Eiriana peered down at the tray of small gemstones that sat before her at the counter. Carefully, meticulously, she sorted through them, sorting them into the little container that sat behind the counter.

She enjoyed work like this! She enjoyed keeping the shop at the base of her master's tower clean and prepared for any customers who might come seeking out his wares, or who might wish to trade.

Still, as she continued to work, Eiriana found herself distracted. She found herself struggling to focus. That irritated her! She shouldn't be distracted. She shouldn't be bored! She shouldn't have been irritated! She was not meant to feel these things. Her gears and metallic parts, the magical runes that held her parts together and powered her, were not meant to give birth to a creature that felt such things. Surely her creator, above her in his distant tower, would be upset if he knew.

Eiriana frowned. She felt strange, and as she continued to try to finish her chores, the door to the shop opened. She straightened, feeling relieved at the interruption.

"Hello," she said, greeting the customer politely, a careful smile fixed on her artificial face, "how may I help you?"