"So I am gathering. I had hoped they might be sentient, but it does not appear so."

He noted her wariness with a bit of admiration. She moved comfortably here, as though she were used to her surroundings, but he was still a new addition to wherever this place happened to be and it was always best to be on guard.

From her posture and simply the way she carried herself, he had to wonder at her station in life. She walked like royalty, and he found himself bowing slightly.

"Do forgive me for bothering you."