"Erik, hold on a moment." A giant hand seized his shoulder, and he froze in place. The hand was gentle, but Cobra knew the power behind it was real. He glanced behind him to see Richard staring with a sympathetic expression on his face. "Can't you at least hear them out?"
"…Already did. Nothing I can do to help. I'm turning in for the night." Cobra brushed away the large hand, turning back around. The fire mildly warmed his back, but the front of him was cold from a breeze coming down the hill. "Just ask Macbeth when he gets back. Whenever that happens."
"It already did," a voice called out from behind him. Cobra whipped around in surprise to see Macbeth sitting across from Jellal by the fire. Did he hide himself when he saw Cobra coming? Or perhaps he had been too distracted to notice. His arms were crossed, while his gaze at Cobra was even chillier than the breeze. "I told them everything I found out, which wasn't much all things considered. Anything you could add to it would be greatly appreciated."
Meredy chimed in again. "Yes…anything you know of during your investigation could help her! And even if you don't know you should still look at her to make sure nothing else is wrong!"
"Meredy's right on both counts. You did say you'd report to me Cobra so I expect at least something from your time today. Maybe you could start with that?"
"Sorano does seem to be in an odd state of mind, oh yeah. Shouldn't that be checked on first?"
"Whatever Cobra found out could be important. He should speak first."
The four of them spoke above each other, rising and falling, concern and coolness, panic and patience. Cobra's exhausted brain pounded and the voices, their souls, their very beings. Repulsed him.
"Would you all just SHUT UP!" he shouted.