Tall ships and tall kings Three times three, What brought they from the foundered land Over the flowing sea? Seven stars and seven stones And one white tree. (The Two Towers)

Ultimately we've only got humanity to work with. It's only clay we've got.

The greatest adventure is what lies ahead

No, my heart will not yet despair. Gandalf fell and has returned and is with us. We may stand, if only on one leg, or at least be left still upon our knees.

Outside the ring of dancing warriors with spears and axes stood wolves at a respectful distance, watching and waiting.

There cannot be any 'story' without a fall - all stories are ultimately about the fall - at least not for human minds as we know them and have them.

Third time pays for all