Berating herself silently, Saeryn grinned widely at the group. "Ruthven has it exactly. Have ye never had to serve under an infuriating lord or lady whose only importance is what they seem to believe they deserve?"
"Aye," added Hama. "You'd be surprised at how many high-rankers don't have the constitution for the job."
"Indeed... being of high rank is a job and a half... from what I've heard." Saeryn blushed faintly. The group looked at her curiously, but as she continued to make no move to speak, they politely pretended not to notice the girl's curious reactions to the mentions of nobility. "You cannot simply live the life without paying the price... nobles ought be spending time with commoners to learn what they really need, as opposed to taxing them to pay for a silken dress."
"I'll drink to that!" came a cheerful voice from the door. The table's occupants glanced over to the unfamiliar face. A handsome man of medium height, his broad shoulders carried a sense of inborn power that tended to make impressionable young girls swoon. A light dusting of freckles covered his flushed cheeks. The young man's hazel eyes swept the room, coming to rest upon the only occupant trying valiantly to pretend he was not there.
Ruthven cackled to herself, seeing Saeryn's discomfort. "Ay, m'girl, now there be another handsome young lad. Shall I claim him, or would ye like him yerself?"
Forcing herself to meet the young man's eyes, identical to her own down to the most insignificant fleck, Saeryn's face went dead white. Struggling from the bench, she fled the Great Hall, barely managing to keep the contents of her stomach where they belonged.
"Saeryn!" he called, much alarmed. Trying to follow, he was stopped as the men of the table stood, blocking his way.
Eodwine stepped forward, anger and worry lining his face. "I do not know who you are, or what your business is, but ye've obviously upset the girl, and ye'd better not be thinking of following."
The man made to move around him, intent on going to Saeryn. The twins stepped forward, flanking him. Eodwine spoke quietly. "Do not even try."
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