And yet that was the part he chose to focus on.

[Look, he doesn't doubt that Astarion might have offered some praise; they're friendly enough now that they clearly respect one another for what they do, but having famed Thayan paladin Xenk Yendar speak those words to him with his own mouth...

He hadn't been prepared, to say the least.

He lets out a brief snort of laughter.]

Do you think he might be looking for advice, then? It's hardly the sort of thing one goes about casually.