Doctor Abbott

Untitled Part 24

The house remained pretty full for the next few days as the three families swapped off watching for Vidar to come for his bride. Mâvis and Avarr would take turns with work duties as well, to keep the home stocked and fed.

Ben had just finished a few repairs when he came into the kitchen for lunch finding Mâvis and Genie locked in a kiss by the sink. Mâvis shoved off her grunting at the interruption and went into the parlor to sit for lunch. Ben poured some tea and followed him to the table offering him one of the mugs, "You're back for lunch early today."

Mâvis didn't respond as he sat chewing at his newly growing claws. Ben reached down and grabbed one of Mâvis's hands to inspect them. He released the hand quickly seeing the deadly scowl this drew and asked, "Is biting them a good idea?"

Mâvis reached for the tea Ben had put on the table, "I sharpen them with my teeth. Perhaps you should try it. Your claws are like paper."

"A symbiotic relationship, that is fascinating. If I tried that I would be at a loss for both my claws and my teeth." Ben replied as he sat sipping on his own tea. Genevieve and Lúta brought food in for both of the men and joined them to eat it.

"I have no patience for your riddles, human." Mâvis grumbled.

Ben toyed with his food for a moment before turning back to Mâvis, "I have a question," He thought carefully on it for second but realized that he now had to commit to it as Mâvis was staring at him, waiting to hear. "When you and Avarr go to work, where do you go?"

Mâvis brushed the question off as insignificant and returned to his food, "That is not your concern."

Genevieve immediately snapped at him, "Mâvis!"

He sat up and let off a low growl before turning back to Ben, "Why do you need to know? Would you like to do it?" The reply started in a sneer but ended in a hearty grin most likely at the thought of Ben completing the task in his mind.

"I'm just curious, I mean I can't imagine Avarr is still at the palace as a guard. I'm more than sure you're not. With every creature here appearing to be on edge at your presence I just wonder where is there left to find employment?" Ben now chewed himself out for being so stupid as to inquire.

Mâvis shot a look to Genevieve to show his reluctant, obedience and then back down to his food as he spoke, "There is always work for a thug as you like to say. I am called upon to enforce contracts. There is never a shortage of this work for me, even when I am hired as guard."

Genevieve butted in, "He is not just sought out for his skill however. Mâvis is fair no matter who employs him. He can see through lies quickly and will not take kindly to deception for his skills."

Mâvis was now eyeing Ben for signs of his reaction as Genevieve spoke, he watched as Ben bit at his inner lip quietly, never looking up. He stopped looking when she finished speaking and took another bite of his food before issuing an order, "Share your thoughts, Abbott."

Ben stopped chewing and looked back at Mâvis in shear shock of the fact that he heard his own name, "I just find what Genie said fascinating. At times I am not sure who I serve is all. You're always full of surprises. One day I'm in the service of the ruthless and unforgiving Mâvis and the next it is the fair man she describes. The one that saved my wife and avenged my death. The part I find difficult is that I never know which one I'm in the presence of."

Ben stood and picked up his plate to leave as Mâvis sat dwelling on Ben's words. He picked at his teeth for a moment as if deep in thought then he turned to his wife as if to say something only to find her eyes burning into him. He kissed her on the forehead and flashed a toothy grin as he stood to leave, "What? I must keep him on his toes, woman. He will not last long here if he is too comfortable."