Where Do We Go From Here

[Maeve]

It was not often that Maeve was without the company of Haldir. As a warrior and healer, he was the one who usually accompanied her on her ventures away from Mabon. But today, was an exception. So many of their kind had been attacked and he was need back in Mabon to provide them aid. Maeve was worried.... worried for her people who were slowly diminishing in numbers. She feared the worst.... yet knew that dwelling in this uncertain future would not help the present nor change the past. She sympathized for those who allowed their bitterness to cloud their better judgment, and consume themselves with thoughts of rage. For she truly believed that if everyone came together....that peace could prosper. That they could find that middle ground between those of magic and those without.

But until then, she was forced to search for help. Any help that she could get! While she did not yet know what it was, she firmly believed that she would recognize it when it came to her. All she could do was travel the land, this time only with the companionship of her loyal friend, Mirshann. A horse from the realm of Mabon, and one of a magnificent white color and accelerated speed and swiftness. She was clad in her purple cloak as it was later afternoon and a small chill in the air. She would have to make camp soon, but wanted to travel for as far as she could. Besides, there could be a small village nearby that could provide better shelter than a cave. Though so far, nothing came in sight. The Forest of Balor was notorious for the creatures and crooks that dwelt within it, but once again, Maeve remained optimistic, focusing on the positive outcomes rather than consuming herself with fear from the worst.

Among the stillness of the air and vacancy of the woods thus far, Maeve could feel something near her presence. Something in the air that was leading her to believe that there was someone else around. And she knew that Mirshann felt it too. He began to take reluctant steps before taking a few steps backwards even. Mae tar tia mellon. She spoke in a soft whisper, placing her hand on the neck of her horse, but he refused to move forward. Not wanting to force it to be in an undesirable situation, Maeve effortlessly dismounted from the horse and moved forward, gently placing her hand on its snout. Shar raika? She asked, questioning what had gotten her friend so afraid.

She noticed that Mirshann's eyes were not set on her and she half turned to follow his gaze. What Maeve saw forced a small gasp out of her as she reflexively jumped back a little, now standing next to Mirshann rather than in front of him. Her eyes widened in fear for she saw two red eyes, staring at her. It was with height, a beast perhaps! As it revealed itself from the concealment of the trees, she got a better looked at it. An animal.... but unlike one she had ever seen. She froze in fear, wondering if speaking to it would make it seem less frightening. Maeve knew it was so very wrong of her to judge a person or creature solely by its appearance. But there was something about her that set an inevitable fear in her. Something she could feel from it. Something that made it unpredictable and worry for her own safety as well as Mirshann's.

Her terror however only grew when she saw a hound appear from no where as well. She took a few smaller steps back, standing more on Mirshann's side. She wanted to mount him and ride off, but feared for what the hound or even the horse may do to him whilst trying to escape. It was a risk to take, and not one she was prepared to make if it cost her the life of her beloved Mirshann. So all she could do was is stand next to her horse, gently placing her hand on its side; trying to console Mirshann, just as much as she was trying to comfort herself. And reassure herself that everything would be alright. She knew that there was someone else lurking about; she could feel their presence. What she could not determine was if they meant her harm or not. Maeve did not like to use the abilities granted to her unless it was absolutely imperative....and she truly hoped it was not.

~ Tag Gael ~

[Gael]

-Gael of Caledonia-



They're the REASON for defiance,

We can't ignore

We're the PROMISE of a new day,



The deerhound moved quickly through the woods, darting in and out of the shadows as if she were playing nothing more than a game of tag and occasionally taking nips at the heels of the shadowmere. While usually a patient animal, the mare was growing tired of such games, especially since she sensed something afoot. But they were father ahead than their human and his steed to call back, so they did nothing more than continue on. All their pathways came to an end at the same time; it was just a matter of how long they had to wait. There was a flash of white up ahead, that Saoirse saw and while she did not normally leave the dog behind, the undead horse carried itself forward up a sloping hill in the forests and stopped on the top. Her ears twitched, but there was nothing to be found until there was a snap. The shadowmere turned her head, red orbs resting on a woman and a white steed. It was but for a second when the deer hound appeared besides the shadowmere and let out a loud bark, she too staring at the arrivals.

