“Every person you’ve ever cared about, and every place you’ve ever loved, is one of these shells. You’re the thread that ties them together,” she’d said, touching Mathinna’s cheek. “You carry the people and places you cherish with you. Remember that and you will never be lonely, child.”

“You have the approval of yourself. That's quite enough for we who know true inner peace! - Charmainism”

“There are languages without words and violence is one of them.”

“It isn’t fair to be the kind of creature who is able to love but unable to stay.”

“I sought her eye, desirous to read there the intelligence which I could not discern in her face or hear in her conversation; it was merry, rather small; by turns I saw vivacity, vanity, coquetry, look out through its irid, but I watched in vain for a glimpse of soul. I am no Oriental; white necks, carmine lips and cheeks, clusters of bright curls, do not suffice for me without that Promethean spark which will live after the roses and lilies are faded, the burnished hair grown grey. In sunshine, in prosperity, the flowers are very well; but how many wet days are there in life--November seasons of disaster, when a man's hearth and home would be cold indeed, without the clear, cheering gleam of intellect.”

“Time has been lost and opportunity thrown away, but I am yet a young man, and may retrieve it.”

“These are the stories that I must leave untold, for they are not mine to tell.”

“What would you do if you had a friend who had just fallen into total despair about the world?” “Hmm,” she said. And sat back. “Interesting question. So, this friend. Does the despair have to do with the world being a place where people do terrible things?” “Right. That.” “I figured. That’s usually what it is. Well, then I’d say you have to do wonderful things.” Raymond felt his eyes go wide. “Me?” “Somebody has to. And you’re the one asking the question.” “So if I do wonderful things . . .” He stalled there. “The world will still be a place where people do terrible things. But here’s the thing about despair. We fall into despair when the terrible gangs up on us and”