Originally Posted by Marielle
He likes being a protector, and he likes being strong, he likes caring. He says you can ask for what you want and it will be yours. And at this point, the camera stays on his face rather than jumping abruptly to Tav, which I personally enjoy. (...) After a bitter walkthrough with Astarion, who sacrificed everything incomprehensibly for what, it's like a breath of fresh air.

Him being your protector for once is indeed a breath of fresh air. It feels good seeing him strong and happy. He finally feels like he can offer you something and does so eagerly. That dialogue is lovely and he looks so serious when he says it. <3

Originally Posted by Marielle
Yes, Astarion doesn't like fools smile Indeed, you will feel extremely foolish if you drink it for real and not for the sake of testing "for a reaction". He also swears if you wear a hag mask in search of Ethel's lair in the tavern basement and fall under her influence, but that's also a stupid thing to do and you can see he's just really nervous and worried about Tav.

The stupidest thing you can do in his eyes is becoming a mind flayer after he turns you into his consort. Some people say it's proof he doesn't love you, but I find his dialogues hilarious when he's mercilessly laughing at Tav. His reaction was very predictable. He gives you everything he can and then you throw it in the bin to play dumb heroics and become a slimy freak for a moment of glory. Even before killing Cazador he's averse to addle-headed individuals and heroism, as Ascendant even more so.

Originally Posted by Marielle
And it is stronger, more lasting and unshakable than any ordinary "marriage proposal". The real bond between Astarion and Tav begins after the Ascension, and "together forever" is not just beautiful words, but the truth.

So much this! You are a team, pretty much become extensions of each other, share a bloodline. I'm sure they have a telepathic connection even without the tadpole.