Toren was very pleased to hear her praises, simple as they were. It warmed his heart to know she genuinely appreciated him and his efforts. Truthfully he didn't think he would ever tire of anything she asked if she remained the same in her attitude towards him as a slave of the house.
He let her have the tools without complaint, nodding in agreement with her plan. As he turned to leave, though, her warning had the smile leaving his face. If she'd seen his master and merely described him as grumpy he suspected she had been through much worse.
"I'm very sorry, Petal, I really should have gone to him instead of you. I know he can be quite insufferable when he's...'grumpy,'" he apologized, sighing and shaking his head. "Thank you, I hope he's not roaming about but I'll keep an eye out anyway. I'll just be a few minutes, I promise. Don't work too hard," he bid her kindly, finally turning to re-enter the house.
He was quick to make his way to the servants' quarters and pluck two of the younger men from their idle game of cards. He would have fetched a third but he felt himself capable enough to assist in her work. His days were usually spent at his master's side and for both his own reasons and Petal's he did not wish to see him very much if he could help it, at least until he was more himself again.
"Petal!" he called to her once he'd returned to the garden. "This is Thomas and James," he introduced, pointing to each as he named them. They were clearly ogling at the new young lady, having never seen her, but Toren was quick to shoot them a stern glare. "And this is Miss Hornwort. She is a very important guest to our master. It would be in your best interest to be on your best behavior and do as she instructs you," he warned, hoping they could be civil and not embarrass him. "I'm sure our Lord will be pleased if you do well for her," he added, hoping it might be enough encouragement for them to take things seriously, though he had little faith given they were about ten years his junior.
"Hello, Miss," James greeted, waving with feigned shyness and a giggle even as Thomas elbowed him lightly for it.
"What will you be needing from us?" Thomas asked more directly, praying and hoping they could return to their games soon.