[ Sylvain glances over at Claude when that silence drags out from the other man, sensing he was holding something back without being able to put his finger on what. Which was odd. Claude didn't usually give things like that away, huh. Or maybe he was just getting more perceptive about picking up on it? He'd have to think about it later.

For the moment, he gets distracted by the answer that does come. It's a grim thought, one of their companions trapped in one of the other cities, separate from them. Potentially on the other side of the war, especially if they ended up in THorne. not something Sylvain ever wants to deal with again, that's for sure.

But for now, he sidesteps and slings an arm around Claude's shoulders in friendly camaraderie, a playful smirk teasing about the corners of his lips. ]

Don't worry, we're here now, you don't have to worry about being lonely anymore. And we'll help you keep an eye out for anyone else, too.