Maria V. Snyder Quotes & Sayings

Yalena: Could you always open your door?
Kiki: Yes. Fence, too.
Yalena Why don't you?
Kiki: Hay sweet. Fresh water. Peppermints. — Maria V. Snyder

With a touch of sarcasm. Glass is an amazing material. Versatile, — Maria V. Snyder

You put on such a brave front. But I know if I took another step toward you, you'd wet your pants.'
'With your blood.' I brandished my knife. But I couldn't keep a straight face; the boast sounded ridiculous even to my own ears. I snickered. She laughed. The release of tension made me giddy, and soon I was laughing and crying. — Maria V. Snyder

Rand rubbed his hands over his face. His anger had dissipated. I'm sorry, Yelena. I was backed into a corner and I couldn't get out without hurting someone. — Maria V. Snyder

I'll have you know that the most delicate flowers often produce the strongest scent when crushed. — Maria V. Snyder

You missed the point completely! You're acting ... " The word stuck in my throat.
He didn't hesitate to say it. "Jealous?" When I nodded, he continued. "Now you're missing the point. It isn't jealousy. It's fear."
"Fear?" Not the emotion I expected.
"Yes. Fear. I'm afraid you'll be hurt or killed. I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you. I'm afraid I'll lose you to another man. — Maria V. Snyder

Valek was liquid in motion. As i watched him, one word came to mind: beautiful. — Maria V. Snyder

Your soul fits the void in my soul perfectly. — Maria V. Snyder

We should make a list of who doesn't want to kill you, love. It'd be shorter. I'd be offended, but it was actually a good idea. — Maria V. Snyder

One thing Valek did know how to do - sew. The other assassins hadn't called him the King Knitter for nothing. — Maria V. Snyder

Yelena?"
"Hmm?"
"I'd like you to stay with me while we figure out how to unblock your magic. We're stronger together."
"All right."
He laughed. "I thought I'd have more of a fight."
"I'm too tired to argue."
"Then I should take advantage of the situation."
I cracked one eye open. "And?"
"I'd like you to stay with me forever. — Maria V. Snyder

It's a dirty way to fight, but I'm late for lunch.
- Valek to Yelena — Maria V. Snyder

We are searching for the same thing," Stripey said.
"How do you know?" Janco asked.
"I read his mind." The Sitian pointed to Ari. "Yours was too ... chaotic. Too many useless thoughts to wade through."
A compliment or an insult? Janco guessed compliment and preened. — Maria V. Snyder

One snake wasn't enough. Time for Perl's suggestion. I handed everyone two capsules and a pin. "Get as close to the guards as you can. Poke a small hole in the capsule and squirt the liquid near them. Don't get it on you," I instructed.
"Why not?" Leif asked.
"You'll have a necklace snake trying to mate with you."
"Gee, Yelena. I'm so glad you're home," Leif grumbled. "It's good to know Mother is doing something useful with her time."
"I thought your mother madeperfumes," Moon Man said.
"It all depends on how you look at it — Maria V. Snyder

Life is like molten glass. It flows, it's flexible, it can be molded and shaped and ... what do you say? Ah, yes. It holds vast potential. You have a number of uncertainties in your melt right now. But they will always be there in one form or another. Always. Unlike molten glass, life can't be fixed or frozen into a pretty vase and placed on a shelf to gather dust. — Maria V. Snyder

I remembered my little brother, Allyn, had appeared so innocent and angelic when he slept
similar to Kerrick. It must be a survival tactic. If Allyn hadn't looked so sweet, we would have killed him while he slept. He had been pure evil when he was awake
similar to Kerrick. — Maria V. Snyder

When I failed to move, Valek pushed me off the mat and curled in my place under the covers. "Ahh. Still warm."
"You're evil," I said, but he feigned sleep. — Maria V. Snyder