Saoirse and Ochulissa were always ahead of the group. It was something that Gael could not really explain, for the Shadowmere in no way was adventurous, so perhaps it was merely because they were the girls of the group and decided to just stick together while he and Shergar hung back. The splitting of the group normally did not bother the Pict just as long as nobody got separated for relocating everybody always proved to be a problem, especially after an ambush which appeared to be common in the forests of Albion. All of these odd creatures were beginning to become a nuisance for Gael, but it also proved to be one of the reasons as to why the council of tribes had been selective in who they should send into the depths of Albion to learn of its weaknesses. The fact that half of the land was made up of trees though, proved that the gods favored the tribes, for they were scattered about in the northern lands as well. His mind had wandered often back to home, and it was a bad thing to do, for it left him open to surprises on occasion, such as Ochulissa’s bark.

Beneath him, the fleabitten grey horses yanked his head, startled by the loud sound that had broken the tranquility of the peace and quiet of the woods, “Shergar, still,” Gael muttered, getting a control of the flighty animal. He never quite understood his horse, while a great steed back home and even in the tribe battles, serves as the bravest of them all, was always rendered into a fearful colt in Albion. The wild magic put him unease. There was another bark that escaped the dog, this time followed by an ugly squeal of the shadowmere, and that was when Gael sent his horse into a quick gallop. It did not take long to find them, they had kept a straight path for the most part and from the bottom of the small incline, he could still see Saoirse and Ochulissa standing there, staring at something. Shergar climbed the small incline now and soon pulled up beside the other two of their party to look and see a woman on her horse. Naturally, she looked afraid, but that did not take away from her breathtaking beauty. Of course, foreign women were nothing but trouble, and therefore, he pushed his thoughts aside, “Ah, beauty afraid of the beast, what a surprise,” he murmured now, his slate eyes falling on the woman, “She fears you and your horse more than you fear her.”

[/font]

This is a WAR

The BLOOD will spill,

The VOICES will be heard.
[/center]


NOTES: | Sorry that took forever! And I apologize for the 'breathtaking beauty' comment XD it's Andy and Erin, so I could not help myself.|
MUSIC: |Wake Up The Voiceless - Story of the Year|
TAGS: |Mave|

[Maeve]

Maeve felt at a strong loss as to what to do. She could feel a tear slowly trail its way down her cheek, feeling preyed on. Afraid. She did not wish to use what abilities her race as faery granted her, but she also had to defend herself however she could if only to protect Mirshann and the future of her people. Fortunately for her, this dilemma was soon resolved. For within the near distance she could feel another presence, and her more natural senses of sound and sight heard and then saw a man emerge from the woods. When he came into sight, she sensed a great many things from him. Dominantly: courage and strength. It was almost contagious for its abundance practically made Maeve feel as if she could use it to provide her own self with courage at such a time of fear. She watched him carefully, the tears slowly subsiding and allowing a less blurred vision of him to come into view.

There was something strongly different about him, compared to most of the men she had seen in this realm. Apart form the aura she sensed around him, he was well built, and held a foreign appearance to him. Mostly the unfamiliar markings around his arm which she caught herself staring at and yet could not help but stare for a few moments, intrigued by something unrecognizable to her. When he spoke, she felt a soft blush on her cheeks, having been distracted at his appearance, forgetting the current predicament she had found herself in. His words however only flattered her and forced the light blush in her cheeks to remain for a few prolonged moments. Her eyes met his before she lowered herself in a deep curtsy. In this realm it was strange, people only bowed in such a way to those who were deemed superior to them. In Mabon, everyone curtsied and bowed to each other, regardless of their rank for it was not of paramount importance nor focus to the people of Mabon.

Remaining in this deep graceful curtsy for a few moments she raised herself, and raised her eyes to him once more, trying to regain her confidence and allow her fear to subside. Mirshann took a few steps back. She was standing in front of her white stallion still, knowing Mirshann would not venture far without her, even if he was afraid. Kind Sir, she began to say in a soft voice, unable to help herself from glancing at the animals that she had once seen as a threat. Perhaps it was naive or simply too trusting, but she strongly believed the man's words. And felt a strange sense of guilt for having misjudged the danger of the animals, solely based on their appearance. Please forgive my intrusion if I have disturbed the land you and your companions graze on. Her words though apologetic, were spoken with a kind smile.

