Rukeewei's expression was anything but confident, but he answered firmly nonetheless. "There is no other choice. I could not bear to let you go alone. What if something happens on the way, or what if you get infected with that lycanthropy disease? I could not live apart from you like that, not for so long. My brother is capable of running the inn, especially if he can hire someone to help. My inn will be fine; my parents will not be happy, and they probably won't let this go, but I can handle that."

Rukeewei let out a sigh. "I know there's not much I can do to help. I'll just be...there, doing nothing. I can't protect you, or myself, really. I haven't so much as been in a fist fight since I was just a hatchling. I know I won't be useful, but I can at least try to keep you happy; to be your reminder of home." He tried to bring himself to smile. "Besides, you can keep me safe with your witch-magic, can't you?"