Perhaps. The Drifter, on the other hand, evidently chooses not to risk it. Far better for one of their number to be stricken with some foreign contaminant or illness, they reason, than both of them.

wait for effects

In the meantime, perhaps they can stay in proximity to the river. Flowing water makes for a relatively stable landmark. Ordinarily they might mention this to her in a visual sense, but their goal is in sight, and with it comes a single-minded persistence to see it yield.

They start trotting along the flowing strip of water in an effort to see where it may lead, without so much as an acknowledgment in Yuka's direction.