Irina H.

“The males of almost every species fight. Humanity is no different. There will never be peace, Emilia. Violence is man’s principal vice.”
― Isabel Allende, My Name Is Emilia del Valle

“As Lorn approached the booth, a man holding a black chicken wrapped in a sumptuous, teal-silk shawl stepped up to the front of the line. “It’s Endora, you see,” the man said to Maddox, gesturing with his chin to the chicken. “She has a sensitive disposition.” Endora clucked pitifully. “And the Lunar Crossing stresses her enormously.” Endora clucked in agreement. “Understandable,” Maddox murmured with a straight face. The man patted Endora. “So … where would be the best place to put her during this time, keeping in mind she doesn’t like drafts, loud noises, other animals—particularly yaks—any rhythmic movement that could be construed as folk dancing, the smell of cooked fat, the color magenta, or any musical or theatrical performance that requires audience participation?” Lorn looked down at Endora. “This is clearly a chicken of exquisite taste and refinement”
― L.L. Starling, Between

“Ah, optimism.” Maddox shook his head. “The second leading cause of death in Between.”
― L.L. Starling, Between

“It’s something that’s been too often neglected. It means, ‘to create ties’…”
“To create ties?”
“That’s right,” the fox said. “For me you’re only a little boy just like a hundred thousand other boys. And I have no need of you. And you have no need of me, either. For you I’m only a fox like a hundred other foxes. But if you tame me, we’ll need each other. You’ll be the only boy in the world for me. I’ll be the only fox in the world for you…”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Courrier sud