" 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