A hard truth: that courage can be without meaning or impact, need not be rewarded, or even known. The world has not been made in that way. Perhaps, however, within the self there might come a resonance, the awareness of having done something difficult, of having done . . . something.

Do you know the wish of your heart?" - The Darkest Road

There was some sadness in how that could happen, falling out of love with something that had shaped you. Or even people who had.

The world could bring you poison in a jewelled cup, or surprising gifts. Sometimes you didn't know which of them it was.

We are the total of our longings.

most hated by the dark, for their name is light.

Ice is for death and endings.