[ Astarion narrows his eyes again, a crease at his brow. Had they met many months earlier, Astarion might have found some perverse delight in Gale's answer, especially the admission of his participation in whatever vicious acts his leader had pursued for their group. The haughty Gale of Waterdeep, former chosen of Mystra, dragged into a spectacle of mayhem and violence - why wouldn't that be amusing? Gale's suffering would've felt like a respite.
Now, Astarion recognizes any amusement he might have over this to be hollow and bitter. Now, he can only study Gale for a long moment, trying to choose his words more carefully than he might have back then - and not with the intention of driving the needle in deeper. ]
Why?
[ In the end, it's the only thing he can think to ask, though he can imagine all the reasons one might do things against their will. He had, for so, so long. There's no judgement in his question. ]
no subject
Now, Astarion recognizes any amusement he might have over this to be hollow and bitter. Now, he can only study Gale for a long moment, trying to choose his words more carefully than he might have back then - and not with the intention of driving the needle in deeper. ]
Why?
[ In the end, it's the only thing he can think to ask, though he can imagine all the reasons one might do things against their will. He had, for so, so long. There's no judgement in his question. ]