Sawtooth Spire do not cry, do not weep

Gabe didn't respond to her first proposition because he already knew he could stay here. He figured she didn't own these lands, so how could she stop him. She was just being polite. He dipped his head slightly but that was all. Besides, he wanted to keep moving anyway. He wanted to put as much distance between the Nereides and him as possible. Ynes's next question had a bit more thinking behind it. His heart was telling him no; that he needed no one, he could make it on his own, that he couldn't trust her anyway since they'd only just met.

But even though he'd made it fine on his own these past weeks, it would've been much easier to do with a companion. Hunting would be easier, protecting himself in case of an attacker, etc. he mulled it over for a moment, thinking of the pros and cons. He wouldn't stay with her of course, eventually they'd break off and he'd be on his own again, but maybe it couldn't hurt to have a companion for a couple of days. The old him would've jumped at the chance. You can travel with me if you want. I would appreciate that. He finally gave in, biting his lip as he almost regretted it immediately.