[People would probably be more alarmed if he were quiet while awake, but it must have taken some time to grow accustomed to such an oddity...]

I am not. My skills sit with a bow or lance.

[He gives the other a quizzical look. Was the other not aware?]

It is a gift. It protects me from great harm, but it takes a lot of energy to maintain it as it is always active. I do not usually relieve it in the company of others... I must apologize for my hesitance.