Kalaya lets out a little 'oof' as you stumble into her, mostly from surprise.

"Hey, it's okay. I've got you." she says. (And she really does, supporting your weight easily despite the driving rain and unsteady footing.) She helps you, maybe more than half-carrying, across to retrieve your umbrella and to lead you towards a rocky outcropping that will provide some small shelter from the deluge.

In truth, it's busywork - something to occupy her hands while her mind plays out her answer. It should have been simple: [i]I will respect the weak and defend them.[/i] Her oaths aren't exactly made from shades of grey in this situation.

So why is her mind churning with images of Kingeater castle?

[i]It's not like I even know for certain that Ven is there.[/i] she thinks, despite how right it feels. 

[i]And even if she was, if she's actually behind the summonings she wouldn't be the one in any danger. [/i] she thinks, despite how [i]wrong [/i]it feels.

"O-of course" she says, unfurling the umbrella to cover you. And if there's hesitation in her voice, she drowns it out with further words. "I mean, I am a knight and we're kind of obligated to help those in need and, even if I wasn't, it would be pretty poor for me to leave you out here in this."

She kneels beside you, her cloak protecting knees that would otherwise be soaked in mud.

"So, tell me - what's going on? Are you heading somewhere - or what did you need help with?"

[Kalaya will take the XP, although it was a very close-run thing in the end]