He had already complimented her, something she thought was strongly kind of him, and assured her that she was safe from them. How could she not return such kindness? I did not mean to place you at any inconvenience. With her experience thus far, everyone was so very suspicious of others. It was something that saddened her, but something that also made her have to assure people of such things so that there would not be as much mistrust. She took a small step closer towards the animal, wanting to move past the fear and not judge either creature without being able to better acquaint herself with them. What is her name? She asked, a soft smile still on her lips, trying to remedy herself from her previous frightened state he had found her in.


(( oh you don't have to apologize for the compliment! Hahah Maeve is no better because she is just staring at him I definitely agree with you though!! Andy and Erin are just too awesome to allow the opportunity to totally pass by without throwing out compliments here and there! hehe! ))

[Gael]

-Gael of Caledonia-



They're the REASON for defiance,

We can't ignore

We're the PROMISE of a new day,



Whatever worry that had filled the air, managed to be distilled once he had come onto the scene, for the woman at least. The shadowmere herself was still weary, and he could only tell for her red orbs never left the woman. It had taken him a moment to realize that she had been shedding tears from her encounter with Saoirse and Ochulissa, which was almost quite puzzling. Other than their sounds, the two animals had hardly done anything but stand there. Gael would have thought her not used to animals if it were not for that white horse, of course, not everybody liked to see the more rugged creatures that the world had to hold. But, her gaze did not hold on the animals any longer but on him, and for once, it was Gael who felt himself nervous under her stare and not his usual high strung grey horse.

Her eyes lingered on his tattoo; he knew it marked him as an outsider of Albion. The way she stared at it, it became clear to him that it was something strange and foreign to her, unlike anything that she had ever seen. At his words, stale eyes noticed the faint color that came to her cheeks, hardly the reaction that she was expecting. Their eyes met, hers a cerulean blue almost, before she bowed. What a odd woman she was, Gael was uncertain of what to do. Albion was nothing more than a strange world to him, his people did not bow at each other, they did nothing but nod and only paid attention to woman that they loved or just wanted to get into bed with. So Gael did nothing but stare and remain emotionless for the time being. Her horse took a few steps back, the fear could be seen in the white of his eyes of this situation, fearful of them all.

“Kind Sir,” she spoke softly now, her voice barely above a whisper to him, “Please forgive my intrusion if I have disturbed the land you and your companions graze on,” there was a pause before she added on, “I did not mean to place you at any inconvenience.” She had a strange way of talking; it was so formal to him. Slate eyes merely stared at her for a moment before finally speaking, “We were merely passing through, there was no disturbance at all on your end. Clearly, it was them who disturbed you,” Gael replied now, his Caledonian accent coming out strong. Her gaze moved from him towards the other two now, Saoirse in particular. Noticing the woman’s gaze on her, the shadowmere took a step towards Shergar now and turned, placing her head near Gael to hide, “What is her name?”

He did not answer right away, his hand moving and petting the dark horse even at his awkward angle, his fingers running through the clumped mane, “Her name is Saoirse. Means ‘Freedom’ in my peoples language,” he said now, his eyes still on the shadowmere for a moment and then to Ochulissa, who was staring just at the white horse. Finally though, his gaze moved back towards the woman, “She is from Albion, but the rest of us come from the highlands of the north,” Gael commented casually, studying her to see her reaction. The highlands of Caledonia were often regarded to not be a safe place, a dangerous wilderness run by ‘savages’ as those of Albion referred to them. The tribes could be quite violent, but so was their culture and perhaps ‘proper’ people, just could not accept that. He was curious to see if her stance on him would change or not.

