Writer/Artist/Fangirl

There are so many lovely ways that Gale expresses his devotion to Tav over the course of their romance. And I have to say, I think Gale’s best and most poignant lines are often the simplest ones:

“I said exactly what I meant: I love you. You should never, never doubt that.”

“You are everything to me.”

“You will always be enough for me.”

“With you I forget my goddess. I love you.”

But what I wanted to share is a line that I consider to be one of my favorites, and one that I think gets overlooked because it’s only in the Illithid Tav ending. It’s a line that I think perfectly embodies Gale’s unparalleled devotion, and it’s what he says to Illithid Tav after he’s asked them to marry him. Tav responds with, “You’d really wish to marry me, in my present condition?”

And without even the slightest hesitation, Gale simply says:

“Your ‘present condition’ is that you’re the one I love.”

He goes on to add: “And your current form is merely a reflection of the depths of your sacrifice. It only makes me love you more.” All of which is incredibly sweet and loving…but that first line. That first line is just so perfect.

This the first time Tav has truly been put into a vulnerable position in regards to their relationship. Not only is Tav no longer in the physical form they were when Gale first fell in love with them, they’ve become something most people would find grotesque.

In that vein, but not quite to that extreme, I have seen many people ask the following:

“What would Gale say if Tav felt insecure because (their body changed in a way they didn’t like/they got grey hair/lost their hair/got wrinkles/became ill/scarred/injured etc.)?” And I’ve seen wonderful answers, all of which have Gale being loving and sweet and supportive, but I really do think he would just say the same thing:

“Your ‘present condition’ is that you’re the one I love.”

This is what devotion is supposed to be. There’s no mimimizing or deflecting what Tav feels about themselves, no waffling or insecurity on Gale’s part. Just the simple, unwavering fact that Gale loves Tav. Not for their body, but for their soul.

That’s not to say Gale isn’t attracted to Tav’s body—and their musk, and sweat, and their touch—because he is, in whatever form Tav takes; but physical attraction is not what his love is dependent upon. Gale is attracted to Tav because he loves them, not the other way around.

Real devotion is not about two beautiful people confessing love and attraction to each other. It’s about two people who are imperfect and flawed in their own ways, choosing to love and support one another, again and again and again, despite the difficulties that life throws at them.

Gale is sweet, loving, romantic, funny, charming, and yes, very attractive. But I truly think what I love most about Gale is that he embodies devotion so, so perfectly and so effortlessly:

So, I’m assuming that most players (like me) thought that you *had* to pass the “channeling the weave” scene with Gale in order to begin his romance. Makes sense, right? Gale is a learned scholar, he tells you magic is his life, so it’s understandable that even he might hesitate to romance you if you are unable to follow his simple instructions and share a moment with him.

…but nope! Nope. Of course Gale is so wonderful that even if you fail the scene, he’s still down bad for you, and to top it off? His response is one of the sweetest lines in the whole damn game.

If you are a Galemancer and you haven’t seen this before, please stop whatever you are doing, sit down, view his expression + hear his line delivery, and try not to pass out:

Tav: It was a pity your lesson in the Weave ended so soon - I was enjoying our moment alone. Do you think about us being alone again?

Gale: Do you?

Tav: Yes.

Gale: So do I. You see, I'm not a big believer in fate, but I do believe in serendipity.

Gale: Life is a tempest of events that sometimes we brace against, and sometimes embrace.

framed presses flowers, and dried flowers hanging from string are also lovely

quilts! they have so many beautiful colors and designs in them and last a long time

tapestries with cellestial themes are always beautiful

any kind of stained glass pieces will fit in wonderfully

dried orange/citrus garlands

so many books! especially hardcovers

candelabras and some wall-hanging candle holders (they're everywhere in thrift stores). really just cover every surface with candles

old, dark-looking painting that portray plants are also great and readily available

mirrors help make rooms look larger and so are great all-around. look for mirrors with older-looking frames that have either dark-stained wood, or are black or gold

velvet, floor-length curtains are also a staple of the aesthetic

velvet throw pillows would fit in nicely

basically anything sun, moon, and star-themed will be perfect

crystals are a must-have, but if you don't have access to any a rock collection is just as cool

if you're a witch, consider making a besom and giving it a special place to stay

hanging plants are also fantastic, and if you don't have a green thumb you can find fake decorative plants almost anywhere

throw blankets are also a lifesaver for any furniture that might not fit perfectly

Kagiha Wallpapers (っ˘з(˘⌣˘ ) ♡

Please like or reblog if using! Bonus under the cut ♡

Karasuba | Hikage

follow forever

"rebagel"

nightposting

the reblog button being on the top

everyone referring to david karp as "daddy"

"can you make this ask rebloggable?"

redux edits

babblr

WHO CHANGED IT FROM FUDGERS TO FUDGERS I WILL KISS THE POPSICLE DONT TICKLE ME JAMBOREE

missing e

"REBLOG IF YOU SUPPORT GAY PEOPLE" (30 gay-themed gifs)

losing post editing because of John Green

hipster bloggers vs fandom bloggers

Tell your story to the best of your abilities. That’s all you can do right now. 

When you’re done with that one, tell another story. And another.

The small stuff doesn’t hold a candle to your story. Editing can clean up the technical aspects.

I'm reposting this for an artist I know, Amelia Royce Leonards, whose fiance was diagnosed with a brain mass. Her art is gorgeous; I bought a piece years ago and have just ordered some more. If you want to support a good cause and have beautiful work in your home, consider supporting her (or her artist fiance, Max).

There ARE people in this world who WILL support you and your writing. They will love your stories and look forward to updates/new releases!

You do not have to earn your right to be a writer.

You do not have to convince the haters and the doubters that you are a writer.

You have nothing to prove.

All you have to do is write.