[ Gale folds his hands behind his back, smiling sweetly, the very picture of innocence. ]
I have no idea what you mean.
[ Ulterior motive? Him? Never! His pick was entirely altruistic, merely for Astarion's enjoyment. If there's a certain similarity between the characters and themselves, that's purely coincidental. If their unlikely relationship plants the idea in Astarion's head that he should be nicer to Gale, it's a happy accident. ]
But if it soothes your worries, I assure you, they share the limelight. Soon enough, the cat-and-mouse game is put aside for much greater concerns.
Of course you don't. We could never believe the intelligent, masterful Gale of Waterdeep be oblivious to something.
[ Shaking his head, he sighs softly. Perhaps he will enjoy the book. Perhaps not. Either way, he wonders just what he will learn about Gale from reading it - especially if he identifies with it so much. Curious. ]
Do you intend to spoil the entire novel, or might I get a chance to read it?
You know, some would argue that hearing the story from the mouth of the 'intelligent, masterful Gale of Waterdeep' is a luxury.
[ It's him; he's some. He raises his hands, palms out, in a gesture of defeat. ]
But fine — have it your way.
[ He mimes locking up his mouth and throwing away the key. Astarion shall get no more spoilers out of him, no matter how difficult it is not to spoil the entire story right now. He loves to hear his own opinions, and even more so to tell others what their opinions should be. Quite frankly, he deserves a medal for not spoiling more.
With a hand over his heard, and sickening sincerity: ] I shall wait with bated breath for your thoughts.
Those people have not enjoyed an evening of silence with a rather wonderful bottle of wine.
[ Astarion will never be some, not unless there is some benefit for him - such as Gale giving him said bottle of wine, or offering him something worthwhile. Another time, perhaps.
It would be so easy, Astarion thinks, to make light of this, to not bother reading the book at all and pretend as though it is the worst drivel he has ever read, but unfortunately he has read some of the rambles of his fellow spawn. Any written work will be better than the rattling thoughts of someone lacking enough braincells to be considered sentient, so he must relent.
He is going to have to read the blasted book.
Heaving a dramatic sigh, he bows his head as if in defeat. ]
[ And he does, peeking over the pages of his own books around the campfire to check if Astarion's reading. Idly wondering if Astarion's made it to his favorite chapter yet as he chops whatever ingredients they've managed to scavenge for dinner. Curious if, if this is a success, he might be able to push another book onto Astarion. It's probably a coping mechanism — focus on the one small, relatively normal thing in his life than the looming doom ahead of them. It's certainly more pleasant lying awake at night wondering if Astarion has figured out who the real killer is than thinking about his own impending death.
He gives Astarion exactly a week. It's an easy read, chronicling the tale of Lucien, the aforementioned debonair criminal, and the detective on his tail. It's obvious to see why Gale has a fondness for the detective character; his deduction and reasoning borders on preternatural, and he's always the smartest one in any given conversation, the way Gale imagines himself to be. It's primarily a mystery, one in which the characters get swept up in when they're falsely accused of a string of murders by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It has its fair share of thrills, but just enough character development and relational moments to leave one wanting more — at least, if you're Gale. By the end of the story, the main characters have caught the true killer, the captain of the guard himself. Quite shocking, unless you're Gale, who proudly figured it out before the reveal.
At the end of the week, he strolls up to Astarion's tent, bright and sunny as if they weren't nearly killed by cultists earlier that day. At this point, it's such an everyday occurrence it hardly merits a mention. ]
I do believe your loan is up from the Wizard of Waterdeep Public Library.
He's been around long enough (and, as a former magistrate, dealt with enough criminals) that he had managed to figure out some of the twists and turns of the plot before he had reached the end of the book, but that did not necessarily make it a bad read. It was not so predictable that he was bored, but the plot clues were laid out in such a way a smart reader could find them, and that is what he had done - found them. It was a decent enough way to spend some of the hours of the night, when his companions slept.
Only needing half the time, it did certainly give him a touch more free time to waste on novels.
