[ Lockwood is not unaccustomed to deference. He's fought hard in his life to command respect, usually from the adults around him, and he has seen it bleed over to people closer to his age. He's also gotten told where to get off often enough as well!

Regardless.

Though inwardly chewing on a healthy dose of disquiet, outwardly the youth remains calm and makes a discreet, yet deliberate, motion of settling the rapier back at his hip. He relaxes his body language, forcing a smile he does not feel -not the first time he's done so- and takes a step forward. He doesn't mean for the motion to be intimidating. Rather hey, we're all the same here, no need for fear sort of companionable body language. ]

No talk about begging. [ His deep voice has softened; goes well with the smile. It's all political, but Lockwood is pretty good with his politics. ] I think we had the same idea. [ No. No they didn't but again ... politics. ] Helping if we can? Staying out of the way if not.

[ Lockwood thoughts moved quickly across what he'd learned about this man, both through his own actions and the relayed experiences of others. He specifically spools his memories back to the communication from a person who goes by the name starburst. A quick bit about the woman in white, asking the frightened man in front of him for more time.

Lockwood broadens his smile. ]

Do you mind if I stick with you for a bit? Just to help get my bearings? You can call me Lockwood, and if it's okay ... can I call you Jack? Lumberjack is a bit of a mouthful.