Richard listened, nodded in complete understanding, and entirely sympathized with the point being made.

"You know, it's honestly that kind of paranoia that leads to a short and friendless life. Now, I don't claim to be a headologist, but there's no harm in having a little more faith in your fellow man. Hard as it may be for you to believe, I was once a man whose very name inspired fear across the land." He turned to Charles, his expression grim. "I have walked this road you're on before, my friend. You won't like where it leads."

This had never been his intention when he accidentally ran into this random stranger just less than five minutes ago, but he'd already taken up the role of mentor to this poor lost soul. It was not a role he took lightly, even if he felt poorly prepared to have to teach when he considered himself to still be a learner.

After a moment, he realized this might be confusing, since he had actually just been on this literal path they were on because he'd been going the wrong way. He quickly added: "Literally and metaphorically, of course."