The kid Laios responds well to any stories about monsters and/or overtures of friendliness. He has many questions to ask about what being an elf is like, too, especially in terms of sensory experiences. (How far can you see? How well can you hear? Etc.) He does seem to be just... a memory, though.

The scruffy adult Laios seems to be more a representation of some part of Laios's actual consciousness, instead. Provided that Jarlaxle pushes through the fog and intrusive thoughts (Who is this guy, anyway? He's nobody important. He's probably more trouble than he's worth. He looks like bad news. He's clearly an anti-social weirdo. Do you really want to waste your time talking to him...?) he can get scruffy Laios to recognize him, and they can have a real conversation.

The weather gets sunny and warm in this area before he steps back out onto the dark water.