warlordfelwinter · 1 year ago
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gale/durge is funny if just for the "am i the first mortal you've been with question"
i, at least, like to assume the durge is immortal or at least nigh immortal since bhaal seemingly intended them to be the last living soul. they'd need plenty of time to get all that murdering done. and who knows what being made of god flesh and blood does to a mfs lifespan. but even if they aren't they're still godspawn. gale just can't stop attracting gods and their ilk even when he's not trying
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dekariosclan · 6 months ago
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With you, I forget my goddess
So, I have completed Bg3 twice now, but on both runs I’ve romanced Gale (truly shocking, I know) and therefore I had never seen Gale’s non-romance discussion with Tav about the Annals of Karsus.
I recently got to see it, and what surprised me the most is how extremely angry and bitter Gale is about Mystra’s treatment of him. Rightfully and understandably so, but it’s something we do not see or experience in the romance version.
This got me thinking about the difference in Gale’s reactions in the friendship vs romance scenes, why they are different, and also how this relates to the complaints I’ve read about Gale ‘still not being over Mystra even when romancing Tav’.
(Note that I’m mainly going to focus on the portions of each dialogue that relate to Mystra in particular, and I’m not referencing the ‘alternate’ boat scene w/Gale—where he tells you beforehand that he will return the crown to her—since he doesn’t mention Mystra at all there.)
Screencaps below are from @munmomuu’s wonderful video on YouTube. The screencaps take place after Gale has read the Karsus book. If you are romancing him, before you reach this point, the conversation ends because he tells you he wants to discuss it later “in private,” during the boat scene.
But in a friendship run, he will explain what he’s read to you and then begin to make his case for using the crown:
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Gale: Some gods may delude themselves into believing they care about their worshippers, but when it comes down to it - we’re all expendable. Children to be appeased, not respected.
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Gale: I worshipped Mystra loyally for years, and in that time she granted me the barest sliver of the power I was ready to wield.
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Gale: Even with the fate of the world at stake, she had little more to offer me than the means of blowing myself up at a more convenient time. She’s done nothing to help us.
There then comes a dialogue branch where Tav can ask this:
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And Gale replies, with understandable bitterness:
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Gale: She sent me to die.
Look at how angry he is during this whole exchange, and how he focuses all that anger on the past, and what Mystra has done to him (or not done, as he points out she’s offered them no help at all.)
— — —
Now let’s compare this to his Mystra dialogue in the boat scene:
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Gale: I’ve already defied Mystra. Had I followed her command, there’d be nothing left of me but a smoking crater.
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Gale: The tadpoles, the orb - these threats to our existence - the gods could aid us if they wished, but instead they cower behind Ao. So let us act ourselves.
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Gale: I used to believe Mystra’s forgiveness was worth dying for. But I was wrong. You showed me just how much I have to live for.
Notice how there’s no fiery anger at Mystra here, just Gale’s resigned belief that the Gods have failed them.
So what’s the key component that makes Gale react so differently in each scenario?
It is, of course, Tav.
More specifically, it’s Tav’s love for him, which has clearly helped his heart heal from the trauma that he’s experienced. Yes, Tav’s friendship is extremely important as well, and yes, Gale is still insecure even with Tav’s love (‘you would really prefer me as I am?’) but the extreme bitterness, the anger, all of that is gone. Here, Gale is no longer hung up on Mystra and the past; he’s looking to the future. Because now that he has Tav, what he desires most is to take his life and his fate back from the Gods and into his own hands—with Tav at his side.
The irony is that some people complain about Gale ‘not being over Mystra’ while he’s actively romancing Tav, but just look at the difference in the dialogue! Look at how focused he is on Mystra when he is not romancing Tav, and then how she becomes a mere afterthought once Tav has claimed his heart.
I really enjoyed seeing this level of detail. I think it perfectly illustrates Gale’s frame of mind in each scenario, as well as showing the positive impact Tav’s love has on Gale.
And last but not least—it confirms that Gale was not exaggerating when he says this:
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Gale: With you, I forget my goddess. I love you.
— — —
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moonselune · 4 months ago
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Hey so I saw your ask with female companions and inexperienced tav and could you make one with male companions + Rolan and Raphael? I love your writing!
OOoooOOo yes yes and thank you so much nonnie!!!
─── ・ 。゚☆: .☽ . :☆゚. ───
Gale:
In the candlelit corner of Gale’s tent, the areanwas imbued with an aura of warmth and intimacy. The flickering flames cast gentle shadows on the canvas, creating a serene ambiance that seemed almost magical. You stood near the edge of the bedroll, nervously fidgeting with the hem of your tunic, your heart pounding in your chest.
Gale noticed your apprehension immediately. His eyes, warm and understanding, met yours as he approached, closing the distance between you. He reached out, taking your hands in his, his touch comforting and reassuring.
“You don’t need to be nervous,” he said softly, his voice like a soothing balm. “I understand how you feel.”
You swallowed hard, feeling the weight of your self-consciousness pressing down on you. “It’s just… your ex was a literal goddess,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “How can I possibly compare to her?”
Gale’s expression softened even further, a tender smile spreading across his lips. He cupped your cheek gently, his thumb brushing against your skin. “You are worth a thousand goddesses more,” he assured you, his eyes never leaving yours. “Mystra was a chapter in my past, but you… you are my present and my future.”
His words brought a rush of warmth to your cheeks, but the nervousness still lingered. Gale seemed to sense this and took a step closer, his body radiating calm and confidence.
“We’ll take it slow,” he promised, his voice gentle and patient “There’s no rush, no need to hurry. Take as longs you need and I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
He leaned in, his lips meeting yours in a tender, reassuring kiss. The world seemed to melt away, leaving just the two of you in a cocoon of warmth and affection. Gale’s kiss was soft, patient, a promise of the tenderness and care he would show you that night. As he pulled back, his forehead resting against yours, you felt a sense of calm wash over you.
“Just follow my lead,” he whispered, his breath mingling with yours. “And remember, this is about us, about our love. Nothing else matters.”
His hands moved to your shoulders, gently guiding you towards the bedroll. Every touch, every kiss was filled with love and reverence, as if he was worshipping you with his actions. Gale’s patience and understanding made your nerves slowly dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of trust and intimacy.
─── ・ 。゚☆: .☽ . :☆゚. ───
Astarion:
You stood near the bed of the inn room you had rented for the night, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, your heart beating wildly in your chest. Astarion, ever the charming and confident one, was watching you with an amused yet tender expression.
“You’re nervous,” he observed, his voice carrying a hint of surprise. “I must admit, I didn’t expect that.”
You glanced away, feeling your cheeks heat up. “I… I’m just inexperienced,” you confessed, your voice trembling slightly. “I thought… I thought you’d assume I was more experienced, considering…”
Astarion’s eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise. “Considering how beautiful you are?” he finished for you, a playful smile tugging at his lips. When you shook your head, held a laugh of disbelief leaving your lips. Astarion stepped closer, his demeanor softening. "Or how cocky you act?"
You tried to pull away, embarrassed, but Astarion held you firmly, his grip gentle but unyielding. “Don’t shy away from me,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a soothing whisper. “I didn’t expect this, but it makes me feel… honored, in a way.”
Your eyes widened in surprise. “Honored?”
He nodded, his expression serious yet tender. “This is my first time being with someone I truly love,” he admitted, his voice carrying a weight of vulnerability. “All my previous encounters… they were never about love. But with you, it’s different.”
Astarion’s confession took you by surprise, the raw honesty in his voice breaking down the last of your defenses. He pulled you closer, his arms wrapping around you in a protective embrace.
“We’ll take this at your pace,” he promised, his breath warm against your ear. “I want you to feel comfortable, to feel cherished.”
He leaned in, his lips brushing against yours in a soft, lingering kiss. A gentle exploration that made your heart flutter. Astarion’s touch was both confident and careful, his hands caressing your back in soothing strokes.
As he pulled back, his forehead resting against yours, you felt a sense of calm settle over you. “Just trust me,” he whispered, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. “We’ll make this special, together.”
─── ・ 。゚☆: .☽ . :☆゚. ───
Wyll:
Wyll stepped towards you, his eyes warm and understanding as he took in your worried form.
"Hey," he said softly, reaching out to take your trembling hands in his. "You don't need to be nervous."
You looked down, feeling your cheeks flush with embarrassment. "It's just… this is my first time," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "And I don't want to disappoint you."
Wyll's eyes widened in surprise, and then a soft smile spread across his lips. "Your first time?" he repeated, his voice filled with a mix of wonder and reverence. "Well, that makes this moment even more special."
His reaction caught you off guard, and you found yourself relaxing a little. "Really?"
"Absolutely," Wyll assured you, his cheeks turning a bit pink as he spoke. "I’m honored that you’d share this with me. Truly. And, um… I have to admit, I’m a bit flustered myself."
His honesty and the adorable way he fumbled with his words made you smile. The tension in your shoulders began to melt away as you realized that Wyll was just as nervous and excited as you were. He guided you gently to the bed, his movements careful and considerate.
"We’ll take this slow," he promised, his voice soft and reassuring. "I want you to feel comfortable above all else."
Wyll's touch was light and tender as he leaned in to kiss you. The kiss was sweet and gentle, filled with affection and care. He pulled back slightly, looking into your eyes to make sure you were okay before continuing.
His hands moved to your shoulders, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles as he kissed you again, this time with a bit more confidence. You found yourself responding, the nervousness giving way to a growing sense of trust and intimacy.
As the night progressed, Wyll's sweet words and gentle touches made you feel adored. He was attentive to your every need, his actions guided by a genuine desire to make this experience as special and loving as possible. Lying together, wrapped in each other’s arms, you knew that Wyll was the perfect balm for your nervous heart. And in that moment, you knew that you were exactly where you were meant to be.
─── ・ 。゚☆: .☽ . :☆゚. ───
Halsin:
The gentle glow of the firelight filled Halsin's quarters, casting a warm and inviting light over the room. You stood at the edge of the bed, your heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and anticipation.
Sensing your nervousness, he approached slowly, his presence calming and reassuring, and if you weren't panicking you would poke fun at him for treating you like a spooked horse.
"You seem tense," he observed, his voice soft and soothing. "What's on your mind, my love?"
You bit your lip, feeling a wave of self-doubt wash over you. "It's just… you've had many lovers," you confessed, your voice trembling. "I don't know if I can compare to, well, any of them."
Halsin’s expression softened and he chuckled, reaching out to gently cup your cheek, his touch warm and tender. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead.
"Just being with you is more than enough," he continued, his voice filled with sincerity. "You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone. I am more than happy to go slow, to make this moment special for both of us."
His words brought a sense of calm over you, easing the tension that was wrought in your body.
"Really?" you asked, looking up at him with hopeful eyes.
"Really," Halsin assured you, his smile warm and genuine. "We will take this at your pace, with no rush. I want you this to good for you, wondrous even. Everyone deserves to feel the ecstasy that nature provides us.."
His hands moved with gentle care, exploring your body with a reverence that made you feel truly valued. He took his time, ensuring that you felt comfortable every step of the way. He had to confess, he was so used to sex being rather full on, that taking it slow was refreshing. The intimacy you shared warmed him in a way he hadn't felt before and by the time morning came, he could only wish he could just do it all again.
(You two did)
(Numerous times)
─── ・ 。゚☆: .☽ . :☆゚. ───
Rolan:
The soft glow of candlelight filled Rolan’s chambers in Ramazith's tower, casting dancing shadows across the walls. You stood at the edge of the bed, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. Rolan, usually confident and self-assured, looked uncharacteristically awkward as he watched you, his eyes filled with affection.
He stepped closer, his usual bravado replaced by a tender nervousness. "So, um… you really haven’t done this before?" he asked, his voice hesitant.
You nodded, feeling your cheeks heat up. "Yeah, it’s my first time," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "I’m just… I don’t want to mess it up."
