[ Claude knows that he has something of a reputation around town, one that's largely deserved. He's been a layabout and a cad, a drinker and a smoker and a gambler, and has behaved in several untoward ways. But he still doesn't consider himself a bad person, deep down.
Which is to say, he's not the sort to stand by twiddling his thumbs when someone's face is getting punched in. The problem is, though, that he can't say that the guy getting punched didn't deserve it. So instead of jumping into the fray, he strolls in with a clap of his hands, mouth curved in a bright smile. ]
Whoa now, my friends! [ The way the other locals look at him, it's abundantly clear that they do not, in fact, consider him a friend. ] Just because this fellow is new around here is no reason to try and steal from him. Is that really the reputation you want Aldrip to have? Home of scoundrels and thieves? Gerald, I think your mother would have a thing or two to say about this.
[ He turns to the stranger with a quick wink. ] And I'm sure you won't have any reason to continue this fight if they leave you well enough alone, hm?
iii!
Which is to say, he's not the sort to stand by twiddling his thumbs when someone's face is getting punched in. The problem is, though, that he can't say that the guy getting punched didn't deserve it. So instead of jumping into the fray, he strolls in with a clap of his hands, mouth curved in a bright smile. ]
Whoa now, my friends! [ The way the other locals look at him, it's abundantly clear that they do not, in fact, consider him a friend. ] Just because this fellow is new around here is no reason to try and steal from him. Is that really the reputation you want Aldrip to have? Home of scoundrels and thieves? Gerald, I think your mother would have a thing or two to say about this.
[ He turns to the stranger with a quick wink. ] And I'm sure you won't have any reason to continue this fight if they leave you well enough alone, hm?