[/font]

This is a WAR

The BLOOD will spill,

The VOICES will be heard.
[/center]


NOTES: | Lol, glad you agree! I'll probably be playing with it the whole thread.|
MUSIC: |Wake Up The Voiceless - Story of the Year|
TAGS: |Maeve|

[Maeve]

When the curious stranger responded to her words with assurance rather than any trace of rudeness, Maeve found it far easier to smile kindly in his presence, and in the presence of what now seemed like rather harmless companions. As we both seem to be on neutral ground, there should not disturbance then from either party. It was merely two strangers, crossing an unfamiliar path with one another. After all what was that saying? There are no such thing as strangers; only friends that you have not yet met. When he revealed her name, Maeve's smile grew a bit more, glad to be better acquainted with the misjudged animal. Saoirse, she repeated, knowing that her lack of a similar accent as his would inevitably mispronounce the word.

But she was trying. It is a beautiful name, she commented, now taking notice of the horse's beauty rather than the immediate intimidation she had felt from it, solely due to its unusually colored eyes. She was going to ask in what language it was from, but he continued on to reveal the general whereabouts from which he came. She had not fallen deaf to his accent. Her physical appearance was deceptive for she was far older than the assumed age that one often believed her to be, and so with so many years of life, came the experiences as well as the vast knowledge of the world. While she could not immediately place his accent, not having heard it so distinctly for many, many years... it became more clear when explained where he was from. Caledonia, she spoke, finally able to connect the accept with the general geographical location of origin he gave.

Her smile did not diminish. She was well aware of the reputation of that land, and it was part of the reason Haldir did not wish to venture there with her. He claimed it was too dangerous, which it could indeed be. But the cultures of this realm were unfamiliar to Maeve. She could understand the general gist of most, but there were others that she often did not comprehend. It only made her more curious and eager to find out, rather than ignore them and judge their unfamiliarity. I have never had the privilege of visiting the lands you speak of. What appeared to be his homeland. If you can, please tell me what are they like? She asked, with genuine curiosity. She may be wise but she was obviously not all knowing. She wanted to acquire more knowledge, more information... the kind that was not given in books and through rumors, but rather through personal experiences of those who were actually from there. Like him.

(( don't worry!! I will be too ))

[Gael]

-Gael of Caledonia-



They're the REASON for defiance,

We can't ignore

We're the PROMISE of a new day,



At his words, the woman did nothing more than smile now. It was odd to see somebody take so kindly to him or his presence. Although, he shouldn’t think any differently of her than anybody else he had run into. Perhaps she smiled kindly at him because he proved to not be a threat, nor did his odd group of animals who remained silently now, only the occasional snort escaping the shadowmere or the horse, and the dog remained quiet and still as a statue, “As we both seem to be on neutral ground, there should be not disturbance then from their either party. It was merely two strangers, crossing an unfamiliar path with one another.” Her words, while understandable, were completely foreign to him. Slate eyes merely stared at her, uncertain of how to take her words. She spoke as if she were a queen like those of Albion, politics included. Gael said nothing though and merely dipped his head in a slight nod.

When she tried to pronounce the shadowmere’s name though, a chuckle escaped the young man. It her voice did not flow well with it, or at least how she talked. It was understandable, for most of the names of his language were hard for others to grasp hold of unless from the region. He knew that he was blessed with a simple enough name, and Rannoch’s name proved to be questionable at points. When she commented on how beautiful it was, his gaze moved from her towards Saoirse, still hiding her head behind him, “Hear that?” he asked. Saoirse inched her head out for a moment, glancing back at the maiden now for a moment but then returned her attention to other things. Gael just continued to stare at her for a moment, but the other’s words brought his attention back now, “Caledonia,” she commented now, his gaze snapping back towards her; a smile still on her face, “You do not fear me?”

Strange if that would be the case. He could only imagine what people say about his culture in these parts, “I have never had the privilege of visiting the lands you speak of,” and that was probably a wise thing for her to do. Gael loved his home and people, but he knew for a fact that foreign women were a prize, and sometimes, they were not treated as such, “Rolling hills and endless woods. There are open spaces though, we have no cities or large structures what the people of these lands have, no monarchs or kingdoms. There are several tribes though scattered throughout the lands. My people are on the upper highlands, overlooking the waters and the warriors paint themselves blue,” his gaze moved off for a moment towards the trees, “People of Albion keep on invading. Caledonia is wild and untamed, just like a wild animal. People should understand that,” he muttered now, his grip tightening on the reins, stretching the skin over his knuckles white. His gaze moved back towards her now, “You have a lot of outspoken curiosity for a woman.”

