Speak Up (Eric, Leon)

[Bailey Oleander]

the sensation of her stomach rising into her throat was not unfamiliar for Bailey since the second scorpion attack.  It seemed quite a few of them had suffered some form of sickness, but it wasn't just that.  It was the memory of her own actions in battle, how out of character she'd felt, like a switch had been flipped.  Her usual priorities were more like second thoughts, a stranger fighting in her body.

Her arms wrapped around her as she made her way back to Cabal, feeling the chill seep into her skin.  She'd tried to get some air to feel better, but that didn't seem to be the way things were going to o today.  Instead, she was seeking Eric out at the request of a close member of her inner circle, perhaps her closest

Now all she had to do was find him.  If he wasn't within sight of the gates, she'd check the courtyard.

[Mathew Amtrum]

The putrid flesh of the beasts had been carrying all manner of sickness and disease. Let alone the filth in the King's layer. It was little surprise that Eric himself had become ill after his encounter with the monsters. He'd kick it, he always did. Right now he was just relaxing, letting his stomach settle as he sat on one of the benches outside of the Cabal grounds. A warm hot chocolate held in his hands, more for warmth than as something to drink, however.

[Bailey Oleander]

Thankfully, the search did not take long. Bailey's steps slowed as she neared the bench, noticing the pallor to his skin that suggested Eric was one of those who had been ill, as well. Quite a few of them were. Her hands tightened on her arms, and the pressure on her stomach with it as she pulled her jacket close. She coudln't tell if she was hot or cold, but the smell of the hot chocolate was enough to make her stomach turn.

"Good afternoon," she greeted with her usual politeness, nodding at the man who looked like he just wanted to be left in peace. "Glad to see you're still hanging in there." Admittedly, it'd be weird if he wasn't, seeing how much she'd seen and heard him weather already.

'Is this something I'm going to play mediator for, or will he actually be ale to hear you?' The thought was directed at her spirit companion, still nameless, though that would change soon.

[Mathew Amtrum]

His eyes flickered over to Bailey, a tired gaze befalling her.

"How may I be of assistance today?"

He didn't want to be polite, he just wanted to wave her away and be alone. But he has his part to play. He would endure.

[Leon]

Tree friend would respond.

'You will have to speak for me.'

[Bailey Oleander]

She shifted her weight to her other foot at his words, restless. She figured it would be the case for her speaking for her companion, but she had no idea what Eric would think of her playing the voice of someone else. She suspected he would think she was making it up, maybe even mocking him depending on what this was going to be about. Still, her friend had never asked for anything from her other than her vow when they had first met; she could hardly refuse, let alone wait.

"I know this may not be the best time, but I wanted to speak with you. It might get personal."

[Mathew Amtrum]

"Say what you want. I'll answer if I wish."

He was already getting annoyed. He had to close his eyes and take a deep breath to keep from snapping at her in tone along with words.

[Bailey Oleander]

Bailey would take a deep breath to steady herself, feeling the edge of an oncoming storm already on the rise. Still, she would weather it, pinching the bridge of her nose for a moment as she tried to figure out how to put the thoughts that weren't even her own into words.

"I am sorry this is a bad time, Eric, but this is not something I'm at liberty to say with wily-nily passerby. Can we please go somewhere else? I believe it's important."

To her spirit companion, she would mentally add, 'Is there something I can say to give him a hint if he refuses again? I want to respect your privacy, but I may be running into a stone wall here.'

[Leon]

Tree friend was silent for but a moment.

"Tell him it's about the murder of Loki."

[Mathew Amtrum]

"Fine. Let us walk."

He'd grunt, slowly picking himself up off the bench, still just holding his drink.

"I trust this is important."

Because if he wasn't he was going to do far worse to her than he did in their last meeting.

[Bailey Oleander]

She nodded at his consent, taking a step back to give him more room to rise, the drink untouched as she faced the direction they'd gone for their last training session, her voice low and expression serious. Her gaze was distant for a moment, brows furrowed as Eric was forgotten. God names, but nothing that made sense to her.

"Keep in mind that I'm the messenger, but yes, I believe it is. I'm assuming you'll know what it means" She watched him carefully. Wherever he would lead, she would follow, withholding the explanation she'd been given until they were past Cabal's reach unless he asked.

[Mathew Amtrum]

"Noted."

He'd huff, walking in the direction of the woods and meadow that they'd fought in before. It was a fitting place to talk, and bury her if need be.

[Bailey Oleander]

Bailey would follow in silence then, stepping out into the clearing only a few paces, fully expecting Eric to turn on her if she drew out too much of his time for nothing.

"It's about the murder of Loki, and the death of Ares' daughters."

[Mathew Amtrum]

His hands tightened into fists, the hot chocolate cup being crushed in his grip, it's scalding liquid pouring over his clenched fist as he stopped in his tracks.

"Speak then."

Quickly.

[Bailey Oleander]

It was about the reaction she expected, only less...explosive.

"I'll need a moment to translate." And only a moment. She directed her thoughts to her tree friend.

'What is it you want me to say?'