[ Xenk nods. Astarion did say that. He will pay closer attention. And the water is helping him feel a bit more connected to his body, so that is good. He just has to remember: no pity, no personal questions, no meal offerings. Xenk is nothing if not skilled at following the rules. ]

I have sought clerics and wizards alike, in my journeys, and learned much. What I suffer from is only a partial hex, but a powerful one. It is bound intrinsically to the spell that grants Szass Tam control over Thay, as well as his immortal life. So long as Szass Tam lives, so too shall I live. And should Szass Tam die, then I will die.