[ Her answer seems to satisfy his curiosity. He had thought as much. He had never thought Bastila one to strive for power out of sheer hunger for it. Power means security--to some degree--in their world. A recognized talent meant that others valued her. Of course, to him, none of that mattered when it came to her. Bastila had been a friend when he had no other. His mentors far succeed his age, and there were no siblings to keep him company. Being a ward of his House meant someone near him in age and a friend. Someone to hide away in alcoves with during the thunderstorms that would ravage the face of Caladan. ]

Maybe you forgot how I ask to get your attention. [ The humor is clear in his tone then. ] You haven't forgotten how to play coy.

[ He flicks his crysknife in his hand, circling her blade, and causing it to sail away. A flourish to make it seem more as if he has disarmed her than simply her giving up. In one brish motion, his other hand raises and pulls down the wrap and mask that obscures the bottom of his face. The plug into his nose for the stillsuit still remains. A curling smile shows with no restraints.

He's missed when they could toy with words at one another. It wasn't simply the time that had passed since the fall of House Atreides that they had been able to speak in such a way to one another. ]

The only bow I would accept from you is to pledge fealty to the Duke of House Atreides. [ A pause, and the smile somehow curls further. ] You'd only call me Maud'Dib if you were Freman.