Ludwig's gaze flits to meet Endra's. The two glance at Rikard, then back at each other. Subtly, Endra nods. 

Ludwig looks back at you and, grimacing, nods in Rikard's direction. "Our companion here has been contaminated. Now don't get upset, we can swear to you that it's not catching. But, well, his tongue's rotted out and he's generally not well. Of course, you probably already noticed. We've heard that powerful magic can reverse the damage but, to be honest, we simply can't afford it. Once we get him far enough away from the city, he'll recover."

Rikard doesn't seem to respond to being the center of attention. He sags heavily upon his left arm which is bearing the majority of his upper body weight. His breath continues to come out labored.

[hider=OOC]
Make an insight check. 15 or higher reveals that Ludwig's statement about Rikard recovering with enough distance from Drakkenheim is more a hope than an actual conviction.
[/hider]