[ Itโs more enthusiasm than Gale typically receives, in matters of his academic interests, and he thinks again of the lady in the curios store, a false interest. There are few genuine individuals among nobility, even in a place as wondrous as Waterdeep. It gives him pause, concealed by his careful journey down the ladder.
On solid ground once more, he dismisses the concern. Why should Astarion lie about something so trivial?
As gentle as a lover, he says, conjuring images that have no place in Galeโs head or fractured heart. His tongue darts out to wet his lower lip, considering whether to hand over what isnโt his to give, but heโs come this far.
Held carefully in both his hands, Gale extends the journal. ]
Only open it just so. [ without cracking the weathered spine and risking its loose pages. He edges back into Astarionโs space, their shoes nearly touching. Itโs closer than he would dare settle, if a precious thing werenโt in play. ]
no subject
On solid ground once more, he dismisses the concern. Why should Astarion lie about something so trivial?
As gentle as a lover, he says, conjuring images that have no place in Galeโs head or fractured heart. His tongue darts out to wet his lower lip, considering whether to hand over what isnโt his to give, but heโs come this far.
Held carefully in both his hands, Gale extends the journal. ]
Only open it just so. [ without cracking the weathered spine and risking its loose pages. He edges back into Astarionโs space, their shoes nearly touching. Itโs closer than he would dare settle, if a precious thing werenโt in play. ]