“Outside?” He stares at her, uncomprehending. At first he wonders if she’s just staying inside the Tree but not in a house. That he could understand, for there are others camping in corners of the halls. But she meant outside. “Is that wise?” Clearly not, but he wants her to answer that for herself. “There are many dangers here. Will you be all right?”

He looks genuinely concerned. To him, she is just a girl with a single dagger to aid in her defense. And if she was wary of him (and he’s barely a head taller than her and not even armed), what must it be like out there in the dark?

“N-no, it’s fine, I would appreciate the help.” He replies promptly, as though dismissing an interruption. He’s still preoccupied with her previous statement. “Hasn’t anyone offered you a place to stay? There are rooms in other houses available.”