Force of Nature

Chapter 7

The next morning was a snowy one. The air was frozen, and light snowflakes floated on the winter wind, never landing, never settling. The frosty atmosphere suited her mood as Maisri made her way towards the Transfer's cell. She was dressed warmly and ready for the two days patrol. Her high-necked black woollen jumper was fitted snug to her body under her black hoodie. Black fingerless gloves covered her dainty hands. Her black army boots were comfy over her thick black socks.

Raising her hand, she rapped loudly on the door. To her surprise, Thomas opened the door already dressed.

"Good morning," he smiled brightly at her.

Maisri didn't smile. She simply nodded her head before turning and walking away in the direction of the Mór. They were to have breakfast before they set off.

"It's a lovely morning this morning, right?" Thomas asked, awkwardly trying to create small talk. Maisri simply nodded but didn't respond. Thomas sighed, but thankfully did not try to say anymore.

As usual, Maisri stopped to meet the guardians of the Mór. Thomas stood dutifully behind her on his best behaviour. She waited for him to introduce himself, before they entered the Mór together.

For the first time, they were some of the first to arrive. Maisri groaned under her breath, but just ignored the transfer and sat herself down in the middle of one of the wooden benches, whist Thomas sat himself down opposite. There was still plenty of buzz around the Mór, even this early in the morning. A young serving girl came across to the table and dumped a helping of porridge in Maisri's bowl. Maisri nodded her gratitude at the girl before tucking in. She was vaguely aware of the girl then making her way around the table to fill up Thomas's. She also noticed that he received a more generous portion than she did.

"Thank you," he said distractedly, not even looking at her. The girl blushed prettily and Maisri snorted under her breath.

"Can I get you anything else Transfer O'Hanlon?" She asked helpfully. Maisri pretended not to be listening and smiled into her hot meal at the young girl's obvious crush.

Thomas was already stuffing his mouth with his scolding hot porridge, that it was now too full to answer. He was forced to swallow the scorching morsel which undoubtedly burned his throat, causing him to cough unattractively.

The young girl smiled, a longing look in her eyes. Thomas was oblivious to the girl's affections.

Finally finding his voice, "No, I'm grand thanks," he said his voice still horse from quickly swallowing the hot gruel.

"Well let me know if there is," she paused shaking strands of blonde hair which had come undone from her plait, out of her eyes. Shifting the cauldron of porridge onto her hip she thrust out her hand, "My name is Caileen."

Thomas put down his spoon with a clatter of irritation, looking up at her. Maisri focused on eating her own food, feigning ignorance but secretly watching the encounter with interest. "Nice to meet you Caileen," he said with forced politeness, shaking her hand.

Caileen giggled softly at his attention. Maisri smirked into her spoon as she caught sight of a twitch of annoyance at the corner of Thomas's mouth.

"I'll see you around then," she beamed proudly.

"Yeah," Thomas grunted almost rudely, turning his attention back to his meal, "see you." This was obviously what Caileen wanted to hear as she turned and almost danced to the next table. Maisri watched her, grinning at the girl's naivety.