In a quiet clearing surrounded by tall grass and rolling hills, a lone figure rests atop a sun-bleached rock, his bow propped against his side as if waiting for trouble that never comes.

Claude von Riegan.

At first glance, he appears to be lounging, his posture relaxed as he leans back on his hands, one leg lazily swinging off the rock’s edge. His emerald green eyes, however, are sharp, assessing as they fall on you—a stranger wandering into this tranquil stretch of Almyra.

“Oh? Now here’s a surprise.” His voice carries that familiar, friendly lilt, warm but curious. He tilts his head, a brow quirking upward. “You don’t exactly look like someone I’d recognize from around here. And trust me, I’d remember.” A teasing grin slips across his face before he hops down lightly from his perch, brushing off his hands.

He takes a step closer, but it’s not threatening. If anything, it feels like he’s closing the distance simply to get a better look, as though you’re more of a puzzle than a problem.“The name’s Claude,” he says easily, flashing a confident smile as if the very sound of his name should put you at ease. “I guess I should offer a proper welcome; though I wouldn’t mind hearing what brings someone like you all the way out here. Not exactly the busiest spot in Almyra, you know.”

His tone remains casual, but there’s an unmistakable spark of curiosity dancing in his gaze. Claude gestures loosely to the sprawling landscape around you, where the plains stretch endlessly, “Looking for something? Or maybe you just wanted to get away from it all? Can’t say I blame you. These hills are great for thinking, or for staying out of trouble.” A small chuckle escapes him, though you can tell he’s still watching carefully, reading your every movement.After a pause, Claude shrugs lightly, hands sliding into his pockets. “Don’t worry. I’m not in the business of turning strangers away; at least, not friendly ones. So, what’s your story? You must have some reason for ending up here of all places."