[ Nikolai considers that information; he really has very little to go on here, but there seem to be two distinct possibilities emerging. Either someone is inflicting this on Astarion and getting better at it over time, or his earlier 'episodes' had been unrelated hallucinations and this is not an escalation but something new. ]
Well, that sounds like fun.
[ Sarcasm drips from the final word. The wheels in Nikolai's head are turning. Another man might have offered sympathetic words or reassurances that it will all turn out alright, but Nikolai is not that man. He prefers to search for explanations and solutions rather than dole out platitudes. ]
You shouldn't tax yourself with it now, but I wonder if there are any common factors between those episodes and this. Even something simple, like a sound, a smell, or a certain time of day.
[ It's not much to go on, but any factor could be a hint in unraveling how such an attack had been possible. He thinks about telling Astarion that he'll begin investigating if this Cazador fellow has turned up here, but ultimately decides against it. Best not to give what might turn out to be false hope. If he does manage to discover the man, he can tell Astarion about it after the fucker's dead. ]
You're very welcome.
[ Nikolai looks entirely unfazed by Astarion eagerly downing an entire bag of blood. The smell of it does unsettle him a little, but Nikolai has an excellent poker face. And the truth is, it only perturbs him because of the familiarity. He can't help wondering how much blood he'd drunk as the monster. Much more than could fit in two little bags like that, judging by how much of it he was usually covered in when he woke up. ]
That is what it means, more or less. They're only myths, in my world.
[ Which is not to say that Ravka doesn't have its share of real monsters. Some made by merzost - the volcra, the nichevo’ya - and some made by science - the khergud and Grisha under the influence of jurda parem. Then, of course, there's the demon that currently resides inside Nikolai. No one even has a name for whatever it might be. ]
I've always loved meeting myths. And I'm quite fond of disobedient rule-breakers.
[ Nikolai smiles at Astarion, warm and easy. He still feels shaken from what he'd witnessed, but he is nothing if not resilient. ]
I would ask if you're alright, but I think we both know that would be a stupid question. So instead, allow me ask, would you like me to leave you alone now? Or would it be alright if I stayed with you a little longer?
[ Perhaps it is irrational, but Nikolai can't help worrying that if he excuses himself, Astarion's torture will resume, and the blame will partly be on him for leaving. ]
I swear not to ask too many questions about vampires, if I do.
[ He lays a hand over his heart, as if making a solemn vow. ]
no subject
Well, that sounds like fun.
[ Sarcasm drips from the final word. The wheels in Nikolai's head are turning. Another man might have offered sympathetic words or reassurances that it will all turn out alright, but Nikolai is not that man. He prefers to search for explanations and solutions rather than dole out platitudes. ]
You shouldn't tax yourself with it now, but I wonder if there are any common factors between those episodes and this. Even something simple, like a sound, a smell, or a certain time of day.
[ It's not much to go on, but any factor could be a hint in unraveling how such an attack had been possible. He thinks about telling Astarion that he'll begin investigating if this Cazador fellow has turned up here, but ultimately decides against it. Best not to give what might turn out to be false hope. If he does manage to discover the man, he can tell Astarion about it after the fucker's dead. ]
You're very welcome.
[ Nikolai looks entirely unfazed by Astarion eagerly downing an entire bag of blood. The smell of it does unsettle him a little, but Nikolai has an excellent poker face. And the truth is, it only perturbs him because of the familiarity. He can't help wondering how much blood he'd drunk as the monster. Much more than could fit in two little bags like that, judging by how much of it he was usually covered in when he woke up. ]
That is what it means, more or less. They're only myths, in my world.
[ Which is not to say that Ravka doesn't have its share of real monsters. Some made by merzost - the volcra, the nichevo’ya - and some made by science - the khergud and Grisha under the influence of jurda parem. Then, of course, there's the demon that currently resides inside Nikolai. No one even has a name for whatever it might be. ]
I've always loved meeting myths. And I'm quite fond of disobedient rule-breakers.
[ Nikolai smiles at Astarion, warm and easy. He still feels shaken from what he'd witnessed, but he is nothing if not resilient. ]
I would ask if you're alright, but I think we both know that would be a stupid question. So instead, allow me ask, would you like me to leave you alone now? Or would it be alright if I stayed with you a little longer?
[ Perhaps it is irrational, but Nikolai can't help worrying that if he excuses himself, Astarion's torture will resume, and the blame will partly be on him for leaving. ]
I swear not to ask too many questions about vampires, if I do.
[ He lays a hand over his heart, as if making a solemn vow. ]