[he gives her a long, level look, then nods; he clearly believes her when she says she's had experience with spirits. as young as she looks (and he's already learned not to judge by appearances, from his traveling companions), there's something about her and the way she talks that reminds him of his and Sorey's adopted grandfather.]

. . . thank you, miss Yuuko. I'll find the courage to give it a try.

[which isn't quite an offer for a dragon ride now, but--it's something. his expression's lightened a little.]