[/font]

This is a WAR

The BLOOD will spill,

The VOICES will be heard.
[/center]


NOTES: | Sounds good. And your new sig is pretty!|
MUSIC: |Wake Up The Voiceless - Story of the Year|
TAGS: |Maeve|

[Maeve]

Maeve felt slightly embarrassed when he laughed, though it was a good kind of embarrassment. A kind that was glad her inability to pronounce the name provided some amusement to ease the otherwise unusually tense air. It was merely something she would have to learn... however that may be. I'm sorry if I have massacred its pronunciation, she said softly, sincere but also in a lightly kidding manner. She did not feel intensely guilty for it; though she knew that some people easily took offense to others trying to speak their language, only killing it. She sensed no anger from him though, only amusement... which was indeed a good sign. When he spoke to the mare, who's attention seemed to be short, though it was unsurprising, her smile brightened.

The smile remained in place also when he questioned if she feared him. Maeve easily knew the answer to this question. I do not, she answered in a gentle but sure voice. This was the reason Haldir was always so reluctant to leave her on her own. For he believed her too trusting of people. Others called it naivety. Maeve simply believed that there was no need to judge anyone harshly. If his actions were threatening, then she only wished to understand his motives for acting as such. I find no reason to fear you, she said kindly, not in a way to sound overly bold or stubborn, but indeed far too trusting of a man she hardly knew. For you have shown me nothing but understanding and kindness. How could she fear a man made no attempt to endanger her life. Maeve did not believe in judging a person on their place of origin was not right, for everyone held different experiences which shaped them into who they are.

How could someone generalize an entire group of people when each one was so different in nature? They may share customs, but each person held individualistic traits. She did not believe him to be any exception or any reason to disprove to this mind set she held. She then listened attentively to when he began to describe his land. She was so very intrigued by it. For it was different from most other cultures... her own included. It sounds like a wondrous place! She stated with utmost sincerity. At least now the markings on his arm were somewhat explained... though not entirely. I have never encountered a culture quite like that. And it sounds very interesting. To imagine small groups of leadership rather than one large sovereign. She was merely vocally expressing her own thoughts regarding it; the points of interest, though the entire thing was utterly fascinating. Are you a warrior from your tribe then? She asked, already somewhat knowing the answer.

She could feel that powerful strength emanating from him. One that she knew would make his allies and close friends feel protected around him. But she could not exactly make this known. However, she felt saddened to hear that people invaded his homeland, due to the fact that there was no one singular ruler. It was so very wrong of other people to impose their culture and customs onto an already existing one. She knew all about persecution, for her people had and still were being hunted; diminishing at far too rapid rates.I am so very sorry to hear that, she commented, her smile now more of a sad one as she tried to hold back the tears in her eyes. She was an emotional woman and things such as this truly caused her heart to ache. She did not have to know the people who were being invaded on a personal level, to feel their pain and wish less harsh forces set upon them; with the hopes on conquering land they should be free to roam on. If only we could all live in peaceful coexistence... I truly believe the world would be a happier place. Filled with less violence and devastation.

She noticed the way he gripped at the reigns, and wondered if she was saying something wrong. Though his question seemed to explain some of his unease. I feel that asking questions is the only way to obtain knowledge. For otherwise, people can only assume things and misjudge. Maeve was curious, for she wished to learn more about others, and of this world. She knew everything about her realm of Mabon, but to encounter new people, with their own experiences, in this unfamiliar realm.. it was a great source of interest. And she was always happy to meet new people. With of course her ultimate purpose of trying to find a way to save the race of faeries. Have my questions or comments caused any offense? She asked with concern. For it was not my intention if so. She of course did not want to offend him in any way... and hope he did not receive a negative impression of her.

