[Having expected a polite no or even something along the lines of just because I have family in Evereska doesn't mean I know everyone there, you silly human, Gale looks positively astounded, his brows rising in unmasked surprise.]

Familiar as in— [the absolute barest pause as he tries to compose himself] —having heard of them. We have a friend by that name. In Baldur's Gate, obviously, but he was wondering if his family was still there... in Evereska.

[Nailed it.]