There are a number of helpful things that Alan could do in this situation. Stopping short and gawking probably isn't one of them.

To be fair, the display's pretty impressive. He lingers a moment, eyes wide, opens his mouth to explain —

— And is promptly slammed over the head with an oversized fist. He drops like a stone, and the pair of would-be muggers moves in swiftly, only to in turn,

Stop. And gawk.

"What in fucking shit," The first hisses, a small, sharp-faced elven woman. "Get rid of it,"

More brusquely, an order, to the meaty human man beside her. He steps back, clearly reluctant to tangle with. Whatever. This is.