[The supposed Gale's eyes flick Astarion's way, a smile crossing him - it's warm and touches his eyes, just enough to seem genuine.]

Nothing at all, Astarion. My mind has simply been elsewhere, pondering our latest predicament involving the Stone Lord. And of course, what we'll face after him, and if we have the capacity to face it. Despite our tadpoles, there's so much more we could be doing.