The next enjoyable thing about having the book is the fact that he finishes it within a few days, and then starts a new game: how long will Gale wait before demanding the book back. Astarion imagines a single week truly will be the limit, as he had promised, but he's entertained by the idea of Gale watching him finish the book and pouncing on him for his opinions immediately, like a predator hiding in the bushes. Either way, he lets himself draw it out until he's approached, and he almost looks petulant about it. ]
Oh? Has it been a week already?
[ Obviously. Astarion is back in his usual camp gear, a hole in the sleeve of his shirt that he's been frowning at for the last hour. Time for the needle and thread, it seems. ]
[ He's not quite sure what he expected, but he does know what he had hoped for, and it wasn't this. Patience is not one of Gale's virtues, and he waited a long, slow week for this. He certainly didn't do so for Astarion to pay more attention to his shirt than to him. He waits in expectant silence, letting it drag out until it's clear Astarion doesn't plan to offer any more insights. ]
Well, my aim in visiting wasn't so much to collect the book.
[ There's an unspoken 'hint, hint!' at the end of that sentence. Surely, Astarion has some opinions on what he just read. Truly, the only thing more unpleasant than Astarion bashing the novel would be for him to have absolutely no opinion at all.
He waits another moment, then gives up on subtlety altogether. ]
I hope you don't intend to make me drag your thoughts out of you.
[ It's almost too easy, really; all he has to do is draw this out, and he can practically see Gale begin to vibrate with how much he wants to discuss the literature. He steps back inside his tent to pick the book up, checking to make sure it's still in good condition - it is - before he returns, holding it out with a soft twitch of his smile. More deliberate waiting, more deliberate teasing, because it is just so fun.
He waits, and waits, and then, of course, Gale bursts, and Astarion can't help huffing a little laugh. ]
There are far more enjoyable things to drag out of me.
[ Flirt, flirt, just because he can. He sighs, almost rolling his eyes but resisting the urge. ]
[ The anticipation is so excruciating that by the time Astarion finally admits his enjoyment, Gale practically ignites in excitement. ]
Yes! I knew it.
[ He bursts into a delighted grin, feeling very proud of himself. For a moment, he's all but patting himself on the back — before he realizes just how very much he's being and pulls back, straightening up a little and clearing his throat. He can't suppress the self-congratulatory smile on his face as he reaches out to take the book back, though.
Suffice it to say, he's very happy indeed. ]
You know, this is the part in a pleasant conversation where you might compliment my taste.
[ He doesn't think Astarion will do it on his own, so he'll have to try and browbeat him into it instead. ]
[ It's like giving a child something sweet before bedtime, isn't it? ]
Of course, because your taste is so impeccable.
[ It's so tedious, watching him be fuelled by such delight, and if Astarion wasn't enjoying it, just the smallest amount he might be a little more sour about it. Thankfully, he manages to force a little smile on his face, waving his hand. It also helps that Gale is attempting to restrain himself just a little bit, which eases some of his irritation.
Just like a child. ]
It was fine. I enjoyed the read, despite the predictability of the plot, and the characters were fine.
[ Gale inspects the book thoroughly, flipping through the pages looking for rips, stains, or Gods forbid, blood — he hopes Astarion had the presence of mind not to take his meals anywhere near it. All seems to be in order, and his smile only grows... only for his joy to be unceremoniously stomped on by the word 'fine'. Quite possibly one of the worst words in the Common language, as far as Gale's concerned.
He glances up from the book, scoffing in disbelief. ]
'Fine'? Fine.
[ He shakes his head, disappointed. ]
You've every word in our vast language to paint a picture of your thoughts, and you choose 'fine'.
[ Sometimes, he wonders if Astarion is purposefully trying to irritate or if it just comes naturally to him. He snaps the book shut, holding it to his chest. ]
Tell me, then. Which part of it was the most fine?
[ He thinks he should be offended at the way that Gale immediately examines the book, as if Astarion would dare harm and as if he hadn't been watching the entire time the book had been read. It's almost enough irritation to make the gleeful feeling of joy from Gale's reaction dissipate, but some things can't be ignored. He almost claps his hands together with his excitement.