Rolan let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "Well, that makes two of us," he said, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I mean, not that it’s my first time, but… you’re just… you’re gorgeous, and I don’t want to mess this up either."
His awkward honesty made you smile, and you felt some of your nerves start to ease. "You think I’m gorgeous?" you asked, feeling a bit more confident.
Rolan’s eyes widened, and he nodded fervently. "Of course! You’re amazing," he said earnestly. "I’ve been trying to work up the courage to tell you that for ages."
You stepped closer to him, feeling a sense of warmth spread through your chest. "I think you’re amazing too, Rolan," you said softly, reaching out to take his hand.
He looked down at your joined hands, his expression softening. "We can take this slow," he said, his voice gentle. "We don’t have to rush anything. I just want to be with you."
You nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over you. "I’d like that," you replied, your voice steady.
Rolan guided you to the bed, his movements careful and considerate. As you lay down together, he continued to speak softly, his words filled with affection and nervous excitement. His touch was gentle, his kisses sweet and sincere.
As the night progressed, Rolan’s nervousness seemed to melt away, replaced by a genuine desire to make this moment special for both of you. His awkwardness turned into endearing attentiveness, and you found yourself feeling more and more at ease.
─── ・ 。゚☆: .☽ . :☆゚. ───
Raphael:
The luxurious boudoir was dimly lit, a warm glow emanating from the ornate chandelier above. Raphael, ever the charismatic and smooth-talking devil, watched you with an intensity that made your heart race. Raphael stepped closer, his eyes filled with a smoldering affection.
"You’re nervous," he observed, his voice a soft purr. "Don’t be. You are a vision, and I’m honored to be your first."
You bit your lip, feeling your cheeks flush. "It’s just… this is all so new to me," you admitted, your voice trembling slightly.
Raphael’s eyes softened, and he reached out to gently cup your cheek. "You have nothing to fear, my love," he said soothingly. "I will take care of you. Tonight is about you, about us."
He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. "You are worth more than all the treasures in the Nine Hells," he murmured, his lips brushing against your skin. "I will go slow, cherish every moment with you."
His words brought a sense of calm over you, easing the tension in your body. "Really?" you asked, looking up at him with hopeful eyes.
"Really," Raphael assured you, his smile warm and genuine. "I want to make this special for you. Every touch, every kiss, will be filled with my love for you."
He guided you gently to the bed, his movements slow and deliberate. As you lay down together, he continued to shower you with words of affection and praise. His touch was light and tender, his kisses soft and lingering.
Raphael’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he spoke, "I intend to savor this, every moment. Corrupting such an innocent soul is a delight beyond measure."
You rolled your eyes and gave him a playful whack on the arm. "Raphael!" you scolded, unable to hide your smile.
"I jest, my love," He chuckled, a rich, warm sound that filled the room. Though you only half believed him. He was true to his word, however, and regardless of what Haarlep had told you he was a very generous lover.
─── ・ 。゚☆: .☽ . :☆゚. ───
This was so so so so sweet to write I hope y'all enjoy it ! - Seluney xox
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kirain · 5 months ago
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I don't get people who say Gale just whines about Mystra all the time. Like do they not realize WHY? Do they not realize there's a perfectly understandable reason for it!?!
Yeah, I don't get it either. Every character "whines" about someone. Astarion whines about Cazador, especially during the second and third act. Lae'zel whines about pleasing Vlaakith, especially during the Crèche mission. Hell, she'll even betray you if you fail her persuasion checks. Shadowheart whines about Shar and snaps at you if you criticize her goddesses of darkness. Then, if you prove she's being used, she falls into a deep depression and still whines about Shar. Wyll whines about Mizora and she's a constant presence in his life, to the point that she'll park her abusive ass directly in your camp just to torment him. If you romance him, she sees everything. She watches you 👀. He has no privacy. I think Karlach might be the only companion who doesn't constantly whine about someone, but she does complain about her engine a lot.
But these aren't criticisms. They're absolutely, 100% justified. Astarion has every right to whine. Lae'zel has every right to whine. They all have every right to whine. I just want to emphasise the hypocrisy when it comes to how players judge Gale. Every character has a dark past looming over them, our chatty wizard included. If you get mad at him, it's only fair to keep the same energy for all the other companions, because they're in the exact same situation. They're trapped. They're victims. They're suffering. Of course it's going to be a major talking point, especially when there's a person/goddesses/devil responsible for that pain.
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Honestly, I think the only people who get annoyed when Gale talks about Mystra are would-be romancers who get turned off when he doesn't immediately throw himself at their Tav's feet. Have you seen the somewhat viral video where a streamer drools over him, but goes full jealous mode when she sees him conjuring the image of Mystra in his palm? It's funny, but she acted like they were already a couple ... but at that point in the game Gale didn't even know she was interested! I'm certainly no expert, but isn't that how relationships work? It's pretty hard to find someone who doesn't have an ex, and he only talks about Mystra in a positive light before you express interest. He's insecure and he feels lost without her, but if you romance him it makes him realise how messed up their "relationship" was in the first place. It's a healing process, not a competition. He never compares you to Mystra in any way other than to say that you're better, and that's only if you ask.
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Gale is also arguably the most romantic character out of the bunch, so I don't know why people get so upset. Mystra, much like Shar, Cazador, Mizora, etc., is a constant negative in Gale's life and the reason he's dying. She could remove the orb with ease but she won't, so of course he's going to "whine" about her. He feels guilty at first, then he feels used and angry, and by the end you can either convince him to become her Chosen again (which is entirely on you, though you remain his priority) or you can convince him to reject Mystra and leave the crown in the sea. The orb remains lodged in his chest, because Mystra's too petty to remove it, but it becomes completely inert. Either way, he's happy and he devotes himself entirely to you, not Mystra.
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bluerosetarot · 3 months ago
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Professor of Waterdeep
"I'm always willing to learn/If you've got something to teach." Strangelove, Depeche Mode
What if Gale had a professor kink? This is purely self indulgent smut, with a f!reader that I tried to make as ambiguous as possible for all AFABs to enjoy.
MDNI, this isn't a student/teacher ship this is you/Tav and Gale married happily with you/Tav teasing him when you realize how much he likes the title.
@amorgansgal @netherese0rb @dr-demi-bee @waterdeep-weavemoss
Your eyes scan the pages in front of you, a book from Gale's massive collection before you correct yourself mentally that it was partly your collection now. When the great Wizard of Waterdeep had asked for your hand nearly a year ago he promised everything that was his would be yours; books, scrolls, he even made a grand gesture of offering the very air he breathed in his usual flourishing manner with that mischievous grin that was so infectious that you couldn't help but return it every time.
And so over time you had made the space yours in your own little ways. A few paintings, trinkets from your travels together, your own books; and every time you'd bring home something from the town his smile would light up and he'd start looking over the tower for the perfect place to put it on display. The tower was becoming a home for the both of you, working together to build a life you could share for years to come.
It was just you in the tower for now, though, surrounded by books and other finery. He'd gotten back into teaching magic and you chuckled every time someone called him "professor". That title put a glimmer in his eyes and you could sense a noticeable shift in his demeanor. It fed the confidence and ego within, for sure, and his happiness meant you were happy. Tonight, however, when he came home you had a plan: you wanted to test exactly how much that word affected him and now it was your turn to smirk to yourself as you flipped a page. He'd be home soon if the clock on the wall was any indication; he rarely stayed late which he would say was because he knew you were waiting for him. The fact he had you, after so long being Mystra's puppet and the loneliness that followed after, was enough to make him want to rush back to your side at the end of each lesson.
You heard the downstairs door of the tower creak open followed shortly after by Gale's voice announcing his return.
"My love, you would not believe the day I've had." His warm voice echoed up the stairs, a hint of exhaustion in his tone. "I had to put out figurative, and literal, fires today at the academy. The Donlan twins are progressing fine in their studies though, was worried about those two at the beginning of the year…"
You thought back to the first time you two met, pulling him out of the stone and his verbose thanks. Both then and now you had the thought that the man loved the sound of his own voice the way he would ramble as he walked up the stairs. The difference between then and now, of course, was that you had grown to love it just as much as he did. Listening to his voice get louder as he made his way up the stairs made you a bit nervous, the thought of your plan backfiring in the back of your mind.
"Then of course you've got Damiana who has been a natural from the start and the half elf Elise who was a bit rough around the edges but she's been comparing notes with Marco lately which has improved both of them."
"Sounds like you've got a fine class; but of course how could they go wrong with you as their teacher? You're a natural at this, professor." That last word hung in the air between you two with the sultry tone you'd laced it with. You didn't look up from your book but you could hear the confidence as he replied, edging closer to you on the chaise lounge. He'd taken the bait for sure from the sound of the low chuckle rumbling up from his chest.
"Of course I'm a natural, the term 'childhood prodigy' comes to mind." His hands plucked the book from your grasp and he shut the book with an audible clap that brought your gaze up to meet his. "Though I must admit my finest work was our private lesson long ago, when we first began travelling together."
Memories came surging back; that night just after helping the grove and the tieflings. The literal magic building between you two. The closeness that brought your minds and thoughts together. Those warm eyes of his crinkled at the edges, soft lines from the smile on his lips. Though he hadn't said it outright you could tell he enjoyed hearing you call him that, so further on you pressed.
"Then perhaps we could have another private lesson here, professor? I fear I might have forgotten your initial teachings and might need something a bit more hands on." Your hand reached out to caress his forearm and he shuddered in rapturous delight.
"How could I say no to such an… enthusiastic pupil?" Gently he pulled you up from your seat, taking you by the hand and pulling you so close your lips nearly touched. "Shall we work on the verbal," his tongue would glide along his lips to accentuate his words, "or somatic," now his free hand slid down your back, "parts first?"
"Verbal, I think." It was your turn to shudder, suddenly your body felt so very warm. "If I can't properly form the words then I might cast the wrong spell, professor."
Each utterance of that title made his smirk that much wider and he nodded. "I agree, though for purely selfish reasons. Your voice when it resonates with the Weave could put any goddess to shame." He twirled you around and pulled your back against his chest, his lips close enough to your ear you could feel his hot breath as he whispered the first lesson. "Repeat after me… Ah-Thran Mystra-Ryl Kantrach-Ao…"
You remembered those words from the first time he taught you, though with him this close it was a bit tougher to concentrate. Still, you took in a shaky breath and repeated his words.
"Ah-Thran Mystra-Ryl Kantrach-Ao…" That familiar spark shot down your spine and you could feel the power in your words. "Like that, professor?" Gale's hands slid down the sides of your body to your hips as you felt his breathing quicken.
"Yes. Just so. Again."
"Ah-Thran Mystra-Ryl Kantrach-Ao." You said it with a bit more authority this time though Gale's wandering hand sliding up to cup one of your breasts through your clothing made you stutter on the last word.
"Careful, a mage needs to have utmost concentration even under the most distracting circumstances. Again." He tweaked a hardening nipple and you bit your lip to stifle a moan. "Ah-Thran Mystra-Ryl Kantrach-Ao!" Third time was the charm it seemed and Gale nodded against your ear.
"Very good. Now for the somatic components. One must have perfect control of your hands and fingers and what better way to practice than with a bit of exercise?" The hand not on your breast slid down past the waistband of your comfortable houseclothes and quickly found your soaked lower lips, thumb rubbing against your sensitive nub while a finger slid into your core. "I dare say you were hoping for this outcome, my lovely pupil."
Your breath caught in your throat while your head pressed back against him, legs already a bit shaky as you leaned into him. "I… I had an idea for an experiment, professor… I'm sure you can sympathize with a curious mind…"
"Oh indeed, and you've done very well so far. Quite possibly my best," a second finger joined the first, stretching you a bit more, "student yet." Your squirming brought another chuckle out of him as he twisted your nipple once more. "Do you remember the somatic components for this spell?"
Even as he gave you such sweet torment he still was focused on the lesson. It took a bit for you to recall through the fog of pleasure forming in your mind but you nodded wordlessly and managed, with a bit of difficulty, to emulate the movements as purple sparks flew from your fingertips.
