Stavanger Bay thrice fooled (joining!)

Aesop smiled sheepishly, looking suitably embarrassed (though not quite feeling it. He never liked to give his name unbidden if he could help it.)

"Course," he replied, playing the good sport, "name's Aesop, and I certainly don't mind. I'm strong, though I avoid a fight when I can. But most of all, I've got years behind me, years that have taught me a shi- a whole lot. Been places, seen things, and all that knowledge I'm willin' to share. And, so long as ya'll are deservin' of it, I have no problem giving my loyalty."

He wasn't smiling any more, since this was Serious Business, but when he was done he nodded politely at Thistle. Any real thoughts of attacking the woman were fleeting and unbidden, similar to the sorts of thoughts one feels at the top of a great drop. The urge to jump is there, but it's always only an urge.