It's so easy. ]
That is what I said. Are you having issues with your hearing? It must be all that terrible, loud magic you do.
[ Painfully easy. He doesn't have to try, and unfortunately that makes some of his excitement drip away. ]
Yes, because it was the word most likely to have you huffing like a toddler, and I was right.
I do not 'huff like a toddler'. It's more so a dignified sigh in the face of incorrigible behavior — if you must know, [ he says, a deliberate copy of Astarion simply to be, well, incorrigible.
Astarion may be tailor-made to perfectly get his goat, but that just makes Gale want him to praise the book (and, by proxy, Gale for choosing it) all the more. He should be downright effusive right now. Actually, it's quite rude that he isn't. ]
And the characters? Perhaps you might share with the class what made them so fine.
Yes, yes, I've spent enough time with arrogant vampires to recognise a huff, thank you very much.
[ As novel as it might be to tease and nudge Gale, to cause him problem upon problem, he does have to admit that the book was a decent recommendation. He can't exactly lie about having enjoyed it, not when he had, and he doubts he would be entirely believed anyway.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he sighs instead. ]
The main character was tolerable, given the fact that all I could picture was you, thanks to your determination to compare yourself. It was easy enough to figure out the conclusion, though I believe that was intentional for the more wise of readers. Plot points were written with care.
[ His expression twists into one of frustration. ]
[ Ah, 'tolerable' — truly the refrain of Gale's life. He resolves to take it in stride. There are many great things in this world that are merely tolerable to those who haven't the inclination to understand them. He likes to think of himself as one of those great things. An acquired taste, like a fine wine. Or perhaps a particularly pungent cheese.
Despite Astarion's rather dispassionate review, he finds himself glowing with the delight of a job well done. He thinks he's known Astarion long enough to know this is probably as gushing as his evaluation is going to get. In Astarionese, he imagines this is probably something like, 'Oh, Gale, this was a life-changing experience. You're the smartest, most interesting person in the entire world.'
Something like that. He may have used a little bit of artistic license, but the sentiment is surely there. ]
Happy? [ Obviously. It's written all over his face, but he makes a poor attempt at acting disinterested. ] I suppose I'm... 'fine'.
[ Maybe Astarion had a point about him acting like a toddler, but he won't be examining that. ]
Have you any feedback for next time, then?
[ He stares with expectant sincerity, having already decided on his own that, of course, there will be a next time. The possibility that Astarion wouldn't want to be book buddies hasn't even crossed his mind. Despite the worry for his book's safety, the endless anticipation, and Astarion's irritating review... it was fun. ]
[ If anyone else was to hear their conversation, they would surely think that Astarion is being a deliberate asshole - and maybe he is, going out of his way to poke and prod and upset Gale. It does make it feel too easy, sometimes, the way that he reacts, the determination to have Astarion say something he's not willing to offer. Gale is open and honest in his feelings in a way that Astarion simply cannot be; he has been forced into making sure that he was never vulnerable, never at risk.
... There is something rather refreshing about his keen energy when Astarion gives him a taste of praise, something that he could indulge in were he a worse person, but he tucks that away and keeps it to himself.
Arms crossing again, leaning forward, he speaks as if all of this were a terrible secret. ]
Then you understand what I meant with the word. I am glad you understand.
[ If he's offended by the use of his own phrase, he keeps it to himself, not even considering making a point of it. There are better ways to torment. ]
Is there going to be a next time? Do you intend to give me more of your library to indulge in, Gale? How daring of you.
[ It does feel strangely intimate, offering something that is clearly so important to him. ]
[ 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.
[ Astarion does feel a little... Touched at the notion of being so trusted. The idea of Gale being willing to share more of his library is not what he had expected, especially when the first time had been a favour for a favour. The fact that there might be more literature does capture his interest, because he has been terribly bored over the last few weeks of their journey together. ]
I will believe it when I see it. [ Arms still crossed over his chest, almost defensive, Astarion watches and waits.