Care to explain?" Ari asked.
"Didn't you see my signals?"
"Yeah. But they didn't make sense. Five into one and it's an intrusion."
"It's an illusion! Five of them are an illusion."
"That's not the signal for illusion. This is." Ari demonstrated the proper signal.
"That's what I did."
"No, you didn't. You did a weird twisty thing with your pinky."
"I had a scimitar at my throat. I'd like to see you try signaling under those conditions."
-Janco and Ari bickering — Maria V. Snyder

I found Esau's field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing.
I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau's neat hand. — Maria V. Snyder

I took three steps and was wrapped in his arms, where I belonged. No confusion here. No worries here. No troubles here. — Maria V. Snyder

But you've slipped under my skin, invaded my blood and seized my heart. — Maria V. Snyder

Many have tried to kill us. All have failed.
-Valek — Maria V. Snyder

His movements were so graceful that I wondered if he had been a dancer, but his words betrayed to me that his fluid gestures were those of a trained killer. — Maria V. Snyder

You should know what happens when you play with fire, Cahill. Eventually, you'll get burned. — Maria V. Snyder

Before he turned away, I asked, 'What do you need?' 'I need you. I need to give you a proper kiss. I need you to be my mate. — Maria V. Snyder

I reached 1400 weeks, the age of maturity. The age when you were no longer considered a child. It was when you became a scrub and the reality of what the rest of your life would be like became suddenly and brutally apparent. The old-timers called it sweet sixteen, but there wasn't anything sweet about it. I — Maria V. Snyder

Being a scrub was undesirable and hard work, living in crowded conditions with no privacy and just being one of many. Undistinguishable. — Maria V. Snyder

Valek smiled. "Good. First, send Kade a reply, asking
him not to come." He pointed at the unopened letter on the table. I had forgotten about it. Sealed with wax, the message appeared
to be secured. Valek shrugged. "I was bored. — Maria V. Snyder

Valek's thoughts returned to Yelena. An icy finger of loneliness touched the emptiness inside him. She was in Sitia, where she needed to be to learn about her magical powers, but she had taken his heart with her. — Maria V. Snyder

After almost two hours of creeping around the forest, one of the jacks discovered Belen. He had fallen asleep, and the young man had literally tripped over him. So much for his reputation. — Maria V. Snyder

Besides, thinking kind thoughts about Valek could be extremely dangerous. I could admire his skills, and be relieved when he was on my side in a fight. But for a rat to like the cat? That scenario ended only one way. With one dead rat. — Maria V. Snyder

Living is a risk,' I snapped at him. 'Every decision, every interaction, every step, every time you get out of bed in the morning, you take a risk. To survive is to know you're taking that risk and to not get out of bed clutching illusions of safety. — Maria V. Snyder

Everyone makes choices in life. Some bad, some good. It's called living, and if you want to bow out, then go right ahead. But don't do it halfway. Don't linger in whiner's limbo. — Maria V. Snyder

Yippee. I've been promoted from fire lighter to delivery boy. I'll write a letter home to Mother. She'll be so pleased.
Leif — Maria V. Snyder

I'm glad you're here. We've had some ... interesting developments." Leif groaned. "That's Yelena-speak for life-threatening danger. — Maria V. Snyder

Anyway, the odds were against you. Most lost big, while only a few - " Rand paused dramatically " - won big."

"Since you're here, I suppose you won big."

He smiled. "Yelena, I'm always going to bet on you. You're like one of the Commander's terriers. A tiny, yappy dog you wouldn't look at twice, but once it grabs your pant leg, it won't let go."

"Poison the dog's meat and it won't bother you anymore. — Maria V. Snyder

Should haves lead to death — Maria V. Snyder

I stared at Irys. My Story Weaver had to be laughing his blue ass off right now. My future appeared to be a long twisted road fraught with knots, tangles and traps. Just the way I liked it. — Maria V. Snyder

In the war room, love? What if someone comes in?"
I stood and removed his shirt. "Then they'll have a good story to tell."
"Good?" He adopted the pretense of being offended.
"Prove me wrong. — Maria V. Snyder

Don't worry," I said. "These men are good. They're going to heal the world. — Maria V. Snyder

