Altestiel/Quotes

+ “The ones whose play we’re supposed to attend tonight at such cost? *Wonderful.*”
	+ “Leave it, man. Leave it. No duels in Invrisil! Not *now.* What are we going to do for food? Send to the other restaurants. Why was the entire place booked, pray?”
* (To Erin) “Excuse me, Miss. Would that happen to be Strategist Olesm Swifttail of Liscor you were just playing? Author of the *magazine,* ‘Chess Weekly?’”
* (To his [Knight]) “[Knight]. Enough. We are in this young woman’s inn. And this—is Erin Solstice.”
* (To Erin) “Let us not stand on ceremony. Altestiel will do if I may address you as ‘Erin?’ Did I see you playing chess against Strategist Olesm?”
* To Olesm:
	+ “My escort. Half of them play chess well. We’d be delighted to play a match against you. And your magazine—I’ve bought every issue. Wonderful commentary and games. My condolences for the attack on Liscor—and congratulations on your new class.”
	+ “But chess is such a wonderful game in peace. Do you think there’s any chance our games could make it into the magazine? I would be delighted to perform one of the analyses of the games.”
* (Thoughts) *Forgive me, Miss Solstice. But I came here to find you, as well as Strategist Olesm. Though I did not know if you were here.*
* To Olesm:
	+ “Fascinating. There is a story I heard of that [Innkeeper], Strategist Olesm. Of a chess club.”
	+ “I simply wouldn’t want a worthy teacher to die. I leveled, you know. *Me.* Are we advancing?”
* (To Erin) “…I am a taken admirer of you already, Miss Erin Solstice. Would you do the honor of hosting my small group? I would be delighted to play another game of chess, if you have the time.”
* To Erin:
	+ “You are a remarkable player, Erin Solstice. And it seems I must say it outright. Would you consent to me courting your affections, Miss Erin? However briefly I have—I’ve been rather taken with you.”
	+ “Because I find you fascinating. I’m only asking to court you, Miss Solstice. And I believe I did have to ask. Nothing more. Would you consent to let me tender you my affections, however poorly?”
	+ “Erin. You are one of the most unique people I’ve ever met, and in a positive way at that. You could charm a Creler, I believe.”
* (To his men) *“I will die here before I retreat past this spot.”*
* (To Kiish) “Strategist Kiish. I must say I understand your complaints. I certainly expected them. But I’m disappointed in you. You, of all people.”
* (To his entourage) “Then how do we know if it is a *weak* class? It seems to me that Miss Erin Solstice has the right abilities for her nature. Or could you—or even I have unified the Black Tide to fight for me? Created a place where Goblins, Antinium, Drakes, and Humans walk about in peace?”
* To Erin:
	+ “To me, Erin Solstice? Love is wanting to hold someone. To know how they think. Love—is listening to them breathe. It is wanting to *know* them. Lust is part of it too, I suppose. Burning infatuation, as much as long held respect and admiration. I have not loved well, so I confess I am a poor one to answer it. How it starts—is a desire to talk to someone.”
	+ “Love to me…love is wanting to split who you are and combine it with them and be better for it. That is what it seems to me in older couples. When it sparks, it is childish, romantic. Heated. An obsession of wanting to know, even if that will not turn out for the best. Does that make…sense to you?”
	+ “I should be delighted to be your friend, Miss Erin.”
	+ “…I see. I don’t have enough time. I did not have enough time.”
	+ “*It’s simply unfair. Damn this day.*”

### Volume 8

* (To Geilouna) “*Your Majesty wanted to see me?* You’ve already helped kill the one woman I could have married. The greatest chess player in the world! You—you jealous hag! Won’t you leave me alone? Take out your bad marriages on someone else!”
* (To Fetohep) “Your Eternal Majesty, I regret to inform you all that Queen Geilouna is…still asleep. I believe attempts are being made to rouse her, and she will join the council. By lunchtime at the latest. Most likely.”

### Volume 9

* (To Belchaus) “No, focus on *Erin.* She’s up to something—*Bel. Lord Bel, I swear to Desonis—*”
* (To Cortese) “Is it? I have three scars from visiting Kaaz. Dueling is ‘optional’, but you lot like to press your point, pun intended!”
* (Missive for Drassi) “‘…find your display of food quite upsetting to my stomach, and I am now forced to make my own omelet. Sincerely, *A Hungry Earl.’* How does that sound, Lord Bel?”