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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.

Nothing? Surely there was something! She wished to help in whatever way she could. There must be something she could offer her assistance for. As he continued to speak, it sounded as if he was leading to something. Talking of how he must learn to live in a world with new rules. Ones unfamiliar in his past. As she had not failed to notice, it cannot be easy for him to do as much. To be expected to be someone new, someone...who fit in a world where others were raised in from birth. Such an adaptation must indeed be difficult, she acknowledged, looking at him carefully, first with slight concern before a smile broken on her lips, brightening her face. Oh Alistair, there is something I can do isn't there? Even if she did not know what he would ask of her.

She liked to think she knew him well enough to know that something was on his mind. You are a difficult man to read, but not impossible, she said with the softest of teasing, meant in the most affectionate way. His difficulty in being read was not a bad thing at all! It was part of what made him who he was... and she did not see it as a negative trait. Please, tell me what is on your mind. For she would do anything he asked! She regarded him as her brother, and she would treat him as such.

Maeve wished to protest. You owe me nothing dear Percival, she assured him. She did not want to think that he would ever owe her a single thing, simply by being here with him. She never quite understood the concept of reciprocity in this realm. But what she did know that everything she felt in the aura surrounding him was filled with strength, honor, and so many other things that made her feel entirely comfortable in his presence. And make her want to stay in his company. I wish the circumstances of our encounter could have been more pleasant. But know that I am just happy to be in your company. For reasons that remained undisclosed right now, so they could only be taken as a stranger, feeling lucky to have met him when he was in need of some support... after having just lost everything dear to him.

She walked alongside him towards his house, or what was left of it. As he said he would fix it, she gave a small nod and soft smile, waiting outside, not wanting to make herself over welcome. He was so very sweet! To go through all this for only her comfort. What an immensely kind man! It caused the soft smile to remain on her lips despite the darkness of recent events. There was nothing about him that could make a person feel unsafe. When he granted her entrance, she went inside, looking around, and knowing that it had once been a quaintly beautiful home. She had seen it when it was still standing, and felt so much love and warmth from it the moment she had stepped inside. Nothing had changed, for even though it was burned, the legacy of such love and strong familial bonds remained in the air. Maeve could feel it, and it gave such a tremendously warm comfort. I can see it was once a beautiful home, she told him.

She then turned to look at him, still smiling when he said that he would stand guard, and to sleep well. She reached out to put her hand on his arm, in efforts to stop him from leaving quite yet. In fact, in efforts to stop him from leaving alone. You should not be alone on a night such as this, she told him softly. Come, we will both stand guard outside and find comfort in sleep whenever it decides to claim either of us. She was not going to let him stay alone in his thoughts and pain. She was here to help him, not sleep while he was hurting. She picked up one of the blankets and went back outside, just outside the door. She spread it out on the ground, so that it provided a thin padding to sit on between them and the floor. She sat down and offered her hand to him, to come join her. Please sit with me, she urged softly and warmly.

Maeve watched him walk away, curious as to where he was going, but also knew that it was not far nor for long. He returned with a lamp and a spade, passing her one of the tools. She took the lamp, walking with him towards the burnt pile of bodies. The smell was horrendous, but it was not that that caused further tears in Maeve's eyes. It was what she saw. So many people... fathers, mothers, sons, daughters... so many lives lost, and for no reason whatsoever. Maeve looked at the body, whispering a few words of prayer for those who had departed from this world in the most gruesome of ways. Would this never stop? Would violence constantly be so rampant in a world that should be promoting peace? Was it not so much harder to fight rather than just work towards more harmonious relations? Some called Maeve naive for believing such things, but she liked to think that the world was not such a dark place.

That there was always hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future. One that would not be filled with bloodshed and tears. She turned to Percival, watching him dig the graves for these now deceased villagers. Many of the bodies were burned to a crisp, but there were some that were still in shape enough to be buried. Deciding to be more helpful, Maeve set the lamp down near Percival so that he would have enough light to see. She then walked towards the large pile of bodies, gently wiping the teardrops from her tear stained cheeks. She was obviously not as strong as him but wished to be of some assistance. And hopefully, would not be more of a nuisance. There was a body on the bottom, one that was not too covered and would be easy to pull out. She took the arm of it and pulled it from the rubble. It had come out easily enough and when she managed to get it out, gasped at what she saw.

