Laurel smiled a little at the comment about a women knowing how to defend herself. It didn't seem to come from a place of sexism, but it was still a little old-fashioned in the wording.
"I'd love some company," she said, and then flushed as she realized how eager that sounded. She was a social person by nature and it had been hard being stuck here where she didn't really know anyone.
"So where are you from, Matt?" she asked, figuring that small talk was a good place to start.