[ Part of Astarion wants to get indignant again. He doesn't want to have to ask; he wants to be important enough to Iorveth that staying together is a foregone conclusion, that it's obvious Iorveth would never choose his crusade over him. Again: selfish. He really is awful.
But Iorveth looks open and vulnerable and exhausted, and Astarion finds that he doesn't have it in him to drain him further. The truth of the matter is that, despite everything, he loves Iorveth (perhaps too much) and wants to see him happy. Iorveth had said he'd do anything for Astarion if he only asked. He supposes he should reciprocate, no matter how uncomfortable it is to open himself up like this.
For a moment, silence stretches out as he musters up the courage. Then, sounding more childishly demanding than he intends: ]
I don't want you to go north. I want you to stay with me.
no subject
But Iorveth looks open and vulnerable and exhausted, and Astarion finds that he doesn't have it in him to drain him further. The truth of the matter is that, despite everything, he loves Iorveth (perhaps too much) and wants to see him happy. Iorveth had said he'd do anything for Astarion if he only asked. He supposes he should reciprocate, no matter how uncomfortable it is to open himself up like this.
For a moment, silence stretches out as he musters up the courage. Then, sounding more childishly demanding than he intends: ]
I don't want you to go north. I want you to stay with me.