[They both know the answer, but Leto writes it anyway, for it's important. Important to answer the question so no fear can form; important because sometimes things need to be said more than once, not because there is any doubt— but because Astarion deserves to hear it.]
No less than you might think of me for being relieved just now, for I care so much less about what fates those unlucky wretches suffered so long as it was not turned upon you.
If I thought anything at all, [his words coming more slowly now, thought given to each one,] it would be only that you have grown since last we broached this kind of conversation— and that you could see the truth of the matter instead of the lies we have been fed all our life.
Their fates do not rest on your shoulders. Their pain is not your fault. And recognizing the cruelty and sadism that he terrified his slaves with does not make it your sin to bear.
And it does not make you a bad person to feel that way.
I simply, [a pause,] I would not see you start down the path of championing every wretched soul's plight as your own, for I have seen how that ends.
[And that's his own fears, he knows. Astarion has never been a noble martyr, and gods, he is so far from Anders that it's night and day. But still, the scars linger and ache— and just as Astarion asked that question while knowing the answer, so too does Leto say that, knowing full well the truth of the matter.]
no subject
[They both know the answer, but Leto writes it anyway, for it's important. Important to answer the question so no fear can form; important because sometimes things need to be said more than once, not because there is any doubt— but because Astarion deserves to hear it.]
No less than you might think of me for being relieved just now, for I care so much less about what fates those unlucky wretches suffered so long as it was not turned upon you.
If I thought anything at all, [his words coming more slowly now, thought given to each one,] it would be only that you have grown since last we broached this kind of conversation— and that you could see the truth of the matter instead of the lies we have been fed all our life.
Their fates do not rest on your shoulders. Their pain is not your fault. And recognizing the cruelty and sadism that he terrified his slaves with does not make it your sin to bear.
And it does not make you a bad person to feel that way.
I simply, [a pause,] I would not see you start down the path of championing every wretched soul's plight as your own, for I have seen how that ends.
[And that's his own fears, he knows. Astarion has never been a noble martyr, and gods, he is so far from Anders that it's night and day. But still, the scars linger and ache— and just as Astarion asked that question while knowing the answer, so too does Leto say that, knowing full well the truth of the matter.]