Howl has been very kind to me." And this was true, Sophie realized. Howl showed his kindness rather strangely, but, considering all Sophie did to annoy him, he had been very good to her indeed. "Do listen. He's not wicked at all!" There was a bit of a fizz from the grate at this, where Calcifer was watching with some interest. " He isn't!" Sophie said, to Calcifer as much as to Fanny.
Diana Wynne JonesSlender Youth. A tour companion who may be either a lost prince or a girl/princess in disguise. In the latter case it is tactful to pretend you think she is a boy. She/he will be ignorant, hasty and shy, and will need hauling out of trouble quite a lot. But she/he will grow up in the course of the Tour. In fact she/he will be the only Companion who will change in any way. Quite often, she/he will soon exhibit a very useful talent for magic and end up by hauling everyone else out of trouble. But this will not be until midway through your second brochure.
Diana Wynne JonesNothing is safe from you. If I were to court a girl who lived on an iceberg in the middle of the ocean, sooner or laterโ probably soonerโ Iโd look up to see you swooping overhead on a broomstick. In fact, by now Iโd be disappointed in you if I didnโt see you.โ โAre you off to the iceberg today?โ Sophie retorted.
Diana Wynne Jones