Gale loves you, no matter what form you take.
We all know how much he loves Durge and their Slayer form, but what about when you choose to become a Squiddy? ((There are some pretty big spoilers in this post, FYI))
Let me introduce you to Pebble, a barbarian deep gnome.
Pebble was born into slavery in the Underdark and only knew freedom once she took it for herself. However, even on the surface world, she faced countless hardships due to rampant racism and her small size. She grew up loathing herself and who she was and wanted nothing more than be different (or at least taller)
Many would find becoming Illithid to be one of the worst possible things to happen to someone, but once Pebble knew it would make her stronger against the people who oppressed her, she willingly consumed any tadpole she found on her journey to Baldur's Gate. When The Emperor offered the Astral Tadpole to her party, it was the first time she hesitated... Becoming something else entirely was exactly what she had always wished for... but there was something new she had found on her travels that made her stop and think...
Love... No one had ever been as gentle with her as Gale Dekarios was. He had shown her that she could be loved even if she was small, even if she was born a slave. In Gale's eyes, she was worthy of kindness and deserved to be cherished. If he loved her as she was, what would happen if she chose to become a MindFlayer?
Of course, Gale still loved her just the same after choosing to take the Astral Tadpole and become half Illithid. In the final battle, she was the one to make the sacrifice and become a MindFlayer in order to defeat the Nether Brain. Pebble, was overjoyed with her new form. She was finally tall, powerful, a rogue Illithid with no master, no longer a deep gnome forced to live in fear... but would he still want her like this too...
((The way he kisses their forehead is so adorable!!!))
It may take him a moment to process the transformation, but Gale not only loves MindFlayer Tav/Durge for their personality, he also leans into the new form completely, promising to help them find ways to feed their new diet, commenting on their new, squiddy parts, accepting them as they are, mind, body and soul. Still making sure they are as cherished and loved as they deserve to be.
It does not matter what form you take, Gale Dekarios likes you too... very very much <3
