" How can we ever tell what the world really looks like?

On a misty day, even the hills of Elfland are gray and dismal.

Look through a gemstone, and the dullest street sparkles.

I have had both my eyes put out by goblins,

and so, for me,

the world is profoundly dark.

--- Lemuel of Chartibrande,

On the Elfin Sciences & Magical Arts "

― M.T. Anderson , The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge