<div style="text-align: justify;">The young brunette nodded when the man replied to her thanking him. There was not much more to say, or maybe she was just the quiet type, who knew? Still, she didn't seem to be rude, and she didn't seem to be repulsed by the man. While the young woman did seem a bit suspicious, it was more the kind of distrust someone - especially a woman - would have when faced with a stranger than the kind of distrust the man often faced in town.<br/><br/>After she had time to think, though, Ellinor started feeling a bit uncomfortable. It was obvious that she was talking to some kind of nobleman. And it was pretty clear that he was probably viewing her as some sort of local curiosity. While that conversation would be a simple distraction for the man, it could ruin her prospects of a future marriage. Not that she really had good ones, Ellinor thought to herself.<br/><br/>Shrugging very softly, more to herself than to Felix, Ellinor turned her attention back to the man. He was asking her to wait. Why? The young woman's heart skipped a beat. She was a little nervous, and wondering what was going to happen.<br/><br/>When he said he meant no trouble, Ellinor tilted her head just a little. It was a gesture she always had when confused, or pensive. The second case was true now. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Rhode. Or is it Master Rhode?", Ellinor questioned, not sure whether or not she was speaking to a married man.<br/><br/>When Felix asked her if she would like help gathering firewood, Ellinor blinked several times in surprise. That was definitely something she did not expect. "I... I really... this is very kind of you", she remarked as soon as she could find her voice. It was clear that she was a little confused as to why a man like him would like to help her collect firewood.<br/><br/>After nibbling on her lower lip for a moment or two, Ellinor decided that people would talk about her behind her back no matter what, and nodded. "If it would not be a hassle, I would appreciate it", she finally replied, her voice calm and firm.  "But if you are to help me, sir, you must allow me to repay your kindness in some way", she completed. Her intonation and body language made clear that Ellinor was not flirting. It only meant that she would not feel good about herself unless she could do some kindness, even a small one, to repay the man's.</div>