[ The human squints at Astarion's deathly pallor. "He does look a little... peaky."

"Lots of people are tired," the dwarf replies, unsympathetic. "They sleep outside the gates till morning."

"Elves don't sleep," says the human. "They meditate or something."

Astarion stares for a moment, then sighs before coughing dramatically, doubled over as he hacks. He covers his mouth as he does so, then glances at his palm before staring up at the guards with wide eyes. With all the melodrama he's known for: ]

Oh, gods. Is it normal to cough up blood?

[ "Um," says the human, shifting uncomfortably. "I'm not a healer..." ]

Oh, I knew I shouldn't have eaten those strange berries. I feel so cold... don't I feel cold, dear?