[ With memories the ones Astarion surely has, it's no surprise that a stronger touch would illicit a violent response. Xenk keeps the touch light on his shoulder, intent on grounding him to the moment if he can. ]
You are. You are safe.
[ Xenk knows how his own nightmares often lead him shaking off the effects -- the sorrow and the fear, for some time. He can only imagine how much worse it would be for Astarion, with 200 years of torture for his mind to choose from. ]
I am here. Your nightmares cannot reach you.
[ He wants to say 'he' cannot reach him, but that might overstep -- Xenk doesn't want to assume with Astarion, he'd rather give him the space to talk, and come down from his nightmare at his own pace. ]
no subject
You are. You are safe.
[ Xenk knows how his own nightmares often lead him shaking off the effects -- the sorrow and the fear, for some time. He can only imagine how much worse it would be for Astarion, with 200 years of torture for his mind to choose from. ]
I am here. Your nightmares cannot reach you.
[ He wants to say 'he' cannot reach him, but that might overstep -- Xenk doesn't want to assume with Astarion, he'd rather give him the space to talk, and come down from his nightmare at his own pace. ]