It was burned; practically blackened from the fire. But the size and stature of it made it clear that it was a child. Oh my! A poor child! Maeve shook her head with horror and silently wept for these people. She did not choke out sobs, but it was a quiet crying, only evident with her tears and slightly reddened eyes. Who could have done such a thing, she asked rhetorically, unsure if Percival held the answer. She then turned to look at Percival, finding the need to express stronger condolences. I am so sorry, she said, her heart continuing to break for the man who lost all that he had here. I am so very sorry dear Percival! It was all she could say to him, with as much sincerity as she could. No one deserved this fate... how could others be so cruel as to determine who should die in this way?

Maeve could not take her eyes off of him for she was entranced by how grown up he was. To see a man when they were just a baby, transition to this... made her wish she could have come more frequently to visit during his upbringing. But clearly, his parents had done a wonderfully fine job of raising him. For despite the sadness she felt from him, she could also feel something far stronger... a genuine kindness that she did not feel from a great many of this realm. And it only made her proud of the man he had become. Even if it had only been moments since they were reunited. When he began to speak, she reached out, taking his hand in hers. She was not sure how reserved he was in terms of a stranger's touch, but she felt the need to grant him comfort, and take the comfort he was providing her. Her eyes locked with his, the sadness slightly softening though she still felt it in her heart.

How could she not smile at him when he spoke such wonderfully kind words! Percival, she repeated, or more so an introduction to her words. You need not thank me for my presence, for I find it nothing less of a privilege to be in yours. She should be thanking him really! For not telling her to leave him. Something she had grown used in this world outside her home. All you can do for me is to promise that you will never give up hope in anything or anyone. That you stay true to your heart which I know is great. She had been afraid to see him just lying on the ground of the village, afraid that the darkness would consume him and he would enter it without the hope of returning. She was aware that she would eventually have to explain why it was that she knew so much about him, for it was said with far more than mere assumption. It was said with certainty. When he began to stand, she released his hand. It was only then that she noticed just how large he was.

She turned her head up to now allow her eyes to rest on his face. Being in his company could make any woman, or man even, feel well protected; feel safe and secure. Maeve was no exception to this for such instantaneous feelings, mixed in with the trust she had for him... made her feel more relaxed in his company than she had been in a long time. Perhaps the only other of this realm that she felt so secure with was Alistair, and she had met him on more than one occasion as he had become a brother to her. Her smile extended when he draped the cloak around her shoulders. He was so large and strong, yet so gentle in his touch. She took the offer of his hand and with his aid, raised herself to her feet. The gentleness of his touch only growing more tender. Just looking at him now, her neck not so raised up, she cast her eyes to the ground and lowered herself in a cutesy. It was an action that was typical of a greeting between any two people, regardless of status, for the concept of rankings was not so emphasized in Mabon. And Percival, certainly deserved all the respect she could give him.

She raised herself once more, her eyes meeting his as he spoke his next words: words of a burial. Her smile became less but it was still there. Not so much in happiness for the circumstances were too upsetting. But it was better than allowing herself to wallow in the grief that she felt for him. Then we shall bury them, she told him. She purposely said the words we rather than just allowing himself to speak in singular form. She had promised to stay with him, and she would not stand idly by. She planned to be of assistance, in any way that she could. She took his hand in hers once more, and took a step forward, as if to either lead him or walk alongside him towards the pile of bodies. Come then. Let us lay their bodies to rest and pray for the spirits they have become. For in the life after, they are sure to receive all the peace and solace that this world could not offer them in their last moments. She believed that there was a world after this; one filled with all the happiness that others could not find in this mortal realm.

Maeve could have sworn her her heart melted when she heard his voice, or rather the request that he made with such a plea. He was broken... she could feel that much. And she could see it with her own eyes. The way he just lay here now, the way he was in the darkest depths of despair. Maeve wanted to reach out to him as far as her hand could extend. Her eyes filled with even more tears, hearing a phrase spoken with so much desperation; as if he was looking for hope... which meant he had not lost it all. No! She would not let him give up on anything. His family was gone, and Maeve could not begin to imagine the loss in this. She knew what it was like to lose loved ones, for every faery that died, she felt the pain of their loss. But his home and family was destroyed, and one person's pain could not be compared to another. She vowed here and now to help him. To never leave him in this state. And should danger come to them, then she would still yet remain with the poor young man.

Maeve was not too reserved in terms of personal space, and so when he asked her not to leave him, she reached out her hand and placed it on his forehead, gently stroking it. I am not going anywhere, she assured him in the same soft voice. He did not know her, nor she him... but he was not like other people. Maeve had found that in this realm, there was such a lack of trust among the people. In Mabon, people had were not so skeptical of others. But here, it seemed as if no one believed in a good deed without having ulterior motives. But this man needed help, and whether his words were meant this way or not, Maeve was interpreting them as him reaching out to her; seeking help, seeking comfort. He opened his eyes to look at her, and she wondered if he was truly seeing. His next word revealed his disoriented state... that he was not entirely lucid. She hurt for him; hurt for the losses he had suffered. The loss of a mother, a father, and whomever else he had here that were now being burned in a pile of discard.

