Gale is definitely a Dominant if written right...
Hi! Galemancer here, really enjoying writing about our favorite wizard! Thought I'd post this here for anyone wanting to write a Dominant!Gale fic.
I use ChatGPT to come up with concepts and ideas before I write a scene / chapter and then go fully into writing/editing the scene / chapter. I fed it multiple early chapters I'd written (and now rewritten) and asked it if a dom/sub relationship between Gale (dom) and Durge (sub) was viable and meaningful (original fic was just a normal Gale romance fic). Read the breakdown of my fic (no major spoilers for the story) by ChatGPT below, if you're interested.
Long story short: Gale is definitely a Dominant if written right. His arc is about seeking validation and true love. What better way than Tav/Durge handing him the reins and showing him that he is enough?
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A dominant/submissive dynamic between Gale and Ves (Durge), extending beyond physical intimacy into their daily interactions, could not only work but also offer rich, meaningful symbolism and healing for both of them. Here’s how their pasts, personalities, and needs might interplay in such a relationship:
- Gale’s Past and Role as the Dominant Partner
The Weight of Mystra's Influence: Gale’s past with Mystra left him yearning for validation, love, and purpose. Mystra, a literal goddess, always kept him at arm’s length, asserting her power over him. Gale’s dynamic with Mystra was one where he lacked control; his worth hinged on her approval. By stepping into the dominant role with Ves, Gale reclaims that sense of authority—not as a means of control for its own sake, but as a way to provide safety, structure, and leadership, which allows him to heal from the imbalance of his past relationship.
His Nature as a Caregiver: Gale is naturally a protector and nurturer, someone who thrives when he can offer stability and support. A dominant role would allow him to channel this energy constructively. By guiding Ves and providing him with boundaries, Gale reinforces his own sense of agency while showing love in a tangible, intentional way. It’s not about ego or power—it’s about care.
A Reason to Live: When Mystra commands Gale destroy the Absolute by using the orb, it throws his life into freefall. What ultimately snaps him out of obeying Mystra is a simple realization: Ves loves him unconditionally and wants him to find a better way. He wants Gale to live. This is enough for Gale to realize that Ves' love for him is greater than anything he shared with Mystra.
- Ves’ Past and Role as the Submissive Partner
The Dark Urge and Its Duality: The Dark Urge represents dominance in its most destructive form—chaotic, uncontrollable, and violent. Ves, as a submissive, is actively rejecting that part of himself. By leaning into Gale’s guidance, Ves creates a safe counterbalance to the havoc his darker impulses can wreak. Gale’s steadiness provides Ves with the structure he desperately needs but cannot impose on himself.
The Fear of Losing Control: Ves’ fear of hurting those he loves stems from his violent past and the trauma of the Dark Urge (especially him slaughtering Quill). Submitting to Gale is an act of vulnerability, allowing Ves to entrust someone else with his safety and the safety of those around him. By yielding control, Ves finds freedom from the burden of always trying to restrain himself. Especially when he has no control himself, he can trust Gale to keep him and the others safe.
Healing Through Care: Ves has likely felt unworthy of love due to the atrocities of his past and his own insecurities (made worse by his previous relationship with Gortash, who abused his dominance over Ves, he might not remember it but the emotional scars are still there). Submitting to Gale isn’t about humiliation or weakness—it’s about being seen, accepted, and loved for who he is. Gale’s dominance reassures Ves that he doesn’t have to bear his burdens alone.
- The Symbolism of Their Dynamic
Reclaiming Agency: For both Gale and Ves, this relationship is about reclaiming a sense of agency over their identities. Gale learns he can wield authority and love in tandem (unlike Mystra), while Ves learns that submitting doesn’t mean losing himself—it means entrusting someone he loves with his most vulnerable self.
Power as a Source of Stability: Their dynamic challenges the traditional notion of power as inherently oppressive. Instead, it reframes power as a means of providing safety, trust, and mutual growth. Gale’s dominance allows Ves to feel safe, while Ves’ submission allows Gale to feel needed and capable.
Balance of Two Pasts: Gale and Ves are, in a way, mirrors of each other’s past wounds. Gale once idolized a figure who held power over him, while Ves struggles with the darker side of his own dominance. Their relationship becomes a healing process, where Gale learns to wield authority gently and Ves learns to relinquish control without fear.
How the Dynamic Bleeds into Daily Interactions / Decision-Making: Gale would naturally take the lead in planning and decisions. For instance, he might be the one to organize their travels or determine their next steps in battle, while Ves provides input but trusts Gale’s judgment. Ves might be the leader of their group, but he looks to Gale for guidance.
Conflict Resolution: In moments of tension, their dynamic would help diffuse conflict. Gale, as the dominant partner, would assert himself to de-escalate, while Ves might yield—not out of weakness, but out of trust in Gale’s ability to handle the situation.
Affection and Rituals: Gale might instinctively take on small acts of care, like ensuring Ves has eaten or checking that he’s rested. Meanwhile, Ves might show his trust through small gestures of deference, such as asking for Gale’s opinion or seeking his comfort after a nightmare.
Grounding Moments: When Ves feels the pull of the Dark Urge, Gale’s presence might help anchor him. A firm word or two, a grounding touch—these are tools Gale could use to remind Ves that he’s not alone, that someone else is in control of the moment and that no one will get hurt.
- The Importance of Mutual Respect
It’s critical to note that while their relationship incorporates dominance and submission, it’s built on a foundation of mutual respect and love. Gale’s dominance doesn’t strip Ves of his agency; instead, it enhances it by providing him with a safe space to explore his vulnerability. Similarly, Ves’ submission isn’t about weakness—it’s a deliberate, brave choice to trust someone with his heart and his darker impulses.
EDIT: To all the downvoters, here's a harsh wakeup call: Most authors nowadays use AI in some shape or form (especially in the planning stage) to write their novels or fics.