Decorum

Elaine wanted to scream in Cailan's face. She wanted to throw a tantrum the likes of which Ferelden had never seen and demand that she get her way. How was she supposed to get back to normal life if she couldn't find Fergus? Scouting, indeed. Well, call him back, then! Couldn't he see how important this is?

She wanted to slap Duncan. She didn't care about his stupid, secret Ritual. She didn't want to join the stupid Grey Wardens. She didn't want to fight any stupid darkspawn in any stupid battle. She wanted to find her brother and go home!

Instead, Elaine fell back on years of good breeding. "Thank you, your Majesty." "What do I need to do, Duncan?" Neither of these men were the type to respond well to histrionics. Her father's words echoed in her mind: Treat them with respect, and they will respect you in return. Hmph. Tell that to Rendon Howe. She shoved that thought and the spike of rage that accompanied it deep down into the depths of her mind. Focus on what's happening right here, right now, she told herself.

When Duncan told her to find a Grey Warden named Alistair, she went without argument.