"The same way one rides a lover. Practice, patience, and a great deal of ointment after the fact." A twist of his old humor, faint and flickering but for them? It is there. The idea of riding long enough to get something from home, something he should have had on his own ride up if he had ridden of his own accord? Warms him. He would not be alone. Korrin and Araceli are clever and quick and guards better than most can hope for.

"Perhaps after we see your hair braided, Carina." He tips his head back to smile at Korrin and it is slight and it is strained, going only a little more at the mention of the Crowlings. He vouched for them- they are his responsibility. "Well. I did promise them some manner of treat if they didn't try to seduce anyone as leverage. As no one seems to be particularly seduced..."

It is a legitimate concern, the seducing.