[ Claude's tempted to continue mulling over the lack of a portal to Ciri's world - to the Continent, as he's learned about its name and more about it from those Summoned from it who he's come to call some of his closest friends. As Ciri reaffirms her intent to stay there's a selfish sort of relief which flashes through him at it, and one which he feels no need to apologize for. In so much uncertainty, he'd meant every word about being glad she'll be here.

The Singularity seems difficult to keep his eyes from for too long given his gaze keeps drifting back towards it. Not even the shard showing Derdriu in particular since while he's aware of what not going back will mean for all those plans he'd had, it's the glimpses of other worlds which continually keep him looking to see if he'll recognize what others have told him about their homes.

The squeeze to his arm gets his attention and once more a genuine reaction as Ciri echoes some of his own thoughts. ]

They will be. And for that, saying I'm grateful doesn't begin to cover it.

[ Even for Claude with all his words and endless chattering, there are none which come close to describing the feeling it brings. A sort of peace, he supposes, and the same said for finding out who's been staying as he's had all these conversations.

The sort which make it all too easy for him to step closer to sling an arm casually over her shoulders the same way they've learned on each other in combat before if she'll accept the semi-embrace now. ]

Though I suppose that means you'll also be stuck with me in the end, my friend. Feels like forever ago you were worried I might injure myself with a sword more than be of any help, doesn't it?

[ What goes unsaid: her worry then was entirely valid given they hadn't known what they'd encounter on that supply run. He's never been a particularly great swordsman. ]