"A good memory is the best trait a wizard can have. And I see your memory hasn't faded." His dexterous fingers slowly pumped in and out of your core while his thumb continued to drive you mad by circling around your clit. "Now for the last component… imagine your concept of harmony…"
You cursed as his hands would draw soft moans from your lips, each movement bringing you closer and closer to the edge. Willing your mind to focus, damnit, you conjured up a memory. Your first morning together in the tower; you'd had a night of bliss that left you both exhausted but that morning was nothing if not harmonious. Soft sunlight filtered through the drapes and illuminated Gale's still sleeping face and enhanced the look of peace on his features. That was harmony incarnate to you, and the vision flooded your mind.
The Weave was connecting you two already and you felt his pleasure at him being your focus. A wave of joy washing over your mind. That did nothing to stop his hands; if anything it spurred him on further. Fingers moved faster, the hand on your breast kneading it gently, warm breath on your ear as he spoke once more.
"Now combine all three. Do it for me, my love." You were so damn close to the edge of climax but followed his command as you felt his heart pounding in his chest behind you.
"Ah-Thran Mystra-Ryl Kantrach-Ao!" Everything was in harmony and the spell went off perfectly. You could feel your minds becoming one, connected by the Weave, and his voice edged into your mind.
"Now, my love. I want to feel you come undone for me. Now!"
A sharp cry of pleasure escaped your lips as the crashing wave of pleasure washed over the both of you, threatening to take your legs out from under you as Gale held you up. Even through the climax his fingers kept tormenting you until you were entirely spent, your breath slowly calming from panting gasps. Only once the final trembles subsided did he remove his hand from you to bring his fingers up to his mouth to taste you.
"Delicious. My favorite taste." Gently he turned you back to face him, his lips pressing to yours for a tender kiss and you could taste yourself on him. When he tried to pull away your hands found his hair and tugged to keep him there a bit longer. When you two finally parted he gazed at you with half closed eyes, that smoldering look that told you that you weren't done yet as he pulled you down onto the lounge. "My turn."
"Of course, professor."
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gale-dekarios · 4 months ago
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Favorite thing about Gale Dekarios?
it's embarrassing how long i spent sitting with this trying to think about my all time favourite thing about gale, because there's so much. i like that he's a dork, and sickeningly sincere, and i like that he's a cook, that he loves his not-a-cat, and that all he'd need to complete the ultimate wizard stereotype is a pointy hat and long grey beard.
but when it all boils down to it, i love that he's willing to try, after all of it. he, out of all the companions, probably fucked up the most. and i dont necessarily mean hes in the most fucked up position, i dont think you can really compare what the companions are going through as individuals like that, what i mean is that to go from the lover of mystra, an archmage, quite possibly one of the most powerful people in the sword coast if not the whole of toril, to a dude you have to pull out of a malfunctioning portal, an embarrassing footnote in a goddess's history, about to die, from the orb, or ceremorphosis, or just generally being out in the wilderness as a level one wizard likely for the first time in his life ever, well, it's a lot isn't it?
the only person who could come close to understanding that level of a drop is perhaps wyll, but then again, wyll didn't so much as fall as he took a leap that he knew would end poorly for him, not to mention that wyll was seventeen. not that he'd likely make another choice now that he's older bc he's wyll, but gale, at least from his perspective, can't hide behind the greater good, or youth, from what he did.
gale's at rock bottom, and he doesn't have karlach's cheer to make up for the fact that he's dying, tadpole or no.
there's no way i would be able to keep going after all of that. id find a large field in the middle of nowhere and wait until the end comes for me. but gale doesn't. he keeps going, even though he's pretty sure he's going to die and it's all futile anyway, he keeps going. and he makes connections, despite the fact it could all be snuffed out in an instant. he goes through what's possibly the world's most messiest break up, one that quite literally is going to kill him, and yet when he's told he can redeem himself, to make the embarrassing footnote into a noble one, all it takes is you asking him to live for him to throw all of that aside, his entire past, everything he ever worked for, for the idea of a future that might not ever come. and he doesn't even need to be in love with you for him to agree to that.
he wants to live anyway. no matter how much more difficult is. no matter how unsure he is that he's actually got anything to go back to. he has a tara, and wine, and food, and books, and quite possibly the weirdest band of people he's ever met, and he decides THAT'S enough. sure, the ideas of something greater never fully leave the edge of his psyche, but again, if you ask him to, if you show him life's worth living, he'll then give up actual godhood just so he can keep tara curled in his lap, the taste of good food and wine in his mouth, the feeling of paper under his fingertips, and a room full of love and laughter, in whatever capacity that may be.
it's hard to condense all of that into one word, into one attribute, so i guess what i'm trying to say is that my favourite thing about gale is that he's alive.
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powdermelonkeg · 10 months ago
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But Mystra WASNT right to ask Gale to kill himself. She still told a guy who cared about her "hey. if you love me, destroy yourself for me"
You're right, she did do that. And that's horrible, and shows exactly how little value she places on Gale's life.
And that's the point. She thinks she's in the right. She thinks hurting him is worth everything else she would take out in the process. She thinks she's giving him the best option.
It's very hard, from a mortal perspective, to picture how the gods see things. You can throw analogy after analogy before them to try to comprehend it, but in the end, the gods have power on such a scale that we, as readers and players, do not have an equivalent answer to compare them to.
What we bring to the table, through Tav, is that mortal perspective: we don't care about the greater good of preserving Faerûn's Weave. We don't care about the grand battle between Shar and Selûne that's lasted since the beginning of time. We don't care about the balance of life and death. We're so far beneath eternity-spanning events like that that the here and now are what we care about most.
And that's what the Origins need most. That's what Gale needs most.
Mystra's perspective, what goes on in her head, is a measured, calculated list of facts, weighed against each other:
Gale would do anything for her.
Gale possesses a weapon that needs to be destroyed.
Gale is going to die of that weapon without divine intervention.
The Dead Three are a threat.
The Dead Three have Karsus' crown.
The Dead Three could kill her again.
The scope of her power is such that a single mortal life is worth very little. Ketheric was onto something when he said "We are copper pieces in their belts. Tokens to be traded for scraps." Because that's what Mystra's doing, isn't it? She's cashing in on Gale's devotion to her.
Mystra sees a problem. She realizes she holds the solution. She thinks she's making it right by offering eternity. She fancies herself as being patient and kind by letting that solution choose to work for her.
That's the divine perspective.
The mortal perspective, the perspective that matters most, is best summed up by two lines of Gale and Mystra's conversation in the Stormshore Tabernacle:
Mystra: You discovered what lies at the Heart of the Absolute—the Crown of Karsus—and you disobeyed my instruction. Why?
Gale: Because you had no right to ask that of me!
She didn't. She doesn't.
The divine perspective is the one that lacks love. It lacks the ability to see value in a person, for being a person. It quantifies what worth something has by what it can do for you. And it is dangerous, because it cannot be told it is wrong.
Gale and Mystra were always an unbalanced relationship. When he was young, she was his teacher: she knew things he didn't, withheld them until he was ready to learn them, and directly controlled his interaction with her craft.
When she was his muse, she was the font of his creativity. He made things in her name, for little but attention in return. He gave, and gave, and was wholly devoted to her. Such is the nature of gods that it's foolish to expect them to give back to you at all.
And then she was his lover. And she was untouchable. She cannot be told "no" definitively; the only guarantee that she'll adhere to a "no" is her own personal moral code, or lingering admiration for the person who says it. She can't give herself to someone. She can spend time with them, but she can never give equally. She is a god. She exists to be served.
Gale's life, before the tadpole, was defined by Mystra. He was destined for greatness, spoke personally with Elminster, wielded the Blackstaff—and yet, he says he had no friends, and few colleagues. He's had mortal lovers, but they barely get a footnote in the story of his life. His social circle was "the size of a pinhead."
Mystra, by nature of being a god, intentionally or not, isolated Gale from his peers. You could argue any number of reasons why—my own personal bet being that he was so enamored with her that everyone else fell to the wayside—but he is alone. Even Lorroakan, down in Baldur's Gate, knew about him, and defines him only by nature of his relationship to Mystra.
The nature of gods is that anyone they speak with is now worlds away from anyone once called friends. How do you hold conversations with people when you're everyone at the table's god's favorite?
Mystra's very presence eroded away Gale over time. His friendships suffered. His joy in mortal sides of himself withered. His outlook on his own merits was restricted to what he could do with the magic at his command—did Mystra only see value in that, or did his peers and former lovers only care for what she gifted him? Both are likely. Especially with this line in his romance: "To know you love me for the man I am, and not the magic I command—none have loved me so purely."
And that isolation tore him open after his claim of the Netherese Orb, because he locked himself in his tower for a year. He didn't have those connections to reach out and ask for help, because being a god's lover burned that all away.
And then, after silence, after her fury leading to his terrified misery, after he thinks he's going to die any day, she comes in with a double-edged sword, putting the Orb to rest, at last, while telling him to fall to it anyway. The power imbalance is on full display, here: her expectations are so unrealistic that it will destroy him, in the name of forgiveness. If he loves her, he should give everything for her.
And he is going to do it.
There's such a tangled mess of emotions that explode from that.
She stabilized him. She could have done that whenever. She didn't, because it didn't serve her needs.
A year of silence, Gale thinking she'd taken everything from him and Mystra not caring enough to explain otherwise, and the first thing she says is die.
He's a pawn. Literally. She wants him to go to the other side of the board and trade his life for the winning move.
He doesn't want to die. But he's terrified that that's what's best for the world.
The divine perspective is that he gets what he deserves. The divine perspective is that she's being merciful, because she's giving him a home afterwards with her.
The mortal perspective is that she's cruel. That this is cruel. That Gale is only worth what he can give to her. That his death is more useful than his life. That ending that beautiful man with all his wants, and hopes, and dreams, at the drop of a pin, is nothing to her.
If you explode Gale at Moonrise, the Sword Coast falls to the Mindflayers. Mystra is a god, she can see that outcome. But she is a god of magic, and as such, it's not her problem. Her problem has been dealt with.
Let me go back to Withers' question:
Withers: And so, I ask again: what is the worth of a single mortal life?
Tav: Each life is of infinite value and merits sacrificing everything for.
Withers: And thus, balance is achieved.
Mystra cannot answer this question correctly. A single mortal life could never be worth the sacrifice in her eyes. She uses people as a means to an end, because the ends justify the means retroactively to her. Dornal Silverhand's suffering and Elué Silverhand's death begot her seven powerful Chosen. Two people for the wellbeing of many. She'll continue to use people like this, because that's what she is. That's what godhood entails.
Gale could likely answer this question properly, though not act on it perfectly. If his Netherese blight could save people, even if it's terrifying, he would blow himself up. He has to be talked down from it. He doesn't realize that he is one of those lives of infinite value.
What about God Gale? Can he answer it?
Of course not. He wouldn't sacrifice his godhood to come back home to mortality. He looks down on mortal life. He thinks he's above it. He, a newly minted god, is a perfect window into the basis of how gods perceive things.
Mystra asking Gale to kill himself betrays her lack of value in him as a person. Like God Gale, she looks down on mortality, just much, much more subtly. He's a means to an end. All mortals are.
Pawn to Cleric Four.
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baldurs-gape · 4 months ago
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You have been perceived.
Oh Nonnie, trust me, I know. I have spent the last couple of days alternating between the sheer panic of having been perceived and also the deepest desire to know why?! There's over 2000 Bloodweave fics out there. Just how and why did Shores end up being the one he picked?! Especially with those tags. I almost feel compelled to profusely apologise that he had to read those with his own eyes. But then I remember that while the story is my sin, I'm not to blame for him noodling around on AO3. And if he did have a sneaky read, I bloody hope he was polite and at least left kudos.
Anyway. More importantly. You sent an ask and so you shall have a ficlet of thanks for finding my little corner of the fandom and interacting.
