Cole sat on the tavern floor, legs crossed, fingers idly twitching as he spoke under his breath. So many thoughts, feelings, and dreams passed through the walls. Some exuberant and others less so. They weaved their way through the rich undertones of alcohol and the warm sounds of a bard's gentle hum. Many of the people here felt that their aspirations and doubts fell on deaf ears but Cole…he heard them all.
He glanced up at the young man with the short cropped hair; gazing intently as he sipped from the bottle. Big pale eyes blinking in curiosity.
"I wonder how Pop is doing. I wonder if he misses me. Does he view me as his son now? How long has it been anyways…"
Krem glanced at Bull before taking another swig unaware that the odd boy sitting next to him could hear his unspoken quarrels.
"And he's so reckless he's going to get himself killed. What would happen to the Chargers then? Not that I don't admire Chief's fighting spirit but damn…Things these days aren't like they were. Not just dealing with Vints anymore. Demons. Tears in the sky…"
"What is it with that? Does it taste good?" Cole's murmured.
Krem was shaken from his thoughts as he glanced down noticing a pale lad pointing to his bottle.
"Ah, hah. Good? I don't know about good but it's not so much the taste necessarily just what it does to your gut. Makes you all warm yknow?"
Krem shifted a little uneasily as the boy continued to stare at him.
"You can have a taste for yourself if you want. But I'm not sure if you'll like it."
He handed the bottle to Cole who then took a gracious sip before sputtering and shaking his head violently delivering the bottle back to him. Krem laughed patting him roughly on the shoulder.
"Ah lad it's more of an acquired thing. Don't feel bad." He grinned still chuckling as Cole wiped at his lips.
"Certainly isn't something I like. No not at all. I still appreciate the gift. You give a lot. Everyday. There aren't many like you."
Krem was taken aback by the sudden praise, scoffing and scratching the back of his head in earnest. "Well…ah…thank you I mean. That means a lot."
"Aqun-Athlok. I hear the big one say it to you often. You wear it with pride."
"The big one? Bull?" Krem laughed his foot lightly stamping into the floor. "Yeah…damn sod has always been so good to me. Even before he knew me…"
"You feel safe knowing. The recognition of yourself. The man you've fought to be." Cole grinned lightly before rising to his feet.
"You give for him and he gives for you. Round and round in a circle. So don't worry about what will come or who can see you. You give a lot of yourself everyday and worry that you're not noticed. Worried that you won't be seen for who you are. But Bull reassures that you are seen. You are a man. Your father- he misses you."
Krem could only stare in awe at the deep warmth of the pale boy's smile. He was left beyond words yet completely content. Cole pulled at his hat before walking away; Krem watching him go. Bull came over gruffly punching his comrade in the shoulder.
"What's up with you Krem? You been quiet all night!"
Krem began to speak but suddenly had no recollection of the past conversation. Only the warming confidence remained making him feeluntouchable.
"Ah it's nothing Chief!" He grunted shoving at the big Qunari. "Go baby someone else yeah?"