[ Bastien hasn't genuinely wept since he was a small child, thanks very much—though he does a great impression of it when needed—and he isn't going to start now. Not over deaths that, on an intellectual level, he believes to have only happened in dreams. Like some twist on solipsism. The only thing in Astarion's life that is real, in his opinion, is the effect it had on Astarion himself, and the person his dreamed-up memories made him as he solidified on this side of the Veil.
He will not be saying so. ]
So someone is bitten by a vampire, and they either become one or die? [ Semi-rhetorical, to make sure he's following. ] Do you still need to eat that way?
[They could keep talking about this. Delve into more. Discuss every last sordid detail—
But Astarion's rapidly lost interest. Weathervane, protective, he's had enough of this game for now.]
No. That’s it. You’ve heard enough already.
[Whether that no is a no is anyone's guess, given that he's putting his foot on the brake.] You're all safe from me, I'm not what I was before, let's spare us both the discomfort and end it there.
[ It's the sort of ready agreement that comes mixed with confusion and apology—not aware precisely why that was an overstep, but willing not to stubbornly step further. ]
I should sleep soon, anyway. Thank you for indulging me so much.
[Better than admitting he doesn't know what he is now. Better than stepping into the proverbial fire when Wysteria's already nipping at his damned heels about it.
His tone settles sweetly, he all but purrs.]
My pleasure, darling. Truly.
And the next time we see each other, I want to hear the rest of your story.
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Yes, my darling. They never lasted. Wasn’t their lot, the loving. The trusting. Fools, all.
[Just like Astarion, and every other spawn that Cazador came to claim with an open palm and the promise of salvation.]
But don’t go weeping for them now. Compared to an eternity, their deaths were mercifully quick.
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He will not be saying so. ]
So someone is bitten by a vampire, and they either become one or die? [ Semi-rhetorical, to make sure he's following. ] Do you still need to eat that way?
no subject
But Astarion's rapidly lost interest. Weathervane, protective, he's had enough of this game for now.]
No. That’s it. You’ve heard enough already.
[Whether that no is a no is anyone's guess, given that he's putting his foot on the brake.] You're all safe from me, I'm not what I was before, let's spare us both the discomfort and end it there.
Please.
no subject
[ It's the sort of ready agreement that comes mixed with confusion and apology—not aware precisely why that was an overstep, but willing not to stubbornly step further. ]
I should sleep soon, anyway. Thank you for indulging me so much.
no subject
His tone settles sweetly, he all but purrs.]
My pleasure, darling. Truly.
And the next time we see each other, I want to hear the rest of your story.
no subject