[ as they navigate this newfound knowledge of each other, the last thing he expects from shadowheart is a compliment. you were a good boyfriend, an assertion at odds with the other astarion’s clear outline of his failings. a strike against mystra growing bored and then frustrated with him, too. he doesn’t linger in it for too long, thinking instead on the significance of being shadowheart’s first in that world and this one, with her memories stolen from her.
and even if she still possessed them — she speaks true. shar does not allow for sentimental attachments. for softness. for love. he feels impossibly touched, to have given her that (and be given that in turn, when mystra came to him as a boy; there were others after her, but none so all-consuming). ]
Oh. Thank you. I’m glad it was you, too.
[ and not another, with privileged knowledge of him when he was young and vulnerable and oh so gangly. ]
And I hope you know you can always unburden yourself with me.
[ A small knot loosens in her, for reasons she can't quite explain. Gale could have easily dismissed her, told her it wasn't real, that it all meant nothing. (The same shield she'd considered erecting, instead of offering him her vulnerability.)
He offers Shadowheart a gentle reflection, instead. Easier to hear--and say--all of this in writing, where he can't see her getting misty-eyed again. ]
[ Again, considers a number of responses to Gale's prompting: dismissive, snide, angry. She forces herself, instead, into the discomfort of the truth. ]
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cw grooming
and even if she still possessed them — she speaks true. shar does not allow for sentimental attachments. for softness. for love. he feels impossibly touched, to have given her that (and be given that in turn, when mystra came to him as a boy; there were others after her, but none so all-consuming). ]
Oh.
Thank you.
I’m glad it was you, too.
[ and not another, with privileged knowledge of him when he was young and vulnerable and oh so gangly. ]
And I hope you know you can always unburden yourself with me.
[ that hasn’t changed. ]
no subject
He offers Shadowheart a gentle reflection, instead. Easier to hear--and say--all of this in writing, where he can't see her getting misty-eyed again. ]
You're a good friend, Gale.
I can't remember having many of those, either.
no subject
After my folly, only a few tried to visit me, and I suspect that was largely to see how far I’d fallen.
[ in fairness, the old gale had been self-aggrandising and prideful. he wouldn’t begrudge them the satisfaction now.
since shadowheart seems open to talking, he pushes a bit further. ]
I imagine this is all very difficult for you.
no subject
[ Again, considers a number of responses to Gale's prompting: dismissive, snide, angry. She forces herself, instead, into the discomfort of the truth. ]
That life felt more real than the one I know.
She felt more real than I do.
no subject
[ can someone sound gently chiding over text? ]
Whyever would you think that? You’re as real as she was, to me. Moreso, even, for your sharper edges.