[Good— that had been his hope. He doesn't wish for them to part ways feeling disappointed or at odds, especially given neither of them has done anything wrong.
You know, [ slyly, suggestively. It's like a reflex. ] acquired suggests one might actually learn to like it. Over time.
[ But then he realizes this is the exact thing that they've been having so much trouble with. This pointless flirting. He catches himself and shakes his head ]
[As though he doesn't do plenty of that already, affable though he may be. He's glad for the way the air between them has lightened, a vast improvement over the last several minutes.]
I'll let you be on your way, but— find me before we leave the Naughtilust. I have something for you to take back to Nogard with you; it only needs a tiny bit of tweaking before I can hand it over.
[ Astarion's expression softens with the surprise of being offered something. It's still new and novel to him, even though people here seem to like giving him gifts. ]
Ah, it's nothing too extravagant— we'd spoken shortly after my arrival about something to keep blood palatable and safely drinkable while at sea.
[Something so that he's not limited to how many rats are on board, or at least as something more robust to supplement it.]
I thought I'd try my hand at making something that would fit the bill. Efforts have been largely successful, though I haven't been able to test it extensively just yet, given that I don't... well. I have my own specific dietary needs.
[Boots, etc. He can have a sense of humor about that now.]
I... [ again, his voice almost falters with the weight of it. the genuine feeling of being touched by this. ] look forward to seeing what it is. And I appreciate it.
[Gale smiles, and it's almost as though the distress from before had never taken place.]
It's my pleasure. I'll be sure to have it ready before we set sail. Until then, I suppose we ought to enjoy what time we have left here, hm? After last night's victory, I feel some relaxation is well-earned.
[He bows his head slightly; a bit formal considering all they've been through with one another, but it's important to him that they part well, given the difficulty of the conversation beforehand.]
I'll see you then, and make any final adjustments in the meantime.
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His smile pulls a little further to one side.]
It has a nicer ring to it than 'vile,' I think.
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[ But then he realizes this is the exact thing that they've been having so much trouble with. This pointless flirting. He catches himself and shakes his head ]
Sorry. Force of habit.
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Don't apologize. I'd hardly wish for you to stop being yourself.
[He's rather fond of Astarion just as he is, for all their bickering.]
I might begin to worry, otherwise.
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[ he can claim he doesn't care for Gale all he wants but he doesn't tease people he doesn't like ]
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[As though he doesn't do plenty of that already, affable though he may be. He's glad for the way the air between them has lightened, a vast improvement over the last several minutes.]
I'll let you be on your way, but— find me before we leave the Naughtilust. I have something for you to take back to Nogard with you; it only needs a tiny bit of tweaking before I can hand it over.
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Something for me?
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[Something so that he's not limited to how many rats are on board, or at least as something more robust to supplement it.]
I thought I'd try my hand at making something that would fit the bill. Efforts have been largely successful, though I haven't been able to test it extensively just yet, given that I don't... well. I have my own specific dietary needs.
[Boots, etc. He can have a sense of humor about that now.]
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[ that's a lot. If it really works it could be a total game changer for him. ]
That's...exceedingly kind of you. I'll find a way to repay you.
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[That's not why he did it, but he won't say the F word again. There's been enough of that this evening.]
You know me, I do love a challenge. My hope is that it will make your time at sea more bearable.
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It's my pleasure. I'll be sure to have it ready before we set sail. Until then, I suppose we ought to enjoy what time we have left here, hm? After last night's victory, I feel some relaxation is well-earned.
[He'd killed a lot of skeletons, personally.]
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[ He'd bitten...a few people. ]
But I'll be sure to stop by before we set sail.
wrapping this one up for us! 💖
[He bows his head slightly; a bit formal considering all they've been through with one another, but it's important to him that they part well, given the difficulty of the conversation beforehand.]
I'll see you then, and make any final adjustments in the meantime.