[There's a flutter at the back of Astarion's throat, not altogether unpleasant but tight and nervous all the same. Gale has his heart set on Astarion. He knows it well enough from the numerous times the man has professed his love, from the ring that rests on his finger. Yet somehow hearing it from Morena's lips, from someone who knows Gale better than most, makes it more real. He can't help but smile, a soft and genuine thing, his gaze slipping back to Gale in adoration as he speaks.]

I dare say that I have quite a bit of experience witnessing that intensity firsthand.

[There's a beat, before his expression hardens to something more serious, looking back to Morena with an earnest entreaty in his gaze.]

But you have my word, my honest vow, that I know what a precious and fragile thing such a heart can be. I know how easily it can be hurt by those undeserving of its attention. I cherish your son, Morena Dekarios. He is more precious to me than the light of the sun, of all the stars that number our skies.

I will not see harm befall him. I will not let myself become the cause for any injury to him, body and heart alike.