[ At one time, this answer would have sent him spiraling. It must be a sign of growth, then, that it doesn't. He hums in thought, rubbing his thumb idly against Iorveth's, a form of lazy affection. ]

I suppose it was too much to hope that you'd come to enjoy the clamor and clutter.

[ Things Astarion does enjoy. He likes having amenities at his fingertips, likes the streets being filled with people he's never met and never will, likes being somewhere important with important people. Baldur's Gate was all he'd ever known, and while Waterdeep is different in many ways, it's still similar enough. City life is exciting, with never a dull moment. ]

You must miss your people terribly.

[ A sentiment he'll never understand, but he hates the thought of Iorveth feeling lonely and unconnected all the same. ]