Lope Nieves

“The loom does not stop weaving because a single thread feels strain,” hissed the crone. Her voice came from somewhere overhead, clear and strong. “The arrow of time flies swift. The hour draws near. Subtlety is a luxury that can no longer be afforded. The ancient ways and ancient drives and ancient pains draw nearer by the hour. And this young thing must be readied for them—or broken, and another weapon chosen.”
― Jim Butcher, Twelve Months

“Sometimes the most compassionate thing you can do for someone is give them a gentle, firm boot to the ass,”
― Jim Butcher, Twelve Months

“There’s an aphorism used among military historians,” Will said. “Everyone goes into a war prepared to fight like it was the most recent one they were in. But while the big picture of war is the same, the specifics always change. Whoever is best at adapting to those specifics prevails.”
― Jim Butcher, Twelve Months

“Good men hurt. And they heal. And when you heal, when the pain has dwindled, it can make you harder, more bitter, more rigid. Or it can make you more…gentle. Understanding. Yes?” “Gentle…” I smiled faintly and shook my head. “Not what I’d call me.” “Then you are wrong,” Matias said quietly. “Gentleness is power that chooses to restrain itself. That is under control. Gentleness is someone strong who makes the choice to be careful with that strength. And that is you.” He exhaled through his nose and smiled at his son telling stories to things that most people thought were purely imaginary. “That is you.”
― Jim Butcher, Twelve Months