Where I come from, Joel thinks, but pointedly doesn't say, kids get shot in the street for no reason at all. Tell your sob story to someone else.

His arms cross over his chest - it's not a friendly gesture, by any means, but it at least says I'm not pulling a weapon. The troll... thing... whatever... is obviously not hostile, despite the startling appearance. It's Venus that Joel has his eye on. Even injured, he recognizes that protectiveness.

"Nobody's gettin' stabbed," he says gruffly. He keeps within arm's reach of Ellie, though, his posture making it clear that if he thinks she's in danger, he'll step in as necessary.