"I always...Sound like this...my throat's...Messed up." The young woman seemed aggravated by the question, assuming that her voice was what Valmont spoke of. It was not.
"That is not what I was referring to, my lady. I was referring to what I see with you overall. An action speaks louder then a thousand words, and from what I see and feel of you..." He said, in an almost fatherly tone, pausing for a moment to close his eyes, an odd act considering how he referred to "what he saw". a few moments later, he opened his eyes, revealing a face akin to a stern, yet somehow caring teacher.
"You seem pensive, nervous, afraid, and a little confused in my opinion. If I had to venture a guess, you must be a newer resident to La'marri, considering I do not believe I have met you before. Trying to rebuild your life after tragedy, perhaps? Whatever troubles you, It is easy for me to tell from the way you walk. It is almost as if you carry an invisible burden, weighing down upon you like like binding chains of fate...
Valmont turned around, and took a few steps back twoard the fountain.
"I have seen it on far too many youth such as you. It is tragic to think that the world has fallen so far as to let those that carry our future also carry such weight. I know this is perhaps a lot to ask of a stranger, But would you be willing to share your tale with me? Perhaps my wisdom could help you begin to find your way...
The brown-cloaked man, this "Iron Duke", turned back to face the young woman. he raised his right hand out from beneath his cloak, palm upward and fingers spread out somewhat. It was supposedly an inviting gesture, but not of the kind to speak. It was the invitation of a master of combat inviting a sparring session. While not a universally understood motion, Eric believed that if the woman had any kind of combat experience, she would know what he requested.
"Not through words, mind you, but through combat. "Sparring" if you would.
It was an unusual request that Valmont made. He had no intention of harming the young woman. No, his desire was the opposite: Eric wanted her to show him those deep dark feelings Eric thought she was keeping down through the only way that he theorized she could.
It was a complete shot in the dark, but Eric was used to making leaps of faith to help others, even at the expense of his own health.