It's a good thing you're not my Story Weaver. You're easily distracted by the pattern of the cloth and can't see the quality of the threads." "Well — Maria V. Snyder

He pulled back on the bridle, stopping in disbelief. "Your love for him has damaged your senses."
"And your hunger for power has affected you intelligence — Maria V. Snyder

Two men. I had just killed two men. A killing machine, I hadn't even hesitated. Fear and rage settled deep in my chest, forming a layer of ice around my heart. — Maria V. Snyder

Only Valek would consider an attempt on my life a fascinating diversion. — Maria V. Snyder

If you don't come back to the Keep, then I'll be right. And every time you see me, I'll be insufferably smug."
"And how's that different from now?" He laughed and I could see the young carefree boy he had been in his eyes. "You've only had a small glimpse of how insufferable and annoying I can be. As the older brother, it's my birthright. — Maria V. Snyder

They actually think I would abandon the Commander. they have no concept of loyalty. — Maria V. Snyder

Your life is like this snake's coils. No matter how many turns it makes, you'll end up back where you belong. — Maria V. Snyder

Hasn't stopped us before. And besides, if they wanted to kill us, we'd be dead by now and would be having an entirely different conversation. I wonder if I'd still be mad at you, or if we would talk in words or pictures. Maybe in smells. That would be cool. -Janco — Maria V. Snyder

And clay-caked clothes are so last year. — Maria V. Snyder

You said I was afraid to come back to the Keep. Well - " I spread my arms wide, flinging drops of water onto Leif's green tunic " - here I am."
"You are here. I'll grant you that. But are you unafraid?"
"I already have a mother and a Story Weaver. Your job is to be the annoying older brother. Stick to what you know."
"Ohhh. I've hit a nerve. — Maria V. Snyder

They were trying to discover a cure for the toxin," I said.
"It doesn't matter what the intentions were or what the logic was behind the decision. What matters is that six million people died." Quain gasped in mock horror. "Unless those six million people are pretending to be dead. — Maria V. Snyder

Her amber eyes burned into mine with all the hate and loathing she could muster. Underneath, though, she was terrified. Hate and loathing didn't bother me, but fear was a powerful emotion. Fear causes the dog to bite and Roze was one bitch. — Maria V. Snyder

You're better off fighting hand to hand than wielding a weapon you don't know how to use. A skilled opponent would simply disarm you. Then your troubles would be doubled. Not only would you be under attack, but you'd have to counter your own weapon — Maria V. Snyder

Ari's coming with backup. Should I pretend we barely survived without his help or gloat that we didn't need him at all?"
"Tough decision," I said.
"You can't go wrong with either one," Kade said.
"You guys are no fun. I have to go with the gloating. But no mention of that magic stuff. It ruins the effect." Janco rushed off. — Maria V. Snyder

I may have discovered what those beans are." It was a weak opening. What I really wanted to say was, "What the hell's the matter with you?" But I thought a soft approach more prudent. — Maria V. Snyder

Your fear remains strong. You are not ready to face your story, preferring instead to surround yourself with knots. Someday, they will strangle you. — Maria V. Snyder

You had lots of visitors, but they were all quiet."

"Oh real funny. Tease the blind man."

~Trella to Logan, pg. 114-115 — Maria V. Snyder

No, love. You're the only one who has caused me to do the oddest things. You have truly poisoned me. — Maria V. Snyder

Why did Mother ask you to help me rescue Gelsi?" I asked Leif.
"She thought I could assist you in some way. Instead, I had tried to-"
"Kill me? You can join the 'I Want to Kill Yelena Guild.' I hear they have six
members in good standing.
Valek is president since he had wanted to kill me twice."
Yelena to Leif — Maria V. Snyder

Pushing magic toward the candle, I willed it to light. Nothing happened.
Irys made a strangled sound and the candle burned. "Are you directing your magic to the candle?"
"Yes. Why?"
"You just ordered me to light the candle for you," Irys said in exasperation. "And I did it. — Maria V. Snyder

