[Knowing good and well that Astarion can feel his heartbeat, Gale hopes he knows what future plans he has in mind, thinking that might help ease his nerves; it doesn't, but he presses forward., squeezing Astarion's hand for reassurance.]

I'd thought I would have this planned out eventually. [His smile crooks unevenly.] When Orin lured me from the camp like the besotted, stupid man I am, I thought it might be the right time. I even had something for you, which is probably now lying on the ground where she rendered me unconscious. I know we've not known each other terribly long, and the circumstances that brought us together have been trying at the very, very least, and maybe once this is all over, we'll find we've not got as much in common as we believed, but...

[He's rambling, and he knows it. He licks the dryness from his lips, swallowing the knot forming in his throat.]

I've never been so sure of wanting anything more in my life. Anyone more. I love you, and if you would, once it's all said and done, I want you to accompany me back to Waterdeep. [A beat as he finally gets to the point:] I want you to marry me, Astarion.