Richard
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
How long does it take a demon to learn to talk? I would have expected Atto to be talking by the time of Demonic Ox but you didn't mention it.
Lois McMaster Bujold
It varies with the demon. With one that's transferring from another human, as long as it takes to "put down roots" in its new host.
With a new elemental, a little can depend on the intelligence of the animal from which it came, and how deeply that was imprinted. Weeks or months, typically, to begin talking, longer to gain fluency.
Atto is a peculiar case, in that it, for all practical purposes, never had any host but Otta, and so can hardly be differentiated from her. The two are so nearly one as to be conjoined. That will of course change on the next transfer.
Ta, L.
It varies with the demon. With one that's transferring from another human, as long as it takes to "put down roots" in its new host.
With a new elemental, a little can depend on the intelligence of the animal from which it came, and how deeply that was imprinted. Weeks or months, typically, to begin talking, longer to gain fluency.
Atto is a peculiar case, in that it, for all practical purposes, never had any host but Otta, and so can hardly be differentiated from her. The two are so nearly one as to be conjoined. That will of course change on the next transfer.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Brett
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Apologies if someone has already asked these: Have you read Everina Maxwell's books? They reminded me of your work, and I later found she lists you as a major influence. Also, were you involved with hiring Grover Gardner as a narrator of the VK books, and/or did you have any interactions with him as he worked on them? Miles has his voice when I read the saga. Thanks for writing your books!
Seantheaussie
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Congratulations on your thoroughly deserved SFWA Damon Knight Grand Mastery? Mastership?
Andrew
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Heard about this real-life soletta in the Italian Alps?http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6189371.stm
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Aug 17, 2025 11:58AM · flag