... And is rewarded. He sighs. ]
Very well. Astound me with another choice, then, and I will grant you my judgement.
Do you always sit back and merely wait for astonishment to drop in your lap without any input from yourself?
[ That's right, he's calling Astarion out. Thrilled as he is to continue the world's tiniest book club, he refuses to do all of the work himself. This is now a two-way street, whether Astarion wants it to be or not. Gale is stubborn enough to make it so. ]
You've clearly... opinions, however lukewarm. Surely you can help guide me in the right direction by sharing a few more.
[ It's the least he can do. You know, after the whole 'fine' debacle. ]
What is it that you like to partake in? Tales of dashing warriors? Bloody revenge? Perhaps all this time you've hidden a predilection for romance. [ No, he imagines not. ]
Mostly. There wasn't a lot of time for the investigation of one's own astonishment, before.
[ He's trying not to dwell too much on the whole "stuck in a mansion for two hundred years at the mercy of a sire who used him as a sexual object to lure food back for him to feast upon" aspect of his history, but it is difficult not to.
Scoffing a little noise, Astarion waves a hand. As if he would read something as pedestrian as romance. ]
Adventure, I suppose. Intrigue, something with a little bite to it. Romance is all well and good when you're not living it on a day-to-day basis.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
I have no idea what you mean.
[ Ulterior motive? Him? Never! His pick was entirely altruistic, merely for Astarion's enjoyment. If there's a certain similarity between the characters and themselves, that's purely coincidental. If their unlikely relationship plants the idea in Astarion's head that he should be nicer to Gale, it's a happy accident. ]
But if it soothes your worries, I assure you, they share the limelight. Soon enough, the cat-and-mouse game is put aside for much greater concerns.
no subject
Of course you don't. We could never believe the intelligent, masterful Gale of Waterdeep be oblivious to something.
[ Shaking his head, he sighs softly. Perhaps he will enjoy the book. Perhaps not. Either way, he wonders just what he will learn about Gale from reading it - especially if he identifies with it so much. Curious. ]
Do you intend to spoil the entire novel, or might I get a chance to read it?
no subject
[ It's him; he's some. He raises his hands, palms out, in a gesture of defeat. ]
But fine — have it your way.
[ He mimes locking up his mouth and throwing away the key. Astarion shall get no more spoilers out of him, no matter how difficult it is not to spoil the entire story right now. He loves to hear his own opinions, and even more so to tell others what their opinions should be. Quite frankly, he deserves a medal for not spoiling more.
With a hand over his heard, and sickening sincerity: ] I shall wait with bated breath for your thoughts.
no subject
[ Astarion will never be some, not unless there is some benefit for him - such as Gale giving him said bottle of wine, or offering him something worthwhile. Another time, perhaps.
It would be so easy, Astarion thinks, to make light of this, to not bother reading the book at all and pretend as though it is the worst drivel he has ever read, but unfortunately he has read some of the rambles of his fellow spawn. Any written work will be better than the rattling thoughts of someone lacking enough braincells to be considered sentient, so he must relent.
He is going to have to read the blasted book.
Heaving a dramatic sigh, he bows his head as if in defeat. ]
A week, then, and I shall return with my verdict.
no subject
[ And he does, peeking over the pages of his own books around the campfire to check if Astarion's reading. Idly wondering if Astarion's made it to his favorite chapter yet as he chops whatever ingredients they've managed to scavenge for dinner. Curious if, if this is a success, he might be able to push another book onto Astarion. It's probably a coping mechanism — focus on the one small, relatively normal thing in his life than the looming doom ahead of them. It's certainly more pleasant lying awake at night wondering if Astarion has figured out who the real killer is than thinking about his own impending death.
He gives Astarion exactly a week. It's an easy read, chronicling the tale of Lucien, the aforementioned debonair criminal, and the detective on his tail. It's obvious to see why Gale has a fondness for the detective character; his deduction and reasoning borders on preternatural, and he's always the smartest one in any given conversation, the way Gale imagines himself to be. It's primarily a mystery, one in which the characters get swept up in when they're falsely accused of a string of murders by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It has its fair share of thrills, but just enough character development and relational moments to leave one wanting more — at least, if you're Gale. By the end of the story, the main characters have caught the true killer, the captain of the guard himself. Quite shocking, unless you're Gale, who proudly figured it out before the reveal.
