"Forgive me, but I must pass you back to Eli for a while. I still need to write my report. Fear not, I will omit certain details about you." Namely that Astarion could shift into a bat. It was a useful secret to have.

Taking Astarion back out, he rang Eli's door chime and the moment Eli answered, he passed the vampire bat off once more. Eli didn't even get a word out before Thrawn said, "I will be in my office." With that, he shut the door.

Eli let out a sigh, more directed at Thrawn, despite the Chiss being out of sight now. He looked at the bat, stroking his back gently. "I know, but sometimes he just does things without explaining himself. It's just how his mind works. Still, at least he left me with such an adorable charge."