The Sid

“And knowing, too, that this sort of artistry could not endure past the shaping moment, could only be spoken of after by those who recalled, or misrecalled, who had seen and half seen and not seen at all, distorted by memory and desire and ignorance, the achievement of it written as if on water or on sand.
It mattered, terribly, and just now it didn't matter at all. Or could the fragility, the defining impermanence actually intensify the glory? The thing lost as soon as made?”
― Guy Gavriel Kay, Lord of Emperors

“Ten spears go to battle," he whispered, "and nine shatter. Did the war forge the one that remained? No, Amaran. All the war did was identify the spear that would not break.”
― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer

“Another journey lay ahead, home at the end of it.”
― Guy Gavriel Kay, Lord of Emperors

“They will only bring it down!" The secretary's voice was uncomprehending.
Crispin did turn then, to look back over his shoulder. They were staring at him, the three of them, so were the others in the Sanctuary.
He said, "I understand. But they will have to DO that. Bring it down. I will make what I make, in this civilized, holy place. Others will have to give the orders to destroy. As barbarians once destroyed Rhodias...since it could not defend itself.”
― Guy Gavriel Kay, Lord of Emperors