“Not bad, but I've eaten worse. Guess you're just a sight more used to swallowing slimy stuff like that, than I am. I'm sure you've had plenty of practice over the years, swallowing that is." I threw another in my mouth, giving Rainia a shit-eating grin that was met by sparkling slits of mock anger.”

“But I've swallowed my pride before, that's for sure. I'm practically lined with my mistakes on the inside like a bad-wallpapered bathroom.”

“It's been so long since I've let myself feel anger that I don't just feel it. It covers my mouth and I swallow it down, the taste sharp and metal as though I'm gnawing through foilware.”

“No more humiliation for me, thanks very much. No more swallowing my anger. Honestly, I couldn't manage another mouthful. But it was delicious. Did you make it yourself?”

“Too bad you need both hands for crawling," I said. "We could use some sunshine in here.""Next time, I'll be sure to ask the sprites for a flashlight.""And a bottle of water. I think I've swallowed enough dust to shit a brick later.”

“Let me tell you, my girl, that I'm swallowing no more of your insults! And if I hear another word from you in disparagement of the Corinthian set it will be very much the worse for you!”