( there's a faint laugh at the words, though she knows he's being thoughtful, even protective, in a sense, despite the fact that they hardly know each other. honestly, she's gone to most places by herself, so diving here into some sort of dark unknown wouldn't be too terrible, but company is always better, especially when she doesn't know anyone in this place at all yet.

with a glance to his hand, she gently leaves her palm in his, using his weight to help carefully balance her steps along the slippery floor.

and with one last glance towards the kitchen, she gives the stranger an imploring tug. )

String them up? Kidnap them and force them to cook for us for all eternity? ( she's beaming at him, almost grinning, but quickly dissolves into a laugh, using her free hand to wave idly in front of her face. ) No. We should be understanding. After all, they answered your wishes, didn't they?

( with a gentle squeeze to his hand: ) My name is Aerith. You can scream it out if it ends up being terrifying in there. Let's go!