'Muddy the blood', eh? Well. That explains things rather neatly, doesn't it? It's a shame, how much the tragedy of their lives can be summarized in a few neat sentences. Of course, he could write volumes on what he endured and it still wouldn't feel sufficient.

That rage feels...bottomless. Perhaps the only way to fill that void is facing the source of his torment. Ending him. But they have more important matters to focus on now. Potentially world-ending, in fact. It doesn't leave much room for ruminating on personal tragedies or the desire for revenge.

As Hermione trails off, Astarion remains almost uncharacteristically silent, before taking another sip of the wine. His expression appears...oddly pensive.

"Someone was desperate to leave an impression, I suppose." There's a slightly hollow note to the attempted levity.