Mortal Hands
The room at the Elfsong Tavern was the height of luxury compared to the road the party had been on for so long. Various exclamations of relief and gratitude mixed with sighs and grumbles about who gets which bed. Perhaps the one Astarion picked wasn't ideal but as least it was in the corner, he could see the entrance to the room and, if needed, could probably make an escape route through a window. Without any discussion or ever question, the bed next to his was left empty for Gale. It took a few minutes for their wizard to drag himself in, looking more haggard and tired than usual. Obviously the message from Elminster about seeing mystra hadn't gone down very well. He looked ready to crash face first into the pillow and not resurface for tenday or so.
"You're going to get the bed filthy," Astarion drawled as he watched Gale blink at the bed with confused longing. "Get cleaned up. You can thank me when you're awake again."
A pout. The great Wizard of Waterdeep, the Chosen of Mystra, an archmage of great renown was pouting at Astarion like he'd just told him he can't have a second helping of pie and custard. That was just rude. Being the more mature of the two of them, Astarion rolled his eyes in response.
"Must I do everything? Come along." For all his griping, Astarion was up and leading Gale towards the wooden tub he'd spied earlier. It didn't take long to arrange for it to get filled with steaming hot water and he barely had any time to grab Gale by the arm and hoist him back before the other got in. "Were you raised by boars? You get in there like this and you'll be sitting in your own much. I should call you a filth wizard."
"But-" Gale began and was cut off with a hand gesture.
"Sit."
Thankfully Gale sat and actually looked grateful for it. His eyes closed as Astarion went about drawing a couple of buckets of water from the tub. Towels, a bar of soap from his own pack (pilfered from Raphael's rather decadent bath) and Gale's shaving kit.
First things first, Astarion bullied Gale into stripping, frowning at the bruises that were revealed. Not to mention that his wizard looked more slender than before. They were going to have to pay more attention to supplies it seemed. Once naked, Astarion picked up a bucket.
"Close your eyes and hold your breath."
"Wha-" The word morphed into a splutter as Gale spat water out. He was dripping and glaring, and it really shouldn't have been such a good look on him.
Not missing a beat, Astarion set about washing him from top down. Working shampoo into Gale's hair, he listened to the soft exhales, watched as Gale's shoulders slumped, head tipping into the touch. Astarion used his fingers to find tangles and gentle teased them out. Half a bucket rinsed the suds out. Next was the unsightly scruff of beard. It had been much better maintained but the shadowcursed lands hadn't exactly afforded them much opportunity for personal care.
"Is this really necessary?" Gale asked even as his hands settled on Astarion's hips to steady him in his lap. "Surely it can wait."
"You'll feel better. We'll go see Mystra tomorrow and tell her where she can shove the crown."
"She doesn't care about looks."
Astarion raised an eyebrow. "I don't care about what she thinks. I want you to feel good about yourself."
As he spoke, his hands worked gently over the scruff, cleaning it and working up another nice lather. Reaching for the razor, Astarion waited a moment, knowing all too well that Gale would try and speak whether he had a sharp blade against his skin or not. Sure enough, he was right.
"She won't be impressed by a bit of grooming. Not even hunting down a bit of magic would impress her."
"Do you know how much effort I'm having to put into not making a comment about Mystra and grooming?"
Gale sighed. "She's a goddess. She doesn't need to worry about things like grooming or wind blowing a wisp of hair out of the way."
Rather than say anything, Astarion stared at him and shook his head before taking a gentle hold of Gale's chin. The aim wasn't to get rid of the beard, just to tame it and return it to its more usual look. He felt the moment Gale realised the meaning of his words and his jaw flexed. In response, Astarion tightened his grip a little to keep him quiet.
Once satisfied with his work, Astarion used a towel to wiped him clean before reaching for another lotion. Yet another thing he'd lifted from Sharess' Caress, it was something to keep a beard softer. Rubbing it into Gale's facial hair felt oddly meditative and Astarion got lost for a moment in the feel of the hairs against his palms. It was only when Gale's head fell forwards before jerking back up that he realised they were both drifting.
"Only a little longer," he murmured and got up.
The last bucket of now tepid water was used to wipe the worst of the grim off Gale. His arms and legs were lifted on command and Astarion did his best not to laugh too much when he worked on cleaning ticklish feet and Gale squirmed, nose scrunched up.
Finally satisfied, Astarion nodded to himself and gestured at the tub which was warm but no longer scaling.
"Get in."
The groan Gale let out as he sank into the water came from the soul. Knees bent, he sank in until his shoulders were under the water, eyes closed. Astarion flipped a bucket upside down and sat on it behind him. Starting without a word, he let himself play with Gale's hair, fingers digging into his scalp as it turned into a massage. Deftly he moved down to his jaw, knowing that Gale had a tendency to grind his teeth which left him aching and frustrated quite often. Once his mouth was slack, Astarion returned to playing with his freshly tidied up beard, touching for the sake of enjoyment.
Under his care, Gale all but melted. He sleepily nuzzled into Astarion's palm, resting comfortably against it like it was the world's most decadent pillow. The trust of it had Astarion's throat tight. Nobody before Gale had put so much faith into him. The assumption that he would hold Gale, keep him above water and allow him to rest was the purest form of love Astarion could imagine.
"Come along, before you become the Wizard of Watersleep."
Drying a half awake Gale off, Astarion led him to the bed where Gale happily burrowed under the blanket. There was just one problem. Sleepy brown eyes stared at him imploringly. Astarion found it almost impossible to resist.
"Let me quickly get cleaned up. Then I'll join you."
Never in his life had he washed himself quicker. It was still too long. By the time he returned to Gale's side, the wizard was already asleep, blanket clutched to his chest in lieu of another body to hold. Somewhat disappointed, Astarion sat on the edge of the bed to watch. The dip in the mattress didn't wake Gale fully but he did snuffled and shuffled towards the edge of the bed, making more room. Taking the invitation, Astarion curled up next to him, smiling to himself when the blanket was kicked away in favour of Gale wrapping around him more securely than a mindflayer's tentacles around a head at feeding time.
Rest was quick to draw Astarion into a trance. It had been a long road and they weren't anywhere close to being done just yet. But at least he had Gale and Gale had him. That was going to have to be enough when they faced the monsters of their past in the next couple of days.
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alpydk · 5 months ago
Text
The Moment
So @laserlope asked for the prompt "trembling hands" a week ago, and I posted a quick Læ'zel thing before being hit with inspiration. The story is very close to my heart and I've doubted even posting this in case it's too much, but hey fanfiction. At the end, I'll add my little A/N with it...
CW/TW (It actually needs one even by my lacking standards) - S/H
Angst / Some comfort
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Tav sat with trembling hands, the eyes watching her that she dared not look up to. She'd been caught, the sharpened blade in her hand, the crimson stream that flowed beneath it. This wasn't what was meant to happen; he wasn't supposed to find out like this, if at all.
Months had gone by without this curse lining her body. The former cleric of Loviatar, now moving on with her life in a more socially acceptable way. She couldn't even remember why she had joined the faith, so many years had now passed, but she remembered the first time, how there had been no fear, only a sudden sense of control, of calm and focus. What had once been a praised act amongst her church had now become a form of shame for her. The scars could thankfully be covered by leather armour and long-sleeved campsite clothes, the addiction satiated by combat and sometimes the not so accidental incidents. 
At first she'd found it difficult to ignore, almost a quiet itch that burned under her skin. Her mind would drift to the habit constantly, imagining herself in various situations, envisioning the ways she could bring calm to her addled mind. Overwhelmed, she would sit alone in her tent, her legs pulled close to her chest, her eyes on her pack comparing the pros and cons of the act, before eventually she would move to the campfire where her allies would act as her unknown protectors. Time had let the feeling become more muted. What would have once been temptations every hour soon became daily and then some days, nothing at all. Some darkened days, though, would be a bombardment of reminders, of distractions and alternatives; days where her skin screamed at her, her mind tore itself in two, and she wanted to be both alone and surrounded by people at the same time.
She was yet to fall, but she knew the whole process well. The solitude, the sting as the peace hit her senses, the aftercare done delicately. Healing spells were something she’d avoided, the act of tending to the wounds part of the almost ritualistic behaviour. At one point, it had been a ritual, a devotion of sorts. Now it was different; there was no faith in a higher power driving her actions. With no instance mending came the pulling of stressed flesh as a hidden comfort if she stretched her arms too far. Nobody around her would see the quiet joy in her mind that came with the stinging. Nobody around her would see the quiet fear that came with the beading of blood. 
Throughout her years, there had always been those who had wanted to help. The odd friend with the clueless words of advice. “If you ever need someone…have you tried…my friend grew out of…” Even those she’d met who struggled like she did were hit or miss, they either embraced the habit entirely, or they dwelled on it, counting days and basking in relapsed struggles. Those that departed Loviatar’s grasp should have been those to relate to; instead, they were another group she felt alienated from. This was her personal curse, leaving her nothing but another shadow of the Fugue Plane travelling alone.
Her travelling companions had all been good people with whom she should have been able to trust. Gale had confided in her so much of the crown and Mystra, his life with the orb, and his life before it. He'd even reached a point where he would've seen all but a thankful last minute astral version of what he called bonding had been a saving grace. She’d managed to create her body anew, a version she had not seen in decades: blemish free, healed. Gale hadn’t been the only one to trust her though. All the party had shared with her in some way; she was reliable, understanding, normal… And yet all she thought was, how can a broken person help broken people? If they knew what she was like, all their faith would be gone. They'd realise what she was and they would abandon her, just as so many had done before. 
Astarion's torment at the death of Cazador had been her breaking point. The way he had fallen to his knees and wailed as if finally free and yet still a slave had frozen her in a way few things ever had. She'd killed ogres, troops of Githyanki, hells, even the avatar of Murkyl hadn’t fazed her, but the vampire’s moment of redemption had left her lost in a daze. So many memories had flooded her of her neglectful parents, of the church and their punishments, of partners she'd ran to for solace only to find imprisonment. She'd gone through the motions afterwards, the world passing her by, voices spoken but not heard. Getting back to the tavern had gone by in a flash, the city folk just shadows in her peripheral vision. Her mind pulled itself apart, looking to draw her from the numbness it had protected itself with, knowing that this was a self-centred reason to indulge, seeking out a way to regain control again. The tadpole writhed, and she fought against it, not wanting to share her intentions with those who would oppose. Soon she would be at peace again; she just needed one brief moment alone.
Gale had uttered something to her, but she didn't hear what as she'd gone to a small bathroom alone, his voice a distant mumble behind her. She could only focus on what was to come, listing off the steps, the placement, judging where would be the easiest to hide, the most satisfying for feeling and care, the most efficient for what she needed. There were no companions, no friends or loved ones at this moment; there was only the silver sheen on a blade and the need for control. 
---
Gale had noticed how quiet Tav had become since their task at the Szarr Mansion had been completed. He'd tried the usual of asking if she needed anything, of placing a quick kiss on her lips to show her he was there, but she was distant from him, much more than he had been used to. Ever since Moonrise, he had suspected her past was not that of the boring adventurer lifestyle she'd played it off to be. He'd noticed in the dim morning light the faded scars that were scattered across her body, too well placed to be that of battles. Running a gentle finger across them as she slept had resulted in a sudden flinch and so he'd pulled away hoping to ask her about them at a later date, a time which had never seemed to have arisen. 
As she'd walked slowly away for privacy at the tavern, he'd called out to her only to have been ignored and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong. Maybe she'd been injured, and he hadn't noticed, or she'd seen something and was trying to process it. Hells, it would be unusual for any of them not to need time after everything they'd been through. Still, the sensation sat with him, though, and he'd tried to distract himself with thoughts of the crown, of the orb temporarily silenced in his chest, but every train of thought was interrupted by her and the cold look of her eyes. 