Don't feel ashamed for having those feelings and those memories. What happened in the past can't be changed, but they can be a guide for what happens in the future. — Maria V. Snyder

You look stunning, I blurted. Mortified, I blushed as a rush of heat spread through my body. I must have swallowed more brandy than I'd realized. — Maria V. Snyder

When we reached the door, Belen stepped in the way. 'If any harm - '
'Comes to her, you'll rip out my arms. Got it,' Kerrick said.
'I'm serious,' Belen said.
'I know. Do you really think I'd put her in danger?'
'Not on purpose, but things happen that are out of your control.'
Kerrick gave him a tight smile. 'You mean I'm not omnipotent?'
'You're not even semi-potent.'
'Is that even a word?' Kerrick asked.
'He probably means you're impotent,' I offered. — Maria V. Snyder

Skewer is just too vague. I think if you say, 'Stand back or I'll stab him in the stomach,' then I have an idea about how serious you are. After all, Leif's stomach is his favorite body part so that's a decent threat. — Maria V. Snyder

I didn't expect a knife, though. Is it the one missing from the kitchen?"
"Did Rand report it?" I felt betrayed. Why hadn't he just asked for it back?
"No. It just makes sense to keep track of large kitchen knives, so when one goes missing you're not surprised when someone attacks you with it. — Maria V. Snyder

Mr. Kerrick wants your hair one color so you don't stand out so much.
Mr. Kerrick could kiss my ass. — Maria V. Snyder

I did what any good rat would do. I bit down on the guard's hand until I tasted blood. — Maria V. Snyder

I'd wish you luck, but I don't think it would help.'
'Why not?'
'My lady, you make your own luck. — Maria V. Snyder

Your mother sounds like a formidable woman," Valek said into the silence.
"You have no idea," Leif replied with a sigh.
"Well, if she's anything like Yelena, my deepest sympathies," Valek teased.
"Hey!"
Leif laughed and the tense moment dissipated.
Valek handed Leif his machete. "Do you know how to use it?"
"Of course. I chopped Yelena's bow into firewood," Leif joked. — Maria V. Snyder

It's incomprehensible to me why a magician would create something that can be used against him. It's like giving your sword to your previously unarmed enemy, and then being surprised when he stabs you with it!" Bruns — Maria V. Snyder

Leif: Getting killed would have been easier. No guilt. No worries. No fear. Caring for someone is terrible and wonderful. I don't know if I have the strength to do it for another. How do you deal with it?
Yelena: I focus on the wonderful parts and suffer through the terrible parts, knowing it will end eventually. — Maria V. Snyder

Generals trump Majors," Ursan said.
"True, but do princes trump generals?"
"I attacked him."
"Ryne's not the type to hold a grudge."
Ursan considered. "Isn't he a king? Both his parents died"
"Technically, yes. But he hasn't assumed the title."
"Neither has Prince Kerrick," Ursan said. " Don't you find that odd?"
"Not with Kerrick. He loved his father very much. I think it's still too painful for him to assume the title. Plus he hasn't been home in years."
Ursan remained quiet until we reached his tent. "Prince Kerrick's a forest mage. Which means his eyes change colour with the seasons. Right?"
"Yes."
He stared at me for a moment. "Lucky guy." Ursan ducked into his tent. — Maria V. Snyder

I shook my head at Janco. "I've got the situation under control. Go back to the Keep, I'll meet you there."
Janco stared at me in astonished silence. Ari, though, trusted me. "Come on, she doesn't need our help." Ari sheathed his sword. Janco recovered. He flashed me one of his mischievous grins. "I'll bet you a copper that she'll be free in five minutes," he said to Ari.
Ari grunted in amusement. "A silver on ten minutes," he countered.
"I'll bet you both a gold coin that she kills him," Valek said
from behind them. They moved aside and he entered, still dressed in his Adviser Ilom disguise. "The only way to take care of your problem. Right, love? — Maria V. Snyder

I always remember the faces and names of my enemies. I don't want to forget to kill anyone. — Maria V. Snyder

