Maas watched with silent interest as the Commander began the ritual, though he did wish he would stop talking and simply get it done. He hated waiting for nothing. The dwarf was first to drink the mixture, which Maas could smell from here. It was not a pleasant scent. As the dwarf passed the large goblet on, Maas was somewhat disappointed; the Commander had informed him that the Joining was a carefully-guarded secret within the Wardens. If that was so, it was kept pointlessly; passing a foul drink around was hardly worthy of such attention. His eyebrows drew together as the Saarebas took her drink, but he said nothing and remained motionless. It wasn't until the Saarebas fell to her knees in pain that Maas realized exactly why the Joining was so secretive: the dwarf was the only one not affected by it, but the Joining was dangerous. As the Saarebas fell to the ground, Maas grew somewhat hopeful. However, a quick look told him she was merely unconscious, not dead: her eyes were moving rapidly beneath their lids, and her face was tightening in pain. Or was it fear? It didn't matter; she had survived, and that was that. Maas waited, this time far more interested, as the goblet was passed to the elfling.