Peter doesn't move away. In fact he drapes a casual arm over Murdoc's shoulder, like they're old buddies. Then he laughs, a loud full laugh right from the belly. "Other way around, old man! You'll be assisting me!"

He pauses, and actually looks thoughtful. "Unless you're hiding years of experience working in the forest under that sour look."

He considers his new partner, though, and concludes it could be far worse. The man is too serious for his own good, but seems dependable. He should be smart enough to listen if he doesn't have a lot of experience in the forest, right? Peter hopes so, or he suspects he'll be yanking the man out of the way by the collar more than once before they're in deep enough to chance encountering whatever's causing the problems.