He stood in silence, unsure of how to deal with the outpouring of Eika's mixed grief and guilt. She was going through the stages that everyone did after their first taste of combat; confusion, guilt, rationalisation. Eventually she might reach the same point as himself; pure apathy. It near broke his heart to think that one of his students might give up like that. She grabbed his sleeve, as if reaching out for support and her monologue took an ever darker turn. Duncan wasn't one for fortune telling and superstition, but Eika had a talent he couldn't deny, endorsed as it was by half the school... If she said that she had seen, then he would believe. She eventually ran out of words, stumbling and blushing into silence; he couldn't just leave on that note. He reached out, resting one hand on her head, stroking gently. [b]'... You've done nothing wrong, child. I'd be dead if you hadn't come for me and I can never thank you enough for that.'[/b] [i]But perhaps I can return the favour...[/i] [b]'Tell you what; I promise that whatever happens in there, I'll stick around to keep you company. You know, I've always wanted a classroom assistant.'[/b] Duncan gave her a cheeky wink, ruffling her hair gently. [b]'Wait for me on the balcony. I'll treat you to dinner after I'm done here.'[/b]

As the lift door opened and Duncan turned away, his paternal smile dissolved into his best professional scowl. He headed down the corridor at a fast clip, entering Corvo's surprisingly austere office. [b]'... Instructor Lerwick. You know my feelings on tardiness.'[/b] Duncan bowed in apology, before settling down before his superior. Corvo's eyes drilled into his, but when he spoke it was with an almost gentle tone. [b]'Now then... Duncan. How are you holding up?'[/b]

---

An hour later Duncan stepped from the office, fighting back equally strong waves of nausea and emotion. Corvo had shown a different side to himself today, that of an officer caring for his subordinates; not so dissimilar to how Duncan himself had tried to comfort Eika... But he had also given news of Duncan's new assignment. Not good news by any account. After taking a moment to regain his composure, Duncan headed back toward where Eika was waiting. He would need to have a good wash first, but he needed that dinner now more than ever, with a few beers to boot.