PSL for killedwithlove

[kremdelacreme]

The Chargers were back at Skyhold after a week-long mission that had taken them clear out to the Antivan border, a job separate from the Inquisition's dealings that The Iron Bull had taken for incredibly handsome pay, after making absolutely sure that it wouldn't have any impact on the Inquisition. But now they were home, looking no worse for wear, toting a wagon full of casks that they were telling anyone that would listen were full of whiskey.

But things were amiss. They were short a man, and nothing about the way they conducted themselves made it seem like something bad had happened. They were just suddenly one fewer than normal.

Another week, and still their Lieutenant hadn't come back. None of the Chargers said a damn thing when questioned on the whereabouts of one Cremisius Aclassi, even redirecting the conversation when someone would get insistent. There wasn't much point in poking around in any of their heads either, as none of them knew for sure where he'd gone or why. All they seemed to know was that he would be back sooner or later.

Another week, and the Inquisitor had decided to go to the Frostback Basin to learn what he could about Inquisitor Ameridan. This left Skyhold fairly empty, left the civilians to their own devices, nobody any the wiser save for the occasional reports that the Inquisitor sent back about what he was learning.

Krem's return to the fortress was without fanfare, literal or otherwise. He simply trudged across the bridge that led inside from the mountains, a sack slung over his back with his maul, which looked to have been cleaned, repaired and even upgraded, materials-wise. It was so early in the morning that it was still dark, giving him the chance to get to his quarters without interference, and as he passed through the tavern on his way there, he was entirely focused on finding his way to his bed. He ached all over, a bone-deep soreness that blotted out more specific hurts, and the moment his door was closed and locked behind him, he sank onto his bed with a deep groan, falling slowly onto his side and using one hand to start unbuckling his harness and armor, letting it all clatter on the floor without a single thought regarding the noise. He only sat back up to strip off his leathers, then rolled over to face the wall, blanket pulled over his head, almost instantly asleep.

Comments

[killedwithlove]

"You want me to stay in here with you?" Cole looked at Krem, head tilting and big eyes blinking. "Even though I don't sleep?"

[kremdelacreme]

Krem was getting used to Cole taking things literally by now, and was ready for the questions.

"I meant it more in a general sense, but that too, if you feel like it."

[killedwithlove]

"I don't know how that feels," he murmured. "I like being with you. Even when you're sleeping."

[kremdelacreme]

"Not surprised. You don't get bored like the rest of us. You can feel the things in dreams too, probably. Nightmares and such."

It was just a bit weird for him to think that someone would willingly stay up beside him and keep him company as he slept, regardless of circumstances.

[killedwithlove]

"I know what people dream. I'm a spirit. Your dreams shape my old home." He hummed softly, thinking.

"Most people don't like me watching them while they sleep. Sera tried to stab me with an arrow."

[kremdelacreme]

"Sera would probably stab anyone that was right there next to her while she slept," he pointed out, removing himself from Cole and slumping over with his head half-buried in his pillow. "I'm used to having people nearby, just...not able to meddle with my dreams. No offense."

[killedwithlove]

"I can't change your dreams. Not any more than anyone else." He couldn't reach into the Fade anymore like that. He wished he could, if only to help people with their nightmares.