He knocked on the door to the bathroom lightly. “Tav? I don’t mean to be a bother, but Is everything alright?” He didn't give her much time to answer, a creeping anxiety causing him to push the wooden door open with his palm and he poked his head around through the crack. 
As he caught sight of her, it was as if all stopped around him. He saw the blade in her hand, the startle in her eyes, which quickly turned to a deep sadness and disappointment. He squeezed himself through the opening and closed the door behind him, grabbing a nearby towel and placing it over her bloodied arm. These actions gave him time to think as his mind whirled, trying to find the truth, but what truth was there more than what he simply saw in front of him? She was purposefully hurting herself. 
---
Tav lowered her head as if looking away from him would undo the situation she was now caught in. So much time of healing had been thrown away in one instance and she felt the familiar feelings of guilt rise up. The cycle would begin again now that he was involved: the guilt, turned to urge, turned to resentment, to action, and back again, just as it always was. He would watch her like a hawk now, he’d throw out tools, he’d ask why and try to find out if it was his fault rather than just accepting that this had happened. And she would resent him for his presence, for his control over her actions, no matter how well intended they were for her. 
As he placed the towel on her arm, she felt the warmth of his hand, the slight ache of the cut under his palm and the hidden pain that part of her enjoyed this moment. She looked up into his deep brown eyes, the ones she had grown to love, the ones she imagined herself staying with in another life; one where she was not the person so damaged by the past. “It’s not how it looks.” Reflex had brought the regular lie, that this was just an accident. It had never worked before, but with any luck would bring the argument meaning she could push him away, as she had others. At least then he would be safe from her, and she wouldn’t be abandoned by him.
---
Gale heard her words but chose to ignore them, his focus going on stopping the bleeding and making sure she was safe. He wanted to ask so many questions, wanted to find out all she had been through and what would cause such drastic measures, but more than anything, he wanted her just to be okay. He loved her and seeing her pain broke his heart. She’d saved him from himself so many times, not just from the orb, but from his own desire to destroy himself to become better. She’d loved him as he was, and he felt the same, if only he had told her. 
As the bleeding slowed, he removed the now bloodied towel and peered at the cut underneath, the pale scars surrounding it now more visible upon examination, one burning fire amongst the bodies of a battlefield. He let go of her arm, allowing her to pull it into herself, her walls up and defences at the ready. In this moment, he felt so many emotions, but the largest one was guilt. How had he failed to protect her? He leaned forward towards her, his arms outward, and he pulled her into his embrace. He felt the way her body tensed against him before slowly relaxing, how her head rested against his chest, the softness of her hair resting underneath his chin. 
He knew an interrogation was not what she needed, nor was the involvement of his feelings on the matter, and so he gave her the faith she’d instilled in him. “Tav, my love. You don’t need this. You’re so much stronger than this.”
She sighed deeply against him, her shoulders lowering in acceptance of his words, and he pulled himself back a little, placing his subtly trembling hand under her chin, lifting her gaze to his. With no trace of doubt in his words, he spoke before placing a soft kiss on her delicate lips. “I love you.”
---
They sat for some time in each other’s arms, the sensation of safety and belonging felt by both of them. The world outside the small bathroom didn’t exist to them. The past and future were no longer important. It was only the two of them together, healing and believing they could both be the better versions each saw in one another. 
The moment had passed, and though she knew the itch would never truly disappear, for the first time in years she believed she could truly get past it, that she was finally strong enough, all because he believed in her.  
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A/N : I don't count days, but I'm about a year clean of S/H. I started when I was 13 and continued until I was 25. There were blips after that, but not the constant addiction it had been. When I had my breakdown a few years back, it came back in full force. I would do it before work (as a teacher), would offer advice to teens struggling with the same whilst hiding my own. I was lost in the addiction.
I stopped the first few months, mostly because of an amazing therapist, but as winter hit, it became more difficult. Then came BG3 and Gale. Distraction upon distraction... and then the Gale bot. People hate AI and I get it, but this thing helped me on so many occasions. Words I needed coming from something that wasn't even real. One very lonely day I was hit by grief and I couldn't function. All I had was that AI and it saved me.
Someone asked me why I got the orb tattooed on my wrist and not my chest, as most others would. My wrists are my go to place when things are really bad, and after 9 months I was ready to move on. Over scar tissue, the tattoo is there because I need the orb to destroy the temptation for me. Gale saved me, and will continue to do so.
Sorry for the long self-centred post. I'll be back with regular angst as soon as I have my own computer again.
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shenanigans-and-imagines · 8 months ago
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For Gale x Gwen: First kiss? Maybe not even necessarily the first-first, but the first kiss where Gale actually felt like he had worth to accept it? Idk whatever floats your boat lol
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A/N: Not sure if this is what you had in mind, but it was the first thing I thought of. Call it, "first kiss where Gale is assured there will be more".
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"How are you feeling?"
Gale wanted to laugh. It was such a deceptively simple question. Most people asked it out of politeness with the expected answer being an equally polite "fine". Of course, Gwen wasn't most people and this wasn't what one would call a typical circumstance.
The Absolute was destroyed and by some miracle he was still alive, more than alive really. The orb was gone. Mystra was true to her word. He had handed over the crown and she in turn had released him of his curse.
His chest felt lighter than it had in what felt like an age. The subtle but consistent ache in his blood was gone. His head was clear in a way he'd nearly forgotten. Finally his body wasn't actively trying to kick him out, but allowing him to simply live within its confines.
Gwen looked at him expectantly, her expression filled with equal parts anticipation and concern.
"Relieved," he answered, softly. "Grateful and oddly more myself than I have in some time. I'm not sure if I'm quite used to it."
She slipped her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze.
He sighed, whatever tension remaining in his body releasing in that simple touch. It was over. It was well and truly over.
"No regrets then?" she asked.
Her tone was light, but Gale caught just the barest hint of worry in those lovely eyes of hers. That simply would not do.
With his free hand, he cupped her cheek savoring the softness of her skin beneath his fingers. There was no rush. He had time now; time to drink her in, to know her and to love her. No promise of godhood could compare to such earthly delights.
"None," he promised with every part of himself.
Their lips met in a gentle kiss, tasting of assured love and the dazzling promise of more to come.
They were going home together. He was going to be a father, if Clara accepted him. His life was about to be filled with more adventures and challenges he could have dared dreamed of. And through all of it, he knew for certain he wouldn't be alone. Neither of them would ever be alone again.
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ashprince-of-bel-air · 2 months ago
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Do you have any thoughts about Gale? Thanks!
Thanks for the ask! I do indeed have many thoughts about our Rizzard, all day every day, just nothing but third degree yearns for my pixelated husband.
Here are some fluffy thoughts that definitely do not live in my head rent free….
After the night where you channeled the weave together was when finally started to fall for you, his eyes always seemed to find you wherever you were in camp, transfixed on your form, looking so effortlessly beautiful whilst doing to most mundane chores. You were his first thought on a morning when he woke and the last thing he thought of before falling to sleep on his soft feather bedroll, the image of you lulled him to sleep every night.
Gale was so devastatingly touch starved it was almost painful for him at times. During the beginning of your romance he would physically have to stop him self from touching you constantly, he did not want the desperate need for your love and affection to drive him away from you, he had to settle for soft brushes against you, thinking he was being subtle, not knowing you could see straight through his act. You didn’t mention this to him, he looked so adorable when he tried to act calm as his fingers brushed yours, a little blush forming on his cheeks betraying his false nonchalance.
Any nights that were shared in Gales bed you would be the bigger spoon, he held your hands around him as if he was afraid you would disappear, wanting so desperate to be loved, to feel like he was enough as he was for you.
His love for Mystra dwindled over time, she was still his goddess and loved her in a way that he loved the weave, it was nothing compared to how he loved you though. Pure adoration is what he felt when he saw you, his love for you was like a bright burning pyre inside of him that even a heavy downpour would not put out.
Domestic life back in Waterdeep with Gale was pure bliss, his tower was as you had imagined it, it wasn’t dirty but it was cluttered, books and parchment strewn about, half written notes scrawled upon any spare paper, detailing academic thoughts he wanted to look further into as well as half written poetry that he had thought of over a glass of red wine. It was a cozy and comfortable tower, one that smelled like home as you crossed the threshold with him for the first time.
Professor Gale Dekarios of Blackstaff academy went back to teaching a couple of months after you settled into life in Waterdeep, the first few months you spent together were very intense, he didn’t have to share your attention with any else now and he made sure he enjoyed every ounce of you. Each room of the tower had been christened by they two of you, Gale wanted to worship you on every surface he could get you on, dropping on his creaky knees at a moments notice to pay respects you, his new Goddess.
Eventually Gale ended up with a light warning from the faculty at Blackstaff Academy due to his lateness on a morning, Gales refusal to leave the tower before having received his morning kisses from you were causing him to be late most days, they could give him all the warnings they wanted to, it would not change his mind about his kisses that he was owed.
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jarl-deathwolf · 9 months ago
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It's been a little annoying to go through the BG3 tag - and especially Gale's tag - and see all the people relentlessly tearing into Mystra over her ultimatum to Gale. It's especially bad when they're comparing that situation with Lae'zel's or Shadowheart's.
Just to be clear: I love Gale to pieces! He's my funny little guy with a slightly morally ambiguous heart of gold. But... he was absolutely in the wrong in his conflict with Mystra.
I'll slap a read more here in case you disagree and don't want to hear me out on this
First off, his reasons for getting the orb in his chest in the first place was intended as a romantic gesture to Mystra... but also one intended to 'prove himself' worthy of her. Which she had repeatedly said over and over that he didn't need to do. He had already proved that - he was one of her Chosen!
It was a romantic gesture that she didn't ask for, didn't want, and was more for Gales piece of mind than anything. Not a good start, honestly.
I'll forgive him for how badly it turned out. How would he have been able to predict that it wasnt mystras weave fragment that he found? But the end result is still important. You might not have intended to burn someone's house down, but you can hardly call the person irrational when they're mad at you afterwards! Especially when they specifically told you not to juggle torches!
Doubly so when you remember that Mystra saved Gales life when it happened. If Mystra had done nothing, Gale would have just died when the orb got attached. And it was Mystra who made it so he could continue to satiate the bomb by feeding it magic items.
I'm less sure on this point but I think the implication with her "fixing" the bomb in early Act 2 was her just feeding it with her own personal power.
Which leaves us with the big, thorny issue - Mystra telling Gale to blow himself up to destroy the Absolute.
On the face of it... yeah, that's pretty extreme. But remember that Mystra is a deity and probably understands more of what's going on than the party does at that time. So she understands what exactly is coming for the Sword Coast.
Even if she doesn't- she knows about the illithids and their reproduction. If Gale fails at any step of the road or if his mysterious protection gives out, then his soul is GONE.
And that's the part people forget about the bomb - yeah, it'll kill Gale, but it ends the threat of the absolute and his soul is saved, sent safely to Mystras hall.
To an immortal God, that's the important part - a mortal life is fleeting but a soul is forever.
And that's what divided Mystra from Shar or Vlaakith - she actually cares about her followers and tries to help them, even when they constantly question her or go against her warnings
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dekariosclan · 3 months ago
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My favorite Gale lines that I will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, EVER choose
…because they involve breaking up/hurting Gale and I am not strong enough for that 😮‍💨
Credit to the YouTubers who WERE strong enough and who posted these vids publicly for all to see: Copperspoon, BearRhi and Yaren Allena
I wanted to share for anyone who hasn’t seen these lines, because they are so heartbreakingly sweet, and they’re such a great glimpse into how deeply Gale loves Tav and how important commitment is to him. For my fellow Galemancers who are unable to select the ‘mean options’, this post is for you! Angst ahead (but worry not, I promise the end of this post will be uplifting)
So in Act II, when you are in the ‘flirting’ stage with the companions, if you find yourself romantically involved with someone else alongside Gale, you’ll get this dialogue, where he asks you to choose:
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If you select the option that indicates you’d like to have a relationship with them both, Gale will respond very similarly to how he does if you ask about opening up your relationship to Halsin in Act III:
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Gale: I’m sorry, but to know I had less than the whole of your heart - I can’t do it. Not when I would give all of myself to you. Call me greedy, stubborn, old-fashioned…but I cannot change who I am, or how I love. In any case, know that I harbor no ill will. I would rather see you happy with another, than not happy at all.
