Dustin

“Yet we ought to kill someone!' said the gentleman, immediately reverting to his former subject. 'I have been quite out of temper this morning and someone ought to die for it.”
― Susanna Clarke, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

“Our females would have pulled you out of there and ripped your skin off by now," said Moon.

"And that's why we can't be friends," Stone concluded.”
― Martha Wells, The Edge of Worlds

“Well, surely, you will agree that a great improvement could be made simply by cutting down those trees that crowd about the house so much and darken every room? They grow just as they please – just where the acorn or seed fell, I suppose.” “What?” asked Strange, whose eyes had wandered back to his book during the latter part of the conversation. “The trees,” said Henry. “Which trees?” “Those,” said Henry, pointing out of the window to a whole host of ancient and magnificent oaks, ashes and beech trees. “As far as neighbours go, those trees are quite exemplary. They mind their own affairs and have never troubled me. I rather think that I will return the compliment.” “But they are blocking the light.” “So are you, Henry, but I have not yet taken an axe to you.”
― Susanna Clarke, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

“With rueful resignation, she added, “Stone said I should just take you, fight it out, and get it over with.” That was typical. “He gives me lousy advice, too.”
― Martha Wells, The Cloud Roads