[ Idiot. It's not like there's any difference between Astarion being alone with Damris and Astarion being accompanied by a dying man; Iorveth is in no position to protect him. Actually, there is one difference: when Iorveth is there, he has something to lose. Either way, there's no damn way he's letting Iorveth go first.

He's faster than Iorveth in his current state, so Astarion quickly crouches down and lowers into the hatch, boots catching on the rungs of the ladder. ]

If you go first, then I won't be able to heroically catch you if you fall.

[ As he disappears further into the darkness, he adds, ] Although that might kill me, so do try to keep your bearings.

[ Just being honest. He's not strong, and Iorveth is big! All of those lovely long limbs would crush him. ]