Maeve did not have the heart to tell him the harsh reality; that she could not give him the comfort that only a mother could give their child. That she was but a stranger to him, yet she could not ignore the bond she had with him; something that compelled her believe she knew him beyond this first encounter. Where they had not even truly met. She kept her hand on his forehead, a touch of comfort... of alleviation of his pain and suffering. Although while she may be naive, she was not naive enough to believe that one touch could heal all. She could do so with physical injuries, but wounds of the heart ran deeper, stronger, and more painful. My dear you are not alone, she said, not having the heart to tell him she was not his mother, but knew that she could not encourage the illusion. My name is Maeve. And I wish to help you. Come out of the darkness that you have found yourself in. She was not asking him to move past all the hurt he felt, for nothing could heal that... time could only make it more easier to bare. She was gently requesting, softly urging him to return to full consciousness, if he was capable. And if he was incapable, then she would kneel by his side and wait until he was able.

They had not been riding too long until the source of the horse's distress was found. A young woman was lying on the ground, and Maeve could feel so many different things emanating from her: the most dominant was the pain and weakness she was currently experiencing. Before Mirshann even came to a full halt, Maeve practically glided off the animal, and rush towards the woman, falling to her knees. Her eyes filled with tears upon witnessing and feeling the pain from her. The poor dear! Concern filled her eyes, but she withheld touching her for she knew just upon first glance that her injuries were too deep for Maeve to heal on her own. As each faery possessed healing abilities, they only went to a certain extent and Haldir's was the strongest. Which was why she was so utterly relieved that he had come with her.

It had not taken him long to join her side, going to his knees. There was the unwavering stern look in his eyes as he looked down at the woman. He knew the situation well enough to know what needed to be done. [color=plumRe air thadol, Maeve said in a soft, yet desperate whisper. Haldir did not say anything. He placed his hand on the woman's forehead and closed his eyes. He then proceeded to speak under his breath, foreign yet poetic words. They were ones that would hopefully pull her from the darkness she was currently dwelling in and pull her back to the lightness of this world. Maeve watched, subconsciously holding her breath out of fear and the anxiety of unknowing whether they had gotten to her in time.

After several moments of deeply whispered words, Haldir opened his eyes. Meave looked at him, awaiting his answer... as if everything was hanging on to the words he would soon speak. Lye tasti a' he' ber e' coiasira. Maeve felt herself quietly breath a massive sigh of relief. Re shor shi tereva, he added on for extra confirmation. Maeve could not yet smile, though she was beyond happy that the young woman had survived... that she would live. Once this certainty was made, Haldir rose to his feet. Maeve did not need to ask where he was going. He did not enjoy the company of humans, and she of course respected that. While his actions showed he was not cold hearted, he was not as welcoming to them as she... hence the reason he pretended not to speak English in their presence. He would not be far, Maeve knew that. But with Poldora, he rode off into the near distance. Out of sight, but not out of full reach.

Maeve however, remained knelt next to the woman and her companion. She looked to the horse for a moment while she spoke her next words. She will live, she said informatively. She then turned her gaze back down, to the girl and gently took the stranger's hand in her own. Come out from the darkness, Maeve urged the softest of voices; trying to pull her back to consciousness. As a faery with the power of illusion, Maeve could enter her dreams, but hopefully there would be no need for that right now. Hopefully, she could return in a more natural way. For it will not consume you today. It was not her day to pass on from this life... thankfully. She looked so young; far too young to have been the victim of such brutality. It only caused Maeve more heartache to think of what she was forced to endure. For even if they could help her now, nothing would take away her memory from having experienced such a vicious attack.

Maeve could sense the distress in having to adapt to this new role. And it was entirely understandable. For it was not difficult for a man from one dramatically different culture, to conform into this one. She knew Alistair would never ignore his roots, as he was even still speaking to her in his language... but it must not be easy for him. Having to hide who he really was among all these people. She understood that only to some extent, for once she was outside Mabon, she had to pretend to be a traveler; unable to reveal her true self. And it was rather saddening... for she knew she was not the only one who had to conceal their true identity out of fear of being punished or hunted for it. It was such an unfortunate thing, and hopefully the day would come when everyone, practitioners of magic included, could roam the earth, unafraid of others discovering the gifts they possessed and their capabilities as sorcerers.

