Lonely
Leliana was lonely, and Cole wasn't sure what she thought of him. But he thought that, perhaps, he might chance it. Just talking to her. Just once. "Lady Leliana." He said softly, causing the Spymaster to look up from her work and give him a curious look.
"Cole." She said in that thick Orlesian accent. "Do you need something?"
"I was...wondering about something." Leliana frowned somewhat and he allowed himself a glimpse into her mind, just to make sure his presence wasn't upsetting her like many of the others.
There could be many things the boy is curious about. My work, Ephiny, someone else. Calm down, he probably isn't wondering about your past at all. Now he knew what to avoid. Good. He just wanted her to have some company for a bit. He hoped talking might help her feel better.
"And what might that be?" She asked.
"I was wondering about Cassandra." He said calmly. "I know you are friends with her. I know she thinks I am a demon, and horrible, and many other things. Do you think she really means the things she says to me?"
Leliana looked perplexed for a second and then offered him a seat across from her. "Cassandra is...complicated to say the least. I think she fears you. But I'm sure you're used to many people fearing you, correct?" He nodded and she continued. "Cassandra isn't really the best with people in general, so it's not a reach to say she definitely wouldn't be good with half Spirits as well. If you're taking anything she's saying to you to heart I would recommend you don't. If everyone she spoke to did that then she would never have friends." Leliana giggled lightly and Cole felt some of the tension she was emitting relax. Inside his own tension released. He was actually helping. "Cassandra is a very good person, she just has difficulty showing it. Does that help you?" Leliana finished, looking to him for a response.
"Yes. I...I think I understand better now. Thank you Leliana. You have put me at ease." He stood and bade her a quick goodbye, to which she responded with a simple nod. And as he left he heard her laugh once again and knew that some of that lonely poison had left her heavy heart.
