Ellie gives a laugh under her breath, just a little huff. She doesn't need to look to know that he's smiling. She can feel it- when he smiles something changes in his voice. Leaves it more raw, more serious somehow. All of the lilting playfulness eases up.

She likes Astarion's playfulness, but craves the moments he drops it, the moments he's real. She covers her hurt with stony silences and explosive, cutting anger, while he smiles and flatters and postures, but it's the same.

"You mean after the verbal slapfight?" Ellie snickers, then relaxes, growing more thoughtful.

"Tell me."

Because she knows, too- she's always known. But she wants to listen to him.