He understands that sigh, the sense that another's belief in you is unmerited. The worry that you will inevitably let everyone down. It's a weight that Wilhelm carries carefully. Before he can think of what to say to reassure Kell, Kell names his roommate. Like gravity, as if Kelson's name has begun to gather its own mass, the effect is instantaneous: Wilhelm perks up.

"Yeah? What about him?"

By now, a barmaid has noticed that they're taking up a table but not spending any coin. She sweeps over to them and, with a sweetly expectant look, asks if they'd like some drinks. Wilhelm orders an ale, a nicer one than usual because his purse is fatter than usual, thanks to his courier work.