[Lyra Greenleaf]

"Iswyn! The Floor!"

Theora jumped at the sound of a cross voice behind her. Talking to Iswyn she had barely noticed time passing, even as she washed and dried dusty mugs. Guiltily she looked down. There was no broken shards, which was a relief. But she could see what the cook meant, as there was a great pool of water on the floor, lapping around Theora and Iswyn's feet. She bit her lip, and could feel herself blushing with fear. If she had made this much mess at home, Mama would have punished her. Here, in the world, surely it would be worse? Carefully she kept her eyes on the floor and willed herself to not let tears form.

"Aww, Froma, we're gonna wash it later." Iswyn said, with a half smile. With her elbow she nudged Theora and gestured her to look at the cook. Looking at his face she saw that he was having even more difficulty than Iswyn in keeping his face serious. Relief flooded through her.

"Well, girls, Mistress Bethberry said you were to have a break and a treat... but I'd better see that puddle cleaned up first. If you want strawberries and cream before they're all gone, I'd get a move on."
Theora grinned widely, exchanging glances with Iswyn. Strawberries! she thought excitedly. They were a real treat this early, Theora knew how much her father charged. With a smile she realised that these might be from her farm!

Happily Theora took the towel Iswyn offered her, as she thought of the strawberries fields and her Papa.

"See, Froma yells, but he's not mean." Iswyn interrupted her thoughts.
"He just likes to pretend. He can't fool me."

Theora giggled quietly, both girls trying to keep him from hearing.
"He seems really nice" she whispered back, sopping up the water eagerly. "And isn't it lovely of Mistress Bethberry to give us strawberries? She must be really nice too."

They had soon finished the floor. In fact Theora was surprised that it had taken so little time. Eagerly she took the bowl of fruit from Froma.
"Thank you" she said with a smile, having decided he was definitely nicer than Mama.
"Would you two like to go in and join the party?" he asked, grinning back. Both girls nodded.
"Go on then" he said. "But not for too long!" he added gruffly as they walked over to the kitchen door.

"When did you come to work here then?" Theora asked Iswyn as they entered the common room.
"Well..." she heard Iswyn begin but the noise was incredible. Theora leant her head closer. She felt happier than she ever had, probably. As she watched a little boy run in front of her she knew that she missed her brothers and sister. And Papa of course. But now she had a friend, and everyone was nice. With a contented sigh she listened to Iswyn talking. Yes, she was glad to be here.