Alice

“...What I am saying, Marshal, is that you have known her but a short time; I have known her for years. You have seen her in one trouble; I have seen her in many. I know her as someone trustworthy in battle, in long campaigns, day after day. You see some flaw – some little speck on a shining ring – and condemn the whole. But I see the whole – the years of service, the duties faithfully performed– and that is good, Marshal. Is there one of us with no flaws? Are you perfect, that you indict her?”
― Elizabeth Moon, Divided Allegiance

“[...] and I longed for the rock isles and algae pools of my own land. We are part of our homes and I think there will always be a feeling of loss and ache within when we cannot long actively communicate with our own special places.”
― Andre Norton, The Mark of the Cat

“I am a soldier, I enjoy swordplay, I want that kind of life. But not just for – for fighting anything, or for show. I want to fight –"

"What needs fighting?" suggested the Kuakgan.

Paks looked at him and nodded. "I think that's what I mean. Bad things. Like the robbers in Aarenis that killed my friends, or Siniava – he was evil. Or that – whatever that held the elf lord. Only I don't think I have the powers for that. But I want to fight where I'm sure it's right – not just to show that I'm big and strong. It's the same as Tavern brawling, it seems to me – even if it's armies and lords –”
― Elizabeth Moon, Divided Allegiance

“How do you like her?" Philip asked, nodding toward Meg.

"She's perfect." And she really was. "Just spirited enough to keep it interesting without being difficult to manage. And so beautiful." I patted her neck and flashed him a smile. "A gentle mare would have never been able to keep up with you."

He smiled, too, but as if at a private thought. "You are absolutely right.”
― Julianne Donaldson, Edenbrooke