( It's hard, to explain Astarion without giving away more than he would feel comfortable with -- gods knows he plays his cards impossibly close to his chest. So Haelva hums for a moment, carefully picking her words. )

Created by a true vampire, but unable to disobey their master until they've drunk from them. Which, according to Astarion, never happens -- no vampire would want to create competition. A spawn has -- how did he put it? "None of the perks, and all of the drawbacks." ( To say nothing of the treatment at the hands of Cazador himself. But Haelva will not tell others of that, not unless she is left with no choice. ) The resentment runs deep.

( Not without cause, in his case. Still, Alucard mentions a pod, and Haelva spins to look for it, seeing it after a second or two. Scooping it up and placing it delicately in a pouch, Haelva looks to him and nods. )

We need not spend much more time here, if you'd prefer.