[He's not too worried about being attacked in the halls, since from what he's been told the monsters are usually in groups in the rooms. Aside from that, he and Dirk are quick to improvise on short notice.

Jake turns to look at him, blinking.]

Why shouldn't I have? You have never given me reason to doubt you, despite your trollish tendencies and constant trials of patience. Aside from which, I could tell you were being serious, believe it or not! It would be pretty idiotic, foolish, and downright bigoted of me to call myself any sort of friend if I couldn't recognize that.