A/N: Set after 'Travelling', the meeting between Mahariel and Cailan. I think Marina Mahariel would support Loghain if he hadn't gone about taking charge of the situation all the wrong way.
Respect
Mahariel
The man is like an overeager halla. An overeager young halla, she thinks as a blonde man in ridiculous gold armour flanked by two bodyguards almost runs to greet them.
"Your Majesty," Duncan says, clearly surprised. "I did not expect…"
"A royal welcome?"
The blonde king beams at Duncan, who bows slightly. "And this is she?" he turns to her. Clearly Duncan sent word ahead of their arrival.
"Your Majesty, this is…" Duncan is cut off yet again by the overeager halla pup.
"No need to be so formal, Duncan," he laughs. "We're going to be shedding blood together after all. Welcome to Ostagar, friend!"
Her scornful words escape her almost before she is aware of what she is saying.
"I am no friend of yours, human lord," she snarls. Duncan shoots her a pointed look and she backs down. "I am Mahariel," she amends. She may not respect Cailan, but she has great respect for Duncan from a long time on the road.
"It's a pleasure to meet you! I trust I can rely on your help?" Contempt nearly overwhelms her but she disguises it.
"I am here to join the Grey Wardens," she says. Duncan gives her another warning look.
"But of course, if assisting your army aids the Wardens, then you have my bow."
"Excellent!" exclaims Cailan, and she nearly spits on the ground at his feet, instead managing to keep a pleasant smile on her face, inwardly seething.
