[ Matt feels a bittersweet pang over this reaction. Sweet, because my dear, like all of Astarion's endearments, sinks warmly into his skin. Matt gets the sense that Astarion peppers affectionate terms into conversation in general, but it doesn't make him like them any less. Endearments feel as tangible to him as caresses, little touches made of sound and syllable.

Bitter, because the question strikes Matt as a very reasonable one. In their brief history thus far, Astarion can't be sure what he's going to get from Matt, can he? ]

Charms to ward off nightmares have been popular this month, [ Matt notes with a rueful smile. ] Um, I've made enchanted items that alert people to danger or untruths, that calm and center you emotionally, that turn you invisible ... all kinds of things. [ Another sip from his diminishing, but still-warm toddy. Speaking of enchanted items, this spell was such a good call. ] And I like trying to figure out how new ones would work, so even if I've never created an effect before, it doesn't necessarily mean I can't.