As Berrac's anger rose in response to the restraining device held before him, so did Maia's temper at his response. Unlike Berrac's burning fury, all wild and fiery, Maia's anger was cold and sharp like tempered steel dipped in ice.<i>"Start by restraining yourself!"</i>Maia snapped at the рфп soldier.<i>"Every water naga child learns restraint and self-discipline, knowing that our touch can kill. Yet here you are, clutching at your hammer for not getting your way. I thought better of the man who was supposed to protect us!" </i>As Maia had displayed with Evy's lecture, she formulated her words mostly to show disappointment, trying to appeal to Berrac's sense of a better self.<br/><br/>When tensions decreed, Maia did not relax just yet. Watching Berrac carefully as he backed down before casting a disapproving look at the laughing Juleean. The chastity belt got tucked away again safely in it's storage spot. Maia only truly let her guard down when the stranger made his appearance in the cave, in all his blooded armour glory.<i>"At ease, young warrior."</i>She subtly waved her hand, indicating that Akris could drop the salute. Curious, she slithered over to the newcomer, circling around him once. The royal naga appeared rather interested in the half-blood<i>"Are~ This is the first time I've seen someone with legs bear the scent of a naga."</i>Maia glanced from Akris to Berrac who got his act together and his mind set on saving the pixies.<i>"You'll come talk to me when you return, young warrior. I'm very interested in your story. I have utmost faith in you. Help return our colleagues so that this science expedition can be salvaged still."</i>Maia said, before slithering away, leaving Akris to his new duties.<br/><br/><i>"Speaker, we'll have to..., errr, speak before our guards return, once you've caught your breath and rested a little."</i>Maia returned to Alicia's side, glancing at Juleean.<i>"I recognise his scale pattern but not him, Mr Trekaar. He might be from a clan I know. Their matriarch hails from a naga colony with a notable human population. As for where I got the, errr, restraining device from. Well, the tail portion of my suit actually has considerable storage slots. I've got a few different designs of chastity belts along with other implements to better commune with our gods." </i>Maia tried to look like her usual self, but the trauma and shock of the attack and the showdown with Berrac meant that Maia's hands were noticeably shaking.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>