Beth

“Catching the look of surprise on my face, the priest gave me a feral grin. “I think that was not the thing you wanted.” “You’re right,” I agreed. Even as I kicked myself for not grabbing the butcher knife, the absurdity of the situation tickled my funny bone. I was fighting a priest with a soup ladle, of all things. “I’ll give you a moment to switch weapons if you wish,” he offered generously. “Naw, it’s fine. It’s more fun this way.” I meant it, too.”
― Honor Raconteur, The Lost Mage

“I stared at my illustrious leader for a moment, puzzled. “Isn’t that obvious? Who would be crazy enough to try close-range combat with that thing?” Chi sidled up and explained slowly, “MISD agents are not well known for their survival instincts.” I met him look for look. “I thought that was just you.” “No, I’m sadly par for the course.” “That’s disturbing.” It also explained a lot.”
― Honor Raconteur, The Void Mage

“Turning, I gave Chi a confused look. “I thought you didn’t understand what they were arguing about.” “No clue,” he admitted easily, eyes crinkling up at the corners, “but after ten years of sitting through meetings like this, I have finely honed instincts. I know when to yell out information. With that, my job is done. They’ll be at this a while yet, let’s go get some hot chocolate.”
― Honor Raconteur, The Void Mage

“I’ve heard enough from you to last a lifetime,” she said. “Thank you,” I muttered under my breath. I knew she was the enemy, but Lady give me strength, the man liked to hear himself talk. “Tell me that felt as satisfying as it looked.” Fev slanted an amused glance at me. “It was highly satisfying.”
― Jessie Mihalik, Eclipse the Moon