One keeps searching for ease, she did not say, and not finding it, till the memories of no-pain seem only like daydreams.

Can't all beasts be tamed?

All you did was sit there, he said. Why are you so tired? I sat very diligently, she said.

For anyone who is: just keep writing. Keep reading. If you are meant to be a writer, a storyteller, it'll work itself out. You just keep feeding it your energy, and giving it that crucial chance to work itself out. By reading and writing.

He didn't look insane or inhuman. He did look uncooperative.

It's hard to look too grand when you're led by someone who looks like a pudding with legs.

I don't believe in fate," she said at last. "But I do believe in...loopholes. I think a lot of what keeps the world going is the result of accidents — happy or otherwise — and taking advantage of these.