Lorne hears voices before he comes within sight of the wagon, and that alone makes him pick up the pace. He doesn't bother trying to move quietly in all this snow. What he finds is not encouraging, to say the least: unfriendly soldiers outnumbering and apparently harassing Tuo. It hasn't turned into anything too serious yet, but Lorne is not willing to extend the soldiers much trust in that regard. Getting into a fight is not ideal and he's going to avoid it if it's remotely possible. Execution by bored garrison commander is not in his plans.

He tugs his scarf down so his face is visible and voice unobstructed when he calls out, "Excuse me, gentlemen." Lorne raises a hand in 'greeting' as he approaches, his smile forced. "Is there a problem here?"

The soldier in Tuo's face turns to sneer at him over his shoulder. "Nothing for you to be concerned about. Go back to your home."

"Ah, so there is a problem?" Lorne trudges closer, angling towards Tuo from the side as much as possible, so he's not at the soldiers' backs. "Then as a member of the village watch, I'm afraid it is something for me to be concerned about. It's my responsibility to oversee the safety of residents and travelers of Northcliff Pass."

He sounds sincere. It's easier to fake this bland cheer than to pretend he's on the side of the soldiers.