[ Nikolai knows he made the right choice as soon as Astarion laughs. Of course, he would be pleased to startle a laugh from a handsome stranger in most situations, but it's all the more meaningful in this context. Astarion had just been through something so awful; from the sound of it, there had been plenty more of that in the past, too. So it makes Nikolai feel a warm, proud surge of happiness, that he could lighten that, even if only for a moment or two. ]

I'm quite sure.

[ He matches Astarion's teasing tone, smiling and at his ease. Truth is, he's fairly neutral on bowing and all the other forms of court etiquette like it. Nikolai knows these displays are vitally important in some contexts; this is not one of them.

(He knows, too, that even the most technically-perfect obeisances could still convey contempt. He'd dealt with plenty of that in his time.) ]

I am a king, but I'm not your king.

[ Nikolai could say more about how they're all equals in this place. Equally trapped, equally exiled from their homes, equally powerless against whatever forces brought them here. But - while true - that sentiment is fairly depressing. No need for more of that. ]

Besides, there's absolutely nothing wrong with how you're dressed. You'd fit right in at the palace at Os Alta. You're certainly a step above just about everyone else I've met, here.

[ The informality of everyone's clothing here had been something of a culture shock, for Nikolai. Along with many, many, many other things. ]

You can keep that, if you'd like. It's not like there's anything to spend it on here.

[ And maybe it will be there as a reminder to Astarion, if he ever needs one, that he has someone in his corner. ]

I'm guessing there is no Ravka, in your world?

[ There's a hint of hope in Nikolai's voice, but only a very little one. Astarion hadn't seemed to recognize it, which goes along with the trend of everyone else he's met in the city. ]