Today we celebrate #NumenorDay. The Island Kingdom of Numenor rose to greatness in a remarkably short time— and it is home to the many of the most faithful hearts among mortals.

Perhaps it is an apt day to be reminded that, if you are deceived, the shame ought not be yours, but the deceiver's

Eyes forward, soldier. Now is not the time to quit. Now is the time to revise the plan.

Eyes forward, soldier. Now is not the time to quit. Now is the time to revise the plan.

It is a particularly auspicious day to celebrate the power of story, and how it forges the fellowships that shape us. I am delighted to see this company come together to share the stories that have meant the most to you alongside the new ones you have created.

It is a particularly auspicious day to celebrate the power of story, and how it forges the fellowships that shape us. I am delighted to see this company come together to share the stories that have meant the most to you alongside the new ones you have created.

Have you fallen of your horse? Do you feel *as though* you have fallen off your horse? Give yourself (and the horse) adequate time to recover. Then, when you are ready, ride again.

The day darkens around us. Use what strength remains to venture forth for food, for that will help to replenish your reserves.

The day darkens around us. Use what strength remains to venture forth for food, for that will help to replenish your reserves.

You have much to be proud of. You are doing well—each of you—as we advance through this arduous journey.

You have much to be proud of. You are doing well—each of you—as we advance through this arduous journey.

Journeys of a few steps often have a trick of seeming most arduous. The key is to know it is a trick—one of the mind—and to set forth in spite of it.

Remember that your enemy is not yourself, nor your friends, but the despair engendered by forces of darkness—those that would rob you of the light that is yours. When despair would seize you, think to yourself 👇

Remember that your enemy is not yourself, nor your friends, but the despair engendered by forces of darkness—those that would rob you of the light that is yours. When despair would seize you, think to yourself 👇

To show appreciation for the craft of others is a worthy craft in itself.

Perhaps it is time to replenish your soul with some craft or activity that brings you fulfillment. Perhaps it is time to simply be who you are.

You are clenching your jaw again. Please stop, lest you cause an injury.

No, you cannot do everything. But it does not follow that you cannot do *anything*. Begin as with any mission, by taking one step.

I think, sometimes, it is all right to feel sad, so long as you do not let sadness defeat you.

Rather than dwell on the conclusion of your last quest, begin a new one. Time does not stop, after all, with one victory or defeat. Always begin anew.

In times of darkness and fear, to be able to make something new is a blessing—not least for the creator.

At times it is politic to allow others to be a bit wrong about matters of little consequence. Although it is not easy.

If, as they day dawns, you feel ready to meet it, do not waste that feeling. Ride forth with all haste to overtake your enemies, in whatever form they may be.

Acts of service often require courage and are seldom convenient. Yet they cast light into many dark places of this world.

Another reminder to relax your shoulders, soldier. They do not belong around your ears.

Eyes forward, soldier. For the time being, you must attend to to the task at hand.

Always receive your friends with grace, especially in times of need. They need you as much as you need them.

A day shall come again when you feel a stirring in your veins, a sense of... renewal. Embrace that feeling. Soon the spring will come.

A day shall come again when you feel a stirring in your veins, a sense of... renewal. Embrace that feeling. Soon the spring will come.

If you are falling asleep in the saddle, take it as a sign to rest—preferably before you fall off your horse.

You should not have to walk this path alone. But you have held up most bravely, and ought to be commended for it.

No progress is ever small. Every step takes you farther on your journey. Every task you complete is more than was done yesterday.

If you are to have any hope of helping others this day, you must first feed yourself. Pause, eat, then begin again.

So long as others depend on you to do your part, your heart will not allow you to turn back.

Focus on your next task until it is complete. No one's mind can encompass all things at once.

You have taken a chance, and ventured forth with little hope of reward. You should be proud of your courage this day.

The air is cold and the world is somewhat grey, but you, soldier, will feel better for walking out in it nonetheless.

That you have ventured forth from the comfort of home today shows your commitment. That is an admirable quality.

Today you must move forward, in body or in mind. Come— lean into the wind, soldier. It is the only way.

It is not frivolous to take the time to read literature, poetry and lore. It is how we preserve our hearts, minds, and cultures.

One day, I believe, all will see you as I do, as you truly are: a true heart and a light in darkness.

You are weary. Do what you can, then rest. You may begin anew tomorrow.

You are as worthy of love as you are of being, of breathing. Simply by being who you are, you earn it.

And the sun yet shines.

After a time of disquiet, it is natural to feel helpless and unmoored. You must regain mastery in whatever small ways you can—dress, walk, clean your dishes, move about in your world.

Patience is a difficult virtue to acquire, built through long hours of waiting. You must have faith that others will do their duty, even as you do yours.

Perhaps you have not wasted your time. Perhaps the purpose of what you have learned and made has simply not yet been revealed.

Keep moving, soldier.

You have done well today-- you accomplished what was needed. You may shore yourself up for tomorrow by enjoying a potato, or perhaps some chocolate.

The free peoples of Middle Earth will always resist tyrants, and we will always help our friends. You are not alone.