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He had intended to take his farewell of Toby first, but Aman’s touch commanded his attention – and he was relieved somewhat to be able to put off the painful duty to disturb his friend’s rest with such unwelcome news. He looked into Aman’s eyes and noted, for the first time, what it was that had captivated Bredan so. He took her hand in his and looked down at it, not knowing what to say. He could feel the eyes of the room upon them, but it was as though they were back in her study, hidden from everyone. His heart belonged to Roa, but for the first time since he had realised this, he wished it were not so, and that he was free to give it to another…
He looked at the Innkeeper once more. “Roa has received a message that she must return to her King, and I am bound by my oath to go with her. Strange,” he said thoughtfully as he looked about the room, “I had not thought that this parting would pain me so, but it does. This is the first place I have known in a very long time that I could call home – and home will it be to me for evermore! I know not when I shall return to this place, but I promise you, I will come back, to renew our friendship.” He clasped her hand to his heart and stood straight, his eyes fixing her with their intensity. “I have enjoyed our conversations more than I think you know, Aman. I thank you for the counsel you have given me, and for the faith that you have shown in me. I am sorry that there is nothing I can do to repay you for all that you have done.”
Aman smiled and returned the pressure of his hand. “You can repay me, my friend, by learning to trust others enough to show them what you have shown only to me. I have indeed given you much advice, perhaps too much! – but perhaps you are willing to hear a bit more?”
Snaveling smiled down at her. “Aye, my friend,” he said. “Between us, there will ever be the ability to speak our minds to the very limit – and the heart to listen.”
“I am glad to hear you say so. Then listen – you are proud, and rash and prone to act without thought in the heat of your anger or passions. When you are before the King, do not speak without first taking counsel with your sense and your heart. He is wise and merciful and fair, but he is still a Man, and a mighty and passionate Man at that. He will not take kindly to an heir of Ar-Pharazôn claiming his birth-right before the Throne of the King, nor will he look kindly on one who attempted harm to one of his kin.”
“I will take care, my friend. When I appear before Roa’s King, I will pretend that you are with me, and speak only as you would have me do.” He let go her hand and made to turn away, but he stopped himself and looked at her once more, as though in contemplation of her face. When he did act, it was with an authority and grace that left Aman breathless with wonder. Seizing her by the shoulders he lowered his head and kissed her gently upon the brow in token of the friendship that had grown between them. And when he spoke, it was as though Aman beheld a King of the elder days, so stern and mighty was his aspect. “May the light of Earendil guide you to your home, my friend. When you look upon it as it sets in the West that is now fallen beneath the waves, think of me!” And with that he left her and strode to the table where Tobias Hornblower sat in quite contemplation of the inside of his eyelids.
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