"Years," Cole replied automatically. "I'm not- I help people now. I remembered what I am. What I was before Cole." He winced again. "I'm not- good with people. Still. Just hurts. Not people. I'm not doing this right, but I can't make you forget and try again. Varric said I shouldn't do that anyway."

He ducked his head, plucking at the wraps around his hands. "I'm sorry. You weren't meant to see me, I know you don't want to. But you needed me."