“It is easier to tell a story of how people wound one another than of what binds them together.”

“My precious Alyssa, share reality with me. Give me forever. We will wreak such beautiful havoc together.”

“Whoever thought up the phrase ‘Absence makes the heart grow founder’ was an idiot. Absence makes a bitch go crazy. -Elli, While Shea is Away”

“IF her life had taught her anything, it was that you never really knew what people had going on beneath the surface. People were shit. The only difference between them and animals was people felt the need to hide it.”

“They looked to each other for support, for strength, and at times, motivation, to remember why and for whom they lived.”

“There is some delight in ale and wine And some in girls with ankles fine But my delight, yes always mine Is to dance with Jak O’ the Shadows We will toss the dice however they fall And snuggle the girls be they short or tall Then follow Lord Mat whenever he calls To dance with Jak O’ the Shadows.”

“To want to understand is an attempt to recapture something we have lost.”

“Hadrian shook his head and sighed. “Why do you have to make everything so difficult? They’re probably not bad people—just poor. You know, taking what they need to buy a loaf of bread to feed their family. Can you begrudge them that? Winter is coming and times are hard.” He nodded his head in the direction of the thieves. “Right?” “I ain’t got no family,” flat-nose replied. “I spend most of my coin on drink.” “You’re not helping,” Hadrian said.”