This sort of thing was new to her as well, but in lieu of it not getting done, her instinct had been to do something about it. Even if there was something unwieldy by having to abruptly learn how to use the axe to get results. She hadn't thought much of it at the time, too focused on the task at hand, but now there was weariness to fight, as she positions herself close to the stove for heat.

Which makes processing Gale's context slightly more challenging. Certainly something extreme had to occur for his reaction, and she'd not seen Astarion around...

"What happened? You've seemed depressed instead of angry. Did your fight get worse?"