[ It's amazing how much difference a bit of blood makes. Astarion can already feel vitality returning to his drained body, the phantom pain fading from his back. He straightens up some and rolls his shoulders, taking stock of himself for any injuries, but aside from a knee bruised in the process of collapsing to the floor, his body bears no lingering marks from the attack. It's disconcerting, but certainly preferable to the alternative.

Maybe it's the blood or maybe it's the nature of Nikolai's flattery, but Astarion actually manages to return a smile at his words. ]

Then I dare say you'll like me quite a lot. I might not have been able to disobey back on my own plane, but here? I like to think I've been making up for lost time.

[ Even now, Astarion can't say that he regrets breaking Cazador's rules. Maybe his master will find ways to make him regret it, but for the moment, Astarion wouldn't trade this fleeting freedom for anything. Not even this latest round of torture has taken that from him. ]

After everything you've done? Stay as long as you'd like. [ Already, he's sounding more like his usual charming self, but as he braces a hand against the wall to stand, there's still a certain tentativeness to his movements, like he's not sure he won't be forced to the floor again. Perhaps his willingness to let Nikolai stay isn't entirely selfless. ]

Though, I hope you won't mind if we walk and talk. I didn't come here just to make a scene, despite appearances.

[ Yes, Astarion just been forced to relive a horribly painful memory of physical torture. Yes, he fully intends to complete his grocery-shopping anyway. It's amazing what a motivator spite can be. ]