divinestrike | Overflow / Open Post

[That's respectable. Faith isn't for everyone and frankly, she's really not surprised to learn that about him. There is nothing about Astarion that indicates otherwise. She's not disappointed by the discovery either. He is, as he is meant to be at this place, at this time, per his circumstances.

On that, she's resolute.]

See, that wasn't so hard. Maybe put faith into something that's not a god. You have faith in yourself, don't you? Let me put it another way. I have faith in you. I believe wholeheartedly that anything you want, you'll find a way to get it. I don't have to have proof of that. I just feel that way based on what I know of you. What I've observed. That's also faith. It's not all gods and lofty ideals that we can't see. Sometimes, it's just supporting the people we're associated with.

[How very cleric of her.]

[ It's very kind of her to say such things to someone who's done nothing to deserve them. Such unbidden kindness almost makes him want to be kind in turn. Almost. ]

You're positively saccharine. It upsets my stomach, you know.

Somehow, I'm not surprised. Believe me, I'm trying to keep that to a minimum for you. That said, I can only be myself. So you'll have to take me as I am. Or don't take me at all.

[ A quick 180 to get back the power in the conversation: ]

If you wanted me to take you, you need only ask.

[Astarion.]

I walked into that, didn't I. And here you are, teasing me.

You do make it impossibly easy for such a good little Selûnite. One has to wonder if underneath all of that inhibition isn't something wild yearning to get out.

Wouldn't you like to know.

[Of course he would. Otherwise he wouldn't be bringing it up.]

I'm not inclined to be dropping details, but far be it from me to start saying I don't have desires or wants like the rest of you. I'm not immune to such things.

[ Boo, boring. Tomato, tomato, tomato. ]

Desires like being worshipped, hmm?

Well, if anyone should ever worship me, I'll be sure to tell you the very depths of my feelings regarding that.

[No. No, she won't.]

Are you just making conversation with me or are you prying for a reason in particular?

We're travelling companions. I think it's important that we get to know each other quite intimately.

[ You know, normal stuff (that can be used against her later if needed). What boys does she like? What weird stuff is she into? Ever killed a man just to watch him die? ]

I can agree that we should know each other. To a point. I don't think you need to know me intimately or vice versa to accomplish that. All I need to know is that I can trust you at my back.

[And frankly, she's not sure she can.]

My tastes in... such antics, Astarion, I don't think will be of benefit to you. I actually think you'd be quite bored by what you'd find out. I've never had much time for those kinds of outings.

You must be awfully pent up.

[She is so thankful that he can't actually hear her laughing. In that short, awkward, stilted way she sometimes does when she isn't really sure how to address something.]

Must I? I have to confess that whilst I have fleeting thoughts here and there, the being preoccupied thing makes it pretty easy for me not to often consider it.

[But the truth here is, if she really, really gives it consideration, she's pretty pent up. Wrapped up tightly beneath self-imposed repression and an incredible strength of will and discipline.]

You really are such a long-suffering hero, aren't you?

[ Luckily, she can't see him roll his eyes. Look out for number one, Nepione! ]

That isn't how I see it. I'm not suffering. You'll hate hearing this, but it's a little easier when I can focus on you and the others. Even if the recipient of this is annoyed by it. That said, I don't expect you to understand. I'm well aware that I'm a little strange.

Oh, I certainly don't hate hearing that you're looking out for me. The others, I could take or leave.

They're just as important as you, you know. We don't have to all agree, but we should try to at least get along a little. This little misadventure we're on, it'll go better if everyone feels like they have value and they have a place they belong. I want us all to grow and be strong together, whatever that might entail.

I'll do what I think is necessary to achieve that.

[Including murder. She just won't enjoy it.]

[ Now he really could vomit from the sugary sweetness. ]

Ugh. Even Wyll? Even Gale?

They have their place, so yes, even them. You don't have to like them, Astarion. You just have to behave. A little. Don't suppose I can bribe you with something to make sure we keep the peace around here.

I'm nothing if not reasonable. Make your offer, darling.

You wanted to use me as bait, right? I'm willing to help you catch your food at night. Gods know I don't sleep much to begin with. I won't be missing anything.

You get to eat. You're happy. Everyone else can be happy, too.

I suppose a full stomach would make it easier to tolerate the Blade of Frontiers referring to himself in the third person.

If you get tired of listening to him, you can always just come and spend time with me.

And here I thought you were opposed to getting to know each other more intimately.

That is not equivalent to me saying I'm going to throw you down into my bedroll and demand you make penance for misbehaviour.

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