She felt satisfaction in his rough hands. He wasn't going to be a charity case that required babysitting. Also, it gave her overall impression of him more firm backing. Gage was used to doing something for himself instead of relying on others. Time would tell the rest of his character. Also, he gave a good firm handshake. Neither wimpy nor overly tight. Perhaps he and his family would make it. That didn't mean she would help them. Her job was just to make sure they didn't get lost or eaten. "That is plenty for you three. I'm only a guide. You will have to fend for yourselves outside of following me. Can you accept that?" She looked Gage firmly in the eye. He had two choices. He thought he knew what they were, but he didn't really and she wasn't going to enlighten him. The Nircotian Wilderness was not an easy feat to enter or leave. Some people just didn't survive.