[a small huff of laughter - it's so rare to see claude caught off guard, but byleth has been able to see more and more glimpses of it each day and today is no different. it eases him a bit, knowing that despite it all, claude is still the same. no matter what world they're in, he can always depend on claude.]

It's difficult to forget the words that drive me to fight by your side.

[byleth stares at the hole in his paddle thoughtfully, watching a fish swim in the little opening he can see through.]

This place is a lot to take in. So many fallen... stand before us here.