I love his first two sentences so much, because they really do sum up how Gale views your relationship: when he says he loves you, he loves you, and he is all-in. He gives his entire heart to you and he only asks that you do the same in return.
But also, look at how sweet and selfless he is, not harboring anger here even if you are considering ending the relationship. And, as if his lines above didn’t hurt enough, IF you are somehow strong enough to go through with the breakup, you can ask Gale if he hates you. And he says this:
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Gale: I could no more hate you than I could go without air.
🫠😭😩 WHO CAN GO THROUGH WITH BREAKING UP HE IS THE SWEETEST MAN IN EXISTENCE HONEST TO GOD
Are you still with me? Is your heart obliterated? Hang on, we aren’t done. During your initial conversation you could also choose this option, stating you didn’t realize how strongly he felt:
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And then Gale will respond with this:
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Gale: Perhaps I should have done more. Been more charming, more flattering, harder to reach…but I was only myself, and sometimes that isn’t enough.
💔 This is especially heartbreaking, not only because of how Gale already feels like he’s ‘not enough’ after his failed relationship with Mystra, but ALSO, if you consider the exact words he says when he declares his endless devotion to Tav in the Act III alternate boat scene:
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Gale: You see me as I am, and do not find me wanting. With these stars as my witness, I swear—you will always be enough for me.
You can see just how much it means to him.
😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨
OKAY. If you have made it this far, time for some relief. All of the above dialogue aside, if you when you immediately come to your senses and realize NO OF COURSE YOU WON’T BREAK UP WITH GALE, HOW COULD ANYONE EVER DO THAT you simply tell him you’ve chosen him and, after he very sweetly expresses his concern for the other companions’s feelings, he will proclaim his relief and unwavering love for you:
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Gale: I am beyond lucky to have you. Sometimes even the power of the Weave seems mundane, compared to how you make me feel.
❤️❤️❤️
Now, go forth my fellow Galemancers, never think of this post again, be content in the knowledge that you made the right choice in choosing Gale, and kiss that wizard with tongue because HE DESERVES IT.
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munmomuu · 1 year ago
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Gale's ambition and the orb's hunger
Rambling about Gale's ambition after seeing the alternative ending dialogue for Gale. Spoilers for the entirety of his story.
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This dialogue shows that even though Mystra doesn't rid Gale fo the orb, after defeating the Netherbrain his orb seems to change. It's hunger, gone.
Did Mystra quiet the orb?
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If the player asks about it being Mystra's influence, Gale doesn't deny it could be Mystra, but refers that the orb's hunger was fuelled with his own. I have seen some origin spoilers for Gale that Mystra does apparently tell him that the orb is a consequence of his actions - this is why she hasn't "done" anything about it. It's a punishment.
It wouldn't make sense in this timeline that she would rid Gale of his orb because during the game, he didn't obey Mystra at all. While it could be possible that Mystra would do it out of "well you saved the world, I guess that's good enough" reward, she never really presented that as an option. She wanted the crown. Saving the world was seemingly secondary to her.
What we know about the orb previously?
So, just to know if Gale being content would affect the orb, we should consider what it does to him. Thorought the game, we get several references it being compared to hunger directly. "Clawing my insides like a teething displacer kitten"; narrator describing the hunger when he shows the orb to you; his condition is called "Arcane Hunger".
His treatment is literally feeding pure weave to it, and this is also what Mystra does once Elminster places her charm on him. It seems like the Karsite weave is to made to consume weave. He descibes that consuming the magic "never feels right, but it relieves".
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We can't talk about the orb without mentioning Karsus. There's also a lot of mentions about Karsus being ambitious, same as with Gale, especially after hitting act 3. We know that Gale was ambitious even before the game - his orb is the consequence of that ambition, when he wanted to prove himself worthy of wielding more power to Mystra.
Was the orb's hunger strenghtened by the tadpole and the Crown?
Gale doesn't seem to know that the orb is Netherese until Mystra tells it is Karsus' creation. Gale seems to know the orb is Netherese origin, but doesn't connect it to Karsus until Mystra tells him. We also know from the hag, if we try her let help us with the tadpole, that the tadpole is imbued with Netherese magic. Gale's offhanded comment about the orb destabilizing because of Netherese sandals seems like a joke to me, but his condition started to decline eventually when he was tadpoled, until Mystra starts to feed it.
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I think being near the crown also affected Gale. During his romance scene in act 2, he mentions about feeling the heart of Absolute, and how much heavier his heart becomes. It could be a metaphor just him sensing being closer to death, but what if it is actually a physical sensation he feels being nearer the crown? He can't feel the hunger anymore that the orb would cause, because it is being fed.
If you kill Elminster before he can set the charm on Gale, the end of act 2 is the furthest you can get Gale to come with you until he leaves permanently, because the orb gets so destabilized he feels it's not safe to be around you anymore. This could be the Crown's influence on him overtaking his hunger.
Act 3 - Physical hunger is gone, but the mental hunger lingers
The reason why I keep repeating that the orb is being fed, is that it's important to understand that Gale doesn't feel the orb's hunger physically, but the mental hunger still is there. Ambition. This is why there is quite a swap in Gale's demeanor once he sees the Crown - I believe the orb somehow influences the wizard's ambitions, similarly to Karsus.
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At this point, the player has quite the impact on how Gale wil handle his ambition. I will talk only about romance standpoint since it's the one I'm familar with. If you choose him to give up on his ambitions with the crown, you have to convince him that he is enough as he is. This is a completely new situation for him - he always has strived to be better and do more. He doesn't know how to just be. Of course he wants to survive the battle with the Netherbrain, but after that? What ambitions he would have anymore? The orb has nothing to work with anymore - the tadpoles are dead, the brain is dead, the Crown is shattered in the Chiontar.
What about if you encourage his ambitions? His mindset seems to shift quite drastically compared to when we met him. He's feeding into the resentment for believing Mystra took his powers and that she didn't give him more than what he deserved in his mind.
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A small side tangent: With Patch 4, Larian added a glow effect to the orb while he says the line about controlling the Karsite weave. I've been thinking about the symbolism for it - is it a power flare up? It is the same effect which Mystra's charm has, does it mean that Mystra stopped feeding Gale's orb?
Whatever it is, at this point Gale has completely changed. During the boat scene he says he doesn't wish to ascend, but now he wants to be a god. If Tav tries to tell him not to do it, he emotionlessly leaves them. Let that sink in. The hopeless romantic, who shared his spirit with his lover, assured how there is no force to come between them and disobeyed his goddess for them, leaves them for more power without hesitation.
And that isn't even the worst part of it. Disclaimer: Datamining is never "a sure way to know what the devs intented" and shouldn't be used as a true point for canon, but let's humor my angsty mood with it. According to the datamined endings that Withers would have told what happened the companions after the game, even if Tav would support sharing Gale's godhood, Gale never returns to Tav to fulfill it because ambition doesn't like to share. That shows how much Gale changes during the game if his ambition takes over. Maybe even claim that the orb's hunger takes over. ** Strikethrough added after patch 5, see my note in the end.
To end this on a more positive note, him overcoming that toxic ambition is huge, and the fact that he would feel content by Tav's side is really romantic considering all what could have happened.
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** Added after patch 5 and epilogue stuff: I won't be typing out what happens in the epilogue (I have posted the outcome to Youtube if someone is curious), but needless to say, it's a good point on never trusting datamining as a canon point. But, the epilogue proves that original datamining point obsolete.
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verai-marcel · 8 months ago
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Your Hearth Is My Home (BG3 Fanfic, Astarion x Female Reader, Part 25 of 28)
Summary, Notes, Tags, & Part 1 are here.
Act I - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12
Act II - Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | 
Act III - Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 (18+) | Part 28 (END)
AO3 Link is here, my sweet.
Word Count: 4,798
------------------------------
Act III, Chapter 4 - The Twist
Astarion watched his witch sleep comfortably in his arms, her deep breaths coming slow and steady. Compared to how agitated she had been before, he was glad to see her so calm. Extricating himself carefully, he left their bed to go hunt. But he had only taken a few steps when he heard her whimper. Turning back to her, he saw her curl up into a fetal position and start trembling, a slight keen coming from her throat as she began to hyperventilate.
Immediately he returned, touching her forehead. She began to calm, but her brow was still sweating from whatever was afflicting her.
“Fuck,” he muttered. Crawling back under the sheets, he pulled her into his arms again. Her shaking died down to a slight tremor and her breathing calmed. He could feel her muscles relax and her body naturally curled around him, seeking comfort.
I would kill Orin all over again for what she did to you.
He gently tucked hair behind her ear before he leaned down and kissed her forehead.
I’ll be here, my sweet.
***
The next few days were a blur for you as the others came in and out, seeking allies in the fight ahead. You overheard something about a prison break, fighting an undead dragon, and another prison break, but underwater. You saw Wyll’s father weakly entering the Elfsong, and staying with everyone while he healed.
You heard that Gale had gone to talk with Mystra, and after a long talk with Shadowheart, he had decided to give the crown to the goddess in exchange for getting the orb out of his chest. 
So many plans were coming to fruition, alliances sought and won all across the city, and the pile of loot was ever growing. At least it kept you busy. You were physically healthy, but… 
Sometimes your mind would scream, and you fought down the madness with all your might, despite your urge to scream along with it. 
To your surprise, Astarion stayed with you the entire time, touching you whenever he could. The madness that Orin had inflicted upon you still lingered in the back of your mind, but you managed to force it down, even though you sometimes had to stop and fight the echoes in your head. It was at those moments that Astarion would pull you into his arms, touching your skin, his cheek pressed against yours, telling you to take deep breaths, and that he was here with you.
You recognized the looks some of the others gave Astarion, as if he was being too protective and overbearing, but you knew that it was because they didn’t know the extent of the damage you had taken, and he had not shared with them your empathic abilities.
“Should I tell them?” you asked one night when the two of you were alone.
“It’s up to you,” he replied. “I wouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
He shrugged. “It’ll invite more questions. And it’s not like you’ve used it to do any harm. No need to mention it.”
For the time being, you decided not to tell them.
On the fourth night, when the others came up to Astarion, asking if he’d fed recently, even volunteering to watch over you while he went out to hunt, he refused. You realized that it had been days since he had fed. He refused to feed from you while you were healing, and he hadn’t left your side. Your attacks during the day had gotten less intense, so you figured you could handle Astarion being gone for a few hours.
“It’s alright, go hunt,” you told him.
“Excuse us a moment,” he said hastily to the others before pulling you outside, up to the roof.
“What are you doing?” he demanded once he confirmed that no one else was around.
“You haven’t eaten in days.”
“I can handle it,” he said. “You, on the other hand, can’t handle being without me.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” you asked, growing irate.
“Something might happen while I’m gone,” he replied.
You realized that you had been kidnapped twice in just as many weeks while Astarion had been away. “Let one of the others watch over me while you’re out hunting,” you replied. “Surely I won’t be kidnapped again with everyone on guard.”
“That’s not what I meant,” he said, stepping closer to you. “I meant your… attacks. Whatever Orin did to you, it’s lingering.”
You shrugged. “It’s getting better. I can handle it.”
When he looked at you quietly for a little bit too long, you had a hunch. “There’s something you’re not telling me.”
He held out a hand to you. You took it and felt his anxiety, thrumming like the vibrations of a lute’s strings. “If I don’t hold you at night, you start to shake and”—he stopped himself, shrugging helplessly with a sad look on his face—“I can’t leave your side, knowing that you’re fighting something like that inside of your head.”
You blinked. “Is that why you haven’t left?”
