Shannon

“So I pray the gods may hear even me, and let my whispered yes tower above my shouted no and mount all the way to their fivefold realm.”
― Lois McMaster Bujold, Paladin of Souls

“Are you sure, Fitz? Are you sure? What good is a life lived as if it made no difference at all to the great life of the world? A sadder thing I cannot imagine. Why should not a mother say to herself, if I raise this child aright, if I love and care for her, she shall live a life that brings joy to those about her, and thus I have changed the world? Why should not the farmer that plants a seed say to his neighbor, this seed I plant today will feed someone, and that is how I change the world today?” “This is philosophy, Fool. I have never had time to study such things.” “No, Fitz, this is life. And no one has time not to think of such things. Each creature in the world should consider this thing, every moment of the heart’s beating. Otherwise, what is the point of arising each day?”
― Robin Hobb, Royal Assassin

“A stunning first impression was not the same thing as love at first sight. But certainly it was an invitation to consider the matter.”
― Lois McMaster Bujold, Paladin of Souls

“Ista sighed at the thought of being a skipping country wench, and not tragic Ista anymore. Though she did not doubt country wenches had their tragedies, too, and much less poetic sympathy for them than did royinas.”
― Lois McMaster Bujold, Paladin of Souls