C.L. Wilson Quotes & Sayings

Ver reisa ku'chae. Kem surah, shei'tani. (Your soul calls out. Mine answers, beloved.) — C.L. Wilson

You are a force rarely born to a world, something we Elves call leinah thaniel, the Song that sings all Songs, the Mirror that shows all Mirrors, the Change that changes everything. — C.L. Wilson

Rain watched as his five best warriors squeezed into the tiny parlor, picked their way through the jungle of wedding gifts as if tiptoeing through a nest of Drogan sand vipers, and settled down with stone-faced stoicism to proceed with the humiliating un-warrior-like task of opening presents ...
Five lethal glances speared him. For the first time in a thousand years, Rain Tairen Soul threw back his head and laughed. — C.L. Wilson

Rain flung his head skyward and loosed a mighty roar of primal triumph.
Death to those who endangered the Fey!
Death to those who injured his friends, his brothers!
He was Rainier-Eras, Feyreisen, and he was winged vengeance. — C.L. Wilson

I hadn't thought you such a faithless coward. You are a princess of the Summer Throne, wedded Queen of the Craig, and my wife. You swore an oath, before a priest and your father's court, to accept my counsel and my care. You swore to offer me all the fruits of your life. And now, you would deny me that which you swore to offer? Do you have so little honor?"
The accusation stole the silver from her eyes, leaving them pure, plain gray filled with shock and dismay. "I ... No! Of course not! I'm no oathbreaker."
"Then come to your bath. Accept my care, as you swore you would. Offer me the fruits of your life, that I may dine once more on peace instead of war. — C.L. Wilson

Ten thousand swords before you,
ten thousand daggers drawn.
Ten thousand lives defend you,
ten thousand warriors strong
Our blood will spill ten thousand times
In hope, ten thousand sigh
For love we face ten thousand deaths
With joy, ten thousand die
Ten thousand Fey before you,
ten thousand fierce and tall,
Ten thousand souls protect you,
beloved of us all

~Ten Thousand Swords, a Fey Warrior's Song — C.L. Wilson

Then we die, Elfeya, If we're lucky. — C.L. Wilson

I will not share you." Still holding his gaze, she drove her body down onto his. Tiny threads of lightning danced over his skin in a shocking web of blue-white light. He gave a choked cry. His spine arched. His buttocks clenched tight. The tendons in his neck stood out like cords of steel. His hips surged again, powerfully, rising up to meet her downward slide. She felt the shock of it to her bones.
"I will not share," she cried out fiercely, one final time as both of them shattered. — C.L. Wilson

Behind your enemy's smile lies treachery. Show him that behind yours lies steel. Fail to do so, and you only make him bolder. — C.L. Wilson

What had come over her? He'd touched her, and it was like electric flame
like the lightning she could summon
shooting sparks through her veins. She'd all but melted, boneless, at his feet. He was the Winter King, her enemy, a man feared for his killing coldness, yet when he'd touched her, she had not frozen. She'd burned. — C.L. Wilson

Incredible, searing, glorious heat consumed her. Coherent thought eluded her. She could not think. She could not speak. With a helpless gasp of pleasure, she surrendered. Her arms twined around his neck, clutching him to her. — C.L. Wilson

Shei'tani ... wilt thou swim with thy beloved in a river of dreams? — C.L. Wilson

Ku'shalah aiyah to nei."- Bid me yes or no. — C.L. Wilson

.... Steli forgot knocking.... — C.L. Wilson

My friends ... today, we are not Fey, Celierian, or dahl'reisen, but brothers, united and strong, each of us honorable and worthy warriors of Light. We are the steel no enemy can shatter. We are the magic no Dark power can defeat. We are the rock upon which evil breaks like waves. We are warriors of honor, champions of Light. — C.L. Wilson

He sat beside her. "What sort of things did you dream of?"
"Oh, what most young girls do, I imagine. Fey tales. True love." She gave a small, self-conscious laugh. "You. — C.L. Wilson

