On the initial days of travel with Duncan, she was her most quiet self. Contemplating everything from the past days, trying not to get too close with the still estranged human she now walks with. Duncan makes the effort to initiate conversations during camping, meals or idle remarks while riding and teaching Mae to ride on horseback.
"'Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature'" Duncan starts during dinner one day; Mae looks up at him "A wise old woman told me that once. I cannot say I know what you think of mankind after what you've been through" he finishes his soup as she still quietly regards him, now relaxing her shoulders a bit "I hope some of us can prove to you and your people that…" He remains silent for a moment "You see Mae, trust has a vital influence on any relationship that one could create and help grow" he sighs looking at the fire before them "it is this belief we find in each other that a strong relationship foundation can be built, and it is up to each of us to help foster and develop it so that we can depend on each other" he refills his bowl "I will not hurt you, dear girl, and, as I can promise that not all humans are the same, I'm not blind on how your people need to be suspicious around us. I just wish that once you'll meet the others in the Order, I hope you can rely on them as well."
She nods at the man before her, takes a deep breath "I-I know… it was just too much in too little time…". He closes his eyes, put his bowl on the grass and slowly walks towards her and sits beside the elf. She doesn't move an inch, farther or closer to him, as he returns to speak "After the Joining, you will be a Grey Warden. Our Order is still small here in Ferelden, but I trust in each of those stationed in Ostagar, we have a higher occupation: To fight the darkspawn. Male, Female, elves, dwarves… and even humans" he looks at her with the corner of his eyes and takes a glimpse into a small smile forming in her lips at the last statement. "Thank you, Duncan, I'll keep that in mind." He puts his hand in her shoulder and goes to his tent for a night's sleep.
For the first time since leaving the Alienage, even though she slept every night, she was able to rest. Duncan wasn't a man of many words, but it helped her more than she'd imagine. 'The elder trusted him, and his order… mom almost was one of them. I can do this; I'll make them proud.'
I took about ten days travel to arrive at Ostagar, she'd never left the city walls before, so she did slowed them down on the initial days. There was much to see around her as she tried not to be a burden on the Grey Warden. In their arrival, no other than the king of Ferelden himself welcomed them to the camp. He was handsome, smiling ear o ear, and impressive polite to her, for a human man. 'Maybe Duncan was right' she stood while the men talked about the king's uncle. Could she have been more polite instead of calling the arl of Denerim and his family lapdogs to the king? Yes, she could, maybe in another timeline or parallel universe, but it didn't happened today. Thank the Maker Duncan was there to ease the situation. Impressing her, the man mentioned his plans on tearing down the Alienage walls and his disgust on how her people is treated even in their freedom. She thanked him, appreciatively, and he turned to Duncan once more to lay information about their plans.
King Cailan speaks now of glory on the battlefield, the tales of the mighty Grey Warden Order riding with the king of Ferelden in the battlefield, and Mae remains unbelieving on how easy and chilled the major commander of the army is taking it all to… easy? For a lack of better word. As the king leaves, Mae looks at her superior "Well… he's... something alright…" Duncan sighs "What the king said is true. They've won several battles against the darkspawn here" she looks at the bridge where the king is walking and then back at Duncan "Yet, he doesn't seem to take the darkspawn very seriously" He looks away as well, turns to her "True…" points with his arm out so they can start moving towards the camp "Despite the victories so far, the darkspawn horde grows larger with each passing day. By now, they look to outnumber us. I know there is an archdemon behind this. But I cannot ask the king to act solely on my feeling." Mae learned to trust her commander in the few days they've traveled together "Then maybe we should move quickly. What do you need me to do?"
"Feel free to explore the camp here as you wish. All I ask is that you do not leave it for the time being." She nods at him as he continues "There is another Grey Warden in the camp by the name of Alistair. When you are ready, seek him out and tell him it's time to summon the recruits." Her stomach growls at this point, even as she blushes at the noise, she brushes it off "A hot meal would be nice first", Duncan laughs "Indeed.. Go eat and meet with Alistair. You may find me at the Grey Warden tent on the other side of the bridge, should you need to".
