[ he doesn't exactly have the same coping mechanism when it comes to this sort of thing - whenever gale has been offered a chance to open the book on his vulnerabilities, the problem is almost entirely the opposite. entirely too messy and too much at once.

but there's a look of almost appreciation that astarion has said something like that in front of him. it's nice to hear that kind of thing from him. he'll give a matching huff of a laugh, making a gesture as if he's brushing off that second part. ]

Don't take this the wrong way ... [ that means whatever is coming is a compliment: ] but I don't think you give yourself nearly enough credit, Astarion. You've proven yourself over and over in the most trying of circumstances. It's something to be proud of.