Would love these two intense magic people to have connections with that. Istredd is also resistant to awakening but it's because he is happy in this life. He is usually hanging out with the dragons or in his library but he cares about his friends so he'd check in regularly if he's concerned. Which I think would make sense given what Gale is going through!

If you want an unrequited love situation, I'm happy to offer that, if you think he'd fall for a taken but very nice nerd and be able to angst over it in private. It'd be awkward and funny later, but it's up to you! Otherwise, FRIENDSHIP.

I also have Julia at divinityfrompain who is a powerful witch herself and also believes magic can solve your problems, and I have that in the past two hundred years or so she's started to spiral down a dark path and become disgruntled with humanity. She's pals with Astarion so maybe they've met/bonded before over magic and maybe their increased dislike of their lives.