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Náin had a good vantage point, he thought, of the proceedings. He was near the front, where he shorter stature would allow him to see, nestled amongst a group of the Hall's retainers with whom he was somewhat familiar. He was thus able to hear clearly Degas' words
"Surely, Garreth, this is no courtship. For if it were, I am sure an honorable man such as the lord of this Hall would have asked leave of the lady's brother."
There was a provocative declaration if Náin had ever heard one. The noise in the hall rose immediately.
"And why is that?" Náin asked Garstan, who was one of those standing near. He did not bother to lower his voice. If anything, he raised it so that it might be heard among the crowd- and more than a few heads turned his way.
"It is the proper way," said Garstan, more quietly. "When wishing to court a lady, one ought to request the permission of her father."
"Degas is not Saeryn's father," pointed out Náin. "And is not Saeryn old enough to choose these things for herself? Among us Dwarves, we let our womenfolk decide- not their fathers, who are our brothers and comrades in arms."
"We are not among Dwarves," said Degas, loudly. "And as Garstan said, such is not the way among the Eorlingas. I am sure that Eodwine would do the honourable thing in this, as in every matter."
"So is your father, and Saeryn's, dead then?" asked Náin loudly, though someone behind him was trying to whisper that he should hush. "Or have you no other, elder brothers."
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