It wasn't a particularly long or eventful walk. Joseph's mind wandered. The little uncertainty from earlier left the usually talkative man quiet. They arrived at the docks in no time, and what a sight it was. Fresh ships, bizarre crowds... And the cargo! Oh, the cargo. What he'd give for an opportunity.

[color=6ecff6]"Grandest there is."[/color] It was an idle response to Piper's oddly idle question. His pace slowed noticeably as he caught himself up in perusing for the finest set of cargo with the weariest set of sailors. One there, more over there... And they looked tired. He was spoiled for choice. Which one, which-- 

And with a hushed string of words and a smack at his arm, he was dragged back to reality. It took him a moment to process Piper's suspicion, and only through her urging did he quell the urge to snap around to face off the apparent skulk. He gave Piper a long look, studying, but she appeared earnest, worryingly so. [color=6ecff6]"...They ain't gonna' try nothin'."[/color] He didn't sound as sure as he would have liked to, but all the same his eyes drifted to the crack between the two buildings dead ahead-- An alley. He caught sight of a sign. 'Maria's Medicines and Sundries.' At least that was morbidly reassuring, if this were to end completely terribly. Still, the thought of a fight never occurred to the man and his flighty nature, but confrontation? That was easy. [color=6ecff6]"Figure we oughtta' ask them what they're after."[/color] And just like that, he sounded sure of himself again. He even cracked a faint, reassuring grin. What's the worst that could happen? [color=6ecff6]"Follow me. An' keep the kid near, aye?"[/color]

His pace quickened to leave Piper just a step behind so he could lead. He slithered past the sailors and commoners alike in the way, and rudely half-pushed by a man lugging a whole woman over his shoulder. He couldn't help but question that. This town was always funny. He didn't let the thought keep him though, and as they reached the alley right alongside the shop, he slipped into its gloom, leaning against the nearest wall. He ushered Piper, and presumably the boy in as they arrived, urging them behind him. He tried to look casual or even relaxed, facing out to the comparatively bright street. So near to the edge was he that anybody who turned the corner too tight risked getting a face-full of... Well. His own face. But that was half of what he wanted. He wanted to see this skulk, figure out what they were about. What had they even done this time?

[color=6ecff6]"Busy street when it's light out. Ain't gonna' be no weapons. Just--..."[/color] He spoke softly, addressing Piper's earlier concern, before trailing off. He shifted his head left and right, squinting into the farthest out crowds, just in case the apparent follower had caught on to his trick. He couldn't help but think that maybe this [i]wasn't[/i] their lucky day.

(( [@Ryciera] [@IcePezz] [@Strafe] ))

(( [@Elitestpotato] [@notdeadyet] Didn't know whether to include you folks for such a minor interaction, but I couldn't think of a better way to spur action between our groups without seeming too contrived :P ))