[It's the first time since she's arrived that she's really traipsed into the maw of what could be considered potentially dangerous. With no idea what to expect, she arrives with staff in hand, a very simple rod with very little to note about it. And in the other, a basket. For flowers, obviously. It's true that she may have asked him to escort her, but knowing well that she's not incapable, there's no sense in making him do all of the work. After all, Aerith has more than a few tricks up her sleeve.

Next to Claude, however, she looks grossly undergeared. What does he do back home? She's never asked. At least, she hasn't yet. She imagines their little misadventure into the forest will give them plenty of time to ask prying questions, make terrible jokes, and in general, give Aerith one more friendly companion in a plethora of many that she's made since her arrival. No such thing as too many friends.

Aerith shakes her head.]

Really? No way. We're here, right? I'm ready! I have everything I need. I've been looking forward to this since ever since you suggested it. It's the first real adventure I get to go on. I hope we get to see all kinds of neat things!

[On the contrary, she might be a little too excited about all of this.]