[That squeeze does the wizard wonders; he licks his lips, wondering when his throat got so dry, and tells himself it's now or never. He sets his sights on Morena.]

I've asked Astarion to marry me. We're engaged, and—

[Well, there goes that smirk from Morena's face, replaced with unadulterated shock that tightens her lips, draws her brows upward in alarm. She'd figured out they were enamored with one another almost immediately, and was relieved to hear Astarion seemed just as dedicated to Gale as her son was to him, but apparently, she hadn't anticipated their relationship to be that far along. Even Tara looks astounded, her eyes wide, her conjured hands completely stationary as they float over the table.]

Married? So soon? You've only known him how long, a few months?

[Gale bites his lip.]

Long enough to know I love him. He understands me in a way of which no one else is capable. Cares for me like no one ever has or ever will. He is everything in my world, even more than magic.

[Morena's gaze flicks to Astarion, far more scrutinizing now.]

Is he?