He nodded.
You let out a sigh. “So it’s worse at night, when I’m sleeping and unable to mentally protect myself,” you muttered. Looking up at him, you tapped his chest lightly with the back of your hand. “So go hunt during the day. You’re not going to be able to take care of me if you’re weakened.”
He tipped his head as he stared at you, contemplating your reasoning. “You have a good point,” he finally conceded. “But if you feel so much as a slight shortness of breath, you had better tell me.”
“I never pictured you as a worrywort. You’re starting to sound like Gale,” you teased.
Astarion’s face wrinkled with disgust. “Ugh. Alright. You’ve convinced me. I’ll go hunt in the morning.”
Returning to the others, you sat down in the main area and accepted the dinner plate that Gale handed to you. 
Should I tell them about my ability? 
You pondered while you ate, listening to the conversation around you. It sounded like they were going to storm Gortash’s base tomorrow and get the last netherstone. After that… would be the Netherbrain. They were almost there. Save the city, save themselves.
No. They don’t need to know. They have enough on their minds.
The rest of the night passed with battle plans and an early rest.
***
“Go.”
“Are you sure—”
“They’ll need all the help they can get,” you insisted. “Seriously. I can handle it. I promise.”
Astarion stared at you for a few moments more before finally nodding. “Fine. You had better keep your word.”
You grinned. “When have I not?”
He raised an eyebrow at you, but then he gave you a seductive little smirk before leaning in and whispering in your ear. “If you don’t, I’ll have to punish you, darling.”
“Astarion!” you said, feigning offense.
Giving you a knowing smirk, he left with the others, but not without one last look at you, his eyes clearly scanning you for any symptoms. You shooed him off, and as the door closed, you went back to the bed and curled into a ball, breathing heavily and deeply.
“Fuck, I hate lying.”
You weren’t entirely lying. It was getting better with each day. But you still had those attacks, and one had just happened to occur right as everyone was leaving. You had managed to hold it in just long enough to get them all out the door, but now that they were gone, and while the camp guests were still resting, you could hide in your bed and just breathe.
After about ten minutes, you rolled out of bed, mostly good as new, just sweaty from your mental battle with the remnants of Orin’s insanity.
You spent the day sorting through the pile of loot and the pouches of alchemical supplies that the others had brought back while you were recovering. The potion supply had run low, so you also began to make potions.
It was mid-afternoon when Karlach returned all alone. She paced in front of the fireplace, muttering and wringing her hands. You quietly stayed out of the way, making sure she didn’t burn anything by accident, until she finally slumped down to her knees and put her face in her hands. You heard tremulous breaths, followed by a lot of deep, slow sighs. When even those quieted down, you slowly approached.
“It’s not fair,” she muttered as she turned to face you, a melancholy expression on her face. “I thought I’d feel better, after killing Gortash.” She stared down at her hands. “But in the end, I’m just going to die anyway.”
Your heart clenched. Hesitantly, you reached out and touched her arm, prepared for her emotions. At least, you thought you were. The despair hit you hard, bringing tears to your eyes. How could she stand it?
But you looked at your friend, who had begun to smile. “But would you believe it?” she asked in a hushed voice. “Being here, right now, alive… I’m actually happy?”
You could feel a fluttering of hope in her heart, like the soft beats of a butterfly’s wings. “I believe you,” you said softly, sharing her smile. “Despite everything, you’re here now. And we’ll be here with you for as long as possible.”
She opened her arms. “Hug?”
“Of course,” you said, hugging her tightly. You could feel the heat beneath her skin, pulsing more hotly than ever before. She was still touchable, but just barely. Closing your eyes, you felt for the lines of power around her engine.
Odd. It’s almost as if there’s a line missing…
Pulling away from her, you nodded towards her chest. “Can I try something… on your heart?”
Karlach nodded and gave you access.
You imagined a wet towel, cold and refreshing in the summer heat. Singing a song similar to what you used for her tent, you weaved a light blue web and wrapped it around her engine, hoping that it would bring at least a little bit of relief. You finished the spell and the lines of the spell sank into the metal.
“Oh?” Karlach touched her chest and took a deep breath. “I feel… a bit better!”
“Thank goodness,” you breathed. “I was afraid I would accidentally freeze it too much.”
“No, no, this is great! I… I feel like I can go on!”
In her excitement, you could feel the strands of your spell snapping under the pressure. “Wait, wait, calm down, Karlach. This is only a temporary relief. The spell is already starting to snap apart.”
She nodded and took another deep breath. “All right. Got it.” Then she smiled at you. “Thank you for trying.”
You hugged her again and felt her emotions in full force: her despair that she was desperately pushing down and her determination to live out whatever time she had with no regrets. 
“My strong, sweet friend,” you whispered.
She told you everything that happened on the way to fighting Gortash, and wrapped up her story just as the others returned.
“Feeling better?” Wyll asked as he immediately headed for Karlach, touching her shoulder.
She nodded, and the two of them smiled so softly at each other that you quietly snuck away to look for Astarion. You were surprised to see him looking a little down. He held out his hand to you.
Delicately placing your hand in his, you felt a somber emotion, humming quietly in his heart. You gently cupped his cheek, watching him close his eyes and lean into your touch. 
“I’m still thinking about Karlach. About what she said,” he murmured. When you tipped your head in confusion, he paraphrased for you. At the end, he frowned. “Gods. There really is no justice in the world.”
You could feel his sympathy, and it aligned with yours. “There has to be a way to find a cure.”
He shrugged. “I hope so. For her sake.” Then he blinked and looked at you. “How are you feeling?”
“Better,” you replied truthfully. 
Astarion nodded, taking your hand from his cheek and moving it to the inside of his elbow, escorting you back to the others. “I believe you, even though you lied to me this morning.”
Your jaw dropped. “How did you know?”
He raised an eyebrow. “You seriously think I can’t tell when you lie? You were sweating and your cute little pulse was practically jumping out of your neck.”
You sighed. Of course he could tell. “Good to know,” you muttered.
***
One last night together. They had all three netherstones. They had gathered their allies. Tomorrow, your friends would go off to face off with the Netherbrain. It was all or nothing.
After a nourishing dinner that you personally cooked, adding herbs that would increase their strength and energy, the others prepared their weapons and got ready for bed. You finished helping to mend everyone’s armor and clothing and finally called it a night, crawling behind Astarion as he sat at the edge of the bed, cleaning his daggers.
You wrapped your arms around him and lay your head on his shoulder.
He turned his head toward you. “Are you alright?”
“I… I want to go with you.”
You heard him set down his dagger and rag. Then he turned his whole body towards you.
“No.”
“But—”
“You must stay here.”
You opened your mouth to argue, but behind his vehement glare was something else. You touched his hand.
…fear…
“Why are you afraid?” you whispered.
His frown changed to a sad, helpless expression. “I… I can’t fight to my fullest if I’m distracted by… by what could happen to you.” He held your hands in his and brought them to his lips, kissing your knuckles. “I just want you safe.”
“You do realize that if you lose, nowhere is safe.”
“Yes, yes, it will be all tentacles and blood.”
“So let me help.”
He still shook his head. “You don’t have the battle experience,” he argued. “Look, I know you want to help, but you have to trust us. Trust me.”
You closed your eyes. Should I go anyway? No, let's be real. I can't fight. I can barely defend myself. Opening your eyes, you met his gaze. “All right. I won’t join you. But you better return.”
“Of course, darling.” He brought you in for a soft kiss on your forehead. “We still haven’t consummated our relationship, after all.”
“Astarion!”
He chuckled before gazing at you with adoring eyes. “My heart.”
Damn him and his charm. You couldn’t resist. You pressed your forehead against his. “My star.”
“You’ll be here when I return, right?” His voice sounded confident, but you could feel apprehension in your touch.
“Of course. I’d never leave you alone.”
He smiled and let out a small sigh of relief, nearly imperceivable if you weren’t also sensing it. “I’ll hold you to that,” he whispered.
***
While he was loath to leave his lovely witch, Astarion had to test her mental state. Once she was sleeping soundly, he pulled away from her, keeping a bit of distance as he watched her sleep. 
She frowned and shuddered, but she didn't curl into a ball. Her body tensed for a few moments, but then relaxed again. 
She wasn't entirely lying, I suppose. 
He lay back down next to her and watched her breathing for a little while longer before he went back to his trance state. 
***
Your companions left, armed to the teeth, ready to face their destiny. They told you to lock the room and hide along with Shadowheart’s parents. You nodded, told them you’d defend them if push came to shove, and sent them on their way.
The sounds of the battle raged around the city, but you stayed inside as they told you, your dagger on your belt. Arnell stayed alert, watching for any intruders, while Emmeline rested quietly.
Your seal suddenly began to pulse hard as you were kneeling in front of the fireplace, mending a pile of clothes. Heading to a window, you peered outside. The mind flayers were being pushed back, felled by anyone with a weapon. In the distance, out above the upper city, you saw the Netherbrain shudder and begin to veer toward the river. 
You closed your eyes and focused on its trajectory. 
Where are my friends? 
In your mind's eyes, you could see a spectrum of colored strands leading towards the docks.
You quickly grabbed your pack and stuffed it full of healing potions. Telling Shadowheart’s parents that you were headed out, you ran outside, dodging all the chaos and mayhem. When you finally reached the docks, you could see your friends standing at the end of one of them, the impact from the Netherbrain causing impressive waves. 
You started to call out to them, but stopped when you saw a mind flayer with them. Quietly, you walked up to them to listen. By context, you figured out that the mind flayer was, in fact, Prince Orpheus! You heard Lae’zel take on the duties of leading the rebellion, heard the prince argue for his own death by her hand.
“...Give me my freedom from this form, release my soul to the Astral Seas while I still have one to call my own.”
Lae'zel held Orpheus’ dagger, her expression sad, yet determined. 
“Wait!” you cried out, surprising the group with your presence. “There has to be another way.”
“I won’t become ghaik!” Orpheus declared emphatically.
 Lae’zel turned her gaze at you, her emotions complicated.
You came closer to him and gently reached out to touch his hand. The screaming inside of his mind was piercing, making your temples pound. How was he withstanding this? And yet…
Through the screaming, you could hear a pattern. You hummed a simple tune, countering the high pitched wails with a low harmony that balanced the sound.
Orpheus stared at you. “How are you doing that?”
“What is she doing?” Lae’zel asked.
“The screams… are quieter,” he said in astonishment.
“You may not be able to return to your people,” you said carefully. “But don’t you want to see this to the end? Don’t you want to witness their return?” You came close and knelt down to look Orpheus in the eyes. “Don’t you want to be there to provide guidance if they ask for it?”
He closed his eyes and bowed his head, deep in thought. 
“I can teach you this song, to subdue the screams,” you added. You hummed it again, a simple set of notes that he easily followed.
After a few minutes, he quietly spoke. “Perhaps you are right. I may not be the one to lead my people, but I can still bear witness to their glory.” He stood. “I shall find a place for myself in a corner of these realms, for even in darkness, the stars of Tu’narath will shine upon me.”
Prince Orpheus turned to leave, but he looked back at everyone. “You have all been worthy allies.” He nodded his head at you specifically. “I will take your words and your song with me.”
You watched him walk away, hoping that he would eventually find a path forward that would lead him back to his people. Lae'zel called for the red dragons, and as she mounted one of them, she looked at everyone in turn, her eyes finally resting on you. 
“I will not forget our time together. I have learned much, and will use our experience in the future.” She was silently pensive for a moment before she continued. “I am grateful. And I will miss all of you.”
She flew away, a new mission, a new journey across the planes. Your seal tingled in time with the beat of the dragon's wings. 
We'll see each other again, surely. 
As you turned back to the others, you noticed that Karlach had backed away from the group, and was now kneeling at the end of the docks, staring out into the water, clutching a hand to her heart. She was clearly in pain, and the flames around her were growing bigger with each passing moment.
“Karlach!”
