Ryoka Griffin/Quotes

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Quotes/Thoughts

Volume 1

• (Thoughts) Run. Run faster. Dodge behind the pillar. Pause. Go left. Move right. Fireball! Close. Now—sprint left as fast as possible.
• (Thoughts) I burn bridges as I breathe. It’s a talent. I’ve done it all my life and I guess some things you just can’t change. Me and my big mouth. I got kicked out of one school for telling the principal what I really thought about him and the other—
• Thoughts:
  • Ryoka Griffin, 1995 – 2016. “Never knew when to shut up.”
  • Oh gods. Poker face. P-p-p-poker face. Okay, stop. Don’t think of the Lady Gaga song right now.

Volume 2

• (Thoughts) oh my god she’s coming back.
• (Thoughts) One of them, an Antinium with only two arms and one leg—was playing chess with one of the Goblins. Pawn and Rags. Ryoka kept feeling at her forehead with the back of her hand to make sure she wasn’t fevered.
• (To Pisces) “I’m no mage. But I understand bullshit quite well.”
• (Thoughts) …Unless of course this world worked off of the same rules fantasy books and Hollywood movies were made of. If that was the case, they were all dead.
• (To Gazi) “The King of Destruction has awakened. Flos has returned.”
• (To Octavia) "Give me the potion or I’ll hurt you."
• Thoughts:
  • I’m not going to just roll over, am I? Come on Ryoka! Sass this stupid mage! You can do it! You can throw some shade—you’re the shade master! That’s what they called you in school!
  • The look of irritation and incredulity on his face is almost worth whatever horrible fate I’m about to endure.
• (To Teriach) “Yeah. Pay me. Or else. Asshole.”
• (To Fals) “Hm. Sounds good. I’ve got a…friend down there so I’ll be heading there a lot.”
• (To Val and Hawk) “‘Neither rain nor snow, nor gloom of night shall stay these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds’, huh?”
• (Thoughts) Rule one of monsters. You didn’t kill them. You didn’t even hurt them. I don’t care if you dropped a bomb on them or cut off their heads. They’re alive. Run.
• (To Frost Faeries) “Ican’tstop!Goddamnitstoplaughingandhelpme!”
• (To Frost Faeries) “I swear it. I swear it on the water, by the grass and earth and sky and on my name. I swear it by honor and life itself.”
• (To Frost Faeries) “Are the fey slaves, or are you free? Help me! I am Ryoka Dawning Griffin, and I offer everything! Change fate. Save us.”
• (To Krshia) “Krshia Silverfang? My name is Ryoka Griffin. We need to speak.”
• (Thoughts) Wait, what the hell did Erin say about him being Gold-rank?
• Thoughts:
  • Add that to my gravestone - Ryoka Griffin, 1995 – 2017. “Never knew when to shut up. Also, punched a Dragon.”
  • Oh my—he sucks at acting! I stare at Teriarch. He stares back.
• (To Teriarch) “So? Are you a Dragon or a lizard that likes to hide under rocks? It’s a challenge, idiot. What part of that don’t you get?”

Volume 3

• (Thoughts) On the whole, I sometimes wonder if Erin’s the more violent one between the two of us.
• (To a certain Frost Faerie) “There are consequences. I know. Dire ones. But wouldn’t a friend be willing to risk anything for another friend? I’d be honored to get to know you, if you’d let me.”
• (Thoughts) Nah. I sit back with the [Butler] and shake my head. I’m going nuts. This entire thing is nuts. I’m nuts, I want to eat nuts—I’m shaking—

Volume 4

• To Krshia:
  • “Friendship, Krshia Silverfang. That is what I desire.”
  • “This is a gift of friends, and the cost is paid in intangible things. I offer it in the name of friendship, with you and your tribe, if you will accept it.”
• (To Erin) “Hold on, I need a break. Would you hand me a knife? I need to slice off my ears, because clearly I’m hearing things.”
• (To Erin) “For someone who doesn’t like killing, you’re awfully good at it.”
• (To Ijvani) “Pisces? He…likes dead bodies. Animating them, commanding them. He’s got a fetish for that. Magical.”
• (To Teriarch) “You know who! Him! Perril Chandler, the bastard who lives in the Blood Fields! The one you wanted me to find! The Necromancer! Az’kerash!”

