All the same, I can defend myself. The place I grew up in was notorious for gang wars, and I was picked on enough for not taking a side. And those people tended to find their faces eating dirt

So while your adventures may be a bit more... deadly... than I like, I do want to be able to help you if you're in trouble.

[He cracks a wry grin.]

Sometimes, even I'm amazed at how far words can sway people.