Blood & Honey
Something New: Lou
by Mahurin, ShelbyThe chapter depicts an emotionally charged moment between Lou and Reid as they grapple with grief and self-acceptance. Lou reflects on Reid’s troubled past, acknowledging how few people have genuinely loved him—including his adoptive father, the Archbishop, who recently died. Despite Reid’s flaws and their complicated history, Lou recognizes his deep need for love and comfort. Their embrace becomes a sanctuary as Reid processes his loss, revealing his fear that the Archbishop would have hated him if he’d known his true nature. Lou reassures him, highlighting the complexity of their relationships and the pain of unspoken truths.
Reid’s emotional vulnerability gives way to a transformative realization about magic and identity. He demonstrates his newfound control over magic by turning snowflakes into fireflies and animating floral wallpaper, symbolizing his rejection of past prejudices. Lou watches in awe as he articulates a pivotal truth: magic is neither good nor evil, but a tool shaped by its wielder. This moment marks Reid’s acceptance of his own magical nature, a stark contrast to his earlier beliefs. Their dialogue underscores growth—Reid no longer hates himself or Lou, and he embraces a future where they can both wield magic without fear.
The conversation shifts to Lou’s insecurities about her own magical mishaps, including accidentally harming a friend. Reid, now empathetic, refuses to judge her, emphasizing that mistakes don’t define them. Their mutual apologies reveal a deepening bond, with Reid declaring, “Where you go, I go.” Lou counters his self-doubt by affirming his multifaceted identity—huntsman, son, brother, husband—and most importantly, someone deeply loved. Her playful teasing about his stubbornness lightens the mood, but her message is clear: Reid is no longer alone.
The chapter culminates in an intimate reconciliation, with Reid seeking physical connection as a way to express what words cannot. Lou initially hesitates, concerned about his emotional state, but relents when she sees the raw sincerity in his eyes. Their tender interaction, underscored by descriptions of trembling hands and burning touches, symbolizes healing and mutual surrender. The unresolved scene—Reid slowly undressing Lou—hints at a new chapter in their relationship, one built on vulnerability, trust, and shared redemption.
FAQs
1. How does Lou’s perspective on Reid’s relationship with the Archbishop evolve in this chapter?
Answer:
Lou initially acknowledges the Archbishop’s hypocrisy and hatred but comes to recognize his genuine love for Reid as a father figure. She reflects that despite his flaws, the Archbishop “loved him most and loved him longest” (p. 440), contrasting this with her own past abandonment of Reid. This realization fosters gratitude, as she admits the Archbishop provided Reid with paternal care she never received. The complexity of their relationship is further underscored when Reid confesses, “He hated himself” (p. 441), revealing the Archbishop’s internal conflict and deepening Lou’s empathy for both men.2. Analyze the symbolic significance of Reid’s magic transformation (snowflakes → fireflies → flowers) in this scene.
Answer:
Reid’s manipulation of snowflakes into fireflies and wallpaper flowers into real blossoms (pp. 441-442) symbolizes his emotional and ideological transformation. The snowflakes represent his cold, rigid past as a huntsman, while the fireflies—fragile yet luminous—mirror his newfound hope and vulnerability. The flowers (particularly winter jasmine, which blooms in adversity) signify growth and reconciliation with his identity. This magic also physically manifests Lou’s earlier assertion that “magic isn’t good or evil” (p. 442), demonstrating Reid’s acceptance of his witch nature as a tool for beauty rather than violence.3. How does Reid’s apology to Lou reflect his character development?
Answer:
Reid’s apology marks a pivotal shift from self-righteousness to accountability. He admits, “I shouldn’t have resented you using magic” (p. 442), acknowledging his past prejudice. His plea—”don’t let it take you somewhere I can’t follow”—reveals fear of loss rather than condemnation, emphasizing emotional growth. Notably, he communicates through actions (“Let me show you,” p. 444) rather than dogma, contrasting with earlier chapters where he relied on Chantry rhetoric. This aligns with Lou’s description of him as “brave and strong and good” (p. 443), highlighting his integration of vulnerability into his moral identity.4. What thematic role does physical touch play in this chapter?
Answer:
Touch serves as a language of reconciliation and affirmation. Lou holds Reid as he grieves (p. 440), grounding him physically when his world has collapsed. Their mutual caresses—stroking backs, cupping faces—externalize unspoken trust, particularly when Reid “trembles” while touching Lou (p. 444), revealing his raw emotional state. The progression from comforting embraces to intimate contact mirrors their relationship’s healing, with touch bridging gaps words cannot. This physicality culminates in Lou’s kisses (p. 443), each one redefining Reid’s identity (“husband,” “brother”), literally pressing love onto his body as an antidote to isolation.5. Evaluate Lou’s statement: “You’ll never be alone.” How does this chapter challenge traditional notions of belonging?
Answer:
Lou’s declaration dismantles the Chantry’s isolationist ideology by redefining belonging as unconditional. While Reid has lost his biological family (the Archbishop, Madame Labelle), Lou constructs a new kinship framework through chosen bonds: “You are a brother… a husband… loved” (p. 443). This contrasts with societal labels (“huntsman,” “witch”) that previously divided them. The cemetery outside the window (p. 443) symbolizes death of old loyalties, making space for Lou’s promise. Her inclusion of Reid’s flaws (“sanctimonious,” p. 443) further rejects perfection as a prerequisite for love, presenting belonging as an active, imperfect practice rather than an inherited status.
Quotes
1. “How many people in this world had truly loved Reid? A lost little boy in a trash can grown into a hardened young man in a uniform. Two? Maybe three?”
This poignant reflection captures Lou’s realization of Reid’s profound loneliness and the scarcity of unconditional love in his life. It underscores the chapter’s exploration of belonging and the impact of childhood trauma.
2. “Magic isn’t good or evil. It heeds those who summon it. When life is a choice between fighting or fleeing—every moment life or death—everything becomes a weapon.”
Reid’s philosophical statement represents a turning point in his understanding of magic and morality. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s central theme about perspective shaping reality and the dual nature of power.
3. “But life is more than those moments, Lou. We’re more than those moments.”
This simple yet powerful declaration marks Reid’s emotional breakthrough. It signifies his rejection of a survivalist mentality and embrace of a more holistic, hopeful worldview.
4. “You are a huntsman… You are a son… You are a brother… You are a husband… But most important, you are loved.”
Lou’s litany of affirmations represents the chapter’s emotional climax, systematically rebuilding Reid’s shattered identity. Each title counters his internalized shame, culminating in the transformative power of love.
5. “Let me touch you. Let me show you.”
This vulnerable request demonstrates Reid’s transition from verbal expression to physical intimacy as a language of love. It captures the chapter’s exploration of healing through connection after profound loss.