Circumstances had not changed since her last request and she did not see reasons to join Li now other than the plain fact that waiting wasn't one of her favorite games. Only the tea had made that bearable. Li had not waited for a response and Jiao Jie's look clearly showed her displeasure at the lack of courtesy. This teacher looked less than a prize every day.<br/><br/>She weighed the pro's and cons, taking into account the safety of her companions against the clear directions of the Spirit. It was rather odd that Li had not wanted her around when there was unknown ground to cover, but did ask her along when clear directions all but sign-posted a path. He seemed really into that sword and she wasn't sure of his motives. Too many stories told of greed corrupting the best of men, and for all good intentions Li seemed a candidate. Which meant that he needed her protection more than the others. Following after Li Jiao Jie searched for markings - a crooked branch, a moss covered trunk - that would help her find the way back should they become seperated until Li would indicate the spot where the spirit's bones were found.