She wasn't going to just stand there, and watch him approach with those steely eyes. Once she'd realized he was heading for her, that he wasn't just passing by, she moved to meet him, but in a way so different from his own approach. Where he was regal, somber, she was dancing, and something in the sway of her body, the light touch of her stride, reminded him of cats, and of Keahi, that black whore who had set his home on fire. Dimly he was aware of Arah being nearby, but his attention remained on the bay mare, the subtle twists of her walk. Somehow, he had the feeling she was hunting him, testing him, slipping forward like a cougar in the shadows, waiting for the deer to bolt.

He wouldn't, though. He wouldn't run from her.

She halted, and Arah drew out of the shadows. For a moment, Mauja's pale head turned, his blue eyes seeking out her shape, tracing the familiar contour, the stretch of milky white hide across her lean muscles. It always amazed him how her hair grew so long, and why she didn't cut it off in frustration. Didn't it get tangled? Did she ever trip on it? A slight smile played on his face as he inclined his head, returning her greeting, and then his attention shifted back to the newcomer. She spoke, and his 'brows furrowed slightly. Many had been torn from their families, or watched them die; some had simply lost them, or left. Slowly he blinked, watching as the mare's eyes grew cold and distant.. he thought she withdrew from the pain, the memories, away from hope and expectations. "I'm sorry for your loss," he interjected quietly after Arah had first spoken, then fell silent as the antlered mare introduced herself, and resisted the urge to arch a 'brow at her. A family? She certainly hadn't tried cuddling up to Deimos, he thought wryly. But then again, it was true what she said — Deimos might not open show affection to anyone, but Mauja suspected there was more than sadism behind his support.. more than mere cruelty behind the General's patrols and captures of dangerous creatures.

Somewhere, deep within, Mauja suspected Deimos actually had a heart.

A small smile twisted his lips again, hearing Arah boldly declare they were always accepting new members. Had he been the type to cling to his power like a drowning man clinging to floating debris, perhaps he would've scolded her for it — as it was, he merely reinforced it with a slight nod. It was true, in a sense, and Mauja felt no need to attract attention to the fact that he was.. what? Psyche's not-entirely-official co-leader?

Arah fell silent and he felt no need to add anything to what she had said. After all, it would be redundant to extend the invitation once more. Instead, his head resumed its curious tilt, and when he spoke it was in that gentle, open way of his, the kind of voice that suggested you could confess all sorts of dark sins and he would not judge. "What is your name?"