(as thought, she did stick out. karna was more confused about how she got up there (while rising from his seat) since he hadn't realized this had been happening. was she given the champagne that he wasn't allowed to drink? it seems that way whenever a pair of gloved hands reach for her, being tall has uses in itself. he isn't as tall as some of the other servants he could recall, but karna knows that it didn't matter much. he can get to the bottom of this later.)

Here, give me your hand. (understandably, he's being gentle for whenever she does as he requests. the crowd around seems displeased with karna. that's a given, he's always drawn attention in a negative light from his low rank, but he isn't about to let them deter him from performing a rescue.) Seems like I was spared other parts of the festivities tonight due to their dislike of anyone seen as low.

(which means needing to ensure mercie is safe and sound, he doubts that the other guests that were content about glaring at him would lift a finger for her. despicable. they remind him too much of a pit of snakes. anyway, when she might take his offered hands, even through gloves they'll feel warm. something soothing and something almost akin to a summer eve.)