"I ask no comfort," Taran replied, "but the truth, be it harsh or happy." "Ah, my sweet robin," said Orddu, "for the finding of that, nothing is hard… - Lloyd Alexander

Believe what you like. You'll be surprised how comforting it is."
"I ask no comfort," Taran replied, "but the truth, be it harsh or happy.

I saw myself.... In the time I watched, I saw strength — and frailty. Pride and vanity, courage and fear. Of wisdom, a little. Of folly, much. Of intentions, many good ones; but many more left undone. In this, alas, I saw myself a man like any other.

But this, too, I saw.... Alike as men may seem, each is different as flakes of snow, no two the same. You told me you had no need to seek the Mirror, knowing you were Annlaw Clay-Shaper. Now I know who I am: myself and none other. I am Taran.

The art is more important than the artist. The work is more important than the person who does it. You must be prepared to sacrifice all the you could possibly have, be, or do; you must be willing to go all the way for your art. If it is a question between choosing between your life and a work of art — any work of art — your decision is made for you.

I fear I our good dwarf has lost his taste for adventure. I managed to get word to him, thinking he might come along with me for the sport of it. He sent back a message. All it said was 'Humph!