At the end of the week, he strolls up to Astarion's tent, bright and sunny as if they weren't nearly killed by cultists earlier that day. At this point, it's such an everyday occurrence it hardly merits a mention. ]
I do believe your loan is up from the Wizard of Waterdeep Public Library.
no subject
He's been around long enough (and, as a former magistrate, dealt with enough criminals) that he had managed to figure out some of the twists and turns of the plot before he had reached the end of the book, but that did not necessarily make it a bad read. It was not so predictable that he was bored, but the plot clues were laid out in such a way a smart reader could find them, and that is what he had done - found them. It was a decent enough way to spend some of the hours of the night, when his companions slept.
Only needing half the time, it did certainly give him a touch more free time to waste on novels.
The next enjoyable thing about having the book is the fact that he finishes it within a few days, and then starts a new game: how long will Gale wait before demanding the book back. Astarion imagines a single week truly will be the limit, as he had promised, but he's entertained by the idea of Gale watching him finish the book and pouncing on him for his opinions immediately, like a predator hiding in the bushes. Either way, he lets himself draw it out until he's approached, and he almost looks petulant about it. ]
Oh? Has it been a week already?
[ Obviously. Astarion is back in his usual camp gear, a hole in the sleeve of his shirt that he's been frowning at for the last hour. Time for the needle and thread, it seems. ]
Very well. Have your book back.
no subject
Well, my aim in visiting wasn't so much to collect the book.
[ There's an unspoken 'hint, hint!' at the end of that sentence. Surely, Astarion has some opinions on what he just read. Truly, the only thing more unpleasant than Astarion bashing the novel would be for him to have absolutely no opinion at all.
He waits another moment, then gives up on subtlety altogether. ]
I hope you don't intend to make me drag your thoughts out of you.
no subject
He waits, and waits, and then, of course, Gale bursts, and Astarion can't help huffing a little laugh. ]
There are far more enjoyable things to drag out of me.
[ Flirt, flirt, just because he can. He sighs, almost rolling his eyes but resisting the urge. ]
Yes, alright. I liked it, are you happy?
no subject
Yes! I knew it.
[ He bursts into a delighted grin, feeling very proud of himself. For a moment, he's all but patting himself on the back — before he realizes just how very much he's being and pulls back, straightening up a little and clearing his throat. He can't suppress the self-congratulatory smile on his face as he reaches out to take the book back, though.
Suffice it to say, he's very happy indeed. ]
You know, this is the part in a pleasant conversation where you might compliment my taste.
[ He doesn't think Astarion will do it on his own, so he'll have to try and browbeat him into it instead. ]
no subject
Of course, because your taste is so impeccable.
[ It's so tedious, watching him be fuelled by such delight, and if Astarion wasn't enjoying it, just the smallest amount he might be a little more sour about it. Thankfully, he manages to force a little smile on his face, waving his hand. It also helps that Gale is attempting to restrain himself just a little bit, which eases some of his irritation.
Just like a child. ]
It was fine. I enjoyed the read, despite the predictability of the plot, and the characters were fine.
[ Which is high praise, really, from him. ]
no subject
He glances up from the book, scoffing in disbelief. ]
'Fine'? Fine.
[ He shakes his head, disappointed. ]
You've every word in our vast language to paint a picture of your thoughts, and you choose 'fine'.
[ Sometimes, he wonders if Astarion is purposefully trying to irritate or if it just comes naturally to him. He snaps the book shut, holding it to his chest. ]
Tell me, then. Which part of it was the most fine?
no subject
It's so easy. ]
That is what I said. Are you having issues with your hearing? It must be all that terrible, loud magic you do.
[ Painfully easy. He doesn't have to try, and unfortunately that makes some of his excitement drip away. ]
Yes, because it was the word most likely to have you huffing like a toddler, and I was right.
