There was, perhaps, a moment of silence that hung between them as she blinked at the joke. And then she snorted, the sound very unladylike, and dissolved into laughter. She pressed the back of her hand against her mouth to quiet herself with little success. His blushing made it all the better. "Maker, that was terrible. I deserved that," she managed after several moments.

"Blood magic. Perfect solution." She grinned at the leg she finally succeeding in cracking open. "I had to offer you some compensation for all of your trouble. Thankfully, a meal sufficed." A pleased hum escaped her. "A very good meal, actually."