“But I know that in order to get to the end of a thing, one must start at the beginning.”

“Some things must be done however much we wish to avoid them.”

“I must confess I will miss your... proximity when jumping together.''Well,' she said, answering his smile with one of her own.'There's always sickle training in the ballroom.''That there is.”

“I've begun to wonder if that's all we really need. Just one person who knows us truly. One person who knows the darkness that lies within and believes in us anyway.”

“Still, experience has taught me that knowing one's enemy is key to winning any battle.”

“I recall his somber eyes during that last, private conversation. His eyes and his words, far too wise for a boy of ten: only time will tell, Lia. In the end, I suppose it will.”

“I'm only trying to pull my own weight. I don't want to be a liability.' She reached out, smiling. 'And I would imagine I'll still be required to maintain close contact with you while I learn. At least in the beginning.'He looked at their joined hands before turning his eyes to hers, a slow smile spreading across his own lips.'It would be, ahem, wise to maintain physical contact while learning, that is true.”