She gently put her hand on Alistair's arm in a comforting manner. I can not even begin to imagine how difficult this must be for you, she began with a soft smile. You are a passionate and determined man Alistair. And you have proven that once you set your mind to purpose, you can achieve your goal. Though she did not doubt Isadora was there to support him through this difficulty in adjusting to his new role... she wanted to be there for him too. Even if it was just by offering a few words that could bring comfort and solace to him. You wished to fight for your people, for their rights, and you became a great warrior. Maeve did not particularly like violence but it was a common occurrence in this realm. You wished to protect and be with the woman you love and now you are a now a knight, able to be by her side.

Not in the sense of openly being with her, but more so how close he was able to remain with her. You have a great heart. And are destined for great things my toror'. Never be disheartened or discouraged. She did not doubt all the good he could and would do for his people, for everyone really, when in this position of authority. He would have such a strong empathy for them... able to relate to their hardships. Despite the negativity she had felt from him, due to his past deeds, she still believed in his greatness. That he would help others in grand ways when he was king. She obviously believed in the love between him and Isadora to be of utmost sincerity and genuine feelings... but to think of what he could do for the entire kingdom... it made Maeve so very optimistic. And she wanted to remind him of that good that he would do, rather than just the difficulties he was currently faced with.

Maeve was tremendously excited about tonight! Much to her surprise, yet utmost delight, she had received a message from Alistair, inviting her to the royal household of Gwent to join he and Isadora for dinner. It was a wonderful invitation and one that Maeve accepted without a moment's hesitation. There was also something else in that message that had been a bit surprising, though the faery queen did not question it. She merely complied, bringing what Alistair had requested, though wondered why after all this time, he would need such a thing. This inquiry would not be the first thing she asked, for she was far too excited to see two dear friends after such a long passage of time. Their paths did not often cross... not as much as Maeve would have liked. Especially with him having found a stable home and moving around a lot less. She was so very happy for him, for Isadora... for them both! She had entered the city only an hour or so prior to the time they had set to meet. It was just enough time for Maeve to prepare.

She rented a room at the inn, having brought a dress for this very occasion. She changed into lilac garment, one that was form fitting and flowed behind her, creating a bit of a trailing tail as she walked. It had silver intricate work around the neck and waist area. The sleeves perfectly fit her up her arms, all the way to her wrists until it flowed down as well, creating an long extension of the sleeves. Her hair was styled being straight at the top and large ringlet curls at the bottom with her bangs to the side. She wore not a crown, but rather a small band with thin and fine silver chains connecting the few small diamonds and amethysts that were on it. She wore the necklace that she always did, which was the source of her energy and power when outside Mabon; it was her physical connection to her home. Maeve rarely dressed like this outside of her realm; in fact, it had been many, many years since. But today, she looked like a foreign queen of a foreign realm for all she wore was native to Mabon. Once she was ready she stepped outside where Haldir was already waiting for her.

She would have insisted he come, but knew better. Even if he did not wish to join them at the dinner, he did not enjoy being solely in the company of so many humans. It was after all why he pretended not to speak English most of the time. He had conversed with very few, Alistair being one of them. And though Haldir was not particularly fond of many, Maeve knew that he was slowly adjusting to Alistair's presence, even speaking to him a few times... for he had come to accept that Alistair would forever be a part of Maeve's life. He passed her the pouch which entailed not only what Alistair had requested, but individual gifts for both her gracious hosts. Ier lle mesi lle shor il tysti? She asked as they began to make their way to the castle. She just wanted to be certain that Haldir had not changed his mind. Aelai os coiasira eller ar' amin shor shi sharol ten' lle iire lle ierp thorolaer. Maeve softly smiled, unsurprised by his consistent decision. Once they arrived at the courtyard he watched her enter as one of the guards approached her, before moving out of sight, yet not straying too far in case his duties called upon him.

The guard seemed to know who she was, though she explained just in case. He nodded and said that he follow her, to where she was to be expected. Maeve walked behind him, this not having been the first time in the castle of Caerleon, but its beauty never ceased to amaze her. She silently followed until they reached a room which one of the guards was standing in front of. He pulled the doors open and that was when Maeve rested her eyes on Alistair and Isadora. She brightly smiled immediately upon seeing them and gracefully walked towards the couple. Once she was closer, now standing in front of them, she spoke. My dear friends, she greeted as she lowered herself into a deep and elegant curtsy, nearly going to her knees. It was after all the respectful and appropriate greeting. She remained in that position for a few moments before she raised herself and her eyes met theirs once more, looking between the two. I can not fully express how wonderful it is to see you both! She made no attempt to conceal how happy she was to be in their company once again.