(( AWWWW Thank you !! Thats sweet of you to say!! I got into the whole purple theme with it hehe!! And sorry for the long post! I got a bit carried away! ))

[Gael]

-Gael of Caledonia-



They're the REASON for defiance,

We can't ignore

We're the PROMISE of a new day,



It did not matter to him as to whether she massacred his language or not. For some reason, Gael thought her different from the others and felt a patience with her that he would lack with others, although, he was not entirely sure why. Perhaps not all of Albion was bad, although, it was bad to get distracted by such things, not when there were things that he had to take care of on behalf of Caledonia and somehow, or perhaps he was just being sexist, but he could not imagine her being approving of the violence that he meant to bring later down the road. When she apologized now for her mispronunciation, a faint smile came to Gael’s lips, “It’s is fine, she will not hold you to it,” he replied easily enough as the mare turned her head away. His eyes glanced towards the other two now, far more curious with the woman for it shown in their eyes and ears, yet, they did not dare move from their spot. He wouldn’t believe that they feared her though, just as she did not seem to either.

“I do not,” she informed him now, causing his gaze to glance back over towards her now, a mild curiosity lingering in his eyes. Her voice was certain, and there was no falter at all in her words, yet Gael thought that there should be. While he wouldn’t hurt her, there were things that he was both capable of and dangerous of, something that would bold well if he was not right in the mind. Trust is something that should be earned, not freely given, especially by a woman in the woods, “I find no reason to fear you. For you have shown me nothing but understanding and kindess,” she continued on. Gael remained quiet for a moment, his slate eyes resting on her as she spoke with soft and kind words. Honestly, he could not understand her, she was a riddle and mysterious that just happened to come out of the words to him, blindsided in a way, “You are…different,” he replied gruffly, uncertain of how to even respond and for once, lost for words and therefore, distracted himself with Shergar’s mane for a moment.

Gael would not comment on how she did not generalize him as other people did, as he and his own friends did when it came to others. Perhaps all the lands had a certain sense of pride, and that is what they were cursed with. Strength and bonds between Caledonia and those of Albion were never strong, the invasion had just been an insult to injury and to the tribes, a means of war. He found it odd that she wished to know what Caledonia was like, not very many people did, they all just clumped it into the traditional stereotype that went along with its people, wild and ruthless and in a way, it was true, but that did not mean that it was not without beauty, “It sounds like a wondrous place,” she exclaimed now, sincerity in her voice, causing Gael’s slate eyes to glance up towards her from his horse, even the animals glanced over at her as if they understood her words in confusion. At her new few words, the man simply nodded, “We are not like most cultures, not around these territories at least.”

At her question as to whether he was a warrior or not, Gael felt laughter escape him. It would seem obvious, perhaps though, she was simply asking out of formality, “Granted passage by the gods and my tribes people. My tattoo is my approval and status amongst them as well as other warriors,” he replied now, nodding towards his bicep’s artwork of Celtic knots and designs. The conversation moved forward though, and he found himself getting into emotional subjects that he did not care much for, she was an outsider, he did not complete expect her to understand his words, and when she apologized, Gael truly was not sure as to why she was doing so. As for her next words, a faint chuckle escaped him, “There is no peace without violence,” he commented, there was no other way to look at it. That was how the tribes functioned, the only reason why they have been uniting and putting differences aside is the invasions from Albion.

His clench on the reins had been noticed by her eyes, Gael almost hadn’t been paying attention even with the skin stretching, “I feel that asking questions is the only way to obtain knowledge. For otherwise, people can only assume things and misjudge,” she offered now in answer to his question. The man remained silent as he continued to stare at her with his slate eyes, allowing her to continue to talk, “Have my questions or comments caused any offense? For it was not my intention if so.” Gael remained quiet, nudging the flea bitten grey horse forward, guiding him down the hill to stand besides the woman so he could get a closer look at her. Shergar let out a snort, and pranced slightly, but Gael kept him in place. If the horse was acting up, it had to do with magic, “Knowledge may be important to you, but you remember that asking questions can get you in trouble. I take no offense though, I’m just over emotional as it is,” there was a pause, “My name is Gael,” he added on now, curious to see how much a simple introduction will get him from her.