Volume 6

• (To the Wind) “Give me wind. Blow, winds! Give me wrath! Show me fury! Follow me!”
• (To Fierre) “No, it’s fine. I am new. I’ve been running all my life, but I’ve only been a Runner for less than a year. And really, I’ve only started taking my job seriously…now.”
• (To Lupp) “I can agree with that. Although, my best friend’s an [Innkeeper]. And she’s twice as nice as I’ll ever be.”
• (To herself) “It’s so easy, Erin. Why didn’t you tell me that? Why didn’t I listen?”
• (To herself) “‘By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.’ Fuck. Laken, what have you done?”
• (To Mavika) “—a deal fairly struck. So Wiskeria’s said, Witch Mavika. A good morning to you, by the way.”
• (To Durene) “Yes. I did. And that’s why I’m thinking. Uh, your hand’s in the fire, by the way.”
• To Belavierr:
  • “I can stop for a moment. But I’ve got a date with the fire.”
  • “Because I have a choice. And I’m afraid of who I would be if I left. I’d like to be a good person.”
• (To the Wind) “I am the Wind Runner! And I call the wind! Be free!”

Volume 7

• (Missive to Erin) I should have stayed. But I make such a mess of things. I couldn’t even face my mistakes. I want to change. I have to. Until I do, I’m afraid I’ll end up killing you or ruining your life. But I will come back.
• (To a boy) “I can’t stop you. Go ahead if you really think you’ll be safe. But I’m warning you: you’ll make the wind angry.”
• (To Lupp) “My friend’s alive. I just need to meet her again. One more time, Lupp. For that, it’s easy to risk my life. Just not anyone else’s.”
• (To Mrsha) “Oh no. I have some strange white leech on my back! Oh well, I can’t get it off.”
• (To Zenna) ‘I hope Lady Imarris will see me. I have successfully run deliveries for no less than Magnolia Reinhart, and survived. With that said, I think Magnolia Reinhart would be gladder if I were dead.’
• (To Karsaeu) “I have met those who will live forever. I’d like to speak your name to them. It probably won’t change a thing. But they’ll remember your name over mine.”
• (To Fierre) “You are the worst Vampire I’ve ever met.”
• (To Fierre) “Eh. Low self-esteem. That was actually sort of fun. I always wanted to punch myself in the face. And they couldn’t command the wind.”
• (To Valeterisa) “Archmage Valeterisa. I’m afraid I’m not willing to sell you any of my hair. Or blood. I’m uh, attached to the body parts I have left.”
• To Mihaela:
  • “Wait! If you—I won’t do anything. Just—just let me have it. Whatever you want. I deserve it.”
  • “He—was the first Courier I really met who took the time to talk to me. He gave me good advice, taught me what it was to be a Runner. Pay it forwards. That’s why he helped me out. Because of all the favors other Runners did him.”
• To Mrsha:
  • “What is this barnacle doing on me?”
  • “You want to get up, barnacle-girl? Get some breakfast?”
• To Grimalkin:
  • “You don’t have the best of us. You had better start asking the right questions. Or do you think we’re all the same? Some of us Humans are idiots. Or bigots. Or just plain wrong about everything, like basic mathematics and medicine. I wouldn’t trust Joseph to set a broken bone. If you’ve got who I think you have—you’ve got an idiot.”
  • “Bullshit. Magnolia Reinhart has as many resources as Pallass. But she has no use for useless things. Or people.”
  • “You know nothing still. Whatever you have—you just have children. Idiots who don’t know a single thing that should terrify you.”
