[Gale's expression softens as he takes what Astarion says to heart, knowing somewhere within him that it's true. He's known it for some time, but admitting it to himself when he already feels wounded, discarded, and occasionally unworthy of love is a challenge; hearing it from someone else, particularly someone who doesn't exactly have a high opinion of him... it means more than he's able to express at that moment.

He's quiet for a beat afterward.]

You're right. I have a hard time seeing that, you know. What she commanded me to do, while the most pragmatic solution to our problems thus far, was... not entirely fair. Certainly not to me, but not to those around me, either. Those whose company I've come to care for.

[He offers Astarion a genuine smile.]

I don't think I realized you'd have such strong thoughts on the matter.