Don't Worry About Them

Archer watched the woman hand over a bowl and some bread. With red cheeks, he smiled before speaking, ''Why are you quiet? I don't bite, you know.''

He eyed the soup appreciatively. Its aroma was tantalizing, and the broth was filled with tender chunks of meat and colorful vegetables. As he dug in, savoring each spoonful, he couldn't resist dipping the bread into the savory broth.

The gesture elicited a soft giggle from the maid that caught him off guard. Archer looked at the older woman who was smiling. He shook his head and held out his hand, ''I'm Archer Wyldheart, the most handsome dragon on Thrylos.''

She took his hand and introduced herself, ''Meredith Silverbane.''

They continued eating in silence, but he noticed an air of depression around Meredith, which caused him to grow curious, "Are you unhappy with your work?"