• To Erin:
  • “He’s…a nice guy. Sort of an idiot, but that made two of us. I did like him.”
  • “And then you beat them in the next match. You’re a disgusting monster, Erin.”
• (To herself) Look at that. It’s a bike! You want to ride it! That’s so cool. I wish I had one. Aren’t you tired of being angry?
• (To Garia & Fals) “Even if it were the fastest thing in the world that everyone used, Garia—and it’s not—we’d just get [Bandits] on bicycles instead of horses. And it would look ridiculous.”
• To Erin & Inn Earthers:
  • “A while ago I wouldn’t have been. I…I’m aware of what some knowledge can do, Erin. I thought I was protecting everyone by keeping it safe. But…”
  • “But these days, I have a different perspective. Back then, I trusted no one. Not even myself. Now? I’m neither the sole owner of dangerous knowledge—”
  • “—or an absolute authority on morality and the future. I never was. Anyways. It’s like you said.”
  • “During chess. You said people like Magnolia Reinhart have big plans that go astray. Well—I can’t see how this is going to turn out. But it’s not a bad thing, is it?”
• (To Erin) “True. It could turn out bad. But it’s about who you trust, I guess. And you’re better than anyone else I’d trust with this.”
• To Elena:
  • “This is…batman. I don’t know if you know who that is—”
  • “…Well, Elena. I was more wondering what we could do for you. Or did you want to stay in Wistram forever? Let’s talk about that.”
• (To Xrn) “Can you—can you stop giving me nightmares for five seconds, Xrn? I know what you’re fighting. I’m sold. Please—please stop convincing me.”
• (To Erin) “Not the side that stays in your inn when friends want to take you on a night in Invrisil. Erin, have you ever actually toured this city?”
• To Maviola:
  • “I need your help, Lady El. I—I made a huge mistake. I’m not good at this. I don’t know the rules or how to put it together. Is there a chance it could work?”
  • “Maviola. There are stories of the fae on my world. A world without magic. I didn’t think they existed until I met them. But I asked—and they come from the same legends I know. King Arthur of Camelot. A Midsummer’s Night Dream. The play the Players of Celum put on! They might have touched my world—or maybe the stories are so famous they leave echoes. But if you want to meet the same folk who treat with Dragons—immortals of that age—please, please. I’m begging you, please help me. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
• (To Erin (& Fierre) ) “His family’s noble. They come from Noelictus. Hunter’s Guild, right Delanay? Used to hunt all kinds of evil stuff. Like House Byres! You know, like Ylawes and Yvlon?”
• To Lyonette:
  • “No. It’s—Erin told me of what you’ve done. You deserve to call yourself her mother. You are, I mean.”
  • “There’s evil. As clear as I’ve ever seen it. Am I supposed to walk away? If someone doesn’t fight that—they win. Why me? Because it’s happening. Everyone watches someone dying, someone doing something evil. And no one raises a hand.”
  • “I felt helpless on Earth. But in this world, even without levels—I can try. I have a chance. I’ve done it before.”
  • “The Ryoka Griffin who risked her life was the same one who ran to get a lost girl. I don’t want to become someone else. I’ll change everything. I’ll be a better person. But I want to be brave.”
• To Erin:
  • “Erin. I want to see Ivolethe again. Because she has something I need. The wind. I regret giving up my levels, Erin. My classes.”
