Lex seemed a bit worn. Like he was just saying it because it was customary, but he knew that sort of thing had to take its toll. A different sort of violence. Mason was just throwing his weight around because he could. Lex reached for him too, wiping away the blood on his lower lip. He licked his lips, hardly even considering his own messy state. He supposed he’d feel it more when some of the adrenaline wore off. Both he and Mason would have more bruises to add to their complexion but at least maybe Lex could heal from his own. Forest listened to Lex’s explanation, a little over the excuses for Mason at this point.<br/><br/>“That all sounds a bit crazy. I try to be understandin’, stay out of the way. Some things aren’t my business, and maybe this wasn’t. Don’t matter now.” He shrugged and Lex thanked him for stepping in. “Ah, this ain’t anything.”<br/><br/>Forest looked back out towards the barn. Mason was nowhere to be seen and Wallis was standing off in the distance, arms crossed over his chest, looking out towards them.<br/><br/>“Times different now. Mason needs to understand this ain’t a one man show. We need one another. To get things done. For defense. One link in the chain is weak, it’ll break, and you ain’t weak. No matter what Mason’s been tellin’ you you’re good for. ‘Bout time you learned the things he been tryin’ to keep ya from. Weren’t sure if you just didn’t want to learn at first, comfortable in your own way, but I don’t think it’s that. Mason the one been gettin’ in your way, not that you’re unwillin’. You can learn to shoot, to throw a punch when ya got to. If you’re going to be at my back I’d much prefer that you know how to handle yourself.” Forest stood up, extending a hand towards Lex to help him to his feet.<br/><br/>“It ain’t ‘bout bein’ the hero. Mason’s pride gonna get someone killed. I’ll talk to him, once he’s cooled off a little. Smooth this over a bit.” His hand lingered on the outside of Lex’s arm.<br/><br/>“Go get some water and pack us a lunch. Me and you gonna take the horses out a ways and do some shootin’ practice. I’ll meet you in the barn.”