" Erik: I remember you quite well! We had never met a more proud and demanding blacksmith, but as soon as I saw your blades, I knew I needed one by my side. You certainly made me prove myself though.
Kleitos: It astonishes me that I once such passion. But you know . . . perhaps passion takes many forms. Perhaps it becomes quiet and tired, and needs time to rest.
Erik: Like being away from your forge for a spell?
Kleitos: I am not sure. But being so far removed, I find myself noticing things around me that had become burned out by my focus on the forge fire . . . I feel like all my senses are returning. Strange, but I had not even noticed they were gone. "
― Kay O'Neill , The Tea Dragon Tapestry (Tea Dragon, #3)