  • “I do. I should have become a [Runner]. Because look at you, Erin. You can do so much. If we got into a fight—you would probably win. Your inn is a fortress. You have so many Skills—I want that power.”
  • “I wish I had the power to do more. Because I would. I don’t have time to wait until the winter. Not with all that will happen. I can’t. And none of that really matters. I just have to run, Erin. I have to run. Am I insane for feeling that way? Please—tell me. Maybe Lyonette’s right. Maybe I am…some vain, egotistical person who thinks the world revolves around me. Definitely. Probably. Maybe. Am I…wrong?”
  • “Where could I start? You—you can do the things I talk about. You lead people. You’re not afraid to fight. You—can create miracles. Real, miracles.”
  • “I’m afraid of the future, Erin. And I don’t know what to do. What do you think I should do?”
• (To Maviola) “I knew it! You were dozing on that horse! While we were running all damn night—”
• (To Ulva) “Yes, Milady Terland. I believe it is. I thank you. Let this day be a day we shall never forget.”
• To Tyrion:
  • “I did. Do you want it? I gave it to Magnolia and I regret it. One more of the Five Families can’t hurt.”
  • “She’s manipulative, pushy, and she doesn’t show up for parties. She and I are quits. I just don’t want to kill her, that’s all.”
• To Sammial:
  • “You’re a [Lord]? So what? She could have bitten half your face off before Jericha or your father did a thing, or kicked your skull out of your skin. Don’t be stupid.”
  • “You’re welcome. Do that again and I’ll hit you.”
  • “So? I have a hand, too. Everyone does. Remember that. If you’re going to make people mad, you’d better have Jericha, at least. Now, I have to go.”
• To Sikeri:
  • “Absolutely, Miss. However, I can’t pay the forfeit of that knowledge, I’m sure. I guess I’ll live the rest of my life not knowing who I met. Or of your august nature, milady. It’s a shame, but that’s the way life goes. I’ll take the question to my grave.”
  • “Yes. I’m very tempted. But someone already offered me the same kind of deal. And I refused her first. Take it up with Belavierr the Stitch Witch. As for me—I refuse. By the right of hospitality, I ask that you leave me be!”
• (To Silver Pine) “Sir. Thank you. Thank you for…thank you. May I ask…?”
• (To the Summer Court Fea) “Er…generous folk, I hope this last gift will suit you well! For it is born of friendship and hard labor. A gift to match the first!”
• (To Silver Pine) “When I needed you most, why didn’t you help? I can’t beat that alone! That—that snake bitch!”
• (To Wyrms Sisters) “This is all true, great sisters. Greatest of the Wyrms. Er—peerless beauties with a hoard even Dragons would envy and cry in shame to behold.”
• (To Ivolethe) “I—I—I did it for a friend. Because I really wanted to see her. Because I had to. That’s what friends do, right?”
• (To Nama) “I did. Thank you, Nama. Ivolethe and I came back to say thank you. Truly.”
• (To Boy Arthur) “May I have your autograph, Arthur? So I can show it to people and tell them what you wanted to do wherever I go?”
• (To the Court of the Fae) “Well, maybe I need help! Ivolethe is going to help me bring back my friend. My friend, who once nearly stole Excalibur from the grave of the King of Chivalry! My friend, who defends Goblins and once led an army of them! Who entertained your kin, sir! Erin Solstice! Remember her name! If you knew her, you would help too and damn the consequences!”

