There was a long, tense pause, until he finally grumbled out, "Enchanter Mona Seward. I'm surprised you're still alive."
"The same could be said of you," she chuckled, though there was little warmth or humor in it. "Has Greagoir finally had enough, and sought to pawn you off on us?"
"He's not Knight-Commander anymore, or have you been too busy riding your griffons to stay in touch with reality?" he jabbed back with disdain, but she stood her ground in a way that few had ever seen any mage deal with the gruff man.
"I see the years have not changed your charming persona, at all. And I'm glad." There was no sarcasm in that last statement -- Mona did seem actually pleased to see him, moreso than the other way around. She added cheekily, "You're a bit more weathered than our average recruit, but at least we won't have to whip you into shape. Before you ask how I knew, Alistair sent a message from the Tower a while ago."
Maddock laughed derisively, "I always thought the Warden-Commander to be touched in the head, but I can't believe he'd actually leave you in charge."
"He didn't. I'm just the welcoming committee. I thought some of your wards would be more at ease to see one of their own first," Mona replied calmly, turning to face the rest of the crowd. Before the templar could get in another word, she began to address them, "As you may have just heard, my name is Mona Seward. I am a Grey Warden, third-in-command of the Fereldan order. Some of you may remember me from when I was a member of the Circle," she paused to glance around at the various faces, though it was hard to tell if she actually recognized any of them. "Regardless, this will be your temporary home for the next week or so, at least until Alistair returns and we can begin the next phase. Understandably, some of you must be exhausted. You have each been assigned quarters and can be shown to them now, if that's what you wish. We have hot running water, a fresh change of clothes, and plenty of food in stock. You are welcome to explore the grounds, but no mage can go unaccompanied by at least one templar should you want to see the rest of Amaranthine. These are, unfortunately, the rules as per our agreement with the Chantry that allowed you here in the first place.
"But please, enjoy yourselves. It is Summerday, after all, if you couldn't tell by the sea of children in white frocks," she concluded, now grinning at them, even as Maddock continued to glower. "We're having a feast at sundown, if you'd care to join us. If you have any questions, ask the guards for directions to my office. But if you want to be shown around a bit, there are a few people around here who may make better tour guides than I," she said, gesturing directly at the younger of the two warriors who had been sparring, a hint of mischief in her eye. Conlan Delaine had been there long enough to make himself useful in that regard. "Now if you'll excuse us... Ser Maddock, could you please come with me?"
Maddock muttered something under his breath, before barking out to his juniors, "Thearre! Demarc! Keep 'em in line." With that, he marched alongside the Warden in grey, placing a wary few feet of distance between them, following her lead up the stairs and back through the front doors.