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Their group managed to survive another day, Borealis thought, allowing herself a moment to shut her eyes and briefly meditate now that they were safe at their campsite. Her lute, crossbow and bag full of various junk and trinkets sat on the ground next to her rather than strapped to her back, which was protesting having to lug so much weight around all day.
She should be happy about their continued survival, but as the days go by and the hope of finding a cure grows more and more distant, she can't help but feel dread around every corner. Borealis wished so very much to be back home, she'd give anything to pet her dog again. But this brooding wouldn't do her any good. So with a deep breath she opened her eyes again. The campfire was slowly dying down and the smell of freshly cooked soup still lingered in the air, courtesy of Gale who was silently sat beside her reading a book while the rest of her companions were fast asleep in their tents.
She glanced over at him for a moment, whatever he was reading clearly had him in a trance. She smiled softly to herself. Out of their whole group she got along with him the easiest. He seemed to agree with her good natured tendencies similar to Wyll and Karlach. So they sat in an easy silence for a while. But eventually, while listening to the crackling fire and the crickets around them, Borealis started to second guess herself, slightly worried that maybe he would prefer to be reading alone instead. So she stood up.
"Oh. You're leaving?" Gale's gentle voice asked from behind her, slightly hoarse from not being used in a while. He cringed at the sound of his own voice and quickly cleared his throat. "That is to say, you can stay here if you'd like. Don't let me chase you away."
Borealis chuckled, tucking a strand of purple and black hair behind a pointed ear as she sat back down. "And here I thought I was intruding on your reading time."
Gale smiled warmly, his eyes wrinkling at the corners. He closed the book in his hand and gave her his full attention. "Not at all. I've had many years to read by myself, but precious few moments with you. I quite enjoy being in your company whether in silence or otherwise."
Borealis flushed slightly, her lightly freckled face tinted pink. There's that classic Gale charm. Every word he speaks is laced with sincerity. "I feel the same about you. After all our long days of being on edge and fearing for our lives, it's nice to have someone like you to sit and chat with." she said.
Gale leaned closer to her on the log they were sharing as a seat, a gentle smile stuck on his face. "I'm glad to hear that."
She gestured to the closed book still in his hands. "So, what were you reading? It seemed interesting."
"Nothing too fancy. I was actually craving something light hearted this time." He held it up for her to take and she grabbed it gently.
She opened it and scanned the pages for a few seconds. "Oh! A romance novel?"
He shrugged, "It brings me comfort. Not what you were expecting, I assume?"
"It's a surprise, but not a bad one. I enjoy learning things about you." She passed the book back to him but he held up a hand to stop her.
"Keep it, if you'd like. I've read it countless times already and you might find some enjoyment as well. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it."
Her eyes widened slightly, "You'd give this to me? But Gale, you don't have many books as it is. Not even close to the amount you did back in your home, from what you've told me. And you love books! Really, you should hang on to it."
He smiled, "It's just like you to worry so much over a single book after you've given me innumerable, priceless magical artifacts. You have such a kind heart. Please, keep the book, Borealis."
His eyes took on a steely nature for a moment as he spoke, "You've done so much for me, and I've given so little... I may not ever be able to repay my debts to you. But I hope one day that I might."
His expression softened. "In the meantime I'll just do what little I can."
Borealis was stunned for a moment. "Gale..." She tentatively reached out to hold his hand which he quickly reciprocated, latching onto the comfort and affection. He struggled to meet her eyes in his shame.
"You don't owe me anything. You need those artifacts to survive and I'll gladly give them to you again and again. So please unburden yourself, especially around me. I will never judge you for your condition."
Gale met her gaze and nearly drowned in her eyes and the look that she gave him. He tried to protest but she quickly cut him off.
"And don't ever sell yourself short again because I'll call you out everytime. You claim to not do enough, yet it's with you do I feel any peace at all these days. You chase away the dread I feel on a daily basis. And it's nights like these that remind me what we're all fighting for. There's nothing in the world worth more than that." She exhaled, not letting herself get too worked up.
"But I accept your gift. I will cherish this book, Gale. Thank you." she said with an earnest smile.
Gale smiled back. "You're so very welcome, my lady. For once I'm at a loss for words. You never cease to amaze me."
She chuckled, "I hope I never stop!"
He replied quietly with a reverent smile,"I don't think you could if you tried."
They continued to hold hands and sat in comfortable silence once more, staring into the fire together. Thus starting a tradition of nights spent reading and talking together.