Moonspear comedic timing

Markus was not wrong; Hydra was tightly wound. When Andraste fled with flattering words, Hydra did not pursue; it was not a fight Hydra sought here and now, though her fangs had moved to pinch at a hind sharply without real intent to land the lazy blow (and, were she to, she would not tear or break skin—only offer a sharp, measured pinch to remind Andraste that her own pride was not for here; Mahler, an esteemed General, knew as much himself—but she had revealed to Hydra that they did not share the same manner of wisdom...). Alya's voice was heard then, and she confirmed as such with the mute twitching of an ear, one-two that meant yes; and her eyes drifted back to the loner who introduced himself as she slowed and turned. Her interest in him was simply because of his lingering and loitering; he realized, now, his error and seemed ready to retreat. 

Wise decision, that, if he was not looking for permanent residency; it did not seem to be the case. What is stopping you? She inquired without teeth, blue eyes hard upon him. Hydra certainly was not; if he had no desire to stay, Hydra would not feel hurt to see him go. Even toward Andraste Hydra harbored no ill will. Hydra would never think Andraste her equal [none but her mother, her father, or her own family could ever measure up to such, she vainly believed], though she could respect her desire to lead well enough. It was that Andraste acted in such a way on her homestead; even Hydra had enough respect and sense to know not to behave so at anothers door. There was a time and place for such behavior, and for Andraste (nor any other without such titles on the Spear) it would never be here. 

If she did not understand that, she would someday bleed for it; Hydra would not waste her energy on the woman who accepted defeat in her exit. Hydra would not waste her energy to follow her, though should the woman forget her place once again she might become no different to Hydra than meat. But Andraste had made her exit with no additional word; content to know Andraste respected her place and understanding, to a degree, that she had meant no harm now through her words, she hoped a lesson was still learned. 

Indeed, Hydra was a humorless woman; she found the joke only to be in Andraste's entitled behavior, and wrongful opinion. The Vale, more enthralling than the Spear? The lightning must have struck her where she kept her wits, she figured, though her features did not betray her thoughts: poor thing.  It was not very funny, for a jest. Hydra hoped Andraste found Mahler; she would need the guardianship of someone so as to not come to harm.