There may well be a time (and soon) when Claire has no choice but to face a reality that seems grim, but for now, it will always make her quietly happy to know that Aloy has a space she knows she's welcome.

Bringing over the tea and sitting with her, Claire wraps her hands around her own cup, quietly wondering if she should try to brush off the question. But then she looks at Aloy and something tugs at her, a faraway thread she tries to ignore completely as something meaningless. Still, her pause has been too long to be considered fine.

"...Jon told me something recently. That things might not be what they seem."

It takes a lot for her to say it, brow drawn together with worry by the time she's finished.