[ Marianne refuses to look at him but she listens, albeit with the long-suffering patience of someone pitying him for his choices. She knows his distress. Shortly after she had lost her parents, the town had felt too small and isolating. If she had seen an out, she might have fled.

But then she had met Astralin. She had met the Priestess. Claude is lost like she was then, chasing comfort in empty relationships and now the unknown. ]

I've found my place. I'm sorry you think you've lost yours, but you can't fill the void by fleeing. It comes from inside. [ She sounds genuinely saddened on his behalf, for what it's worth. ] If nothing will change your mind, I only pray it brings you what you seek.

[ She has to believe the world isn't crumbling, because that would mean everything's she's found is lost. She'll remain here until the light swallows Aldrip, whether that means salvation or oblivion. ]