[ 'The adults back home would beg to differ' the wry thought moves through his mind but doesn't leave his lips. Though they twist in a rueful expression that is there and gone in a flash, quickly replaced by his traditional smile. ]

I am quite confident in my blade hand. [ He confirms what he isn't sure is a question, but his self-confidence sees him confirm it all the same.

The offer to join the man in his hunt sees Lockwood's smile becoming a beaming thing, only to have it lock in place at the latter words. There is a breath, a tense pause, and then the youth can't help himself. He laughs.

It is not hysterical, or edged but it is full throated and filled with a weighted sort of amusement. ] A wise approach. One I have always strived to follow myself.

[ He told Lucy just that, back home. Though Lucy and George kept insisting on weaseling their way around the defensive walls Lockwood had put up over the years. Lucy and George were special. This man was a stranger to Lockwood and the boy didn't expect to be anything more to him. ]

Let's see how long we can keep each other alive. If only as a point of pride.