Sensing the restlessness, Eamond gently shepherded them into a slightly quieter alcove, away from the main flow of guests. "Listen," he said, his voice low but clear enough for all to hear. The group immediately quieted, their attention focusing on him.
He didn't scold or command. Instead, he spoke with a quiet practicality they had all come to rely on. "I know you want to look around. So do I. We can explore, but we have to be smart about it." He glanced meaningfully around the hall at the clusters of nobles. "We'll go in groups. That way, no one gets lost or... gets into a situation they can't handle."
He began assigning leaders, his decisions quick and logical. "Vale, you have the steadiest head. Take the younger ones and stay in the main hall. Look at the paintings and the statues. It's the busiest area, so you'll be safest there." Vale nodded firmly, already counting heads.
