[ hah. he'll take the belated vote of confidence, though his brow lofts up slightly. do they seem like a rowdy bunch of children who need defending?

in any case. ]

I would be glad to share that task with you. [ he turns his gaze ahead, out past the fire, steely-eyed. ] At the very least, being trapped out here for the night makes it clear who I can trust in the morning.

[ if he's going to be stuck out on another horrific thursday with people he's only just met, at least it's a dependable (if spirited) bunch. ]