"You're an interesting one," Sparrow said, inclining his head with a curious grin. "Eva really has been going stir-crazy, you know? I was starting to worry she might run off on her own. She can take care of herself against an enemy, but her interpersonal skills are somewhat lacking. And then here you come, a life-long traveler. Really, you're doing us a favor as much as we're doing one for you."
Eva's dark expression suggested that she could hardly care less about the fate of Zellah. She rolled her eyes and returned to the cabin. "Well..." Zellah said slowly, turning back to Sparrow. "I thank you both for your assistance, regardless of your motives."
Eva narrowed her eyes at Sparrow. "Speak for yourself."
Sparrow laughed. "I am. Be kind, sister. As you yourself said, this could be fun. And you wouldn't want to condemn Zellah to an almost certain death on her own, would you?"
Eva's expression remained calm and uninterested, but Sparrow quirked a crooked smile at his sister before winking at Zellah. "Ignore Eva. She's suffering from repressed restlessness. We're really quite happy to help."
Eva tossed her braid over her shoulder dismissively. "We're not joining you as a favor, for you or our mother. I've been stuck in the Phantom Woods for far too long. You're my ticket out of here. No more, no less. Besides, defeating a Demon King sounds fun."
Zellah thanked Lalune for her kindness and watched her retreat. When the witch was out of sight, Zellah turned cautiously to Sparrow and Eva. "Your mother was very kind to offer your assistance, but not, I think, to do so without your consent. It should be your own choice. Travel is not for everyone, and I will not hold it against you if you do not wish to come."
