[ Astarion treated Gale's book gently. He actually read it. He was vexing and entirely withholding, but if Gale's honest with himself, that only makes the challenge of drawing kudos out of him all the sweeter. The way he sees it, there's no reason not to continue. And, of course, he wants to. Since isolating himself in his tower, it's been a painfully long time since he's had real social interaction; even Astarion's deliberately irritating ways are a balm for loneliness. ]

You know, I'm more daring than you give me credit for, [ he says, a little bitter at how milquetoast Astarion must find him.

The doubt Astarion casts on continuing creates an embarrassment that wasn't there before, and frankly shouldn't be there — it's just reading. Gale's grip on the book tightens like a security blanket. ]

I'd like there to be a next time. If you'd be so inclined.