Ah, but how do you know how strong a bond is if you don't test it once in a while? [ Claude jokes, easy as ever, foot swinging cheerily in mid-air. He doesn't care to test it either, because it would be harrowing for everyone involved, but it's not just jest; there is no way to know how close a relatonship is without it being tested, in his estimation. How else can you trust it?

No, better not to put it to the test. And if that means holding people at arms length, that's still a pleasant enough way to live. Nobody said your friends and allies need to reach your heart when they can reach your smile instead. ]

Seek him out. I'm sure he just feels guilty about what he put you through. And in my expert opinion, being busy with work is just a really, really convenient excuse, [ he adds with a grin. ] It'll work out.

[ He believes it. Ethlyn is a decent sort, and he can't imagine anyone holding any ill feelings towards her for long. ]

Besides, we've seen where overwork has gotten you, [ he points out, gesturing towards her wounded knee. ] After something big like that, what everyone really needs is a celebration. Some good food, some good drink, some dancing... maybe less of the dancing, in this case, but still!