Cole liked having his fingers played with. He did it himself when he was trying to think or listen and it had the same calming effect when Krem did it.

He followed the suggestion to leave, still hand in hand and the people who might've commented were passed out from too much ale. He listened to Krem's anxiety, but he knew the only real way to help would be how he reacted.

"Scarring is natural. It's the body healing from trauma. Why would it need to be excused?"