[ Oh. His ear is so sensitive, the feeling of Jarlaxle's breath upon it makes him shiver with delight and anticipation. To say nothing of how Jarlaxle's tone sounded, of course.
And then there's his words. That he speaks of deserving, that he puts the decision entirely in Astarion's surprisingly ill-equipped hands. He plays it off as nothing more than a momentary consideration, taking time to consider his choices. Savor them.
He's about to tell him that he'll lead. That he wants Jarlaxle on his back, and that he'll show him how good he can make him feel. But then he recalls what Jarlaxle said about the drow, about their place. Their lack of agency. And as much as he wants to explore this freedom for himself, there's a strange feeling that nags at him. That feeling like he wants to be good, even when all signs point otherwise.
So by the time they've made it to the Inn (since it wasn't far) and he has to actually start making a decision he settles on: ]
And if I wanted to give you the freedom to decide? What then?
go boys go!
And then there's his words. That he speaks of deserving, that he puts the decision entirely in Astarion's surprisingly ill-equipped hands. He plays it off as nothing more than a momentary consideration, taking time to consider his choices. Savor them.
He's about to tell him that he'll lead. That he wants Jarlaxle on his back, and that he'll show him how good he can make him feel. But then he recalls what Jarlaxle said about the drow, about their place. Their lack of agency. And as much as he wants to explore this freedom for himself, there's a strange feeling that nags at him. That feeling like he wants to be good, even when all signs point otherwise.
So by the time they've made it to the Inn (since it wasn't far) and he has to actually start making a decision he settles on: ]
And if I wanted to give you the freedom to decide? What then?