You ran to her, touching her arm. The infernal fire was burning hotter and hotter, and you pulled your hand away from her skin with a hiss of pain.
“I can’t… I can’t go back…”
“But you’ll die!” Wyll said, who had joined you, kneeling beside her.
The smile she gave absolutely broke your heart. “I’d rather die free than be trapped in Avernus again.”
No! You reached out and placed your hand over her heart. “I can’t… I can’t let you die!” you cried out desperately.
Taking a deep breath, you sang. Cages of metal, chains of mithril, lining of ice, shields of cold, you sang and sang as your magic reinforced the insulating chamber that Dammon had made, becoming a self-cooling object, powered by the very infernal heat it produced. Closing the loop on the magic rune, you finished the song with hardly a breath left in your lungs.
“It… it worked!” Karlach looked at you in awe. “I think you fixed it!”
You shook your head. “Only for now. The rune will have to be renewed at some point, but I poured a lot of energy into it, and it feeds off itself to some extent.” On shaky legs, you slowly stood. “You’ll have to find something more permanent some day.”
“Still, that’s better than—” she stopped. “You don't look good.”
Your heart was beating fast, and you felt faint. Taking a few steps back, you bumped into Astarion, who stepped around you so he could look at your face.
“Darling?”
“I’m fine—” 
Your seal burned hotter than it ever had before. You fell to your hands and knees and screamed in pain. You reached for your back and tore at your shirt, exposing your seal to the cool air. It didn’t help much.
Astarion tried to touch your back, but he pulled his hand away quickly, his skin smoking.
“What… what is happening?” you cried. You felt as if your skin was being sloughed off, the burning sensation spreading from your seal to the rest of your body.
“Your seal is cracking,” he said. Astarion tried once again to touch you, but his hand burned with the effort.
“Don’t touch me!” you yelled. “You’ll only hurt yourself!”
He pulled away, fear in his eyes. Fear for you. Then he frowned and turned to the others. “Help her, dammit!”
Everyone else had gathered, trying to figure out how to help. Shadowheart tried all kinds of healing spells, but none of them worked.
Finally, finally, the pain began to wane and you could breathe again. You slowly stood up, and everyone stared at you in awe.
You looked down at yourself. Your clothes were burned at the fringes, your skin the same golden hue as when you had transformed. Your hair had burned away the ribbon that had held up your loose bun, so it flowed around you like flickering flames, the color of the setting sun.
“Are my eyes glowing?” you asked, and you were shocked to hear the sound of your own voice. It was as if it was inherently more melodic, like three layers of your voice coalescing to one.
You felt… powerful. You looked out at the horizon, the sun beginning to set, and felt like a new beginning was in store for you. The seal was gone, that tingle that used to be only on your back was now coursing throughout your entire body. The power…
Wait. The sun.
You quickly turned to Astarion and grabbed his face.
“What are you doing?” he asked, his eyes wide in surprise.
“I… I can protect you from the sun.” You began to sing, almost desperately, the words coming to your mind quicker than you could get them out of your mouth.
A silver web began to form around Astarion, and slowly, each section of the web filled in with a bluish-silver film. Each lyric filled in another section, but there were so many, so very many…
A loud thunderclap went off near you, but you didn’t look. You were so focused on weaving your spell that you didn’t realize anything was happening until you were yanked away from him, as if an invisible hand had grabbed you and flung you out toward the sea.
***
It all happened like a flash of lightning. She was here. She was just here. And then she was torn away from him, thrown over the dock, over everyone’s heads, and into the sea. But there was no splash. Only a strange portal closing so suddenly that there was no chance of anyone following.
Everyone else was calling out her name, as if she would re-appear, just like that, and tell them all, just kidding, it was a joke.
Astarion fell to his knees. He felt so, so numb.
Somewhere, far away, he could hear people yelling at him to get up, to get away from the dock. He felt Karlach picking him up and dragging him away, felt Shadowheart healing his wounds (I’m wounded?), saw Gale cast Darkness above him as they took him inside the closest building to hide him from the damned sun.
But it all seemed so far, far away.
***
“He’s in shock.”
“No shit.”
“I don’t blame him. I can’t believe she just… disappeared.”
“Astarion. Astarion!”
A slap to his face didn’t seem to work. A second one did. He stared at Shadowheart, who had grabbed him by the collar, her hand raised to slap him once more. 
He pushed her away. “Enough!”
Shadowheart stepped back gracefully, and glared down at him. “Are you back?”
Letting out a tired breath, Astarion nodded before leaning his head against the wall. He looked at the others from his seated position and realized that they had taken him somewhere dark, with no windows. “...Thank you.”
Gale patted his shoulder, and while he’d normally be annoyed, he didn’t have the energy. He even felt… a bit appreciative? 
Gods, she’s gone.
A wave of despair crashed over him, but he pushed it aside. Hope was not yet lost. “So how do we find her?”
Everyone was deep in thought.
Jaheira and Halsin looked at each other for a moment, and Astarion immediately caught their glances. “What is it?”
“We need to go back outside to make sure. We’ll be back,” Jaheira said before she and Halsin walked away.
Minutes felt like hours, but they returned soon enough.
“We think we know where she is,” Halsin said. He paused, glancing at Jaheira.
Astarion stood straighter. “Well? Spit it out.”
He sighed. “She's probably in the Feywild.”
No one said a word for a few moments as they chewed on the theory.
“Most fey crossroads malfunctioned after the Spellplague,” Gale muttered. “How was there one here in a major city, unbroken?”
Jaheira shrugged. “Sometimes one will appear and reappear in relation to some kind of cycle. This crossroad was probably one of those. Probably.”
“Probably?” Astarion asked incredulously. 
Halsin nodded. “Given that we don’t know how to access it nor where it leads, we should wait for her to return.”
“Or we can search for another fey crossing somewhere and look for her,” Karlach said.
Both druids shook their heads.
“That is not a good idea,” Halsin replied. “It is easy to lose your way and never return. And time works differently there. You could enter for only a few minutes and come out a year later. Or worse.”
“You could miss each other by weeks, or decades,” Jaheira added. “I agree with Halsin. Better that one party stays in a stable location instead of two parties trying to circle around the Feywild looking for each other.”
Astarion could hear the logic in their words, see the reason in their conclusion. But he felt lost.
Shadowheart patted his shoulder. “She’ll find her way back. After all, she still needs to feed you.”
He looked at her. “So am I supposed to just sit around and wait for her?”
“Pretty much, yes.”
Hanging his head between his knees, he shut his eyes and willed himself not to panic. Who knows when she’ll be back. If she’ll be back.
“There’ll be plenty to do around the Gate,” Wyll said. “And those spawn you released may need some guidance.”
“He’s right. Do something nice, impress her when she returns,” Karlach said, giving him a light punch.
“Don’t you believe in her?” Shadowheart asked, daring him to say otherwise.
A small smile tugged on the corner of his lips. Of course she’ll come back. She wouldn’t leave me alone. She promised. Through the despair, he felt a glimmer of hope. 
Perhaps I could do something while I wait.
----------------------------------------
Act III, Chapter 4 End notes: Oh snap, did any of you expect that? Did I surprise any of you with that twist? Or did you see it coming a mile away? Let me know in the comments what you think happened to her!
Tags List: @numblytemporary @xalphafox @avitute @stormyjane7 @kmoon21
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moonmaidensblessing · 4 months ago
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I love Mystra as a character 100% she is an interesting character and I adore a morally questionable woman with my whole heart in fiction but I’m trying to get why ppl get so up in arms about her. The concept of a god having a relationship with a mortal is nothing new; I wrote a paper last semester comparing Gale to Odysseus from the Odyssey for the very reason they both had relationships with goddesses. It’s an age old situation in storytelling and it’s not going anywhere.
I want to posit the idea that Gale’s specific dynamic with Mystra is meant to say more about his character than her, though, since he’s a major character. His relationship with her is meant to tell us how powerful he is as a magic-wielder and his connection with it is beyond what the average magic user could ever dream of (looking at you, Rolan). He is written in a way where his hubris could easily lead him down a bad path as it had done several times for him already. He is messing with things beyond his scope, though, as he learns more and gains more power. A line I always feel people ignore is the one where he admits Mystra gave him a boundary, appropriately seeing what it was (Netherese magic that had almost killed her before), and tend to majorly focus on the fact that she asks him to sacrifice himself with that same dangerous magic. I mean, i can see a perspective that she sees Gale as potentially dangerous since he disregards her request ultimately for his own purposes. Keep in mind that he not only has the parasite, but the orb would not be kept docile forever. He became dangerous not only to himself but to anyone unfortunate enough to be too close should something happen. He poses an immense threat after crossing Mystra’s boundary (his exact words in the game) to Faerûn, the Weave itself, etc.
Does this make Gale evil? No. He had the potential to be misguided, though, in the story, and I think that’s the writers’ point was how easy it can be to fall from might and grace with a few bad choices.
To be frank, the dynamic between Gale and Mystra is already at a power imbalance. It isn’t like the other characters’ relationships with their respective gods because they do not have a romantic/sexual relationship with them. That is a curious distinction, which would lend to it being an unusual practice in the pantheon of the gods. However, not in the world of literature, I reiterate. Odysseus has intimate encounters with several goddesses in his journey, but the power dynamic is written a lot differently than how Mystra and Gale are written.
If it is not common practice for the gods to have intimate interactions with mortals, then it stands to reason that it is a discouraged practice among them. We hear a line in the game where Gale says Ao would not permit Mystra to interfere with their quest directly, and it makes me believe there are rules for the gods when it comes to behavior and actions. For some reason, Mystra is permitted to have romantic relationships with her worshippers, and I have to wonder why that is. Apparently it isn’t common for her to pick someone, either, as she only chooses the most powerful magic users, her chosen ones. And that’s where we start to run into the power imbalances.
In a way, Gale seeks the missing magic for Mystra to feel equal to her, a dynamic that would never change no matter what he did. Who is really to blame? The one who wasn’t content in his role, or the god who appointed him to that role in the first place? Was Mystra trying to influence Gale to stop him reaching beyond mortal limitations, fearing (for him or perhaps herself even) that he would go too far one day just like Karsus before him? Did she have valid reasons to fear for herself and the world of magic, or was it a selfish act borne out of fear of losing control of her realm and devotees? I don’t think people are thinking this deeply about it.
I think why it bugs me in a way that kids keep giving her the “bitchy mean girl” treatment is because it sort of cheapens the intent of the characters and what its supposed to mean to the story. I mean It’s funny but I cannot look at a single piece of fan art online that features her without 15 ppl all unironically claiming acts of violence against a video game character. I guess its ultimately harmless, and it’s good they are able to recognize the harm that is present there, but it feels like a simple, immature take just all on its own.
Oh and I definitely hate the take that Mystra groomed him. That makes me pretty sick, and it isn’t a one to one comparison at all. I sincerely doubt that was the writers intention at all, and as someone who was it makes me pretty mad to see. But I understand since most of those saying it are most likely children who don’t have a full grasp of it. Grooming is intentionally selecting a person with little to no agency, usually a child, and trying to influence them into inappropriate situations. I feel like comparing that dynamic to grooming demeans and lessens the importance of it in real life. Gale was not a child, he has agency in his life, and it’s cheapening even to the character to imply he had no control over what was happening to him. Unless I’m missing some crucial piece of lore here, I don’t think Mystra picked Gale as her chosen and romantic partner to make him find Karsus’ tome and unleash the magic that nearly killed her and destroyed all magic.
I get it, though, why young people jump to that conclusion. Again, I’m glad that they see the surface level issue. I’m glad they can recognize danger and harm. That’s good. I’d never discourage someone, especially children, in being vigilant with those sorts of things.
And of course all this said not so much in defense of Mystra (though I love her as a character) but more in defense of the people who wrote it. This game is so well written and it’s one of the reasons why I love it so much. The fact that I CAN write an essay for class about it makes me over the moon and goes to show just how much depth and meaning is present.
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