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A slow, sad smile came to her face. "Yes, it is wonderful, good Hearpwine," she said, "but I shall miss you. I have not known you long, indeed barely a day, but I have come to think on you as a brother. My uncle also will miss you." She paused a moment, struggling with the tears that threatened to flow down her cheeks. "It is always hard to say farewell to a friend, especially when the road he goes on is so long."
Hearpwine said nothing but let her struggle with herself. Bitter disappointment was creeping into her eyes to be companion to the sorrow. "I had also hoped," she continued, "that you would stay a long while and might teach my brother Gomen the trade. My uncle also will be leaving soon; this I know for he never stays more than a few days in one place. Gomen has often been expected to be horsemaster as my father is but I have long known that his heart is prisoner to sweet music and flowing words."
His brows came together in deep thought, and a few moments of silence passed before he smiled. "I think that perhaps I will be able to convince Bard of the King, Eorcyn, to help teach your brother," he said. Then he laughed. "Perhaps Gomen will someday be Bard of the King."
"He would follow the steps of his uncle," she said, raising her eyebrows slightly. "He never told anyone but he was Bard of the King in a time before the War of the Ring." He stared at her with deep amazement but she did not give him time to say anything for she glanced at Eorcyn and broke into joyous laughter. "My heart sings this day that two worthy men gain titles of honor. Come, Hearpwine and you, Master Eorcyn, Bard of the King, and seat yourselves by the warm fire of the humble White Horse to feast upon rich wine and hearty food and celebrate this occasion of deep joy!"
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