Will Lily ever be able to ring the bells again? or Well, that got awkward... (A Redwall log) 4-6-2016
Redwall Abbey: Open Ground
Badgers: Oz, male.
Mice: LilyMoore, female. Thomas, male.
Oz has had an odd day, well not really but meeting his nephew and talking some with him he decided to do something a little different on his break time and made it a little longer. He walks from the direction of the graveyard slowly and is heading back towards the main building
LilyMoore has been released from being forced to stay with her grandmother at all times, but she is still under strict discipline. Carrying a heaped-full laundry basket, she heads towards the pond. Seeing the badger, she just bows her head and keeps walking....
Oz stops as he hears footpaws along the ground and waits till she passes before he speaks softly "Greetings Lilymoore...how are you today?"
LilyMoore pauses and looks at the badger. "Oh, hi Papa Oz," she says quietly. ".....how are you?" she asks, blatantly avoiding the question he just posed. She shifts the basket on her hip so its edge isn't biting into her anymore.
Oz tilts his head "I am fine, your voice tone betrays you what is wrong?" He does mention his day "I got to meet my nephew today by the way, interesting beast"
LilyMoore looks back at the ground and shrugs, which actually makes a sound because her shrug makes the basket move against her dress. "I'm glad that you met him. Was it....Xander?" Again, she deflects his question! Does he really wanna hear that she's depressed? And is she allowed to tell him that she got threatened with banishment from the Abbey? She has no idea.
Oz sighs and decides for now to let the matter go, "Yes it was. Seems he didn't want to talk to the other dibbuns as he stayed by my side most of the day."
Thomas comes from around the front of the Abbey, tapping his stick along the ground before him, the mouse enjoying the glorious day. "Greetings, friends," he calls out, "How are you?"
LilyMoore blinks. "Oh. That's kinda sad..." and then the blind mouse appears. For the love......what's with people asking her how she is?! Ah! She also ignores /his/ question and just simply says, "Hi."
Oz says, "Maybe you can be on of Xander's friends, but that's up to you"
Thomas stops walking. Hmm. "Xander, is that the bright young badger I met earlier? Smart fellow. Hmm." He leans on his walking stick. "LilyMoore, yes. I recognize your voice. Haven't heard you out and about lately..."
Must. Deflect. Questions! Lily just shrugs and smiles, but her voice betrays her turmoiled feelings, even though she's trying to hide it. "maybe.....once I...uh....don't have anymore chores to do. I've, uh, been helping my Nana in the Infirmary" (which is true) "and I've had to give up Bellringing for a...while." More like indefinitely, but she's not going to say that. ...at least not right now.
Oz asks, "Ahh I have heard someone else is ringing the bell, a couple novice did it earlier and messed up slightly, not anything serious but why are you not bell ringering Lilymoore?"
Thomas frowns. "Ah, I am sorry to hear that. You did ring those bells so nicely, too..."
"Because...." Lily droops a little. Might as well tell part of the truth. "It's part of my punishment for attacking Cynthia. I'm....sorry for complaining. I know I deserve it....and worse. I....was actually on my way to clean the laundry of my family, aswell as some bandages for the Infirmary."
Thomas says, "You know, I do recall that, actually. The Friar talks about it with some regularity..."
Oz listens, " I was told about what happen, not the punishment as the abbot seemed to not want to discuss and when Benar says that you drop the subject. I know Leon and Dorarose came back early also."
LilyMoore shrugs again, which again makes a little noise, and looks to the ground. She is silent. Maybe they'll leave her alone now? She hopes so.
Thomas is perceptive, possessed of a keen sense of hearing, and does not give up that easily. He just stands there, silently, before speaking. "I'm sure you're sick of lectures..."
LilyMoore rolls her eyes. A very loud expression, to be sure. (Sarcasm.) "Yes, I am." Her voice doesn't sound that sad anymore....which may be a good thing. "But I can understand that I deserve more..."
Thomas shrugs his shoulders. "Not my place to say whether you deserve more or not... You certainly seem apologetic, though. At any rate, I do look forward to your return as bellringer."
Will Lily ever be able to ring the bells again? She doesn't think so; she barely even lets herself hope. "...thanks...." she starts fiddling with a loose strip on the basket edge.
Thomas hmms, tilting his head. "I know that tone of voice... I am quite sure the Abbot won't stay angry at you forever. After all, that is an awfully long time, you know. Mmm." The blind mouse rubs his chin. "Alas, though, I am rambling. My apologies, Miss. I talk too much, sometimes."
LilyMoore thinks it's better than trying to make her talk. But she refrains from saying that. "It's okay. Listening is something I'm practicing," she adds in an attempt of a joke, but she means it, so.....yeah. She's not a engaging conversation partner right now.
Thomas nods his head at that. "Listening is good. Better than talking. A good skill to practice. Keep up the good work..."
This is getting awkward. Lily turns to head towards the pond. "Thanks. I...I should wash this stuff before it gets dark...." Time to retreat before she spills her secret of almost getting banished! Will the blind guy follow her? She just wants to be alone.....
Thomas nods again. "Oh, yes, quite. My apologies, again." He sounds really sorry now. "I've kept you too long, sorry Miss." He turns, and starts to walk away, using his staff to guide himself.
LilyMoore breathes a sad sigh. "Have....have a nice evening!" She calls as they head in opposite directions. She's just gonna mosey over to the pond and do her laundry alone....
Thanks for reading!
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