What in the Haven's name just happened?"
Dazed and still trembling from the overload to her senses, Ellysetta floated in Rain's arms, her limp body draped across his, incapable of autonomous movement. She could barely think straight, let alone summon the strength to actually move.
Rain's chest rippled as he dragged in a shuddering breath. "I don't know." His voice came out hoarse, raspy. He swallowed, then tilted his chin against his chest to glance at her. A grin twitched at the corners of his mouth. "But I hope it happens again. — C.L. Wilson

Two lovers, two hearts, one soul.
Only joined can they be truly complete.
Only joined can they survive the darkness. — C.L. Wilson

Not all battles can be won. Not all lives can be saved. And no matter how we wish it, not all songs end in joy. — C.L. Wilson

She felt him bow his head to rest his jaw on her hair, the touch feather light. Tears beaded in her lashes — C.L. Wilson

My beloved is the sun
And I am the earth that thrives only in her warmth. My beloved is the rain
And I am the grass that thirsts for her quenching kiss. My beloved is the wind
And I am the wings that soar when she fills me with her gentle strength.
My beloved is the rock
Upon which rests the happiness of all my days.
- The Elements of Love, a poem by Aileron v'En Kavali of the Fey — C.L. Wilson

If I get in the water in this outfit, the cloth will turn completely transparent."
"I know, and I'm looking forward to it more than you can imagine. — C.L. Wilson

Arrogance is no substitute for experience,Fey. — C.L. Wilson

Wanting love is not selfish, Rain. We're all born missing the connections that make us complete. — C.L. Wilson

Do you love me, Rain?"
"More than I knew it was possible to love. All the stars will fall from the heavens before I ever stop. — C.L. Wilson

She glanced down and gasped, and her arms slapped into place to cover all her most interesting bits. He grinned. The robe and gown were sheer and he had not spun undergarments.
She scowled. "This is not what I would call being 'very, very good.'"
"That is a matter of perspective, shei'tani. From where I'm standing, it looks very, very good indeed. — C.L. Wilson

But the Dark cannot claim what Light does not surrender. — C.L. Wilson

If you wish to serve me, as you have bloodsworn yourself to do, you must do so with honor. And that does not include introducing yourself by name to people like my mother in order to terrify them into submission."
"Kem'falla - " Gaelen protested.
"Don't bother to deny it," she snapped. — C.L. Wilson

Dark, shadowy figures moved closer, circling.
Torel pulled his two seyani longswords free of their scabbards. "Come, then!" He shouted. "Come dance with the tairen, if you dare! Miora felah ti' Feyreisa! Joy to the Feyreisa! And death to you all!"
And he became a whirling blur of motion - black leather, shining steel, red blood - spinning in the moonlight, delivering death to all he touched until he moved no more. — C.L. Wilson

I live
I fight
I bleed
I die
For love.
I am Fey"

~I am Fey, a warrior's poem by Evanaris vel Bahr — C.L. Wilson

And as for you, Gaelen is your uncle, your mother's beloved brother. He's your family. Learn to get along with him. You don't have to like him, but you might want to consider the fact that he's walked the earth more than twice as long as either of your parents, and he's spent the last thousand years battling the enemies of the Fey. He's probably forgotten more Fey skills than you've ever learned. — C.L. Wilson

Battered and bruised but still fighting for dominance his was not the selfish petty pride that made bullies of lesser men but rather the quiet
determined dignity that turned men into heroes and made heroes crawl back to their feet from the bitter dust of defeat and stand tall once more. — C.L. Wilson

You think because you face situations not of your making that you exercise no choice? That you are helpless? To the contrary, child. Your whole life has been full of choices. Hiding from a hard truth is a choice. Surrender - even to the inevitable - is a choice. Even in death there is a choice. You may have no control over the time or manner of your death, but you can choose how you face it. — C.L. Wilson

She would defy laws and kings and Mages and demons and even the Church of Light to be with him. She would tear down the barriers that still lived in her mind, confront whatever darkness lurked behind them, and defeat the Mage who thought to claim her soul. That soul
and every part of her
belongs to Ranier vel'En Daris. There would never be happiness for her that did not include him. — C.L. Wilson

