An unfinished story

One

She sat at the table, a happy, almost oblivious look on her face. Hesitantly, I stepped toward her. Was this who I was supposed to meet?
In a pink and brown, almost steampunk-looking dress that went just above her knee and her hair tied in pigtails, she didn't look very threatening.
Before I could come very close to her, she jumped up giddily and skipped to me with childish energy.
"Hello!" She curtsied, talking in a fast and high voice, like a flute. "You must be that new gi- er, are you a girl or a boy? Anyway, are you her highnesses new apprentice?" She put an emphasis on the word highness, as if it was a sarcastic comment.
"I'm so exited to meet you! By the way, I've been asking around, do you remember what it's like to dream? I can't remember! I simply must pay attention next time I fall asleep."
"I- no, I guess," I said, confused by her talk.
She looked disappointed, but went back to being annoyingly happy. "Well, are you the apprentice, or should I get rid of you?"
"I'm the apprentice, you can be sure." I spoke with confidence, though I was as nervous as I should be.
She pouted. "Why don't ya put a smile on that face?" She led me to the entrance to the area, a set of large oak doors. "make sure you bow or curtsey or you know, whatever genderless people do."
Genderless? I've been insulted before, but that's just rude.
I shouldered her off of me and made my way to the doors.