Serpent & Dove
Of My Home: Lou
by Mahurin, ShelbyLou and Reid return to Chasseur Tower after a harrowing encounter, where Lou faces intense questioning from the constabulary about her injuries. Frustrated by their skepticism, she angrily displays her bruises, prompting Reid to expedite their departure. Lou reflects on recent losses—Andre, Grue, and likely Monsieur Bernard—while also grappling with her strained relationship with Coco. Despite the turmoil, she finds solace in Reid’s presence, savoring his comforting scent and the warmth of his hand in hers. Their bond, though complicated, offers a momentary reprieve from the chaos around them.
Lou attempts to lighten the mood by teasing Reid with a secret, but he reacts with suspicion, questioning its legality. Their banter escalates into a playful standoff, with Lou threatening to strip and dance in public—a bluff Reid calls by daring her to follow through. The tension between them is palpable, blending humor with underlying attraction. Though Lou initially feigns defiance, she ultimately backs down, revealing her vulnerability beneath the bravado. Their dynamic shifts as Reid’s smirk softens into genuine curiosity, and he persuades her to share her secret after all.
As they walk, Lou’s thoughts drift to the complexities of her relationship with Reid. She acknowledges his unwavering beliefs as a Chasseur and fears his reaction if he discovers her true identity. A flashback to Estelle’s fate—and Reid’s role in it—fills her with sudden dread, causing her to recoil from his touch. The moment passes, but the unease lingers, highlighting the fragility of their connection. Lou quickly masks her discomfort with nervous laughter, redirecting their focus to the secret she promised to reveal—a diversion from the deeper tensions neither is ready to confront.
Their destination, Soleil et Lune theater, surprises Reid, who expected something more illicit. Lou’s playful defiance resurfaces as she climbs onto a trash bin, hinting at her unconventional plans. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving Reid—and the reader—intrigued by her next move. Their interactions throughout the chapter weave together humor, tension, and unspoken emotions, painting a vivid portrait of two characters navigating trust, attraction, and the shadows of their pasts.
FAQs
1. How does Lou’s interaction with the constabulary reveal both her personality and the societal challenges she faces?
Answer:
Lou’s confrontation with the constabulary demonstrates her fiery temperament and the precariousness of her social position. When she snaps and shows her bruises for “the hundredth time,” it reveals both her frustration with being doubted and the systemic bias against her (p. 323). The text notes she might have been imprisoned without Reid’s reputation as a Chasseur, highlighting how her status makes her vulnerable to unjust treatment. This moment underscores the tension between Lou’s defiant nature and a society quick to judge her, while also showing her reliance on Reid’s privilege for protection.2. Analyze the significance of sensory details in the scene where Lou and Reid stand outside together. How do these descriptions deepen our understanding of their relationship?
Answer:
The sensory-rich passage where Lou breathes in Reid’s scent—described as “woodsy, like fresh air and mountain pines” with a deeper note that’s “entirely Reid” (p. 324)—serves as an intimate character study. These details reveal Lou’s subconscious attraction and comfort with Reid, contrasting with her earlier tension at the constabulary. The wind’s bite becoming “unbearable with him near” symbolizes how his presence tempers her hardships. This tactile intimacy foreshadows their later physical closeness and emotional conflict, showing their bond is both instinctual and complicated by their differing identities.3. What does the “strip naked” confrontation reveal about Lou and Reid’s dynamic and their individual personalities?
Answer:
Lou’s threat to strip and dance the bourrée (p. 324-325) showcases her theatrical defiance and willingness to use shock tactics, while Reid’s calm challenge (“Do it”) reveals his growing understanding of her bluffs. Their banter demonstrates a power struggle: Lou tries to manipulate through outrageousness, but Reid counters with amused confidence, calling her out (“you’ll never admit you wouldn’t have done it”). This exchange highlights their chemistry—Lou’s volatility contrasts with Reid’s steadiness, yet both enjoy the verbal sparring. It also marks a shift from their earlier formality, showing comfort in their rivalry-turned-attraction.4. How does Lou’s internal monologue about Reid being a “Chasseur” (p. 326) reflect the central conflict of her character?
Answer:
When Lou thinks, “Whatever Reid was, he wasn’t a blue pig. But he was still a Chasseur,” she articulates her internal divide between affection and ideological distrust (p. 326). Her fear that he’d “look at me differently” if he knew her true self underscores her dual identity struggle. The flashback to Estelle’s choking (likely linking Reid’s role to past trauma) intensifies this conflict. This passage crystallizes Lou’s central tension: her growing emotional attachment to Reid clashes with her awareness that their worldviews are fundamentally opposed, foreshadowing future betrayals or sacrifices.5. Evaluate how humor functions in this chapter’s dialogue. Provide examples of its narrative purpose.
Answer:
Humor serves both as emotional relief and relationship development. Lou’s exaggerated threats (e.g., stripping naked) and Reid’s deadpan responses (“I’m waiting”) diffuse the chapter’s earlier tension (p. 324-325), making their connection feel organic. When Reid calls her “vulgar and dishonest” only to pivot to calling her “compassionate and brave” (p. 326), the juxtaposition lightens a moment of vulnerability. Their banter also reveals character: Lou’s humor is performative and defensive, while Reid’s is dry and probing. This wit makes their interactions engaging while subtly advancing their emotional intimacy.
Quotes
1. “I hadn’t seen or spoken to Coco since our disagreement at the ball, and Reid and I—we’d just—”
This quote captures Lou’s emotional turmoil and the unresolved tension between her and Reid, hinting at a pivotal moment in their relationship that remains unspoken but deeply felt.
2. “I know you have a filthy mouth. And you’re used to getting your way. I know you’re vulgar and dishonest and manipulative—but you’re also compassionate and free-spirited and brave.”
This quote is significant as it encapsulates Reid’s complex perception of Lou, acknowledging her flaws while also recognizing her admirable qualities. It highlights the duality of her character and their evolving relationship.
3. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Lou.”
This simple yet powerful statement underscores Lou’s uniqueness in Reid’s eyes, marking a turning point in their dynamic where he begins to see her as more than just a troublemaker or an adversary.
4. “Whatever Reid was, he wasn’t a blue pig. But he was still a Chasseur. He believed what he believed. I wasn’t foolish enough to think I could change that.”
This quote reveals Lou’s internal conflict about her relationship with Reid, acknowledging the fundamental differences between them while also showing her reluctant acceptance of their unbridgeable divide.
5. “I’d never be caught underground.”
This quote exemplifies Lou’s defiant and rebellious nature, showcasing her pride and refusal to conform to expectations, even in seemingly trivial matters. It reinforces her free-spirited personality.