Over. My. Rotting. Corpse. — C.L. Wilson

I want. I need. I ache. I burn. Burn with me. Ellysetta to Rain in Lord of the Fading Lands. — C.L. Wilson

Ellysetta Baristani is my shei'tani." His eyes found hers. "My truemate." A murmur of voices rippled through the crowd.
"Please tell the court what a truemate is."
"A truemate is the person who holds the other half of a Fey's soul." His gaze never left hers, and Ellie felt the magic of his voice wrapping her in imperceptible weaves of longing. "It is the most sacred bond known to any Fey, more sacred than that between a king and his subjects, more sacred even than that between a mother and a child. — C.L. Wilson

Would you like to know what it is like to mate with this Fey? — C.L. Wilson

Let love, not fear, be your guide. — C.L. Wilson

Oh, Ellie, you look beautiful. Like a Fey-tale princess. — C.L. Wilson

Master Fellows surprised Ellysetta with an unexpected compliment. "You have a natural regal grace, my lady, and it has been the greatest of pleasures to teach you. Just remember, while some part of you may always be Ellie, the woodcarver's daughter, you are also Lady Ellysetta, the Tairen Soul's queen." He bowed and kissed her hand. "At the palace tonight, let Ellysetta reign. — C.L. Wilson

Well," she said again, turning to him and tipping back her head to meet his gaze. "As the begetting of an heir holds such dire import, I suggest we get to it. — C.L. Wilson

I am the steel no enemy can shatter'
I am the magic no dark power can defeat.
I am the rock upon which evil breaks like waves.
I am Fey,warrior of honor, champion of Light.'
the warrior's creed — C.L. Wilson

Death offers us hope, at least. Not for this life, but for another. — C.L. Wilson

Well, I guess you can really gut a man with your little finger."
He flashed her a look so flat and cold and full of death, she knew he'd earned every awe and terrified word ever spoken about him.
"That is the least of what I can do." (Shannisorran v'EnCelay aka Lord Death) — C.L. Wilson

The last time I saw him, he was hustling his wife away from the table, and she was shedding clothes as she went. Ah, gods." He rubbed his face. "I pray they made it to their rooms before ... — C.L. Wilson

And though I will never forgive myself for what I did, every day when the doubts creep in, I remind myself that the gods made me for their own purpose. That no matter how seemingly dark and terrible that purpose was, they trusted me to fulfill it. And I remind myself every day, that somehow, I must have proven myself worthy in their eyes because they sent me you, my soul's mate and the beacon that drew me back from Shadow. — C.L. Wilson

Did Garrick hunt dragon treasure in this cave, too?"
"Of course. He even found some of the dragon's gold."
Her head reared back. "No, he didn't."
"Oh, he did." Wynter's expression was one of complete sincerity. For an instant, he almost had her believing the dragon's gold was real, until he said, "I know because I put it there myself. Same as my father did when I was a boy."
A laugh broke from her lips. "Did Garrick know?"
"Of course not. Not until much later. That would have ruined the magic. — C.L. Wilson

Ellysetta Baristani." Belliard's voice caused her to stop and turn back around. "Even should you clothe yourself in rags and dirt, you would bring honor to the Fey. — C.L. Wilson

Mama always used to say it's better to choke on a bitter truth than savor a honeycake lie. — C.L. Wilson

He held up his index finger. "Rule one: in any dispute between mates, the
male is always to blame, even when he is clearly blameless. Rule two" - his middle finger joined the
first - "whenever in doubt, refer to rule one. — C.L. Wilson

Do you know how a pearl comes to be?"
"Oysters make them, from a bit of sand."
"Aiyah. From a bit of sand." He rolled the pearl between his fingers. "All pearls begin as something unpleasant that the oysters cannot expel from themselves, even though they may want to. So they embrace these things that will not leave them, shaping them and smoothing away the sharp edges, until over time, they make of these unwanted things great treasures. — C.L. Wilson

All great gifts come with a great price, Bel murmured. — C.L. Wilson

Live well.
Love deep.
Tomorrow, we die. — C.L. Wilson

I love you... I want you... I need you. The words chanted in her head with the beat of her pulse, repeating over and over. His voice - or was it hers? - grew more insistent with each utterance. Come to me. Give yourself to me. — C.L. Wilson

