Heartwarming / Mordant's Need

• Geraden and Terisa kiss for the first time, after having Unresolved Sexual Tension for most of the first book, and coming after Geraden's Despair Event Horizon over Nyle's betrayal.
  Terisa: I choose you [over Eremis].
• Artagel getting through to a thoroughly defeated Lebbick, who realized he'd played right into Eremis' hands, beating an innocent Saddith and making Eremis look like a hero by refilling a poisoned water supply with fresh water. When Artegal comes upon him, he's unresponsive and his dwelling is a wreck. He mentions Lebbick's wife, which would normally make him fly into an Unstoppable Rage.
  Artagel: (looking around) You know, Castellan, if your wife saw this pigsty she'd spit granite.
  Lebbick: (sighing) Yes, I know. I'll get around to fixing it.