[ There's just a bit of snickering at that — not even close to insulted, in fact fairly pleased to hear it. Vax sighs, leaning back on his hands as he watches sparks dance over the fire. ]

You know, my sister likes to scold me constantly for going off on my own. Suppose there are some things you just don't grow out of.

[ It's also a rather sobering thought, considering..well, everything. Vax shoots him a slightly more morose smile, shrugging one shoulder. ]

Hope you don't mind if I take you up on that, at least for tonight. I'm pretty handy in a fight, but I don't think I'd want to run into any beasts by myself. [ A pause— ] Speaking of, have you seen any trouble out here, yet?