"Ah, there you are Maric!" Laana said as she got within shouting distance. "You better have a good reason for making me run about the country for half the day! I had to talk to some rather unpleasant people to find out where you lived."<br/>When she arrived at the party, Maric was more relaxed, but still had his off hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Farren however just kept looking nervously between the two with the occasional glance back at Nimue. The armored paladin leaped off of her horse with surprising grace and slowly approached them, seeming to scan the group for any threats. Her gaze skimmed from Maric, and then to Faren, before finally settling her eerie stare on Nimue.<br/>"Why did they send you out of all of the others?" Maric said to take her helmeted gaze away from Nimue.<br/>"Because out of all the others, I know you best." Laana replied, slowly peeling her eyes from the younger woman. "Also, I wanted to have a reason to get you to speak to me that you could not resist. Honestly Maric, you of all people should know that a lack of interest always draws a woman's attention."<br/>"You were the one that showed a lack of interest." Maric growled, the hand on his hilt tensing as he spoke.<br/>"Still upset about that? That was years ago Maric." She replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. "You've never been one to hold a grudge."<br/>"Can you just do your damn judging already and get out of here?!" He snapped.<br/>"Come now, can't you at least invite me in for some tea?" Laana asked, finally removing her helmet with a wave of her hair to cast aside any strands in her eyes.<br/>Well, that was partially why.<br/>"I have been riding all day looking for this place. The least you could do is act like a proper host."<br/>Maric wasn't exactly thrilled about the idea. However, she had shown no ill intent so far and etiquette did technically call for him to treat her as a guest. And it probably wouldn't hurt the judgment to be a little more in their favor. Casting a look back at Nimue, Maric nodded his head to show her he was fine with it, but it was her say as well. After all, they were partners now, were they not? It was her home as much as his.