It was a struggle to hide the true expressions, it was never something he cared to do much, never something he truly needed to do either, but it was different in Thedas. Leliana's demeanour took him aback, and all that he showed was the distinct silence that followed her words, his face remained the barely neutral, haughty look. There was no malice that he could hear in her voice, or sense in her bearing, so these could not be lies or attempts at manipulation, yet he had not the ability to look into her mind, or discover her true thoughts, either, so the suspicion he kept close to his heart. A shame, truly, for in all his life he had known many who were kind, who were noble and loyal, but this was Arda, and here right now, it was this land of Thedas. And here he could not let himself be fooled or manipulated, it wasn't just his own safety and name at risk here, after all.

There were many sharp words that came to mind, and he would utter them, his tongue as much a blade as his knife, but he held them back. For now. Leliana had come to him with apparent good-will — which was far more than ever could be said about Cassandra —, and so she would face the same in return.

"Any elf will listen, gladly, when they are presented with good-will instead of ignorance, and respect instead of arrogance, and counsel or aid we will offer as well, should it be needed," though there were those who would advise against asking elves for counsel, with their tendency to answer both yes and no. The thought of hobbits came to him, old friends and one of them stuck right here with them, in this dark world. Inadvertently, Legolas's tone gentled. "And the future will show the truth of your words.

"So you have my attention."