I guess it is “I am a creature of soul and ethereal emotions, not flesh and rage.†Said by Darren to explain the vast difference between what he has in his heart, and what fate granted him in body and aura.
Same as most kind-hearted people when they have to struggle to maintain their kindness in the unforgiving world.
I think my favorite moment when Ethan knelt down and made a sandal for Mara, least favorite, when he lost his most valuable possession, find about it in the book ;)