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, Lost 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

“We have sanity left?” I responded in mock-outrage. “And you didn’t tell me? Maksohm, I thought we were brothers, friends, pals! What’s wrong with you?” “I can’t share too much of it,” he deadpanned back. “We have to keep Chi from climbing the walls.” “Oh sure,” a voice called from out of sight. “Blame it all on me.” “Isn’t that why we keep you around?” Vee riposted, voice rich with laughter.”
― Honor Raconteur, Remnants

“Bannen,” he said with overly exaggerated patience, “do we need to talk about your pathological need to stay on women’s good sides?” “I think we just did.” Nora snorted, and for the first time that morning, didn’t look ready to behead someone with her bare hands. “He’s thoughtful, Chinna, which is how you endear yourself to women. We like it. Thank you, Bannen, I feel less inclined to kill everyone in the room now.” There was no safe response to that except, “You’re welcome. Let me know if you want another.” “See?” Chi asked the table at large. “Pathological need to make women happy. Bannen, my friend, what trauma did you experience to make you like this?” I gave him a flat look. “I’m the youngest sibling of five sisters.”
― Honor Raconteur, The Void Mage