Work Text:
The campfire roared against the shadow-filled sky while you walked around camp. You spotted Gale writing in a journal with a quill. He looked deep in thought, occasionally pausing, looking up at the sky. You decided to approach him and inquire about his new hobby.
“Hello,” Gale said, looking down at the paper. “Currently, I’m trying to think of a word that rhymes with… Eye.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option A: Why?
Option B: Pie.
Option C: Die.
Option D: You’re a bard now, Gale?
[OPTION A OUTCOME]
“Ah, yes,” Gale said, while writing. “An excellent rhyme.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option E: No, I meant why are you rhyming?
Option F: Glad I could help.
[OPTION A & E OUTCOME]
“Because… I’m trying to craft a poem— for a friend.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option G: What kind of poem?
Option H: For a friend?
[OPTION A, E & G OUTCOME]
“If you must know… It’s a love poem.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option I: Ooh… Can I see it?
Option J: That’s sweet of you.
[OPTION A, E, G & I OUTCOME]
“It— It’s not ready yet… But… As soon as it is… You’ll be the first person to read it.”
[OPTION A, E, G & J OUTCOME]
[Gale Approves]
“There is no greater expression of love than a grand gesture… But I’ve learned a lesson about grand gestures of love… so a poem seemed most appropriate.”
[OPTION A, E & H OUTCOME]
“Indeed. A very special friend.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option K: Someone I might know?
Option L: It’s for Mystra, isn’t it?
[OPTION A, E, H & K OUTCOME]
“Intimately… Actually.”
[OPTION A, E, H & L OUTCOME]
“That ship has long since sailed. A few sweet words won’t be enough to earn her forgiveness but… It might be enough to win your heart.”
Your cheeks flushed and your heart skipped a beat. Gale was laboring over the parchment with you in mind.
“And now I’ve gone and spoiled the surprise… I only ask now that you give me some time to complete it.”
[OPTION A & F OUTCOME]
“Yes, you were most helpful.”
[ALL DIALOGUE A ENDING OUTCOMES]
You left Gale to his work and returned to the campfire. Writing poetry requires concentration, much like magic.
[OPTION B OUTCOME]
“Sounds delicious… But it doesn’t quite fit.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option M: What are you writing?
Option N: Now I want pie.
[OPTION B & M OUTCOME]
“Oh… Just a poem…”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option O: What kind of poem?
Option P: I’ll leave you to it then.
[OPTION B, M & O OUTCOME]
“If you must know… It’s a love poem.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option Q: Ooh… Can I see it?
Option R: That’s sweet of you.
[OPTION B, M, O & Q OUTCOME]
“It— It’s not ready yet… But… As soon as it is… You’ll be the first person to read it.”
[OPTION B, M, O & R OUTCOME]
[Gale Approves]
“There is no greater expression of love than a grand gesture… But I’ve learned a lesson about grand gestures of love… so a poem seemed most appropriate.”
[OPTION B, M & P OUTCOME]
“Thank you. And thank you for trying to help.”
[OPTION B & N OUTCOME]
“Feel free to share if you find any spare pies laying around.”
[ALL DIALOGUE B ENDING OUTCOMES]
You left Gale to his work and returned to the campfire. Writing poetry requires concentration, much like magic.
[OPTION C OUTCOME]
“I…. I’m trying to not think about dying, thank you.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option S: Sorry, I forgot.
Option T: You wanted a rhyme.
[OPTION C & S OUTCOME]
“At least one of us forgot about my inevitable demise. I wish I could, but instead, I’m trying to distract myself.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option U: Are you alright?
Option V: Alright… Keep up the good work…
[OPTION C, S & U OUTCOME]
“Yes, I’m just fine.”
[OPTION C, S & V OUTCOME]
“Right, of course.”
Gale ripped the page out of the book and crumbled it up in his fist. He then tossed the ball of parchment over his shoulder.
[OPTION C & T OUTCOME]
[Gale Disapproves]
“And a less unpleasant rhyme would be most appreciated.”
[ALL DIALOGUE C ENDING OUTCOMES]
You left Gale to his work and returned to the campfire. Writing poetry requires concentration, much like magic.
[OPTION D OUTCOME]
“Ha! You don’t want me to sing…. I have many talents… But singing isn’t one of them.”
Option X: Go ahead, sing something.
Option Y: But I thought Gale of Waterdeep could do anything.
[OPTION D & X OUTCOME]
“You mean embarrass myself for your amusement? Another time perhaps.”
[OPTION D & Y OUTCOME]
[Gale Disapproves]
“Not anything and certainly not everything. I have my limitations.”
[ALL DIALOGUE D ENDING OUTCOMES]
You left Gale to his work and returned to the campfire. Writing poetry requires concentration, much like magic.
————————————
The following night, you saw that Gale had something to say to you. When you approached, you found him holding a piece of paper ripped from his journal.
“It’s done… My poem is finished.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option A: Great, let’s hear it.
Option B: Want me to read it?
Option C: Say nothing
[OPTION A OUTCOME]
“I… I rather you read it to yourself. Please.”
[OPTION B OUTCOME]
“Just as long as you don’t read it aloud.”
[OPTION C OUTCOME]
“I… I wrote it for you. And It would please me if you read it.”
[OPTION A, B & C OUTCOMES]
You took the parchment from Gale, and your eyes glazed over the handwritten words. The page was a mess with words scribbled out. The juvenile rhymes praised you for your beauty and bravery. The poem wasn’t very good, but it was the most thoughtful gift you received in a long time.
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option D: Thank you, Gale. I love it.
Option E: You’re so sweet and silly.
Option F: You should stick to magic.
[OPTION D OUTCOME]
[Gale Approves]
“I’m glad you love it— Because— I love you.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option G: I love you too.
Option H: Kiss him
[OPTION D & G OUTCOME]
Gale approached you and caressed your cheek with a soft smile before leaning in for a kiss. You savored his sweet kiss while holding onto the love poem that you would treasure forever.
[OPTION D & H OUTCOME]
You came closer and put your arms around Gale’s neck while still holding onto your love poem. Both of you stared into each other’s eyes before leaning in simultaneously for a kiss of love and longing.
[OPTION E OUTCOME]
“I’ll choose to take that as a compliment.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option I: I’ll keep it forever.
Option J: Kiss his cheek
[OPTION E & I OUTCOME]
“I hope that you do.”
You folded up the piece of paper and returned to your tent. When you looked back at Gale, he bashfully rubbed his neck and then looked away.
[OPTION E & J OUTCOME]
You leaned in to peck his cheek and then folded up the piece of paper. Gale blushed softly and rubbed his neck before averting his gaze.
[OPTION F OUTCOME]
“I said I write poetry… I never said it was good poetry.”
[DIALOGUE OPTION]
Option K: It’s the thought that counts.
Option L: Give him back the poem
[OPTION F & K OUTCOME]
“I’m glad you think so.”
You folded the piece of paper and returned to the campfire. Gale was left feeling a little foolish about the whole thing.
[OPTION F & L OUTCOME]
[Gale Disapproves]
You gave him the poem back and then returned to the campfire. The rejection struck him in the heart and had him feeling very foolish.