(They smell like smoke... It doesn't help that Claude himself is singed at the end of his own robes. Even more, the ends of Malik's robes are still burning with embers (not that he seems to notice or care). He lets out a loud, clear laugh at Flayn. It's friendly and warm and he pats Claude hard on the back. He says something once in Almyran to his family about Fodlan and then, "When was the last time someone brought a Fodlander here...?" And he smiles, as if enjoying some private joke, glancing at Tiana briefly before addressing Flayn again.

"I understand you left at a difficult time," His voice is softer, lighter, but she'll have no problem hearing him. He has that sort of power. Even surrounded by singing and cheering crowds, when he speaks, he makes himself heard. He seems to pull Claude in closer when he speaks too. Is this some attempt at a half-hug? Claude isn't sure what to make it of judging by the way he glances at his father, uncertainly. "But you couldn't have arrived at a better time. This," He waves his free hand, "is Almyra. Welcome."

What follows is about what one would expect from a welcome. He asks how she is, if she's enjoying the festival, and when he is satisfied he finishes with a familiar warning: Being here won't be easy. But he invites her to make herself at home.

A moment or so later, Tiana goes to take Malik into the crowd so they can dance, leaving Claude and Flayn in each other's company alone once more. As they dance into the glow of the lit fires around them, Claude watches quietly, his gaze lingering for just a moment before he speaks, )

I guess he has a point... (He admits it almost reluctantly, ) It's the best time to arrive here.

"Out with the old, in with the new." That's the spirit of the New Year, right? Everything is ready for something different. Maybe even someone different.

(Things are changing in Fodlan. The other nations are perfectly poised for change. Maybe this year will be the year things finally change here too.)