[/font]

This is a WAR

The BLOOD will spill,

The VOICES will be heard.
[/center]


NOTES: | Well, that took forever. I apologize. Social life is getting in the way|
MUSIC: |Wake Up The Voiceless - Story of the Year|
TAGS: |Maeve|

[Maeve]

She smiled when he spoke with, what she assumed was a faint tease of how he would not hold her to it. She was relieved for that! Afraid to cause offense to those who's language she practically massacred. Some would tell her not to try to speak it at all. But he seemed far more understanding of the difficulty to speak with the same accent. A kindness that called for her gratitude. It was his next words that she felt slightly curious about, stating that she was different, giving no further description of how or why. Or even indicate whether that was a good or bad thing. Perhaps neither? After all he was still in her company. She did not wish to cause him to feel awkward so would not comment on her words nor inquire into them. Despite her previous inquiries she could not be intrusive by asking for a further look into his mind and the reasons behind his words... solely to satisfy her own curiosity. It was a tad bit rude of her. Should he have wished to tell her, then he would have elaborated.

Maeve looked at him when he confirmed that they were not like most cultures around here. I find various cultures so fascinating, she admitted to him with a soft smile still on her face. To learn of how each is unique and how it functions... truly is a wondrous thing. Her interest in these things were genuine. She had traveled the world for years beyond what her physical appearance may suggest. And yet she learned of something new every place she went, every time she went. She looked at him as a flicker of curiosity crossed her eyes, before her facial features relaxed and her smile brightened at hearing him laugh. That was certainly unexpected, for it had taken much to merely cause a smile on his lips. But the sound of laughter was always melodic; for it showed jovial emotion and always eased tension in the air. Not that she felt tense around this man. As she had previously stated, he'd done nothing to make her feel threatened.

His words gave cause for his laughter, and it only made her keep smiling as he answered a question that she had posed. One of many it would seem. Then I feel honored to be in the presence of someone, a warrior, who must be highly regarded in his tribe. While Maeve did not exactly condone violence, though she knew it was the way the world function in this era, she could understand, having learned, that a warrior was something that held honor and a strong bond amongst other warriors. His next words however, were not ones she could agree with... yet her disagreement was based on faith that some may call naive. She liked to call it hope. She had to believe that there was such a thing as peace, without the need for bloodshed. Yet, history showed otherwise. With violence, there is never truly peace. Her words were not meant to strike a debate, but she was merely stating her opinion. For a warrior was one who fought to protect and honor.

She would not make it sound as if her opinion was that his efforts and what he stood for was trivial and unneeded. That, may be verging on the line of offense. I simply pray for a day where violence is not the sole means to attain peace. That human nature would find another way, apart from war and blood. She hoped she had not grown angry or upset by her words for she would instantly apologize if that were the case. Instead however, she watched him as he moved a bit closer to her, closing some of the distance between them as he urged his horse forward so that they would stand beside her. He seemed to be warning her... something that Haldir did very often. I thank you kindly for such advice, she told him, truly grateful that he offered words of caution. They are not words I have not heard before as I feel that sometimes my curiosity can indeed get the better of me, she admitted. In light teasing of herself. She would truly acknowledge such a fault of her own, though it never seemed to discourage her from asking questions to certain people.

Using what gifts she possessed to determine whether it was safe to question them... or whether she felt hostility from them for doing so. Thank you, for taking no offense. More words of gratitude, for she truly was appreciative. When he introduced herself, she found her smile grow a bit. That they had reached a level where he felt comfortable offering his name to her. And she would of course, return the favor. It is indeed an honor to meet you Gael. To be in the presence of someone she had never met before, with a culture unfamiliar yet intriguing to her. And someone who, as she had already told him, showed her nothing but kindness and understanding, as well as patience for her many questions. Her gaze then lowered to the ground and she simultaneously lowered herself in a deep curtsy before him. She remained in this position for a few moments, as such as the proper and respectful greeting of her people (regardless of class and rank) until she finally raised herself to stand upright again, and brought her eyes back to his face. I am Maeve, she introduced. A simple name, void of any titles and surnames. She was simply, Maeve.