[OPEN] Kindness is a light in Kirkwall

[killedwithlove]

WHO: Cole; anyone who needs him
WHAT: Cole's been convinced to come to Kirkwall to help people so he is going to help the hell out of them.
WHEN: Covering the month of Bloomingtide
WHERE: Anywhere BUT the Gallows
NOTES: Will probably end up dealing with lots of the awful from the Gallows. PM this journal or jemisard for an individual starter

Cole never wanted to come here. He wanted to leave, to go elsewhere, but he was convinced that here he is most needed and thus, here he is.

Kirkwall scares him. Deeply scares him, so much that he barely goes into the city at first, but he slowly starts picking out the individuals among the screaming horror of the city, the people who he can help, who still be touched and brought back.

Comments

[circleprodigy]

Tentatively, Inessa closes in to rest a hand on his arm. As one usually protective of her own personal space, she tries to respect others'. But Cole's words tear at her heart, aching for a spirit trying so hard to fulfill its purpose in a city which makes that so very difficult. Garahel lets out a soft whine, offering an affectionate bump.

"It must be discouraging, feeling so much suffering and despair. I don't envy the uphill battle you face, but I do appreciate everything you do to alleviate it. And you're right, it can spark a chain reaction. So even if one result seems insignificant, it may yield something more with time. Even if that doesn't happen, a moment of kindness can mean everything to those in need of it."

[killedwithlove]

"I don't do it so people will help others. I do it because someone should. And I can." He can give and never run out of giving, because it's what he is.

And if he keeps reminding himself of that, it helps keep back the tiredness that sometimes nags him.

He glances at her hand and then up to her, offering a watery smile. "I shouldn't stay long. There's a pair of twins I've been leading to safe sleeping spots and they'll get tired soon." He shifts on the spot, looking awkward with the focus on him.

[circleprodigy]

"All good reasons, Cole." Inessa nods, a small but warm smile as Cole's efforts are inspiring whether he knows it or not. That Kirkwall affects him and yet he still perseveres pings her own sense of duty. She's not sure if the thin Veil will ever not make her feel uncomfortable, but she can't do anything about that right now. It's better to focus on what can be done.

"I understand. They're fortunate to have your aid. If we can ever assist, please inform me over the crystals. I'm not so bound to the Gallows that I cannot leave it." Times have truly changed for a mage in residence to be able to say that, even if she is a Grey Warden.

[killedwithlove]

Kirkwall affects him terribly, but he clings hard to being Compassion to stop himself slipping. He never wants to be what he was; the thing that made Rhys look at him with disgust.

"I don't like using the crystals," Cole admits softly. "It's just a sound, making words, but there's no feeling, no memory, nothing but... empty sound."

[circleprodigy]

"I see." Inessa isn't bothered by it, but she can understand to some degree how very different and offputting that form of communication could be to a spirit. "I will never expect long conversations, then, but the offer is still there. A brief message is still helpful for coordination."

[killedwithlove]

For an empath, it's a very cold, distant way of communicating which leaves him unable to feel the situation. Blind, deaf, a sensory deprivation in communication.

"Yes. I will use the crystal if I need to. If you are in the Gallows."