[ It crosses her mind as he speaks that he's an easy conversationalist, or at least someone she meshes well with. Maybe some day she'll pester him into climbing somewhere with her, if only to take a load off and get a better view of the situation, but for now? She watches the glimmering crystal flake off his arm with fascination. It's completely new to her, and a sight she might never get used to.

Mentally, she notes the way he moves, body language seemingly smooth but lacking in some way. She doesn't know him well enough, she thinks, to prod, but years of people watching and learning from how others do it has taught her to pick at things here and there. ]

You think so? [ Waking up in the Fireband shrine had been a shock, for sure, and as Aerith turns to look up into the cavern with great interest, she supposes she might have liked this more, yes. Shadows cast lagoon blue, the water reflects white stripes along the stone walls and onto people's faces, sectioning out expressions and mapping people out easier for her. Holding her hand out, she waits for the inevitable drip from the ceiling. It comes moments later, plodding into her hand— it is freezing, nearly unbearable.

But this is a chance to get to know him. Turning back with that same hand balled into a loose fist, she presses it to her chest. ]

That's interesting. You'll have to tell me about the place you woke up in, then. It's not just the egg you mean, right?