Claire's surprise tugs a smile, unbidden. The lack of warning is likely inconsiderate on her part--surprise visitors could always be a nuisance, even if it a thought deep down and buried. But she pushes that worry aside, for what's done is done, and she'd had no reason to delay. Certainly not to seek permission.

"I wished to see you." Which is true, though not all the truth of it. Things better left unsaid--to see how you fare; to offer support--remain so. "They opened the gates as an act of goodwill."

Part of her wishes to bridge the gap between them. To pull Claire into a hug. It's sudden and unbidden and ignored, if only because she doesn't know the other woman well enough to assume such familiarity.

"I'd hoped you were home."