He simply nods at Claude's assessment; the man knows he has the right of it, barely needing Altaïr's confirmation, but he offers it anyway. This isn't a time for half-truths; he's chosen clarity and he'll see that through.
And the description of what Altaïr left behind weighs on him, strikes him like a well-aimed arrow despite already having lived it and Claude only knowing of it secondhand. The lack of closure and the knowledge that he can't make him for that lack while he's in this world will stay with him as long as he's in the world. He can't simply shrug off the uncertainty and set it aside for a more convenient time.
But speaking of it, if it doesn't remove that weight, makes it a little lighter.
He takes Claude's offered hand and shakes it in return, just long enough and firm enough to show that it's not a token gesture.
"Thank you for listening," he says, and for the first time he pauses, considering his next words. He's rarely opened up about himself, and this next part is even more foreign territory. "Since the kidnappings, I've been thinking a great deal about my place in this world, so far removed from everything I've told you about. I didn't intend to gather allies or cultivate friendships in a place I don't belong." The corner of his mouth curves up in a half-smile. "I'm starting to realize they exist whether I planned them or not. So I wished to be honest with someone I trust."
no subject
And the description of what Altaïr left behind weighs on him, strikes him like a well-aimed arrow despite already having lived it and Claude only knowing of it secondhand. The lack of closure and the knowledge that he can't make him for that lack while he's in this world will stay with him as long as he's in the world. He can't simply shrug off the uncertainty and set it aside for a more convenient time.
But speaking of it, if it doesn't remove that weight, makes it a little lighter.
He takes Claude's offered hand and shakes it in return, just long enough and firm enough to show that it's not a token gesture.
"Thank you for listening," he says, and for the first time he pauses, considering his next words. He's rarely opened up about himself, and this next part is even more foreign territory. "Since the kidnappings, I've been thinking a great deal about my place in this world, so far removed from everything I've told you about. I didn't intend to gather allies or cultivate friendships in a place I don't belong." The corner of his mouth curves up in a half-smile. "I'm starting to realize they exist whether I planned them or not. So I wished to be honest with someone I trust."