bumbling novice showing him about.
Maleficus hmms softly to himself before saying, "You know what? I've not been here in at least four seasons. Things could have changed." He nods a bit, deciding, "All right, you may lead me. I trust a member of the Order to show me around."
Ahndia smiles thankfully. "Alright then. The guest rooms are just up the stairs." She turns, walking the rest of the distance to the stairs, but stoping at the bottom to wait for the ferret. THe Hall is mostly empty now; most beasts are doing their chores elsewhere.
Maleficus proceeds along behind the novice squirrelmaid, the ferret holding his cloak in arm as he says, "At least this is a better reception than with the guards. Apparently, they still hold grudges. Not like the Order. At least they teach you the value of forgiveness."
Redwall, Middle Floor
Ahndia nods slowly. "Yes, but the guards are just doing their job, and we are still recovering from recent hard times. I'm in no place to hold a grudge, either. I don't know you, and I know nothing of you. I'm obligated to treat you kindly and with respect until you give me cause to do otherwise." She rounds the corner of the stairs, leading them to the middle floor, and halts in front of one of the many thick wooden doors.
Maleficus nods as he acknowledges, "Yes, they are doing their jobs. Very well, no less. Spotted me a mile away, I think. And trust me, m' lady, I'm not one anymore to give cause for suspicion anymore." He scratches his head a bit, "Honestly, I'm thankful you know nothing of me. No doubt you saw how I was basically jeered upon entry. I've done...pretty bad things to this place."
Ahndia takes the door handle and turns it, but doesn't open it yet. "That's good then. That you've changed. I hope it'll stay that way, if you'll pardon me saying so." She gives the door handle a gentle push, and it opens inward. She stands aside so the ferret may enter. "This is the room for visitors. If you decide to stay longer- and you are most welcome to- We will find a more permanent room for you." The bunk room is mostly empty at this time, as the guests are either getting a late breakfast or outside helping the abbey beasts.
Maleficus nods as he steps towards the doorway and inside, "Thank you. I do hope I stay like this for the rest of my life, too. I've honestly never felt better since...since a long, long time ago. At least it feels like a long time." He chuckles a little, noting to himself how time seems to fly.
Ahndia points to the water basin at the foot of an un-occupied bed near the door. "Any of the beds that have a full basin are open to the taking- no one has yet been around to refil all the used basins." She curtesys slightly in the doorway. "I'll be on my way then. Perhaps I shall see you around, Sir?"
Maleficus bows his head politely at the young novice, "Certainly. I would hope to, anyway. It is a pleasure meeting you." He pauses a moment, "Oh, by the way, beasts around here know me as Maleficus Tyro." He bows his head again, "Do take care."
"It was a pleasure to meet you, too, Maleficus Tyro. I'm Novice Ahndia." Ahndia grins before shutting the door quitely and heading back down the stairs. Dish duty awaits!
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