Hope was a fragile flicker that he wanted to cup with both hands to protect against the harsh winds of reality. — C.L. Wilson

A woman did not feel jealousy if her emotions were not engaged. And a wise man did not let it fester. — C.L. Wilson

Displease the Winter King and we'll none of us see another spring. — C.L. Wilson

He must prove himself strong enough to protect her, gentle enough to win her heart, and worthy of the great gift of her love and her unconditional trust. She must find the courage to embrace the darkest shadows of his soul, and the even greater courage to bare the shadows of her own soul to him. When all barriers are sundered, all secrets revealed and accepted, she can complete the bond; and they will no longer be two separate people, but rather one person, one soul, complete for eternity, stronger together than either could ever be apart. — C.L. Wilson

Ellysetta was sitting at the secretary in Rain's suite, penning a note to her parents, when Bel burst through the doors. The other members of the quintet followed so swiftly that all five warriors nearly ended up in a heap on the floor. They were breathless and flushed, perspiration trickling down the sides of their faces.
Kieran bent over, hands on his knees, and dragged air into his lungs. "Well done,brothers. We beat the smug chervil."
"You all look like you could use a drink." Cool and unwinded, Gaelen smiled at the new arrivals from the sofa near the window. "Water? Or perhaps something a little stronger to help you regain your strength? — C.L. Wilson

Come to think of it, Your Majesty, I believe I must still be growing. Either that, or you are shrinking. — C.L. Wilson

Well, princess," Wynter murmured, "let's see what you're made of. — C.L. Wilson

I am not a good man, shei'tani," he corrected. "I never have been. But for you I will strive to be better. — C.L. Wilson

When he caught his breath, he regarded her with glowing, half-closed eyes. If I'm very, very good, shei'tani, will you do that again when we're alone? — C.L. Wilson

She didn't know, but she couldn't shake the fear that the real danger was only just beginning and that things were about to get much, much worse. — C.L. Wilson

I watch my loved ones weep with sorrow,
death's silent torment of no tomorrow.
I feel their hearts breaking, I sense their despair,
United in misery, the grief that they share.
How do I show that, I am not gone ...
but the essence of life's everlasting song
Why do they wee? Why do they cry?
I'm alive in the wind and I am soaring high.
I am sparkling light dancing on streams,
a moment of warmth in the fays of sunbeams.
The coolness of rain as it falls on your face,
the whisper of leaves as wind rushes with haste.
Eternal Song, a requiem by Avian of Celieria
from Crown of Crystal Flame by C.L. Wilson — C.L. Wilson

There are no fates I cannot change, but this fate is one I cannot change without you. You are my strength, Rain. You are the courage I've always lacked."
He gave a choked laugh, and tears glittered in his eyes. "If I am your courage, then why does this idea of yours leave me so frightened? — C.L. Wilson

One of the signs (you) displayed (said): QUESTION AUTHORITY. Comments or slogans of this nature cannot and will not be condoned. — C.L. Wilson

If honor were reserved only for those who never err, none of us would be worthy, Rain answered. — C.L. Wilson

Your father thought he scored a victory over me when he tricked me into marrying you instead of one of your sisters, but he unwittingly gave me the one daughter I wanted most. — C.L. Wilson

His hand trailed down the side of her face, brushing back spiraling tendrils of hair. Come, shei'tani, dance the skiles with your mate. — C.L. Wilson

What's this?" Primage Dur squinted at the glow of magic in the forest before them. Twelve shining warriors in red leather stood interspaced between a line of gnarled trees, blocking the advance of the Eld. "Who are they?"
"Dalh'reisen," Azurel hissed.
"Are they ... singing? — C.L. Wilson

Lord Hawksheart said we should stay together," she reminded him. ' Do not leave your mate's side,' he said. 'You hold each other to the Light,' he said. And he said we could only defeat the Darkness together."
"He said many things. Most of which I don't trust."
The safest place for me is at your side. Whatever happens, we face it together."
His eyes closed and he nodded. "Doreh Shabeila de." So shall it be. — C.L. Wilson

