[ Astarion isn't sure if that would make it easier or worse, all things considered. He wants to be able to destroy Cazador, rip power from his hands and claim it for himself, but the issue with that is whether his companions would allow it. He can very easily picture them turning away from him and damning him for his choice, at the sacrifice, of all the lives that would have to be lost in the process.
Even someone as kind and gentle as Karlach would turn against him.
Stepping away from her, he leans against a nearby wall with his arms crossed, attention still settled on her. The relief at having her back is mixed up with his own comfort, knowing that he will be softer with her company. He had settled into a rhythm to try and keep himself safe, but with Karlach here... Does he need that?
( Karlach, in the middle of stuffing her face, knows that 'mm'. Knows that Astarion wants power more than anything, power to keep himself safe. But that won't save him, Karlach thinks. Power hasn't saved anyone, it's just fucked them over.
She should know.
But she can't tell that to him without him bringing it up first. He likely knows where she stands with the whole thing, anyway. So onto other things. )
Yeah, but it's filled with people I like. Maybe we could fix it up? Give it a little homey touch or something to get it up to your taste.
[ Astarion cannot see a future where he doesn't have the power to do what he wants and needs to do; for him, there is no option beyond hijacking Cazador's ritual for himself. Otherwise, he'll be trapped, stuck in the darkness for the rest of his eternal life, and that isn't a suffering he can content with. Even if his sire were gone, he would still be bereft of colour, of joy, of the life that had been taken from him.
It's hard not to dwell on it, on his own impending doom, but he can at least attempt to focus on Karlach. For now. ]
What count as 'homey' for you? My home was filled with expensive, macabre art, dead bodies and torture chambers.
[ He shakes his head. ]
Or did you intend to live with Halsin and Gale, too?
( It isn't fair for either of them, is it? Her death, his future if he decides to do the right thing, to turn down all that power? Life is just so fucking unfair all the time, and she wishes there was a way to make it less. For the both of them. )
If they want to. It'd be like we're back at the Elf Song, only this time we better have private rooms. You're all great, but if I'm gonna enjoy any 'me' time--
( Karlach laughs too, at the airs. She appreciates Astarion's ability to shift from part to part -- it's useful when they need it, though she will always wish he didn't feel like he had to. )
And kick you out? Never. ( Because he belongs here just as much as she does. And she'll make sure he knows that. ) Tell me more about what I missed.
You can't tell me I missed my chance to dance with you and just expect me to shrug it off!
( Karlach says, with another grin. It's probably something she wouldn't have enjoyed beyond the novelty -- the dance, that is, and the finery -- it seemed too much like the sort of stuff the patriars got up for her her tastes. But the chance to dance with Astarion? That alone would have been worth it.
If he wanted to, of course. )
Sounds boring overall. Especially with what we came from.
You missed it entirely. Maybe the Overseer will take pity on you and host another one.
[ He didn't exactly do much in terms of dancing himself, mostly sticking to the shadows and enjoying the fresh blood that seemed to appear whenever he'd needed it. He hasn't been so full in weeks.
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[ Astarion isn't sure if that would make it easier or worse, all things considered. He wants to be able to destroy Cazador, rip power from his hands and claim it for himself, but the issue with that is whether his companions would allow it. He can very easily picture them turning away from him and damning him for his choice, at the sacrifice, of all the lives that would have to be lost in the process.
Even someone as kind and gentle as Karlach would turn against him.
Stepping away from her, he leans against a nearby wall with his arms crossed, attention still settled on her. The relief at having her back is mixed up with his own comfort, knowing that he will be softer with her company. He had settled into a rhythm to try and keep himself safe, but with Karlach here... Does he need that?
He frowns. ]
Is it? It's dirty, and small.
no subject
She should know.
But she can't tell that to him without him bringing it up first. He likely knows where she stands with the whole thing, anyway. So onto other things. )
Yeah, but it's filled with people I like. Maybe we could fix it up? Give it a little homey touch or something to get it up to your taste.
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It's hard not to dwell on it, on his own impending doom, but he can at least attempt to focus on Karlach. For now. ]
What count as 'homey' for you? My home was filled with expensive, macabre art, dead bodies and torture chambers.
[ He shakes his head. ]
Or did you intend to live with Halsin and Gale, too?
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If they want to. It'd be like we're back at the Elf Song, only this time we better have private rooms. You're all great, but if I'm gonna enjoy any 'me' time--
( Now that she can touch people. )
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[ He's not in the least bit offended, obviously, but he does have to play his part - he rolls his eyes, plays the role, and huffs a little laugh. ]
You could just ask for privacy.
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And kick you out? Never. ( Because he belongs here just as much as she does. And she'll make sure he knows that. ) Tell me more about what I missed.
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You barely missed anything at all. [ He shakes his head. ] A little finery, a dance, a labyrinth. A standard few weeks.
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( Karlach says, with another grin. It's probably something she wouldn't have enjoyed beyond the novelty -- the dance, that is, and the finery -- it seemed too much like the sort of stuff the patriars got up for her her tastes. But the chance to dance with Astarion? That alone would have been worth it.
If he wanted to, of course. )
Sounds boring overall. Especially with what we came from.
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[ He didn't exactly do much in terms of dancing himself, mostly sticking to the shadows and enjoying the fresh blood that seemed to appear whenever he'd needed it. He hasn't been so full in weeks.
Looking back over, his lips curl. ]
You could always just ask, darling.
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( That's true enough, and she levels him with a steady gaze. )
Wanna dance, Astarion? You'll have to show me all the fancy steps, unless you want to be tossed around like we do in the lower city.
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[ Looking up at her, thinking about trying to lead her... Well, she's so tall. ]
I can teach you.