[ He catches a glimpse of a smile and that all in itself feels like a victory of sorts, all things considered. Before Claude can tease her about it, though, they're right back to an all important topic he's brought up which is even more of a relief. If Marianne senses him relaxing just a bit, that'd be accurate. ]

That's good, because I also don't think we'd let you leave to go back there anyway. Hilda in particular might clobber me if she hears I didn't tell you about staying. [ Teasingly, but - he does mean that. Which brings them to the inevitable after mentioning Hilda, and so he reluctantly lets go with a smile offered to Marianne. ] Not that that was going to happen since I didn't let her go back when she showed up in Cadens either. C'mon, let's bring that little guy along with us.

[ Leosylph required, since it's only fair to not abandon their new friend all because this isn't the best conversation to have out here, but his hospital room's not a far walk away. It's quieter, for one, but also means Marianne has the choice of sitting either in the chair that's been occupied by different visitors over the past few days or the end of the bed if she'd prefer. After smoothing out the blankets he'd left in total disarray, predictably enough, he sits down closer to his pillow.

Well. Nothing to do but touch on the rest. ]

Let's start with this. What are some of the last things you remember happening in Fodlan before you arrived?