You but winnowed out those who have made their pride a funeral shroud." Jaren met Rain's eyes. "Our world has changed, Feyreisen. I have watched great Fey cities die, seen our forests fade back into desert, and listened to my shei'tani weep for the children her womb will not bear. It seems to me when the ways of the past lead only to death, then change is the only hope for life. — C.L. Wilson

Cool lips touched hers, and a refreshingly icy breeze swept over her, cooling her more. "Do that again," she mumbled. "Feels nice." She was rewarded by more cooling kisses against her closed eyelids and hot brow. "I'll be fine in a few minutes. I'm stronger than I look."
"I know, min ros. I know." Wynter's husky voice whispered in her ear. "Tomorrow, you'll be ready to fight Frost Giants barehanded, but for now, just rest. — C.L. Wilson

She had prayed for someone else, anyone else but Den. She'd been hoping for a nice, quiet man like Papa. Instead, the gods had sent her the man who'd scorched the world. — C.L. Wilson

Bel jumped to his feet, rubbing his wrists where the shel'dor piercings had chafed. "All right, kem'jetos. First we save Rain and Ellysetta, then we kick some Elden ass. — C.L. Wilson

To a man standing on the eve of battle, even false hope is better than none. — C.L. Wilson

I don't want you to go." She reached up to touch his face and pull him down to her. "I want this, Rain. I want you. — C.L. Wilson

You were chastising me. You may continue. — C.L. Wilson

Pain is life. Pain is life. Pain is life. — C.L. Wilson

Those screams had been growing steadily louder, as the torture masters of Eld worked their way down the line of new prisoners. A few chimes ago, however, the screams had fallen mysteriously silent.
"Do you think the torture masters have tired themselves out?" Gaelen pondered with black humor.
"More likely, we're next, and they've just gone to sharpen their blades," Tajik said.
Locked up in the room with them, Farel gave a grunting laugh of amusement. "Could be. They've been using them enough."
"You know," Gil announced, "as rescues go, I have to say this one pretty much scorches rultshart turds. — C.L. Wilson

The Fey did nothing in half measures. That intensity of emotion was part of their appeal. It made them the fiercest warriors, the staunchest allies, the most passionate lovers. The most devoted mates. — C.L. Wilson

The gods listen, Rain. Put a thought out there often enough, and they'll think it's what you want. — C.L. Wilson

Every Fey warrior and shei'dalin born in the Fading Lands learns very early in life that, like it or not - fair or not - there will be many days when they must decide between a bad choice and a worse one. Today is such a day. — C.L. Wilson

There's not a Fey warrior born who does not dream of finding his truemate, so at night, after my parents went to bed, I would sneak out of the shellaba and lie beneath the stars and ask the gods if they could somehow find a way to give a tairen a truemate. — C.L. Wilson

His sigh spoke of fear and regret mingled with grim acceptance. 'Teach her,' he said. 'Teach her to fight. Teach her to defend herself, and teach her to kill. The five of you must be her chatoks in the Dance of Knives. Teach her as you have taught no other. Give her everything. Hold nothing back.'
'Rain ... ' Bel murmured, his eyes troubled.
Rain waved off his unspoken objection. ' She is a Tairen Soul, and we Tairen Souls were born for war. I may not like this path the gods have set before her, but Farsight is right. I must do everything in my power to ensure she is prepared to walk it' ... — C.L. Wilson

That was the strength of Ellysetta's weave. Bright, unyielding,indefatigable love. Love that did not know surrender. Love that did not understand limitations or even basic self-preservation. Love that would batter itself to death before giving in to defeat. — C.L. Wilson

He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, a tender gesture that made her heart melt. Come. Let us dance the skies together. — C.L. Wilson

What would Garrick have said about Wynter's Summerlander Queen? Khamsin stopped by a sculpture of his laughing father holding an infant Garrick over his head. Young Wynter and his mother were holding hands nearby, dancing in the grass.
"Tell me about this day," she begged. "What was it like? You all look so happy."
Garrick would have liked her, Wynter decided. He would have liked her very much. — C.L. Wilson