Offer your help

You decide to walk into the room, so you can get to Shasta's aid. It's your duty to help her now, she saved your life and you have been nothing but rude to her until now.

The three of them are sitting in a huge living room, surrounding a massive stone fireplace. Dillidus and Hilda are drinking tea. It smelled strongly of cinnamon. Shasta stood in the middle of the room. She had a bow and quiver attached to her tight dress now, with a dagger hanging from her belt. It seems like she wears this dress while going out to hunt.

'I'm sorry, I couldn't help but overhear,' you announce to the halflings. 'But I thought I might offer my services, since all of you have been so kind to me. If Shasta here wants to go to the forest, maybe I could go with her? To protect her and such?' You do your best to give them a confident smile.

Dillidus looks around, as he had been sitting with his back to you. Shasta and Hilda are staring at you, a little confused.

'I'm a very good fighter,' you add. 'Famous for it, actually.'

'I believe you,' Dillidus begins. 'But firstly, I am the one who knows best for my daughter. Secondly, you became conscious only an hour ago, after getting defeated in that very same forest. Besides, you haven't got any weapons or gear. I don't think she'll be much safer with you.'

'Ah, but last time I was alone,' you answer him. 'From the look of it, you're daughter is quite experienced. I'm sure she'll help me survive like she did last time.' You laugh at your own little jape. Dillidus looks at you quite seriously, as does Hilda. 'As for the weapons...'

'I can take him to the swordsmith!' Shasta jumps in. She sees an opportunity, and is obviously very excited.

'You have to excuse our daughter,' Dillidus says, a little grumpily. 'She has a tendency to be excited about the art of hunting, and fighting. The interests for boys, if you ask me. But our daughter is quite the adventurer.'

'A girl to my heart,' you say with your usual charm.

'Nevertheless, I'm not sure...' Dillidus continues.

'Please dad!' Shasta pleads. 'We won't go far.'

'Let them go, Dillidus,' Hilda now says. 'With Mr. Highfoot there, I'm sure they'll be quite safe.'

'Well, I guess there's no stopping an adventurer,' Dillidus concedes. 'But remember, I don't approve. And if I found out that you went in too far, or Gods be merciful, something happens to Shasta; you will be hanged in the town's square. And that's a promise.'

You laugh nervously. Dillidus didn't seem like someone to throw around idle threats and he scared you a little.

'You can rely on my competence, sir.'

'Alright, be gone with you.'

Shasta grabs your hand and takes leads you out of the cosy living room.

'Be careful!' Hilda shouts after you.