Carver put his hand over his breast. "Your humility does you credit, friend Separ, but you need feel no shame for your actions. You did what you thought was best, and put yourself in harm's way for the sake of another. I think you are very noble - it would be my privilege to journey with one of such spirit."
The paladin smiled fondly down at the gnome as set his energy to the man's injuries. "Aha! Our diminutive friend shows talent. Fear not, I will speak to the girl - see if I'm unable to convince her."
He approached her, still standing where she had been speaking to the half-elf. "I understand that you are afraid. It's a very sudden offer, to go off journeying with strangers. I don't know much about you save that you have some power, and it frightens you." He smiled. "But you don't have to be frightened anymore."
The gnome's childlike curiousity and bizarre manner. The half-elf's bitterness, surliness, and surprising gentleness. Separ's spirit, his temper, his headstrong approach to his problems. The girl's shyness, her fear, the strange power she clearly possessed. These people were innocents, trying to make their way in the world. And innocents needed to be protected. That's what Carver could do, he realized. He could protect them.
In a daze, he drew his sword and planted in the ground at the girl's feet. He dropped to one knee, places his hands upon his hilt, closed his eyes. "In terror of the night, the sun is our greatest deliverance. If we should journey together, my lady, I swear on my honor that no harm will come to you. As long as I draw breath, I will keep you safe. All of you."
He rose, and sheathed his sword.