[ Crossing his arms, he scowls a little. ]
I enjoyed the ending, if you must know.
no subject
I do not 'huff like a toddler'. It's more so a dignified sigh in the face of incorrigible behavior — if you must know, [ he says, a deliberate copy of Astarion simply to be, well, incorrigible.
Astarion may be tailor-made to perfectly get his goat, but that just makes Gale want him to praise the book (and, by proxy, Gale for choosing it) all the more. He should be downright effusive right now. Actually, it's quite rude that he isn't. ]
And the characters? Perhaps you might share with the class what made them so fine.
[ It's like pulling teeth. ]
no subject
[ As novel as it might be to tease and nudge Gale, to cause him problem upon problem, he does have to admit that the book was a decent recommendation. He can't exactly lie about having enjoyed it, not when he had, and he doubts he would be entirely believed anyway.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he sighs instead. ]
The main character was tolerable, given the fact that all I could picture was you, thanks to your determination to compare yourself. It was easy enough to figure out the conclusion, though I believe that was intentional for the more wise of readers. Plot points were written with care.
[ His expression twists into one of frustration. ]
Happy?
no subject
Despite Astarion's rather dispassionate review, he finds himself glowing with the delight of a job well done. He thinks he's known Astarion long enough to know this is probably as gushing as his evaluation is going to get. In Astarionese, he imagines this is probably something like, 'Oh, Gale, this was a life-changing experience. You're the smartest, most interesting person in the entire world.'
Something like that. He may have used a little bit of artistic license, but the sentiment is surely there. ]
Happy? [ Obviously. It's written all over his face, but he makes a poor attempt at acting disinterested. ] I suppose I'm... 'fine'.
[ Maybe Astarion had a point about him acting like a toddler, but he won't be examining that. ]
Have you any feedback for next time, then?
[ He stares with expectant sincerity, having already decided on his own that, of course, there will be a next time. The possibility that Astarion wouldn't want to be book buddies hasn't even crossed his mind. Despite the worry for his book's safety, the endless anticipation, and Astarion's irritating review... it was fun. ]
no subject
... There is something rather refreshing about his keen energy when Astarion gives him a taste of praise, something that he could indulge in were he a worse person, but he tucks that away and keeps it to himself.
Arms crossing again, leaning forward, he speaks as if all of this were a terrible secret. ]
Then you understand what I meant with the word. I am glad you understand.
[ If he's offended by the use of his own phrase, he keeps it to himself, not even considering making a point of it. There are better ways to torment. ]
Is there going to be a next time? Do you intend to give me more of your library to indulge in, Gale? How daring of you.
[ It does feel strangely intimate, offering something that is clearly so important to him. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
I will believe it when I see it. [ Arms still crossed over his chest, almost defensive, Astarion watches and waits.
... And is rewarded. He sighs. ]
Very well. Astound me with another choice, then, and I will grant you my judgement.
no subject
Do you always sit back and merely wait for astonishment to drop in your lap without any input from yourself?
[ That's right, he's calling Astarion out. Thrilled as he is to continue the world's tiniest book club, he refuses to do all of the work himself. This is now a two-way street, whether Astarion wants it to be or not. Gale is stubborn enough to make it so. ]
You've clearly... opinions, however lukewarm. Surely you can help guide me in the right direction by sharing a few more.
[ It's the least he can do. You know, after the whole 'fine' debacle. ]
What is it that you like to partake in? Tales of dashing warriors? Bloody revenge? Perhaps all this time you've hidden a predilection for romance. [ No, he imagines not. ]
no subject
[ He's trying not to dwell too much on the whole "stuck in a mansion for two hundred years at the mercy of a sire who used him as a sexual object to lure food back for him to feast upon" aspect of his history, but it is difficult not to.
Scoffing a little noise, Astarion waves a hand. As if he would read something as pedestrian as romance. ]
Adventure, I suppose. Intrigue, something with a little bite to it. Romance is all well and good when you're not living it on a day-to-day basis.
[ His version of it, at least. ]