You know, in Fairyland-Above they said that the underworld was full of devils and dragons. But it isnโt so at all! Folk are just folk, wherever you go, and itโs only a nasty sort of person who thinks a bodyโs a devil just because they come from another country and have different notions. Itโs wild and quick and bold down here, but I like wild things and quick things and bold things, too.
Catherynne M. ValenteWho are you?" "I am Death," said the creature. "I thought that was obvious." "But you're so small!" "Only because you are small. You are young and far from your Death, September, so I seem as anything would seem if you saw it from a long way off-very small, very harmless. But I am always closer than I appear. As you grow, I shall grow with you, until at the end, I shall loom huge and dark over your bed, and you will shut your eyes so as not to see me.
Catherynne M. ValenteYou will always fall in love, and it will always be like having your throat cut, just that fast.
Catherynne M. ValenteShe is so stubborn, her heart has an argument with her head every time it wants to beat.
Catherynne M. ValenteDo you know, Masha, how revelation comes? Like death. So sudden, though you knew all along it must occur. A revelation is always the end of something. It might even be cause for grief.
Catherynne M. ValenteWhen I say forever,' Koschei whispered, 'I mean until the black death of the world. An Ivan means just the present moment, the flickering light of it, in a green field, his mouth on yours. He means the stretching of that moment. But forever isn't bright; it isn't like that. Forever is cold and hard and final.
Catherynne M. Valente