[ One day, Claire will talk to Annabeth about her own life, that she had no mother and even before becoming one herself, used to dream of being able to comfort others the way she'd always wanted when she was younger—sometimes still wants, even now that she's a grown woman. Her uncle tried, bless him, but he was distracted by his work, only offered pats on the head and later, sharing cigarettes with her as time spent together.

That's why there's no time limit on how long Annabeth needs to be held. Her hold loosens on her to allow her room to pull back, and Claire reaches into her pocket, offering a simple handkerchief. ]

When I first arrived here, I couldn't even message others without literally writing on a piece of paper, forget getting into the Horizon. That's how rubbish I was. [ She smiles faintly while she remembers. ] And I think a part of me didn't want to learn, it felt like...giving in to a place I didn't want to be.

[ It feels like such a long time ago, time feels as if it moves in no particular way for her anymore. And she certainly doesn't feel the same about not wanting to be in Abraxas. ]

I don't love Thorne or the fact that you must live in the castle. Be careful there, alright?

[ She's grateful she wasn't dropped in Thorne; she'd rather deal with gods and shrines than royals and politics again. ]

In any case, I can teach you some breathing exercises when you're ready, together in our minds.