“Achati chuckled. "You may be surprised. Some might come in the hopes of being snatched away to a secret place ruled by exotic women.”

“The most powerful women in Sachaka and all you do is waste time gossiping and matchmaking”

“Cold, truthful common sense was harder to like than warm, hopeful generosity.”

“Better to know the quick pain of truth than the ongoing pain of a long-held false hope.”

“He liked the idea that if either of them ever fell from grace, the other might be there to offer support.”

“Though I can’t help feeling a sudden death cheats you of something. Death is an experience of life. You only get one death. I would like to be aware it was happening, even if that did mean enduring pain and fear.”

“Tayend nodded. “I know it won’t. I admit I was worried about you, but you are still your old self, underneath.”Dannyl straightened in protest. “Underneath what?”The Elyne stood up, waving one hand in Dannyl’s direction. “All…that.”“I’m reeling at your descriptive clarity,” Dannyl told him.”