Larksong Grotto bitter sweat and circumstance

The girl was still miffed. She said nothing. Taikon wondered, suddenly, if she might be mute. He decided to assume this was so, and as she gestured toward the mountain, he blinked. Where before he was unsure, now, armed with this new assumption, he felt good. He shook his head slowly, offering her a quick, soft-eyed glance. He was not one about to be pushed around by a girl, regardless of who she might be.
I'm not going back up; I just got here, he said firmly. It was true. He had followed the path down for a reason, and he was not about to do whatever she wanted. He looked at her, shrugging. Look, if I bothered you that much, you can head up. But I am heading out to see the Grotto. You should come with, he explained, giving her a soft, wanting expression. He didn't really want to be alone during this little adventure. He also didn't feel great about leaving her alone here either, even though she was big enough to be probably okay.
Without waiting for an answer, he stepped forward. He stood straight, and looked back at her, waiting to see if she would tag along.