[ Is that perhaps guilt Astarion feels? Perhaps a little bit of goodness, begging to be heard from within? Xenk tends to have that effect on people. There's just something about a guy who refuses to lie and believes in the goodness of the world that makes people feel like they should be better people. It's terrible, isn't it? ]

I appreciate your understanding.

[ It's all he can ask for, he knows. A paladin's Oath is his life. At least Astarion is willing to meet him halfway as well. Truly, he's earning quite a bit of Approval in Xenk's book. To even offer up his skills, however unscrupulous, shows that the man is kinder than his terrible life would let on. ]

I doubt I will ever have need of your illicit skillset.[ Blunt as all hell, that's Xenk! ] But you are kind to offer this in exchange. Thank you.

[ He smiles. You know he means it, when he's calling lockpicking 'kind.' ]