Rhal was famished. He wasn't certain of human feeding customs and he would have to wait for a lesson as the desire in his belly compelled his hands to pull large pieces of what had been a large bird on to his plate. Plus some sausage. Nothing that hadn't walked and bled would be considered.
There was a distinct, hollow pop as he cracked bones and rose his head and bobbed bird-like to swallow the half-chewed poultry whole. Rhal was certain it would earn him some looks, but for now he would have to play the part of the savage, he wasn't going to wait around for his hands to indelicately cut bits of meat into bits too small to fully taste.
The man they called Markus had been lead to the table and was visibly upset, or perhaps thoughtful. Rhal had wanted to introduce himself fully, offer his services and beg his pardon for staying, though it seemed an inapt time. Amisi spoke of her problem. Then Markus's hand began to shake. Rhal put his sausage down, peering at the man. He seemed the very edge of rage or fear or violence.
