She could guess that he might have been thinking of offering some form of escort or maybe a stayover, yet it would be rude to just assume that's the case. A suggestion of where to shelter had been far more likely. Or some other border criteria, safest of passages that would have been faster to traverse than following the wind of the tracks.

Or maybe a suggestion that would have proven dangerous than anything she'd do on her own. The man has proven civil and polite, but not overly interested in her ultimate choice. In a way the indifference was a little better received than overtly antagonistic or friendly reactions.

Barnabas places an option before her and Gaia regards him while she considers it with only a quick glance in the direction of Stonhyrr. To say she's uninterested in what's at the fort would be wrong. She's curious but without any malicious intent. It's a new sight and experience and that's all. But it's clearly this man's home and puts him at the advantage. Then there's another thing.

"It's good of you to offer. But what would I owe you in return for the shelter?" Ah, the cost of such largesse. Gaia isn't one to be in someone's debt and she won't assume there's no price. Barnabas seems a private individual but willing to offer her shelter in a supposedly wild and untamed land for several hours at minimum.

Surely there might be some price.