Gale's hands shoot out, bracing Astarion before he sends both of them toppling backwards, then immediately retract and raise defensively. Yes, yes, yes he remembers the no touching rule but surely in this instance he can be forgiven?

"Given the pleasant nature of the climate here, I'm quite certain it is not in fact the hells we find ourselves in."

Is that the most important detail currently? No. Did he desperately need to correct it anyway? Yes. Sometimes he simply cannot stop the words coming out.

"Hadn't expected to see you here too, Astarion."

Not that he's complaining, but odd to end up in the man's company twice. Perhaps the gods are telling him something? What, he honestly cannot imagine. At least they both remain blessedly tentacle-free, although how he isn't certain. Unless -- does Astarion have the artefact with him?