Astarion knew that this urge to claim was from a deep-rooted fear within his soul.

Even if he has to claw his way to convincing his companion to let him ascend. No matter how backhanded he must be.

Astarion was not always a fighter. No, that thirty year old Magistrate he once was did not know violence. Violence had been taught. And Gods, did Astarion learn.

"You must consider that I want to ascend for the both of us. For... me, mostly, yes. But for you. Does that not make it an us matter?" Astarion speaks low in his lover's tent.

Lover. It's a strange thing to comsider. Astarion isn't entirely sure if they're lovers, but it's been at the back of his mind, no? Love.

"I'm almost certain I could extend my gifts to you. But I need you for this. I do need your help..." He's already been clean about his initial manipulations. In all earnesty, this is Astarion's honesty shining through.

"And think of it. When we were to take Baldur's Gate after this, I... we..." Astarion almost struggles with the concept. Being a 'we' instead of 'I' still unsettles him, truthfully.

"You would be immortalized." Astarion leans in to whisper. "They could worship the ground you walk on."

Wonderful. Astarion is sure that they could be wonderful.