Astarion goes quiet for a while. Aylin strolls over to bump her head into his leg, and he reaches down to pull her into his lap for a fuss.

"...There's a few reasons. Mostly? Anything, everything that could be perceived as the smallest kindness from Cazador or his cronies - it had a cost. There were never gifts given, only debts accrued. When I think about the future, about some nebulous somewhere else beyond the Barge, it's hard not to think - what will this cost? How will I have to pay for this?"

Which is half the reason the Rite has such appeal. Payment up front. Power enough to protect his interests, and a deal already done.