Serpent & Dove
A Time for Moving on: Reid
by Mahurin, ShelbyThe chapter opens with Lou suggesting an outing to Reid, who has been observing her unusual behavior since her return from the infirmary. She appears distracted, her eyes flickering as if watching something unseen, and her fingers twitching nervously. Reid worries about the influence of a troubled patient, Monsieur Bernard, who is kept sedated and chained to prevent self-harm. Hoping a change of scenery might help, Reid agrees to accompany Lou, though he remains cautious about her unpredictable nature.
Lou proposes visiting the patisserie where they first met, reminiscing about her past visits before their complicated relationship began. Reid hesitates, questioning if she will behave, to which Lou teasingly responds that she has no intention of doing so. Despite his reservations, Reid notices a spark of vitality in her that had been missing since their traumatic experiences. This glimpse of her former self gives him hope that she may be recovering from her recent emotional turmoil.
As they venture out into the cold, Lou revels in the weather while Reid struggles without a cloak. Their playful banter leads to Lou sharing her cloak, resulting in an awkward but endearing attempt to stay warm together. Their laughter and eventual tumble into the snow mark a rare moment of lightness for Reid, who finds himself genuinely enjoying her company. The shared joy seems to lift Lou’s spirits further, transforming her demeanor entirely.
Upon arriving at the patisserie, Lou is warmly greeted by Pan, the shop owner, who expresses concern over her changed appearance and thin frame. Lou introduces Reid as “Bas,” a name that surprises him but hints at a deeper backstory between them. Pan reacts with protective indignation, chastising Reid for his perceived mistreatment of Lou. The chapter ends on a humorous yet poignant note, underscoring the complexity of their relationship and the lingering questions about their past and future together.
FAQs
1. How does Lou’s behavior at the beginning of the chapter contrast with her later demeanor during their outing?
Answer:
At the chapter’s start, Lou exhibits concerning behavior—sitting motionless while her eyes flicker and lips move imperceptibly, suggesting internal turmoil or psychological distress. Reid observes she’s been emotionally volatile since returning from an unspecified “foul place.” However, during their outing, Lou undergoes a dramatic transformation: she becomes animated, playful, and even mischievous (teasing Reid about stealing a cloak). The chapter highlights this shift through their shared laughter and Lou’s genuine smile at the patisserie, which Reid finds “infectious.” This contrast suggests Lou may be consciously choosing joy as a way to cope with her underlying struggles.2. Analyze the significance of Lou insisting Reid leave his coat behind, saying she wants to spend time with “Reid, not the Chasseur.”
Answer:
This moment underscores the duality of Reid’s identity. As a Chasseur (implied to be a formal or militaristic role), he likely adheres to strict protocols symbolized by his uniform coat. Lou’s demand represents her desire to interact with his authentic self, separate from institutional obligations. Reid’s internal reaction—an “absurd little thrill” when she uses his first name—reveals his growing comfort with this personal connection. The scene also foreshadows tension between his professional duties and personal relationships, as Lou’s later deception (introducing him as “Bas”) further separates him from his official identity.3. What does the interaction at the patisserie reveal about Lou’s past and her relationship with Pan?
Answer:
Pan’s warm greeting (“My darling child”) and Lou’s use of her full name “Lucida” suggest a long-standing, familial bond. His shock at her appearance (hair color change and weight loss) hints at recent hardships Lou hasn’t shared with him. Lou’s forced smile when discussing her hair implies the change wasn’t voluntary, possibly tied to trauma. Pan’s protective reaction to “Bas” (a fabricated identity) reveals Lou previously shared stories about this persona, likely as part of a hidden life. Their dynamic portrays Lou as someone who once had a carefree existence (“I used to go there all the time before… all of this”) now marked by secrecy.4. How does the author use physical descriptions to convey emotional states in this chapter?
Answer:
Physical details serve as emotional barometers throughout the chapter. Early on, Lou’s “fingers twitching” and vacant stare signal distress, while later, her “nose already red” from cold and hair “dancing around her face” reflect renewed vitality. Reid’s body language shifts from wary observation (“eyed her carefully”) to shared vulnerability (clumsily sharing her cloak). The fall into snow—a physical mishap—becomes a turning point where Reid abandons propriety to laugh freely. Even Pan’s “beady eyes that lit with excitement” mirror Lou’s emotional impact on others. These descriptions create a visceral connection between characters’ internal states and external actions.5. Evaluate how the chapter balances lighter moments with underlying tension.
Answer:
While the outing features playful banter and humor (e.g., Lou joking about theft, their cloak mishap), darker undercurrents persist. Lou’s erratic behavior beforehand and Pan’s mention of her altered appearance remind readers her recovery is fragile. Reid’s reference to Monsieur Bernard’s suicidal tendencies and sedation casts a shadow over the infirmary setting they’ve left. The juxtaposition is most striking when Lou’s genuine laughter at the patisserie follows her visibly forced reaction to Pan’s hair comment. This balance suggests healing isn’t linear—joy exists alongside pain, and moments of connection are both genuine and temporary respites from deeper struggles.
Quotes
1. “‘Let’s go somewhere,’ Lou announced.”
This opening line marks a turning point where Lou emerges from her withdrawn state, signaling a shift in the chapter’s mood. It sets up the journey that becomes central to Reid’s emotional development.
2. “‘I’d like to spend the day with Reid, not the Chasseur.’”
This distinction Lou makes between Reid’s identity as a person versus his role as a Chasseur captures the chapter’s central tension about self-identity and personal transformation. It highlights Lou’s desire to connect with Reid beyond his official duties.
3. “‘Reid. I still hadn’t grown used to her saying my name. Every time she did, an absurd little thrill shot through me.’”
This intimate revelation shows Reid’s growing emotional connection to Lou and his internal conflict between duty and personal feelings. It represents a key moment of self-awareness in his character arc.
4. “‘We look ridiculous.’ […] ‘I laughed too.’”
This shared moment of laughter in the snow represents a rare instance of Reid letting go of his rigid persona. The physical closeness and humor symbolize their developing relationship and Reid’s capacity for joy beyond his strict upbringing.
5. “‘Pan.’ She took my arm and tugged me forward. ‘I’d like you to meet… Bas.’”
Lou’s playful introduction of Reid under a false name shows her mischievous nature while also demonstrating her willingness to include him in her world. This moment marks their transition into a shared space between their two identities.