Mixing myself with the hard stone. A stone had a single purpose: to — Maria V. Snyder

Here we go. Kerrick was as subtle as a thunderstorm. — Maria V. Snyder

Don't judge what you don't know. — Maria V. Snyder

Did she just-"
"Yes."
"But I don't-"
"Yes you do. We both stink."
"Well, I'm not-"
"Yes. You are."
He huffed. "You wont let-"
"No. No complaining. Let's go." I grabbed a clean shirt and pants from my saddlebags.
"Well, she could have handled it better," he grumped.
"No. She couldn't."
He settled into a sulky silence as we visited the bathhouse. — Maria V. Snyder

She put her hands on her hips and surveyed the area with a cocky smile on her face. The smirk spread when the traitor met my gaze.
"No hello for your old friend?" she asked me. "Don't be rude Baby Face."
"Go to hell, Wynn. — Maria V. Snyder

He huffed in amusement. She had the unique ability to attract danger even when in benign situations. Perhaps he should amend his plan and just watch her. — Maria V. Snyder

Resting, recuperating, moping, it's all the same. — Maria V. Snyder

The uniform enhanced his athletic body, and my thoughts drifted to how magnificent he would look with his uniform puddled around his feet. — Maria V. Snyder

In keeping with his cryptic nature, all your Story Weaver said was 'The horses know where to go.' It's certainly not a military strategy I would use, but I've learned that the south uses its own strategy. And, strangely enough, it works. — Maria V. Snyder

Then you understand why I don't want to get close to another again. What happens when she dies, too? I couldn't bear it."
"Then you miss out on life."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll be alone, trusting no one because of fear. I know. I have four years experience of pushing people away, missing out on life. Four years spent by myself, living in my glass cage. Four years of self-doubt, worries, fears. — Maria V. Snyder

Sleep? What's that? A new type of casserole? — Maria V. Snyder

No need to act, i let my fear show "He killed himself," i whispered.
Eve raised an eyebrow. "Fourteen times?"
"He had bad aim. — Maria V. Snyder

The benefit of appearing so young is I'm constantly underestimated — Maria V. Snyder

Liv held out her right index finger. "I've got a splinter that I can't get out. It's killing me and affecting my duty."
"Uh-huh." I examined the minuscule speck that could be dirt. — Maria V. Snyder

Of course, you didn't want our help. Now I have to go beat up some soldier just to keep my ego intact. — Maria V. Snyder

There might be plenty of rainy days, but those perfect ones will make all the memories of rain disappear. — Maria V. Snyder

His words sliced through my heart, cutting it into little pathetic pieces. — Maria V. Snyder

Parents teach their children to share, to play fair, to be honest. But ... surprise! Life isn't fair. And it takes a while to transition from the childhood lies to the adult reality. I — Maria V. Snyder

It's the problem with mistakes, they tend to linger. — Maria V. Snyder

Dark shadows of grief haunted his expression. More than any one person should be asked to bear. But that was the problem with grief. No one ever asked for it. It arrived with its bags packed for an extended stay. It settled into your best guest room and demanded to be waited on all day long, and which it finally shuffled out the door, it left behind permanent scratches on your furniture. — Maria V. Snyder

You had me tied in knots. You saved Belen's life, and I wanted to kill and thank you all at the same time. And during those nights when we didn't know if you'd live or die, I went from being angry, to worried to frustrated to scared all within a single heartbeat. If you had die, I would have killed you. — Maria V. Snyder

Love trumps logic?"

"Every time, — Maria V. Snyder

What have I earned from you, Valek? Loyalty? Respect? Trust?"
"You have my attention. But give me what I want, and you can have everything. — Maria V. Snyder

Fourteen years without a mother had me believe I could be stoic when I finally met her. — Maria V. Snyder

He made a weak attempt to look innocent, but I knew better. 'Should I guess how many concealed weapons you have or should I strip search you?'
'A strip search is the only way to be absolutely certain.' Valek's deep blue eyes danced with delight. — Maria V. Snyder

Sieges weathered. — Maria V. Snyder