Volume 8

• To Sammial:
  • “Sammial Veltras. I said, stop using your aura on me.”
  • “I’m giving you advice. I’m not your father, or your—guardian. I’m not Jericha or anyone else, Sammial. But I am telling you, person-to-person. You can’t do that and expect to get away with it. You understand?”
  • “The strangers—they’re friends of a sort. And they couldn’t help me in the end. But they didn’t leave me with nothing. They gave me some things. And…well, they told me what I might need to do. Where I might need to go. But they gave me one more thing. Hah. Three and three again. A trinity.”
• (To Teriarch) “Teri—Eldavin! Erin Solstice is dead. And the gods are back.”
• (To Sammial) “I am back, and I don’t think Lord Tyrion wants to risk his son falling out of the skies. I nearly crashed twice. Birds are terrible. I don’t think I’ll stay for a week, but I can have some fun…after you take your lessons.”
• (Thoughts to a mini-Ryoka) I’m going to kick your ass, you entitled brat.
• To Hethon and Sammial:
  • “It’s just—not fun. That’s the problem, isn’t it? Day in, day out, having to take lessons when you could be having fun? Not…getting to enjoy yourself sometimes? Wanting—more.”
  • “Do you feel better? Or do you feel bad? I bet…you don’t feel great, especially if you use your aura on them. I know, because that’s how I felt growing up a lot of the time.”
  • “I remember I wanted more than just being taught lessons and someday growing up and getting a job. I wanted—well, to be special. And I was sure, deep down, I wasn’t. Not really.”
  • “Nope. It’s just a trick in case you’re really angry and you have to do something. Instead of using your aura or punching someone—has anyone told you if you’re angry, you should punch a pillow?”
• (To Hethon) “Uh huh. You know, Hethon, you both remind me of how I was, growing up. Sammial’s me when I was really young…you remind me of when I was a bit older. You’re not angry at all? Not a little bit?”
• (To Sammial) “Is Wiskeria talking to her hat?”
• (To Leireit) “Ryoka. Don’t worry, anyone who stabs me in the stomach with a stave is already quite intimate.”
• (To Tyrion, Jericha, Sammial, and Hethon) “…I’m not the person who can bring people together. Who can create a miracle, and maybe stop or…or unite people. I know who that is. And she’s—waiting—for me to help her. If I can, I will. And as for who I pissed off? Well. I didn’t realize it, but…I tried to steal from Ailendamus. From their vaults. That’s who I made mad. There. I said it.”
• To Rhisveri:
  • “By the will of the King of the Fae, put me down! By his name! Oberon!”
  • “I am Ryoka Griffin. Friend of the fae! Friend of the other world, and the name even you must respect, Wyrm. I have met your kind. I have met Sikeri’val-Toreshio-Maresssui. I did not mean to steal from you, and I came here to make peace. Will you listen to me?”
• (To Rhisveri) “No. Harm him, and I will call the wrath of hospitality down on you. I will invoke the wrath of the fae. To kill him, you have to kill me. And you can’t.”
• (To herself) “There are [Librarians] in this world. Cool. I hate it.”
• (To Sammial) “I always go weird places, Sammy. That’s my specialty.”
• Thoughts:
  • Because she’d called his name. Three times. Oh dead and hopefully rotting gods which weren’t as bad as this!
  • —Ryoka Griffin, 20??, died of never keeping her stupid mouth shut! Again!
• (To the Fae) “Even so, someone from the lands of the fae did interfere; what of it? The fair folk cheat and lie and do what they please. I expect no less from my great friend!”
• (To Chorisa) “Ah, so you’ll beat me up in private. Want to go hand-to-hand? I like non-lethal fistfights. You can even book a timeslot in the Ryoka-asskicking schedule. How’s tonight sound? I’ll take advance payment on any beatdowns.”

Volume 9

• (To Teriarch & Rhisveri) “Dragon and Wyrm fight, and both will fall! And upon their bodies, I, Merlin, say to build a castle tall! Upon their bones, in King Arthur’s name! Just as planned—Oberon’s twisted game!”
• (To Tyrion) “Why not? You’re not going to Liscor, and you should have fun while you’re not going to Liscor, Tyrion.”
• (To Erin) “You were dead—but somehow, even being dead, you helped me. You helped save Mrsha, and Fetohep of Khelt helped the Horns of Hammerad. Erin. We were trying to do the impossible for you, and you did it right back.”
• To Erin, about Tyrion:
  • “Listen, Erin. Just hear me out. I know this man has done…terrible things. I know he’s done things to you and Liscor—and he has committed acts of war. You have every right to hate him and hold a grudge.”
  • “I know what he’s done, and there might be no redemption. But—I have done terrible things too. Erin—you and I know we might need help. Flawed help. Everyone should be held to account for the things they’ve done. But if he can help you—can you hear me out? Talk?”
• (To Taletevirion) “You know…? No, of course you do. But that’s it. You know what? Piss off. Get lost. I’m done. I don’t need another stupid immortal in my life. Not now! Whatever’s wrong with you—I can’t help you, understand? We never saw each other. Just get out of the basement, and I’ll hit myself with a hammer.”
• (To herself) “What the f—am I being assassinated? By lambs?”
• (To Valeterisa) “I get it, Archmage. But believe me—the worst thing you could do is run away. The very worst.”