[ A hell of a question. It's piercing; of course he dreads the end of this journey. He very likely could die—in a way that'll actually stick, this time—or worse, become a tentacled monster dominated by the hivemind. Even if they manage to do what they set out to, Astarion is in the unique position of dreading that, too.
If he's unlucky, defeating the Netherbrain will also mean that the tadpole in his brain withers and dies, and with it, its protective powers against his vampiric drawbacks. He'll be a creature of the night again, his time spent skulking around in the dark. Even if that doesn't happen, the end of this experience means freedom but also uncertainty. The idea of living a new life of his own choosing is attractive, yes, but also daunting.
He couldn't possibly drop all of that on Iorveth, so he simply says, ] I don't know what the future will bring.
[ His hand snakes over to rest on top of Iorveth's, pulling his arm more snugly around his shoulders. ]
But as long as you're in it, I think I can bear it.
no subject
If he's unlucky, defeating the Netherbrain will also mean that the tadpole in his brain withers and dies, and with it, its protective powers against his vampiric drawbacks. He'll be a creature of the night again, his time spent skulking around in the dark. Even if that doesn't happen, the end of this experience means freedom but also uncertainty. The idea of living a new life of his own choosing is attractive, yes, but also daunting.
He couldn't possibly drop all of that on Iorveth, so he simply says, ] I don't know what the future will bring.
[ His hand snakes over to rest on top of Iorveth's, pulling his arm more snugly around his shoulders. ]
But as long as you're in it, I think I can bear it.