"I had to ask, Heidi," replied the Swordsman with a sigh, "Let me explain. I know I'm not your father or your mother or your guardian in any way. You have some measure of common sense and you're old enough to know better!"Pausing a little, Sterling continued, "While we were in the Swamp, you had no choice but to fight by our side against the Regualtors, the Bullywugs, and the Swamp itself! It was a simple kill-or-be-killed scenario. But we're in Yarfell now, and you don't have to fight this war unless you really want to do it! Here, you have a choice!"
Smiling sadly, the Dark Elf said, "It's the same choice that I'm going to offer to Psilo when I get the chance! You can either ride into this war with me or ride it out as my liaison officers in the castle! I won't think ill of you or Psilo if you choose the latter, because deep in my heart, I honestly think that Phil Sheridan was right, 'War is hell!'"
"I'll be honest with you, I sincerely think that there are things that you should not see, Heidi--even at your age!" explained Sterling reluctantly, "Death, especially in the bloody and brutal context of a war, is one of them! Let me ask you a question: You're from England right? If you are, did either of your grandfathers serve in the British military during World War Two? And if they did were they combat soldiers and did they ever talk about their experiences?"
Summing things up, the Drow concluded, "The reason why I ask Heidi is because I'm concerned about you. I care. And I just don't want you to snap or lose it when you realize the depth of misery, despair, and death that will be surrounding you! The images of the dead and dying do not go away, Heidi! They stay with you--FOREVER! As your friend, I had to tell you this because I don't want to see you get hurt or scarred or worse--killed! You understand, don't you?"
A Point To Ponder
