[That's... not the reaction he expected. A jab about how foolish he was for falling in love with a goddess in the first place? Sure. Something about how his heart's only hung up because he can't possibly do better than divinity? Maybe. A cutting remark on how he must have been a poor lover for her to demand he obliterate himself? Perhaps.

But something in Astarion's tone strikes Gale as potentially sincere, and he wasn't ready for that. It takes him by surprise - pleasantly so. He offers the vampire a sober smile.]

I'm sure many said the same about me in regards to Mystra, but... thank you. It's not one everyone would share, but I appreciate the sentiment, despite how inclined I still am to disagree with it.