“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.”

“There's always a bit of truth in each rumour, the trouble is finding out which bit.- Tayend”

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

“Extending his senses, Lorkin tried again to hear his mother’s surface thoughts. What he picked up seemed too out of character, however. He must be imagining it. Though…it was also odd that he would imagine his mother thinking such a string of curse words.”

“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.”