Love and War/Heartwarming

Everything About Fiction You Never Wanted to Know.


As its name would suggest, Love and War is often about love, so expect quite a few of these.

Part One:

  • Though Ryan is a little embarrassed by her demonstrativeness, it's hard not to sympathize with Sheila Eramond's pride at the fine young man her son has become.
  • Ryan's joy at hearing that Henrik has made it into King's College definitely counts, especially when the two realize that they will truly miss each other once he's gone. Of course, by the end of the story, Ryan feels betrayed by Henrik's actions during their final battle with Kodenai, and they haven't made it up as of Act II.
  • Lavie's teddy bear, which she treasures because Ryan won it in a shooting contest when they were kids, and gave it to her.
  • The entire encounter between Lavie and her grandmother, especially the gift Lavie receives - her late grandfather's cufflinks, a prized family heirloom - from her just at the end.

Anne Lancaster: "When the time comes, Lavie... give them to the man you're going to marry."
Lavie: (blushing) "..Thank you."

  • Though we only learn of it from Anne Lancaster's memories, the romance between Lavie's grandparents is equally heartwarming, in an old-fashioned way.

Anne Lancaster: "He's still with me, watching over me and protecting me."

Part Two:

Prince Derren: (dying) "Penelope.... I love you."

  • Ryan advising Carranya on how to deal with her father, King Arlbert of Galvenia, whom she feels is neglecting her:

Ryan: "When you get home from your mission of peace, give your father a hug. Tell him you understand the strain he's under, and ask to spend more time with him. He's your father, after all. You're fortunate to have one."

Ryan: "Did any of that make sense?"
Carranya: (smiling) "I guess it did."

  • This becomes even better when Ryan follows it up with this:

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