Cole's gaze goes back to taking in the sights around him for a moment.

If this is what it's like for the others, then no wonder there is so much hurt. How can anyone know if the only way to tell is by seeing it? No, by the time you see it, the hurt is too deep - it becomes far harder to heal.

He hopes for a moment that this girl is as fine as she seems. He would hate to have to work on a hurt that subtle. To ask so quickly would be 'bad form' as The Iron Bull would put it, so for now he's content to let Ib explain about the city.

"A whole year?" , he asks - pale gaze under pale locks returning to her swiftly. "That is a rather long time to be away from home."

If it is as the creature following him said, then this was bad. Very bad.

"Is there a way to get home, Ib? Something very bad is happening there and I need to get back, before its too late."